Discussing the Writing Challenges -- November and December 2010

[The Judge]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Ah, but "venerable" is a good thing, Ursa. *she says emolliently, while wondering whether this search for a threatening smiley is connected with a history of someone trying to dunk a juvenile Ursa in hot beverages...*


And keeping us off topic, Ginger nuts are the best bases for cheesecake, in order to avoid sogginess and impart spice and warmth. (Also very good things.)

 

[Ursa major]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

It wasn't the "venerable" bit it I was worried about.



(Though now I come to think about it, it makes the threat even more personal.... )

 

[Precise Calibre]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

From Tea-punk to Biscuit Dynamics...

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Ok, Stormfeather was probably going on my shortlist, but that was before I found out it was a Carpenters-inspired story. Off with her head! (Ok, I have issues with the Carpenters ... and ABBA ... it's a personal thing.) No, I won't really hold it against you, SF.

Yes, I think I'll start a sub-genre where all the machines are powered by the steam coming from the spouts of kettles being boiled for a lovely brew. Most of the machines, of course, will be dedicated to the manufacture of digestive biscuits. And giant cannon.

Are you quite sure that isn't a book by Terry Pratchett already?


Is there an anti-dunking thread around here anywhere? (ducking the dunkers)

 

[StormFeather]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Do you want us to talk about celery instead? Or does the suggestibility only work one way?

Well, celery vs chocolate - is there really any contest?

The Carpenters. And there is a point in the song when the spacemen talk back, which sounds pretty sinister. Doesn't it go "We've been observing your earth, and one night we'll make a goulash with you" or something? I can see how it led to your story (which made me laugh btw).

Loving the idea of goulash, or is it ghoulasheek !! And loving the idea of making you, or anyone else laugh. Very happy thoughts

Fudge's white chocolate and cranberry biscuits are especially good dunked in coffee.

Can't do white chocolate - to do with an incident with white chocolate mice when I was little. Even milky bars make me feel queasy now

It was the carpenters, but they wanted to 'make a contact with you', not a goulash....

Not quite so much fun then?

Ok, Stormfeather was probably going on my shortlist, but that was before I found out it was a Carpenters-inspired story. Off with her head! (Ok, I have issues with the Carpenters ... and ABBA ... it's a personal thing.) No, I won't really hold it against you, SF.

does it help that I didn't realise that it was the Carpenters?

It's my first ever go at doing anything sci-fi-y, so am extremely concious that it probably scrapes like a wet nail on glass for most s/f fans. But, to be honest, it's a relief to get something submitted. I can actually go about my life without constantly thinking about tricky treats, or similar.

This is also the first challenge where I've done quite a bit of research on everything from the origins of the traditions, to what various spaces on a spaceship might be called. Obviously useless for what I've finally submitted, but I have access to the blue prints for pretty snazzy spacecraft!!! (well, the trekky fans have some pretty snazzy websites at least)

And 'Thank you' also goes to Karn for mentioning me - thrilled to possibly make your list for a second month in a row.

 

[TheEndIsNigh]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

The thing is that this isn't the Tea Room. We might be in danger of relegating this thread to the lounge it we continue to stray off topic in this way.

 

[chrispenycate]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Whahahah

Moved dunking posts (well those of them that were wholey dunking) to dunking thread.

That'll teachem.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Good point, TEIN, and good job, chris.

And to return to the topic of this thread:

This month I found a story that I liked very early, and like Karn does most months, I've stuck with my favorite so far. Even though there have been many fine stories posted since, that one is still, in my mind, the one to beat. At least for me it conjures up all the magic of the season, as well as referencing its ancient roots.

I won't say which story it is, because something yet to be posted may still steal my vote. But if I had to vote now, I'd have no trouble deciding.

 

[J Riff]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

BTW 'Calling Occupants' is by Klattu 1976, not the Crapenters. )

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Whahahah

Moved dunking posts (well those of them that were wholey dunking) to dunking thread.

That'll teachem.

Did you ask Teresa to change those posts to a baptismal font?

 

[The Procrastinator]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

*staggers away from thread, eyes crossed and needing coffee*

 

[The Judge]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Well, after thinking long and hard about it, I decided to forego the story of the call-girl who accepts not money but only gifts of expensive luxuries, to be entitled Turning Tricks for Treats.

And having spent more time than it warranted debating the relative merits of "duped", "deceived" and "beguiled" I have managed to post something. I'm not sure if it's a treat, but I've included a couple of hidden things for those who like to read between the lines. The first part-explains the basis of the story. The second is a literary reference (with more than one clue) which refers to the (I hope) invented horror of old, er, traditions. Actually there are two literary references, but one is a trick...


I haven't started to compile a shortlist yet, but HareBrain's is likely to be among the contenders.

 

[No One]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Great story - as always - TJ.

I'm at a loss to connect the literary references (and doubt that I'll be able to), but the scene of the revels put me in mind of Faust.

And agreed on Harebrain's entry - it's certainly stuck with me from the start and is a strong contender.

 

[nixie]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

The thing is that this isn't the Tea Room. We might be in danger of relegating this thread to the lounge it we continue to stray off topic in this way.

Definetely not Tea Room, as I haven't blown it up, thawrted Karn, given anyone extra appendages, let Wally eat anyones feet. Nope not the tea room.

Back on topic I haven't been able to even pick a short list so far this month.

 

[uncertain_absolutist]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

I've just read through the first two pages of stories. I really like Mouse's. The story made me laugh a bit and sort of made me think about the contradictory nature of halloween customs, and in general, the idea optimism alone is enough to change things. Great story.

 

[Mouse]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Yay! Thank you!

The Judge's has gone over my head again... All I can think of is: I, Robot, Will Smith, and that I should really look up the meaning of the word 'gossamer' as I think it's cropped up a couple of times now.

 

[Ursa major]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

All I can think of is: I, Robot, Will Smith...

I think it may have more to do with Frodo's friend and the shadow of a certain Kenyan** "Welshman".

and that I should really look up the meaning of the word 'gossamer' as I think it's cropped up a couple of times now.

To be literal, as opposed to literary, gossamer is spider's silk.



** - I thought he was South African, but there you go.

 

[Mouse]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Samwise? Um... a Kenyan Welshman?! I think I'm more confused!

I looked up gossamer. Also found out that it's the name of that big red monster in the Bugs Bunny cartoons. Never knew that!

 

[Ursa major]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Samwise and the Kenyan "Welshman" are two different people.

(One of them is, allegedly, a real person.)

 

[Mouse]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Ok... the Welshman is in quotes so... um... Is Welshman his name?!