Discussing the Writing Challenges -- November and December 2010

[Mouse]

In that case, many thanks, not-so-mysterious kind person!

Just whittled my shortlist down, with some difficulty:

Siren by Talysia
The Undeath of Johnny Cross, P.I. by digs
Waiting For Contact by mosaix
Touch by Mouse

In the end, I had to go for Talysia, by the barest margin over the others. The very barest margin. Such great entries this month, all around.

I'm your other fan, Culhwch. I like the way the punchline came right down to the last two words before it all made sense.
My overall runner-up was Mouse's very visceral entry, which stuck with me despite attempts to forget it.
There are stories good enough to win that don't have any votes yet.

Felt like I'd failed massively this month, so you've both made me stupidly happy with those mentions.

 

[Boneman]

I'm a bit worried I may NOT have voted yet... Normally, when I go to the poll to see how the voting is going it says - you have voted already - or something like that. I just checked and it's asking me to vote, but I'm almost certain that I did already... although it took me ages to make up my mind, and I might not have done... What to do?

Just checked with the photo challenge - It DOES say: thank you we have counted your vote, when I go back to it... I hink I'll wait until later. Is it possible that using different computers will influence whether the vote is recognised or not? If Cul can tell me if I have or haven't voted that would be great. I know I'm leaving it very late...

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Yes, if you're on a different computer it will not show that you have voted, even if you're logged in. I check it at home and at work, and it doesn't show at the one I didn't vote at.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Wow, another humongous short-list, and healthy Short-short list as well. So many that don't have any votes at all.

Karn -- From the Other Side
Digs -- The Undeath of Johnny Cross, P.I.
J Riff -- Catastrophicus Caninus
2nd Chance -- Thoughts
Parson -- Never Trust an Exosociologist
Mosaix -- Waiting for Contact
Mag the Mighty -- A Close Encounter
Chrispenycate -- First Contract
Bookstop -- A Rewarding Job is a Job Well Done
Alchemist -- Diplomatic Relations
Culhwch -- Killin' Time
Challah Rajni -- We are Beautiful!
Winona -- Lost
The Judge -- The Golden Touch
Ursa Major -- Close Encounters of the Eighth Kind
RSliwinski -- Another Cheap Trick

In the end, I couldn't break away from Karn.

 

[The Judge]

I don't know if TJ was referring to me - but if she isn't, then that's two people, and if she is, she's correct...

'Twas indeed thee, Oh Great Tentacled Being. (Though the question then arises -- why aren't you entering...??)


Boneman, can't you access the computer which you might have voted on so as to check? Your post at #3147 seems pretty clear that you had voted then, though.


I've finally drawn up my own shortlist:

Karn -- From The Other Side (for a good pair of shoes, who wouldn't?!)
No One -- White Crow
Perpetual Man -- The Beginning of the End?
HareBrain -- RELIC
mosaix -- Waiting for Contact
Precise Calibre -- Farewell
Moonbat -- The Agony of Separation
alchemist -- Diplomatic Relations
HoopyFrood -- Lukoje
Teresa -- La belle au bois dormant

Another difficult one for me. I loved the poetic qualities of No One's and PC's, the poignancy of HB's and Moonbat's, the humour of Karn's and alchemist's and the stories of the others, but in the end I plumped for the one which had all those qualities (albeit the humour was in the punning of the title) so mosaix got my vote.

Thanks for the mention TDZ. I see I've been remiss and not thanked my earlier honourable mentions from No One and Parson -- thanks both.

Another excellent Challenge all round!

 

[Perpetual Man]

Well, we're approaching the end of my first month as a participant and I'd just like to say how much I've enjoyed it, not just writing the story, but taking the time to read all the others, to be overwhelmed by the pure quality of everything produced; and the interplay and discussion in this thread.

I've not really found the time to take part in this as much as I would like and have not talked about my shortlist (well everyone was on it!) All in all it's been a great experience, fun and I can't wait for next month.

I'd just like to say thanks to Chel, TIN and The Judge for mentioning my little attempt, I don't think I expected a mention this time round so it made me smile!

Now bring on December.

 

[StormFeather]

Darn, this is hard!

Initial shortlist of 29, ruthlessly whittled down to 17, and ending up with the following:

Karn
2nd Chance
HB
Mosaix
DeathFromMassive
Mag the Mighty
Precise Calibre
Bookstop
Mouse
Hoopy
The Judge

I wish I had an 11 sided dice to make the decision for me – each time I think ‘right, I’ll vote for that one!’ I remember a bit from one of the others, and get all torn up again.

My really short short-list is:

2nd Chance
Mag the Mighty
Bookstop
Mouse.

In the end, my vote went to 2nd Chance – maybe it’s the fear of having my son be able to read my thoughts, but it’s the story that’s stayed with me the most

It’s been a fab month, and I’ve really enjoyed reading all the entries.

And a huge Thank You to Mosaix – I really didn’t expect any votes this month, and am totally delighted with both that vote and the wonderful mentions.

 

[Culhwch]

TDZ and TJ have it right, Boneman, if you are at a different computer it will show that you haven't voted yet. Cookies, and all that. Unfortunately there's no way to tell who has voted, as the poll site is in no way linked to member's accounts here.

And many thanks, J Riff. The mystery is solved! And to TDZ for another mention, and in bold at that!

 

[Ursa major]

I think this was one of the most difficult months to judge; I would have liked to list far more honourable mentions. However, I’m trying to stick to my usual format, so this is my rather bare list:






Honourable Mentions:

• Trouble on Attica Station by Xelah
• Door to Handy Trot by Boneman
• The Creator by Leisha
• A New Beginning by TheEndIsNigh
• A Rewarding Job is a Job Well Done by BookStop

Runners Up:

• Waiting For Contact by mosaix
• First Contact by chrispenycate
• Lukøje by HoopyFrood

Winner:

• From The Other Side by Karn Maeshalanadae

(If I can't trust my funny bone, what use is it? )

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Well, we're approaching the end of my first month as a participant and I'd just like to say how much I've enjoyed it, not just writing the story, but taking the time to read all the others, to be overwhelmed by the pure quality of everything produced; and the interplay and discussion in this thread.

I'd just like to say thanks to Chel, TIN and The Judge for mentioning my little attempt, I don't think I expected a mention this time round so it made me smile!

You've also received at least one vote this month, because I voted for your story.

The rest of my short list:

digs
HareBrain
Stormfeather
chrispenycate
The Judge
Hilarious Joke

 

[mosaix]

Thanks for the vote TJ, and thanks to others for the mentions etc.

 

[Parson]

I'm a bit worried I may NOT have voted yet... Normally, when I go to the poll to see how the voting is going it says - you have voted already - or something like that. I just checked and it's asking me to vote, but I'm almost certain that I did already... although it took me ages to make up my mind, and I might not have done... What to do?

Just checked with the photo challenge - It DOES say: thank you we have counted your vote, when I go back to it... I hink I'll wait until later. Is it possible that using different computers will influence whether the vote is recognised or not? If Cul can tell me if I have or haven't voted that would be great. I know I'm leaving it very late...

I once had it that the poll didn't register my vote when I changed the settings on my wireless router.

Dusty Z Thanks for the mention. I was beginning to think that there wasn't anyone who saw the humor of a first contact ship turning into a giant disco ball blaring "Why can't We Be Friends."

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Yeah, I've wondered what the reaction might be on the other end if the stuff we've sent off into space actually runs into someone. It might indeed be a declaration of war!

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

I was not expecting the win here this month after Hoopy overtook me. It's a grand surprise.

Hmm...I'll have to consider December's theme a bit. I had one in mind in general, but with the season to be sharing....

 

[Culhwch]

Congratulations, Karn! I eagerly await your theme.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Sorry I wasn't here to announce it first. I'm having another ... day.

HA!! Karn is the winner!

Not, perhaps, altogether a fortunate turn for Karn, because if he tries any of that "I'm not good enough" nonsense in the future, he is going to be soooo sorry.

(And don't think, young man, that I can't slap you just as hard with my left hand.)

All joking aside, CONGRATULATIONS.

 

[mosaix]

Well done, Karn.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Hey, he won't have any trouble being the first poster in this contest -- he can just write it before posting the theme! And the new world record for story posting is ... 3 seconds!

 

[The Procrastinator]

Congrats Karn, job well done and a cracker of a story!

 

[Rosemary]

My congratulations, Karn! A very good story, my friend.