Discussing the Writing Challenges -- November and December 2010

[crystal haven]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

Congratulations, Sephiroth!

 

[chrispenycate]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

Fewer than or equal to seventy-five words, check.

Fantasy or SF, check.

Comprehensible to a Mouse – erm, why doesn't my Word (without Muir and Norden, unfortunately) offer me a 'Mouse understanding curve' instead of the 'this is passive, you might want to rewrite…' type comments (which I have lobotomised off, anyway)?

Recognisably me? Could anyone else have written it?

Right, go with that, even if 'Excuse me, Princess Ella, but how is your ever after shaping up' might have been more amusing.

(a) get another opinion?
(b) get another piece written?
(c) get another husband?

Before going for the (admittedly attractive) last alternative, remember how long it took you to housetrain this one.

Anyway, an opinion from a mere male? What self-respecting author would stoop – oh from five foot three (and a bit), stooping isn't that distant (quoth he from his lordly five four and a quarter), but worse, he might even be right.

I recommend (b), as then you can compare them, and choose the original, and gloat.

But then, I have no resident opinion.

 

[Mouse]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

Chris, you had me up until 'blacktop.' And then a vacant expression crossed my face. I've no idea what a blacktop is! But (apart from that!) I think I understand it!

 

[TheEndIsNigh]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

I am in need of advice.

What do you do when, having written an exquisite gem of a piece, one's adoring other half reads it and says "... er... er... um..." with a face as blank as botox. Do you:

(a) get another opinion?
(b) get another piece written?
(c) get another husband?


Mouse -- believe me, you're probably better off with the flowers (they give better critiques...)

Seems a bit harse to me J.

The poor bloke can't help his looks and after all there must have been a clue before you married him. Was it some freak cosmetic surgery accident and once you win the compensation your going to bin him off.

Anyway notwithstanding his problems what did he think of the story

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

No idea what a blacktop is?


It's a *usually* playground setting where it is made of black asphalt where kids can play basketball, hopscotch, and various other activities that are not advisable upon grass.

 

[Mouse]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

Ah! Thanks, Karn. We just have grass where I'm from!

 

[BookStop]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

Blacktop is road, like highway. And while we're on the topic of Chris's story, i loved it! Ok, yes, the theme has been done, most recently in blockbuster movie form, but not nearly as well written. Charming.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

I note that Ursa is back to his old ways. I was a little worried about him.

And yet, despite the punnish payoff line, I find myself wondering about the sinister history of the two protagonists ...

 

[Parson]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

More technically yet, blacktop=asphalt (It is a substance composed of an oil bonding agent, gravel, and sundries.) It is used (rarely!) on playgrounds. Rarely because of the inherent dangers of falling and hurting oneself. It is often used either as a base for a road, or to smooth an existing one.

I could barely stand Bear's pun. I was looking for it, but did not foresee it.

 

[Parson]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

Black top/asphalt is used (rarely!) on playgrounds. Rarely because of the inherent dangers of falling and hurting oneself. Today you are more likely to see some other sort of all weather surface on this kinds of play areas where grass is not the best surface. It is often used either as a base for a road, or to smooth an existing one.

I could barely stand Bear's pun. I was looking for it, but did not foresee it.

In trying to make a correction I somehow double posted! Sorry!!

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

It depends on where you live, Parson. When I was a child, all of the playgrounds in the county were paved with asphalt. No watering, little maintenance, good (as mentioned) for activities such as hopscotch and anything that involved bouncing a ball.

But, yes, it is not the safest surface for children's games. I remember many, many skinned knees. (Usually in pairs.)

On another note entirely, TDZ's piece was really heart-wrenching.

And on still another note (I meant to say it at the time), last month Hilarious Joke came in with another beautifully written piece at practically the last minute.

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

A nice entry by Nixie. This is the first one she's put in, and it's rather sweet.


Two contenders for my vote this month already: Mouse and Nixie.

 

[The Procrastinator]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

A glimpse into the way Ursa Major's mind functions...*shudder*

However, the high standard continues! At the moment I'm leaning towards Mosaix...

 

[Ursa major]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

A glimpse into the way Ursa Major's mind functions...*shudder*

Functions? Aren't those big events with lots of food...? Mmmmmm!


For the third month in a row, those who want to vote are not being given an easy ride. Excellent!

 

[Culhwch]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

I find it interesting that for seventy-five word stories, so many of them need two titles...

Some good entries so far. I don't know that I have a favourite at this early juncture, though.

 

[Wybren]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

I like DustyZebra's story this month though it is incredibly sad and brings back memories of my own experience.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

And Dustyzebra - My mom and one of my friends were both born either prematurely or with severe problems and so had to live for several months in incubators, I guess it's fortunate for them that they survived... Great piece.

On another note entirely, TDZ's piece was really heart-wrenching.

I like DustyZebra's story this month though it is incredibly sad and brings back memories of my own experience.

Sorry, guys, I guess I'm breaking hearts this month! Mine too, my best friend's first granddaughter was born three months early and her funeral is Saturday. That's just not something that kids of 18 and 16 should have to deal with, poor things. (Well, anybody, really, but you know.)

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

I am so very sorry to hear that TDZ. What a terrible loss.

 

[J Riff]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

I know...who's going to win ....ladeeDatdeeDah... ohhhh yessssss.....

S'getting better every month

 

[chopper]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

argh! struggling!