Discussing the Writing Challenges -- November and December 2010

[Ursa major]

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

Not only is it less confusing, it creates a fairer playing field - we don't want voters considering - conciously or otherwise - a favoured second effort when coming to vote.

While I agree with waiting to post until the voting has closed (as I think I mentioned when I originally suggested we could post other attempts), I would like to point out that I've posted a rejected effort during a previous competition (in another thread, and in May) and know it didn't garner any extra votes: I received precisely zero votes.

 

[Culhwch]

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

Maybe people were going to vote for you, read the second effort, and changed their minds. Works both ways, see...

 

[Ursa major]

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

That'll be it...!

 

[Moonbat]

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

I'm still trying to choose which of my stories to enter for this month, I've whittled it down to two. although why I engraved them on wood I can't tell you

Trouble was the GF prefered the one I thought was worse, so now I don't know what to think, I usually let her tell me what to think. Its safer that way, less responsibility and arguements.

 

[digs]

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

Trouble was the GF prefered the one I thought was worse, so now I don't know what to think, I usually let her tell me what to think. Its safer that way, less responsibility and arguements.

This reminds me of that time I was assimilated into an alien hive mind. Ahhh, the 70s!

 

[vector7]

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

This reminds me of that time I was assimilated into an alien hive mind. Ahhh, the 70s!

Assimilation into an alien hive is better than a girlfriend anyday. And love to add my congrats to seph for winnin the challenge last month. Congrats!

 

[vector7]

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

I'm still trying to choose which of my stories to enter for this month, I've whittled it down to two. although why I engraved them on wood I can't tell you

Trouble was the GF prefered the one I thought was worse, so now I don't know what to think, I usually let her tell me what to think. Its safer that way, less responsibility and arguements.

Just read your post for this months challenge. Why don't you post that second one here? Love to read the other one.

 

[Moonbat]

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

I think I'm supposed wait until the competition for this month has ended, so as not to bias people towards or away from my posted entry.

But i will post it eventually.

 

[Parson]

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

I'm not sure that this is the appropriate forum (nods to the bear), but I have a question about Seph's instructions. He made it very clear that the stories were to be SF or Fantasy. I'm not sure that all of the stories qualify as this. I suppose you could say that anything which was fiction was in some sense Fantasy, but I, at least, would hear that instruction as meaning stories that deal with the mythical or the mystical.

As an example, I would say my own story from last month "Dives" would take a stretch to fall under the Fantasy heading and in no sense could be considered SF.

My point? If we can't define the label does it make any sense to make a limitation?

 

[Moonbat]

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

I did write a couple of stories about domestic violence, where the victim transformed into the perpetrator, and vice versa (is it vice, or vise?) but then I thought that they weren't sci-fi or fantasy enough so I went with something different.
Come of think of it, my other story (the one I haven't posted) isn't particualrly sci fi!

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

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

I think I'm supposed wait until the competition for this month has ended, so as not to bias people towards or away from my posted entry.

You are quite right. Culhwch mentioned this just about 8 posts ago. Please* wait until the following month to post any efforts you've rejected for the competition. It could cause too much confusion. When people see your name on the ballot, they could mix up the stories in their minds and vote for or against the story you did enter according to their impression of the story you decided wasn't good enough.

*And when I say "please" I mean "Please spare a moderator the trouble of removing it from the thread."

As for your question, Parson, Fantasy is so very difficult to define, I think that it's going to have to be up to the voters to decide if something qualifies before they cast their votes. But I'm glad you brought up the point. When the next Challenge begins, we should make a note that if it says Science Fiction or Fantasy there should be some recognizable elements particular to those genres.

 

[mosaix]

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

When the next Challenge begins, we should make a note that if it says Science Fiction or Fantasy there should be some recognizable elements particular to those genres.

I think this is a good idea.

 

[Culhwch]

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

As for your question, Parson, Fantasy is so very difficult to define, I think that it's going to have to be up to the voters to decide if something qualifies before they cast their votes. But I'm glad you brought up the point. When the next Challenge begins, we should make a note that if it says Science Fiction or Fantasy there should be some recognizable elements particular to those genres.

I'm in agreement here. I've also noticed this month a few entries that haven't been SFF, and I'll simple rule them out when I come to vote, just as I will stories that I feel haven't done a good job of addressing the theme. Might be unfortunate that some really good stories miss the cut, but that's what makes it a challenge, I guess, and not a free-for-all...

 

[TheDustyZebra]

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

I guess if I hadn't told what inspired mine, it might have remained more SF-themed in the minds of the people, but to me it still has an ambiguity that can lend itself that direction anyway. And there's always the fantasy angle of angels.... If not, well, I like it anyway!

It's funny, I can't seem to hold myself to the letter of the regulations, but at the same time I grade others on those elements. Do as I say, not as I do!

 

[Precise Calibre]

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

You used a metaphysical metamorphosis in yours, sounds plenty SFF to me.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

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

You used a metaphysical metamorphosis in yours, sounds plenty SFF to me.

Wow, now that sounds impressive--go, me!

 

[digs]

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

Now you just need some metafiction and you've hit the big three - the Holy Grail of 75-word SFF writing challenges.

 

[Axiom]

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

I really wanted to post a story in May once I found out the topic - I just saw Sephiroth's entry... I didn't have a shot

 

[Precise Calibre]

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

I wouldn't let that stop you, Axiom. My writing is hardly top-notch, more like wavering around par. I don't expect to win, but I will enter every time. It's about community and giving it a go regardless of how you see your chances.

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

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

PC is right, Axiom. After all, I'VE entered each and every time thus far. So don't worry about not winning.