Writing Challenge Discussion -- FEBRUARY 2011

[Boneman]

Blimey, they just get better and better, don't they? I kinda assume it's because we've now practised this discipline for so many months, honing our craft, so to speak... I may have to resort to sticking a pin in the screen, to choose my winner, if this keeps up!

(Digs, I started singing it the moment I read the first line - it's one of the songs I can actually play on slide guitar, courtesy of Stefan Grossman. Who was due to come to my little town, which would have been incredible, but the gig was cancelled...)

 

[Boneman]

TEIN, a suggestion: Don't read any of the posted stories before you have written your own!

That's what I (almost) do. When I get my idea(s) I write up a draft, and then I check if someone has already posted something similar. That's never been the case so far though, so after that check I go on to edit and post my entry.

I'm just a novice at writing and lately haven't even taken the time to write much, and with the risk of reading too much into your post, TEIN, I really think you need to trust your own talent and story enough to want to post it for the enjoyment of the readers, regardless of what (and when!) others post.

Failing that, have a series of 75 word stories written, and when the theme is posted as 'Puppies' just insert it into your story and post first:
"The puppy blew on the smoking colt 45, and spoke to the dame next to him" or "The man blew on the smoking colt 45, and spoke to the puppy next to him" or "The man blew on the smoking puppy and spoke to the dame next to him". It could work...

 

[Ursa major]

"Hush," he said, realising at once that he'd put his foot in it.

 

[Talysia]

Ok, just posted mine, and I'm amazed at the quality of the entries, so early in the contest! I have to echo the comments some have already made - if the entries so far are anything to go by, then it's going to be really difficult to pick a winner this month.

 

[digs]

I really like Chrispy's. (I hear it read by Rick Wakeman with a theremin backing.) Think big!

I second that! Except for the Rick Wakeman part, because I don't know who he is.

 

[J Riff]

Boneman, you lernt from Grossman instructional vids? The Rev. Gary Davis stuff is
outrageously difficult, even without the heavy strings. Wakeman, keys for Yes.
Everyone's story is better than everyone else's this month...and my wacky suggestion is, we should all post invisible text, which can then be selected when one deigns it appropriate.> "or is that too much bother? "

 

[Ursa major]

"or is that too much bother? "

No. I've already used the technique this month.

 

[The Judge]

I knew that with a theme like this people would be quoting song lyrics all over the place and I would be totally at sea -- but Chris has come up with one I know!! It would have made my short list just for that welcome recognition, but it's also brilliant! Of course, it means I'll have the bloody song windmilling through my mind all day...


NB Ursa do you have a list of puns...? (a chopin list...?)

 

[Ursa major]

No, just a Liszt**.








** - I've almost certainly got more CDs of Liszt's music than those of any other composer. (Having the complete piano works, ~95 CDs, is one reason). By the way, it's the bicentenary of his birth this October.

 

[J Riff]

Liszt - the first rock star.
What Judgy you don't recognize my ancient ditty? Tsk.

 

[Boneman]

Boneman, you lernt from Grossman instructional vids? The Rev. Gary Davis stuff is
outrageously difficult, even without the heavy strings.

Him and Bob Brosman, and a guitar teacher who never forgave me for seeing Jimi Hendrix live, when he was too young to be allowed to go (showing my age here...)

Everyone's story is better than everyone else's this month...and my wacky suggestion is, we should all post invisible text, which can then be selected when one deigns it appropriate.> "or is that too much bother? "

Especially if this month's winner chooses 'Invisibility' as the theme.

 

[Ursa major]

I can't see that happening.

 

[J Riff]

AGH! I'd like to perform a Jimi Hendrix number now.. this un's called Can You See Me?

 

[The Judge]

What Judgy you don't recognize my ancient ditty? Tsk.

Er... well... I thought I knew... but there weren't any lemon drops...

 

[Hilarious Joke]

I'd just like to say I really liked No One's and Oxman's stories last month.

digs was my pick though, and not because he's a mate in real life - if anything that makes me more likely to vote against him, the blighter.

 

[digs]

digs was my pick though, and not because he's a mate in real life - if anything that makes me more likely to vote against him, the blighter.

I think you just unwittingly double praised me!

 

[Perpetual Man]

I second that! Except for the Rick Wakeman part, because I don't know who he is.

Rick Wakeman - pretty much a British institution, although you might not know who he is, he it often seen playing various keyboard related instrument on the TV; did a few epic solo albums, but was previously a member of the group, Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe, who started using that name for legal reason, when they reformed, originally known as Yes!

Phew.

 

[Allanon]

Yes were AMAZING!!

I have submitted my story for destruction... I mean you viewing pleasure for this month!!

And I'm Loving the stories up already, again I have no chance but I can hope to add to my total tally of 1 vote!! Yey me!!

 

[Boneman]

And a good one it is too, Allanon!

Riff, I heard Eva Cassidy singing yours...

 

[cornelius]

There, posted mine. It's not "Strong, Overpowering, Naturally Great" like Brev's and it doesn't pack as much pun(ch) as Mouse, and to be honest it gets muted by many of the entries, I present to you my writings.