Allanon
High Druid
Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
Mosaix, Awesome!!
Mosaix, Awesome!!
Discussion -- May 2011 Challenge
- Thread starter The Judge
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Boneman
Well-Known Member
Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
Ditto that!!
Dammit, I promised I wasn't going to read them until they were all in, and I've done it again!
Do you know how inhibiting it is, to see so many brilliant stories posted? And then try and think of one? I guess you all do, actually...
Ditto that!!
Dammit, I promised I wasn't going to read them until they were all in, and I've done it again!
Do you know how inhibiting it is, to see so many brilliant stories posted? And then try and think of one? I guess you all do, actually...
Allanon
High Druid
Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
Was a well deserved Awesome Mosaix, one of the better stories in the last 2-3 months for me and definatley on my hitlist for this month. I only have a small list this month so far, I don't know if anyone else struggled this month but I found the theme difficult. It's a very good theme but very difficult!
And Boneman, I always try to leave it till voting closes, then three people post and I'm like a fat man in Thorntons! I can't help myself!
Was a well deserved Awesome Mosaix, one of the better stories in the last 2-3 months for me and definatley on my hitlist for this month. I only have a small list this month so far, I don't know if anyone else struggled this month but I found the theme difficult. It's a very good theme but very difficult!
And Boneman, I always try to leave it till voting closes, then three people post and I'm like a fat man in Thorntons! I can't help myself!
Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
Thanks Boneman. I'm sure you'll come up with something - just make sure it's not too good!
Thanks Boneman. I'm sure you'll come up with something - just make sure it's not too good!
Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
I agree. Not my 'comfort zone' at all. It's took me a lot longer this month to even think of an outline story.
I agree. Not my 'comfort zone' at all. It's took me a lot longer this month to even think of an outline story.
Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
An excellent story, mosaix.
I try not to pick winners before the voting starts, but yours will be a hard one to beat.
(And no kittens being put in peril.)
An excellent story, mosaix.
I try not to pick winners before the voting starts, but yours will be a hard one to beat.
(And no kittens being put in peril.
)
Boneman
Well-Known Member
Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
I don't think there's any danger of that... I'm really struggling this month. Last time that happened was the 'thong is ended and the malady lingers on' because it was all I could think of! At least I'm an eco-friendly writer - recycling old jokes...
Thanks Boneman. I'm sure you'll come up with something - just make sure it's not too good!
I don't think there's any danger of that... I'm really struggling this month. Last time that happened was the 'thong is ended and the malady lingers on' because it was all I could think of! At least I'm an eco-friendly writer - recycling old jokes...
Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
The stories, seem to get better every single month.
The stories, seem to get better every single month.
Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
UM, Parson - thanks for the comments.
And I have to agree with Nixie, I think we're all getting better at this - practice makes perfect.
UM, Parson - thanks for the comments.
And I have to agree with Nixie, I think we're all getting better at this - practice makes perfect.
GreenKidx
Well-Known Member
Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
I don't think it was the theme alone that was so hard. For me it was the genre and theme coupled.
And I agree, all you veterans are intimidatingly good at this! Makes me want to bow my head in shame when I read my efforts. Hahaha. But practice makes (close to)perfect and I'm going 12 for 12 this year!
I don't think it was the theme alone that was so hard. For me it was the genre and theme coupled.
And I agree, all you veterans are intimidatingly good at this! Makes me want to bow my head in shame when I read my efforts. Hahaha. But practice makes (close to)perfect and I'm going 12 for 12 this year!
MstrTal
Valeyard
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Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
I agree!
Imagine how daunting it is for those of us who just arrived. I had a moment last month when my pointer was hovering over the submit button when I asked myself if I should even bother. I mean when I take into consideration the entrenched level of the incumbent writers here versus what I can bring to the table in the short time I have been seriously devoting to honing what for me has always been a hobby and stress relief it did and still does seem insurmountable. However I think I clicked and submitted anyways because I have always been contrary and well I am not going to get any better if I don't try. Plus even though I may fall flat on my face and bruise my ego a time or fifty thousand its better to write and finally have somebody reading my words than have them sitting somewhere collecting dust and yellowing in obscurity on a bookshelf or under the couch.
I agree!
Imagine how daunting it is for those of us who just arrived. I had a moment last month when my pointer was hovering over the submit button when I asked myself if I should even bother. I mean when I take into consideration the entrenched level of the incumbent writers here versus what I can bring to the table in the short time I have been seriously devoting to honing what for me has always been a hobby and stress relief it did and still does seem insurmountable. However I think I clicked and submitted anyways because I have always been contrary and well I am not going to get any better if I don't try. Plus even though I may fall flat on my face and bruise my ego a time or fifty thousand its better to write and finally have somebody reading my words than have them sitting somewhere collecting dust and yellowing in obscurity on a bookshelf or under the couch.
- Joined
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- 6,381
Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
Perp - I ended up with two this month and decided to go with this one as I felt the other did not quite meet the criteria (and might be useful at a later date). I was initially really happy with it, but am no longer so sure. I feel as though there is something missing.
Lucky Lola - I felt that this one finished with a wistful loneliness, with some beautiful word use at the start. There is the feeling of loss, not just of friendship but of power, and the hope of finding it again in a virtual place.
Tactical Loco - This saw things taken to an epic scale, a massive story of destruction, and in may was the opposite of standard friendship, this seeing friends torn apart and put at one another's throats, but not by any choice of their own, the divides of war. Excellent.
Christian Nash - I'm not so sure what to make of this one. On the face of it, it feels like the end of another friendship, but it is more 'real' than that, while at the same time being unreal as well. I get the impression that some terrible deed has been wrought by two friends, and yet despite the destruction of bonds, there is the hope in one of them that the seed of friendship endures.
Michelle Ann - It always amazes me at how much some people manage to squeeze into just 75 words, and this one is no exception. The loss of a friend in any circumstance is hard, but something that you might be responsible takes it to another level, but knowing that you can do something about at a cost - and are prepared to do it is a true example of friendship.
MstrTal - A unique one this, a moment of inspiration can sometimes be worth hours of fretting and planning, and this one is an ingenious piece. Loved the format and the inherent tale contained within, the humour did not hurt to. It was nice to see the return of a kitten after they were missing for a few stories. Or not. Excellent.
Talysia - Once the cat came back it decided to stay... This is one of those that I can't find much to say about, other than I just liked it. The whole thing conveyed a warmth, a cosy friendly feeling that is at the core of this month's challenge.
Aun Doorback - The title... oh the title... worth the admission price on its own. The actual story/poem is well constructed with a nice story, friends waiting to meet after being apart for some time. There is always something unspoken in these instances and I thought this caught that well.
Mosaix - There is something sweet about this one, almost simple, the whole thing obvious, but in a way that is meant to be, it would not works so well if it wasn't. Two strangers seeing each other on a train, day after day, one world weary immortal who has fallen into the rut of believing he has seen it all, and a surprise for him at the end. Another superb entry.
As everyone says, these stories just keep getting better month after month.
Perp - I ended up with two this month and decided to go with this one as I felt the other did not quite meet the criteria (and might be useful at a later date). I was initially really happy with it, but am no longer so sure. I feel as though there is something missing.
Lucky Lola - I felt that this one finished with a wistful loneliness, with some beautiful word use at the start. There is the feeling of loss, not just of friendship but of power, and the hope of finding it again in a virtual place.
Tactical Loco - This saw things taken to an epic scale, a massive story of destruction, and in may was the opposite of standard friendship, this seeing friends torn apart and put at one another's throats, but not by any choice of their own, the divides of war. Excellent.
Christian Nash - I'm not so sure what to make of this one. On the face of it, it feels like the end of another friendship, but it is more 'real' than that, while at the same time being unreal as well. I get the impression that some terrible deed has been wrought by two friends, and yet despite the destruction of bonds, there is the hope in one of them that the seed of friendship endures.
Michelle Ann - It always amazes me at how much some people manage to squeeze into just 75 words, and this one is no exception. The loss of a friend in any circumstance is hard, but something that you might be responsible takes it to another level, but knowing that you can do something about at a cost - and are prepared to do it is a true example of friendship.
MstrTal - A unique one this, a moment of inspiration can sometimes be worth hours of fretting and planning, and this one is an ingenious piece. Loved the format and the inherent tale contained within, the humour did not hurt to. It was nice to see the return of a kitten after they were missing for a few stories. Or not. Excellent.
Talysia - Once the cat came back it decided to stay... This is one of those that I can't find much to say about, other than I just liked it. The whole thing conveyed a warmth, a cosy friendly feeling that is at the core of this month's challenge.
Aun Doorback - The title... oh the title... worth the admission price on its own. The actual story/poem is well constructed with a nice story, friends waiting to meet after being apart for some time. There is always something unspoken in these instances and I thought this caught that well.
Mosaix - There is something sweet about this one, almost simple, the whole thing obvious, but in a way that is meant to be, it would not works so well if it wasn't. Two strangers seeing each other on a train, day after day, one world weary immortal who has fallen into the rut of believing he has seen it all, and a surprise for him at the end. Another superb entry.
As everyone says, these stories just keep getting better month after month.
MstrTal
Valeyard
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Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
Perpetual Man: Thank You for the kind words as always! I know I have only been here a little over a month or so but having entered last months challenge and the 300 worder I find myself in awe of your ability to not only take the time to find something nice to say about all the entries but the fact hat you do so consistently. If I where to hazard a guess I would say that your little words of encouragement are not only looked forward to by the participants but perhaps one of the things that help make the challenge a success each month. I know they have helped to make me feel more secure about my efforts.
Perpetual Man: Thank You for the kind words as always! I know I have only been here a little over a month or so but having entered last months challenge and the 300 worder I find myself in awe of your ability to not only take the time to find something nice to say about all the entries but the fact hat you do so consistently. If I where to hazard a guess I would say that your little words of encouragement are not only looked forward to by the participants but perhaps one of the things that help make the challenge a success each month. I know they have helped to make me feel more secure about my efforts.
Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
Remember this is a challenge, not really a competition. You are not "versus" trained writers; you are fighting your own limitations, and getting something that satisfies you is already a victory on those grounds (yes, getting mentions, short lists, particularly votes intensifies the pleasure; but just getting something complete into that small a compass is definitely to be proud of.
Remember, fourteen months ago I doubt whether there were three of us who'd even considered trying to squeeze writing this far down, and despite experience helping, it's not only the established core group who are garnering the votes; people of all different numbers of entries get them (and nobody managed to do a year without a voteless month). Two submissions (and a fall)? you're practically an oldtimer already. Do you know how many stopped after the one entry, noticing that it was surprisingly hard work.
And yes, I appreciate PM's commentaries, even if I don't actually warrant them; I'm amazed by the standard maintained, but seem physiologically incapable of saying anything nice, let alone maintaining the flow.
start of the [I said:
Remember this is a challenge, not really a competition. You are not "versus" trained writers; you are fighting your own limitations, and getting something that satisfies you is already a victory on those grounds (yes, getting mentions, short lists, particularly votes intensifies the pleasure; but just getting something complete into that small a compass is definitely to be proud of.
Remember, fourteen months ago I doubt whether there were three of us who'd even considered trying to squeeze writing this far down, and despite experience helping, it's not only the established core group who are garnering the votes; people of all different numbers of entries get them (and nobody managed to do a year without a voteless month). Two submissions (and a fall)? you're practically an oldtimer already. Do you know how many stopped after the one entry, noticing that it was surprisingly hard work.
And yes, I appreciate PM's commentaries, even if I don't actually warrant them; I'm amazed by the standard maintained, but seem physiologically incapable of saying anything nice, let alone maintaining the flow.
Bob Senior
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2011
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- 376
Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
Perp Man,
I may have been jumping to conclusions, but your eariler post about being experimented on and maybe not being around for a while had me nervous.
I do want to thank you for the kind review of my little story, unlike others all I have to do is pop one of the new pills the doctor has me on and it all comes to me in a dream. (nightmare).
Thanks
Bob
Perp Man,
I may have been jumping to conclusions, but your eariler post about being experimented on and maybe not being around for a while had me nervous.
I do want to thank you for the kind review of my little story, unlike others all I have to do is pop one of the new pills the doctor has me on and it all comes to me in a dream. (nightmare).
Thanks
Bob
Karn Maeshalanadae
I'm a pineapple
Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
Hmm...we seem to have a short month this time around.
I wonder if the hack attack had anything to do with it? Or it seems to be a busy month for some out there.
Hmm...we seem to have a short month this time around.
I wonder if the hack attack had anything to do with it? Or it seems to be a busy month for some out there.
MstrTal
Valeyard
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Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
Oh I fully understand and appreciate this. I guess what I was trying to convey was that niggling moment of doubt that any new person to an established community has when wading in for the first time. That sense of nameless dread that one gets before opening their mouth to introduce themselves to a new group when trying to make new friends that they are going to firmly plant their foot in their mouth and shame themselves irrevocably thus staining themselves in a bad light. Its silly but such doubts do creep in from time to time. I enjoy this site and these challenges immensely.
Oh I fully understand and appreciate this. I guess what I was trying to convey was that niggling moment of doubt that any new person to an established community has when wading in for the first time. That sense of nameless dread that one gets before opening their mouth to introduce themselves to a new group when trying to make new friends that they are going to firmly plant their foot in their mouth and shame themselves irrevocably thus staining themselves in a bad light. Its silly but such doubts do creep in from time to time. I enjoy this site and these challenges immensely.
Re: DISCUSSION -- The 75 Word Challenge May 2011
Yay, the formatting thingies came back! I could have looked up how to do it manually (thanks, Teresa), but it's just as well I didn't have to.
I do have a question about that, though, that I keep forgetting to ask. Why is it that the font list shows a whole bunch of choices that it won't let you have? There are only a few that it will actually change to, when I select them -- most of them just stay Verdana regardless of what I click on. Is it just me, or is there a trick I don't know, or what?
Yay, the formatting thingies came back! I could have looked up how to do it manually (thanks, Teresa), but it's just as well I didn't have to.
I do have a question about that, though, that I keep forgetting to ask. Why is it that the font list shows a whole bunch of choices that it won't let you have? There are only a few that it will actually change to, when I select them -- most of them just stay Verdana regardless of what I click on. Is it just me, or is there a trick I don't know, or what?
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