Discussion -- September 2011 Challenge

[Christopher Lee]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

Well, I've voted now. It almost came down to sticking a pin in a piece of paper with the names on. There are some Honourable Mentions.

The Spurring Platty: Technology versus Magic
Grizzgreen 711: not just behind the scenes, but under the very skin - I liked that interpretation
Perpetual Man: an omnipotent and invisible Macchiavelli figure
chrispenycate: a poetic discourse on our being the pawns of goblins (at least that was what I took from it)
The Dusty Zebra; the exploits of a filthy unicorn - that one's going to stay witn me for a long time
Hex: woodworm, so small, so dangerous - it's always the little things that get you
The Judge; Asimovian not just in title, but in wit - there is not much higher praise

In the end, I voted for Sid Hawkins, but it was a close run thing.

To those not mentioned, please forgive me. There were many more good entries. Too many to list them all.

Thanks for the mention!

 

[Christopher Lee]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

My votes cast. Perpetual Man wrapped me up in his tale and I had to go with him. A lot of good entrants this month. I was very impressed with each and every one. Good luck you guys!

 

[StormFeather]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

Been a busy few days, but have finally got round to re-reading the stories, making my decision, voting, and catching up with all the posts . . .


For me, the following were in my not-so-short shortlist:


HareBrain
Chel
High Eight
Perpetual Man
Rooky
Aun Doorback
Bob S Sr
Highlander
Reiver33
Telford
Parson
TheDustyZebra
Boneman
AnyaKimlin
Hex
The Judge
Teresa
Culhwch


In the end, after savagely narrowing it down, my list was shortened to HareBrain, Highlander and Telford.

HB - loved yours from the get-go, and Highlander - the idea that the 'Grand Moff' doesn't have ultimate power on such a basic level has appeal. However, I went for Telford as your entry made me laugh out loud every time I read it.

Many Thanks go to Parson and Perpetual Man for your kind words, and Nixie, Highlander and DA for the mentions.

And especially big Thank You's go to Azrael098, Devils Advocate and Talysia for the votes - a major, and very, very happy surprise

 

[AnyaKimlin]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

Yay another short list I was hoping for a dancing banana or green blob emoicon but none to be had. Thanks StormFeather.

 

[Perpetual Man]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

I prefer Perp's positive feedback on this page (It is only 75 words after all) and prehaps save the critique when I ask, where did I go wrong?

Things for me are still very much up in the air at the moment, but I have been following the thread with interest, lurking as it were.

As everyone was talking I did think of my own comments and wondered whether they would be considered as influential or as critiques. I've always stated that the aim of writing my comments was to be universally positive. I had to find something worthwhile, even in the stories I did not like. Or understand. (It's a lot easier to do than I thought because the stories are always so good across the board.)

As a whole people seem to like me doing my comments (There is even a thread of thanks dedicated to me which maintains a special place in my heart).

I quite like doing them but if as a whole people would rather I stop I will take no offence)

Anyhoo, let's move on to the more important issues.

As I say life is in a bit of a emotional mess, so I've done a quick read through again (having lost my list) and came up with the following honourable mentions.

TheTomG
Paranoid Marvin
Aun Doorback
telford
Ursa
Parson
mosaix
Hex
TEiN
Stormfeather
Cul

I think some of the whimsy really touched me this month. That being said, my top three of Ursa, Stormfeather and Aun all stuck with me and it was a very, very hard call. All the way through I kept going back to Aun's.

When it was pointed out there was an error in it I switched on the strength of that, but it felt wrong. I did not notice the error, and as such I think it only right I go with my original choice.

Aun Doorback gets my vote by a whisper.

Many thanks to Grizzgreen711 for the vote, and if anyone mentioned my story many, many thanks. I should mention names, but I'm just not on my game. Sorry

 

[Ursa major]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

Thanks for the shortlisting, Perp.








.

 

[StormFeather]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

no worries Anya!

Perp Man - Thank you so much for the shortlisting! And I for one hope you do continue to provide your comments - I know that even if my story doesn't make a short list, you will always make me feel good about my entry.

 

[TheTomG]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

Thanks for the mentions Hex and Perpetual! My vote is not yet cast, and I'm out at a store (waiting on the wife) so not the best time for me to read the last entries I've not seen, so expect my vote in a few hours!

Been away for the forums for a week or more due to life being particularly unpleasant of late, but about to try and get back on here regularly (was that a few groans I heard? Heh!)

 

[Bob Senior]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

Thanks for the mention Storm Feather, does wonders for my ego to see my name on someones list.
Perp, hope that you get things sorted out, your positive comments brighten the lives of many people.
Bob

 

[Droflet]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

To DA and PM, thank you so much for the listings. And PM, hang in there; we all appreciate you kindness and support.

Special thanks to Stormfeather for the vote. Didn't see that one coming. Ta.

 

[Starbeast]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

Thanks for the honourable mention Starbeast - even though I did get in ahead of you with my Star Wars tale!

No worries, I'm a good sport. I was really suprised at how fast others began posting their entries before I had any ideas for my own tale. Fortunately three stories blossumed in my mind, I chose tale #2.

At the end of a busy Sunday it's been nice to contemplate the fact that I have 2 votes! Thanks ever so much to Starbeast and Anyakimlin.

After rereading all twenty-nine of my contest choices a few times, yours stood out Parson. Excellent job.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

No worries, I'm a good sport. I was really suprised at how fast others began posting their entries before I had any ideas for my own tale. Fortunately three stories blossumed in my mind, I chose tale #2.

Usually it goes a whopping seven minutes or so before someone posts a story -- at least when Karn was in top form! This one was rather sluggish at the start by comparison to past challenges. But slow and steady still gets the entries up there.

 

[Parson]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

Thanks for the short list mention Stormfeather and Perpetual Man. My story has gathered a lot more interest than I expected, and that is always pleasant indeed. I have yet to vote, but this week is bizarrely busy. I might have to short circuit my process and simply vote and short list on the basis of those that made a good first impression. Off to discover how much time I actually have left to vote.

----------------

Ok,

Unfortunately there is not enough time in my day to do this with my usual accounting method. I went with the stories that I made an immediate impact on me thusly

Shortlist:
The Dusty Zebra
Boneman
The End Is Nigh
StormFeather
The Judge
Teresa Edgerton

Shorter list:

The Dusty Zebra
StormFeather
The Judge

The vote:

I voted for The Dusty Zebra. The image of a horny unicorn could not be erased from my mind. It reminded me of Mouse's Snow White stories. It totally changed the way I would look at these kind of stories forever.

MOUSE ____ Where are you? I missed your story.

 

[TheTomG]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

I have to be up in 3 hours for work, but, had to come and cast my vote! My shortlist included (in no particular order) Harebrain, TDZ, Hex, High Eight, Ökuþórr, Perpetual Man, Storm Feather.

Thanks to all the contributors! This has become one of my favorite items anywhere on the web, both the challenge to write something, and the pleasure of reading what others write (followed by another challenge, that of picking a favorite!)

EDIT - Of course Chel's is a bit of an "in joke" given that it's about the process of writing, but that is what added to it for me. A lovely piece of humor that reflects a genuine difficulty and very real pleasure of the writing process, when your character dictates what you can and cannot do with them! I found that very appealing and helped put it ahead by a nose, whisker, eyebrow, whatever small measure you might want to consider, and edge it into the winning spot against some tough competition. Just to share some of the 'why' behind my selection.

 

[Chel]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

Thank you, Stormfeather, for the mention, and thank you even moe, TomG, for the vote and the encouraging words. Same to Chris of course!

I've never had this many votes in one month before, I'm so thrilled!

 

[StormFeather]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

Thanks for the mention Storm Feather, does wonders for my ego to see my name on someones list.

No problem! I know what a lift I get from seeing my name on someones list, hence I always try to do a shortlist as it's the next best thing I can do after voting to show my appreciation.

Of course whittling all the entries down to make a shortlist is a pretty agonising process - and I always wish I could name pretty much everyone as the standards are so high and the variety that one theme can produce is so exciting.

And now I must thank Parson and TomG for mentioning me on their lists - a very happy day for me

 

[Mouse]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

The vote:

I voted for The Dusty Zebra. The image of a horny unicorn could not be erased from my mind. It reminded me of Mouse's Snow White stories. It totally changed the way I would look at these kind of stories forever.

MOUSE ____ Where are you? I missed your story.

Woo! Weird to get a mention when I wasn't in it! Parson, you're only one who voted for my horny unicorn story that time... I think it was in the month I'd picked the Seven Deadly Sins theme.

And I'm glad I've twisted your perception of Snow White forever.

Chel, I almost voted for you as your story reminded me of one of Chrispy's and I thought it was just as good. (Check out Mythaxis magazine!)

 

[Highlander]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

Woo-hoo! Another couple of short list mentions! - Thanks Chrispenycate and Stormfeather. Especially to you SF for the very very short listing as well.

You both know how to bring on a smile

Onwards and upwards to the October challenge!

 

[Boneman]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

Perp, your synopses of our stories are one of the major highlights of taking part in the challenge, (along with getting mentions and votes) one that I'm sure we all look forward to, and I thank you for the work you selflessly put in, since you mention every single entry. And since it's actually your take on our words, I can't see how it can infuence voting, as there are often different interpretations that can be derived. Please don't stop, unless it's adding to your problems at the moment and I sincerely hope life starts giving you better possibilities.

Mouse, I thought your non-entry this month was the best of the non-entries. I'd have voted for it...

And thank you, for more mentions and shortlists, from those above (can't look back or Virgin will dump me off the internet!). You know who you are

And an incredible thank you to Culhwch for the vote! It's only taken me minutes to get to the voting bit and find it was there, (virgin Broadband is sick today), and it feels great to see it. Very much appreciated, it's made my day.

 

[HareBrain]

Re: Discussion September 2011 Writing Challenge

Lots of goodies as usual. Paranoid Marvin, Phyrebrat and Highlander were my runners-up, but my vote goes to Aun Doorback for his mad little piece of arachnocosmology, which kept creeping into my consciousness even when I was nowhere near the website. Creeping on too many spiny, multi-jointed legs ...