Discussion -- November 2011 Challenge

[TheDustyZebra]

Ok, I finally got something up there. This has definitely been the hardest one for me to get any ideas for -- I got my first idea yesterday, but then as I started to write it I realized that it wasn't even faintly fantasy. My next idea was at least faintly fantasy, so I'm going with it before I run out of time and forget to post -- this is the very busiest week of the year at work, and I might lose track of things.

 

[Arkose]

Glade this is still being done. Been working hard to finish college (2 weeks left) and trying to make connections for jobs. I am looking forward to doing these once again in mid December!

see you till then.

 

[Parson]

Well I've posted, and Karn to the contrary, this was a hard challenge for me. I'm unsure whether I think it's any good or not. I seem to swing like a pendulum on this one.

 

[Phoenixthewriter]

2 days left, and some phenomenal entries this time. I think the halloween one was very much all over the place. These ones however really seem to share a very similar emotional impression from one to the next.

It's going to be tough as nails to vote come Thursday!

 

[High Eight]

Did it with a day to spare!

I don't know why, but I really struggled with this one. In the end, I was listening to an old Fairport Convention album (not while trying to write, just relaxing) and a song sneaked into my head and wouldn't go away. If you know Fairport you might recognise it from reading my story - though I hope I haven't followed it that slavishly........

 

[hopewrites]

Moonbat that is hilarious! what a coupon to have to try and redeem.

 

[Parson]

Moonbat I'm jealous. Among my ideas of a story about redemption was "Redeeming Green Stamps." But had no idea how to carry it out. You did!! Well done!!

 

[Moonbat]

Why thank you both.

I've been in comedy mode this month after attempting (and completing) NaNoWriMo.
I wasn't sure if I would even enter the 75 worder, but when I had time, and knew I couldn't compete with the serious emotional stories, I just had to do something light hearted.

 

[nixie]

Moonbat, I hope the goblin princess gave permission for the teeth or someone may be in trouble.

 

[hopewrites]

mosaix I like it. I couldnt help the evil snicker that i got from the blame shift. well executed

 

[mosaix]

mosaix I like it. I couldnt help the evil snicker that i got from the blame shift. well executed

Thanks, hopewrites. I was beginning to despair with this month's challenge and last night I thought I'd better just get on with it. I had a germ of an idea that went through three or four transformations and an hour later it was more or less complete.

 

[Bob Senior]

Howdy,
I've got nothing this month, my story was also about redeeming coupons but I just couldn't get it anywhere near 75 words. So I will save my story about smoking them Raleigh cigarettes for valuable coupons (1 coupon on every pack, 5 extra by the carton).
I will be sure to vote though, lots of good stuff this month.
Bob

 

[Culhwch]

I honestly don't know if I'm going to get an entry into my own challenge! I've got nothing as well!

 

[hopewrites]

I honestly don't know if I'm going to get an entry into my own challenge! I've got nothing as well!

*playful gasp* how will you ever redeem yourself? *trys not to laugh at her own joke that may or may not have been helpful in sparking ideas*

 

[hopewrites]

nice! i like it, like the way you so quickly and subtly instilled in me the faith that he will not fail, like the long history set up in the words "as an old man i tire of the sight of blood" poignantly poetic. like that his end is uncertain, even with the faith in his abilities you skillfully set up. i love that he is a man to be respected and admired in his selfless devotion to redeeming himself, despite everything he has done to put him in a position to need redeeming.
subtle and well done i say.

 

[StormFeather]

I'm afraid time ran out on me, and my brain refuses to cooperate any more. It's a poor entry, but the best that I can muster this month. I considered not entering at all, but that felt wrong, having only missed the first months challenge.

Anyway, I have duvet covers to make for my daughters dolly bed for her birthday tomorrow, presents to wrap and balloons to blow up. I'm trying to stay awake, but it's proving very tough!

 

[The Judge]

I had a difficult job, too. I actually had an idea last week, but the first and last lines wanted to be part of a poem, but the middle wouldn't co-operate. Then I junked the poem idea, and none of it would co-operate...

Good luck with your daughter's birthday, Storm. I trust there will be jelly and cake!

 

[Ursa major]

My idea only came to me as I was waiting for tonight's BSO concert** to start. I didn't get back until ten and spent the first few minutes online checking that no-one had used a similar idea (which would, if they had, have saved me from having to write the entry).




** - Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto (with Louis Lortie as the soloist), Mahler's First Symphony

 

[The Judge]

Well, I'm glad it came to you -- it made me laugh! Though how you got to it waiting for the BSO (and Kirill Karabits?) I don't know!

 

[Ursa major]

Tonight's conductor was Kees Bakels (aka Cheese Bagels amongst some of the audience, apparently); he was our Principal Guest Conductor for about a decade and still visits at least once a season.


As for the idea, I'd read Boaz's post, in the Kindle Edition thread (GRRM sub-forum), about his troubles when trying to return a DVD to a store in the US (Best Buy, I think). At the time, it didn't spark anything, but sitting in the audience, saying and doing nothing, allowed this incident to gel into what I've eventually posted.