Discussion - February 2011 - 75 Word Challenge

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I voted for Bob the first time around, so it was only fair that I voted for his story in the tie-breaker, too. Although, after reading both stories again (for the umpteenth time), I must admit, a bit of indecision did begin to creep in.

Both stories are excellent, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading each of them - much like the rest of the amazing entries this month.

Good luck in the tie-break, guys. I await the result with bated breath. :)
 
I echo that: "Good Luck" to both of you!

Springs - fascinating explanation. Enjoyed your story anyway, but always good to learn what lies behind (or should that be beneath) the idea.

My 'Thomas' was inspired by the folk-hero Thomas Learmont, the 13th century Scottish prophet, and protagonist of Sir walter Scott's Thomas the Rhymer (well worth a read), but the similarity ends with his relationship with the wee folk.

Seeing as you asked, I wrote the following (75 words again) to follow-on; I hope you like it:


…and how the fairies got their revenge (or The Prologue in Ercildoune)

Lazily, Bogle Brook shapes the western edge of Huntleigh Bank, it’s ancient banks embraced in the root-grip of hawthorn, hazel and willow. On certain torpid summer evenings, the air is pin-pricked: iridescent with life.

Beneath the twisted willows, they emerge: scintillating wings paint brilliant invocations; flashes of magic, memory and light.

“Are they fireflies, daddy?”

“No, child; they are your ancestors”.

Enchanted, young Thomas forgot this to his ultimate cost.

Changeling: first fairy to die.
 
I said I'd put up a couple of words about my story, Marduk's Eternal Duty after the voting.

Marduk was a God from Mesopotamia and the planet associated with him was Jupiter. I had planned to call it Capitolinus Optimus Maximus, which when googled gives you a page full of references to Jupiter. However I decided against that title after Reiver33 used a latin expression for his title.

Some (though not all, but you have to pick a theory to go with) believe that Jupiter (and Saturn) acted as guardians for the inner solar system protecting us from comets from the Oort Cloud. Simulations have shown them either ejecting the comets into interstellar space or drawing them in to impact on themselves.

So the protagionist of my story was the planet Jupiter a guardian devoted to and taking the hits for its ward, Earth.
 
I didn't realise the Jupiter connection in the name, but I got the gas giant protecting the inhabited planet. The way I've seen it put is that without the gas giants in our system the Earth may never have developed much life as they seem to take out most of the bigger threats. How true, I don't know, but it made for a good story.
 
Thanks for the votes Spurring Platty and *picks self up of floor* Chrispy, never dreamed I'd be able to pass your strict criteria:) Didn't think my little take on Greyfriars Bobby would generate so many shortlists never mind given me my record number of votes.

I voted for Teresa first time round so will be Teresa again.
 
Spurring Platty -- Thanks for the Short Listing.

I voted for Bob in the tie breaker.

I was left wondering if I missed something in the directions when two "ghost" stories make it to the final judgment.:confused:
 
Abernovo said:
I didn't realise the Jupiter connection in the name, but I got the gas giant protecting the inhabited planet. The way I've seen it put is that without the gas giants in our system the Earth may never have developed much life as they seem to take out most of the bigger threats. How true, I don't know, but it made for a good story.
Click to expand...
Well it's one theory Abernovo, there is actually another 'camp' that believe they might have done the opposite; attracting in more comets to the inner system and perturbing the orbits of the asteroid belt. As I said you've got to pick which theory you want to go with.

springs1971 said:
A fabulous sci fi take on it, Vertigo.
Click to expand...
Thanks Springs :D
 
Haven't done this in a while, but here some my rejected stories... (The word count might be slightly off, but I would have played with them a bit later had I chosen to run with the tales)


The sword with which I killed was consecrated with the prayers of my brothers.
I fought and slew at the command of the priests; conveying the word of God.
I found peace in the arms of a woman of grace; love in the eyes and the hearts of the children she gifted me.
And now my brothers have found me.
I shall fight them and I shall die.
But I will buy time.
I will not hear my love, my children cry.

He knelt in silent prayer, sword before him, eyes closed.
The door creaked open and his former brothers slipped silently into the chill temple.
“One of the best of us, nothing could sway him from God’s work.
“Then... the woman.”
He smiled.
“You would die for her?”
The smile never wavered. “I would. For love. For Truth. For my God. Not for the capricious lies of a high priest.”

When he first embraced me, it was like being released from cold stone. Only in his hands was I alive; with his touch I danced. I burned alive.
People looked at me in wonder and awe.
I will never betray him.
Not like that cheating whore.
Together we, linked forever.
I, Excalibur.
 
Ooh, I love the last one! That would have been a serious contender for me.

The first one has some gorgeous language, but it's a little off somehow -- I'm sure it would also have been terrific in its final form.
 
Thanks TDZ, I think that's what I felt about the first one, I liked it but there was something not quite right...

Yeah I nearly went with the last one, but...

To be honest I went with my least favourite, because it was the most fun, and I just wanted something fun for once, if that makes sense.
 
I liked the one you posted most of all, Perp. What you said about something fun makes complete sense. I wanted to try something new this month, something that I wouldn't normally write. I wasn't entirely happy with it, but it was nice to have a change.

So, if I wanted a change, why shouldn't you have a little fun?:)
 
I liked the first and third ones Perp. But both had a line that jarred with me and spoilt it. The first one was "But I will buy time" - the language didn't seem to fit with the rest. And the second was the "Not like that..." where again the language didn't seem to fit with the rest. Other than that I loved them; in particular the poetic prose. Lovely.
 
Wow , thanks Ursa - you made my day (and it's only just begun!)

Well done to the 2 finalists. Both great entries, Bob gets my vote.
 
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