Discussion Thread - SEVENTY-FIVE WORD WRITING CHALLENGE May 2013

[TheDustyZebra]

I noticed that, too, Parson -- it's not uncommon for our combined view to be rather dark, on any topic, but it seems particularly disheartening when the topic is Legacy.

I, on the other hand, you may note, was seized with an uncharacteristic streak of optimism in mine.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Parson, suffice to say, I had you in mind when I wrote mine, and hoped you'd see something of a legacy in it. (I know I often write very dark stuff for your taste, I hoped this would include a bit of a legacy from your sort of work)

Vanishes before she gets a wrist slap from the mods for commenting.

 

[Perpetual Man]

Wow, thanks, Perp! You make me (or at least my story) sound truly amazing.

I calls 'em as I sees 'em.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Well, it was truly amazing, because it came along before the last possible second. That hasn't happened lately!

I actually made it onto page 2. What will I do next?

 

[Parson]

I noticed that, too, Parson -- it's not uncommon for our combined view to be rather dark, on any topic, but it seems particularly disheartening when the topic is Legacy.

I, on the other hand, you may note, was seized with an uncharacteristic streak of optimism in mine.

You certainly did have a streak of optimism at the very end when it seemed like all was lost. Thank you for that.

Parson, suffice to say, I had you in mind when I wrote mine, and hoped you'd see something of a legacy in it. (I know I often write very dark stuff for your taste, I hoped this would include a bit of a legacy from your sort of work)

Vanishes before she gets a wrist slap from the mods for commenting.

It did not go unnoticed, nor was it unappreciated.

 

[Bowler1]

our combined view seem bleak indeed.

Getting high drama into 75 words is not easy as I've been learning over the last year (I blame alchemist, he recommended this competition to me - I'm a 75 word junkie now!). Using the end of the world or similiar as a tool helps the drama along a bit, so that's where most of us go. Your idea as ever, Parson, was a bit odd, but a very nice odd this month, as they usually are now I think on it. I'd like to say I'll post something nice next month but it's very unlikley - I like the dark stuff!

 

[chrispenycate]

I s'pose I was a trifle negative (you should see the entire piece before I cut it down. Better still, you shouldn't, and won't). Put it down to moving. Or just pessimistic old me.

Help! penultimate submissions day, and only thirty three entries? How is it that this theme did not draw more? And a goodly selection of newcomers, too – could it be that the established crew are beginning to feel less – challenged?

Thanks Perp and Starbeast for noticing my little piece, you always make them sound better than I'd felt when the writing/editing was finished. Almost as if they weren't quite as bad as all that, after all.

DEO – Moffit's "Genesis Quest", yes? No, great to adapt ideas from outside into this format, I have frequently been there, and you certainly filed the serial numbers off this one.

 

[Bowler1]

I thought things were a bit slow as well, Chrispy. But... if this month ends up the same as past months we can look forward to 15+ posts in the next 48 hours, so massive entertainment may be just ahead. I think this month will be in and around the 50 average. All the polishers are starting to eye the deadline, while muttering under their breaths as they fuss over individual words.

I’ve done a quick shifty back to January and it looks like the polishers do get more votes when compared to the early entries. I have said I’d hang on and wait, but I get too excited!

 

[Luiglin]

I’ve done a quick shifty back to January and it looks like the polishers do get more votes when compared to the early entries. I have said I’d hang on and wait, but I get too excited!

I've noticed this but it could be that late entries are more fresh in readers minds. This theory doesn't work for me though as I deliberately never read any of the entries until the voting starts. They are all fresh then to me

 

[Bowler1]

I've noticed this but it could be that late entries are more fresh in readers minds. This theory doesn't work for me though as I deliberately never read any of the entries until the voting starts. They are all fresh then to me

Maybe, but like you I try and vote with no bais, but I do read the posts every few days. Something to bear in mind all the same.

It would be good to know (if any polisher is willing to share with us?) if late entries are posted in a moment of panic as time runs out - or - are these posts the result of weeks of fussing?

 

[AnyaKimlin]

Thanks Starbeast & Perp for your wonderful insights that, as always, make my stories sound considerably more insightful than I intended.

Mine is downbeat because I was when I wrote it lol My mood last month was consumed with my ME. It is also why it was late.

Do the polishers get more votes because of polishing or like the Eurovision contest because of placing? Even last minute readers usually read in order.

 

[stormcrow]

Does seem like a quiet month so far.
Not a polisher myself, simply not come up with what I'd consider a worthy idea yet; am I alone in that?
Most months I've managed to post in good time but am becalmed in the Sargasso-like space that I call 'my brain'. A little over a day left, so it's time to get my stick on the ice and get creative!

Looking forward to reading all the entries - as always!

 

[Perpetual Man]

It felt strange not polishing this month, just getting it up and that was it...

Anyhoo...

Cul – If ever there were a greater truth told... Sometimes it really does seem as though those things remembers are the ones that should not. That one slight mistake and you will always remembered for it rather than all the wonderful things. And this tale is pitch perfect in its capture of that. It makes you wonder what truths are hidden away behind the more gruesome historic stories.

Tactical Loco – A grim look at the world, where the poor are oppressed to the degree that they can do nothing about it, but by more covert means, that seemingly perfect trap in which they strive to better themselves but those that live in luxury encourage their endeavour knowing that the only people who truly benefit are themselves.

Drethon – An excellent story, well told and another truth. On the grander scale the end of a war, especially a long and bitter conflict should be a call for celebration, but often it is easy to forget that under the surface there are those that fought and suffered, and for them the return to normality might not be the same. Everything they knew is gone, and perhaps they might feel asa though they should not have made it back alive. Powerful.

Aun – A very clever entry (if I read it right), that takes a look at things form a more professional vantage point, and is, in its own way, rather amusing too. When one project is in the eyes of those that run it, a failure, perhaps the best thing to do is admit it is beyond repair,cast it aside and start again. Not so sure whether that is for the best when those making the decisions are deities and angels.

Alc. - Sometimes the biggest enemy is not the foe you fight physically, neither is it that unexpected twist of someone closer to you, but it is the jealousy that gets in under the skin of the one that is close to you. That green-eyes monster is responsible for so many things, and once again here it is the force that brings the hero down low. A serious tale hidden beneath the fun, colour and panache.

 

[jimness]

oo, I have been quiet! Anyway thought I'd give this a go. Quick lunch-break story so apologies if you think it needs brushing up...

 

[ratsy]

I agree with Parson on the negativity being prevalent in our stories but some themes draw it out a little. When I think of Legacy it is almost a "sins of our fathers" kind of feeling. I am not normally a negative person (or try not to be) but I find it easier to write these small stories and make them deeper with a slightly dark twist.

That being said, the best success I have had in these challenges have been with my lighter ones...so there is that

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Bowler, I can assure you that when I post at the last minute (which is usually), it's because I didn't think of anything until then. I can't make myself sit on anything even overnight, after it's done!

(But I like being called a polisher instead of a procrastinator.)

 

[Aun Doorback]

Thanks Perp for painting such positive spins on our stories!

Been absent for a while and coming back to this fanatstic group brings an immediate smile to my face and a much needed burst of enthusiasim.

 

[Bowler1]

I can't make myself sit on anything even overnight, after it's done!

I know that feeling.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Culhwch -- a moody, poetic fable

TacticalLoco -- a darkly satiric anthem

Drethon -- (first post; welcome!) -- a bleak interior monologue

Aun Doorback -- an unexpected revelation

alchemist -- manages to be an amusing poem of revenge

Parson -- a unique sample of sociological SF

AJB -- deals with a vast expanse of time in a few words

Moonbat -- a surprising punchline to this droll tale

jimness -- a clever variation on a familiar legend

 

[Parson]

Parson -- a unique sample of sociological SF

Thanks. Does unique mean odd?

Ratsy said:

When I think of Legacy it is almost a "sins of our fathers" kind of feeling.

This is exactly what I am getting at. Why do so many of us see only the negative side of our legacy. I'm all for celebrating the good things that have been handed down, and working to make those bad things better. --- I'm not a Pollyanna. I think that there are a lot of ugly things out there, but neither am I a nihilist. I've read the last chapter and good wins!