Discussion thread -- seventy-five word challenge September 2013

[Victoria Silverwolf]

pyan -- This brief tale makes use of an ordinary conversation in a very unusual situation, and effectively reminds us that domestic concerns can have unexpected consequences outside the home.

 

[Tywin]

Thanks for the review Victoria!

 

[chrispenycate]

Bonus points for "susurration".

Well, when limited to words, not characters, I'm allowed to use multisyllabics. And that one's good enough no-one needs to look it up in a dictionary; it says exactly what it sounds like.

Thanks Victoria! I'm up against some tough competition here.

I don't like to think of it as 'competition'. The challenge is by you, of yourself. Certainly votes and mentions are a great kick, but the story I'm proudest of was not the one I won with, not even took the most work – just the one I thought worked best. Being long winded, getting any concept through such a word limit is a genuine challenge for me, so I gain experience and confidence every time I suspect that someone's understood a message I had attempted to encode.

Thank you Victoria for taking the time to comment on my piece (which I now realise could have accepted more work on its title, had I not wanted it posted before flying out) Of course they use understated language; they are British, not over-exciteable Rebs.

 

[Bowler1]

Thanks Victoria! I'm up against some tough competition here.

I'd have to agree with Chrispy but with a slight twist. I think I've had a grand total of two votes so far, and one of them on my first ever so clearly beginners luck! But... I've had a series of 75 word entries grow into a story, an idea I'm sure would never have seen the light of day if I'd not been pushed for creative ideas on here. For that alone it's all been worth while, for me anyway.

 

[Juliana]

I agree, the challenges are a great way to think outside your own personal box, push your limits. Even if no one else likes them! And, as Bowler said, they often spark great ideas. I'm working on a story right now that is based on one of my 300-word entries.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

So far, I've had three novels from them...

 

[Bowler1]

Three novels - gasp - then I realise its Springs, the fastest typing in the west.

Anyway I'm glad to see its not just me getting inspiration online. Reason enough to keep going and try your luck with the 75 words I'd say, who knows, it could be a best seller - or three!

 

[stormcrow]

Bowler1 & jastius - yes, me too! The extra stimulus is really valuable, and I also use these challenges to test ideas I'm working on.

And yes, my keyboard would have some kind of shock is , for example, springs took it over for a while...I type like a snail, without the goo!

 

[Jo Zebedee]

To be fair, only one of the three is completed.

I got from the challenges, btw:

One on innocence (a 75 worder) became Inish Carraig

One on colours (75 worder) became Galaxy of Flowers, which is trunked but blosoming in my mind

One on a boat (300 worder) became Waters.

And, y'know... Goat girl and the cursed beach... There's something in that, when I ever find the time.

 

[Luiglin]

I must admit to jotting down a few chapters to develop the Dark Lord and his Minion that I've used in both a 75 and a 300. I had to stop myself because it was getting too much fun and diverting me away from the main WiP which only has around 3 chapters left.

 

[JordanSC5]

Thank you as always Victoria!

 

[Bowler1]

And yes, my keyboard would have some kind of shock is , for example, springs took it over for a while...I type like a snail, without the goo!

I wonder if a gooey keyboard could even slow Springs down? Please send your garden snails to Bowler1, I have a plan...

 

[David Evil Overlord]

To be fair, only one of the three is completed.

I got from the challenges, btw:

One on innocence (a 75 worder) became Inish Carraig

One on colours (75 worder) became Galaxy of Flowers, which is trunked but blosoming in my mind

One on a boat (300 worder) became Waters.

And, y'know... Goat girl and the cursed beach... There's something in that, when I ever find the time.

So, two 75 word novels, and one 300 word novel?

 

[Jo Zebedee]

So, two 75 word novels, and one 300 word novel?

Dang. Rumbled.

 

[chrispenycate]

So, whether it's 'just a bit of fun', forcing one's imagination to come up with inspiration on a theme one would never otherwise have investigated, training in data compression and what can be left out of stories while the narrative remains comprehensible (or, just as valuable, discovering which details, obvious to the author, cannot be discarded with impunity), forced analysis of other people's offerings, so as to vote fairly (oh, yes, the voting process is educational, too), or just the nervous, warm sensation of having something you have written surveyed and not merely skimmed by others whose opinion one values, the process is far more cooperative than it is competitive.

Just the mental exercise of finding an alternative viewpoint on some concept, to avoid being just 'one of the mob' is worthwhile exercise in its own right, like a dancer's stretching and warmup. This is a barre, with mirrored walls to reflect your personal achievement, and an invited audience who will never mock you for falling on your butt, applaud your attempts even, or perhaps especially, when you dare to overreach, as they are all awaiting their turn with the pianist. And should you succeed, all ready to congratulate, a minuscule residue of 'oh, I wish I'd found that turn of phrase' just spicing the applause, accentuating the intimacy.

Your next challenge, should you accept it…

 

[David Evil Overlord]

Challenge accepted. Story posted.

 

[Juliana]

Just the mental exercise of finding an alternative viewpoint on some concept, to avoid being just 'one of the mob' is worthwhile exercise in its own right, like a dancer's stretching and warmup. This is a barre, with mirrored walls to reflect your personal achievement, and an invited audience who will never mock you for falling on your butt, applaud your attempts even, or perhaps especially, when you dare to overreach, as they are all awaiting their turn with the pianist. And should you succeed, all ready to congratulate, a minuscule residue of 'oh, I wish I'd found that turn of phrase' just spicing the applause, accentuating the intimacy.

Very nice!

 

[I_Voyager]

Please vote for me. If I win, I promise to make the theme "Sandwich",and the setting "Tupperware."

On second thought... Maybe that'll discourage votes...

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Please vote for me. If I win, I promise to make the theme "Sandwich",and the setting "Tupperware."

On second thought... Maybe that'll discourage votes...

You can't scare us. We've written "Nourishment" in the style of Kipling. We can take anything you can throw at us.

 

[David Evil Overlord]

Robots eating Tupperware sandwiches. Needs more plastic.