Discussion thread -- seventy-five word challenge October 2013

[TheDustyZebra]

Yeah, people with dirty minds!!

That's not the structure, that's the substance -- the meat of it, as it were.

 

[The Judge]

There are 20 entries so far and 20 days to go

You'll find we often have an opening flurry of people who can't wait once the Challenge is open (whom one might call the incontinents ), a slow trickle during the middle of the month (the well-balanced ) and a number who can't get their act together until the last few days of the Challenge, or in some cases, the last few hours (the costive ). Which reminds me. Where have we put the syrup of figs...?

- How many do we usually end up with?

Ah-ha! *rolls her sleeves up*

In 2010-11 we had 570 entries, so an average of 47.5; the lowest number of entries was 42 (twice), the highest 57.

In 2011-12, 612 entries in the 12 months, so an average of 51; the lowest number was 42 again, and the highest 59 (twice).

In 2012-13, 670 entries, so an average of just shy of 56; the lowest 43, the highest 75.

In the 6 months of the 2013-14 season to date, 284 giving an average of something over 47; lowest 42, highest 57.

So altogether, 2136 entries with an average of not quite 51. Basically, what Chris already said rather more succinctly...

There are at least 42, and the maximum we've managed was 75. Call it around fifty.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Crosses her leg and looks at the 300 thread plaintively*

*may be a slight exaggeration. I assume a doodle of a tree and three thought bubbles don't constitute polished nicely....

 

[Remedy]

Brilliant. Thank you Chrispenycate and The Judge. Most informative and I love a good bit of statistics. Om nom nom. Appologies if I used the wrong thread.

 

[The Judge]

Absolutely the right thread! And if you like statistics... (copies one of Chris's evil grins...) http://www.sffchronicles.co.uk/forum/542355-writing-challenge-statistics.html

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

devaed -- This introspective meditation on courage and sacrifice offers us hope, in even the darkest moments.

 

[Remedy]

Absolutely the right thread! And if you like statistics... (copies one of Chris's evil grins...) http://www.sffchronicles.co.uk/forum/542355-writing-challenge-statistics.html

* Notes to self --> Explore Forums more!

Thank you

 

[TheDustyZebra]

I guess I'm becoming incontinent lately.

Though, if you ask around in the Workshop, I'm balancing it out nicely over there.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

I guess I'm becoming incontinent lately.

Though, if you ask around in the Workshop, I'm balancing it out nicely over there.

I was incontinent there too.

 

[hopewrites]

no one's trying to *air-quote* cure *close air quote* you Spring dear.

where would the world be if springs didnt run fast and clear with life sustaining water?
then i ask you, where would we be if our spring didnt run fast and clear with thought provoking, mirth-inducing, life enriching stories?

 

[devaed]

Thanks Victoria!

 

[Tisiphone]

Typically this month I posted early. If I could change it I would and u know its not 75 words and it's probably not protocol but I wanted to share my thoughts right now. Please forgive me but I lost my little grand-daughter 2 days ago. She was just 7 years old x


Run free little one.

And once in a while send me your laughter on the wind so that I may hear it.

And send me the rain that it may hide my tears

And bring me the sunshine so I can see your smile and lift my heart

And send me the thunder so I can recall the effect of your coming

And the lightening to remind me how quickly I fell in love. May it strike my heart so i can feel the pain

And send me a butterfly to whisper in my ear the words you never spoke

And leave me a flower so I can remember your scent

And send me a fog when I need to hide

And haunt my dreams forever so I never forget your beautiful face

Run free little one. Stay close!

 

[Hex]

That's beautiful, Tisiphone. I'm very sorry to hear about your granddaughter.


(I don't think it breaches protocol, since it's completely different from your 75 worder).

 

[Jo Zebedee]

I don't think protocol matters, Tisiphone, if there is anything that can give you comfort. You, and your family, will be in my thoughts.

 

[chrispenycate]

Hugs the fury – hopelessly, but what more can a mortal do for comfort?

West Sussex – I could almost do it physically.

No, I have no children or grandchildren, but that doesn't stop me imagining my beautiful, independent (chocoholic) grand niece extinguished, and how it would feel. I mourn. Seven? how did it happen?

Perhaps this isn't the thread for the news, but there again, there's nowhere right for news like that. And here your friends are (believe it), and now hers.

 

[jastius]

that poem is very beautiful tisiphone. i am so sorry about your granddaughter.
your granddaughter sounds like a very beautiful child. that is truly a tragedy. i am so sorry you have to bear this.
when we lose someone so beloved it leaves a silence in ones heart.
the poor little dear.

 

[The Judge]

No problems at all about protocol, Tisiphone. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. It's a lovely memorial to her, and I hope it brings you, her parents, and all her family and friends a measure of comfort in this terrible time.

 

[alchemist]

I'm very sorry to hear that, Tisiphone. My thoughts (and a whole lot of empathy) are with you and your family.

 

[Juliana]

That's beautiful, Tisiphone. I'm so, so sorry to hear of your family's loss.

 

[Phyrebrat]

So sorry to hear about your loss, Tisiphone

pHx