It's our own silly fault, you know -- I voted for mosaix, and we both voted for TJ! 
I feel the pink taffeta drifting down....
I feel the pink taffeta drifting down....
Discussion - 300 Word Challenge #11
- Thread starter Culhwch
- Start date
It's our own silly fault, you know -- I voted for mosaix, and we both voted for TJ!
I feel the pink taffeta drifting down....
It's why I vote early. I don't trust my moral backbone to be honest when put to the test. But yes, darn me.
i voted for you, too.
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How can anyone vote early? Even starting reading and filling in the spread sheet from the moment I've posted it takes me days to eliminate stories from the short(ish) list.
Many thanks High eight for the vote, and for voting without ever (as far as I can see) having submitted to the three hundred word challenge.
Many thanks High eight for the vote, and for voting without ever (as far as I can see) having submitted to the three hundred word challenge.
It's why I vote early. I don't trust my moral backbone to be honest when put to the test. But yes, darn me.
Oh, yeah, there was that.
Many thanks for the mention, High Eight
Uh oh, this could get interesting. How big a tie-break vote can we have?
Still three and a bit days to go, though.
Uh oh, this could get interesting. How big a tie-break vote can we have?
Still three and a bit days to go, though.
Exciting! *gets out comfy chair and offers popcorn around*
Many thanks for the mention, High Eight
Uh oh, this could get interesting. How big a tie-break vote can we have?
Still three and a bit days to go, though.
Since it's the same poll grid as used on the main selection, there's no practical limit. More worrying is how many tie-break votes could be managed before consensus, or total revolt by electors or poll generators.
Now who was it, way back when, who suggested that three votes each would reduce the chance of ties?
Nooooo!!! Not the comfy chair!!
In real life I get to vote once a year or so, local, national and so on. Here I get to vote at least once a month and if I'm really luck four times in a month, or more in the event of random straw polls. And even better, on here, I'm voting for something I'm interested in! So no revolt from me, and if anyone complains about voting I'll zap you with my RAY GUN (any excuse really).
Sounds like a plan to me.
*draws up a bean bag* Caramel popcorn for me, please.
I'm resisting any play on words about revolting people. I am. I am.
Sounds like a plan to me.
*draws up a bean bag* Caramel popcorn for me, please.
I'm resisting any play on words about revolting people. I am. I am.
Eyes the stands warily. Waits for tigers to be released. Ulp.
So if we insisted that you keep voting until you got the "correct" result...?
Okay, that doesn't bear thinking about (and in any case, we'd all get tie-ered of it
), but be careful what you ask for, in case you're given it.
Like Ground Hog day but lasting forever?
Hmm...
Would I get to shoot me guns?
I don't know if I'd fancy it without my RAY GUNS. Actually, now I think of it, I may be a little obsessed!
Hmm...
Would I get to shoot me guns?
I don't know if I'd fancy it without my RAY GUNS. Actually, now I think of it, I may be a little obsessed!
Bowler, still waiting for someone to set Ray Guns as a challenge theme. I even have an entry planned!
No...that will be me when I get enough votes. First, set a theme (or win the 300, I'm not fussy), then, world domination. Sadly, there have been a few delays to my master plan and taking over the world, but I'm still on it!
All hail the great Bowler!
see reason for edit
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Okay…..hmmm…. so…an admission…. I had to look up what a ‘dryad’ was. Are they spelt that way in Greek Mythology? I wonder if it has ever been spelt Driades in the way that Niades and Pleiades are (my late bro was an Egyptology and gave lectures at the BM on Greek and Egyptian gods and goddesses. He once shook a fist at me for pointing out the Pleiades to him and pronouncing it ‘Plee-ay-deez’ telling me it was pronounced ‘ply-adds’, so if my question re Dryads seems a bit ‘hype’ (as the kids I teach would say) at least you now have a context as to why I’m rattling on about this).
My favourite stories (in order of posting):
Springs – A World in a Bottle
The voice is great and instantly compelling, and speaking of first lines, ‘Pa told me never to shake the bottle…’ you know that a) that is exactly what is going to happen; and b) Stand back! I loved the expectation this set up.
Victoria Silverwolf – Daphne and Apollo. For such clarity and a rather mournful tale despite the singing joy of Daphne’s eternal entombment. Anyway, the image of a half-tree, half-statue is an original and evocative one.
The Spurring Platty – Whispers on the Wind. A great simple set up and I enjoyed thinking about the concept of tree poachers; what do they wear, how do they speak, how do they get their booty back? The absence of tree rings is another great invention which also got me seguing into wondering what that could mean if it really happened. The last line and the set up for it are good and deliver the satisfying shiver I enjoy so much in fiction!
Ratsy – No Regrets. How deep a green shade can you colour me with envy for the voicey-ness of this piece. The first paragraph not only introduces the character but does so in such an entertaining, and fully realised way that the rest of the story flows past in seconds. So this one goes on my short list for its great character and voice (and if you tell anyone I shortlisted a tale with a traditionally happy ending, I shall deny even reading it).
Glen – Lost. Okay, I couldn’t let it go too long before letting a misery tale hit my list… I love the fact that this sole voice is the only one that remembers the past. How long ago did this change, I wonder? I imagine it would be horrific to be the only sane person around a mob of lunatics. And would I look for the woman’s face in every female person I see…just in case?
AMB – Lonely Places. Some beautiful images linked with some great turns of phrase. I can’t really comment too much about why I like this story so much as it will give away far too much info on my own rather pessimistic outlook on life. But I loved the opening sequence and could picture it so clearly. Near Southampton there is a place called Cheesefoot Head. I normally drive up there from Bournemouth around Yule with my sis and walk through the ‘allegedly’ haunted forest. It can be an eerie and mysterious place; I think it was the first or second site of the infamous Doug n Dave Crop Circles of the 1980s. The setting of your piece took me there immediately.
Crow – A gun isn’t as Strong as Me. What an opening line. And what an extraordinary piece. I love the streaming chatter of the MC and the hints of either a post apocalyptic pollen allergy, or ….or…something. The success for me of this piece is creating a strong reaction to (for) the story whilst also being offered very little in the way of hard facts. In a way, it reminds me of the subtle lack of exposition used in the recent TV hit Les Revenants.
Stormcrow – Arbor-essence. Here is another story that – like Victoria’s – makes me feel a little bit stupid for not automatically knowing certain references. I do know what Salvia Divinorum is, however! I wonder are these treebeardy trees, or humans with tree souls, or some other kind of being? Poor Beech’s lover, too! I wonder what that one was good for? Patio furniture perhaps? Brewing Budweiser or maybe a drum.
Farntfar – (untitled). What an insane tale with a disturbingly clear narrative… I don’t know if I should be pleased or worried that I can follow it. It’s a nice circular tale, and it’s the second almost stream-of-conscious-y tale in my shortlist. I’m being lazy in evaluating why I like this so much – it just resonated with me, had a good beat that I could dance to.
Mosaix – Putting Down Roots. So evocative and original and there is a sense of creeping dread that although we kinda-sorta know the direction this is going and where it will end, when it does come to that, it is chilling. Like a survivor story where the survivor just gives up on the desert island after being charmed by its sweet airs (with apologies to Shakespeare). Having worked with addiction this really reminds me of the attitudes of survivors of drug abuse.
The Judge – love the voice, again, and of course the story – you can keep your werewolves, sexyvamps, Zombies, JasonFreddyLeatherfaces; the things that scare me are simpler. A body in a tree is so chilling because it is either indicative of someone who had too much to cope with and gave up on life which is tragically sad, or it is about others’ dehumanising themselves enough to hang someone. I wonder if TJ and I channelled the same miserimuse when co-opting the title Strange Fruit for our 300 worders.
My votes:
Ratsy, TSP and AMB (the latter for making a tale that seemed tailor made to my emotional climate of late). I could say that Mosaix, Farntfar and Crow could all be joined on this list.
Great stories, all.
pH
My favourite stories (in order of posting):
Springs – A World in a Bottle
The voice is great and instantly compelling, and speaking of first lines, ‘Pa told me never to shake the bottle…’ you know that a) that is exactly what is going to happen; and b) Stand back! I loved the expectation this set up.
Victoria Silverwolf – Daphne and Apollo. For such clarity and a rather mournful tale despite the singing joy of Daphne’s eternal entombment. Anyway, the image of a half-tree, half-statue is an original and evocative one.
The Spurring Platty – Whispers on the Wind. A great simple set up and I enjoyed thinking about the concept of tree poachers; what do they wear, how do they speak, how do they get their booty back? The absence of tree rings is another great invention which also got me seguing into wondering what that could mean if it really happened. The last line and the set up for it are good and deliver the satisfying shiver I enjoy so much in fiction!
Ratsy – No Regrets. How deep a green shade can you colour me with envy for the voicey-ness of this piece. The first paragraph not only introduces the character but does so in such an entertaining, and fully realised way that the rest of the story flows past in seconds. So this one goes on my short list for its great character and voice (and if you tell anyone I shortlisted a tale with a traditionally happy ending, I shall deny even reading it
).Glen – Lost. Okay, I couldn’t let it go too long before letting a misery tale hit my list… I love the fact that this sole voice is the only one that remembers the past. How long ago did this change, I wonder? I imagine it would be horrific to be the only sane person around a mob of lunatics. And would I look for the woman’s face in every female person I see…just in case?
AMB – Lonely Places. Some beautiful images linked with some great turns of phrase. I can’t really comment too much about why I like this story so much as it will give away far too much info on my own rather pessimistic outlook on life. But I loved the opening sequence and could picture it so clearly. Near Southampton there is a place called Cheesefoot Head. I normally drive up there from Bournemouth around Yule with my sis and walk through the ‘allegedly’ haunted forest. It can be an eerie and mysterious place; I think it was the first or second site of the infamous Doug n Dave Crop Circles of the 1980s. The setting of your piece took me there immediately.
Crow – A gun isn’t as Strong as Me. What an opening line. And what an extraordinary piece. I love the streaming chatter of the MC and the hints of either a post apocalyptic pollen allergy, or ….or…something. The success for me of this piece is creating a strong reaction to (for) the story whilst also being offered very little in the way of hard facts. In a way, it reminds me of the subtle lack of exposition used in the recent TV hit Les Revenants.
Stormcrow – Arbor-essence. Here is another story that – like Victoria’s – makes me feel a little bit stupid for not automatically knowing certain references. I do know what Salvia Divinorum is, however! I wonder are these treebeardy trees, or humans with tree souls, or some other kind of being? Poor Beech’s lover, too! I wonder what that one was good for? Patio furniture perhaps? Brewing Budweiser or maybe a drum.
Farntfar – (untitled). What an insane tale with a disturbingly clear narrative… I don’t know if I should be pleased or worried that I can follow it. It’s a nice circular tale, and it’s the second almost stream-of-conscious-y tale in my shortlist. I’m being lazy in evaluating why I like this so much – it just resonated with me, had a good beat that I could dance to.
Mosaix – Putting Down Roots. So evocative and original and there is a sense of creeping dread that although we kinda-sorta know the direction this is going and where it will end, when it does come to that, it is chilling. Like a survivor story where the survivor just gives up on the desert island after being charmed by its sweet airs (with apologies to Shakespeare). Having worked with addiction this really reminds me of the attitudes of survivors of drug abuse.
The Judge – love the voice, again, and of course the story – you can keep your werewolves, sexyvamps, Zombies, JasonFreddyLeatherfaces; the things that scare me are simpler. A body in a tree is so chilling because it is either indicative of someone who had too much to cope with and gave up on life which is tragically sad, or it is about others’ dehumanising themselves enough to hang someone. I wonder if TJ and I channelled the same miserimuse when co-opting the title Strange Fruit for our 300 worders.
My votes:
Ratsy, TSP and AMB (the latter for making a tale that seemed tailor made to my emotional climate of late
). I could say that Mosaix, Farntfar and Crow could all be joined on this list.Great stories, all.
pH
okay finished dithering .. really short short lists...
short... shorter... really short... show...place ...winners
It’s, Like, a New Beginning, Man -- Tywin
Putting Down Roots -- mosaix
Leave of Absence -- Ursa major
Trespassers and Vandals -- Abernovo
MIA -- alchemist
How Many Shades of Green Was My Valley -- johnnyjet
The Lost Temple of Wotxalotxanonsenstl: A British Adventurer Club Expedition -- Mr Orange
Paradise Lost -- Bowler1
Café au Lait: Big Easy Style -- Phyrebat
Whispers on the Wind -- The Spurring Platty
Avert -- Rafellin
Still Life -- TheDustyZebra
A WORLD IN A BOTTLE. -- springs
No Regrets -- ratsy
Just Add Water -- David Evil Overlord
The Heart of the Unseelie -- Karn Maeshalanadae
Arbor-Essence -- stormcrow
LOOOK OUT -- Boneman
short... shorter... really short... show...place ...winners
It’s, Like, a New Beginning, Man -- Tywin
Putting Down Roots -- mosaix
Leave of Absence -- Ursa major
Trespassers and Vandals -- Abernovo
MIA -- alchemist
How Many Shades of Green Was My Valley -- johnnyjet
The Lost Temple of Wotxalotxanonsenstl: A British Adventurer Club Expedition -- Mr Orange
Paradise Lost -- Bowler1
Café au Lait: Big Easy Style -- Phyrebat
Whispers on the Wind -- The Spurring Platty
Avert -- Rafellin
Still Life -- TheDustyZebra
A WORLD IN A BOTTLE. -- springs
No Regrets -- ratsy
Just Add Water -- David Evil Overlord
The Heart of the Unseelie -- Karn Maeshalanadae
Arbor-Essence -- stormcrow
LOOOK OUT -- Boneman
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