Discussion thread -- SEVENTY-FIVE WORD WRITING CHALLENGE November 2013

[Perpetual Man]

In a desperate bid to avoid a slap, I was not self depreciating Nix!

Just saying that it reads like gibberish and is hard to understand...

(Bet that sounds convincing, phew)

 

[ratsy]

So I re-read them all and was blown away by the stories this month. Many were just hilarious. Well done everyone. Here is my not so short list...

Martin321 - Deadly Whispers- a cool story which raises the question. Do we wish we could hear the dark secrets out there about ourselves or would we rather leave them buried.

Brev – A Gut Instinct- Sets an interesting scene then ‘cuts’ to the chase with some good old fashion fart humor. Good stuff

Victoria – A Study in Gender – wow we have some funny ones this month…well done, I had a good laugh at this tale

Culhwch – We all Have our Secrets – moving story. It gets the results so many would wish after having a loved one hurt.

Starbeast – Astonishing Detective Paperback Tale – Are true stories really allowed on this site?

RoninJedi84 – All for Naught – another hilarious story…you guys are making me jealous of your skills here!!! Also I have never seen a fruit flavored Tootsie roll so count me out of the lineup

Glitch – The murder weapon - figures, solve a crime but already dead…thems the breaks

Parson – Almost Rich and Famous – debunking the secret conspiracy of LHO, an on trend story considering the 50th anniversary of JFK’s death. Cool story

The Judge – Hercule to Her? Cool! - wow, now I have seen everything..this is a story I wish my mom could have seen…lol..she was a huge Poirot and Marple fan. (maybe its best she didn’t know the truth)

Ursa – The Psimple Art of Murder – I seem to be pleased by the idea of Psychopaths getting theirs, and this story does that nicely


*I sit in my desk sipping a warm scotch looking over the evidence. Who did it? Who gets the vote? I know whatever I decide will help alter the course of the investigation so I dont take it lightly. Is it Parsons timely Oswald? Close but not quite. Does Victoria's lace win the race? My gut is saying no...I pound my fist on the desk, waking up my secretary. I figure it out...I know now who gets the vote, all the evidence is in. I tell my girl to get my coat, we are going to the Poll to see who I vote for...

 

[alchemist]

Ooh, a vote! Thanks High Eight. I'm now in joint second, which sounds impressive until you look at the poll

 

[RoninJedi84]

Another listing! Thanks to ratsy for the mention!

The fruit-flavored varieties are an unfortunate rarity where I live, even around Halloween. But if you can find them, each one must be savored individually. Well, except the vanilla ones - NOT the greatest idea ever made edible IMO.

 

[Starbeast]

Wowzier! Thank You Alchemist for the vote. You made my day!

Special Mention for Starbeast, who once again brought a smile to my face with his own brand of wacky, wonderful humour in his entry.

Thank you Abernovo for the listing.

There will be no surprises here, my vote goes to Starbeast who really did make me laugh out loud – good job. The blank vacant face of Ray Gunner seems very familiar and he does seem like my type of guy! I have been trying to catch up with Ray, but all I’ve been able to find it this rusty old shopping trolley with a squeaking wheel. Of no use, as I watch the flashing strobe lights disappear off into the sunset. Ray Gunner, you’re my hero!

An immense "Thank You" goes to you Bowler1. This is an unexpected treat that made my day. Ray Gunner may return (he kinda sticks in my mind too).

*tied for 1st place* and the one the coin favoured

*Glen* his unmasking of the perpetrator who has caused so much mayhem (and didn't give us two votes, either!) was masterful, and incredibly well-written. I had to do a best-of-three toin coss, because there was nothing between him and Starbeast. Glen, you were a winner in my book, and I truly wish I'd had two votes.
*Starbeast* This story was laugh-out-loud, and it's amazing how so few words can conjure up such a clear picture. Great job Starbeast!

Whoa! I'm stunned! A huge "Thank You" goes to you Boneman, because you too have made my day.

Interesting challenge! Nice to see such a wild & wide variety of takes on the theme, from science fiction to fantasy to straight detective tale to parody to the indescribable. Made it tough to pick favorites.

Long List - Astonishing Detective Paperback Tale – Starbeast

Thanks for the listing Johnnyjet.

Starbeast - crazy characters

Thank you for the listing Glen.

A very special mention to StarBeast, who made me laugh throughout his entry.

And I thank you too for the Special Mention Perpetual Man.

Short List
Great Outstanding Winner​

Perpetual Man - We're on the same wavelength
AnyaKimlin - Very unexpected
Remedy - I like the narrative
Ratsy - Getting away with murder
Glen - Marvelous & you mention a member
Reiver33 - Extra dark
Bowler1 - Noir galore
Chrispenycate - Clouseau! I wish this was a 300 Challenge!
Nixie - Fantastic fantasy with crispy bacon
Victoria Silverwolf - Rocky Horror Detective
Culhwch - Vigilante treat
Johnnyjet - The butler did it
Karn Maeshalanadae - Intriguing fantasy
RoninJedi84 - Zinger stinger
HareBrain - Who done it hoot
Spiegal - This had guts
Alex, The G & T - Good Clue
David Evil Overlord - Dark and gooey magic
Hex - Dodos live!
Paranoid Marvin - Rhythmic radiance
Jastius - Werewolf of White Chapel

 

[Parson]

Matin 321 --- Runner-up status is fabulous!
Ratsy --- First time I really like a "close call."

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3rd Place Boneman a great wheels within wheels story.
2nd Place Mischov this story felt like a real detective story.
1st Place Ratsy A great story with a totally believable criminal logic.


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There must have been something in this challenge that drew out the joker in a lot of us. I don't believe we had more tongue in cheek stories ever. And boy do we like the cheesy detective. So many dames with long gams, that they had to trip over one another.

 

[RoninJedi84]

Thanks very much for the listing, Starbeast. I'm glad you got a kick out of my little tootsie roll tale.

 

[Culhwch]

Wow, seven votes and some incredible comments in here! Certainly wasn't expecting that this month, especially after I saw the genre...

Many thanks for those who've commented, mentioned or short-listed my story, and a special thank you for the votes abraves, BetaWolf, martin, nixie, Perp, ratsy and Remedy!

 

[Glen]

Glen - Marvelous & you mention a member

Thanks...and...there's got to be a joke in there somewhere...

 

[Remedy]

Thank you Starbeast and Tywin for the mentions

Also a big thanks to Jastius for your review earlier in the thread. I appreciate it

 

[nixie]

Thanks SB

 

[Boneman]

Third Place in Parson's race!! Many thanks!!

 

[Mr Orange]

right, not my genre so have gone for the more absurd of the stories. so the rather silly shortlist

chrispenycate - Pink?
starbeast - Astonishing Paperback Detective Tale
harebrain - Masquerade of Doom: A Balthazar McSpanner Mystery
the judge - Hercule to her? Cool!

and the winner is.... harebrain...

 

[stormcrow]

Grrr. Managed to miss entering this month's challenge.

So, turnin' up my collar against the wind blowin' in across the bay and pullin' my fedora down low to keep the rain outta my eyes, I'll light up another splint in this doorway and share my hit-list with you...

My likeliest suspects:
WriterJosh
Mr Orange
nixie
Victoria Silverwolf
mosaix
Mischov
The Judge
jastius
Culhwch

Guilty:
Karn Maeshalanadae - Beacause I love a good tale of faerie and thoroughly enjoyed this unique take on the challenge.

 

[Perpetual Man]

Glen - Marvelous & you mention a member

If you look closely he mentions two

 

[ratsy]

SB thank you very much for the mention

And Parson, thank you so much for the vote! That is great. Your story was a close call for me too

 

[johnnyjet]

Thanks for "outstanding" mention, Starbeast! Keeps me warm on this cold & snowy day in Western Pennsylvania.

 

[BetaWolf]

You are very welcome, Culhwch.

 

[Perpetual Man]

Ooops forgot to say thanks to SB for including my little story in his list, so thanks SB!

 

[Starbeast]

So I re-read them all and was blown away by the stories this month. Many were just hilarious. Well done everyone. Here is my not so short list...

Starbeast – Astonishing Detective Paperback Tale – Are true stories really allowed on this site?

Thanks for the listing Ratsy. I'll remember to make it fictional for the next time.

Thanks very much for the listing, Starbeast. I'm glad you got a kick out of my little tootsie roll tale.

You're welcome RoninJedi84. Nice work.

Many thanks for those who've commented, mentioned or short-listed my story, and a special thank you for the votes abraves, BetaWolf, martin, nixie, Perp, ratsy and Remedy!

Your story is a definate "mention" in my book Culhwch. It was very intense.

Thanks...and...there's got to be a joke in there somewhere...

Mu-ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. That's a good one Glen.

Thank you Starbeast and Tywin for the mentions

You're welcome Remedy. Keep up the good work.

right, not my genre so have gone for the more absurd of the stories. so the rather silly shortlist

chrispenycate - Pink?
starbeast - Astonishing Paperback Detective Tale
harebrain - Masquerade of Doom: A Balthazar McSpanner Mystery
the judge - Hercule to her? Cool!
and the winner is.... harebrain...

I'm honored to be a part of a comedic list. Thanks Mr Orange.

Grrr. Managed to miss entering this month's challenge.

I missed you out there Stormcrow. I hope you're in the next one.

If you look closely he mentions two

I thought so. It's kinda cool that TJ & you are a part of Glen's mighty tale.

SB thank you very much for the mention

Absolutely Ratsy. It took me a few days to compress my list. Tons of great stories this month.

Thanks for "outstanding" mention, Starbeast! Keeps me warm on this cold & snowy day in Western Pennsylvania.

A warm "you're welcome" to you Johnnyjet. I'll send you a buffalo hide to keep you toasty.

Ooops forgot to say thanks to SB for including my little story in his list, so thanks SB!

No worries. You're story reminded me of my original tale. Excellent use of wordage Perpetual Man. The best here I thought.