Discussion Thread -- SEVENTY-FIVE WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- December 2013

[Mirannan]

Victoria and Starbeast - Thanks. Much appreciated - I was worried that the concentration of vitriol might be a bit too high.

 

[alchemist]

Thanks to SB too. Good to have you back doing your thang!

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

mosaix -- In the darkly ironic tale of misplaced trust we see that caution is as necessary as openness.

 

[Bob Senior]

Thanks, Victoria and Starbeast. I came close to not entering this month as I had a very hard time getting faith and si-fi to mix. It's going to be REAL hard to get H.A.R.I. and Paw together.
Bob

 

[Parson]

Bob Sr. good to hear your voice again.

 

[Bowler1]

Not long to go now for the ghosts of Christmas past and voting. I don't know which I fear most.

Bah... humbug.

 

[Ursa major]

Surely, at Christmas, you should be a ray gun of sunshine. (By the way, humbugs and sucking do not really go hand in hand, unless you're a stranger alien than most.)


And what could be a happier event than Ursa posting well before the Challenge deadline? Not reading his entry, for one. (And now I see what you were getting at....)

 

[Parson]

Dusty Z -- I love the story! What a day brightener. True faith is one that sometimes makes an impossible choice the right choice.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Aww, thanks! It was right down to the wire today, trying to come up with the right way to tell it with about three hours to go. I've had the idea for a week or so, but not the time. Whew!

 

[Bob Senior]

Hey Parson,
Nice seeing you again also.
Will be emailing soon.
Bob

 

[Perpetual Man]

Been really busy - anyone would think Christmas is coming or something. I'll wait until morning and then hopefully finish the comments and story then...

 

[Ursa major]

Speaking of stories....

Less than four minutes until the Challenge closes.

 

[Ursa major]

For the second month running, jastius is last to enter (and cutting it very fine, this time).




Anyway, the poll is up here:

Poll - December 75-Word Challenge
​

 

[mosaix]

Following the link to the poll gives me:

Invalid Thread specified

It didn't about half an hour ago, but it does now.

 

[Ursa major]

Unfortunately, I've had to withdraw the poll temporarily.

Please bear with me.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

HareBrain -- An imaginative and unusual story presents the reader with a rapidly changing phantasmagoria of emotions.

The Judge -- By showing us the many ways in which belief manifests itself, the author makes us speculate about the proper balance between faith and doubt.

Ursa Major -- Multiple layers of wordplay are juggled with the skill of a magician, resulting in a kaleidoscope of hope and fear.

reiver33 -- The ultimate voyage serves as an allegory for the power of courage to overcome the unknown, and transform it into something thrilling.

TheDustyZebra -- Through the use of dramatic irony, the author shows us how determination and belief depend on each other.

paranoid marvin -- In this satiric variation on classic themes, the author reveals how small decisions may have vast consequences.

 

[Ursa major]

Unfortunately, I've had to withdraw the poll temporarily.

The poll is now back, so those itching to vote (which, in terms of preparation, is definitely second best to reading the entries) can now do so.

 

[Ursa major]

Thanks for the mini-review, VS.

 

[Glen]

Thanks to all for the stories. My favourites were:

• Springs - faith in math and family, with a festive theme
• AnyaKimlin - faith in home and family. Someone from Monty Python recently said something like the problem with Australia is that some planets are nearer - so, this story has a bit of an edge for me.
• ratsy - keeping the faith. Ah, on this occasion I wish I had read the stories already posted, before posting mine...
• Juliana - my word, that is a leap of faith. I think you could read this a couple of ways, but I’m glad to report I read it with faith in a better outcome.
• Starbeast - I don’t know what an Australian cricketer is doing in Commander Koenig’s territory!? Anyway, cracking story that perhaps makes reference to that other George Bailey.
• Victoria Silverwolf - excellent social sci-fi, Riddley Walker-esque.
• pyan - hm, not sure about this, it sounds like the last line might be sung by George Michael... :0)
• Abernovo - faith in kindness and love
• Mirannan - faith without proof

My vote went to Victoria Silverwolf who hit the mark with both theme and genre and then took it a couple of steps further.

I've enjoyed reading all the stories this year, both 75 & 300 word, thanks to all for the fun. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

 

[Boneman]

Thought I'd better vote early, or christmas will overtake my good intentions...
Shortlist, finalists, *winner*

Springs
Martin 321
Juliana
*Victoria Silverwolf*
Tywin
Culhwch
Mirannan
The Judge