DISCUSSION -- April 2014 75+5 Word Writing Challenge

[Azzagorn]

I hope to actually post a few mini reviews this month to, if I can find the time.

 

[Bob Senior]

Hey,
I'm back, major computer problems. Took the computer guy 3 hours to undo what I did trying to fix the problem myself.

Starbeest, congrats on the win and don't worry about the speeling, happenz to the best of us.
Turns out the computer problems started out with changing providers and while logging in and entering new passwords my key board dropped a letter here and there.

Sorry about your friend Dusty.
Bob

 

[Parson]

Good to have you back Bob. I'm glad the techs were operating on your computer rather than on you this time.

 

[Starbeast]

Bob Senior Hey, I'm back,

Howdy hey there Bob.

major computer problems. Took the computer guy 3 hours to undo what I did trying to fix the problem myself.

Glad to hear you're up and running again.

I know what you've been through, my cheapy PC was under a major attack, and system failure. It took a while for me to return, plus, I missed a challenge that I had a story ready for. Ah well, no problem

Starbeest, congrats on the win and don't worry about the speeling, happenz to the best of us.

I'm still making a few typos here and there. Dyslexia is a birch.

Turns out the computer problems started out with changing providers and while logging in and entering new passwords my key board dropped a letter here and there.

Eek. Nice to know you're with us again, and can join the fun of writing tales for the 75 (plus 5) and the mighty 300.

See you around the SFFC pal.

 

[BenSt]

I just noticed you entered the game already BenSt, but I didn't see who posted first (I don't read the stories until I have my own tale posted). You're a quick one BenSt, nice going.

As for me, I have a few ideas.

Awesome mention of Wild, Wild West from Parson, and Hellboy from you BenSt.

I find short stories quite a lovely and not difficult challenge, just taking some time to choose each word for maximum impact, it's longer complex stories that are more challenging. This thread is moving so quickly! I was thinking of more fantasy steampunk I know of and it seems there are a lot of Japanese anime steampunk... I can think of:

Avatar the Last Airbender
Fullmetal Alchemist
Witch Hunter Robin
Hellboy
Samurai Jack
Spirited Away
Even, Mortal Kombat.

Quite a few. It's a genre that doesn't really pop out at me, but when I start to think of it there is quite a lot.

Below are some of my reviews/thoughts so far...

Victoria Silverwolf: This re-imagining of a classic gives us a new perspective on Tik-Tok. The encounter here might be seen as the Reverend and his companion, but to me it is far more the convergence of Artificial and Biological lifestyles. Very nice.

Benst: I will speak to you in person…

David Evil Overlord: Playing on the age old trope of a lawman and the criminal, this clever weaving of fantasy elements worked well in constructing the scene.

Springs: A rather unique encounter of modernity and the past, making one wonder where magic ends and technology begins. In a world where mages are not only persecuted but executed, magic seems to triumph over technology.

Remedy: This story was a bit tragic. The last line made an otherwise playful, innocent story suddenly very dramatic…and I really liked it. I love stories that go through that hero cycle of innocence-tragedy-experience. I enjoyed the subtle use of fantasy here for what is, all-in-all, a tale of a father and his son…a tale in the tradition of Pinocchio.

Juliana: Loved the last line, what a surreal glimpse into this world of aliens and airships. Poor Queen Vicki. I did not know her favourite dogs were Pomeranians, that was a great detail to add, it gave a clever device to your story but also enough grounding in reality. This just worked, in my opinion.

Karl Maeshalanadae: A family connection with enough emotion to make us wonder…would we have what it takes to bring in our own sister? Lovely use of background details to give us a glimpse of the room and the wider world.

Farntfar: What an interesting take on ‘encounter’s…not only do you have the meeting of old friends, but the uncomfortable encounter between the past and modernity.

Telford: The death of a scumbag is presented here with enough backstory to give us context. Still leaves me wondering more about these pacifists, and what changed when ‘he’ arrived. Did they ask for ‘his’ death or was it someone else?

BigJ: A fascinating glimpse into Elvish-Dwarfish relations in this world of blood feuds. An interesting take of placing Dwarfs, normally being associated with the earth, and placing them into the air. Just enough dialogue to keep us salivating for more, and enough backstory to let our imaginations wonder about this dead princess.

TitaniumT: I must admit the singular reference to his metal teeth brought this together for me, and completely changed the story. I loved how you began with a well-known tale, character and I wondered halfway through how this was steampunk…and then with that one reference I got an amazing visual. I don’t think I can watch Beatrix Potter without thinking of this now!

SirSamuelVines: This brought together in my mind several great franchises, and I enjoyed the clever use of magic and alternate history. The anonymity of the previous King very much played to the main character’s disregard for him and his predecessors. The irony of the twist at the end was delicious, like Osama Bin Laden being declared the Pope.

StormCrow: London, a place so well known, in a world unknown to us. This attack of a predatory Jack the Ripper, confused by a an elvish automata not only showcases an entire world of airships and industry, but a world of magic as well. I loved the image of the pea-soup smog.

Cornelius: An intimate exchange between co-workers, friends, fellow students? It showed the teasing comraderie indicitive of a close working-relationship, but left me wondering more... who they were, what were they making? Quite interesting.

Cat's Cradle: A grim clash between modernity and myth, two races uncomfortable with each other's existence but showing, ultimately the basic personhood of all showing through in death. This could certainly become something bigger, I rather enjoyed it!

Martin: An interesting encounter on the High Seas, with obvious metaphors to torpedoes. It begs the question... does the Swordship have the required speed to escape?

 

[Starbeast]

I find short stories quite a lovely and not difficult challenge, just taking some time to choose each word for maximum impact, it's longer complex stories that are more challenging. This thread is moving so quickly! I was thinking of more fantasy steampunk I know of and it seems there are a lot of Japanese anime steampunk... I can think of:

Avatar the Last Airbender
Fullmetal Alchemist
Witch Hunter Robin
Hellboy
Samurai Jack
Spirited Away
Even, Mortal Kombat.

Quite a few. It's a genre that doesn't really pop out at me, but when I start to think of it there is quite a lot.

Hi BenSt. I justed posted my tale.

My current favorite Anime Steampunk movie is Howl's Moving Castle. I saw it recently, and I was thinking of that film to use as a spring board, but another movie inspired my creation, yesterday.

I need to rest my brain now, my steam-powered thinking cap needs to cool down.

I think it's great that you're reviewing the stories. I'll read them as soon as I can, then read your reviews.

One challenge finished, and one to go.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Whhoo! A new reviewer! Many thanks.

 

[stormcrow]

Yeah....Thank You BenSt - and "Halloo!"


SB - Rest up! Maybe I can interest you in procuring an example of Sebastienne C. Rowe's newly patented hair cooling hat - works through maximising cranial evaporation due to it's vertically elongated profile; yours for the price of a crate of tea, Sir! ;-)

 

[Juliana]

Thanks for the review, Ben. Always fun to see our words through someone else's eyes!

 

[SirSamuelVimes]

SirSamuelVines: This brought together in my mind several great franchises, and I enjoyed the clever use of magic and alternate history. The anonymity of the previous King very much played to the main character’s disregard for him and his predecessors. The irony of the twist at the end was delicious, like Osama Bin Laden being declared the Pope.

Thanks for the review! The last sentence made me chuckle.

 

[cornelius]

Thanks for the review. I don't know if it's allowed to explain the story here, it might influence the voting. The "first letter" thing was just for giggles. I had written the exchange a little bit differently, then I noticed that most of the letters fit "encounters".

 

[Bowler1]

STARBEAST - my buddy - RAY GUNS, you are the man.

I'm... I'm... I'm... all emotional. Cough... I'm ok.

I'm off down the shooting range.

 

[Starbeast]

SB - Rest up! Maybe I can interest you in procuring an example of Sebastienne C. Rowe's newly patented hair cooling hat - works through maximising cranial evaporation due to it's vertically elongated profile; yours for the price of a crate of tea, Sir! ;-)

Ahh, thank you sir, a fair price Stormcrow. I'm chilling right now, puffing away on my vaping mod (which does look steampunkish), and sipping cold kiwi tea.

I'm looking forward to reading tales form everyone who posted so far.

STARBEAST - my buddy - RAY GUNS, you are the man.

I'm... I'm... I'm... all emotional. Cough... I'm ok.

I'm off down the shooting range.

Well Bowler1, you did inspire me too, with your talk of ray guns. AND, I did have you in mind when I chose Fantasy Steampunk.

Thank you for placing the mechanical bug in my ear. *tips top hat to you, with a smile*

 

[Cat's Cradle]

Hey BenSt, loved all of the reviews you've given us, and I agree, YAY!!! for a new reviewer! The reviews you kind folks do really help me get even more out of all of the stories!

Thanks so much too for the kinds words on my story.

 

[Remedy]

I was thinking of more fantasy steampunk I know of and it seems there are a lot of Japanese anime steampunk... I can think of:

Avatar the Last Airbender
Fullmetal Alchemist
Witch Hunter Robin
Hellboy
Samurai Jack
Spirited Away
Even, Mortal Kombat.

Quite a few. It's a genre that doesn't really pop out at me, but when I start to think of it there is quite a lot.

Everyone should watch Fullmetal Alchemist, glad you reminded me of it! That, and Death Note are pure brilliance!

Remedy: This story was a bit tragic. The last line made an otherwise playful, innocent story suddenly very dramatic…and I really liked it. I love stories that go through that hero cycle of innocence-tragedy-experience. I enjoyed the subtle use of fantasy here for what is, all-in-all, a tale of a father and his son…a tale in the tradition of Pinocchio.

I'm really pleased the influence came across to you Ben, thanks so much for the review. I hope I don't contravene any rules when I say that it has a Geppetto focus
I think I speak for many when I say we're all happy to have another reviewer! Keep it up.

 

[Bowler1]

Join me on the shooting range Starbeast. We'll have beers, chats and targets. The stress of life shall fall from your shoulders, as you pull the stock of a rifle tight against your shoulder... and shoot. Battery packs are stacked and racked. Stand back, this baby kicks back.

Zzzzaaaaappppppp.

Woohoo.

 

[Cat's Cradle]

Cool poem, Starbeast! Very nice too, Aun!!!

 

[Aun Doorback]

thanks Cat's Cradle!

 

[TitaniumTi]

Thanks for the review, BenSt. I'm delighted you had the moment of not-so-cuddly revelation which I intended, but I hope it doesn't ruin any future viewing of Beatrix Potter.

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

Fullmetal Alchemist was a hell of a ride, fun to watch and get into, but that final episode...it was stunning, and not in the good way. I couldn't believe they ruined such a good anime with what they did.


Also, steampunk can also translate from video games. I remember it best from Breath of Fire IV, specifically.



Forgot to give thanks for the reviews given.