DISCUSSION -- October 2014 300-word Writing Challenge (#15)

[Jo Zebedee]

Yes, thinking about you, Karn. Hugs.

 

[Juliana]

Hugs for Karn, hope things get better soon.

 

[Bowler1]

Bowler...no ray guns...I can't wait to read that. Next one you will need twice as many.

I'm stacking my guns up as we speak, preparing power packs and setting sights. Its like cold turkey, but with hot plasma and high energy discharges and I crave that destructive firepower. All perfectly safe in my trust worthy hands of course - I can be trusted, I really can be....

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Good luck, everyone. I'm not sure I'll be able to get in this month.

I'm in one of the worst depressive states I've been in for a long time...and I already know I won't be able to match the other entries.

I am very sorry to hear this. The fact that you are able to communicate your feelings is a good sign. Let us know how things are going.

Alarmed by a certain similarity between Victoria's story and my draft effort, I thought I'd better get mine written up and posted before the rest of it appeared in other entries.

Hmm. I read this and worried that we might have two similar stories, by coincidence, but they seem different enough to me.

On the subject of word counts, my entry is exactly 300 words, if my multiple countings are correct. I usually aim to be a few words less than 300, but this one came out right at the limit. It hasn't been deleted yet for being too long, so I'll keep my fingers crossed. (I use more than one on-line word count program, as well as doing a manual word count backward and forward. All these methods came up with exactly 300 [not counting the title] so I hope I come in under the wire.)

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Cat's Cradle -- The author offers a loving tribute to speculative fiction, creating a publication that we would all like to read, in this highly original and creative work.

springs -- An unusual fantasy concept is used to fashion a story of struggles against overwhelming odds, suggesting an allegory of life's challenges.

Void -- Through the use of a vividly written description of another and place, the author delights the reader with an unexpected vision of multiple levels of reality.

Remedy -- The richly detailed and strikingly imaginative world created in this epic fantasy serves to present a touching portrait of hope in the face of adversity.

alchemist -- By making use of the stark contrast between everyday reality and an extraordinary encounter, the author takes us into deep into the emotions of the protagonist.

Bowler1 -- This gentle and poetic fantasy carries a subtle and effective sadness in its heart, confronting the reader with innocence taken advantage of by selfishness.

Talysia -- In this compelling character study, the author shows us great events throught the eyes of one who goes unnoticed by the mighty.

Mouse -- This intricate, multifaceted, and carefully crafted work offers the reader much to ponder and rewards multiple readings.

Juliana -- Through the use of a realistic style, the author provides new perspectives on both a familiar being of fantasy as well as the genre of fantasy itself.

telford -- In this contemplative study of the relationship between art and life, the narrator demonstrates the story's theme by seeming to come to life before out eyes.

HareBrain -- In this cleverly plotted tale, the author manages the difficult task of using reason and logic to tell the story, while pointing out that they do not always stand firm against human flaws.

 

[Mouse]

Thanks, Victoria.

 

[Talysia]

Indeed, thanks for the review, Victoria.

 

[Ashleyne]

I've been a bit busy working for charity, lately, but I've managed to think up a story. This is, I think, the first time that I've entered a chrons competition without reading the other entrants first. I'm gonna have a read later on.

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

I'm still trying to think of something, but...I don't know I would flesh it out correctly...

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

I've been a bit busy working for charity, lately, but I've managed to think up a story. This is, I think, the first time that I've entered a chrons competition without reading the other entrants first. I'm gonna have a read later on.

I avoid reading the other entries so that I will not be influenced by them. On the other hand, this means that I might come up with something too similar to another entry by coincidence.

Ashleyne. B. Watts -- This unique story spins an energetic tall tale with a fresh and remarkably surreal style, leaving the reader exhilirated.

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

I often prefer to look at entries, for times like this. Just to get an idea of how people are interpreting the confines of the challenge, so it can give me a board to dive off of.


I don't think it's necessary in this case for me, as I do truly have a basic idea going, but fleshing it out is what I am having difficulty with...I need it to sound good.

 

[HareBrain]

Hmm. I read this and worried that we might have two similar stories, by coincidence, but they seem different enough to me.

There was one element that was spookily similar, but I changed a couple of details in mine. Thanks for the review, as always!

 

[farntfar]

I'm in, for what it's worth.

I don't read the others until I've written mine.
Then I read them just before posting, to make sure I haven't copied anyone by telepathy.
(Silly Ars!)

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

farntfar -- By weaving an entire world into existence through the use of telling details, the author slyly prepares the unexpected surprise that lies in wait for the reader.

 

[Juliana]

Thanks, Victoria!

I don't read the others until I've written mine.
Then I read them just before posting, to make sure I haven't copied anyone by telepathy.

That's exactly what I do.

 

[Ashleyne]

Thanks for the wonderful compliments, Victoria

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

It's in. I figured someone would hound me to get it done, so I figured, expand on the idea I had, though word constraints of course did not let me go with the original train of thought.


I hope you like it.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Karn, hurry up and get your story ... oh. Too late. Never mind.

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

Hehehe. No, I know how things tend to go if I say I wish to abstain.


Maybe I should simply stop stating such.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Karn Maeshalanadae -- This exciting tale of danger and adventure also offers a powerful lesson in the morality of warfare.