DISCUSSION -- April 2015 300-word Writing Challenge (#17)

[Victoria Silverwolf]

LittleStar -- Through the use of understatement and small details, the author powerfully conveys a sense of tragedy.

 

[Ashleyne]

Thanks for the awesome reviews, DG and Starbeast

 

[ratsy]

I am in. It is a cool picture that brought a few ideas, but I went with this one after arguing with myself for a while

 

[HareBrain]

Sorry to have to come here and say that the word-count pixie demanded a sacrifice, and we've had to cull one story. Please, please be careful with word-count. A 300-word entry takes a lot of effort, and you don't want to lose it for the sake of a couple of words (or one, in this case).

 

[Dan Jones]

It was me. Can I appeal on the grounds of being an idiot?

 

[Tywin]

You should have just included the first 20 or 30 words of the story in the title. That's what I'm doing from here on out to be safe.

 

[jastius]

It was me. Can I appeal on the grounds of being an idiot?

Dg
I liked your story, too .. I had it on my special list.. What a shame.. You had several words there you could have eased together...
I was scared of the hyphenated words in mine putting me over, so I went a bit under. (There were a couple that were put together that might still have counted separately)
It was a good story with a tightly written plot, evocative characterization, and an emotional rollercoaster of a delivery.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

ratsy -- The matter-of-fact, laconic style of this tale adds to the impact of its frightening conclusion.

 

[Starbeast]

Oh Starbeast, what amazing reviews, thanks.

You're welcome Willwallace. Keep those stories flying.

Thanks for the wonderful review, Starbeast! But oh dear:
What would Bertie say??

You're mighty welcome Cat's. I think Bertie would hurl freshly created cow pies at me.

Starbeast, thank you. Have some munchies?

Heh heh. You're welcome Jo Zebedee. How about we get some Pringles from our arachnid friend, Freda.

Why thank you very much Starbeast! That was 'grimly good' of you.

You're grimly welcomed Juliana. Keep up the good work.

Starbeast - Driving Into Darkness - even the title hints at a kind of slow-burning, Joseph-Conrad style descent into insanity, a bleak, ultra-violent thriller filled with brutish depravity. The short format into the very essence of psychopathy.[/USER]

Thank you for the review DG Jones. I wanted something other than comedy this time around. I did have to tone
down the original descriptive gore.

Thanks for the excellent reviews, Starbeast! Have to concur with CC inasmuch as the reviews, comments and jokes are at least as much fun as the challenges themselves. Aren't we a very self-satisfied bunch of clever clogs

You're very welcome DG Jones. Sorry about the typos.

I just read the bad news about your tale being removed. I feel terrible about it.

I really appreciate DG, Starbeast, Victoria and anyone else who goes through the trouble to review the submissions. The stories do become more of a jumping off point for further discussion than one would imagine possible. Thanks again!!

You're quite welcome Willwallace. It's fun for me too.

Thanks for the awesome reviews, DG and Starbeast

Thank you Lady Ashleyne. You do write some very awesome stories.

 

[Denise Tanaka]

300.17​

Denise Tanaka - Firstly, nice to meet you. And second, you wrote a tale that would make a great book or tv series about the misadventures of an individual who has a crystal pendant, that possesses the power to shape-shift it's wearer. I was left wanting more, like the next chapter.

.

Nice to meet you too! Thanks for the ego-boo. I am having a wonderful time on the Chrons.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

It was me. Can I appeal on the grounds of being an idiot?

Bah. It's easy to do.

 

[Cat's Cradle]

It was me. Can I appeal on the grounds of being an idiot?

Sorry DG! But really, there's no idiocy involved. I think the only way to never be off in your count is to be a bit OCD about it all--count and count, then recount. I'll mention my theory in posting...I try to submit either at my own count of 298, or 299 words (when I just cannot cull that last word). With 298, you have to make three mistakes in counting to be over the 300 word limit (if you even make two mistakes, it raises you only to 300), and with 299 you have to make two mistakes to have your story eliminated on word count.

And always, when in doubt about a word (say a hyphenated word), check with the mods...they are wonderfully helpful. Oy though, again, sorry DG, CC

 

[Dan Jones]

Bah. It's easy to do.

I will console myself with the fact that I'm joining a large and esteemed club.

And always, when in doubt about a word (say a hyphenated word), check with the mods...they are wonderfully helpful. Oy though, again, sorry DG, CC

Yep, once bitten twice shy and all that. I will use the mods in future.

 

[Remedy]

I'm sorry to hear that DG. I've been having a massive dither on my word count this month (I've been bothering a mod)

Just threw my entry in recently and currently have all fingers and toes crossed that it will pass inspection.

 

[ratsy]

Sorry DG! That sucks.

Thanks for the review Victoria

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Remedy -- This realistic story of oppression and revolution seems to be torn from tomorrow's headlines.

 

[Starbeast]

300.17
(part two)​

Tywin - In the midst of a fast-paced, high action tale (which had me at the edge of my seat), our author lets us know that adventures can be just as thrilling at the controls of a child. Great imagination for that kid. Reminds me of myself when I was a preteen. Delightfully wonderful.

Telford - You know, there is always someone we've known (or know), that enjoys messing around, by pushing jokes too far. For me, I would dub this tale of extraterrestrial excellence, a "Moral Story". A definate lesson for the foolish to straighten up and fly right. Alien awesomeness.

Jastius - A fantastic science fiction drama, about two existing societies, with the more advanced group harvesting the best from the poorer one. But to the young eyes of a child (the narrator), who grew up in such a situation, it's just the way of life. Outstanding drama.

Cascade - Oh my goodness, Cascade. If you wrote your tale any sadder, I would have electrocuted myself with my tears, dripping on my cheapy pc keyboard. I felt so sad for those chidren, I wanted to free them from their predicament. An incredible drama I'll never forget. Good stuff.

LittleStar - Now my heart is riddled with bullets, then layered with fine cheese on top and placed in the oven, to burn to a crisp. What a sad and terribly entertaining entry you have written. I hoped through you story that the kids would survive, but no. I need another box of tissues. Nicely done.

Ratsy - Whoa Nelly!!! And look out below!!! I was hoping for an intense, plane destined to crash tale, and I got what I wished for, and so much more. I enjoyed where this flying tale took us, and how one man, met his fate. This was one hell of a first class ride. Goatsville. That's funny.

Remedy - Wow. Talk about a tale of the unexpected. I was thouroughly stunned by this tremendously envolving story of conflict, and overcoming the cruel "New World Order" styled dictatorship. Plus we see the rise of someone to lead the people to freedom. Marvelous and intense.

 

[Droflet]

Thanks for the kindly review, Beasty. Wow, I don't know where you guys get the time to do so many quality reviews. Appreciated by all.

 

[ratsy]

Thanks SB! Glad you liked it

 

[Tywin]

Thanks for the review, SB!