DISCUSSION -- July 2015 300-word Writing Challenge (#18)

[The Storyteller]

Thanks Victoria Silverwolf! That is high praise! Your reviews are always very appreciated.

 

[Kerrybuchanan]

I'm in. Had the idea rattling around for a couple of days, but no time to write it. Eventually I just sat down and typed, one draft, and entered before I could change my mind!

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Kerrybuchanan -- Here the author offers insight into human emotions by presenting them from the viewpoint of another kind of narrator. This made me feel as if I were studying humanity for the first time.

 

[Twistedlemon]

I spent ten minutes trying to bring it down to 300 from 305 words.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Twistedlemon -- With the objectivity of a scholarly historian, the author presents the reader with an imagined catastrophe of the future. The addition of a personal touch at the end enabled me to experience both the large scale and small scale impact of this event.

farntfar -- With great imagination the author mixes two very different genres to create something new. This lighthearted tale made me think about popular fiction and the way it influences our thinking.

 

[Kerrybuchanan]

Thank you, Victoria. I never feel as though I have entered until you post your reviews. No pressure....

 

[Twistedlemon]

Thanks wolf I feel flattered

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Vaz -- With great vividness and intensity this story creates a completely convincing nightmare world. It made me feel as if I were trapped in this surreal cataclysm, fighting for survival.

 

[Vaz]

Thank you very much Victoria, stunning reviews as always. High praise indeed, you really grasped the tone I was going for as you always do. Thank you.

Plus a big shout out to everyone who entered thus far, unique and wonderful stories and all are a joy to read

 

[Dan Jones]

Well said Vaz, a bumper crop of efforts this time around. Well done everyone

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Mr Orange -- This story draws the reader in by presenting the modern world with just a small change at first, later becoming stranger and stranger as it goes on. I was able to experience the slow influx of the bizarre into a convincingly depicted reality.

 

[Mr Orange]

Victoria, thanks for the review... kind of blew me away a bit... um thanks again...

Mr Orange stands in the corner grinning stupidly

 

[Vaz]

Mr Orange stands in the corner grinning stupidly

Don't worry, I did the same thing upon reading my review

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

johnnyjet -- With a rare combination of a lightning-fast pace, a plausible future technology, and great realism, this story creates a vision of the near future. I felt as if I were watching a news broadcast from the day after tomorrow.

 

[johnnyjet]

Thanks for the great review, Victoria!

I can relate to your feelings, Mr. Orange. Always feels good to get an awesome & insightful review. And I really enjoyed your story, too, by the way.

 

[Remedy]

Took twice as long to write these reviews with a hyperactive duckling on my lap, but I finally managed it.



The Storyteller – Extermination

Throughout history, humans colonising wild habitats never bodes well for the ecosystems that were there first. But what if the wilderness could fight back? Storyteller expertly gives us both angles, greedy humans and ancient extra-terrestrials. Well-outlined and amiable thought-processes have us rooting for either side. Formidable Forestry

Kerrybuchanan – Cornucopia

Kerry brings a horn of plenty to this challenge; a feast of imagination. Her unseen species appears sinister at first with its amusing disdain for Earth’s inhabitants, but it soon becomes clear that their influence is beneficial. Feeding off the worst of us, we become happier. The focused voice provides an excellent mirror for all. Benevolent Banquet

Twistedlemon – The Webs

This acute timeline neatly trickles answers to all the questions it raises. The relatable human reaction throughout helps to widen the lens as TL’s invasion unfolds. From far-reaching space we see the approach, into impact, into aftermath - with a strong lingering metaphor to end it all. Petrifying Panoramic

Farntfar – The Breadstick or the Carrot.

This whirlwind of fast-talking mobster youngsters is sure to bring a smile to even the hardest Frankie-scowl-mouth. The Don spits orders like a tommy-gun spits bullets and the language never misses a beat. Fantastical elements add another layer as we close in on the final clue. But not before enjoying a hilarious pasta! Mafia Mayhem

Vaz – Creepers

This last stand begins with a fierce pace that never falters. Vaz gives us two very different characters with a noticeable bond. Colourful description catapults image after image into our minds until we have the whole scene firmly captured. Stout-hearted Marv heads for brink as we head for the edge of our seat. Courageous Creation

Mr Orange – herba ferrocia

Mr O generates a mounting unease as we leave the familiar and delve into his believable mystery. Office life and characters meld skilfully with the eerie growth that has been taken for granted. The whispering voice carefully builds tension as we follow each victim in this gripping thriller. Smooth Suspense

Johnnyjet – Guts and Glory

From brilliant hook to thoughtful conclusion, JJ gives us action and technology in his neatly packaged sci-fi. Some people don’t like change and will do anything to stop it, while others innovate and encourage. This story creates an internal debate on AI ethics and leaves the morality of its ending up to us. Addictingly Active

 

[Kerrybuchanan]

Cosmo writes a brilliant review. Please thank his ducklingness for the kind words!

 

[Mr Orange]

Thanks for the review Remedy, glad my story had the effect I was going for. Smooth suspense... I like it!

Johnnyjet, thanks as well. I really like liked your story too.

 

[Vaz]

Thank you Remedy for the great review glad my story had the edge of your seat feeling about it..

 

[johnnyjet]

Thanks, Remedy, for an awesome review!