DISCUSSION -- August 2015 75-word Writing Challenge

[Vaz]

Me too @Drof Historical fiction happens to be my Achilles heel

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Here we enter the popular time and place known as the Old West. In this remarkable document from Droflet, we learn something about the early life of a legendary figure. In addition, we learn once again the important lesson that we can never predict the results of our actions.

 

[ratsy]

I hope I didn't use the same sort of idea as anyone. I usually would wait longer but I wrote two stories and decided to use this one.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

On this shelf we reach that misty area which lies between history and myth. This contribution from ratsy offers us a new vision of an ancient legend, and offers us a lesson in the power of a kind gesture.

 

[Mr Orange]

well i'm in... didn't do too well in the last historical fiction 75 worder. not really my cup of tea so hopefully this gets a better response.

now i need to find time to read through and vote on the 300 word challenge.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

As we approach modern times we find this psychological portrait from Mr Orange, which offers us a glimpse inside a damaged mind. Sometimes great events in history, including tragic ones, are the result of one person's madness.

 

[Mr Orange]

thanks for the super-speedy review @Victoria Silverwolf

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Moving past these high windows we encounter this emotional document from Ihe, in which an innocent pawn is manipulated by players who have no concern for him. His fate is likely to be an unfortunate one.

Next we see a richly imagined version of an event which forms an important part of the worldview of many. This donation from Brian Rogers features a touch of poetry, which is appropriate for an encounter featuring one who was famous for his songs.

 

[Brian Rogers]

Thanks for the poetic review! Better than the story!

 

[Droflet]

Thanks for yet another wonderful review, Victoria. How do you do it?

 

[Parson]

I've been busy, and haven't had much time to think about the challenge so far this month. I am having trouble attaching history to some of the stories. It was my understanding that historical fiction had to have a basis in "real" history, and either some of the settings are very obscure (at least to me) or they are more what I would alternative history.

 

[Luiglin]

I've been busy, and haven't had much time to think about the challenge so far this month. I am having trouble attaching history to some of the stories. It was my understanding that historical fiction had to have a basis in "real" history, and either some of the settings are very obscure (at least to me) or they are more what I would alternative history.

Freely admit that mine could be classed as the latter Parson (although a big bang did bring about the ultimate end of the dinosaurs). However I posted as such straight away andI thought there was good chance it would be disqualified by a Mod.

For me though it was either post that or not bother at all for this month. Not that I don't like the theme, more that I couldn't keep up my self inflicted challenge to shoe horn the Dark Lord in each month. I could have done a historical fiction of his own world but thought that would have been even more cheeky.

 

[HareBrain]

However I posted as such straight away andI thought there was good chance it would be disqualified by a Mod.

Just to note that we've never disqualified an entry for failing to meet genre or theme, partly because it would be impossible to work out where the line is. But I know some voters will discount entries they don't think quite meet the requirements, so it can pay to make an effort and maybe do a bit of research.

 

[ratsy]

I had used Wikipedia to look up Historical Fiction, and it listed Alternate History and Historical Fantasy as sub-genres, so I figured that would still fall within the genre for the challenge.

 

[Luiglin]

Just to note that we've never disqualified an entry for failing to meet genre or theme,... so it pays to make an effort if you can.

In essence what I was trying to say was that I wouldn't have complained if it had been removed. As to being discounted at the end of the month? I'm well aware that my 75s this year are not everyone's cup of tea so no problem there.

Btw last line of reply comes over a bit condescending. I always make an effort even if I often miss the mark

 

[Ashleyne]

Wikipedia says 'Historical fiction is a literary genre in which the plot takes place in a setting located in the past'.

As far as I'm concerned, as long as it takes place in a historical setting, it's Historical Fiction, whether that be Alternate History, Historical Fantasy, Time Travel or (like my story) plain, accurate Historical Fiction.

 

[Phyrebrat]

Also...we have about three weeks to research, devise and post. There's never a rush to post. When I've posted early in the month before I always (always!) have regretted it when I have seen ways I could have added punch or smartypantsness.

I'm quite liberal (I think) with my genre definitions - I'm less liberal with the theme - so if there was a story that was really stretching a connection with 'authority' I may have a bigger issue with that.

pH

 

[Mr Orange]

I don't worry too much about theme or genre until it comes to voting, then they help to whittle down stories.

Historical fiction is a tricky genre, last time round my story got marked as alternate history, I think because of the time travel element. So I tried to keep it simple this time, hopefully people will get the historical setting.

I actually think the theme is the tricky thing this time and might be hard to find in some stories come voting time.

 

[Cascade]

I've noticed that sometime the host of the Anonymous Cahllenge, will pop in and plug that event.

In doing so they invariabley make clear that if it is considered unseemly, the mods should feel free to remove said plug.

I have yet to see a mod take umbrage however, or seen anything from a Chronner lambasting said host and accordingly:

The 100 word Anonymous Challenge is up and running, with an exciting genre and a fun theme. Here.

For all of those 22 speedy writers who have already entered their 75ers but still have the flash fiction bug. Feel free to check it out, we'd love to have you on board.

 

[hardsciencefanagain]

I take it Kyle,that you found this as difficult as I did?
A lot of us reverted to some kind of stenography,I noticed.
75 words is definitely a stylecramper,even more so with a proscribed theme