DISCUSSION -- August 2015 75-word Writing Challenge

[BrisGirl]

Eeek! I see I have a stealth vote, too -- many thanks, BrisGirl!

I'm new to this, and I thought the vote was anonymous! But now that the cat's out of the bag: I voted for your story because each time I read it, I discovered new layers in the story. I also thought that it addressed the theme in a very clever way (unlike my own story, which only really had authority as a secondary theme, at best). There is the authority of the soldiers, as the representatives of the state... but also a clever reference to the authority of a mother, and the cheeky question of who a child would be the most afraid of.

I had a couple of other favourites too, but I thought you had addressed the genre and theme so perfectly. Also, not a single word in the story was wasted, and that's a hard thing to do!

 

[Dan Jones]

I must say I'm impressed at the historical range and scope that everyones' stories encompass. We've had stories ranging from 65million BC all the way up to two stories set in 1989, and pretty much everything in between. Well played everybody!

Before I vote, here's my summary of the estimated date and location of everyone's story - some were obvious, and some I had to make a best guess at - did I get them all right (and did anyone get mine? )?

 

[LittleStar]

I think I'd agree with them, you got mine spot on at least. I knew most, some were subtle and very fun to figure out during second or third reads, some i guessed at correctly (i knew the name Lackland was familiar) but Yours, Dan, was actually one of the only ones I had no clue about, I figured war of the roses. I think I couldn't get GRRM out of my mind, what with the Knight of Flowers, being from house Tyrell.

I've just gone back and read it a few times trying to get something, the names don't really mean anything to me, but things like mention of shape, and small shadows, and foul deeds in towers and wanting power etc... Is it Richard III? Very subtle and nicely done if so.

 

[Culhwch]

I think you've done more research on my story than I did, DG!

 

[KyleAW]

Ah you can indeed, in that case I thank thee oh @Ensign Shah !

 

[Ensign Shah]

Ah you can indeed, in that case I thank thee oh @Ensign Shah !

As previously said all the stories were thoroughly enjoyable and at high standard, it was agonising to choose. I'm not a writer so can't find the words as to why yours stood out to me but as an avid reader, yours gave me goosebumps.

 

[Dan Jones]

as an avid reader, yours gave me goosebumps.

Well you can't ask for much more than that

 

[Glen]

I felt like the theme might have been lost in the genre for some stories this month. My favourites were:

• Victoria Silverwolf - not sure this exhibit was mentioned in the tour guide.
• Kerrybuchanan - “Infamy! Infamy! They’ve all got it in for me!”
• alchemist - great atmosphere
• Cat’s Cradle - great description
• Cascade - made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.
• AnyaKimlin - “When do we want it?” “Now!”
• willwallace - Uh oh…
• Robert Mackay - Striking contrast. War. What is good for…? [got my vote]
  
• Tim James - Historical prose
• Culhwch - "I see a little silhouetto of a man”
• TheDustyZebra - quiet strength
• Ursa major - tricksy

 

[Dan Jones]

Is it Richard III?

I probably ought to refrain from explanations and stuff while the voting is still going on - so I'll reveal all later

 

[Dan Jones]

I really enjoyed the stories this month. A few Chronners were noticeable by their absence, especially given the genre - but I guess it's still holiday season, so some slack is allowed (although not much ).

Shortlist and vote.

Glen - Empire's End
Holland - In A Single Day and Night of Misfortune
Droflet - Lawman
Ratsy - A Friend In Need
Brian Rogers - The Mighty Warrior
Hazelrah - The Valued Investigations of Hopkins & Stearne
Venusian Broon - A Different Bird of Carrion
Chrisp - Yurt Licit
Juliana - And so, to Ashes
Cul - The Heretic's Trial
Phyrebrat - Burning Bread
The Dusty Zebra - Starr Chamber
Parson - God's Authority
Ursa Major - Awash With Riches

The Great Bear just about grabbed the gold for me, but TDZ was nipping at his heels right unto the last - both tremendous stories, but the Bear's was extremely clever and captured an enjoyably obscure moment from our English history.

 

[Ursa major]

Many thanks for the vote, DG Jones.

 

[hardsciencefanagain]

Please let somone give me a mention ,if only in the listless prose, hackneyed metaphors,dismal,rip-off, OMG, that's bad-category

 

[holland]

Before I vote, here's my summary of the estimated date and location of everyone's story - some were obvious, and some I had to make a best guess at - did I get them all right (and did anyone get mine? )?

I see what you had in mind with my story. Several centuries off, though.
(if I'm allowed to say that, if not, please edit it out, mods)

 

[Dan Jones]

Yep, I think yours is pretty much the only one I wasn't confident of and in the end had to go for a wild stab in the dark. I look forward to the big reveal!

 

[holland]

The big letdown more likely

Anyway, I voted for The Wheel.
Runners-up are Just Frenzied Killing and The Sun Rises

 

[Ensign Shah]

Please let somone give me a mention ,if only in the listless prose, hackneyed metaphors,dismal,rip-off, OMG, that's bad-category

@hardsciencefanagain @Vaz and @Victoria Silverwolf. All of you were in my 'agonising who to vote for category.' Sorry I voted for the other guy. Can we have 5 votes each next time?

 

[Juliana]

Thanks for the mention, DG, and love the spreadsheet! Really cool.

 

[Dan Jones]

Thanks, Juliana! Although it's a tad annoying I have to upload it as a PDF - actually, I might go and badger the mods about that.

 

[alchemist]

I must say I'm impressed at the historical range and scope that everyones' stories encompass. We've had stories ranging from 65million BC all the way up to two stories set in 1989, and pretty much everything in between. Well played everybody!

Before I vote, here's my summary of the estimated date and location of everyone's story - some were obvious, and some I had to make a best guess at - did I get them all right (and did anyone get mine? )?

Impressive body of work there! You got the country right for mine (well, kinda) but the wrong conflict...

 

[Vaz]

Thanks for the mention @Ensign Shah