DISCUSSION -- April 2016 300-word Writing Challenge (#21)

[LittleStar]

So I went from not having any ideas for ten days, to getting an inkling, then to fleshing it out and jotting down a 500 word draft... But I like it too much, I think I might try polish and submit. It's a children's nursery rhymy the story.

But that means I'm either plum out of ideas again, or the more likely, prosing up what I already have and making it my usual barrel of laughs

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Robert Mackay -- The author of this allegorical fantasy follows the classic tradition, used by many great authors, of anthropomorphism in order to say things about human society. Once we are drawn into this world of creatures so unlike yet so like ourselves, we can see what we might look like to others.

 

[Calliopenjo]

OK, I got my story in. Would it be too early to cross my fingers?

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Calliopenjo -- By carefully starting off with an ordinary situation to which most of us can relate, then slowly adding more and more fantastic elements, the author allows us to enter a strange new world. In addition to creating a fresh reality for us to enjoy, this story also an emotional confrontation which is sure to raise a smile.

 

[Calliopenjo]

Thanks, Victoria. Big hugs to you.

 

[Shyrka]

Shyrka -- This technological fantasy draws the reader into a richly imagined alternate world. Through the use of convincing details, as well as believable characters, this time and place that never were seem as real as our own. As an added bonus, the author manages to perform the very difficult feat of making use of an entirely serious play on words.

Thank you again, @Victoria Silverwolf, for making me sound so clever. Your reviews are so enjoyable they almost deserve reviews of their own.

 

[J D Foster]

J D Foster -- This realistic science fiction suspense story reveals the emotions of the protagonist in order to make her adventures more real. Details are used to increase the verisimilitude of the setting and the characters. In addition to this, the author tackles an important theme dealing with the way in which a little knowledge can be a very dangerous thing indeed.

Thank you Victoria

 

[J D Foster]

Shyrka masterful story telling, epic scale in 300 words, deeply impressed.
Luiglin Love the parrot, great fun story.
Robert Mackay love the echos of an abusive parent (or other caregiver) that come across in this, very clever.

 

[Shyrka]

Thanks @J D Foster, that's just... wow.

 

[J D Foster]

Thanks @J D Foster, that's just... wow.

I keep a spreadsheet of scores out of five as I read them to help me when it comes to voting. I've given your story 6 out of 5 on that.

 

[Juliana]

Juliana: This is creepy, last summer I accidentally dug up a dog buried in our back garden by some past owner.

My parents' house used to belong to my grandparents, and since things like pet crematoriums are recent, they always buried their pets out back. So when my mum tackles large gardening projects she sometimes finds stuff like dog bones. None of them have come back to life though. Yet.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Vaz -- This eerie and moody tale of archetypal animals haunts the reader with its depiction of mysterious ceremonies and painful sacrifices. By viewing this utterly alien culture we seem to see our own, reflected in a dark mirror. Who can say if our own ways are any less strange?

 

[Vaz]

Stellar reviews again Victoria Thank you very much

 

[Cathbad]

Had to cut nearly 200 words, but it's in.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Cathbad -- What stands out about this story is its matter-of-fact tone as it deals with more than one amazing concept. The reader can also detect some witty satire of the world of academia. Combine this with a likable protagonist and you have an entertaining divertissement.

 

[Cathbad]

TY Victoria!

 

[The Judge]

I don't want to alarm anybody, but I'm in. So either I'm very very early or its the 30th already and no one but me knows...


Anyhow, my tale of fowlest deeds is best read in the typeface Kirsten ITC which with a good deal of help (thanks again!) I've used in the thread. But I understand it might not show for those of you using fancy-pantsy mobile thingummies, so if you don't have that font on your device, hard luck. (And hie thee to a place which does.)


And channelling the spirit of the hairy 75 Challenge the other month, there are some avian names contained within the piece, some more cunningly disguised than others. Expert twitchers should get them all with no problem, though.

 

[Cat's Cradle]

It's very good, TJ!

edit to add: and indeed, it's shockingly early!

 

[The Judge]

Thank you! (How many birds did you get?)

 

[Phyrebrat]

I count 9 but may be including one typo (intentional) homophone. I see you're biased towards water-fowl...



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