Discussion thread -- June 2016 75-word Writing Challenge

[TheDustyZebra]

Putting something into my brain?

Pulling something out of your ...

 

[Cory Swanson]

As I think through this one I am realizing that it is the first one I've tried that is restricted to fantasy. I'm having a harder time with this than I thought I would. Every time I come up with something, I try to explain it, and that logical explanation defies the spirit of fantasy..... I think.

This gets me thinking. Is that the real line between sci fi and fantasy? Is it 'this thing exists because of logic' (sci fi) vs. 'this thing exists just because' (fantasy)?

I'm sure this has been hashed out before, but I would be interested to get your takes on it.

I'm not complaining. Like Stravinsky said, "Put yourself in a strait jacket and dance the free dance."

 

[hopewrites]

Aspirin?

I hate having to pull anything out of my aspirin... (Headache med, blood thinner, heart aide... For those across the pond)

 

[Cathbad]

This gets me thinking. Is that the real line between sci fi and fantasy? Is it 'this thing exists because of logic' (sci fi) vs. 'this thing exists just because' (fantasy)?

No, no, no no. At least not for me. I need to know the explanations behind the things that happen in my fantasy worlds, even if the reader will never know. I think it enhances consistency.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Glen -- This seemingly simple story contains subtle commentary on many aspects of modern history, conveyed with great wit and a sense of fun.

chrispenycate -- The intricate way in which each word in this thoughtful poem relates to the others emphasizes its theme of a mystical blending of faith and technology.

Ray McCarthy -- The author imagines a strange new way of dealing with one of humanity's most basic functions in this fascinating and oddly chilling story.

Ragandar -- In this evocative character study, the reader learns to empathize with a character who is very different.

Zen Dragon -- By creating a new genre which might be called steam fantasy, the author reveals a great deal of imagination.

Kieran Song -- The satiric touch of this sardonic look at certain aspects of modern culture is as sharp as any blade.

sinister42 -- The eternal struggle of labor and management is seen from a new point of view in this dark comedy.

Vaz -- This gruesomely amusing tale reminds us that many things depends on whose ox is being gored.

Cascade -- The way in which daily life can leave our aspirations unrealized is poignantly conveyed in this story.

 

[sinister42]

sinister42 -- The eternal struggle of labor and management is seen from a new point of view in this dark comedy.

On top of it as usual, V. Thanks!

 

[Cory Swanson]

No, no, no no. At least not for me. I need to know the explanations behind the things that happen in my fantasy worlds, even if the reader will never know. I think it enhances consistency.

I agree that the world needs to be consistent within itself. But where is the line? That sci fi is a part of the world we are in and fantasy is another world altogether?

 

[Cathbad]

Perhaps Sci-Fi deals with what people think are possibilities, while fantasy is defined as that which people think is not possible?

 

[reiver33]

Fantasy is just fiction where the science hasn't caught up yet

 

[Cory Swanson]

The science of orcs.

 

[Dan Jones]

Good stories so far, everyone.

Good to see @Ray McCarthy finally toss his hat into the ring. Is the start of a new commitment to the challenges, Ray? I've oft wondered why such a prolific writer hasn't entered before.

I've got something bubbling away. Might put it on ice for a day or so.

 

[Ray McCarthy]

I've oft wondered why such a prolific writer hasn't entered before.

I don't really even write 1K to 5K, except as a chapter. I think good short stories are quite different to Novella / novel. I have many anthologies/collections.

 

[Luiglin]

This was a doozy of a combination. Twisted it slightly to avoid obvious trap, discounting necromancers and cavemen along the way.

 

[Glen]

Oh! Fantasy! I didn't read the question.
I claim Clarke's third law.

 

[Mr Orange]

Nice challenge.

Draft written. Made me as the writer cringe and chuckle at the same time. Not sure if that's a good sign or not... I have 15 words left to try and get some fantasy in it.

 

[Perpetual Man]

Quite different this month, but I like the idea. I might end up with a bit of elf/dwarf bashing to sort this one out.

Or maybe the elf and dwarf can do the comments...

 

[Heijan Xavier]

Would Shape-shifters be a sci-fi or fantasy subject. Also, would that be one word or two?

Asking for a friend.

 

[hopewrites]

Two words, I'd consider it fantasy.

 

[Zen Dragon]

i used to serve with a guy who had a brother that worked for this one lady, whose sister used to write shapeshifter fantasy - one word.

 

[Wruter]

Yes, one word without the hyphen.