DISCUSSION -- July 2016 300-word Writing Challenge (#22)

Perpetual Man said:
Did I see somewhere that we were allowed an extra 248 words this month?
Click to expand...

Though sometimes just 5 extra words might seem invaluable, *sigh*. :)

With only 16 stories in so far, it would seem my chance of winning the 300 word challenge is (theoretically) one in 16 this month...I'd much rather the odds were one in 40 or so...looking forward to more stories coming in! :)
 
Chris that's... impressive.

Just managed to get mine down by another 100 words, still too many... ho hum.
 
Interesting to see that it is so common to write a long story and then pare it down. I count words as I go and use the word count to help with structure and pacing. I only have trouble at the end where I have to figure out a conclusion with less than 10 words left.
 
I don't go into it with anything other than a story, that takes as many words as it needs to tell. Then I edit out or embellish it if I have a few words spare. :D
 
Luiglin -- The vivid and realistic setting of this allegorical fantasy renders its fantastic content all the more convincing. Through the use of a spare narrative style, the author draws the reader into the sensations of the narrator with ease. When the final revelation of the character's fate is revealed, it carries a powerful impact.

chrispenycate -- In this thoughtfully crafted science fiction story the documentary-like style convinces the reader that she is witnessing something real. The vastness of the concept, combined with a variety of richly imagined scientific details, results in an awe-inspiring experience of the future. The conclusion comes as a sobering warning.

DZara -- The sharp contrast between the apocalyptic event which forms the background of this story and the honest and simple humanity of its characters results in a touching account of a possible future. By refusing to give in to threats that many would consider implacable, these richly drawn people are shown to be true heroes. The warm and gently humorous ending is sure to bring a smile.
 
Perpetual Man -- With a gift for effective images the author creates an authentic yet original legend. The characters depicted are both archetypal and personal, both specific creations and evocative symbols. The conclusion has the inevitability of a true myth, bringing all the elements of the story together in a fitting way.
 
I'm in! I'm in! :LOL:

It's been a hectic month - heck, it's been a hectic lots of months - but I'm glad I managed to find the time for this one.

Great picture, btw. Can't wait to have a proper read through of everyone's :coffee:
 
I rarely have to cut too much out.

I start with an idea of the story I want to tell, and generally have a reasonable idea before I start as to whether I can tell that story the way I want to tell it in 300 (or 75) words. I think this month I found myself 48 words over though and had a very hard time reducing that down. I think If I ever found myself 100+ over, I would scrap it and start again.
 
I start with a kernel of an idea and write to half way in words. I have a good idea then if I need to cut or expand.
 
Victoria, thanks for the kind words. You lift all our hearts with your reviews.

Coast - Lovely dark ending. I adore the statesman like language of the news report.
Cascade - Enjoyed how poetic it is. Draws you in, left me desperate to read more.
Perpetual Man - Perfectly crafted... just perfect!
 
Cat's Cradle - I laughed when I read your entry. So funny, and it made me so curious to see more of the reader's life on the slush-pile.

Terrific end. And I've got to find a spot for 'Sex Slaves of Mercury' in one of my stories now. :)
 
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Well, of course I'm going to like that!! :)
Thanks so much for the very kind words, DZara! I'm really happy you enjoyed the story - a laugh at the end is exactly what I was hoping for. It's funny you mentioned the slush pile reader's life...the thought hit me after I posted the story that maybe I could revisit this is some far-future writing challenge. Meanwhile, the title SSOM can certainly be borrowed! :)
And I thought your story was terrific too! The atmosphere and tone were wonderful, and the characters seemed very real, and interesting. And another terrific ending, too! Well done, CC
 
Cat's Cradle said:
Though sometimes just 5 extra words might seem invaluable, *sigh*. :)

With only 16 stories in so far, it would seem my chance of winning the 300 word challenge is (theoretically) one in 16 this month...I'd much rather the odds were one in 40 or so...looking forward to more stories coming in! :)
Click to expand...

As is becoming increasingly common for me, I've got two entries this month. Choosing between them has been agonising, hence the delay in submitting. If I keep this up, I'm going to have to make a second account...!
 
HazelRah -- The creation of the universe seen in this allegorical fantasy is done with great skill. By making use of a narrative voice with a great deal of gravitas, the important lesson to be learned is given the reader's full attention. The fantastic elements in the story exist not only for the purpose of the moral to be communicated, but as imaginative works of art.

LittleStar -- The special poignancy of this bittersweet love story comes about because of its combination of mundane and extraordinary contents. By first making the world brought to life in this tale seem familiar, then adding details almost beyond imagination, the author builds a sense of awe. The emotional appeal of the ending is sure to remain in the reader's memory for a long time.

Shyrka -- This vision of a distant future maintains a strong tie with the present through its use of family ties, which remain essentially unchanged over the centuries. By depicting relationships to which nearly all of us can relate, a time far beyond our own comes to seem very real. The unexpected climax of this hard science fiction story is thus made more powerful.

ratsy -- The author chooses the very difficult task of portraying a love beyond human. Through the use of a wistful, nostalgic narrative style, what would seem to be nearly impossible to convey achieves true verisimilitude. The ending of the story is sure to touch the reader's heart.
 
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