Discussion Thread -- September 2016 75-word Writing Challenge

[Starbeast]

STAGE FRIGHT
Science Fiction - part 2​

@Old_Man_Steve2016 - I enjoyed your story.......wait.....computer is buffering.........still buffering. (two hours later) Still buffering. Aww heck. You've posted in a terrific tale....a frightening reality we all face. Hmm, maybe if I reboot.

@Tanja Bisgaard - Fear, can plague the mind of a theft who has a conscience. But when the crime concerns a world changing device, then the criminal, might think intensely about the consequences of being discovered, then exposed by a worldwide media. Fantastic, and dripping with sweat.

@Droflet - Everyone is afraid of something. But there are a few who are Equinophobic. Personally, I like horses, and sometimes I even illustrate them in artwork. But, if I'm near a stable, I can't stand their smell. Excellent story, and odor free.

@Coast - This is a great example of how some people are fearful of addressing a live audience, especially if you're a visitor from outer space, speaking to a bunch of Earth people (and we all know how weird we are). Very cool.

Thanks, @Starbeast !

You're welcome ThomasG. Keep up the good work.

Thank you, Starbeast for the review. I had a friend that drove a school bus. It was stressful but she wouldn't trade it for anything else. She told me it was one of those you either love it or hate it things. She loved it.

I wouldn't hate it, Calliopenjo, I'd be terrified to do it. Too many kids to be responsible for. Nice to see you've joined the Pool Party.

Thank you Victoria, thank you Starbeast, for the nice reviews!
Starbeast, sorry that the thing is so sad...I'd gotten some bad news right before finishing it, and it turned the ending around from semi-hopeful, to very bleak. Should have waited a day to post!

Sorry to hear that bro. I understand what you mean Cat's. I lost three relatives a day before my week vacation (began on the 2nd). But, I keep in mind they're all in a better place, and life goes on. However, I do enjoy a good drama. And you created a powerful one. Meanwhile, I've been writing humorous ones to lift up my spirit.

Dilemma: To post my story as is and risk the concerns I have with it (genre mainly) or risk having my idea scooped and wait for a better idea.

Take your time Cory. Even if your story might be similar to another, you still could have an outstanding winner.

 

[Cat's Cradle]

Condolences, Starbeast. I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. My problem is nothing compared to this news; my sympathies to your family.

And your stories lift up many spirits here, as well - thank you. CC

 

[Droflet]

Thanks for the review Beasty.
Starbeast: An hilarious story that tackles some delicate issue with, ah, finesse. Spot on with the theme and genre. And the last line is going in my book of great last lines. You're a contender, funny man.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Calliopenjo -- The fear that comes with great responsibility is vividly portrayed in this powerful tale.

Old_Man_Steve2016 -- With a touch of satire about our modern world, this story shows us how every new technology comes equipped with imperfections.

Tanja Bisgaard -- This intense tale demonstrates how we all have secrets to hide from the world.

Droflet -- This story wryly shows us how even the strongest have weaknesses.

Coast -- By making use of an unexpected viewpoint character, the author teaches us that others feel the same insecurities we do.

chrispenycate -- This dense poem enables the reader to experience the emotions of one forced to deliver bad news.

Luiglin -- This lighthearted spoof proves that sometimes the most difficult problems have simple solutions.

 

[Droflet]

As always, many thanks to Victoria.

 

[Starbeast]

STAGE FRIGHT
Science Fiction - part 3​

@chrispenycate - This SPECTACULAR heavy hitter, focuses on the fierceness of the media which can shred a person. Look what happened to actor/director Mel Gibson. A while back, a movie company unleashed an angry smear campaign to discredit him after he strongly refused to make a highly inaccurate film about Israel's government origin, and have him say it's 100% true (a year or so later, a two minute apology was given to Mr Gibson, by the movie company, on the radio - I heard it).

@Luiglin - The final frontier was blazed by this wonderful story, with the voyage of a star ship crew whose mission was something that no one has done before. I was engaged by this tale, as I cling on to every word of this enterprising treat. Set you phasers to fun, and put on a happy red shirt, then explore a strange new world of synchronous diaphragmatic flutter. Fun and fascinating episode, I mean, tale.

And your stories lift up many spirits here, as well - thank you. CC

Thank you very much Cat's, you made my day shine bright.

I like to share my humor. Let's see, how does it go? "Laugh, and the world laughs with you. Laugh with yourself too much, and people will start think you've gone popeye-bozo in the head."

Thanks for the review Beasty.

Starbeast: An hilarious story that tackles some delicate issue with, ah, finesse. Spot on with the theme and genre. And the last line is going in my book of great last lines. You're a contender, funny man.

You're mighty welcome Drof. Thanks for the wonderful review. You made my day. I'll go into detail about my story after the voting. There are a nice bag of goodies that have been posted so far.

 

[Calliopenjo]

Thank you, Victoria.
I'm sorry to hear that Starbeast. My sympathies to you and your family. Many hugs and kisses.

 

[Old_Man_Steve2016]

Thanks for the reviews!
Interesting interpretations of the story. I'd figure people would be leaning towards admonishing the main character for not memorizing the script better.

Astute web page designers (of all levels) would probably have a laugh at the error message.

 

[Parson]

@johnnyjet -- Brilliant!

 

[johnnyjet]

Thanks! That means a lot coming from you, @Parson.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

johnnyjet -- A subtle and all-too-real satire of the real way that politics works.

 

[johnnyjet]

Thanks for the great commentary, @Victoria Silverwolf

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Culhwch -- This highly imaginative look at the ways life might exist elsewhere reminds us of the things we all have in common.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Bowler1 -- This dark satire of the lengths we will go for entertainment packs a powerful punch.

 

[Parson]

@Bowler1 that was Satire that Swift might enjoy.

 

[Bowler1]

Yay - reviews.

 

[Starbeast]

STAGE FRIGHT
Science Fiction - part 4​

@johnnyjet - Nice timing with this story, as an ugly election is going on in the U.S. Oh how I like to watch a dishonest person squirm when placed in the public's eye. And much like in the movie, The Wizard of Oz, the man behind the scenes will be exposed, eventually. You created a wonderfully far-out entry, with a tin man puppet.

@Culhwch - Alas, poor Yorick, I knew him, Horatio. A fellow of jest, from infinite light years away, with multiple tentacles. He carried me on his back with a thousand others, during the human round-up. The alien tripods....eh... Pardon me. Heh heh. I went off on a soliloquy. Astounding alien Shakespeare, with a funny zinger at the end.

@Bowler1 - Ya know, I had a feeling there would be gun-play in this remarkable story, that blasts the reader with plenty of entertaining ammo. Ya gotta give the public what they want to be a successful show on TV. If you can't get celebrities to host, then give your audience one hell of a show! Terrific and terrifying. Well done sir.

Thank you, Victoria.
I'm sorry to hear that Starbeast. My sympathies to you and your family. Many hugs and kisses.

Thanks bro. It was a bit rough to enjoy myself on vacation, with so much drama going on.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

AJB -- This tragic love story shows us how even art can be corrupted by human failings.

VinceK -- This terrifying horror story makes the reader wonder about the nature of fear as entertainment.

 

[johnnyjet]

Thanks for the nice review, @Starbeast.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Gnrevolution -- This dramatic tale shows us how some truths are too painful to speak.

aThenian -- With a satiric edge, the author considers the difference between image and reality.

Heijan Xavier -- This powerful story relates are our worst accusers are often ourselves.

Shyrka -- With tender emotion, the author shows us how a lie can be an act of mercy.