DISCUSSION THREAD -- October 2016 75-word Writing Challenge

[LordOfWizards]

Oh man. I didn't see the 'theme' until after I posted. Sorry. The edit doesn't quite pull it into the fold. Oh well, as they say: better luck next time.

 

[Cat's Cradle]

Terrific story, Hex! Nice to see you in the challenge.

Hey LordOfWizards! Don't worry - the next challenge will be here in no time. Also...sometimes I completely miss the theme even when I know it. CC

 

[Shyrka]

Secco, @Cory Swanson – A marooned, dehydrated explorer fantasises about a drink as dry as the parched landscape they find themselves in.

Miskatonic University's Ancient Alien Exhibit 1926, @Starbeast – When a smoking-related mishap instigates the resurrection of an ancient terror the hapless Smegly turns out to be both the cause, and the solution, for the crisis.

Deserted in the desert, @ErikB – A lone survivor stumbles across salvation but the language barrier between him and his alien rescuers hints at further difficulties to come.

Fallen Idol, @Droflet – It is not rainfall that brings water to this arid land but the eulogy for one of its fallen heroes.

Feardrop, the Weeper of Nightmares vs Dry, @Cat's Cradle – The leader of a team of super-powered fighters watches with amusement as he pits the weakest member of his team against their arch-nemesis. Whilst their names may imply the fight is fair, the outcome does not reflect this.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Clockworkbot -- Through the use of inhuman characters, the author is able show us the nature of humanity's cruelty and treachery.

LordOfWizards -- In this vision of the future we come to understand the importance of diplomatic relations and the consequences of their failure.

Hex -- This creative new myth reveals the power of the divine, both constructive and destructive.

 

[Droflet]

Thanks for the review, Shyrka.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Coast -- This introspective look at the problems of technology is something all readers can relate to.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Parson -- This witty, self-referential tale reveals the practical difficulties of artistic creation.

 

[Parson]

@Victoria Silverwolf .... Do you ever sleep? I hardly had the story posted? ..... Thanks for the review. It made me smile.

 

[Cathbad]

@Parson , you're one of those persons who make it so tempting to hit the "Like" button!!

 

[Shyrka]

Why is this happening to me? @Cathbad – A hapless astronaut struggles to survive a catalogue of calamities as their luck goes from bad to worse. Then, when their luck finally turns, relief is spoiled by ‘salvation’.

Safe and Dry, @Stable – A lone survivor uses all their survival skills to stay hidden, taking advantage of the hostile environment to stay safe from predatory eyes.

If He Only Knew, but Husbands Never do. @Heijan Xavier – A dark and richly-fascinating insight into a failing relationship and one participants’ hopes for its redemption.

Drouthy Dance, @chrispenycate – An endearing and whimsical depiction of a typical English summer ruined by the vagaries of weather.

Wish, @AJB – A heart-broken man strives to save his dear, departed love but the wishing well that brought about her demise has seemingly run dry.

 

[Bowler1]

I struggled for an idea for sometime with "dry" and finding an idea wasn't easy for me at all. I used Google to surf the net on dry and all things dry (shows my desperation really) and stumbled on Dune eventually, a great series of books that I'd recommend highly as a good read. I got my inspiration from Dune and while I'm not quite ready to post just yet, I eventually enjoyed the theme this month. Sort of the whole point to the writing competitions I guess.

 

[Shyrka]

I struggled for an idea for sometime with "dry" and finding an idea wasn't easy for me at all. I used Google to surf the net on dry and all things dry (shows my desperation really) and stumbled on Dune eventually, a great series of books that I'd recommend highly as a good read. I got my inspiration from Dune and while I'm not quite ready to post just yet, I eventually enjoyed the theme this month. Sort of the whole point to the writing competitions I guess.

My imagination's initial reaction to the theme was toward Dune-like desert vistas and sweeping epic tales of drought but for some reason I couldn't come up with a story to hang it all on. It took a while but I ended up mulling over all the other meanings and interpretations of 'dry' before something finally stuck. I also had the 'Nobody wants to be Moist' song from Doctor Horrible's 'Commentary the musical' in my head the whole time.

 

[Luiglin]

I thought initially of the hydrophobes from the Colour of Magic whose repulsion of water is so strong it allows them to hover above the sea.

I never thought about Dune but that is the ultimate 'dry' I suspect.

In the end I went for something hopefully as subtle as a squeaky toy hammer.

 

[Bowler1]

a squeaky toy hammer.

WooHoo, look what I found. Squeak... squeak... squeak... squeak........... squeak... squeak....

Squeak.

Squeak.

 

[Luiglin]

WooHoo, look what I found. Squeak... squeak... squeak... squeak........... squeak... squeak....

Squeak.

Squeak.

Now, remember the squeaky bit can be swallowed. So be careful.

 

[johnnyjet]

Sorry for all the writers' angst my "dry" theme prompted this month. Well, okay, I'm not really sorry. I've had to suffer through some pretty angst-riddled themes myself in the past. Ha!

 

[Luiglin]

Sorry for all the writers' angst my "dry" theme prompted this month. Well, okay, I'm not really sorry. I've had to suffer through some pretty angst-riddled themes myself in the past. Ha!

No angst here. I was more angsty with the 300. The angstanium levels with that one was nearing the angstist point. And as all know when you breach the angstist point the only way back is to tsgna.

 

[Shyrka]

The First Step, @LittleStar – This amusing mash-up of Greek mythology and modern treatment methods examines how a deity, born to drink, deals with their addiction.

A Valley Full of Dry Bones, @johnnyjet – A lone warrior despairs as he must face a foe constructed from the desiccated remains of his enemies. Can there be no rest, even in death?

Terraforming, @AstroZon – A crew of explorers survey their failed attempts to make a planet habitable. Some things just take time.

The Eight-legged War, @Clockworkbot – A fascinating insight into a world of insectoid intrigue and arachnidal assassination.

Stupid Aliens, @LordOfWizards – The intrepid crew of an interplanetary space vessel try to decipher a strange – and insulting – alien message coming from one of their own.

 

[johnnyjet]

Thanks for the great review, Shyrka!

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

crystal haven -- This sly satire of modern conveniences and inconveniences reminds the reader that you don't think about what you have until it's gone.