Discussion thread -- July 2018 75-word Writing Challenge

[mosaix]

The tie-breaker poll for the June Anon 100 closes later this afternoon. Anyone wanting to vote has only a few hours!

 

[Parson]

@Graymalkin .... The snitch at Sunset Park Material Recovery Facility .... Graymalkin tells a twisted detective tale which might end before it begins.

 

[Perpetual Man]

Swearing - how far can we push it Mods?

Case in point a word that I would personally consider a bad swear word, but pronouced with a lisp, so instead of starting with 's' it begins with 'th'

 

[The Judge]

We've certainly had four-letter words in the Challenges, since I've put at least two in the 300s and one in the 75s. I think Jo also had a "feck" at one point, but where I can't now remember (was it only in the title?).

Anyhow, obviously, we don't want stories which are littered with expletives, since this is a family-friendly site. If you think it is necessary for the story, and you've thought hard about using alternatives but can't see one that would have the same effect, then yes it's allowed. Perhaps just show the piece to a mod first, though, if you're in any doubt.

NB The software is programmed to ensure the worst words are ****'d out, in which case using "sh*t" is best, but if you're starting it with "th" the software probably won't recognise it anyway.

 

[Perpetual Man]

Thanks TJ

 

[Parson]

@jackwinabox57 .... No Good Spy .... Jack turns a twist on his title. His "no good spy," might well be the best and bravest one anyone has ever met.

 

[Perpetual Man]

So there it is.

I tried to get as many iterations of 'twist' as I could in there, and the whole thing has left me somewhat confused.

I do believe there is a story, but it might need explaining at the end.

Good luck if you try to read it out loud. Remember though, you have to do it quickly!

 

[Danny McG]

Good luck if you try to read it out loud. Remember though, you have to do it quickly!

I tried! No chance, I ended up with a chin full of drool and a gigglin fit.

 

[Abernovo]

Good luck if you try to read it out loud. Remember though, you have to do it quickly!

I tried. It reminded me of the scene in Singin' In The Rain, where Don and Cosmo (Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor) go to take elocution lessons!

 

[Pedro Del Mar]

I'm in. Most unusual one for me this time. Quite enjoyed this month's challenge, I had several different ideas floating about but this one seemed to flow all by itself. Anyone pick up on the references?

 

[Perpetual Man]

I tried! No chance, I ended up with a chin full of drool and a gigglin fit.

I tried. It reminded me of the scene in Singin' In The Rain, where Don and Cosmo (Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor) go to take elocution lessons!

I could do with a laugh at the moment, and these made me laugh, thanks

 

[scarpelius]

I already know who I am voting for this month

 

[Parson]

@Perpetual Man .... Tim's Totally Twisted Tale .... Tim tis tough to try to trace the trail to the tale told twixt t'all the Thitting.

@Pedro Del Mar .... Battle of Mariner Valley .... Pedro tells how the decision to stand and fight was really made.

@johnnyjet .... Twist Open .... Johnny tells a story all too common, save the ending, which was great!

 

[scarpelius]

Questions: will a plot twist count? Also, what if I replace the word twist with a synonym?

 

[Parson]

Questions: will a plot twist count? Also, what if I replace the word twist with a synonym?

The answers to both of your questions is that "It depends." We do not have a hard and fast rule about what counts. Any member on this site can vote and all are encouraged to vote. So "Will a plot twist count?" For me the answer would be yes, but I can't answer for anyone else. So although I suspect that it would be fine with almost all who vote, there might be those who feel as those you did not live under the rule of the theme. Second, "What if I replace the word twist with a synonym?" As far as I am concerned that wouldn't count against you in the least and might well count for you. I further suspect that I am in the vast majority in this opinion.

But ---- I also suspect that you are focused on getting the most votes. Getting the most votes and winning is a wonderful and joyous result. But if you are able to create a story that satisfies you in 75 words and if you improve your writing because of the challenge you are winner whether or not you get any votes or are mentioned by someone casting a vote or not. --- What I'm trying to say is, write the best story you can and don't worry so much about how "acceptable" it is, or how many votes it gathers.

 

[Luiglin]

Questions: will a plot twist count? Also, what if I replace the word twist with a synonym?

Short answer to both. Yes, as long as it's recognisable.

Like the esteemed @Parson says though, use it as a way to improve your writing. Have fun and don't worry about votes. I don't cause I don't get any ;P

 

[Cathbad]

Votes? Whut r those?

 

[scarpelius]

Short answer to both. Yes, as long as it's recognisable.

Like the esteemed @Parson says though, use it as a way to improve your writing. Have fun and don't worry about votes. I don't cause I don't get any ;P

Ahahaha, I've stoped worrying after my second attempt. Also didn't get any vote yet.

 

[scarpelius]

What I am worrying now is that my grammar is not correct. Also I've mixed a bit verb times and I am not sure if the meaning of phrases is correct.

 

[Joshua Jones]

What I am worrying now is that my grammar is not correct. Also I've mixed a bit verb times and I am not sure if the meaning of phrases is correct.

There are often people willing to provide a peer review for this sort of thing before you post it. Of course, I would recommend you ask someone who has already posted their story for the month, but peer reviews can be extremely helpful.