DISCUSSION -- JULY 2019 300-word Writing Challenge (#34)

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Hugh: The eternal challenge of misunderstanding between disparate peoples is portrayed clearly in this quietly insightful story. The fact that one often fails to be aware of the consequences of one's lack of comprehension of the other is sure to resonate with all of us.

 

[LittleStar]

I am very sorry to hear this, as you are definitely one of the more talented writers around here.

As I write this, there is slightly less than a full day to go before the deadline. If at all possible, I would request that you sit down and write something, even if it is only stream of consciousness inspired by the image, so we can enjoy your vision.

Wow, I’m stunned, honoured and humbled by your post. And among such a group of writers as this. Thank you, Victoria

Unfortunately, I was being honest about not having a minute. On 14th my partner and I brought home our very own Tinystar (coined by @The Big Peat in a beta thread), and I have just gone back to work after paternity leave. So between 10hr shifts, and giving my partner a break in the evenings (not to mention a few minutes to eat and sleep) I’m quite pressed for time.

I have just about managed to write this with one finger, with the baby in the other arm, trying not to joggle her enough to wake (nearly failed!)

But thank you again, and I will most certainly be back next time around

 

[Peter V]

C

Wow, I’m stunned, honoured and humbled by your post. And among such a group of writers as this. Thank you, Victoria

Unfortunately, I was being honest about not having a minute. On 14th my partner and I brought home our very own Tinystar (coined by @The Big Peat in a beta thread), and I have just gone back to work after paternity leave. So between 10hr shifts, and giving my partner a break in the evenings (not to mention a few minutes to eat and sleep) I’m quite pressed for time.

I have just about managed to write this with one finger, with the baby in the other arm, trying not to joggle her enough to wake (nearly failed!)

But thank you again, and I will most certainly be back next time around

That is lovely. Congratulations

 

[Luiglin]

Wow, I’m stunned, honoured and humbled by your post. And among such a group of writers as this. Thank you, Victoria

Unfortunately, I was being honest about not having a minute. On 14th my partner and I brought home our very own Tinystar (coined by @The Big Peat in a beta thread), and I have just gone back to work after paternity leave. So between 10hr shifts, and giving my partner a break in the evenings (not to mention a few minutes to eat and sleep) I’m quite pressed for time.

I have just about managed to write this with one finger, with the baby in the other arm, trying not to joggle her enough to wake (nearly failed!)

But thank you again, and I will most certainly be back next time around

Congrats on the new star

 

[Ursa major]

The challenge closed a few minutes ago, and so the voting is now open.

To cast your THREE votes, use the link below.

​

Please vote for your top THREE choices; note that all three votes must be cast AT THE SAME TIME to count.​

​

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

mosaix: Through the use of plain, ordinary language, the author perfectly captures the matter-of-fact tone of the narrator. By the use of this technique, an extraordinary encounter comes to seem very believable.

Phyrebrat: The past is recaptured in this tragic tale of a time long past, but whose sorrows resonate with modern readers. Accurate details and vocabulary of the place and time transport us into a world gone, but never forgotten.

The Judge: As if reflected in an enchanted mirror, this fantasy of a world that never was provides new insight into our own. The presence of a diabolic force, and one who responds to it in an unexpected way, allows us to ponder where the fault for evil really lies.

Ursa major: In a tale rich with irony, the author presents a unique form of technology that is made to seem highly plausible, almost inevitable. Through this verisimilitude, the reader comes to understand that are tools are truly extensions of ourselves.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

This was a hard one to judge, but I decided to vote for:

Cat's Cradle

nixie

Perpetual Man

 

[Vaz]

votes

nixie

Dan

Phyre


v

 

[nixie]

Short list, everyone.
Votes
@Luiglin
@Peter V
@Garfunkel

Thank you Cathbad, Victoria and Vaz for the votes, I'm honoured.

 

[J.C. Scoberg]

Very tough to call, a lot of great stories.

In the end, I went for (and thankfully in no order - could not break it down even further):

@Victoria Silverwolf (really enjoyed the alternate history take on it and gifting Mr Franklin with super powers!)
@Luiglin (for ruining Scooby doo for me forever!)
@Phyrebrat (for reminding us of the horrors of the mining industry and evoking memories of the Aberfan disaster)

 

[Ian Fortytwo]

Some brilliant entries, well done everyone.

Mentions.
@Victoria Silverwolf
@Cathbad
@Luiglin
@nixie
@chrispenycate
@dannymcg
@Daysman
@JBGood
@elvet
@scarpelius
@johnnyjet
@Hugh

Voted.
@Cat's Cradle
@Starbeast
@Phyrebrat

 

[Peter V]

I know my first vote but I cannot narrow the remaining two down from six - and I only got there somewhat painstakingly (not that reading these entries is a chore, far from it).

I am grateful that we have a lot of time to decide!

 

[Parson]

Stars! This was hard. There were so many different kinds of stories and so many of them were SO DARK. In the end I picked these three to vote for:

@J.C. Scoberg --- A Dark Deal --- For a story which fits perfectly the mood of the picture.

@chrispenycate --- Landfilling --- For a story which brings carbon to carbon and dust to dust.

@Culhwch --- So You Shall Reap --- For a story that had it all. Especially a lovely twist.

 

[elvet]

My shortlist and votes:
@scarpelius The day when Earth stopped
@Parson The Power of Myth
@chrispenycate Landfilling
@JBGood The End of the Summer
@johnnyjet Down Among the Dead Time Travelers

 

[Cathbad]

I think I got an 'accidental' vote!!

 

[Peter V]

After much deliberation.

Missing the cut by the skin of their teeth:

Nxie
MikeAnderson
Ursa major

And my favourite three:


@ Cat's Cradle This just drew me in and wouldn't let go. It's different and manically paints such a vivid picture of a scarred protagonist descending into madness. I'm not sure I have even interpreted it correctly but the writing is powerful and effective.

@ Luiglin What can I say? This had me just with the Scooby parallels but that twisted ending... Oh and a great title too!

@ dannymcg Whilst the twist wasn't a massive surprise, the turning of the tables was. Nicely done.

Well done everyone. A cracking selection of tales.

 

[Danny McG]

I think I got an 'accidental' vote!!

Don't knock it my friend, a vote is a vote!
I'm more than happy cos I've got some

 

[J.C. Scoberg]

Very happy to get a vote! Thank you @Parson for making my day!

 

[JBGood]

A very close honorable mention to:
@Perpetual Man

My votes were for:
@Cat's Cradle
@Parson
@Garfunkel

My favorite story was: A type of bird (@Garfunkel). Keep it up!!

 

[Parson]

A mention! Thanks @nixie and a vote! Thanks @JBGood --- Made my day.