DISCUSSION -- OCTOBER 2019 300-word Writing Challenge (#35)

[Ursa major]

The Challenge is now open for entries.

 

[Luiglin]

Damn, I was in such a funk yesterday that I never wrote up my idea in readiness to be posted.

Jsut keeipng fungars crust hat no une self pots teh shame idiom.

Note to self. Don't type with fingers crossed on the phone.

 

[Ian Fortytwo]

Well I have posted first this time, so at least I can be seen and hopefully remembered.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Ian Fortytwo: The author creates a haunting sense of suspense in this moody tale of an inexplicable mystery. Through the use of long, flowing sentences, the tension reaches a breathless intensity.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Daysman: In this urban fantasy, we find a character study of a person driven to assist those who most need help, even at a high cost. The modern, technological elements of the plot create a strong sense of verisimilitude.

 

[Rafellin]

That's what the late, great Ray Bradbury told me. Stay awesome Rafellin.

High praise - and finding myself (accidentally) in august company - thankee kindly.

I will endeavour to reach that state, and, should I ever do so, promise to remain that way.

Story's up, after a special remove-the-hyphens-and-then-count-the-words pass.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Rafellin: In this tribute to the power of imagination, the reader comes to realize that all the technological advances in the modern world are merely superficial decorations on the ancient monument of storytelling. By relating the allegory in the form of dialogue, the author makes it timeless, strengthening its impact on the reader.

 

[Danny McG]

I've finished my story, it's only 150 words but I can't think how to 'pad it out'

I'll leave it for a few days

 

[Calliopenjo]

Well, I posted my story, such as it is, and I hope all of you enjoy it. Best of luck everyone.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Calliopenjo: A sense of wonder at the possibilities that lie just beyond the horizon is conveyed in this tale of a magical quest. The subtle implications of the last sentence lead the reader to reconsider everything that has come before.

 

[Karn's Return]

Man, I really need to get something going on this, I missed the last one...

 

[Rafellin]

I've finished my story, it's only 150 words but I can't think how to 'pad it out'

If the story is complete at 150 words, then it's done.

Don't worry about padding - this is flash fiction, it's not meant to have padding. Save that for your novel.

 

[Cat's Cradle]

I'm in. I've enjoyed all the stories so far - we've a good start to the Challenge. Really nice story, Victoria - so well written, and fine characterization. Looking forward to the end of the month, so I can read all the entries in one sitting! CC

 

[Elckerlyc]

And I am in as well. But you don't need me saying that because you can see that for yourselves.
I have been labouring for a week on 2 different (but similar) stories, none of which went the way I wanted it. So I scratched that and started fresh by trying to look at the subject from a different angle. Which finally attracted the attention of my muse.

 

[Peter V]

If the tales carry on with the quality and imagination already exhibited, it will be very difficult come voting time

 

[elvet]

Yikes! Now I know why some members don’t read the entries until theirs have been submitted. I am humbled indeed. Such beautiful stories so far this challenge.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Cat's Cradle: In this apocalyptic space adventure the reader feels both the despair and, paradoxically, the hope of the protagonist. In a similar manner, the author conveys the main character's triumph, but it comes with a cost.

Elckerlyc: The mysterious power of art to send the human soul soaring comes to life in this anthropomorphic allegory. With a touch of melancholy, the story reminds us that nothing of value lasts forever, but that it is vital while it exists.

 

[Luiglin]

Scrapped first go, way to deep, meaningful and downright depressing.

Problem is, lack of a substantive second idea.

 

[Cat's Cradle]

There's an awful lot of time left, @Luiglin. Hang in there! Sometimes, too, if you walk away from a story for a few days, then return, it becomes obvious what might be wrong with the first attempt and the piece can be resurrected.
Sometimes, though, starting over is best. But there is a lot of time left, go for a long walk or two and I bet your muse will visit.

@Peter V, I always kind of enjoy when there are too many good stories to choose from, without feeling a bit of anguish over the ones you cannot vote for. That's the main reason I still do lists, I guess.

 

[Luiglin]

There's an awful lot of time left, @Luiglin. Hang in there! Sometimes, too, if you walk away from a story for a few days, then return, it becomes obvious what might be wrong with the first attempt and the piece can be resurrected.
Sometimes, though, starting over is best. But there is a lot of time left, go for a long walk or two and I bet your muse will visit.

I've got a kernel of theme. The first use was, while not a disaster, just not very nice. That scratches serious, just leaving humour, horror or humror/hormour.