Discussion Thread -- JULY 2020 -- 300-Worder Writing Challenge (#38)

[Tywin]

A lot of great entries this month. Marked a few that really stood out to me, three of which get my votes. Great job all!

@Cat's Cradle - Expiration Date
@Jo Zebedee - Barren - VOTE
@Joshua Jones - Incident 0013429 - VOTE
@Perpetual Man - The Trees
@M. Robert Gibson - I Always Wanted to Say That - VOTE

 

[Joshua Jones]

A lot of great entries this month. Marked a few that really stood out to me, three of which get my votes. Great job all!

@Cat's Cradle - Expiration Date
@Jo Zebedee - Barren - VOTE
@Joshua Jones - Incident 0013429 - VOTE
@Perpetual Man - The Trees
@M. Robert Gibson - I Always Wanted to Say That - VOTE

Wow! Another vote! I'm flabbergasted, especially considering it's MilSF and, as I recall, you were deployed a bit ago. Thank you so much, and (presuming my memory is correct) a belated welcome home!

 

[Danny McG]

Yay! I have a vote.....I now need to reread the entries and pick out the big three
(I'd forgotten that I hadn't yet voted haha)

 

[Parson]

Okay, I'm going to check how long it takes me to read through the entries and pick my winners. Start time 2:03

2:17 First impression: Goodness, what a range of stories even in the first few, and so far they are making me so sad, so very sad.

2:35 Next impression: I'm on a wild ride having a hard time imagining how such stories could come from such a picture. Imagination seems to have run riot this month!!

3:12 --- Help! I'm lost in the mind of Clifford Simak!

3:47 --- I surface from a bizarre world of sad, humorous, and sometimes stories of surpassing greatness. I will go to vote but first:

------------------------------

Short list:

Like Diamonds in the Sky @MikeAnderson --- Because it is such a charmingly romantic story.

Lights Out @Ashleyne --- Because it is the wildest fantasy I've read in a long, long, time. Reads like a scene from Alice in Wonderland.

Fated @Elckerlyc --- Because this story rings so absolutely true for a person who has a real gift of prophesy and not just an illusion of one.

The Exam @Luiglin --- Because this story is both hilarious and sad in equal degrees.

Being Clifford Simak @johnnyjet --- Because this mia culpa contained a DustyZebra.

Surplus Requirements @mosaix --- Because the story turns a normal naked at an embarrassing moment dream to a full blown nightmare of reality.

Incident 0013429 @Joshua Jones --- Because this story stirs me with its true and pure heroism.

The Trees @Perpetual Man --- Because this story should have been on Alfred Hitchcock's show.

The Right Answer Seeks the Right Question @The Judge --- Because this is a master piece and deserves to be part of a book! Wow! just Wow! your Honor, this IMO is your best story ever.

-----------

Votes in red. 3:55 and off to vote.

 

[Danny McG]

Yay! I have a vote.....I now need to reread the entries and pick out the big three
(I'd forgotten that I hadn't yet voted haha)

All done, my votes are cast:-
@Ashleyne
@M. Robert Gibson
@Land Under Wave

 

[Joshua Jones]

Okay, I'm going to check how long it takes me to read through the entries and pick my winners. Start time 2:03

2:17 First impression: Goodness, what a range of stories even in the first few, and so far they are making me so sad, so very sad.

2:35 Next impression: I'm on a wild ride having a hard time imagining how such stories could come from such a picture. Imagination seems to have run riot this month!!

3:12 --- Help! I'm lost in the mind of Clifford Simak!

3:47 --- I surface from a bizarre world of sad, humorous, and sometimes stories of surpassing greatness. I will go to vote but first:

------------------------------

Short list:

Like Diamonds in the Sky @MikeAnderson --- Because it is such a charmingly romantic story.

Lights Out @Ashleyne --- Because it is the wildest fantasy I've read in a long, long, time. Reads like a scene from Alice in Wonderland.

Fated @Elckerlyc --- Because this story rings so absolutely true for a person who has a real gift of prophesy and not just an illusion of one.

The Exam @Luiglin --- Because this story is both hilarious and sad in equal degrees.

Being Clifford Simak @johnnyjet --- Because this mia culpa contained a DustyZebra.

Surplus Requirements @mosaix --- Because the story turns a normal naked at an embarrassing moment dream to a full blown nightmare of reality.

Incident 0013429 @Joshua Jones --- Because this story stirs me with its true and pure heroism.

The Trees @Perpetual Man --- Because this story should have been on Alfred Hitchcock's show.

The Right Answer Seeks the Right Question @The Judge --- Because this is a master piece and deserves to be part of a book! Wow! just Wow! your Honor, this IMO is your best story ever.

-----------

Votes in red. 3:55 and off to vote.

Wow, thank you for your kind words and vote! I can't believe I'm up to three votes!

 

[BT Jones]

Okay, I'm going to check how long it takes me to read through the entries and pick my winners. Start time 2:03

2:17 First impression: Goodness, what a range of stories even in the first few, and so far they are making me so sad, so very sad.

2:35 Next impression: I'm on a wild ride having a hard time imagining how such stories could come from such a picture. Imagination seems to have run riot this month!!

3:12 --- Help! I'm lost in the mind of Clifford Simak!

3:47 --- I surface from a bizarre world of sad, humorous, and sometimes stories of surpassing greatness. I will go to vote but first:

------------------------------

Short list:

Like Diamonds in the Sky @MikeAnderson --- Because it is such a charmingly romantic story.

Lights Out @Ashleyne --- Because it is the wildest fantasy I've read in a long, long, time. Reads like a scene from Alice in Wonderland.

Fated @Elckerlyc --- Because this story rings so absolutely true for a person who has a real gift of prophesy and not just an illusion of one.

The Exam @Luiglin --- Because this story is both hilarious and sad in equal degrees.

Being Clifford Simak @johnnyjet --- Because this mia culpa contained a DustyZebra.

Surplus Requirements @mosaix --- Because the story turns a normal naked at an embarrassing moment dream to a full blown nightmare of reality.

Incident 0013429 @Joshua Jones --- Because this story stirs me with its true and pure heroism.

The Trees @Perpetual Man --- Because this story should have been on Alfred Hitchcock's show.

The Right Answer Seeks the Right Question @The Judge --- Because this is a master piece and deserves to be part of a book! Wow! just Wow! your Honor, this IMO is your best story ever.

-----------

Votes in red. 3:55 and off to vote.

Yes, @Parson, it took me about the same time to go through them all! But definitely worth the effort!

 

[Elckerlyc]

Yippy! Thank you for your vote, @Parson!

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Oooh this one looks like a nail biter! Thanks to Tywin and to Nixie for the stealth vote. I’ll go get the bridesmaid dress out of the cleaners, just in case any of us need it.

 

[-K2-]

Arggg... Too many fine choices to choose from Excellent work EVERYONE!

Hopefully I can lean it down to three from my long-short-list today. What I really hate is not voting for what is truly a great story for another. Some were beautifully eloquent, others clever and funny, and all of them unique in their content, twists, and interpretations of the theme. None better or less than any other, just different.

*groans*

K2

 

[BT Jones]

Arggg... Too many fine choices to choose from Excellent work EVERYONE!

Hopefully I can lean it down to three from my long-short-list today. What I really hate is not voting for what is truly a great story for another. Some were beautifully eloquent, others clever and funny, and all of them unique in their content, twists, and interpretations of the theme. None better or less than any other, just different.

*groans*

K2

@-K2-, for me it's about first impressions. The ones that have the most impact on first reading are generally the ones that get my vote, and I am usually drawn to what moves me or puts me in right in the scene.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

@-K2-, for me it's about first impressions. The ones that have the most impact on first reading are generally the ones that get my vote, and I am usually drawn to what moves me or puts me in right in the scene.

I find voting very personal and subjective. For me it’s mostly about the characters who hit me hard.
And those who hit me hardest this time were
@mosaix
@M. Robert Gibson
@Land Under Wave

 

[Astro Pen]

Okay, after a one hour readathon, votes to:

@Cat's Cradle
@mosaix
@Perpetual Man

 

[-K2-]

Eenie, meenie, minie, moe ... Arggh! Awesome entries all around and frankly, I worked my way down to my short list by cutting some that were clear contenders--easy winners--for the most ridiculous of reasons...they would appeal to the refined, but test the masses (if that makes sense). In many cases they were the most eloquent and best written. That still left a long short list. Of those, some tested my imagination more than others...and a gazillion other reasons, 'cuz it zucks I can only pick three.

There were a bunch of winners IMO. Many stories I could see in any of the various bulk SS publications. Anywho, I'll try and post my impressions of each in a day or two.

K2

Oh, p.s.: "I scampered gleefully into the forest"...thanks @dannymcg for wasting that good whiskey by washing my monitor's screen with it. With only your avatar to connect the line to (at that point in the story), I have to say it made for quite an image Loved the story

 

[CarBear]

Thank you for the few mentions and to @Iwroteathing for a vote (my first)! I wasn't sure if I hit the genre hard enough in this one though, I will be working on that for next month's challenge. My votes went to @Parson, @johnnyjet and @Land Under Wave.

Delusions of Control struck me with imagery that was out of left field and I can't help but want to meet (and maybe become an ally to..) a Stilla Bear.
The first time I read Being Clifford Simak, I knew I would be voting for it. I found myself all wrapped up in there with Mr. Malkovich!
Dark Trade gave me a scenario that I hadn't considered. I would actually like to learn and read more about the Light Folk and people like Emma.

I'm enjoying these writing challenges more and more (I'm fairly new here). Honestly what a fun way to get some practice in outside of the usual work.

 

[mosaix]

Wow, two votes in quick succession. Thanks @Jo Zebedee and @Astro Pen

 

[BT Jones]

Eenie, meenie, minie, moe ... Arggh! Awesome entries all around and frankly, I worked my way down to my short list by cutting some that were clear contenders--easy winners--for the most ridiculous of reasons...they would appeal to the refined, but test the masses (if that makes sense). In many cases they were the most eloquent and best written. That still left a long short list. Of those, some tested my imagination more than others...and a gazillion other reasons, 'cuz it zucks I can only pick three.

There were a bunch of winners IMO. Many stories I could see in any of the various bulk SS publications. Anywho, I'll try and post my impressions of each in a day or two.

K2

Oh, p.s.: "I scampered gleefully into the forest"...thanks @dannymcg for wasting that good whiskey by washing my monitor's screen with it. With only your avatar to connect the line to (at that point in the story), I have to say it made for quite an image Loved the story

Thanks @-K2- for the stealth vote. This may or may not be my first legit vote of all time (I will have to go back and check). By inference, I'm delighted my story tested your imagination. I've actually come to feel the same way about these challenges about my story series: if only 5-10% of the people that come across it like it, then that will definitely be enough for me!

 

[Parson]

Thanks for the marvelous vote Carbear. I think you have a good chance of allying with a Stilla Bear.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

mosaix: The matter-of-fact tone of this chilling horror story adds greatly to its frightening effect. Through the use of a deceptively calm narrative voice, the author creates a true sense of menace.

Daysman: The documentary-like style of this tale results in a convincing mixture of the familiar and the extraordinary. The combination of dialogue and narrative provides a two-pronged experience of reality.

Jo Zebedee: In a subtle, intimate way, this emotionally powerful character study brings us into the heart of one who feels rejected by society. Once a difficult choice is made, the possibility of freedom appears.

AMB: A new myth emerges in this surreal account of a quest that is far more meaningful than it appears at first glance. The story's theme can be seen as an allegory of human effort and its consequences.

Joshua Jones: The visceral intensity of this futuristic war story disguises a very human story at its core. The eternal truths that prejudice is always with us, and that altruism is not always rewarded, come across vividly.

sule: Careful reading is required to fully appreciate all the nuances of this cautionary tale. Through the eyes of characters who see things very differently than we do, we learn the possible outcome of our own failings.

Parson: An unusual mixture of science fiction and fantasy leads to a particularly imaginative story, with meaning for anyone who has railed against injustice. The truism that the conqueror must always be wary of the conquered's retaliation comes to life for the reader.

dannymcg: A sense of merriment transforms what might be thought of as a macabre concept into an entertaining flight of fancy. A truly unique idea makes for a fully satisfying experience.

Perpetual Man: The profound differences between the ways that children and adults see the world increases the effect of this quiet thriller. When the two viewpoints mingle, we learn that reality is truly unknowable.

Peter V: The power of human connections over seemingly insurmountable obstacles draws the reader into this fable of loss and hope. It would be a hard heart indeed that could not be stirred by it.

M. Robert Gibson: Familiar themes from space stories are affectionately mocked in this witty offering. The situation it presents is so full of potential that one wonders why one hasn't encountered it before.

Ursa major: This eerie tale of a gift with an unexpected price has the same artistic nuance of the music with which it deals. By thus transforming what cannot be described in words in the form of a story, the reader is able to experience the narrator's dislocation in a direct way.

The Judge: The power of a simple gesture of courtesy is demonstrated in this science fiction story with the feeling of a fairy tale. Perhaps an analogy is intended with the way humans should interact with other living things.

Mad Alice: A true feeling for the impossible made real fills this fast-moving dive into the world of surrealism. As a bonus, the story provides a profound symbol for the strength of literature to carry us away.

Land Under Wave: The original darkness of folklore that has been appropriated for less meaningful purposes by modern culture appears in this moody fantasy. The selflessness of the protagonist serves as a lesson from which we can all learn.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Votes go to:

BT Jones: Best SF story

chrispenycate: Best mainstream fiction

Ursa major: Best fantasy

 

[BT Jones]

mosaix: The matter-of-fact tone of this chilling horror story adds greatly to its frightening effect. Through the use of a deceptively calm narrative voice, the author creates a true sense of menace.

Daysman: The documentary-like style of this tale results in a convincing mixture of the familiar and the extraordinary. The combination of dialogue and narrative provides a two-pronged experience of reality.

Jo Zebedee: In a subtle, intimate way, this emotionally powerful character study brings us into the heart of one who feels rejected by society. Once a difficult choice is made, the possibility of freedom appears.

AMB: A new myth emerges in this surreal account of a quest that is far more meaningful than it appears at first glance. The story's theme can be seen as an allegory of human effort and its consequences.

Joshua Jones: The visceral intensity of this futuristic war story disguises a very human story at its core. The eternal truths that prejudice is always with us, and that altruism is not always rewarded, come across vividly.

sule: Careful reading is required to fully appreciate all the nuances of this cautionary tale. Through the eyes of characters who see things very differently than we do, we learn the possible outcome of our own failings.

Parson: An unusual mixture of science fiction and fantasy leads to a particularly imaginative story, with meaning for anyone who has railed against injustice. The truism that the conqueror must always be wary of the conquered's retaliation comes to life for the reader.

dannymcg: A sense of merriment transforms what might be thought of as a macabre concept into an entertaining flight of fancy. A truly unique idea makes for a fully satisfying experience.

Perpetual Man: The profound differences between the ways that children and adults see the world increases the effect of this quiet thriller. When the two viewpoints mingle, we learn that reality is truly unknowable.

Peter V: The power of human connections over seemingly insurmountable obstacles draws the reader into this fable of loss and hope. It would be a hard heart indeed that could not be stirred by it.

M. Robert Gibson: Familiar themes from space stories are affectionately mocked in this witty offering. The situation it presents is so full of potential that one wonders why one hasn't encountered it before.

Ursa major: This eerie tale of a gift with an unexpected price has the same artistic nuance of the music with which it deals. By thus transforming what cannot be described in words in the form of a story, the reader is able to experience the narrator's dislocation in a direct way.

The Judge: The power of a simple gesture of courtesy is demonstrated in this science fiction story with the feeling of a fairy tale. Perhaps an analogy is intended with the way humans should interact with other living things.

Mad Alice: A true feeling for the impossible made real fills this fast-moving dive into the world of surrealism. As a bonus, the story provides a profound symbol for the strength of literature to carry us away.

Land Under Wave: The original darkness of folklore that has been appropriated for less meaningful purposes by modern culture appears in this moody fantasy. The selflessness of the protagonist serves as a lesson from which we can all learn.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Votes go to:

BT Jones: Best SF story

chrispenycate: Best mainstream fiction

Ursa major: Best fantasy

My goodness. Zero disrespect to anyone else, but this is a Charlie / golden ticket moment! You've made my month, @Victoria Silverwolf!