DISCUSSION THREAD -- October 2021 -- 300 Word Writing Challenge #43

[paranoid marvin]

sule: The sense of quiet melancholy that fills this tale of loss and memory is far more effective than any melodramatic scenes of apocalypse could ever be. The subtle ending, in a similar way, is made more powerful through its lack of overstatement.

And a very effective example of 'show don't tell' in the last paragraph.

 

[Cat's Cradle]

Wonderful story, @sule, CC

 

[chrispenycate]

Well, something got written i time (actually, more than twice as much as needed got written, and required immense pruning , which probably leaves it incomprehensible. But it's in.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Darn. I have something but it’s 800 words, needs reviewed and I’m out of time. Sorry peeps

 

[The Judge]

I'm in, and with apologies for the earworm, courtesy of Lloyd Webber.

Some Easter eggs planted for those who know their French authors, English poets and Greek myth -- I'd be interested if anyone gets them all.

 

[Elckerlyc]

Well, I'm also in, for what it's worth. My muse is still chilling on Pluto and is sorely missed.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

chrispenycate: The way in which this quietly chilling tale begins in mundane fashion, with many realistic details to draw the reader into its seemingly ordinary world, makes the unexpected climax more powerful. Like the narrator, the reader is greatly surprised; unlike the narrator, this is a pleasant experience.

therapist: The implications of magic are explored in this imaginative portrayal of what might happen when one has supernatural abilities. The story can also be read as a cautionary tale, warning us about the consequences of unrestrained use of power.

Venusian Broon: This clever exploration of the possibility of multiple realities benefits greatly from its combination of rousing adventure and philosophical musings, as well as a friendly tone that keeps it from being too heavy. The implied revelation at the end is sure to make the reader ponder the nature of the world.

The Judge: The allusion to an ancient myth that appears in this dream-like tale is not used in a familiar way, but one which is entirely original. Throughout the narrative, the reader shares what must be a nearly universal yearning.

Elckerlyc: An encounter with the miraculous fills this story with a true sense of wonder. The fact that its beneficent magic is never fully described, or understood, adds to the numinous mood.

 

[Abernovo]

Jings! Talk about cutting it fine, and taking it to the wire! This month has been stupidly busy, with good and bad, so I barely had chance to look in.

However, in a last minute rush, I put together something. I even quite like it.

Now, if I could just get some votes? I am open to bribing people, but I have no money, and nothing of value worth bribing with, so that's a bust.

 

[Ursa major]

​

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]

Abernovo: With a sure touch, the author takes themes from space-going fiction, often so impersonal, and transforms them into warm and welcoming signs of family bonds. The reader learns that small can be beautiful, indeed.

Ursa major: Writing from the point of view of beings far beyond humanity requires extraordinary imagination, as is demonstrated in this remarkable character portrait. The way in which the author manages to convey the feelings of one outside ordinary concepts of morality demonstrates great skill.

_____________________________________________________________________________

This was a tough one to judge. Suffice to say that my votes go to Perpetual Man, sule, and The Judge.

 

[Abernovo]

Thank you, Victoria, for the review.

 

[Pyan]

Votes for Venusian Broon, chrispenycate and mosaix. Highly commended: sule.

 

[Droflet]

So many great stories. As usual. Grrr, only pick three you say? This is the part I do not look forward to. But:

Starbeast, Therapist and Her Honor, get my votes.

And a hearty well done to everyone who participated. You're all winners in my book.

Oh, and a huge thanks to Victoria and Parson, and all the others for a great batch of crits. You guys rock.

 

[Droflet]

Opps.

 

[Ian Fortytwo]

Well I've voted.
@Venusian Broon
@Abernovo
@Starbeast

It was a very difficult decision as everyone is worthy of first place.

 

[AnRoinnUltra]

Very enjoyable stories, and a huge range in styles -I voted for:
Shortcut by @Daysman
The Travels Of Sir Reginald Rigmarole, Part 94! by @Dan Jones
What in the Boggins! by @Ashleyne

Like Ian said in the post above it was a job to pick three; if the poll was to stay open for six months I'd be still flip flopping between stories, so made a call early.

 

[G.T.]

I totally missed the Boggins sign on the boat and was wondering why so many entries had Boggins in them...

Voted for: @Victoria Silverwolf, @Betok_Haney and @sule

 

[BT Jones]

Some great stories this month and, as ever, a great range of takes on the theme.

Shortlist:

• @Astro Pen
• @AnRoinnUltra
• @Deke
• @paranoid marvin
• @Luiglin
• @Droflet
• @JS Wiig
• @Provincial
• @G.T.
• @therapist
• @Elckerlyc

If I'd have had 5 votes...

• @Venusian Broon – A delightful yarn about ley lines and alternate histories
• @Abernovo – A wonderful spin on the narrowboat idea.

My votes went to:

• @Rafellin – A somber, weld told tale. I love how you made the narrowboat life the solace at the end of the story rather than the story itself.
• @sule – A visually stunning and poignant story.
• @The Judge – Just simply beautiful.

 

[sule]

Shortlist:
Bindlestiff by Victoria Silverwolf
Gloriana Days by Rafellin
What in the Boggins! by Ashleyne
Mr Boggings by Elckerlyc

Votes:
Preservation by Astro Pen
View For Those Left Behind by Perpetual Man
The Land of Lost Content by The Judge

 

[Parson]

@Bren G .... Upon a Sweet Whisper : A Tale of Thistle and Rose .... Insider information is always useful.

@sule .... "Even the weariest river..." .... tells us of a last sober, somber, boat ride through a canal and the corridors of a mind.

@chrispenycate .... The Other Bank .... Chris takes us for a walk on the wild, untamed, and dangerous side.

@therapist .... I'll keep you alive .... Has the phrase "I'll keep you alive." ever conveyed such a horror?

@Venusian Broon .... The Honourable Society of Transcendental Boatmen .... At the transcendental crossroads confusion rules supreme.

@The Judge .... The Land of Lost Content .... A sweet story for those who believe in second chances.

@Elckerlyc .... Mr Boggings .... Elc writes a really sweet and charming ghost, (or is it a ghost?) story.

@Abernovo .... Continuing the Traditions .... Abernovo writes a story about a crew I'd love to join.

@Ursa major .... Why Do They Keep Doing It? .... The deep questions remain unanswered. All there really is the doing of what needs to be done for the good and the bad.