DISCUSSION THREAD -- JUNE 2022 -- 75 Word Writing Challenge

[Astro Pen]

Well done @Christine Wheelwright

Does anyone else ever get an idea in their head, but no matter how much you push and pull it, chisel away, mould it, bend it, shape it, it just doesn't work, and by the time you admit it to yourself, you realise there's only two days left until the deadline, no time for a new one, so you just end up posting your misshapen effort anyway?
Yeah, that was me this month

No, life is too short, I sketch an idea out for a bit of fun, and get back to the WIP. I initially tried, as you describe, but effort has no impact on votes. Results here seem to be random in terms of return on investment. You can hit the spot with a 10 minute job or spend a day refining for zero votes.
I think, psychologically, the more effort you put into these flashes the more demoralising it is if they tank. I learned early not to do that.

 

[THX1138]

Well done @Christine Wheelwright

Does anyone else ever get an idea in their head, but no matter how much you push and pull it, chisel away, mould it, bend it, shape it, it just doesn't work, and by the time you admit it to yourself, you realise there's only two days left until the deadline, no time for a new one, so you just end up posting your misshapen effort anyway?
Yeah, that was me this month

I'm looking at this as more of a writing exercise in word learning and mastery myself. Unlike many here, I have no writing of literature education or experience to speak of so for me it's like a free writing course in creative word usage.
But I understand too. I tend to think out my stories, quicky write them and panic submit at times myself. Not this month but I did last month...

 

[paranoid marvin]

Congratulations Christine Wheelwright. Two wins out of the last 3 Challenges really is something special.

 

[paranoid marvin]

And many, many thanks to Ursa for the final day vote. To finish fourth in a month with so many accomplished entries makes me very happy indeed.

 

[Hugh]

Well done @Christine Wheelwright

Does anyone else ever get an idea in their head, but no matter how much you push and pull it, chisel away, mould it, bend it, shape it, it just doesn't work, and by the time you admit it to yourself, you realise there's only two days left until the deadline, no time for a new one, so you just end up posting your misshapen effort anyway?
Yeah, that was me this month

I could see it didn’t have your usual ‘polish’ and I suspected deadlines had caught up with you, but I really liked the basic ideas and use of myth.

 

[paranoid marvin]

I could see it didn’t have your usual ‘polish’ and I suspected deadlines had caught up with you, but I really liked the basic ideas and use of myth.

So did I, and it made me chuckle. I really ought to start making a longer shortlist. This would have been in my top 5 , along with CW's.

 

[Cat's Cradle]

Congratulations, Christine Wheelwright! A terrific story. Well done TJ, and Bowler1 and paranoid marvin, for keeping it close to the end, and well done all who participated.

A late 'Thank you!' to TJ for the listing.

This is a small thing, but I wanted to mention that (unless my math is wrong) I think this June Challenge is my 100th 75 Worder, and my 100th straight 75 worder... I *think* I haven't missed any since I joined the site in March 2014. I know there are other long streaks out there... I think there are a small handful over 100. I just wanted to say how much the Writing Challenges have meant to me over the years, especially when so much of the last few years has seemed just nuts. But the Challenges are a constant, and the people - new Challengers, and ones who've been here a very long time - are universally wonderful, kind and talented. So, not sure if I will reach 200 straight 75 Worders (I'll check back, hopefully, in 2030), but I am looking forward to this communal journey.
Okay, now to go check out the July 75 & 300 worders! CC

 

[reddishbird]

Congratulations Christine! Great story!