DISCUSSION THREAD -- JUNE 2023 -- 75 Word Writing Challenge

[Luiglin]

If nothing comes soon, I'll be submitting A whole heap of 'tion' and be damned.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Starbeast constructs a tale of the Most Interesting Man in the World.

Rjalex constructs a tale of risk management.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Elckerlyc constructs a tale of futility.

 

[Parson]

@Elckerlyc .... “Vanity of Vanities; All Is Vanity” .... is a story whose moral is both painfully obvious and depressingly normal in the story of humanity.

 

[mosaix]

Well, I'm in - finally. Really lacking ideas this month and, like last month, the approach of the 23rd forced me to sit down and just start writing.

 

[Parson]

@therapist .... The Track .... Is a story that underlines the power of books and the triumph of pseudoscience.

@mosaix .... Ready By May The 4th? .... Is a story which rings true to human nature and to human malice.

@Bowler1 .... Airbnb .... Is a story which points out that building no matter how magnificent eventually becomes a tourist trap.

@M. Robert Gibson .... The Day The World (Almost) Ended .... Is a story of a vengeful deity and parental prerogative wrapped into one.

 

[Parson]

Well, I'm in and I've counted more than once, so I don't believe I've accidently gone to 76 words like I did last month. I'm hoping that we still make 40 entries.

 

[Luiglin]

A nearly submitted a A whole heap of 'tion'. Then I dug my heals in. I must admit, the three words in question made me think of a Sesame Street parody at first... "One of these things is not like the others".

But I've not been in a funny mood for far too long now. So, dark and nasty it is.

 

[JS Wiig]

A nearly submitted a A whole heap of 'tion'. Then I dug my heals in. I must admit, the three words in question made me think of a Sesame Street parody at first... "One of these things is not like the others".

But I've not been in a funny mood for far too long now. So, dark and nasty it is.

I hope your tale wasn’t the fate of A whole heap of 'tion'!

 

[Luiglin]

I hope your tale wasn’t the fate of A whole heap of 'tion'!

I'd say it'd be a close call between likes for 'tion and votes for hobbies... ah, who am I kidding

A feel a moral victory claim coming on

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

therapist constructs a tale of literary influence.

mosaix constructs a tale of procrastination.

Bowler1 constructs a tale of retirement.

M. Robert Gibson constructs a tale of immaturity.

Parson constructs a tale of dirty politics.

Luiglin constructs a tale of slavery.

 

[JS Wiig]

I'd say it'd be a close call between likes for 'tion and votes for hobbies... ah, who am I kidding

A feel a moral victory claim coming on

If it weren’t for moral victory I’d have no manner of victory at all

 

[Luiglin]

If it weren’t for moral victory I’d have no manner of victory at all

Seconded, fellow writer. I can easily remain aloof on the higher ground for I wear 70s platform glitter boots.

 

[Astro Pen]

Hi @Paul J. Menzies
Welcome on board
I will just mention regarding your earlier post that the protocol is not to discuss individual stories or post your intended votes until the challenge is closed for entries and the voting page opened.
I understand the newby confusion since @Victoria Silverwolf and @Parson do review the entries. However they review them all and impartially. So nobody's story gets singled out and 'promoted' before the end.

 

[Parson]

Hi @Paul J. Menzies
Welcome on board
I will just mention regarding your earlier post that the protocol is not to discuss individual stories or post your intended votes until the challenge is closed for entries and the voting page opened.
I understand the newby confusion since @Victoria Silverwolf and @Parson do review the entries. However they review them all and impartially. So nobody's story gets singled out and 'promoted' before the end.

This is true, but it has always been okay to comment positively on someone's story before the voting. That's what I see happening there.

 

[Parson]

@Luiglin .... Hotel hobbies .... Tells us a story of trying to write a story.

 

[Peter V]

Unexpectedly, I have entered (unexpected by me I should add). Unlike last month, when I simply stared at a blank page many times, with no sign of inspiration, this time I did not try and did not intend to. Then I noticed it was the twenty third and thought is there anything there? It took ten minutes.

I don't particularly like it but I do not have the brainpower or energy to come up with anything else, so it was a choice of post it, because it is written or delete. It is a creation, regardless of quality, so I didn't want to simply erase it from existence. I'm wondering if there is some of my lamented and repressed OCD involved in that decision.

I'm jaded and worse still apathetic; a trait I dislike immensely. Apathetic is pathetic, though currently I think I may have a better understanding, or at least acceptance that it happens and sometimes our state of mind is a demon that can get the upper hand. I work hard, carry quite a lot of responsibility and have the trust of the powers that be, which in itself adds stress, especially during more challenging times in my industry. I am drained and I dare say to some extent, feeling my age. Early starts, late finishes and three mad and disruptive cats don't help but I think the prospect of a milestone birthday this weekend is getting to me. My family want to celebrate, to make a big thing of it but I'm dreading it. I'm not really sure why, because it is just a number, albeit an alarmingly high one.

Sorry to again blather on but this place appears to be the only place I can comfortably write down my thoughts and I must say that writing them down helps a little. Only the good folk on here know I suffered (suffer!) from OCD - if you read beyond the first couple of paragraphs of my previous ramble (and I wouldn't blame anyone for not doing so) and now only you (again those still reading) have some insight into my current grumpiness. I do apologise, as this is undoubtedly not what people come here for.

I can see myself earning the nickname of Marvin at this rate.

But I feel a little better.

Peter

 

[Astro Pen]

Unexpectedly, I have entered (unexpected by me I should add). Unlike last month, when I simply stared at a blank page many times, with no sign of inspiration, this time I did not try and did not intend to. Then I noticed it was the twenty third and thought is there anything there? It took ten minutes.

I don't particularly like it but I do not have the brainpower or energy to come up with anything else, so it was a choice of post it, because it is written or delete. It is a creation, regardless of quality, so I didn't want to simply erase it from existence. I'm wondering if there is some of my lamented and repressed OCD involved in that decision.

I'm jaded and worse still apathetic; a trait I dislike immensely. Apathetic is pathetic, though currently I think I may have a better understanding, or at least acceptance that it happens and sometimes our state of mind is a demon that can get the upper hand. I work hard, carry quite a lot of responsibility and have the trust of the powers that be, which in itself adds stress, especially during more challenging times in my industry. I am drained and I dare say to some extent, feeling my age. Early starts, late finishes and three mad and disruptive cats don't help but I think the prospect of a milestone birthday this weekend is getting to me. My family want to celebrate, to make a big thing of it but I'm dreading it. I'm not really sure why, because it is just a number, albeit an alarmingly high one.

Sorry to again blather on but this place appears to be the only place I can comfortably write down my thoughts and I must say that writing them down helps a little. Only the good folk on here know I suffered (suffer!) from OCD - if you read beyond the first couple of paragraphs of my previous ramble (and I wouldn't blame anyone for not doing so) and now only you (again those still reading) have some insight into my current grumpiness. I do apologise, as this is undoubtedly not what people come here for.

I can see myself earning the nickname of Marvin at this rate.

But I feel al little better.

Peter

I think many of us have felt like this, particularly over the last three years. It is hard to mobilise that delicate flower, creative thought, when normal civilisation is collapsing around one. I have found it hard to pick up the reins on the 2 novels I had in progress. Resorting to short stories and poetry as a means to keep moving. I still remember your brilliant winning story about the little girl who appeared on the London underground. You have the talent. Keep just putting pen to paper, sometimes for us, sometimes just for yourself. No one has to see it, indeed, the waste basket can be your friend sometimes throwing things away is more liberating than keeping them. Because you know you can express yourself freely, without restraint.

 

[Cat's Cradle]

Sending support, Peter.

My friends have had a number of 'milestone birthday' parties for me over the years, and though I wasn't sure of them at the time, I'm immensely grateful to have the memories now. I hope you'll have a very nice party.

And I like your story. Be well, CC

 

[Peter V]

Sending support, Peter.

My friends have had a number of 'milestone birthday' parties for me over the years, and though I wasn't sure of them at the time, I'm immensely grateful to have the memories now. I hope you'll have a very nice party.

And I like your story. Be well, CC

Thanks Chris, though I am hoping my repeated protestations over the last year against a party have been heeded. I know something is planned but hopefully just a family get together at a nice restaurant. I have been persuading my good lady that we should save the money and do a joint celebration in the Caribbean next May when it's her turn. Hopefully that appeals to her