SSC2019 Progress Report
Printed From: NYC Midnight : Creative Writing & Screenwriting
Category: GENERAL DISCUSSION
Forum Name: Creative Writing Corner
Forum Description: Discuss NYC Midnight Creative Writing Competitions or Creative Writing in general.
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Topic: SSC2019 Progress Report
Posted By: Klieu
Subject: SSC2019 Progress Report
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 5:46pm
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Well, we're about a third of the way through to the deadline. I have most of my research done, and I have a general impression of the characters, events, and chronology for my entry. So, I'm just about to hunker down and try to complete the first half of my first draft today. How are you all doing? ------------- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/c2-g108-between-two-shores_topic23394.html" rel="nofollow - FFC2019 R2 Between Two Shores |
Replies:
Posted By: thesaura73
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 6:16pm
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Still researching (but landed on my general concept so this research is to get inspired with characters, motivation, what type of suspense I’m working with).... ------------- http://bit.ly/2L0amAL" rel="nofollow - SC R1 - Hothouse Flowers (Mystery) http://bit.ly/2HDDbBl" rel="nofollow - SS Ch1 - A Curated Experience (Suspense) |
Posted By: sidle_by
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 6:37pm
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i have a draft, but i already know there's a large chunk that needs to change... too much dialogue early on, it's taking too long to get to the action of the action/adventure hahaha plan for tonight is to try and get it sorted to a point where it's ready for beta reading. i've got a long train ride tomorrow, so the plan is to try and beta other works during the trip while mine is out in the world, but we'll see how that goes .... little worried my concept might not work in the word limit, but we'll see. ------------- FF23 Rd1 - https://tinyurl.com/4wcy82d5" rel="nofollow - Special Frame Diner |
Posted By: Anithradien
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 6:41pm
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First draft done, despite power outages from ice and wind (yay winter!). Much to my surprise, I still have 912 free words to use - I thought I was going to be way over the limit. If anyone is willing to beta read for me that would be fantastic! Anyone know when they open the SSC 2019 Review forum? ------------- Kristine Donahue R1 H113 https://bit.ly/2sQMQKA" rel="nofollow - Serving Size |
Posted By: jennifer.quail
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 6:58pm
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56 words. That's something, right? ------------- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic66313_post706147.html#706147" rel="nofollow - Closing Costs |
Posted By: steph9289
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 7:05pm
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Have a first draft with a rushed ending that is 75 words over. Feeling mostly good. Just need to take words from the beginning and iron out that ending!! :) ------------- #amrevising |
Posted By: Lookit There
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 7:12pm
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Got about 1/4 of the story left to tell and only 200 words with which to tell it! But I woke up in the middle of the night (because, of course) and thought of how to gut the beginning without (I hope) making it incomprehensible. On the plus side, taking a day off work later this week to have a full day to tackle it. Good luck everyone - keep going!
------------- FFC1 https://tinyurl.com/5rm7pz4x" rel="nofollow - 12 Gay-ngry Men |
Posted By: Random
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 7:16pm
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The beginning and most of the end are in prose, the middle is in notes, and I have solved, once and for all, the 2,500 word limit. Genius, really, and so obvious when you think about it. All my dialog is in sign language! (See appendices for 250,000 word translation) ------------- This sig intentionally blank |
Posted By: JuliKobayashi
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 7:25pm
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Hi All, I was hoping to have a draft by today since I had a three day weekend, but alas was struck down with a head cold and so not even a little close. I have an overly complicated, too big for a short story idea, I'm attempting to play with a format I've never written in before, and as usual I'm mixing another genre into my action/adventure and need to add back the action. I have snippets written but most of it will need to be scrapped, I think. While I like my idea and protagonist I'm going to have to strip it way down for it to make sense as a short story. I've never gotten a draft done early enough to beta, and so I imagine I'll do most of the writing on Saturday as I normally do! Wishing everyone luck! Juli |
Posted By: Veralisa Markwood
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 7:39pm
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I'm a first-timer so not entirely sure how to pace the process, but my goal was to have a first draft by Monday night. Done. I decided to change the POV....so is that editing or am I still drafting? |
Posted By: tanyazina
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 7:53pm
EJ, I am much in the same boat with timing. Beta swap? ------------- https://bit.ly/2UowjJy" rel="nofollow - SS CH1 "Fledgling" https://bit.ly/2Gmj7Tt" rel="nofollow - FF CH4 https://bit.ly/2FnHhfQ" rel="nofollow - FF CH3 |
sidle_by wrote:Posted By: Rainbowsockmonkey
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 8:15pm
| First draft done, about 2200 words. Hubby says my fairy tale is too dark. Come on! The Brothers Grimm? Anyone? Anyone? Or should I tone it down? |
Posted By: TheDustyZebra
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 8:23pm
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251 words, but realized this morning on the way to work that I need to change how that part works, so about half of those will be changed. Still working on how to implement the rest, although I have a general idea how it goes. ------------- 100MF2022 R1 G41 https://tinyurl.com/yckz6cfr" rel="nofollow - The Ties that Bind (Romance) |
Posted By: NatalieJames
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 8:38pm
Brothers Grimm are very dark. If you like it, I'd say go with it. Of course, I'm new and have no idea what the judges look for in fairy tale.
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Posted By: NatalieJames
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 8:40pm
| Urgh. I'm a fifth of the way through the first draft. My goal was to have it done by last night so I could let it mellow a couple of days before picking it up again. If I'm lucky I'll have it done by tomorrow night, but kids are home sick. :( |
Posted By: Jaz Narrador
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 8:41pm
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Good job everyone! Gosh, I feel so unprofessional. This my first SSC and I don't have the best time management. So far I have 517 words…it's something! I had a lot more last night, but I lost them. Stupid electronics. Anyways, I have the general outline of the story and characters. I'm playing with a back and forth timeline format. Telling the present, and then scenes from the past to help explain the current conflict. I'll see if that works at all once I finish my first draft. |
Posted By: sarahnut
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 8:55pm
I'd agree - if you like it, stick with it. I submitted a fairly dark fairy tale (they didn't all live happily ever after) for Flash and it scored 9 points, I think. I don't think any of the comments were about it not being fluffy enough. ------------- https://bit.ly/3Y8JcJg" rel="nofollow - RS R1 Leigh Grimley https://bit.ly/3uyyj69" rel="nofollow - RS R2 The African Grey's Lament |
Posted By: sidle_by
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 9:00pm
Sounds like a plan! I'm totally down for lots of beta swaps :) It's 1am here, but I finally have a complete draft. A few hundred words to spare, so wriggle room for all the things i've failed to explain (hopefully, anyway!!!!!) ------------- FF23 Rd1 - https://tinyurl.com/4wcy82d5" rel="nofollow - Special Frame Diner |
Posted By: Random
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 9:03pm
Nod doesn't like it unless everyone dies, including the reader, the reader's family, their friends, casual acquaintances, people they sat next to on airplanes, and anyone who might have heard of them. She gets excited if the death is particularly gruesome and unpleasant. Not that she's into dark literature or anything. I think it's a consequence of all that snow. ------------- This sig intentionally blank |
Posted By: jennifer.quail
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 9:13pm
Heck, try HC Andersen. Or don't, if you're prone to fits of depression! Fairy tales can be bleak! ------------- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic66313_post706147.html#706147" rel="nofollow - Closing Costs |
Posted By: Sapphire Within
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 9:25pm
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1027 words written. Some prose, mostly writing the ideas that I want to flesh out into prose. Organized them in the order they appear in the story; which is not necessarily in chronological order. Getting this done answered some questions, created other charactors and added new questions that I need find the answers to; which will probably come with more writing. Behind were I wanted to be but feel like alot was accomplished. ------------- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nRpCsAKoTEfIGsDjGDMiEKOkBPzO4s40mEURSF9XLME/edit?usp=drivesdk" rel="nofollow - SS 2019 R1 Gp 108 - Exposure |
Posted By: Zblugg
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 9:28pm
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I was telling my father-in-law, no later than yesterday, how the skin on my fingers hadn't started to crack yet, because since I quit smoking, they've been a lot less exposed to the cold and dry fricking winter air as they used to be. Then this morning, as though summoned by my cockiness, middle finger of right hand began to crack. Ass. Typing is now painful. 980 words and counting. Painfully. ------------- MF250 R1G20 https://bit.ly/3YRCk4l" rel="nofollow - Do ATMs Dream of Poly-Universal Fortunes? |
Posted By: roccapia
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 10:00pm
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First draft done. Getting a tooth extracted tomorrow so I'm not looking at it again until Wednesday. I like how it's coming though. ------------- MF1: https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic37526_post393557.html#393557" rel="nofollow - Dirty Fingers |
Posted By: Thesula
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 10:06pm
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I finished my first and second draft yesterday, and I'm going to sit on it for a few days so I can look at it with fresh eyes. ------------- SSC 2019 R1 Romantic Comedy https://bit.ly/2XcEcnB" rel="nofollow - Manhattan Syndrome SSC 2017 R2 Historical Fiction https://bit.ly/2HrBPcN" rel="nofollow - The Debt |
Posted By: MrLipto
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 10:12pm
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First draft is half done. 1500 words. I’m optimistic. This is my 13th story and I know by now that the first step is to get the draft written. Can’t improve what isn’t on the page, yknow? Get it written, then use the time remaining to make it good. Drew up a lil calendar of the week, crossed out time devoted to work and family, found the little hours that can be just for writing. There’s just a bit, but a bit is enough. Just remember: As with childbirth, the terrible self doubt just means you’re close. You can do it, just keep pushing. (I, um... recently had reason to read a number of books about being a natural labor coach. Aaaand now I have a lot less time for writing.) ------------- https://tinyurl.com/txolfkhn" rel="nofollow - SSC R1: On the Volga |
Posted By: lisafox10800
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 10:33pm
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1200 words in. Trying something a little bit crazy this time. Because I got the world's most boring prompts and why not. ------------- lisafoxiswriting.com Core Truths and Passageways: Short Speculative Fiction now available wherever books are sold |
Posted By: JanetM
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 10:43pm
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Finished my first very rough draft late on Sunday night. Alternating between liking it and then thinking it's crap, as per usual. Now to rework it all week until unrecognizable. :) ------------- R1 https://tinyurl.com/3eausdwy" rel="nofollow - Ann and the Sea Monster |
Posted By: velocisarah
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 10:46pm
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In terms of concrete progress: I've got a couple pages of research on my subject and character, names chosen, some titles to play around with once the actual draft is done, and a 700-word outline. Actually writing the draft is tonight's task. In terms of mental progress: I'm enjoying this plot, taking bits and pieces from some of my favourite literary and film influences, and just having fun with it! I stressed out each round last year, and this year I want to keep the urgency but lose the self-doubt. I'm hoping to submit by Friday night, since I'll be travelling for a lot of Saturday. Good luck, all! If you're feeling stressed, try to keep the perspective that this is an opportunity for growth, innovation, and fun! ------------- FFC R2G88 Horror https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic35912_post376934.html" rel="nofollow - Eat Thereof FFC R1G88 SciFi https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic35135_post365359.html" rel="nofollow - The Lap of LUXury |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 10:57pm
I've written my first draft and am waiting to hear from some beta-reading friends! I think I'll work on it more later this week. 
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Posted By: Rainbowsockmonkey
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 11:02pm
Thanks everyone! This is encouraging. :)
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Posted By: TheDustyZebra
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 11:32pm
Grimm's is one of the examples in the genre definitions for the contest: A narrative that often features folkloric characters such as fairies, elves, trolls, or witches engaged in fantastic or magical events that illuminate universal truths. Fairy tales usually exist in a time-suspended context, with minimal references to actual events, people, and places. They are often short and intended for children, although there are exceptions to that rule. Common elements: conflict between good and evil, talking animals, royalty, archetypes, use of traditional beginnings and endings, i.e., “Once upon a time...” and “...happily ever after.” Fairy Tale books include Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm’s Complete Grimm’s Fairy Tales and Catherynne M. Valente’s The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland In A Ship Of Her Own Making. Fairy tale films include Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and The Princess Bride (1987). ------------- 100MF2022 R1 G41 https://tinyurl.com/yckz6cfr" rel="nofollow - The Ties that Bind (Romance) |
Posted By: FlowersisBrit
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 11:34pm
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I had an idea but now I'm not feeling it and nothing new is really coming to mind. The tricky thing about this challenge for me is the mind games where I'm trying hard not to do what I think other people are doing. I'm in Heat 104 incident. ------------- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic20280_post259865.html#259865" rel="nofollow - My Heart Beats, Your Blood a Rose |
Posted By: TheDustyZebra
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 11:37pm
That's one I think I've managed to avoid this time, assuming I can make it come together the way I want it! ------------- 100MF2022 R1 G41 https://tinyurl.com/yckz6cfr" rel="nofollow - The Ties that Bind (Romance) |
Posted By: Random
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 11:42pm
I've seen heats where everyone (on the forums) wrote variations on the same theme. It was interesting to see everyone's take, but all of them were different enough to stand alone. Worry about your story, not someone else's; especially with these prompts! For whatever reason the prompts this time lend themselves to particular story types. ------------- This sig intentionally blank |
Posted By: northernwriter
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 11:48pm
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Sick with the flu. 500 words written and an outline. Glad I'm not too terribly behind now that I've read where others are. It looks like we are all over. Happy writing! Group 29. ------------- Microfiction 2021: 4th place overall Flash Fiction 2020: 8th place overall |
Posted By: SummerGirl87
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2019 at 11:57pm
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Hi fellow writers!! I am trying a new approach from all my other entries in this contest and it may be a totally bad idea! HA. Usually I brainstorm and research and even draw maps to create a story and characters before I even sit down to type BUT this time I just started typing with NO idea where I was going to go with it....I still don't really, I am just writing and surprising myself with what happens next, and hoping that it will have an amazing and coherent ending haha. I am starting to see some over-arching setting and plot pieces but seriously not much. Sooooo wish me luck   ------------- SSC R2: https://forums.nycmidnight.com/r3-g3-appalachia-horror_topic47623.html" rel="nofollow - Appalachia |
Posted By: Rainbowsockmonkey
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 12:27am
Sweet! Thanks Dusty Zebra!
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Posted By: Random
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 12:29am
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End of Monday, I have 25 words with which to write a main character's entire back story. No problem! How can something be so easy and so hard at the same time? How can you get so tied up in the soap opera that is the character's lives that it affects you? Complete silliness, I say! Bah! Humbug! She deserves everything bad that can happen to her! She's a...a...darn it, she's a confused young woman who has made mistakes. It's all a humbug! ------------- This sig intentionally blank |
Posted By: Evil Tomato
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 3:09am
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Oof. I got hassled by my housemate to finish writing my story, so I did. Self-motivation is still an issue for me, but ayyy I can apparently outsource that :D. 2404 words done, and getting nice comments from beta readers, so maybe it will all work out with a bit of editing. Now to work out what the &#$%#$ to call it and how to synopsise it. Synopsisificate? Synope? Synopsify?
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Posted By: sidle_by
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 3:45am
you always had such great stuff during flash, i can't wait to see what your 'a little bit crazy' is!! :) ------------- FF23 Rd1 - https://tinyurl.com/4wcy82d5" rel="nofollow - Special Frame Diner |
Posted By: manifestlynot
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 4:04am
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I honestly underestimated how burned out I am from last weekend's Short Screenplay round. I am having to force myself to churn out every word in this thing. However, I just tried it from another starting point and I think it flows better, so maybe I'm on the right track? ------------- Rhyming R1: https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic51185_post541412.html#541412" rel="nofollow - Lionheart (Hist fic) |
Posted By: LyndaD
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 4:06am
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I had adult children visiting Saturday and Sunday, so couldn't really do anything with the prompts. But when I mentioned them, my youngest reminded me of an incident that happened to us a few years ago that, with a little tweaking, aligned nicely with the prompts. It was a good starting point, and by this evening I ended up with what seemed to be nice little narrative of 3,005 words.  I just spent an hour paring and whittling, and have hacked it down to 2,498 without it being too rough. I think.It's off to betas tomorrow, so we'll see if they agree with me. ------------- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/r1-g60-nibbling-on-knights-ft-fantasy_topic65436.html" rel="nofollow - 500 R1 Nibbling on Knights |
Posted By: ankh
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 4:50am
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Doing OK, after a slow start. Just pinged it to my boyfriend to read my first draft. Got rom com which makes me feel a bit self conscious, because I'm not sure how funny it is... hopefully the tone of it is at least humorous! At least the first draft is done, which makes me feel pretty relieved. Also, rom com doesn't have to be too plot-heavy which makes the construction of the story much easier. Guess I'll see how it's received by my beta readers!
------------- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic20316_post260136.html#260136.html" rel="nofollow - Round 1, Heat 30: A Pair of Au Pairs |
Posted By: Fleetwood88
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 5:23am
| I had an idea I really liked but realised I had plotted myself into a corner. The plot lent itself to a very descriptive story with almost no dialogue and I realised after writing the first 300 words that I just don't have the literary chops yet. Came up with a new idea that's very dialogue driven but can't bring myself to start in case I suck at that too. I can see myself rushing it all on Saturday. I'm really glad we don't get the results through for ages. This way I can get practising, just in case I make it through. Having not written a single creative anything before I'm realising that having good ideas for stories and picturing them in your head is the easy part. (Which is probably why that's all I ever did) this contest is about doing the hard work and hoping it gets easier! |
Posted By: TammyB
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 7:50am
Editing, ------------- FF19CH1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/r1-gr69-suspense-a-collectors-obsession_topic21545.html" rel="nofollow - A Collector’s Obsession FF18CH1 BURIED IN LOVE FF18CH2 DOG-GONE MICROCHIP WRITE ON! |
Posted By: TammyB
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 8:12am
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Friday Night, 1201 AM. Read prompts and said ‘oh sh*t!’ Saturday, researched what the hell sci-fi meant, what ideas for a crime of passion, what chemicals can damage food and water supplies, chose setting, came up with half of the concept and flowcharted it. Sunday, researched the peta and AI concepts, trashed the original takeover angle, decided how to expose the conspiracy in a trial, and flowcharted the rest of the story. Monday, wrote the first draft of almost 2200 and sent it. To a few beta readers. Decided on a few changes needed before any comments received, but will reserve changes until some betas come back. Beta read 5 other short stories. Finally slept for more than 4 hours. Tuesday, doing at least 2 more beta reads, make notes on changes needed in my story IMHO, make notes on other beta readers comments, roommate reads story and provides no feedback.  ------------- FF19CH1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/r1-gr69-suspense-a-collectors-obsession_topic21545.html" rel="nofollow - A Collector’s Obsession FF18CH1 BURIED IN LOVE FF18CH2 DOG-GONE MICROCHIP WRITE ON! |
Posted By: lgeverdell
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 8:57am
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Started out convinced I'd never have an idea as mystery is WAY outside my comfort zone. Graduated to quietly pleased I'd come up with something, then advanced all the way to almost believing it was decent, now swung back to despairing of ever being any good at mystery but also happy enough that I've had a go. This stuff is HARD... I have always been in awe of those writers who can pull a twist ending out that makes you sit back and go "how did I not SEE that!" and then sigh and smile and shake your head like an old grandma. How do you guys do that?! Geniuses, all of you. ------------- https://tinyurl.com/dsdtytmt" rel="nofollow - 250ch24 R1 G31 Spell to Summon a Lost Love (Romance) https://tinyurl.com/yc2e5umf" rel="nofollow - FF24 R3 G18 Look the Sheepdog in the Eye (A/A) |
Posted By: TammyB
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 9:43am
Honestly, it’s hard to do all the twists and turns needed for a mystery in a week, let alone in 2500 words. The best way to write a mystery is to actually plan it out, that way you can make sure the key elements are in there. Granted I plan everything I write, but I don’t see how you can write a mystery without planning it. That calls for lots of editing after if so! ------------- FF19CH1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/r1-gr69-suspense-a-collectors-obsession_topic21545.html" rel="nofollow - A Collector’s Obsession FF18CH1 BURIED IN LOVE FF18CH2 DOG-GONE MICROCHIP WRITE ON! |
Posted By: emily.vieweg
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 10:27am
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I wrote the most of my story over the weekend, after a sudden spurt of creativity. My Lyft driver said something that got the ball rolling, and it turned into the first sentence of my story. I asked some writer friends of mine to read it, including people I trust that would say "uh, no..." and they didn't have many notes for me. I am quite surprised, because writing fiction is not my strong suit, I write primarily poetry, so this competition is not quite what I'm used to. Nostalgia was difficult for me to interpret, because "the good ole days" can take many forms. Laying in a hospital bed can remind us of sick days home from school with nothing to do... A piece of music can bring us back to the day we met our spouse or best friend, so my idea of nostalgia is not as concrete as looking at photos and discussing the past - but how the past feels as we remember it. Drama - Nostalgia - Chauffeur We'll see how it goes. ------------- ~~ 2019 SS - R1/H134 - https://forums.nycmidnight.com/r1-g134-rewind_topic20169_post259361.html?KW=#259361" rel="nofollow - Rewind |
Posted By: KevinC
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 11:05am
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I'm closing in on the word count and I feel like I have too much story left. Uh oh. Editing for length will be happening. (-; |
Posted By: Veralisa Markwood
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 11:10am
Good answer, good answer. Much prefer editing to drafting. |
Posted By: Random
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 12:12pm
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I'm officially calling the first draft done, even though I know there are things that need work. Time to step away and let it rest for a little while. Plenty of time to fix anything that can be fixed. Of course if the whole thing is a disaster I need to start over soon... ------------- This sig intentionally blank |
Posted By: The_Duke
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 1:01pm
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I'm about 900 words deep, and I just realised I'm not sure how this story will end yet. Fortunately, that's how I tend to write everything, so I think this means I'm on track! Hopefully will have a beta ready by Thursday night (AUS time). ------------- Rhyming Challenge Final: https://tinyurl.com/56vbu67y" rel="nofollow - With Your Shield, Or On It |
Posted By: lgeverdell
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 1:06pm
That's definitely good advice. I've done my best to plan - my writing has a habit of wandering off the plan. But since this is mystery I figure it's more important to try and stop that happening this time. ------------- https://tinyurl.com/dsdtytmt" rel="nofollow - 250ch24 R1 G31 Spell to Summon a Lost Love (Romance) https://tinyurl.com/yc2e5umf" rel="nofollow - FF24 R3 G18 Look the Sheepdog in the Eye (A/A) |
Posted By: chrissie0707
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 1:08pm
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FINALLY have a MC (though he is still missing a name), an opening line, ending line, and loose plot that fulfills the prompts, though I'm taking a bit of a chance with my genre assignment. Now for the hard part: all those pesky words that need to happen between! ------------- FFC#1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic42474_post440210.html#440210" rel="nofollow - Accident-Prone FFC #2 Magic Hour |
Posted By: bleustick
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 1:13pm
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A little over 500 words now. Enjoying the humor so much more already in this comedy than I did in my CH3 "comedy" from FFC. ------------- FFC: 1 https://tinyurl.com/candycoatedffc" rel="nofollow - Candy-Coated (Pol-Sat) * 2 https://tinyurl.com/lovebeneathffc" rel="nofollow - Love Beneath (Fantasy) |
Posted By: Sephira
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 2:02pm
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I just submitted (2474 words total). I feel nauseous. On the one hand, I don't have to worry about it anymore, on the other hand I can't stop worrying about it. Arrrgghh my brain. XD
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Posted By: Zblugg
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 2:05pm
This is your first time doing these? You may or may not know (or want tot know) that you can submit as many times as you want. Yes. You can keep plowing, trudging, slashing, scribing, and resubmit 562 times, if need be. So... Enjoy? ------------- MF250 R1G20 https://bit.ly/3YRCk4l" rel="nofollow - Do ATMs Dream of Poly-Universal Fortunes? |
Posted By: emilymroth
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 2:15pm
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2,167 words written and I'm fighting an insane head cold. I have two characters who are about to fall in love but I still haven't figured out how to mention that one of them is a locksmith ------------- Micro 100 2020: Downstream (5th overall) Micro 250 2022: What We Lost in the Tide (9th overall) |
Posted By: Sephira
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 2:18pm
Thanks!! Yeah, I did read that. I'm pretty confident in what I sent, in terms of it being as polished as I can make it. I had somehow managed to get the first draft done on Saturday, then ignored it for a day. Spent yesterday revising extensively and then today I've gone back over it several times nit-picking over all the tiny details, closing plot holes, etc... Finally got to a point where I read through it (and then listened to it) and couldn't find anything else that screamed "fix me."So rather than continue to obsess over it, I figured it was better to just send it off. |
Posted By: Random
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 2:20pm
How else would one character have the key to the other character's heart? Unless this is a romantic crime caper and C1 picks the lock on C2's heart, or it's action adventure and C4 is involved, or... ------------- This sig intentionally blank |
Posted By: bartelbysamsa
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 2:37pm
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Only just started writing a first draft an hour or so ago as I had to spend the first few days focusing on an audition - and I'm really not sure how this idea will turn out! My time is severely limited at the end of the week as well unfortunately, so I'm not expecting greatness.  Fingers crossed I have something to turn in!Good luck all! ------------- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic21327_post278111.html#278111" rel="nofollow - Screen R2 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic22713_post285493.html#285493" rel="nofollow - FF19 R1 |
Posted By: emilymroth
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 2:39pm
LOL. Definitely thought of that context of locksmith when I got my prompts! ------------- Micro 100 2020: Downstream (5th overall) Micro 250 2022: What We Lost in the Tide (9th overall) |
Posted By: Random
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 2:42pm
It beats the heck out of "Romance - Organ Donor". 'I gave you my heart' takes on a whole new meaning... I wanted your liver and kidneys too, you selfish... ------------- This sig intentionally blank |
Posted By: THubbs72
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 2:44pm
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@Rainbowsockmonkey. Are you in Group 28 by chance? I got Fairy Tale as well. ------------- Tony Hubbard https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic35235_post366173.html#366173" rel="nofollow - RD1, Group15: Love Brought Me Life |
Posted By: Veralisa Markwood
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 2:48pm
Organ donor? That could strike a chord. |
Posted By: MrLipto
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 2:54pm
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First draft completed. 2300 words. Beginning, middle, end. It's definitely got Rom, and my first (biased) beta says it's got Com. Now to use what days remain to make it, you know... Good. ------------- https://tinyurl.com/txolfkhn" rel="nofollow - SSC R1: On the Volga |
Posted By: lgeverdell
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 2:57pm
I am now totally going to spend all night obsessing over a steampunk romance about a locksmith trying to unlock the frozen heart of an enchanted robot  ------------- https://tinyurl.com/dsdtytmt" rel="nofollow - 250ch24 R1 G31 Spell to Summon a Lost Love (Romance) https://tinyurl.com/yc2e5umf" rel="nofollow - FF24 R3 G18 Look the Sheepdog in the Eye (A/A) |
Posted By: NBLAKE99
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 3:15pm
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I only have 500 words done so far. I know my beginning and my ending - what to do in the middle? IDK - I just stare at the blank page. I have to be completely done by Thurs night as I am leaving for Vegas weekend early Fri morning. No writing time in Vegas. Does anyone else procrastinate by researching names for characters? I'm starting to panic.
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Posted By: OnyxLily
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 3:25pm
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First draft done and revised a little. I found the beta forum (this is my first NYC, so excuse the noob!) and have shared my first draft, so next couple of days I'll read other people's and give feedback before going back to mine. I've never written political satire before, and I'm really hoping I'm on genre!
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Posted By: OnyxLily
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 3:26pm
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Haha, know what you mean about names. I recently did the AncestryDNA thing, so I now just plunder my distant cousins list for name ideas!
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Posted By: Random
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 3:35pm
Stop staring, start writing. I actually 'procrastinate' by writing unformatted lines of dialog, scene descriptions, trying to come up with turning points and plot reveals. Really just sketches of story that may (or may not) find their way into the finished product. As you create the sketches the transitions start to become clear. Why did she behave that way? What motivated him to do the things he did? Start connecting the dots, and the characters, if they're 'real' people, will start talking to you. A trip to the psycho ward follows shortly, but you were already going to Vegas... ------------- This sig intentionally blank |
Posted By: TheDustyZebra
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 3:47pm
I'm a 28! I think that makes three of us so far. ------------- 100MF2022 R1 G41 https://tinyurl.com/yckz6cfr" rel="nofollow - The Ties that Bind (Romance) |
Posted By: Rainbowsockmonkey
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 3:57pm
Hi Tony! No, I'm in lucky group 13. Heartbreak/A sidekick. Pretty good as far as prompts go. How are you holding up?
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Posted By: manifestlynot
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 4:02pm
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I’ve written five beginnings to five mediocre ideas. Finally got a flash of inspiration and am ready to write hopefully a less-mediocre draft! ------------- Rhyming R1: https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic51185_post541412.html#541412" rel="nofollow - Lionheart (Hist fic) |
Posted By: fioOxf
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 4:54pm
Heartbreak/a sidekick? That sound more like a statement on life than a set of prompts. "Heartbreak is my sidekick". Yup. Makes a half-decent title, too. ------------- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/r1-g101-hot-horrorish_topic67248.html" rel="nofollow - R1 G101 Hot (Horror) https://tinyurl.com/2rs4nw9z" rel="nofollow - SW26 R1 G27 The Inevitable End of Pau (Suspense) |
Posted By: NBLAKE99
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 5:13pm
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Another great form of procrastination - checking the forum every five minutes to see what everyone else is doing. I mean.... there's nothing to it, right? All you have to do is sit at the keyboard and bleed. Good old Ernest. Ok..... I am not allowed back on this damn forum until rough draft is done!
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Posted By: NBLAKE99
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 5:15pm
This is great advic - and it got me moving again! I can do "unformatted" with no pressure. Thank you!
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Posted By: Witherwings
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 5:17pm
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So what y'all are saying is...I should start writing soon? ------------- https://bit.ly/2HOebaP" rel="nofollow - FFC Ch4: No Returns or Exchanges |
Posted By: mkpac22
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 5:35pm
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Finally just thought of an idea / turns out that when given time I will just procrastinate !!!
------------- SSC1: https://bit.ly/3HC80ma" rel="nofollow - Into the Mist |
Posted By: PrestonLeytonNelson
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 5:45pm
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Somehow, I went from nothing to having 3700 words. I think I can cut it down, it's way overbloated, but STILL. How did this happen!!! Arhghghghgh! ------------- Short Story - R2 GR31 (Ghost) - https://bit.ly/3bXrCz2" rel="nofollow - Awakening Your Death's Purpose FFC 2018 - The Date - 1st Place |
Posted By: Cosima
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 5:56pm
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Honestly... I'm considering backing out. I realized I've taken on too many writing projects with deadlines coming up. I do have an idea I've pretty much settled on, it's just a matter of being able to find time to sit down and get it written and revised. I think I'll still end up doing it, it'll just probably be like, Friday night at 4 am.  ------------- https://tinyurl.com/y8am6ar2" rel="nofollow - SSC R1 https://tinyurl.com/jyv2kfjs" rel="nofollow - SSC R2 https://tinyurl.com/m6m66nhu" rel="nofollow - SSC R3 |
Posted By: Veralisa Markwood
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 5:58pm
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Just figured out who my narrator is. Sorry, dude, for ignoring you for the past few days. I hear you now!
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 5:59pm
Oh no!! I hope you don't have to back out!! Here's hoping you find more spare time!!
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Posted By: bartelbysamsa
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 6:04pm
But at least you have something now! Hooray!  ------------- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic21327_post278111.html#278111" rel="nofollow - Screen R2 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic22713_post285493.html#285493" rel="nofollow - FF19 R1 |
Posted By: bartelbysamsa
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 6:07pm
I know the feeling!  Good luck! I hope you manage to find some time and the story comes real easy when you do. ------------- https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic21327_post278111.html#278111" rel="nofollow - Screen R2 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic22713_post285493.html#285493" rel="nofollow - FF19 R1 |
Posted By: Veralisa Markwood
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 6:30pm
I'll chime in with others to encourage you not to back out. After Saturday, this writing project will be off your list. I know how crazy multiple deadlines can be, but also know the great feeling of having projects completed. Don't deny yourself that. |
Posted By: orion323
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 6:58pm
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Friday night I had a firm ABS (anything but spy) plan, but, to quote the wise Al Swearengen "announcing your plans is a good way to hear god laugh"...so I got spy/mountain climbing/reporter. I think Spy is a terrible genre personally and have absolutely no interest in conjuring up tooth scanners that open garage doors or laser pens that write in code so I figured how to pretzel together a genre bender that might work I have the whole story in my head. Even the title and synopsis. The rub? A very randy tantric skunk interpretive dance troop has decided to take up refuge under the house. I like to write at night and it's really hard to do when a skunk porn is being filmed underfoot. They scream when they're grinding their wee black and white nasty parts and (instead of a smoke like most civilized creatures) they finish off with a celebratory squirt and victory lap through the plumbing pipes. 4-5 times a night. Someone at the feed store commented there must be a dog that was sprayed inside. It was me. I smell like post coital skunk spray. Hoping she gets knocked up before Friday so I can start writing. Showers are useless in these dark times
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Posted By: OnyxLily
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 7:44pm
"I smell like post-coital skunk spray" sounds like a great opening line for a spy story... 
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Posted By: RoryShores
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 7:50pm
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Damn. I just went all stream of consciousness and starting writing it like I'm living it. ------------- Rory |
Posted By: Scribbles
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 7:56pm
| I'm at the point where I'm questioning everything I've written and I want toss the whole thing. |
Posted By: Random
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 8:12pm
So...almost done? That's a pretty normal feeling. ------------- This sig intentionally blank |
Posted By: Scribbles
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 8:54pm
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I'm at the point where I hate everything I've written and just want to toss it.
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 9:58pm
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I'm waiting to hear back from a few beta readers, and I know my story needs a few changes. But I'm not going to work on it again for a few days. Hopefully, I can come back to the story with completely fresh eyes, which you can't pull off unless it's this 8-day round.
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Posted By: Veralisa Markwood
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 10:23pm
I agree! I thought the skunk story WAS the spy story.
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Posted By: TammyB
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 11:02pm
Oh my! ------------- FF19CH1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/r1-gr69-suspense-a-collectors-obsession_topic21545.html" rel="nofollow - A Collector’s Obsession FF18CH1 BURIED IN LOVE FF18CH2 DOG-GONE MICROCHIP WRITE ON! |
Posted By: TammyB
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 11:04pm
I end up using names from the movies or books. My story has a Mr. Darcy in it. Gee, wonder where that came from! ------------- FF19CH1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/r1-gr69-suspense-a-collectors-obsession_topic21545.html" rel="nofollow - A Collector’s Obsession FF18CH1 BURIED IN LOVE FF18CH2 DOG-GONE MICROCHIP WRITE ON! |
Posted By: TammyB
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 11:08pm
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My beta readers are spot on, and they suck at the same time! They are suggesting a very important speech in the story is too long, and it should just be implied. I’m trying to use that speech to set the tone for the politics and lifestyle in the future. But I guess they are right. Blah! Fortunately most of my comments are very specific, so they should be easy to fix. More beta reads and my own editing in the am!
And of course I don’t have a title yet. Not even a twinkle in the eye of a title.
------------- FF19CH1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/r1-gr69-suspense-a-collectors-obsession_topic21545.html" rel="nofollow - A Collector’s Obsession FF18CH1 BURIED IN LOVE FF18CH2 DOG-GONE MICROCHIP WRITE ON! |
Posted By: northernwriter
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 11:09pm
I’m sorry for your situation, but thank you for the best laugh I have had in days!!! I hope a new genre comes out next time - animal stories!!! ------------- Microfiction 2021: 4th place overall Flash Fiction 2020: 8th place overall |
Posted By: KittNiss
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 11:29pm
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I'm starting my story now! And the thunder rumbles over head, and the sky is black and hail is cracking on the roof. Holy moly, what a time to start writing a fairy tale! I hope I have a happy ending!! ------------- SSC R1Heat42 Magpie's Child FFCh1 Gr16 There's no going back R2 Death,DutyFree |