Print Page | Close Window

Hey, losers...

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.
URL: https://forums.nycmidnight.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20751
Printed Date: 28 Mar 2024 at 9:46am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Hey, losers...
Posted By: RBJohnson
Subject: Hey, losers...
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 10:45am
Provocative, eh? :)

So, as a loser, here's what I'm gonna do. I'm going to assign myself to a group -- I choose 10 because I'm pretty sure there will be a Group 10 -- and play along, because it's fun. I thought I'd say so here, lest anyone else thinks that would be a good way to burn a hole in their weekend and hadn't thought of it.

Best wishes to you all. And in the inimitable words of Taylor Swift (her writers??), "Shake it off."


-------------
SSC 2019 Round 1: https://tinyurl.com/ychf27eu" rel="nofollow - Duluth



Replies:
Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 10:58am
Great idea :-)

Though there is a “literary taxidermy” competition on the go elsewhere if you feel you need to give something a stuffing :-D


-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: nemmo
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 10:58am
Hey there, fellow loser =D 

That sounds like good fun, and certainly more productive than anything else I would have done this weekend. I'm gonna hop on board and go for group 6.

Thanks for the good idea!


-------------
SSC24 R1 G57: https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic57534_post621756.html#621756" rel="nofollow - Into the Woods


Posted By: ttlbrake
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 11:06am
I want to, too... Group 7!

-------------
Round 1, Heat 60 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic20149_post259610.html#259610" rel="nofollow - "Suspended State"


Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 11:09am
If we’re random I choose 5 but can I cheat and pick the first horror group because I don’t want to write a horror? Makes sense in my head!

-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: Smith Corona
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 11:10am
I bombed out, as well, but I decided earlier in the week to select a story project to work on this weekend so that if I bombed, I would still have some writing on deck. I'm going to use this weekend to knock out an entry for Havok:

https://gohavok.com/submission-guidelines/" rel="nofollow - https://gohavok.com/submission-guidelines/

good luck to all! Keep writing and submitting; this is only one contest. there are a lot of other opportunities out there!


-------------
Micro Round 2 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/topic30882_post322859.html#322859" rel="nofollow - Geraniums Should Be Illegal


Posted By: steph9289
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 12:08pm
Just means more time to focus on my novel (which happens to be an expansion of last year's Round 1 Short Story). :)

-------------
#amrevising


Posted By: Random
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 12:12pm
Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

If we’re random I choose 5 but can I cheat and pick the first horror group because I don’t want to write a horror? Makes sense in my head!


Hey!  I'm the only Random here!

Go for something completely out of your comfort zone, then post it for comments.  Do that enough and you can handle whatever gets thrown at you.


-------------
This sig intentionally blank


Posted By: Tim G
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 12:17pm
Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

If we’re random I choose 5 but can I cheat and pick the first horror group because I don’t want to write a horror? Makes sense in my head!

[DEVIL'S ADVOCATE HAT ON] 
Wouldn't this be the perfect time to do something you don't want to do?


-------------
Rhyming Story R2: https://shorturl.at/ozDEZ" rel="nofollow - Flying On Empty (Thriller)


Posted By: ginrae
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 12:42pm
As an Honorable Mention loser, I pick heat #3 as my next faux submission. Eh, there's always next year!


Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 3:58pm
Originally posted by Random Random wrote:

Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

If we’re random I choose 5 but can I cheat and pick the first horror group because I don’t want to write a horror? Makes sense in my head!


Hey!  I'm the only Random here!

Go for something completely out of your comfort zone, then post it for comments.  Do that enough and you can handle whatever gets thrown at you.


Oh sincere apologies, I meant random the concept, not THE Random who topped the heat! ;-)



-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 4:02pm
Originally posted by Tim G Tim G wrote:

Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

If we’re random I choose 5 but can I cheat and pick the first horror group because I don’t want to write a horror? Makes sense in my head!

[DEVIL'S ADVOCATE HAT ON] 
Wouldn't this be the perfect time to do something you don't want to do?


Totally, it's a great opportunity to to try something different when the stakes are low; but the apparent "rules" of loser's corner seems to be to pick a number so I'm asking permission to cheat - a little bit :-)


-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: alisandra
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 4:05pm
Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

Great idea :-)

Though there is a “literary taxidermy” competition on the go elsewhere if you feel you need to give something a stuffing :-D

Loser checking in here! I've been planning to write something for the Literary Taxidermy contest and this is a great reminder to get going on that!


-------------
https://forums.nycmidnight.com/r1-h3-the-winner-scifi_topic20081.html" rel="nofollow - SSC R1 Group 3 - The Winner (Sci-Fi)


Posted By: Random
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 4:14pm
Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

Originally posted by Tim G Tim G wrote:

Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

If we’re random I choose 5 but can I cheat and pick the first horror group because I don’t want to write a horror? Makes sense in my head!

[DEVIL'S ADVOCATE HAT ON] 
Wouldn't this be the perfect time to do something you don't want to do?


Totally, it's a great opportunity to to try something different when the stakes are low; but the apparent "rules" of loser's corner seems to be to pick a number so I'm asking permission to cheat - a little bit :-)


Pick the genre or genres that scare you most, then pick a number.  Collect all the heats with that/those genre(s), then count down the number you picked.  If the number is larger than the number of heats, roll over to the top and keep counting.

Now you have the genre you hate and a pseudo-random set of prompts.  Start writing like your life depends on it.  Professionals beat scenes into submission until they're right, amateurs find an excuse to do something else (that's not my line, I borrowed it)




-------------
This sig intentionally blank


Posted By: RBJohnson
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 5:11pm
Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:


Totally, it's a great opportunity to to try something different when the stakes are low; but the apparent "rules" of loser's corner seems to be to pick a number so I'm asking permission to cheat - a little bit :-)

Cheat on!!


-------------
SSC 2019 Round 1: https://tinyurl.com/ychf27eu" rel="nofollow - Duluth


Posted By: RBJohnson
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 5:13pm
Originally posted by Random Random wrote:

Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

Originally posted by Tim G Tim G wrote:

Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

If we’re random I choose 5 but can I cheat and pick the first horror group because I don’t want to write a horror? Makes sense in my head!

[DEVIL'S ADVOCATE HAT ON] 
Wouldn't this be the perfect time to do something you don't want to do?


Totally, it's a great opportunity to to try something different when the stakes are low; but the apparent "rules" of loser's corner seems to be to pick a number so I'm asking permission to cheat - a little bit :-)


Pick the genre or genres that scare you most, then pick a number.  Collect all the heats with that/those genre(s), then count down the number you picked.  If the number is larger than the number of heats, roll over to the top and keep counting.

Now you have the genre you hate and a pseudo-random set of prompts.  Start writing like your life depends on it.  Professionals beat scenes into submission until they're right, amateurs find an excuse to do something else (that's not my line, I borrowed it)



That's... pretty Random. Tongue


-------------
SSC 2019 Round 1: https://tinyurl.com/ychf27eu" rel="nofollow - Duluth


Posted By: The.Black.Violet
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 8:49pm
I told my coworker that I want to write something for the hell of it and he assigned me Gr17! If there aren't that many, I'll just divide it by two or something :)!

-------------
CH1 Flash
https://bit.ly/3HpOxnQ" rel="nofollow - Hyphen-hated

2021-CH2 Flash
https://bit.ly/3CgZrsi" rel="nofollow - Ready, Salt, Go


Posted By: The.Black.Violet
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 8:51pm
Originally posted by Random Random wrote:

Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

Originally posted by Tim G Tim G wrote:

Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

If we’re random I choose 5 but can I cheat and pick the first horror group because I don’t want to write a horror? Makes sense in my head!


[DEVIL'S ADVOCATE HAT ON] 
Wouldn't this be the perfect time to do something you don't want to do?


Totally, it's a great opportunity to to try something different when the stakes are low; but the apparent "rules" of loser's corner seems to be to pick a number so I'm asking permission to cheat - a little bit :-)


Pick the genre or genres that scare you most, then pick a number.  Collect all the heats with that/those genre(s), then count down the number you picked.  If the number is larger than the number of heats, roll over to the top and keep counting.

Now you have the genre you hate and a pseudo-random set of prompts.  Start writing like your life depends on it.  Professionals beat scenes into submission until they're right, amateurs find an excuse to do something else (that's not my line, I borrowed it)




Great idea! I do plan on sticking with something new and challenging :D Why not, right?

-------------
CH1 Flash
https://bit.ly/3HpOxnQ" rel="nofollow - Hyphen-hated

2021-CH2 Flash
https://bit.ly/3CgZrsi" rel="nofollow - Ready, Salt, Go


Posted By: karlynns
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 9:37pm
Ooh!  Can I play, too?  I'm a newbie, and it took me so long to figure out how to upload my story to the Forum that I didn't get a lot of feedback, unfortunately (though what I did get was super helpful!)  I'd like to play again, but upload sooner this time!

I'm picking #4, because it's my favorite number!

Karlynn

Read my SSC R1 story  https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTs_u5VbgTiC_XF1T9VEszM7vT94TKre0rF0KWi-3XhdCRdbVVzeduwZ3bUya_Z5eeOpVrd7jGgiIT6/pub" rel="nofollow - The Gander




-------------
Katie Ess

Read my Round #1 FFC https://docs.google.com/document/d/18mmYLqJPDKUG1anyeznbedrSSzr085sRd20wTsg6iE0/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow - The Short-Lived Season of Cooking-Live!


Posted By: justmel
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 9:40pm
Originally posted by alisandra alisandra wrote:

Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

Great idea :-)

Though there is a “literary taxidermy” competition on the go elsewhere if you feel you need to give something a stuffing :-D

Loser checking in here! I've been planning to write something for the Literary Taxidermy contest and this is a great reminder to get going on that!
 
Does either of you have the link for the literary taxidermy contest?  TIA!


Posted By: The.Black.Violet
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 10:11pm
Originally posted by karlynns karlynns wrote:

Ooh!  Can I play, too?  I'm a newbie, and it took me so long to figure out how to upload my story to the Forum that I didn't get a lot of feedback, unfortunately (though what I did get was super helpful!)  I'd like to play again, but upload sooner this time!

I'm picking #4, because it's my favorite number!

Karlynn

Read my SSC R1 story  https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTs_u5VbgTiC_XF1T9VEszM7vT94TKre0rF0KWi-3XhdCRdbVVzeduwZ3bUya_Z5eeOpVrd7jGgiIT6/pub" rel="nofollow - The Gander



That's my favorite number too! If my friend didn't already give me one I probs would have been in the same group as you 😜! I'll be sure to give yours a read!


-------------
CH1 Flash
https://bit.ly/3HpOxnQ" rel="nofollow - Hyphen-hated

2021-CH2 Flash
https://bit.ly/3CgZrsi" rel="nofollow - Ready, Salt, Go


Posted By: karlynns
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 11:29pm
Thanks! I’ll read yours, too! Can’t wait!

-------------
Katie Ess

Read my Round #1 FFC https://docs.google.com/document/d/18mmYLqJPDKUG1anyeznbedrSSzr085sRd20wTsg6iE0/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow - The Short-Lived Season of Cooking-Live!


Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2019 at 8:23am
Originally posted by justmel justmel wrote:

Originally posted by alisandra alisandra wrote:

Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

Great idea :-)

Though there is a “literary taxidermy” competition on the go elsewhere if you feel you need to give something a stuffing :-D

Loser checking in here! I've been planning to write something for the Literary Taxidermy contest and this is a great reminder to get going on that!
 
Does either of you have the link for the literary taxidermy contest?  TIA!


Here it is, but I think it should be for losers only - we're the ones at a loose end right now Wink

https://literarytaxidermy.com/


-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2019 at 8:38am
I'm having an idle afternoon at my computer (should be writing the novel...yada, yada!) and wondered how we find out what the categories are for Round 2 if we're not in Round 2? Do we wait for Suave to work magic on the forum again?


-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: nod1v1ng
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2019 at 8:55am
Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

I'm having an idle afternoon at my computer (should be writing the novel...yada, yada!) and wondered how we find out what the categories are for Round 2 if we're not in Round 2? Do we wait for Suave to work magic on the forum again?


Once the round kicks off there should be a link to the R2 assignments here that anyone can access:
http://www.nycmidnight.com/Competitions/SSC/Challenge.htm" rel="nofollow - http://www.nycmidnight.com/Competitions/SSC/Challenge.htm


-------------
https://shorturl.at/pOW45" rel="nofollow - SSR1
https://rb.gy/i8cxfo" rel="nofollow - 250R2


Posted By: bartelbysamsa
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2019 at 9:05am
Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

Great idea :-)

Though there is a “literary taxidermy” competition on the go elsewhere if you feel you need to give something a stuffing :-D


Wicked! I'd never heard of this competition before. What a great idea! Thank you! In the interests of sharing, there is also this competition closing soon:

https://alpinefellowship.com/2019" rel="nofollow - The Alpine Fellowship 2019

You have around about the same time as you did in round 1 to write a story on identity (So pretty broad), up to 2,500 words. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem you can use anything that you've submitted here.

Also up for the idea of using the prompts from the next round here if I get the time. I think I'll follow someone from my group in round one and use their prompts. What could have been...

-------------
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: NatalieJames
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2019 at 12:36pm
I'm almost through licking my wounds. A lot of pouting has occurred the past couple of days, but maybe I'll play this weekend with you guys. 

Internet dice says my group is #8.


-------------
SSC R1G32
https://forums.nycmidnight.com/r1g32-my-sisters-keeper-historical-fiction_topic32064.html" rel="nofollow - My Sisters' Keeper





Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2019 at 1:15pm
I'm so glad that you came up with this - I'm feeling a bit sad now that the moment for the Round 2s to move onwards and upwards has come and they're going to be leaving us behind. :-)


-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 2:52am
Ok fellow losers, I'm going to go with Horror - renovation - a researcher

I have a story in mind (I've been contemplating the horror of horror since I found out it was a thing here) but I'm so horrified by it I don't want to write it!

Watch this space...I might be some time!


-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: RBJohnson
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 7:09am
Because the list seems not yet available, I picked the first one I saw a winner had been given:

Hist Fiction - Journey - Thief

Since we never discussed what happens with these stories, let's post either the story or a link to it on this thread. Not a real contest, so the particulars don't matter much. Link it if you have the will; it keeps the forum tidier.


-------------
SSC 2019 Round 1: https://tinyurl.com/ychf27eu" rel="nofollow - Duluth


Posted By: fioOxf
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 8:20am
If my "can't be arsed" mood wanes, I might give it a go. How many groups are there? To generate a number. 

-------------
http://tinyurl.com/yawmb6cy" rel="nofollow - SSC R1 Out With the Broke and In with... (PolSat)
http://tinyurl.com/2hcv7m2d" rel="nofollow - Rhyming R2 Aging's a B... (FT)


Posted By: RBJohnson
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 8:26am
Originally posted by fioOxf fioOxf wrote:

If my "can't be arsed" mood wanes, I might give it a go. How many groups are there? To generate a number. 

30 heats of 25, I have read elsewhere.


-------------
SSC 2019 Round 1: https://tinyurl.com/ychf27eu" rel="nofollow - Duluth


Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 8:27am
Originally posted by fioOxf fioOxf wrote:

If my "can't be arsed" mood wanes, I might give it a go. How many groups are there? To generate a number. 

30 I think...


-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: fioOxf
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 8:36am
Originally posted by RBJohnson RBJohnson wrote:

Originally posted by fioOxf fioOxf wrote:

If my "can't be arsed" mood wanes, I might give it a go. How many groups are there? To generate a number. 

30 heats of 25, I have read elsewhere.

Thanks! Am on a train with dodgy coverage so takes ages to load. The numbers 13, 16 and 28 come to mind. Will choose one before I look up the prompts. 


-------------
http://tinyurl.com/yawmb6cy" rel="nofollow - SSC R1 Out With the Broke and In with... (PolSat)
http://tinyurl.com/2hcv7m2d" rel="nofollow - Rhyming R2 Aging's a B... (FT)


Posted By: Random
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 9:02am
http://www.nycmidnight.com/Competitions/SSC/2ndRound2019.htm" rel="nofollow - http://www.nycmidnight.com/Competitions/SSC/2ndRound2019.htm

-------------
This sig intentionally blank


Posted By: RBJohnson
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 10:46am
Okay, so here's my "entry." Not real-contest-worthy, cuz it doesn't have to be, and I can't spend two days on it right now. But I like it okay. :) Let me know if the link doesn't work. Your comments are invited and welcome.

http://tinyurl.com/y424ufqw" rel="nofollow - http://tinyurl.com/y424ufqw


-------------
SSC 2019 Round 1: https://tinyurl.com/ychf27eu" rel="nofollow - Duluth


Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 12:13pm
I had a very scientific method of selecting a heat (my cat walked across my desk calendar with wet paws) which gave me 23 / 18 / 10 / 5 to choose from. I picked 23, so I'll give that a try.


Posted By: fioOxf
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 12:27pm
Originally posted by LoboGal26 LoboGal26 wrote:

I had a very scientific method of selecting a heat (my cat walked across my desk calendar with wet paws) which gave me 23 / 18 / 10 / 5 to choose from. I picked 23, so I'll give that a try.
Mine was equally scientific: numbers seen from the train window - though most were 3-figure numbers, so I lopped the last one off.


-------------
http://tinyurl.com/yawmb6cy" rel="nofollow - SSC R1 Out With the Broke and In with... (PolSat)
http://tinyurl.com/2hcv7m2d" rel="nofollow - Rhyming R2 Aging's a B... (FT)


Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 4:46pm
Originally posted by RBJohnson RBJohnson wrote:

Okay, so here's my "entry." Not real-contest-worthy, cuz it doesn't have to be, and I can't spend two days on it right now. But I like it okay. :) Let me know if the link doesn't work. Your comments are invited and welcome.

http://tinyurl.com/y424ufqw" rel="nofollow - http://tinyurl.com/y424ufqw


How the heck did you put that together in so short a time?? It was a really gripping story, and I didn't see the ending coming, though I feel sorry for your MC. Well done you!

I'm only halfway through my horror and I'm finding it hard going - but if you can put something this good together in five minutes then another day should do it for me :-)



-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 4:48pm
Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

Originally posted by RBJohnson RBJohnson wrote:

Okay, so here's my "entry." Not real-contest-worthy, cuz it doesn't have to be, and I can't spend two days on it right now. But I like it okay. :) Let me know if the link doesn't work. Your comments are invited and welcome.

http://tinyurl.com/y424ufqw" rel="nofollow - http://tinyurl.com/y424ufqw


How the heck did you put that together in so short a time?? It was a really gripping story, and I didn't see the ending coming, though I feel sorry for your MC. Well done you!

I'm only halfway through my horror and I'm finding it hard going - but if you can put something this good together in five minutes then another day should do it for me :-)



OK, I had to Wiki D B Cooper but that makes this a really clever story :-0


-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: RBJohnson
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 6:19pm
Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:


OK, I had to Wiki D B Cooper but that makes this a really clever story :-0

He's one of the great legendary tales in the USA. We still have news updates about people claiming to know the answer to his story. Add me to the list. ;)


-------------
SSC 2019 Round 1: https://tinyurl.com/ychf27eu" rel="nofollow - Duluth


Posted By: karlynns
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 8:45pm
Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

Ok fellow losers, I'm going to go with Horror - renovation - a researcher

I have a story in mind (I've been contemplating the horror of horror since I found out it was a thing here) but I'm so horrified by it I don't want to write it!

Watch this space...I might be some time!

Ooh!  You picked the same one as me!  That makes us heat-mates, right?  Smile


-------------
Katie Ess

Read my Round #1 FFC https://docs.google.com/document/d/18mmYLqJPDKUG1anyeznbedrSSzr085sRd20wTsg6iE0/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow - The Short-Lived Season of Cooking-Live!


Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2019 at 8:20am
Originally posted by karlynns karlynns wrote:

Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

Ok fellow losers, I'm going to go with Horror - renovation - a researcher

I have a story in mind (I've been contemplating the horror of horror since I found out it was a thing here) but I'm so horrified by it I don't want to write it!

Watch this space...I might be some time!

Ooh!  You picked the same one as me!  That makes us heat-mates, right?  Smile


A heat of two! Guaranteed to get through then :-D

I've just finished my second draft - it's 400 words light and it's the only story that's made me cry as I'm writing it - I do hate horror :-(

Just steeling myself for the third draft...


-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2019 at 10:09am
This story was a particular challenge for me as I hate the horror genre - I don't read it or watch it and, on the rare occasion that I've caugh the edge of a Stephen King film, I have regretted it. Yet the reality of taking part in the NYC Competitons, which I am keen to do, means that I may need to embrace the horror genre one day. I could have waited and crossed that bridge if/when I came to it, but I thought I would use losers corner (insert apostrophe as appropriate!) as an opportunity to explore the genre.

I've tried to work with the prompts and the story comes in at 1,942 words so I have a few to play with. The post is protected - the password is Dianahounds

This story made me cry as I was writing it and nothing about it has made me change my horror of horror. I think that the worst part is that the most horrifying aspects are based in truth.

I dedicate this story to the galgos and podencos - may Diana protect you.

https://ideal-reader.blog/2019/04/06/short-story-the-hunted-warning-horror-genre-not-for-the-sensitive/" rel="nofollow - https://ideal-reader.blog/2019/04/06/short-story-the-hunted-warning-horror-genre-not-for-the-sensitive/



-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: RBJohnson
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2019 at 11:00am
Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

This story was a particular challenge for me as I hate the horror genre - I don't read it or watch it and, on the rare occasion that I've caugh the edge of a Stephen King film, I have regretted it. Yet the reality of taking part in the NYC Competitons, which I am keen to do, means that I may need to embrace the horror genre one day. I could have waited and crossed that bridge if/when I came to it, but I thought I would use losers corner (insert apostrophe as appropriate!) as an opportunity to explore the genre.

I've tried to work with the prompts and the story comes in at 1,942 words so I have a few to play with. The post is protected - the password is Diana's Hounds

This story made me cry as I was writing it and nothing about it has made me change my horror of horror. I think that the worst part is that the most horrifying aspects are based in truth.

I dedicate this story to the galgos and podencos - may Diana protect you.

https://ideal-reader.blog/2019/04/06/short-story-the-hunted-warning-horror-genre-not-for-the-sensitive/" rel="nofollow - https://ideal-reader.blog/2019/04/06/short-story-the-hunted-warning-horror-genre-not-for-the-sensitive/


I can't get the password to work. :( Tried it with and without a space between words.


-------------
SSC 2019 Round 1: https://tinyurl.com/ychf27eu" rel="nofollow - Duluth


Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2019 at 11:17am
Originally posted by RBJohnson RBJohnson wrote:

Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

This story was a particular challenge for me as I hate the horror genre - I don't read it or watch it and, on the rare occasion that I've caugh the edge of a Stephen King film, I have regretted it. Yet the reality of taking part in the NYC Competitons, which I am keen to do, means that I may need to embrace the horror genre one day. I could have waited and crossed that bridge if/when I came to it, but I thought I would use losers corner (insert apostrophe as appropriate!) as an opportunity to explore the genre.

I've tried to work with the prompts and the story comes in at 1,942 words so I have a few to play with. The post is protected - the password is Diana's Hounds

This story made me cry as I was writing it and nothing about it has made me change my horror of horror. I think that the worst part is that the most horrifying aspects are based in truth.

I dedicate this story to the galgos and podencos - may Diana protect you.

https://ideal-reader.blog/2019/04/06/short-story-the-hunted-warning-horror-genre-not-for-the-sensitive/" rel="nofollow - https://ideal-reader.blog/2019/04/06/short-story-the-hunted-warning-horror-genre-not-for-the-sensitive/


I can't get the password to work. :( Tried it with and without a space between words.


Thanks for letting me know - I've fiddled with it - try Dianahounds and let me know if it works :-)


-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: RBJohnson
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2019 at 12:14pm
I'm in! Time to read.



-------------
SSC 2019 Round 1: https://tinyurl.com/ychf27eu" rel="nofollow - Duluth


Posted By: RBJohnson
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2019 at 12:34pm
Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:


That was quite a ride! I had to break out my wiki to learn about galgos, so we're even on that score now. :)

I love a story of deserved revenge. Well-done. I'll revisit some of those terrible tree-born images for a good while. The story had the feel of an established legend, as if you would hear it upon visiting that place in Spain. Haunting. I'd say you're a leader in your group. ;)

Edit: I just saw your new avatar picture. QUIT IT!!


-------------
SSC 2019 Round 1: https://tinyurl.com/ychf27eu" rel="nofollow - Duluth


Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2019 at 12:41pm
Originally posted by RBJohnson RBJohnson wrote:

Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:


That was quite a ride! I had to break out my wiki to learn about galgos, so we're even on that score now. :)

I love a story of deserved revenge. Well-done. I'll revisit some of those terrible tree-born images for a good while. The story had the feel of an established legend, as if you would hear it upon visiting that place in Spain. Haunting. I'd say you're a leader in your group. ;)

Edit: I just saw your new avatar picture. QUIT IT!!


Thank you so much for the feedback - it's so encouraging and I feel as if I've slayed a monster just by writing the tale.

My avatar is one of my ancient greyhounds, Herbie, he's very much alive and pretty much lives on custard and quiche!


-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: fioOxf
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2019 at 10:00am
Hey, as we're Non-Comp, can we extend the deadline, so long as we only spend a couple of days writing? I've been travelling and conferencing and funeralling, and I'm off again tomorrow, but might get time on the various planes and at the airports. 

-------------
http://tinyurl.com/yawmb6cy" rel="nofollow - SSC R1 Out With the Broke and In with... (PolSat)
http://tinyurl.com/2hcv7m2d" rel="nofollow - Rhyming R2 Aging's a B... (FT)


Posted By: RBJohnson
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2019 at 10:05am
Originally posted by fioOxf fioOxf wrote:

Hey, as we're Non-Comp, can we extend the deadline, so long as we only spend a couple of days writing? I've been travelling and conferencing and funeralling, and I'm off again tomorrow, but might get time on the various planes and at the airports. 

Deadline? What's a deadline? Losers don't have deadlines. Throw us some words when you have 'em!      Big smile 


-------------
SSC 2019 Round 1: https://tinyurl.com/ychf27eu" rel="nofollow - Duluth


Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2019 at 10:21am
Originally posted by RBJohnson RBJohnson wrote:

Originally posted by fioOxf fioOxf wrote:

Hey, as we're Non-Comp, can we extend the deadline, so long as we only spend a couple of days writing? I've been travelling and conferencing and funeralling, and I'm off again tomorrow, but might get time on the various planes and at the airports. 

Deadline? What's a deadline? Losers don't have deadlines. Throw us some words when you have 'em!      Big smile 


I had no deadline, so I finished a reasonably complete draft in no time at all and would have had oodles of time for a last edit - that would so not have been true if I'd been under pressure Wink


-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: NatalieJames
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2019 at 2:22pm
Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

Originally posted by RBJohnson RBJohnson wrote:

Originally posted by fioOxf fioOxf wrote:

Hey, as we're Non-Comp, can we extend the deadline, so long as we only spend a couple of days writing? I've been travelling and conferencing and funeralling, and I'm off again tomorrow, but might get time on the various planes and at the airports. 

Deadline? What's a deadline? Losers don't have deadlines. Throw us some words when you have 'em!      Big smile 


I had no deadline, so I finished a reasonably complete draft in no time at all and would have had oodles of time for a last edit - that would so not have been true if I'd been under pressure Wink

Lol. All these. I hammered out a draft yesterday that I may or may not type up/edit until everyone else gets cleared for posting. 100% of the fun, none of the pressure. 

Sadly, none of the glory either, but you can't have everything. 


-------------
SSC R1G32
https://forums.nycmidnight.com/r1g32-my-sisters-keeper-historical-fiction_topic32064.html" rel="nofollow - My Sisters' Keeper





Posted By: karlynns
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2019 at 3:51pm
OK, fellow losers!  Here's my draft.  I agree - it's easier to write when you don't have the pressure of submission.  

I picked horror - a renovation - a researcher.  I like horror, but apparently have a really hard time writing it, so I hope this isn't too terrible.

Gotta do some work, and then I'm going to try to read the other stories in our "Loser's heat".  Thanks everyone for doing this - it's awesome to keep some of the fun going.

Karlynn

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vS0BKxuQGvi94GaN52WQ9zy7dU8WvFf8ju9k-oV0lvVq3Y0pDxVCjzIF_HmW37oL5m0TsgLLJcehz-r/pub" rel="nofollow - I'm Glad You're Here


-------------
Katie Ess

Read my Round #1 FFC https://docs.google.com/document/d/18mmYLqJPDKUG1anyeznbedrSSzr085sRd20wTsg6iE0/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow - The Short-Lived Season of Cooking-Live!


Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2019 at 4:19pm
Originally posted by karlynns karlynns wrote:

OK, fellow losers!  Here's my draft.  I agree - it's easier to write when you don't have the pressure of submission.  

I picked horror - a renovation - a researcher.  I like horror, but apparently have a really hard time writing it, so I hope this isn't too terrible.

Gotta do some work, and then I'm going to try to read the other stories in our "Loser's heat".  Thanks everyone for doing this - it's awesome to keep some of the fun going.

Karlynn

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vS0BKxuQGvi94GaN52WQ9zy7dU8WvFf8ju9k-oV0lvVq3Y0pDxVCjzIF_HmW37oL5m0TsgLLJcehz-r/pub" rel="nofollow - I'm Glad You're Here


Eeeuw that was so creepy! You hit the prompts wonderfully and I liked that you gave us good reason for why your MC went back to the house. The steady pace and the structure worked well. I'm not a fan of the horror genre so I'm not sure of the conventions - I would have liked a little more about Tim's relationship with the thing (trying not to put spoilers in) - were they in contact while he was away? Had they been plotting all along? Did the thing have an influence on your MCs mind? I loved your title and was drawn in from the get go and was gripped throughout. The exposition was slow enough for me to wonder whether she had somehow perpetrated the crime and he was the innocent party - intriguing!

I would have preferred shorter sentences, particularly in the first couple of paragraphs when you're setting the scene. I think that would have made the prose a bit tighter to build the tension. I liked the first person narrative which heightened the MC's sense of isolation.

Thank you so much for taking part in this - it's been a great morale boost - both to write new stories and to read them :-)


-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: RBJohnson
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2019 at 8:57pm
Originally posted by karlynns karlynns wrote:

OK, fellow losers!  Here's my draft.  I agree - it's easier to write when you don't have the pressure of submission.  

I picked horror - a renovation - a researcher.  I like horror, but apparently have a really hard time writing it, so I hope this isn't too terrible.

Gotta do some work, and then I'm going to try to read the other stories in our "Loser's heat".  Thanks everyone for doing this - it's awesome to keep some of the fun going.

Karlynn

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vS0BKxuQGvi94GaN52WQ9zy7dU8WvFf8ju9k-oV0lvVq3Y0pDxVCjzIF_HmW37oL5m0TsgLLJcehz-r/pub" rel="nofollow - I'm Glad You're Here

Good work. I enjoyed how you made it feel like your narrator's trust was going to be the gem that saved this story, and then turned that on its head and made it (her?) weakness. The abstraction of your evil (versus something more human and literal) was a nice touch too. I think you could have played that scene a bit harder -- a description of running and slipping, of the sound and smell of the vile stuff, I don't know.

Glad you played, and really enjoyed your story!


-------------
SSC 2019 Round 1: https://tinyurl.com/ychf27eu" rel="nofollow - Duluth


Posted By: northernwriter
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2019 at 11:06am
I did a non competing story for Flash Fiction when I didn’t advance and it was so much fun! We listed the stories in their own group on the forum, so be sure to do that. I will be sure to read a few (especially if anyone used my group’s prompt, group 25.) Good luck and have fun!!

-------------
Microfiction 2021: 4th place overall
Flash Fiction 2020: 8th place overall


Posted By: karlynns
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2019 at 10:42pm
Originally posted by northernwriter northernwriter wrote:

I did a non competing story for Flash Fiction when I didn’t advance and it was so much fun! We listed the stories in their own group on the forum, so be sure to do that. I will be sure to read a few (especially if anyone used my group’s prompt, group 25.) Good luck and have fun!!

Great idea!  How do we do it?  I don't know how to list in a group that isn't a competing group.


-------------
Katie Ess

Read my Round #1 FFC https://docs.google.com/document/d/18mmYLqJPDKUG1anyeznbedrSSzr085sRd20wTsg6iE0/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow - The Short-Lived Season of Cooking-Live!


Posted By: karlynns
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2019 at 11:03pm
Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

This story was a particular challenge for me as I hate the horror genre - I don't read it or watch it and, on the rare occasion that I've caugh the edge of a Stephen King film, I have regretted it. Yet the reality of taking part in the NYC Competitons, which I am keen to do, means that I may need to embrace the horror genre one day. I could have waited and crossed that bridge if/when I came to it, but I thought I would use losers corner (insert apostrophe as appropriate!) as an opportunity to explore the genre.

I've tried to work with the prompts and the story comes in at 1,942 words so I have a few to play with. The post is protected - the password is Dianahounds

This story made me cry as I was writing it and nothing about it has made me change my horror of horror. I think that the worst part is that the most horrifying aspects are based in truth.

I dedicate this story to the galgos and podencos - may Diana protect you.

https://ideal-reader.blog/2019/04/06/short-story-the-hunted-warning-horror-genre-not-for-the-sensitive/" rel="nofollow - https://ideal-reader.blog/2019/04/06/short-story-the-hunted-warning-horror-genre-not-for-the-sensitive/


Oh, wow!  This is deeply, deeply creepy, and a great story!  But I was sad to find out it's based in reality.

As someone who enjoys a good horror story, this is great!  I loved the idea of her haunting the area, avenging the dogs.  And Diana clouding his mind and making people see what she wanted them to see was a cool device.  It gave me goosebumps!

If I had to give any constructive advice, I'd just say that if you wanted to truly sell this as a horror story (and didn't have the limitation of the word count), I think you could lean into the horror of the situation a little more.  I'm guessing that it's because you don't really like horror, but you kind of gloss over the actual gruesome events - like her dying, alone and in pain, in a well on top of her dog.  I think you could expand on all of that a little more - the sounds, the smells, what it felt like for her to be covered in a well alone...THAT is what horror is all about!  

Now to go think about something less creepy and snuggle my pets...

Karlynn


-------------
Katie Ess

Read my Round #1 FFC https://docs.google.com/document/d/18mmYLqJPDKUG1anyeznbedrSSzr085sRd20wTsg6iE0/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow - The Short-Lived Season of Cooking-Live!


Posted By: karlynns
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2019 at 11:10pm
Originally posted by RBJohnson RBJohnson wrote:

Okay, so here's my "entry." Not real-contest-worthy, cuz it doesn't have to be, and I can't spend two days on it right now. But I like it okay. :) Let me know if the link doesn't work. Your comments are invited and welcome.

http://tinyurl.com/y424ufqw" rel="nofollow - http://tinyurl.com/y424ufqw

Super cool story!  I really loved the voice of the characters, and I liked the twist at the end!  (Don't want to spoil things here).  I was completely not expecting it!  I think I would have felt sorry for your main character if she hadn't seemed so ominous the whole time.  But as it was, I kind of felt like she should have seen it coming.

It was a fun take on the DB Cooper legend, and I enjoyed reading it!  Thanks for playing in our "bracket."

Karlynn


-------------
Katie Ess

Read my Round #1 FFC https://docs.google.com/document/d/18mmYLqJPDKUG1anyeznbedrSSzr085sRd20wTsg6iE0/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow - The Short-Lived Season of Cooking-Live!


Posted By: Alex Grey
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2019 at 3:09am
Originally posted by karlynns karlynns wrote:

Originally posted by Alex Grey Alex Grey wrote:

This story was a particular challenge for me as I hate the horror genre - I don't read it or watch it and, on the rare occasion that I've caugh the edge of a Stephen King film, I have regretted it. Yet the reality of taking part in the NYC Competitons, which I am keen to do, means that I may need to embrace the horror genre one day. I could have waited and crossed that bridge if/when I came to it, but I thought I would use losers corner (insert apostrophe as appropriate!) as an opportunity to explore the genre.

I've tried to work with the prompts and the story comes in at 1,942 words so I have a few to play with. The post is protected - the password is Dianahounds

This story made me cry as I was writing it and nothing about it has made me change my horror of horror. I think that the worst part is that the most horrifying aspects are based in truth.

I dedicate this story to the galgos and podencos - may Diana protect you.

https://ideal-reader.blog/2019/04/06/short-story-the-hunted-warning-horror-genre-not-for-the-sensitive/" rel="nofollow - https://ideal-reader.blog/2019/04/06/short-story-the-hunted-warning-horror-genre-not-for-the-sensitive/


Oh, wow!  This is deeply, deeply creepy, and a great story!  But I was sad to find out it's based in reality.

As someone who enjoys a good horror story, this is great!  I loved the idea of her haunting the area, avenging the dogs.  And Diana clouding his mind and making people see what she wanted them to see was a cool device.  It gave me goosebumps!

If I had to give any constructive advice, I'd just say that if you wanted to truly sell this as a horror story (and didn't have the limitation of the word count), I think you could lean into the horror of the situation a little more.  I'm guessing that it's because you don't really like horror, but you kind of gloss over the actual gruesome events - like her dying, alone and in pain, in a well on top of her dog.  I think you could expand on all of that a little more - the sounds, the smells, what it felt like for her to be covered in a well alone...THAT is what horror is all about!  

Now to go think about something less creepy and snuggle my pets...

Karlynn


Hi Karlynn

Thank you so much for your review - I am so repelled by the story that I'm grateful to every reader for enduring it and am fighting the urge to send round conciliatory tissues, chocolate and wine as compensation!

You make a good point about the scene at the bottom of the well - as one of my other betas said "if the bottom of the well is so dark, how did she know what she'd landed in" - fair point! I have around 50 words to spare so I may have a cheeky edit before putting on the master list as a non-comp (Suave is setting this up for us). :-)




-------------
Rhyming R1 https://forums.nycmidnight.com/gp-21-i-was-a-dishy-daddy_topic51073.html" rel="nofollow - I was a dishy daddy but I'm allright now



Posted By: The.Black.Violet
Date Posted: 23 Apr 2019 at 12:09am
Hey Karlynn! I read your horror story and wanted to tell you that I liked it! The ending was great and super creepy. I especially loved the line that you also use as your title. Super effective!
My biggest piece of advice would be to rely more on the atmosphere or your character's senses to portray the fear/discomfort rather than telling us that the house is "sinister" or scary. If you tell us then you're preparing us for the scare rather than letting it creep up on us.

Nice job!

-------------
CH1 Flash
https://bit.ly/3HpOxnQ" rel="nofollow - Hyphen-hated

2021-CH2 Flash
https://bit.ly/3CgZrsi" rel="nofollow - Ready, Salt, Go



Print Page | Close Window

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Copyright ©2001-2022 Web Wiz Ltd. - https://www.webwiz.net