Hey Finalists, come here, I wanna tell ya somethin

[hapsburg]

We should have a thread that we can confer amongst eachother in. Let's face it, we all have our work cut out for us. Most, if not all of us, have day jobs and other writing activities and projects and now we have one week to produce a new unpublished work on a certain theme. One week to go from someone else's theme to a tightly realised piece of writing, I think we all can agree, is a challenge.

Add to that that we are all clearly good at what we do and ar in competition with one another. Pressure.

JDKIGGANS made an insightful remark in another thread about the number of views with no entries. None of us are stupid. Why enter early when we can have extra time to polish our craft? Why enter early if we might gain insight or inspiration from reading others works ahead of time? It makes sense to me and I'm sure I'm not the only one of us aware of that advantage.

So here's what I'm propossing. First and foremost I hope we can all support one another and treat this more as the opportunity that it is rather than a competition. Second, the readers are the voters, we're writing for them and should do our best work for them.

Along those lines, here's what I'm gonna do. I'm going to admit that I finished one possible entry last night, and I'm also going to tell you all other ideas I had for entries to maybe help you churn out some ideas of your own. You don't have to share your own thouhts on the theme, but you're welcome to read, comment, or even use mine.

"Crossroads" is pretty much the extent of our theme. I toiled with it in my mind for several days before it occurred to me how open that theme was. In any genre and in any form we need to show someone faced with a "major decsiion". It could be a carreer choice, it could be a choice of mates, it could be a first home purchase etc.

My first idea was based on a recent experience. Someone is faced with the decision of placing an elderly parent in a new home because that parent can no longer care for themselves. Its easy to relate to and has all kinds of opportunity for sentimentality and emmotional draw strings. I may return to that idea but for the moment have doubts about my ability to effectively and convincingly execute such an emmotional piece.

There are a number of "crossroads" in our local media, Terri Shivo or abortion for instance, but as a writer we're more likely to offend more people than we please, and it would be difficult to execute without coming off as heavy handed and moralistic, which readers often resent.

Horror, Sci-Fi, and fantasy have numerous possibilities for decisions with dire results, but because of length restrictions it would be difficult, i think, to invent a proper setting and host of characters while still having enough space left for the decision. Horror would be the most accesible of these three I believe, but its not the right theme for me, personally, to delve into horror at.

In daily life settings we could compose any number of scenarios with strange or coincidental or prolific consequences. the decision to not drive with your drunken friend at the wheel, or let them drive for instance. Many of these ideas are so common though that you have to strain your brain to avoid being cliche and actually surprise the reader. If I told you my piece was about almost deciding to drive drunk, would it come as any surprise to anyone in the free world that the ending of the piece will have some moralistic lesson about the dangers of drunk driving and possibly some emmotional experience of almost dying or losing a friend? (Don't get me wrong, it's a powerful and worthy message, but everyone says and knows it)

So I settled, (at this point in time) on a decision so simple it is almost unconcious for those that make it, with a main character so deluded he doesn't realise how obvious (to the rest of the world) the extreme and bizarre consequences will be that follow (consequences which are, themselves surreal if such a decision would or could be made).

I may return to the elderly parent idea. It touches me and I think it could make for good reading. But Im so tired and so busy this week I may stay with what I have. It's 2300 words waiting for a little more polishing before I hit submit.

How are you guys coming? I'm interested in your thoughts...

[firehorse]

Hapsburg - thanks for starting this thread! I've been thinking the same thing - a support thread of our own - but I didn't have the guts to start one. There's been so much snarkiness on other threads that I love the idea of having one that's supportive of each other.

To be honest, though, I'm wary of sharing specific ideas. I think it's possible to support each other without revealing our trade secrets. In other words, maybe I'll tell you my brainstorming process, but I might not tell you all the ideas I came up with. Then again, I just posted a stream-of-consciousness brainstorm in another thread. It was SF/Fantasy oriented, and I... am not. I'm a Gemini. I'm going to change my mind constantly.

I'm pretty much down to two possibilities, but I've definitely got rabbit in the headlights syndrome. I've promised myself I will write a draft today, rather than just scribbling notes. One is an essay that would be easy to write, but a) I just wrote an essay, and b) it doesn't lend itself to a good structure. The second choice is a short story - an area in which I'm a total novice - that would be harder to write but would likely (if I can do it) be a stronger story. On the other hand, essays are my strong suit, so maybe I should play to my strengths...

I PMd Jenna to suggest that the voting be blind; we could each send our entries to a volunteer who would then post them without our names. Granted, we have distinct voices, but I'd really like to see this not turn into a popularity contest. What do you think about that?

Are any of you thinking about strategy? (Obviously, you don't have to answer) I find myself thinking about the demographics of the readers - age, gender, political leanings, etc. As you said, addressing controversial topics is a risk, but the topics themselves are so rich.

Acting teachers often tell their students to make a choice, commit to it and go at it wholeheartedly. We don't have a lot of time to start over if the initial commitment turns out to be weak, but I'm trying to follow that advice. GO FOR IT (I'm reminding myself and telling you guys!)

Cheers,
Sarah

[DJP]

Hapsburg,
I like what you said. I'm all for a work together attitude instead of a compete against one. I'm definately not used to writing under pressure, and I know we all probably have busy lives. Some of your ideas sound great, and I'm intrigued by the mystery of your piece. I too, have a few ideas. I am worried about how 'common' they are, and I hope I can bring something new to them. I just started fleshing one out, but haven't finished the first draft. Some of my ideas include:
- a couple with different ideas about expanding their family
- a terrified mother trying to decide if she should homeschool or send her child who has a life threatening allergy to public school
- from a child's point of view, something about deciding to steal or not, lie or not, or something along those lines
- a cancer patient deciding to take or not take chemo
If anyone else has any suggestions they aren't using, please feel free to toss them out for us scavengers! If someone is interested in one of my ideas, please let me know so I don't do the same one. Thanks. -Darla

[hapsburg]

Firehorse, I like the blind voting idea. Somewhere someone mentioned possible favoritism in the auditions. They likely meant it jokingly but I'm of the school of thought: where there is smoke there must have been a fire. IE they might trully feel that way to a certain degree. It was an ironic comment for me to come across, because this comp has been the primary outlet by which I am meeting people on the board. Prior, I only knew 2 members on the board, and neither were judges.


I've thought about strategy, but only briefly. i don't know enough about the demographics of our readership, and there's no idea whether that demograph will be the one that votes. I'm attempting to keep my piece something that will be accessible to nearly everyone I can. As to your dilema over essay of fiction: I'd say stick to your strong suit but try to do it differently than you did in your audition. I can't write romance so unless the theme demands it, I'm not going to take that risk. I'm going to try to keep what I write as something I enjoy writing.

DJP, I like your first two ideas best. The second about the allergy child is particularly interesting to me. It's not something I know enough about to write, but I would be interested in reading it.

[three seven]

I also agree in principle with the blind voting. I've already volunteered to help orchestrate it, should Jenna be of like mind.

[hapsburg]

3-7, you must be a massochist. First judging and now this? :-O That's some serious dedication...

[William Haskins]

http://logiclrd.cx/magnaunum/cletus.jpg

[firehorse]

"If you want to get rich from writing, write the sort of thing that's read by persons who move their lips when they're reading to themselves." - Don Marquis :roll: :roll: :roll:
So sad, but so true!

[pepperlandgirl]

The past few days have been so bizarre for me. First, I wrote about 1,000 words on an idea that blossomed from an on-going obsession. My husband told me the writing was fine, but would it really capture anybody who isn't me? He has a point. It's specialized enough that other people probably wouldn't find it as interesting as me, and people who might also care about this topic would probably just think of all the reasons why I clearly suck, so...

I switched ideas to something autobiographical. I am at a major crossroads in my life, and I have no idea what the hell to do with myself. I planned on going to grad school, but I've been rejected by all of them. It never occurred to me that I needed a job, it never occurred to me I'd still be living here come September, it never occurred to me that my dreams would die one by one. But then, that sort of thing would be fascinating to me...but to everybody else? So...

I came up with an idea that was based on traditional folklore surrounding the crossroads--that you could meet the devil there. It would have been metaphorical, about a writer. Semi-autobiographical, I guess. Nothing wrong with that idea, but I didn't get a chance to start it before something else came up.

In my creative writing course yesterday, we did a simple exercise. We looked at a painting and wrote the story or narrative of the painting. I liked the painting, I liked the page I finished, and decided to continue it. So I'm writing along, la la la, and all of a sudden, I think, "Holy ****! I don't know what it's about!" Now this is fine when I plan to write 80,000 words, not so good with 2,500 words. So I let my mind wander and...

I found my story. A story that I had initially planned last July and subsequently abandoned because I couldn't figure out how to start it. I had characters, a basic plot, a history, etc etc, all sitting around, uselessly.

This is not my typical MO. Now I'm torn between posting the story right away because OMG I'm so impatient, and sitting on it for as long as possible, because what if it really sucks and I just need a few days to see it?

[jdkiggins]

I like the idea about blind postings as well. On the other hand, if one does decide to write a memoir and the name is in the piece, anonymity wouldn't work.

I've been battling with the crossroads; I'm not sure which direction I'll take.
Joanne

EDIT: I do have 1025 words so far, and I'm not changing my theme. :)

[three seven]

"If you want to get rich from writing, write the sort of thing that's read by persons who move their lips when they're reading to themselves."
It shouldn't surprise anyone to learn that I do that. Can't concentrate otherwise.

[William Haskins]

far be it for me to play devil's advocate, but i'm not particularly enthused about posting a significant chunk of writing on the internet without a by-line.

i won't fight it if everyone else wants to do the blind voting, but i would further suggest that, in similar fashion to american idol, as the weeks go by people form impressions based on the body of work, on the cumulative dynamic of the combined weeks.

and it would be hard to assess that if all works are posted anonymously.

just my initial thoughts. i may well have different opinions once my other personalities wake up from their nap.

-william

[pepperlandgirl]

I agree with William. For good or bad, I would rather post under my name; however, I'm just stating my opinion, I'm not going to fight for this or anything. If the Powers that Be (or the majority of the finalists) choose to post blind, it's fine with me.

[jdkiggins]

far be it for me to play devil's advocate, but i'm not particularly enthused about posting a significant chunk of writing on the internet without a by-line.

-william

William,

You're so good at being a devil! I said I liked their idea because of their concern of it turning into a popularity contest. I don't like to change rules in the middle of things, but I don't like to argue with people about it either. I'm flexible with most anything, so I tend to agree hastily. IMHO, I thought the finalists and HM lists were picked because of writing.

I would hope that our general public would vote with this same thought in mind. I don't consider myself popular. Hell, I leave dead threads everywhere I post. Having a thread to talk between finalists is great, but let's leave the personalities out of it. I'd lose for sure. :)

I also agree with William about the nature of fresh work having a byline.

Joanne

[pepperlandgirl]

Heh, Joanne, we're all too polite and flexible for our own goods....

As for popularity--well, judging from post count, you're at least 10 times more recognizable than me! ;)

[jdkiggins]

Right! I wish I were as splendid as the green marks say. It wouldn't matter to me if the little green blobs disappear. I live to write. :)

Joanne

[firehorse]

IMHO, I thought the finalists and HM lists were picked because of writing. I agree, but Sara, Three and Richard had no time (or motive) to think about anything but the writing itself.

I would hope that our general public would vote with this same thought in mind. I don't consider myself popular. Hell, I leave dead threads everywhere I post. Having a thread to talk between finalists is great, but let's leave the personalities out of it. I'd lose for sure. :)Oh, no, Joanne! I'm Typhoid Typist. I swear, I post to a thread and it dies. It's odd, because I perceive you as very popular. Me, not so much. I'm actually feeling extremely insecure on that front.

I also agree with William about the nature of fresh work having a byline. Also a good point. I hadn't thought of that. Depending how long the voting will take, though, could we balance the risk of having nameless pieces up for a day or two (after which our names would be attached to the pieces) versus the concern of personality-voting? If our names were attached after the voting, members could follow our body of work, albeit a week behind. Also, if anyone tried to rip off our material, we've got about 1500 witnesses who know that we created it. We could even do something like give AW the copyright for a week - maybe that doesn't make sense, but I'd bet there's a way around it.[/QUOTE]

Joanne, you are correct that blind postings might not work for essays/memoir (one of my ideas is very clearly mine); in addition, we each have identifiable voices. However, I'd still be more comfortable having the work stand (or fall) on its own. I do think there's a way to work around the byline issue.

I feel pretty strongly about this, but I'll go with the consensus, or lacking that, with Jenna's decision.

[William Haskins]

we could check into having jenna hack all of our skulls open, throw our brains into a barrel and swish them around, and then stick them back in randomly.

just throwing ideas out there.

[rhymegirl]

This is really a tough call. I want the judging to be as fair as possible. I want the readers to cast their votes based on the quality of the writing. Period. If that would mean blind voting, I'd have no problem with that.

On the other hand, when you think about it, the finalists on the show American Idol are not anonymous. The audience sees them, hears them, knows who they are. The voters are supposed to base their decisions on the quality of the singing. But as we all know, sometimes other factors are at work. Some American Idol voters may be influenced by someone's looks or personality, etc. I'm not saying that's fair; it's just the way people are.

So whatever the consensus is, it's fine with me.

[three seven]

I actually also agree with Haskins (there's a first time for everything.)

I'm no expert in these matters, but wouldn't the copyright issue be avoided by virtue of the fact that a named and traceable copy of each entry would be lodged with AW anyway?

[BlueTexas]

I've read the posts in this thread, each until it mentioned specific ideas, only because I don't want to be influenced until my entry's done, or tempted to change my mind about what I've begun (1200 words so far, btw).

I think this is a great idea for a thread. Just because we're competing doesn't mean we can't be friends ;) I thought about starting one this afternoon, but was also chicken.

I can see both sides to the anonymous postings...I thought it was a great idea until I read what William wrote about large chunks of new writing and the body of work. I'll go with the consensus.

I had a soul-sucking day at work today, and I have to tell you, the supportive spirit of this thread really made it better. Win or lose, I'm better for having been here. And for having a husband who saw my face when I came home and offered to go get dinner!

As to my entry, I've been so involved with my WIP that I can't get away from one character. So I spun him off and am giving him a 'crossroads' back story. Tomorrow I'll probably change my mind and do a personal essay about career changes!

[jdkiggins]

we could check into having jenna hack all of our skulls open, throw our brains into a barrel and swish them around, and then stick them back in randomly.

just throwing ideas out there.

:roll: :hooray: I'm for that William. Sure then the body of my writing would still be there with no recognizable face or brain attached. But, then again, there is nothing recognizable in my brain. :) And the face--let's not even go there!

[jdkiggins]

Quote:
Originally Posted by jdkiggins
IMHO, I thought the finalists and HM lists were picked because of writing.
I agree, but Sara, Three and Richard had no time (or motive) to think about anything but the writing itself.

Sarah, they took time extra time because they paid close attention to the writing itself.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jdkiggins

I would hope that our general public would vote with this same thought in mind. :) [/quote]

Oh, no, Joanne! I'm Typhoid Typist. I swear, I post to a thread and it dies. It's odd, because I perceive you as very popular. Me, not so much. I'm actually feeling extremely insecure on that front..

You finaled, why would you feel insecure about your writing now? I don't understand what good writing has to do with popularity. If someone doesn't like what I've presented in the weekly challenge, I don't expect or want his/her vote. I want each person to judge my writing, not me as a person. If I were capable, I would run around these boards acting very rude and obnoxious to people, in order to relieve your insecurities, but I'm not that way.

Sarah, your audition was wonderful. Don't begin doubting yourself at this point.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jdkiggins

I also agree with William about the nature of fresh work having a byline. [/quote]

Also a good point. I hadn't thought of that. Depending how long the voting will take, though, could we balance the risk of having nameless pieces up for a day or two (after which our names would be attached to the pieces) versus the concern of personality-voting? If our names were attached after the voting, members could follow our body of work, albeit a week behind. Also, if anyone tried to rip off our material, we've got about 1500 witnesses who know that we created it. We could even do something like give AW the copyright for a week - maybe that doesn't make sense, but I'd bet there's a way around it.
Joanne, you are correct that blind postings might not work for essays/memoir (one of my ideas is very clearly mine); in addition, we each have identifiable voices. However, I'd still be more comfortable having the work stand (or fall) on its own. I do think there's a way to work around the byline issue.
I feel pretty strongly about this, but I'll go with the consensus, or lacking that, with Jenna's decision..

Sarah, your audition stood on its own in the audition. Why can't it stand on its own now? You competed with 306 other entrants and now you're worried about 9? I don't understand.

I considered dropping out of this competition after this thread, because I don't want this to be a personality or popularity contest or have it made into one. After further consideration, I've decided to forge forward. I've worked too long and too hard not to write every day. I'm proud of every word I write not because I think it's always good, but because it takes heart, blood, sweat, and tears for me to write.

If the rules change now, so be it. I'm proud to be here and I'm proud and surprised I made the cut.

Hapsburg, you had a great idea in this thread.
To go along with your idea of working together, I thought I'd let you all know, I will be writing a memoir, and my name will be in it, so, if the decision is not to post bylines, then Jenna will need to decide if my entry will still qualify.

I don't have it in me to worry about this. Someone PM me when a decision is made, please.

Joanne

[hapsburg]

Vig~ I feel like I'm missing something everytime I read one of your posts. I can't tell if you're serious or if I'm not in the loop on a joke.


As to voting, I can go either way.

Copyright doesn't concern me. I feel safer with it here than anywhere because here, not only is my authorship proven but the time of creation as well. Not to mention no one is going to bother to steal my work. they're not looking for it and they couldn't handle the rejections and would be too lazy to do the market research.

As to style/image. I see the point in as much as following a particular writer's style etc., but as to the American Idol thing, that's not annonymous because they're judging them on more than their voices, such as stage presence etc; whereas here, as I understand it, we're being judged on just writing.

I really have no preference though. Both arguments are valid to me.

[hapsburg]

Joanne~


You posted during my last post. Don't you dare think about dropping out. You had a great piece, all of you did. I don't care how it's voted, whether its annonymous, or who wins, I'm in it to have fun and to practice the craft of writing and to learn as much as I can from you guys.

[BlueTexas]

"I've decided to forge forward" joane

what a speech joanne, that's the kind of stuff heroes are made of. not one guy or gal in iraq has anything on you. please read my post above yours and PLEASE GET A GRIP.

vig

Vig, this thread was stated to be a supportive one. Maybe you missed that post?

[William Haskins]

i agree, and i don't think it's a huge issue either way. i hope none of my previous posts raised the stress level of the thread. the tension's getting a bit thick, methinks.

i'm not worried about the copyright so much, and i'm not worried about anyone stealing my work (it's rigged to explode if out of my possession for more than an hour anyway).

but it would be nice, if agents and editors came in to snoop around over the course of the next several weeks, they could immediately be in the position to strike up a conversation with us and dump wheelbarrows of money at our feet if they really took to our writing.

but again, whatever. i wasn't trying to aggravate anyone.

[BlueTexas]

Joanne,

I don't think it will turn into a popularity contest. That's not the way the forums feel to me. We're all here for the writing, and I'm sure we'll be judged on that. After all, the original judges didn't vote on popularity...at least two very new people were finalists.

Take heart, and ignore the dissenters.

[firehorse]

CAVEAT: I think I overlapped with about the five previous posts here.

Dear Joanne,

I feel like I've put you on the defensive, and I'm not sure why or how. It seems as though perhaps you read what I was saying as the opposite.

My insecurity is not about my writing; it's about my lack of popularity. I trusted the original judges to look closely at the writing, whereas I'm afraid the "general public," to use your phrase, may not take such close care and will vote for the people they like, rather than the writing. I thought I made that clear.

I didn't mean to turn this into a big hullaballoo. I thought it would be a fairly simple matter. My intent was to figure out how best NOT to make this about popularity/personality.

Hapsburg, again, thank you for starting this thread. Here's to cooperation and (I hope) no more misunderstandings.

Joanne, if I've done something specifically to offend you, please let me know so we can work it out.

Sarah

[brokenfingers]

Hey vig,

I don't know you from Adam but your words, tone and demanor are totally uncalled for. You're coming across as a sore loser and your posts draining the creative spirit these writers need to be able to produce this work - that whether you like it or not - is very important to THEM.

How would you like to have to take a piece of your heart and show it to the world while somebody else is sneering at you and whispering snide remarks in your ear?

Isn't it enough that these people are dealing with their own demons that they have to put up with you????

Your posts are in total contradiction to what this Forum is all about.

Retract them.

[MacAllister]

Vig--you're making an @ss of yourself here. I recommend you stop.

Really.

[BlueTexas]

Joanne~


You posted during my last post. Don't you dare think about dropping out. You had a great piece, all of you did. I don't care how it's voted, whether its annonymous, or who wins, I'm in it to have fun and to practice the craft of writing and to learn as much as I can from you guys.

Exactly. I'm willing to bet that none of us finalists expected to be finalists, and now that we are, we owe it to ourselves to continue. We were just given proof we can write something good...now lets write something better and learn from each other.

I'm as excited to see what everyone else comes up with as I am about being in the competition.

[vig]

lol. lmao. has nothing to do with sour grapes, but you guys are to0o funny.

vig

[Sarita]

If the rules change now, so be it. I'm proud to be here and I'm proud and surprised I made the cut.

You should be! (you too Sarah!!!) And I don't think this will turn into a popularity contest. I think that we have enough mature members to be able to vote on merit. If someone does get a few votes because of popularity, I think it will be balanced out by the whole groups voting patterns. I work in market research (statistics, ugh), and know that we need a relatively small number of votes to control any skew in the data (results). I'm sure we'll be okay. And Jenna is so very in control, I'm sure she's thinking this all out as we type ;)

[Sarita]

Wow, this was just a few posts when I started typing that out!

[hapsburg]

Need to type faster Sara! :P

[vig]

is this a bad time to pandor for rep points?

vig

[Sarita]

I'm as excited to see what everyone else comes up with as I am about being in the competition.
I can't wait to see what everyone enters. I've got my judging book out or did I burn that? :ROFL:

[Sarita]

Need to type faster Sara! :P

Tell me about it!

[BlueTexas]

I can't wait to see what everyone enters. I've got my judging book out or did I burn that? :ROFL:

That reminds me....are we allowed to vote at this stage? I'm assuming that no one would vote for themselves...

[BlueTexas]

is this a bad time to pandor for rep points?

vig

It's "pander", and yes, it is.

[hapsburg]

That reminds me....are we allowed to vote at this stage? I'm assuming that no one would vote for themselves... There's nothing to vote on yet. I think it commences after all entries are in. And no, I'm not voting for myself. I haven't decided if I'll vote (presuming we're allowed) or how I'll do it. I thought that since I'm in the running, instead of voting I might just pm what I liked best about each entry to the author.

[vig]

thanks for you cander

[jdkiggins]

Please, let me confirm that I am not upset with anyone's post or opinion. That's the problem with not hearing voices on these threads; posts can be read differently than they were intended.

Sarah, I don't have a problem with you or anyone else. You didn't do or say anything to offend me. I'm not that easily offended. :)

I believe that since we all entered the original audition with all our names, and we've posted our information in the "Meet Your Finalists" thread, there shouldn't be a reason to hide our identity now. That's all.

Mac, don't worry about vig. He'll go away some day. :)

Vig...GET A LIFE! I've had a grip on things for years. :kiss:

Love you all,
Joanne

[firehorse]

I thought that since I'm in the running, instead of voting I might just pm what I liked best about each entry to the author. That's a brilliant idea. I'll second that.

Hapsburg, I'd give you more rep points for this idea, but the small blue dialogue box tells me I have to spread the love...

skc

[Rhush]

Just saying hi for now. I havent, nor do I now, have the time to read this thread, but I will get in here and chat as soon as I possibly can. I'm totally with the bonding over full time work, other writing deadlines, and all that good stuff. Doesn't seem to be a spare moment in sight! But I am glad we all have a place to come and talk with one another. I've been going back and forth on my idea for the piece all freakin' week and it's driving me nuts!

[jdkiggins]

Join the crowd Rhush. It's made us all :crazy: . Well some of us, I was already crazy. :)

[William Haskins]

is it sunday yet?

[jdkiggins]

:Ssh: Haskins. Don't tell everyone what day it is!

[William Haskins]

okay, but can someone hit me with a private message and send me an idea? better yet, an outline? better yet, a completed draft?

i can take care of the posting part myself.

thanks.

[BlueTexas]

i
but it would be nice, if agents and editors came in to snoop around over the course of the next several weeks, they could immediately be in the position to strike up a conversation with us and dump wheelbarrows of money at our feet if they really took to our writing.

.

Just musing since I can't sleep tonight, but say an editor saw and liked an entry. Would they say anything at all? I think I've asked an answerless question.

[trumancoyote]

I was thinking about the whole voting thing, and I think we should vote for one another. I know it's kinda corny, and verging on Brady Bunch-ish ideals, but it could be fun.

Mayhap we could have some sort of who-votes-for-who-on-what-week listy majig, or somethin'.

Anywho. I'm more worried about what the [expletive deleted] I'm going to write than who's going to like or dislike me because of my ugly face :)

[jdkiggins]

I wondered the same thing about the finalists voting. It would seem rather tacky to vote for oneself, so I had planned to vote on someone's entry other than my own.

Update: I was up until 4:30 this morning trying to get a first draft complete so I can set it aside for a few days before I tear it apart.

I don’t know if you’ve all seen the movie American President, but I loved his political speech. So with that in mind and to add politics (which I despise) with this competition:

:Lecture: My name is Joanne Kiggins. I am a writer. And all you other finalists, your first three days are up! :)

Joanne

[Sarita]

I thought I saw somewhere that finalists couldn't vote, but I can't seem to find it now... still looking.:Shrug:

[DJP]

Ok, I think I've been her long enough now to ask, what the heck are rep points? What do they stand for, how do you get them and give them, and I know this is not the topic of this thread, but maybe a change of pace would de-stress some.:)

[jdkiggins]

Ok, I think I've been her long enough now to ask, what the heck are rep points? What do they stand for, how do you get them and give them, and I know this is not the topic of this thread, but maybe a change of pace would de-stress some.:)

DJP,
Click on the FAQ's. It tells you all about them. Just in case you can't find it; rep points are a way of showing your appreciation to someone's post. There is also a thread on Reputation. You get them by someone giving them to you. You give them by clicking on the scales below the poster's name.

Stress. What's that? :)

Have fun. Oh yes, in case you're wondering, this would be a good time to click on my scale. :banana:

Joanne

[William Haskins]

when you see someone's post (other than your own), you'll see a little "scales" icon, in between the green (or gray) online indicator and the little yield sign-looking thing. they call them scales, but i just see a silver mushroom....

anyway, if you click that, you can give someone a rep point, assuming you approve of the post (you can take one away by clicking "disapprove).

to see your own rep points, click User CP in the top left corner of the frame. here you'll have a list of everyone who's given you a point, along with a comment.

they're like green stamps, from my understanding, and you can eventually trade them in for a vacuum cleaner.

[jdkiggins]

they're like green stamps, from my understanding, and you can eventually trade them in for a vacuum cleaner.
:roll:
:Clap: I need a new vacuum cleaner. Jenna? Jenna? Can we make a trade?

[Sarita]

And look at Haskins! He's a glorious beacon of light... or darkness, do we really know? :)

Can I have a toaster instead of a vacuum? I hate cleaning.

[DJP]

Wow! Those rep points are the neatest idea! I've never read mine before, and you guys are all so nice, I'm very glad a fellow writer on www.frazzledfamilies.com (http://www.frazzledfamilies.com) posted the link for this contest. I feel like I've found an amazing writing community, and I'm so glad to be a part of it. Now that I know how to dish them out, some rep points will be flying around.:Sun:

[Sarita]

Now that I know how to dish them out, some rep points will be flying around.

You might want to throw some Three's way. He's really way more splendid than I am ;)

[jdkiggins]

I just got back a few minutes ago. I know I offered my "almost dead" car to Jenna awhile back, but now it is dead. :cry: I just walked three miles from a little store nearby where it died to home. Instead of a vacuum cleaner, can I get a new car? Help! I think I'll need more reps for that exchange.

I was in a fabulous mood this morning, too. Got the first draft of my weekly challenge completed, looking forward to meeting a friend this weekend, and then yet another damn crossroad! Jenna, did you know my car was going to die?

I'm using my mom's Jimmy, which ironically is one year older than my Jimmy. Her car has only 13,000 miles; mine has 114,000. Gee, I can't imagine what the problem could be?

s*** expletive.

Oh well. More crossroads. :)

I can't believe I'm still smiling.

[Sarita]

That really sucks, Joanne! You can have all my rep points, for what they're worth ;)

Don't stop smiling!!! :D Brightside: You have a first draft... YAY!

[jdkiggins]

Is it Friday yet?

http://www.smileys.ws/sm/nature/00000018.gif

[firehorse]

I've done my typical thing, which is to throw everything I can think of (related to my story) on paper. Some pieces are sentence fragments, some are whole sentences, whole paragraphs and even a few scenes. As usual, I now have about 5000 words. It's not just a matter of cutting down now, but also I need to figure out if these are the right words, and if my story is making any sense. My process is terribly time-inefficient.

My printer ran out of ink just as I was printing out these pages.

Hope everyone's having a good and productive day!

Sarah

[William Haskins]

haskins AWI update: my pen ran out of ink, so i've drilled a hole in my forehead, and am now fingerpainting my entry in my own blood.

hope yours is going well.

[trumancoyote]

Be careful, man -- that **** begins to clot up on the page and your e's will look like o's, your a's like q's, etc.

Though that could possibly make things pretty damn interesting.

[William Haskins]

the piece i'm going with this week has every bit as much chance of being coherent with the blurred letters as without.

[Sarita]

Be careful, man -- that **** begins to clot up on the page and your e's will look like o's, your a's like q's, etc.

I don't know whqt you'ro tqking qbout, mqn!

[DJP]

Whew, I finally have something written! Now I don't feel quite as stressed, at least I'll have something to submit, (even if it's not done and only 1300 words right now).
Sorry to hear about your car, Jo. What a downer.
After reading through some of these threads, if I ever make it through to a humor theme, I'm cooked! You guys come up with some funny stuff!:Hail:
Well, good luck on your work this week, all.

[three seven]

only 1300 words right now
Darla, don't forget the word limit is exactly that - a limit. There's no lower limit. :Thumbs:

[rhymegirl]

That's good to know. 'Cause 2500 words is a lot of words.

[jdkiggins]

Whew, I finally have something written! Now I don't feel quite as stressed, at least I'll have something to submit, (even if it's not done and only 1300 words right now).
Sorry to hear about your car, Jo. What a downer.
After reading through some of these threads, if I ever make it through to a humor theme, I'm cooked! You guys come up with some funny stuff!:Hail:
Well, good luck on your work this week, all.

Wow, Sarah. You've got your work cut out for you! hehe excuse the pun. :)

Haskins careful with that blood. My screen just turned red.

DJP, thank you about my car. :( Now, what's this about humor?
We have to write humor?" :roll: :roll: :roll: :Smack: :faint:

[DJP]

I have no idea Jo, just speculating. :Shrug:

[William Haskins]

i'm doomed if the theme is ever "embellishing writing through smilies".

[jdkiggins]

LOL Haskins. I know. Seven smilies. 7,000 words. I'll cut back to about 4,500. But there aren't any half smilies. I guess I'll be forced to use Sara's face.
Did I do better this time?

[JennaGlatzer]

Hi guys,

Sorry I was away for a bit (deadlines were attacking me from all sides).

No, entries will not be posted anonymously for several reasons, but mostly for the reasons William already surmised.

Sorry Vig is a jerk; glad Mac took care of him.

Glad you folks are chatting. :)

And for goodness sake, this contest is for FUN... try not to overthink anything, worry about the judging process, etc. Please trust that most people here are going to vote based on whose WRITING they like best. It's not going to be perfect, but that's the way I've chosen to structure this contest.

This is an opportunity to get some writing done, challenge yourself to work toward deadlines, get some feedback, win prizes, and get some exposure for your work. And it's free. So, please, have a little fun and dial back the blood pressure. :)

[William Haskins]

so, who'll be the first to post? that's what i want to know.

also, has anyone seen my wallet?

[hapsburg]

You should post first William, You know you wanna. I'll give you rep points for being ballsy...

[William Haskins]

i think i should probably write something first...

[BlueTexas]

I've done my typical thing, which is to throw everything I can think of (related to my story) on paper. Some pieces are sentence fragments, some are whole sentences, whole paragraphs and even a few scenes. As usual, I now have about 5000 words. It's not just a matter of cutting down now, but also I need to figure out if these are the right words, and if my story is making any sense. My process is terribly time-inefficient.


Sarah

I'm inefficient, too. I have to write the meandering mess to cement it in my brain, and hope chunks of the first bit make it into the actual draft. I brainstorm in run-on sentences from h*ll :)

I officially have a draft now, and I'm only 13 words over the limit. This is the very first time I have written a themed piece of fiction of that length that feels like it could be complete in one sitting.

I think I like working under pressure.

[rhymegirl]

Okay, here's my question. I've been getting that Database Error message quite a bit lately when I try to enter the Forums. Last night I couldn't get in here at all. What happens if that happens when I try to post my entry?

[jdkiggins]

rhymegirl,

I thought about that as well. I've had posts ready to send and they were eaten before they made it to the thread. Hmm. Maybe this is a ghost in the machine warning us to get our entries in early.

Yeah, right! :scared:

William--how's that? Only 2,050 words. :)

[firehorse]

Morning, all. I still have 5000 words, but at least now they form a story of sorts. I'm about to go to a coffee shop (for some reason, I always have to print out and edit outside of my own apartment), where I'm confident I'll be able to cut it down. I just hope I look at it and don't cut it down to, like, 100 words ;)

I was up till 4:30 (I was NOT going to bed until I had a readable version, so I made a pot of coffee, and then when my readable version was done at 2, I couldn't sleep). It made me think of the 3-day novel contest. Have any of you entered that?

Happy writing/editing/successfully posting,
Sarah

[Rhush]

Hey guys! I just wanted everyone to know that I have been having so much trouble with my internet lately that I haven't even been able to log in for 2 days! So everyone cross your fingers that I will be able to get on in time to post my entry! Ugh. If I have to I'll go to the stupid, 1940's library we have and do it there, it just sucks 'cause they restrict you with an 1 hr limit! Anyone else hate "modern technology"?! I'm going to try to post my entry tonight, if at all possible, while I still have my connection. Hopefully it will be back to normal and I can actually join in the chats with you guys. I'm not a snob, I promise! I'm just DSL challenged!

[William Haskins]

pepperlandgirl is the first to take the leap. she should be applauded for her courage.

i do, however, want to know how she managed to steal my idea.

[pepperlandgirl]

I snuck into your house and stole your notebooks last night. All's fair in love and war, right?

I'm scared to look at my entry now. I'm convinced that as soon as I do, I'll spot a huge glaring error that I somehow overlooked the million times I read through it.

[firehorse]

Just wanted to let you folks know I'll read your entries once I've posted mine. I'm too scared to read them ahead of time!

Bravo Pepper (can I call you that?) :hooray: :hooray: :hooray: for having the courage to go first!

Sarah

[pepperlandgirl]

Heh, yeah, I answer to "pepper" :)

[Rhush]

I just wanted to tell Pepper that I am likewise a Carnivale fan! You rock! Sophie is my favorite (evil or not) and they better have a 3rd season... that's all I'm saying!

[jdkiggins]

Pepper,

I saw William's post come through my email stating that you posted your entry. Congrats! on having the courage to be the first. I'm not reading any entries until I most mine. That will be soon, I hope.

Are we going to continue to use this thread for comments on the new weekly posts, or will a new thread be made?

Congrats! again, Pepper. You should be proud.
Joanne

[firehorse]

Update: I've vetted my story of all space-consuming scenes and unnecessary words, and my word count is now... still 1400 over.

Was it Mark Twain who wrote, "I apologize for the long letter; I didn't have time to send a short one"?

I guess more scenes will have to come out. I'm a little concerned about how staccato this is going to turn out.

Just helps to put these stetps of the process out there for you all...

skc

[jdkiggins]

I hid my first draft so I wouldn't continue to read it over and over again. Promised myself I wasn't going to look at it again until Friday at noon.

I was going to cheat and read it today. :Smack: I can't find it! Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.

CROSSROADS, CROSSROADS CROSSROADS.

[BlueTexas]

Brave girl, Pepper! Can't wait to read it. Course, I've got to finish mine first. I'll probably be posting Saturday night.

[hapsburg]

rep points to you for going first!


I read it, but shouldn't have. Now I'm intimidated. It was a well crafted and beautiful work.

[firehorse]

I'll probably be posting Saturday night.Okay, I must be seriously punchy, because I read that as "I'll probably be peeing Saturday night." :roll: :roll: :roll: Hey, I'm used to actors who always have to pee right before their entrances. And I pee more when I'm nervous. I know you all just love having that much information. :ROFL:

Um... going to bed now. :sleepy: Got word count under the limit!

[pepperlandgirl]

I just wanted to tell Pepper that I am likewise a Carnivale fan! You rock! Sophie is my favorite (evil or not) and they better have a 3rd season... that's all I'm saying!

I like Sophie too. I pretty much like all of the characters. They'll be a big hole in my life if it isn't renewed.

And yes, that's Spike, aka William the Bloody, in my profile picture. :)

rep points to you for going first!


I read it, but shouldn't have. Now I'm intimidated. It was a well crafted and beautiful work.

Thank you hapsburg for the points and for the compliment. :)

[rhymegirl]

I think one of the prizes should be a maid to clean your house. My house is getting real messy while I'm busy writing. What do you guys think?

[jdkiggins]

Oh yes, rhymegirl! And find one who is willing to live-in for a month, because that's about how long it will take someone to clean this place. The only thing I haven't let go is dishes. I can't stand dirty dishes in a sink. :)

But the dust bunnies are taking over.

[BlueTexas]

How're everyone entries coming along? I think I'm about ready to post.

[William Haskins]

i bought a new pen today.

[BlueTexas]

Does that mean you're closing in or starting over?

[William Haskins]

it means i'm now fully equipped to stab myself betwixt the eyes...

[BlueTexas]

it means i'm now fully equipped to stab myself betwixt the eyes...

Oh, good! One less competitor! Oh wait, I mean, I hope you don't hurt yourself...:)

Can't wait to see your entry, covered in blood splats or not!

[William Haskins]

likewise. looking forward to yours as well.

congratulations to darla for taking the plunge.

[jdkiggins]

I'll be posting mine tomorrow evening. I'll be gone most of the day; picking up my new truck first thing in the morning, taking care of mom, then meeting someone around lunchtime for coffee and a chat.

See you all tomorrow evening. I'm looking forward to putting this one behind me and then reading the entries of all posted before me.

Good luck, everyone.
Joanne

[BlueTexas]

Whew. I did it.

Glad I didn't read the other two entries first! Now, I can't wait to see the rest.

[William Haskins]

http://www.denversuzukistrings.com/Animated/animClock.gif
ticktockticktockticktock

[Rhush]

I posted mine late last night.... and now I'm kinda wishing I would have waited for a fresh pair of "not exhausted" eyes. Oh well! At least I'm done for now! Good luck everybody.

[firehorse]

Congratulations to those who have had the courage to post!

FWIW, Rhush, I thought my eyes would be fresher this morning, but I still feel like I'm seeing only the trees, not the forest. I had a few people look at it and they gave me some great suggestions. Now, though, I can't tell whether changing a word or sentence is helping, hurting or not making a bit of difference.

Haskins - Why is only the clock's hour hand moving? ;)

I'll probably post tonight, as I have to work tomorrow.

This is the first time I've written creatively (as opposed to writing an article) under a one-week deadline. It's been an amazing exercise.

skc

[Rhush]

I completely relate firehorse! I read through mine a zillion times, then read it after I posted and found a ton of things I would STILL change/revamp/polish. I think it's a type of torture really...ha. Plus, short stories....whew, really not my strong point. Can you imagine? We all killed ourselves over this theme, and it's about to start all over again! Joy and rapture!

[DJP]

Yea, this has been a great exercise to get me writing more. I sure hope it will start all over again, but my 2 year old may have something different to say about that.:tongue

[brokenfingers]

Hi guys,

LOL! I know what you mean when you talk about not being sure if you're seeing your story right.

I've been participating from the sidelines and I think that's one of the really challenging things about the weekly rounds is the fact that you only have ONE week.

Usually the story's still resonating in your head and it can drive you crazy wondering if you're making your piece stronger or killing it with every change you make.

Since you only have a week, you don't get that cool down time to be able to coldly edit your story.

When you serve a dish like that right out of the oven - you're not sure how it's gonna taste!

Good luck!!!

[jdkiggins]

Nice clock, Haskins.

Congrats! Rhush on posting.

I'm finished. I've posted. Next?

I have to admit I showed this to someone and was told not to change a thing. I did anyway. :) I hope it was for the better. We'll see.

Good luck to everyone!

Joanne

[William Haskins]

congratulations, joanne (and all who've posted).

[DJP]

Wonderful, Joanne. You just made me cry. :cry: My Mom and my Mom in law are both fighting cancer right now, it's great to hear your success story.

[Sarita]

Yay, Joanne! Lookin' good!

[jdkiggins]

Thanks Haskins. Come on, get that pen moving and get something up. I know, you're waiting to post last. :)

Thanks Sara. I had to get it out of sight before I dissected it more.

DJP, keep strong. There is always hope. I'd send Kleenex, but I don't think it'll fit through the cable line. :)

Joanne

[William Haskins]

i think if nothing else, the posting order shows that the ladies are more disciplined.

i transcribed the contents of a pop tart label this morning, and it made an interesting opening paragraph.

next up: macaroni and cheese and wasp spray.

[jdkiggins]

:roll: Here's 1,004 words, Haskins.

[pepperlandgirl]

Heh, I want to hand out rep points, but apparently I need to "spread them out more." So, to everyone who posted their stories so far, y'all deserve dozens of points. The stories are great.

[BlueTexas]

Seven down, four to go...tick tick tick....

[jdkiggins]

Congrats! William. You didn't wait. I'm proud of you.

You're looking good!
Joanne

[William Haskins]

thanks

[hapsburg]

I'm polishing my entry, it's 10:15 here in Indiana but I forgot this board is on a different time zone. Sooo, after I post this I may realise that the deadline is up and I missed it.

[hapsburg]

:( yep, by board time I did. Unless everyone sees different times on their accounts or I need to set my times or something. I'm gonna post it anyway and let come what may....


EDIT:

Ok! Ths site says I have 40 minutes left by EST. So I gotta hurry!

[trumancoyote]

We've got 39 minutes -- I checked online on this clock thingy.

So yeah. No worries.

(I hope) o_o

[hapsburg]

TRUMAN!

You haven't posted either!! Come on man, we gotta hurry!

[trumancoyote]

Almost done, sweetcheeks. Heheh. Good luck.

[hapsburg]

Dang! You had four mins and I had three mins to spare. Talk about cutting it close! The thingh kept screwing up my indents and double spacing when I copy pasted from word so I was frantically spacing my paragraphs and shaking my computer to speed it up as the page reloaded from hitting submit. Too close. If I last, next time I'm not procrastinating.

[jdkiggins]

You two play it way too close for my nerves. :)

[jdkiggins]

I'm glad you made it. Good luck!

[firehorse]

I should've warned you guys about the formatting - I couldn't figure out how to indent, so I just went with double spacing between paragraphs. Even so, it took me a good half-hour to make sure it looked okay on the preview.

We did it!! Woo hoo!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

Congratulations, everybody!

skc

[hapsburg]

You two play it way too close for my nerves.

We're wild boys who live for danger;)

[jdkiggins]

I'll see what Jenna says when I get up in the morning. I'm going to bed.
Good luck everyone.

[DJP]

Anybody getting nervous? I sure am! I wonder who will make it, I wonder what the theme will be for next week, I wonder when we'll know, I wonder...

[pepperlandgirl]

I'm getting nervous. I hope the results will be announced by the time I get home tonight (which will be 10 PST). Of course, waiting will make my class even more unbearable and impossible to sit through....

[firehorse]

I'm nervous, too. (Just to add my two cents)

I'm curious what the voter turnout was.

[trumancoyote]

Hopefully there weren't more votes than actual people voting a la Ohio ::Cough Cough:: ;)

[firehorse]

Hopefully the there weren't more votes than actual people voting a la Ohio ::Cough Cough:: ;) :roll:

[hapsburg]

You guys are nervous...sheesh, at least people admitted voting for you! Some of us are completely in the dark:(

[trumancoyote]

Don't worry, Hapsy. I think a lot more people are voting than are letting on -- at least, I hope they are o_o

I personally wouldn't feel comfortable tellin' everyone whom I voted for, and I don't doubt that there are plenty of other people on here that feel the same way.

<3

[BlueTexas]

Two hours, twenty minutes and counting...

[firehorse]

I can't post in the test thread. That simple fact has just upped my nervousness factor considerably.

[trumancoyote]

You're silly, Firehorse.

I'm sure it's no portent -- just wonky programming :)

Buck-up! I'll do a dance for you!

Eh, eh?

[rhymegirl]

Let's have a group hug. We're all nervous.

[trumancoyote]

::hug::

[firehorse]

http://www.coolsmilies.net/affection/grouplove.gif Hmm. This was supposed to be a hug, but it looks more like "let's have a group make-out session."

[astonwest]

Hmm. This was supposed to be a hug, but it looks more like "let's have a group make-out session."

I think there may be a thread in the TIO board for that...

[jdkiggins]

:ROFL:

[Birol]

Five minutes until the polls close....

It'll be okay, everyone. Promise.

[Sarita]

I wonder how long it will take to get the results posted? Can you tell I'm shaking for all of you??? :)

[Birol]

I just went into the "Who's Online" link. Expected to see lots of last minute individuals PMing Melina, but there wasn't a single one that I could see.

[dragonjax]

You all deserve a huge round of applause. Best of luck, everyone!

[jdkiggins]

Where's the "Whose Online" link?
Man, there is still so much I still need to learn about these boards. :)

[mommie4a]

Mazel Tov to all of you! Win or lose, you're all winners (yes, really)

[Sarita]

If you click on Quick links, it should be at the bottom of that, Joanne.

[Birol]

Well, according to the clock on my computer, the polls are closed.

Good luck everyone. Let the real waiting begin. :Hug2:

[jdkiggins]

:Coffee: :Hug2: :popcorn:

[BlueTexas]

I wonder how long it will take to see the results? Can we give Melina Superwoman powers?

[Birol]

Maybe if everyone -- finalists and sightseers like me alike -- gather around her and watch her work, it will help her count faster? You know, nothing like a mass of people pressing against the back of your chair and chatting about unrelated things to help you concentrate.

*running*

[jdkiggins]

Excuse me. Yell if something happens. I have to go get more tea.

:popcorn: :Jump:

[BlueTexas]

Melina isn't even online!

[Birol]

Would now be a good time to point out to everyone that Melina doesn't appear to even be logged in?

[Birol]

Ah, I see I'm not the only one to notice that. Good.

Still, was it a good time to point it out? Just wondering.

[Sarita]

Yeah, I saw that too! Hmmm, what could that mean?

[firehorse]

Would now be a good time to point out to everyone that Melina doesn't appear to even be logged in? If I were Melina, I'd be in "invisible" mode!

[William Haskins]

she had a date with bass.

[Birol]

Don't mind me. I'm just printing out some notes for my novel. Thought I'd bug you guys while I waited.

[Sarita]

she had a date with bass.
:ROFL: She took the votes and ran! We'll never know!

[jdkiggins]

:Hammer: :Hammer: NO!!!!;) But I like you anyway, Birol.

[jdkiggins]

It's April 13th right?

We're past April Fool's Day, I think. :)

[jdkiggins]

WOOO HOOOO !!!

13 is my lucky number.

[Birol]

If I were Melina, I'd be in "invisible" mode!

Yeah, but I can see through invisibility. She's not logged on, gang.

The question is, if she were logged on, but invisible, would I necessarily tell you... Because that would be mean and cruel of me to divulge her secret, wouldn't it? But it would be equally mean and cruel of me to indicate she was not logged on when I in fact knew she was.

So which is it? Am I protecting Melina's privacy or telling the truth?

[Sarita]

Oh! It's got to be which ever is more evil! You have the MARK OF THE DEVIL-666 POSTS

[dragonjax]

she had a date with bass.

:ROFL:

But seriously, folks...nothing to see here. Move along. Go back to your lives, citizens. Maybe we'll get the results tomorrow. ((rubs hands in anticipation...))

...Hang on, I'm not a finalist. I shouldn't be posting here. I shouldn't be --

(((ZOT)))

:scared:

[Birol]

BTW, Melina may or may not be online right now. :D

[Sarita]

*GASP*

[sgtsdaughter]

BTW, Melina may or may not be online right now. :D
Birol,

I'm not a finalist, but you are almost as evil as Will. :guns:

[William Haskins]

jenna's firmly ensconced in the PA thread.

what the hell do they have in there, free meth and lap dances?

there's like 60 people in there, around the clock...

[sgtsdaughter]

yup, free meth to get over being duped by pa and free lap dances to once again . . . get you past pa. i say we all gang up on them and go take their meth.

[BlueTexas]

You know, I'd never even heard of PA until I got here. I must be sheltered.

[firehorse]

Whoa! I just got a Google ad to "Learn Jenna Glatzer's Secrets."

I wonder what secrets she's selling? Hmm? (we really need a raised-eyebrow smiley here)

[William Haskins]

i know. i hate scum ripoff artists as much as the next guy, i'm just saying for the record, when i roll my mouse past the link to that PA thread, i hear the low mournful chants of a cult.

[sgtsdaughter]

not a cult . . . it's the sounds of . . .

oh hell, i'm out of wit and humor tonight. wanna write my cosmetics article for me. crusing here isn't helping.

[JennaGlatzer]

As an actual cult expert has dissected over on the thread, PA is a business cult. We're the ones trying to get people out of the cult and send the bad guys to jail. But I digress.

[JennaGlatzer]

There's an ad for my secrets? Don't buy 'em! They're all dirty!

(Okay, really, I think it's an ad for an online radio show that interviewed me.)

[pepperlandgirl]

I learned a valuable lesson today.

It's hard to think/write when you're in a great deal of pain , due to the removal of two in-grown toenails.

It's even harder to think/write when you're doped on Vicodin.

I think I'll try again tomorrow....

[dragonjax]

I learned a valuable lesson today.

It's hard to think/write when you're in a great deal of pain , due to the removal of two in-grown toenails.

It's even harder to think/write when you're doped on Vicodin.

I think I'll try again tomorrow....

Er...would it be a bad time for me to quote your sig and say that pain is a necessary side-effect? ;) Feel better, pepper!

[BlueTexas]

Oh Pepper...OUCH! I hope the drugs are working.

[firehorse]

Pepper - I hope you're feeling better, or at least that you're having a chance to enjoy the Vicodin!

I have to sit down and brainstorm; I know my stylistic goals this week. I'm dealing with a medical thing hanging over my head (at the very least until Monday), so I've found it difficult to do anything but try to escape. Haven't slept much in several days; I just keep moving, or at least keep my mind moving. But I'm definitely not at my best, creatively or psychologically.

[pepperlandgirl]

You know what just occurred to me? I'm writing about characters who drop the f-bomb about every other line...and this board automatically does this: ****.

I wonder if that'll be a problem?

ETA: is this too distracting "fu(k"

[MacAllister]

Pepper, if it's intrinsic to the story, just replace one letter with a visual approximation when you cut-n-paste it.

And if it isn't intrinsic to the story...Oh hell, never mind. You're a fabulous writer. You wouldn't use it, if it wasn't.

[William Haskins]

"fvck" is probably the least jarring way.

[astonwest]

For those using the s-word, $#!t
:)

[JennaGlatzer]

Okay, I believe I've turned off the censoring option.

Test...

shit

:)

I'll turn it back on at the end of the contest.

[Sarita]

Test...

shit

:ROFL:

[trumancoyote]

Yay! I'm glad you took care of that. I have a word that's pretty important to my story and I didn't want it to be all asteriskified.

[William Haskins]

.

[pepperlandgirl]

Am I the only one having a really difficult time this week? It's like my brain is full of holes...like swiss cheese...swiss cheese on vicodin....

[trumancoyote]

I'm having a pretty awful time, too; I'm trying not to make it some awful episode of Dawson's Creek, but uh...

It's not lookin' too hot thus far. Yeesh.

[pepperlandgirl]

I have been racking my brain since Friday morning and freaking out. Then I remembered a dream I had earlier this week. Stephen King told me three things:

1) You're your own best editor
2) You're your own worst critic
3) The words flow through you, not from you.

So I decided to listen to point three, turned off my brain, and started writing...

[astonwest]

****

(just kidding)

[firehorse]

Pepper, that's such a good point. I was freaking out for a couple of days, and then I got an idea (woo hoo!!). Now the story keeps morphing and changing, and I can't seem to pin it down. But I think I'm trying to force it, and maybe I just need to listen to the characters.

Oy.

Oh, and in response to your earlier post, I got around the **** by writing "f*ck." (My main character, too, is swearing a blue streak).

Happy writing everyone!

[Birol]

Do you think the words are coming harder because the competition has somehow become more real to you? Meaning, you made it through the initial competition, you've made it through the first round, and now you have an idea of what your competitors will produce in a week's time?

If so, take a deep breath, step away from the computer for a minute, and remind yourself that you really do enjoy this writing-thing and whatever happens, you've already proved yourself to be an excellent writer, both to yourself and to the world. You don't have to beat anyone. Not even yourself. You just have to do what you love. Nothing more, nothing less.

Just write. Get the words on paper. You can fix it later.

[firehorse]

Okay, I believe I've turned off the censoring option.

Test...

shit:roll: :roll: :roll:

I've heard a lot of sound checks in my time, but that's a new one ;)

[jdkiggins]

Great comment, Birol.
Speaking for myself, entering this competition was not about proving myself, beating someone, or winning the prizes. It's all about writing. :)
My problem, as with the Crossroads theme, is deciding which misunderstanding to write about. :)
I'm beginning to wonder about Jenna's psychic ability after this week.
A few days after Jenna posted the theme, someone reminded me of a misunderstanding from years ago.
Now that I have my idea, I have to write it. Oh my!

[DJP]

If so, take a deep breath, step away from the computer for a minute, and remind yourself that you really do enjoy this writing-thing and whatever happens, you've already proved yourself to be an excellent writer, both to yourself and to the world. You don't have to beat anyone. Not even yourself. You just have to do what you love. Nothing more, nothing less.

Just write. Get the words on paper. You can fix it later.



Thanks, Birol. You sure know how to make someone feel great. :Hug2:

[firehorse]

Take a deep breath, step away from the computer for a minute, and remind yourself that you really do enjoy this writing-thing and whatever happens, you've already proved yourself to be an excellent writer, both to yourself and to the world. You don't have to beat anyone. Not even yourself. You just have to do what you love. Nothing more, nothing less.

Just write. Get the words on paper. You can fix it later. Wow. Thanks, Birol! (deep exhale) That's definitely the case for me - feeling the pressure. As un-PC as this is to admit, I am in this to win (or place or show - the top three spots), because a recommendation from Jenna could save me an untold amount of time trying to connect with magazine editors. Contest or not, my next-step goal is to start working wiith bigger magazines, so this means more to me than any prize money would.

Yes, I'm scared, because all of us are good, and I honestly have no idea whether I'll be out in this round or make it to the final three. Much as I want this, your words remind me, too, that the reason I'm a writer - freelance, staff, novelist or film critic - is because I love it. I am so fortunate already that I happen to be pretty good at what I love to do. How many people can say that? How many people can make a living doing what they love?

Pepper (and Jenna) - The topic of misunderstandings lends itself to people swearing a great deal ;). That occurred to me around the seventh "fuck" in my rough draft! (Uh, the word, not the activity)

Joanne - Speaking of psychic weird things, I finally settled on a misunderstanding, and today I found out that it relates significantly to something happening in Canada this week. (No, not Passover) Very freaky.

Happy writing, everyone!
skc

[Rhush]

Well my entry is shaping up to be weird.... hmmmm. Anyone else?

[rhymegirl]

In response to what you all are saying about swearing characters, I figured out a way to make mine swear in her own unique way. You'll just have to be surprised 'cause that's all I'm saying!

[jdkiggins]

Mine's not shaping up at all. :(
But I'm happy you guys are making progress. :)

[amazon_riot]

So when will us voters be able to vote on the round 2 entries? I know they're due next thursday, so do we vote on friday? Or... I'm new around here. I'm a little confused.

[rhymegirl]

Jenna will post something telling everyone when to vote.

[rhymegirl]

Do you think the words are coming harder because the competition has somehow become more real to you? Meaning, you made it through the initial competition, you've made it through the first round, and now you have an idea of what your competitors will produce in a week's time?

If so, take a deep breath, step away from the computer for a minute, and remind yourself that you really do enjoy this writing-thing and whatever happens, you've already proved yourself to be an excellent writer, both to yourself and to the world. You don't have to beat anyone. Not even yourself. You just have to do what you love. Nothing more, nothing less.

Just write. Get the words on paper. You can fix it later.


I like a lot of what you've said, Lori. When I was working on my latest piece I was really enjoying the process. And it's getting a little easier to put the words together because I'm writing every day. That in itself is a feat.