Monthly Horror Short Story Prompt

[Haggis]

You want a monthly horror prompt? You'll get a monthly horror prompt. But you're going to have to work for it.

Each month I'll pick a different horror hound to set the agenda for the new month. This month, since I blame him for the original idea, the prompt setter is StevenJ. :D

Let's use this thread for the prompts and for discussion. We can stick the stories in SYW, where they'll be hidden from the ever-wandering eyes of the bots. You can link to them from here if you'd like.

So where's that prompt, Steve? We're waiting. Waiting....

[StevenJ]

Updated:

Theme: Legends: Take a legend of your choice, whether ancient or even urban, and surprise us with your variation on the theme. A fairy tale is also acceptable.

Closing date for entries: 2nd March, 4pm BST.

Word Count: Limit is 1800 words.

Stories to be posted in the Share Your Work (SYW) Forum. It would help if all entrants label their stories as something like 'Legend Challenge', alongside the title of their SYW-placed story.

Useful Links:

Legends: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend

Urban Legends:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_legend
http://www.snopes.com/

Fairy Tales:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy_Tales
----------------------------------------

Entries so far:

The Truth About Fairy-Tale Weddings by slcboston:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3252479#post3252479

Pay the Piper by StevenJ:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130385

The Nix by jgold:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130388

The Key to all Mysteries by StevenJ:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3263008#post3263008

The Mission by Haggis:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3263789#post3263789

Lizzie's Gift by HeronW:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130571

Flore Pleno by Soapdish:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130727

The Deep by Kerr:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3275811#post3275811

I Can Not Tell A Lie by Ken:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131123

Trick or Treat by Faerydancer:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131349

The Tellian Law by The Rav:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131382

[Haggis]

Thanks, Mr H. :)

I don't actually know the word count limit for SYW, so I'd appreciate if someone could inform me.

Anyway, here's this month's theme: Legends: Take a legend of your choice, whether ancient or even urban, and surprise us with your variation on the theme.

Good prompt, Steve.

There's no real word count limit in SYW, but the stories that tend to get read and critted are usually not above 2000 words--usually more like 1500. I have posted a 3K story though, so it can be done.

[StevenJ]

Ok folks, the limit is 1800 words. :)

BTW, am I supposed to enter this 'contest' or not? :D
I don't mind either way, but it would be a bit unfair considering that I chose the theme.

[Haggis]

Ok folks, the limit is 1800 words. :)

BTW, am I supposed to enter this 'contest' or not? :D
I don't mind either way, but it would be a bit unfair considering that I chose the theme.

I don't see why you can't play too. Others will have the same opportunity in the coming months.

[StevenJ]

It would help if all entrants label their stories as something like 'Horror Forum Challenge', beneath the title of their SYW-placed story. :)

Perhaps then Mr Haggis (or I) will post a poll thread here, so people can vote for their winner.*

*I'm assuming this is a contest of sorts - if anyone dislikes this idea, then we can discuss it here. :)

[StevenJ]

By the way, closing date for entries is 9th February, 4pm BST.

[Haggis]

It would help if all entrants label their stories as something like 'Horror Forum Challenge', beneath the title of their SYW-placed story. :)

Perhaps then Mr Haggis (or I) will post a poll thread here, so people can vote for their winner.*

*I'm assuming this is a contest of sorts - if anyone dislikes this idea, then we can discuss it here. :)

We can discuss whether to make this a contest or not. I'm happy to go with the consensus.

By the way, closing date for entries is 9th February, 4pm BST.

You're tough, Steve. It normally takes me that long to think of a title.

[StevenJ]

:D

I wasn't expecting to be one of the entrants...how I wish I'd chosen the theme: Describe Steve's house from the inside. :D

[Haggis]

:D

I wasn't expecting to be one of the entrants...how I wish I'd chosen the theme: Describe Steve's house from the inside. :D

Oh, I could so do that.

[CACTUSWENDY]

To be sure I have this right....1800 words max in seven days? Interesting. Not impossible.....but interesting. (Wonders away muttering to self......)

[StevenJ]

I don't mind extending the deadline if others request it, Wendy. :)

[jgold]

Anyway, here's this month's theme: Legends: Take a legend of your choice, whether ancient or even urban, and surprise us with your variation on the theme.

Great topic. :D I've already started mine.

[StevenJ]

I've already started mine.

Oh well, I've lost already... :D

[soapdish]

crap! I voted for this and now I better get my butt in gear...

[Haggis]

crap! I voted for this and now I better get my butt in gear...

:D

[Cranky]

Sweet! I'm in. Don't know what the heck I'll write yet, but I'm in. :D

[Ken]

...never mind. Have lost my enthusiasm. Good luck to everybody else.

[Cranky]

hate to sound like a dolt, here, but could you give an example of a legend. Not exactly sure what one is. Would the one about George Washington and the cherry tree be one?

ps Neat idea with the prompt!

Or, since it's the horror forum, perhaps the Legend of Sleepy Hollow? Lots of stuff out there...ghost stories, etc. And don't forget the rest of the world.

Question, Prompter Steve and Haggis:

Shall we post the insipiration at the beginning or end of our piece? Just wondering...

[StevenJ]

I deliberately chose a wide-ranging theme. This is because I couldn't think of something as interesting as J's 'baby shoe' idea :D

By 'legend' I mean, oh, everything from ancient legends/myths (like those listed on the page linked below) to urban legends like 'Bloody Mary'. :)

Legends:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend

Urban Legends:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_legend

[StevenJ]

Question, Prompter Steve and Haggis:

Shall we post the insipiration at the beginning or end of our piece? Just wondering...

I dunno, C. If the legend is so obscure that not many people would know about it, then perhaps it would be best to post your 'inspiration' idea alongside your story. :)

[Cranky]

I dunno, C. If the legend is so obscure that not many people would know about it, then perhaps it would be best to post your 'inspiration' idea alongside your story. :)

Gotcha. :Thumbs:

Good idea, btw. Me likey.

[StevenJ]

I am the last person anyone would choose to organise anything.
So be prepared for this Challenge to explode or something equally disastrous. :D :D :D

[Cranky]

It'll be fine, Steve. No worries. :D

[StevenJ]

*Challenge explodes*

Told you. :D :D

[StevenJ]

Urban legends:

http://www.snopes.com/

[Haggis]

I'm gonna weigh in with a couple of thoughts here and see what you folks think.

As far as making it a contest goes, I'd rather not. We had a pretty successful 100 word flash challenge a while back and it wasn't about votes, but rather helping each other improve our craft. As a result of the contest, a whole bunch of folks from here got published--many for the first time. So I think I'd rather see this as an opportunity to exercise our imaginations and benefit from the help and suggestions of our fellow horror hounds.

I'd also like to see the deadline last through the end of the month. People write at different speeds, and many of us have other projects on the table. Tight deadlines will limit participation, I'm thinking, and I'd like to see as many people as possible participate in this thing.

Discussion?

[Cranky]

I think that's cool, Haggis.

I have school and other things going on, so I'd definitely appreciate a longer deadline to get this thing done and whipped into shape. :)

[StevenJ]

Yep, I agree with all Haggis suggested. :)
I must have got carried away after reading that Evil Overlord thread in Office Party. :D :D

[soapdish]

yes! I need more time too.

[Jcomp]

I'm very eager to see what gets produced by the gang here. I've always liked the idea of turning a legend on its head.

[Cranky]

It should be loads of fun, Jcomp. :D

Just found the legend I'm going to write about...ooooh, I'm happy. :snoopy:

[Haggis]

Okay, guys. It's a plan. We'll go with an end of the month deadline. Everyone posts a link to their story here, then we all hurry over to SYW and crit the hell out of 'em. No voting, just help your fellow horror hound.

And Steve gets to pick next month's victim Theme Chooser. :D

I think we can be real open and loose about this. It's about fun and about getting better and about getting some of these damn things published. Let's go for it!

Now I gotta go and find some legend to work with. Anybody take Elvis yet?

[Cranky]

Okay, guys. It's a plan. We'll go with an end of the month deadline. Everyone posts a link to their story here, then we all hurry over to SYW and crit the hell out of 'em. No voting, just help your fellow horror hound.

And Steve gets to pick next month's victim Theme Chooser. :D

I think we can be real open and loose about this. It's about fun and about getting better and about getting some of these damn things published. Let's go for it!

Now I gotta go and find some legend to work with. Anybody take Elvis yet?

YAY!

http://pet.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pPETS-3756333_alternate1_t400.jpg

I don't have Elvis, but I did sorta get a little Stevie Nicks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3KIlPUCSwE&feature=related):D

[Haggis]

:Hug2:

[SirOtter]

My only reason to hesitate is something that's happened to me before in similar situations. A couple of times I've based a story on a prompt, then decided I liked it well enough to submit it to a paying market instead of entering it in the contest for which it was written. One sold, the other is still in inventory. It was picked for a project that died when the editor had the discourtesy to pass away before it could be published. How rude! I'm still studying on a suitable market for it.

I've got a tale in mind for this endeavor, but I won't guarantee ya'll will see it without buying whatever periodical or anthology I wind up putting it in. ;) We'll just have to see about that, won't we?

[DL Hegel]

Wonderful idea:)

I'm in--as long as I don't get distracted by bright shiny objects or Boston abuse.

[StevenJ]

Updated:

Theme: Legends: Take a legend of your choice, whether ancient or even urban, and surprise us with your variation on the theme. A fairy tale is also acceptable.

Closing date for entries: 2nd March, 4pm BST.

Word Count: Limit is 1800 words.

Stories to be posted in the Share Your Work (SYW) Forum. It would help if all entrants label their stories as something like 'Horror Forum Challenge', beneath the title of their SYW-placed story.

Useful Links:

Legends:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend

Urban Legends:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_legend
http://www.snopes.com/

Fairy Tales:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy_Tales

[HorrorWriter]

I'm in too. Great theme, Steven. :)

Thanks for suggesting the deadline extension, Haggis. Planning my wedding is taking lots of time and I'm exhausted. :D

I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with...

[Haggis]

My only reason to hesitate is something that's happened to me before in similar situations. A couple of times I've based a story on a prompt, then decided I liked it well enough to submit it to a paying market instead of entering it in the contest for which it was written. One sold, the other is still in inventory. It was picked for a project that died when the editor had the discourtesy to pass away before it could be published. How rude! I'm still studying on a suitable market for it.

I've got a tale in mind for this endeavor, but I won't guarantee ya'll will see it without buying whatever periodical or anthology I wind up putting it in. ;) We'll just have to see about that, won't we?

Feel free to use the prompts any way that works for you, Otter. I'm hoping you do sell a story (or more) based on this and forthcoming prompts. Just keep in mind that this is not a contest. Everyone who wants to can post his or her story to Share Your Work (password protected) and take advantage of any crits that come their way before subbing them out. It's all about selling stories. That's what we all want. :)


Thanks for suggestion the deadline extension, Haggis. Planning my wedding is taking lots of time and I'm exhausted. :D

A wedding is no excuse to put off writing. You need some serious work on your priorities.

:D

[StevenJ]

Alternatively, 'entrants' can use the prompt to experiment with their writing - in effect, take a break from your usual style & try something new. :) Or of course, you could use it to hone your existing style. Either way, this isn't a competition so the pressure's off - I hope you all enjoy writing your stories. :)

[Kerr]

Wow! You guys have been busy. Great links Steve, I was going to go with old legends until you put up that last one and got me stuck in there reading. I had to bookmark it for future reference. I liked the non-pressure time limit without a contest best, too, oh wise Haggis. Now it's feeling like the 100 word playfield again where we can just enjoy and learn from each other. Happy writing hounds.

[StevenJ]

I haven't a clue what to write about, despite the vast range of subjects available.
*fires himself* :D :D

[slcboston]

Hmm... I have a fairy tale twist story... under 1800 wds... still waiting on the light of day to shine upon it...

though it really isn't horror, per se. (Except for the part about the dwarves...)

:D

[slcboston]

Wonderful idea:)

I'm in--as long as I don't get distracted by bright shiny objects or Boston abuse.

You say that like it's my fault... :D

[slcboston]

It was picked for a project that died when the editor had the discourtesy to pass away before it could be published. How rude! I'm still studying on a suitable market for it.

It's the horror market, I think a dead editor would be a bonus. :e2teeth:

Seriously, though - sub what you have. It's a free and (mostly?) friendly place to get it looked at and maybe find ways to tweak it so when you do submit it someplace, it gets picked up. :D

[slcboston]

Okay, guys. It's a plan. We'll go with an end of the month deadline. Everyone posts a link to their story here, then we all hurry over to SYW and crit the hell out of 'em.

Here? In this thread? Or are you going to do what you did for the 100 wd story and start a thread with all the links in it?

(I'll go away and stop dominating the thread now... just realized this is my fourth post in a row here... :gone: )

[Haggis]

Here? In this thread? Or are you going to do what you did for the 100 wd story and start a thread with all the links in it?

(I'll go away and stop dominating the thread now... just realized this is my fourth post in a row here... :gone: )

Linky here; story in SYW.

[StevenJ]

Well done, Mr Boston. :) I wish I was as prolific as you. :D

[Haggis]

Well done, Mr Boston. :) I wish I was as prolific as you. :D

You do, however, have a nice, red nose.

[slcboston]

Linky here; story in SYW.

Jawohl, mein kleiner Hund. :D

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3252479#post3252479

[Haggis]

Jawohl, mein kleiner Hund. :D

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3252479#post3252479

Kleiner? Kleiner? Ain't you never seen me in the shower?

Anyhow, big prize to Boston for the first story. Don't forget, everyone, the super-secret password is "Vista."

[StevenJ]

Are you going to write a story, Mr H? :)

[Haggis]

Are you going to write a story, Mr H? :)

Story? Me?

Um....

Well, that is, I, uh....

Okay. I'll start one. No guarantees that I'll finish it. Having problems getting that done lately.

[Cranky]

Story? Me?

Um....

Well, that is, I, uh....

Okay. I'll start one. No guarantees that I'll finish it. Having problems getting that done lately.

:Hug2: I feel your pain, Haggis. I'm sort of stalled myself.

I'm thinking I'm going to have to find a different legend or something to go with...I can't quite come up with enough of a horror twist on the one I chose. Well, I can, but it would be too long.

Le sigh.

[StevenJ]

Yep, I kinda wish this wasn't strictly 'horror', because the theme rather lends itself to fantasy stories, amongst others.

BTW, it's not really necessary for entrants to come up with a fantastic variation/twist - God knows, it's hard enough writing a straight story, let alone a completely original one.

[Cranky]

Yep, I kinda wish this wasn't strictly 'horror', because the theme rather lends itself to fantasy stories, amongst others.

BTW, it's not really necessary for entrants to come up with a fantastic variation/twist - God knows, it's hard enough writing a straight story, let alone a completely original one.


I dunno. I'm liking the challenge of trying to come up with something properly gruesome or scary. :D I just need to find a less-wordy way to do it, personally. LOL!

Might have to go back to the Legend of Sleepy Hollow thingy I brought up upthread, though. It would certainly be fun!

[StevenJ]

That Snopes website ruined my life. :D
Suffice to say, there's a character in the Hannibal movie & book who had an unfortunate encounter with PCP, his face, and some dogs. Unfortunately, through Snopes I found out that the story was based on fact...a fact Snopes hammered home with a rather graphic photograph. No wonder I've been ill ever since, lol.

[Cranky]

*runs to check snopes*

:D

[StevenJ]

Don't do it, chief...it's horribubble. :cry: :flag:

[Haggis]

Don't do it, chief...it's horribubble. :cry: :flag:

Um, Steve? Perhaps you haven't noticed, but we're horribubble.

[Cranky]

:roll:

[StevenJ]

I've never known terror like it...except for the last time I was terrorised, when I watched that Woman in Black thingy.

[StevenJ]

Blimey, Cranky must have fainted after seeing The Horribubble Picture...either that or she's read the poetry on my blog and is being violently ill.

[Cranky]

Blimey, Cranky must have fainted after seeing The Horribubble Picture...either that or she's read the poetry on my blog and is being violently ill.

No, cuz I can't find it.

I got caught in a loop reading stuff about September 11th, though. :(

[StevenJ]

Well I could link the story & pic for you, chief, if you really want to read/see them?

[Cranky]

Well I could link the story & pic for you, chief, if you really want to read/see them?

Yes, please. :D

[StevenJ]

*Gulps*Ok, chief, here's the link to the story.
The picture is linked from that page.

http://www.snopes.com/horrors/drugs/facepeel.asp

[Cranky]

Suh-weet! Thanks, Steve-O. :)

ETA:

Whoa. :eek:

[slcboston]

Kleiner? Kleiner? Ain't you never seen me in the shower?

Oops, you're absolutely right. My apologies.

I should have said, mein sehr kleiner Hund.

My mistake. :D

[slcboston]

Yep, I kinda wish this wasn't strictly 'horror', because the theme rather lends itself to fantasy stories, amongst others.

I have always been of the opinion that there is more to horror than just the scary stuff. It's a wide genre, encompassing numerous styles and formats.

Look at Army of Darkness, for example. Many traditional horror motifs... but it's a funny, funny movie. :D

(... and yes, I am trying to justify my posting :D)

[Haggis]

Oops, you're absolutely right. My apologies.

I should have said, mein sehr kleiner Hund.

My mistake. :D

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/Damnhaggis/EvilModerator.gif?t=1233864169

[HoraceJames]

Wow, this thread took off. If we're going to go to the end of the month, I might have time to get something in.

Legends... hmm... is catching VD from a toilet seat considered a legend?

[Cranky]

Wow, this thread took off. If we're going to go to the end of the month, I might have time to get something in.

Legends... hmm... is catching VD from a toilet seat considered a legend?


Urban legends count. :D

[Haggis]

Urban legends count. :D

Yep. :D

[Kerr]

*Gulps*Ok, chief, here's the link to the story.
The picture is linked from that page.

http://www.snopes.com/horrors/drugs/facepeel.asp

Dang! Thought for sure you were going to say this one. It got me going.

http://www.snopes.com/photos/arts/family.asp

[soapdish]

Unfortunately, through Snopes I found out that the story was based on fact...a fact Snopes hammered home with a rather graphic photograph. No wonder I've been ill ever since, lol.

On that note--I also recommend NOT Googleing "Japanese Legends" and then following a link to what is listed as a "kid's" website, thinking you will get some mild version of a legend that you can then work into a piece of horror…

I have been thoroughly disturbed for two days now....what am I doing in the Horror Thread??:eek:

[Haggis]

I have been thoroughly disturbed for two days now....what am I doing in the Horror Thread??:eek:

It doesn't matter how you got here. What matters is that now you'll never be able to escape.

Bwahahaha. :e2teeth:

[StevenJ]

Yes, you'll never escape!!!*

*Unless the internet goes down because of the snow. :D :D

ETA: Waaaa, 666 posts!!! *cue Omen music* :D

[StevenJ]

Seeing as I'm trying to finish my novella, I've decided to use an old story of mine for the Prompt:

Pay the Piper:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3256795#post3256795

Ps All the Prompt stories (so far) are linked from Post #2 on Page 1. :)

[jgold]

Mine is called "The Nix" and I've posted it here (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130388).

[slcboston]

Hey steve - I'm getting a 404 error on the link from pg 1 to your story?

The link on this page works though....

Or is that part of the plot? :D

[StevenJ]

Well, Mr Boston, I thought I might receive better crits if people didn't read my story. :D :D

Thanks for bringing my attention to the error, mate, it's fixed now. :)

[Aschenbach]

*Gulps*Ok, chief, here's the link to the story.
The picture is linked from that page.

http://www.snopes.com/horrors/drugs/facepeel.asp


I kind of really want to look at the picture, but i'm also sure it would be a terrible idea. So I haven't. Yet.

I found some of the dialogue in the face peel scene in Hannibal hilarious, for some reason.

Lector: Would you like a popper, Mason?
Mason: Would I.....WOW!

[soapdish]

It doesn't matter how you got here. What matters is that now you'll never be able to escape.

Bwahahaha. :e2teeth:

sure you say this now...but you haven't actually read any of my horror yet :D .

jgold--you are DONE!?

[StevenJ]

There are now 3 Prompt stories posted in SYW's Horror forum. :)

Soapdish, I've just read the 'Who is the Girl' page on your blog - I found it be better-written and more chilling than many pieces of short fiction. I can't wait to read your 'real', full-blown work. :)

[soapdish]

*runs to fix spelling errors on blog*

[StevenJ]

I was dissatisfied with my Prompt story, so I wrote another. :D

The Key to all Mysteries:

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3263008#post3263008

[Haggis]

And here's mine (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3263789#post3263789). :D

[slcboston]

I'll read these all when I am less sleep-deprived (wee one has the sniffles which kept her - and me - awake)...

But I saw this today and felt the urge to share:

http://assets.comics.com/dyn/str_strip/000000000/00000000/0000000/200000/70000/3000/600/273612/273612.full.gif

[StevenJ]

:D :D :D

[bsolah]

Ok, so I'm in!

Let me get this right, I have to write an 1,800 word story before March 2 using the theme "legends" and then post it to SYW with the subject starting with "Horror forum contest:..."

[Haggis]

Ok, so I'm in!

Let me get this right, I have to write an 1,800 word story before March 2 using the theme "legends" and then post it to SYW with the subject starting with "Horror forum contest:..."

It doesn't have to be 1800 words, Ben. Mine didn't quite make it to 500. Put "Legends Challenge" in the title, post it in SYW and you're good to go.

[bsolah]

Sounds simple enough. My boss will be so pleased I did something productive with my time.

[Pike]

Jeez-sus! You people are going nuts over here. Me likee!!!! I've needed to serious boot in the ass for some time and Cranky started kicking so I figured before I'm too bruised to sit and write I'd better get over here. But before I start reading the other "legends" I'm going to put in a few minutes of hunting. This loks like it will be fun.

[Cranky]

Mwahahahahaha! There you are, Pike! Yes, get to hunting!

*cracks whip*

:D

[Pike]

And I think I found a fun one. My thanks to Steve for setting up the prompt and the link. Lots of crazy crap to stir up the imagination!

[Kerr]

:e2stooges Here's a little push from me too, Pike. Knock em dead.

[StevenJ]

:)

Really, JComp inspired the Prompt, so my thanks to him. :)

I must say, it's really hard for me to pick a favourite from the stories that have been posted so far. Great work, folks. :)

[soapdish]

Mine is up...
you can find it here
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130727

[StevenJ]

The link to Soapdish's Prompt story is here:

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130727

SD, the link in your post is faulty, for some reason.

[Haggis]

HeronW also posted Lizzie's Gift here (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3263349&postcount=1).

[soapdish]

oops thanks!
I just tried to fix it, hopefully it works now.

Update: never mind, I didn't fix it...

Update 2: OK, fixed now I think.
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130727

[FOTSGreg]

As ever...

So, an 1800-word story by when?

Who chooses the HH to choose the next challenge (I'm not good at contests, but I can rise to a challenge)?

[HorrorWriter]

A wedding is no excuse to put off writing. You need some serious work on your priorities.

:D

LOL. I'll be sure to tell my fiance, Haggis. When I'm writing and won't answer the phone, I'll say, "But Haggis said so." By the way, he likes to hunt...lol. Mainly Chihuahuas. :Shrug:

[StevenJ]

:roll:

It's the end of Mr Haggis as we know him. :D :D

[Haggis]

As ever...

So, an 1800-word story by when?

Who chooses the HH to choose the next challenge (I'm not good at contests, but I can rise to a challenge)?

This month's prompt selector chooses the person for the following month. In this case, Steve gets to pick.

LOL. I'll be sure to tell my fiance, Haggis. When I'm writing and won't answer the phone, I'll say, "But Haggis said so." By the way, he likes to hunt...lol. Mainly Chihuahuas. :Shrug:

Heh. Bring it on. :e2teeth:

:roll:

It's the end of Mr Haggis as we know him. :D :D

I have nothing to worry about. I've already been dead for over 500 years. :D

[StevenJ]

Oh Gawd, Mr H, I've no idea who to pick...

[FOTSGreg]

Drat, again!

Um, uh, Haggis... when's the deadline for this story?

Sorry, laziness after working a 13-hour overnight leaves me clueless.

[bsolah]

It's like March 2, I think.

I was going good with mine until my internal editor turned up.

[FOTSGreg]

Ah, bsolah, Thanks.

What you need is an external flenser...

[bsolah]

What I need is to get rid of my housemate arguing with me for being too obsessed with politics...

[FOTSGreg]

Of course, of course.

Of course, the flenser, for a small nominal fee, would gladly assist you in either altering your roommate's behavior through judicious application of his, ah, "art", or by dispensing with the "art" altogether and, of course, also dispensing with the roommate altogether - of course, this second alternative carries with it quite an additional addendum to the standard fee (removing an entire body is much more difficult than removing a few square inches or yards) of skin)...

I may have a couple of numbers handy if you'd like them...or not...

:-)

[bsolah]

Hmmm, sometimes removal of the housemate would be a good idea, but she's my SO's bestfriend so might cause some complications that means I don't get much of anything done.

[StevenJ]

Entries so far:

The Truth About Fairy-Tale Weddings by slcboston:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3252479#post3252479

Pay the Piper by StevenJ:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130385

The Nix by jgold:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130388

The Key to all Mysteries by StevenJ:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3263008#post3263008

The Mission by Haggis:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3263789#post3263789

Lizzie's Gift by HeronW:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130571

Flore Pleno by Soapdish:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130727

The Deep by Kerr:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3275811#post3275811

I Can Not Tell A Lie by Ken:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131123

Trick or Treat by Faerydancer:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131349

The Tellian Law by The Rav:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131382

[Cranky]

That's quite a respectable list!

I started mine last night, and it's not going to resemble the legend I chose very much at all. It was more of a springboard for another idea.

There's smex, too. Well, sorta. Lotsa tension, anyway. Le sigh. In any event, I guess I won't be posting it, since it's way off from the legend, rather than a retelling, so to speak. Maybe next time?

[StevenJ]

No probs, Clonky. :D

Mr Haggis has nominated me to choose someone to select next month's Prompt theme, soooo I'd like you to do this, please, when the time comes. :)

[Cranky]

Oh boy.

We're dooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oomed!!

:roll:

Be happy to, Steve-O. :) Not so sure everyone else will be, however. *snicker*

[StevenJ]

Well done, chief!
*pins medal on Captain Cranky* :D

[Ken]

posted one up, "I Can Not Tell A Lie."
Thanks for the challenge :-)

[writingislife]

By the way, closing date for entries is 9th February, 4pm BST.

Great, 900 words into the winning entry and I didnt see this until it was too late. LOL. Oh well. Maybe Ill make a short story out of it and submit it somewhere. LOL

[StevenJ]

The deadline has been altered to March 2nd. :)

[writingislife]

Well, shit on a stick! I still have a shot at this. LOL. Mine will be the worst, cause i suck, but its gonna be fun!

[faerydancer]

I've just posted up my contribution. I hope I did this right, haha.


http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3288135#post3288135

[HoraceJames]

Mine's going to go over the word limit, not quite finished and it's at 2500. I can usually cut 10% easily, more than that we'll have to see. Seem to have found a groove on this one, great topic.

[bsolah]

I'm writing mine, but am stuck at the climax!

[caseyquinn]

I am halfway done with my first draft... going to work on finishing it up this week. Revise next week and post by the deadline!

[HoraceJames]

I went over the word count by 1400 words. Most of them are small, however.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3313159#post3313159

[bsolah]

I finished my draft on Friday afternoon, will fix it up slightly and post it soon

[bsolah]

Mine is posted! (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132830)

[DL Hegel]

I will not have my story done before the end of the week. I would still like to particiate if possible--if not I understand:)

[FOTSGreg]

So...

It bein' March 2nd and all, what's the deadline and theme for next month (when I might actually be able to produce something readable and not completely embarassing).

(I seem to have made it back before Haggis hunted me down for being outside the forum).

[soapdish]

You can get the details from Cranky's new thread
just a few down from this one called
Monthly Prompt Challenge - March
I'd link to it--but I am not the technically savy ;)

[Haggis]

Okay, kids. We're unsticking this one and moving on to Cranky's thread.

Anyone who's late with the legends story, please, please go ahead and post it. I'm sure the horror hounds will devour it. :D

[DL Hegel]

Updated:

Theme: Legends: Take a legend of your choice, whether ancient or even urban, and surprise us with your variation on the theme. A fairy tale is also acceptable.

Closing date for entries: 2nd March, 4pm BST.

Word Count: Limit is 1800 words.

Stories to be posted in the Share Your Work (SYW) Forum. It would help if all entrants label their stories as something like 'Legend Challenge', alongside the title of their SYW-placed story.

Useful Links:

Legends: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend

Urban Legends:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_legend
http://www.snopes.com/

Fairy Tales:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy_Tales
----------------------------------------

Entries so far:

The Truth About Fairy-Tale Weddings by slcboston:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3252479#post3252479

Pay the Piper by StevenJ:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130385

The Nix by jgold:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130388

The Key to all Mysteries by StevenJ:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3263008#post3263008

The Mission by Haggis:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3263789#post3263789

Lizzie's Gift by HeronW:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130571

Flore Pleno by Soapdish:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130727

The Deep by Kerr:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3275811#post3275811

I Can Not Tell A Lie by Ken:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131123

Trick or Treat by Faerydancer:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131349

The Tellian Law by The Rav:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131382

i finally finished it---but i am never happy---but here it is---a twisted fairy tale.

red
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=138814