The Voters' Choice! Come on over.

[JennaGlatzer]

OK, voters, you get to be me this week.

For our final challenge, our two finalists will have to write from prompts given by the voters.

Please post your suggestions here by Thursday, June 30th, 11:59 p.m. ET. I'll post further instructions then...

Each voter can post up to 3 prompts, any type of prompts you like (a theme, setting, last sentence, etc.).

To be very clear, finalists are NOT allowed to ask people to post particular types of prompts for them, and finalists MUST write something original in response to the prompts.

Now's your chance... what do you want to read from the finalists?

[William Haskins]

and finalists MUST write something original in response to the prompts.

does this mean connecting and reconciling multiple prompts?

[mkcbunny]

Please post your suggestions here by Thursday, June 30th, 11:59 ET. I'll post further instructions then...

11:59 p.m., correct?

Adding to William's question, will you or the contestants choose from among our suggestions, or will the contestants have to use them all?

This is a surprising twist. How fun!

[BlueTexas]

Here's one:

Make them write a letter to or memoir of themsleves, from the POV of their child, real or imagined.

[firehorse]

...or will the contestants have to use them all?This could get very interesting...

...finalists MUST write something original in response to the prompts. But not until you post further instructions, right? Or do we have to respond to every prompt as it's posted? http://www.coolsmilies.net/gestures/shock1.gif

[JennaGlatzer]

Which part of "I'll post further instructions then..." was unclear? :tongue

Yes, p.m. I'll fix that.

[firehorse]

I would edit my previous post, but I like the twitchy-eye smiley too much ;)

Thanks, Jenna!

[mkcbunny]

Which part of "I'll post further instructions then..." was unclear? :tongue

Well, if someone wanted to post three alternate suggestions and knew they'd all have to be used they might only post one. I thought it was a reasonable question.

[JennaGlatzer]

It is a reasonable question. I'm just purposely being evil. But I will tell you this much: No, the finalists won't have to incorporate all the prompts.

[JennaGlatzer]

Or do we have to respond to every prompt as it's posted? http://www.coolsmilies.net/gestures/shock1.gif

Oooooh, this is even more evil than I imagined...

(Jenna rubs hands and lets out a sinister laugh.)

[firehorse]

Anyone got coffee? ;)

[jdkiggins]

No, the finalists won't have to incorporate all the prompts.

Oh darn, that would be one heck of a story if 112 voters posted 3 responses each. LOL

[pepperlandgirl]

Go to this page:
http://dmarie.com/timecap/

Type in your birthday and choose "quick page." Write a story (fiction, any length) based on the time cap (ie, the day's top headline, the number 1 song, etc. There's a lot of info on the page.)

[dragonjax]

Ooooh! Okay....

- Your MC makes a wish, and it comes true. Show what the effects of the wish are. Note that this does not necessarily have to be speculative fiction (i.e., fantasy, science fiction, horror).

- Your MC finds true love.

- Any story/genre, any length, but must be written as one scene from a musical. No score needed (heh), but lyrics are mandatory. At bare minimum, two songs must be included.

- A combo of the three above: a scene from a musical in which your MC makes a wish to find true love, and it comes true. Show what the effects of the wish are. A minimum of two songs (lyrics mandatory). (I'm assuming that mentioning a Choice D: All Of The Above can sort of sneak by the "up to three prompts" rule. Right, Jenna? ((wink)) )

Heh, heh, heh. ((rubs hands together in delight)) This playing God thing is fun...

[Unique]

For our final challenge, our two finalists will have to write from prompts given by the voters.

Each voter can post up to 3 prompts, any type of prompts you like (a theme, setting, last sentence, etc.).

Now's your chance... what do you want to read from the finalists?

'Oooh, how diabolical, Jenna'.....<as Unique the Creep slips off to recruit members of the Business and Technical forum>

[mommie4a]

Is MC major character?



Ooooh! Okay....

- Your MC makes a wish, and it comes true. Show what the effects of the wish are. Note that this does not necessarily have to be speculative fiction (i.e., fantasy, science fiction, horror).

- Your MC finds true love.

- Any story/genre, any length, but must be written as one scene from a musical. No score needed (heh), but lyrics are mandatory. At bare minimum, two songs must be included.

- A combo of the three above: a scene from a musical in which your MC makes a wish to find true love, and it comes true. Show what the effects of the wish are. A minimum of two songs (lyrics mandatory). (I'm assuming that mentioning a Choice D: All Of The Above can sort of sneak by the "up to three prompts" rule. Right, Jenna? ((wink)) )

Heh, heh, heh. ((rubs hands together in delight)) This playing God thing is fun...

[MadScientistMatt]

Some possible prompts:

1. A parody of an instruction manual.

2. A short story where the protagonist is a talking salamander.

3. A murder mystery where the victims are partners in a certain "traditional publisher" in Fredricksburg, Maryland. :D

[maestrowork]

We haven't done science fiction yet... (we have plenty of murders in this contest already)


A scavenger crash-landed on an alien planet only to find that he was being watched...


Or how about Romance?

A general and an arms dealer fall in love during WWIII. (obviously, it could be m/f, m/m, or f/f romance)

[maestrowork]

Take one of the "three- or five-word" stories in Prompt&Games and turn it into a real, publishable story.

[Unique]

Some possible prompts:

1. A parody of an instruction manual.

2. A short story where the protagonist is a talking salamander.

:D


Combine these two. Heh, heh. That would be good.

[jdkiggins]

Quote:
Originally Posted by MadScientistMatt
Some possible prompts:

1. A parody of an instruction manual.

2. A short story where the protagonist is a talking salamander.

:D

Combine these two. Heh, heh. That would be good.

Sounds like a Gieco Insurance commercial. :ROFL:

[mkcbunny]

1. Setting is the desert.

2. A children's story.

3. Setting is on a boat lost at sea.

[maestrowork]

Writer an erotica involving an 8yo boy, a 40yo man, and/or a 80yo woman.

:D

[brinkett]

Write a story that forces the main character to save either his/her 8-year-old daughter or 9-year-old son. Only one can be saved; the other must die.

Write a story that illustrates why telling the truth can be the wrong choice.

Write a story that starts with: Who would have thought that a piece of string and a penny would save my life?

[maestrowork]

Write a story about a woman and a worm.

[brinkett]

Write a story about a woman and a worm.
"Each voter can post up to 3 prompts..." ;)

[DJP]

- What about fantasy? Write for a younger audience, and set your story in a fantasy world.

- Mystery? Give us a really good 'who done it' or other mystery, with a great twist or surprise ending. I don't like being able to guess the answer before I read it.

- Use this sentence somewhere in your piece. 'Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.' Proverbs 16, 24

[mkcbunny]

Write a story that starts with: Who would have thought that a piece of string and a penny would save my life?
I'm having MacGyver flashbacks. :)

[dragonjax]

Is MC major character?

MC = main character

[William Haskins]

Which part of "I'll post further instructions then..." was unclear? :tongue fair enough. bring it on.

[mommie4a]

All my prompts will involve personal essays.
I just have to think about what we'd want to know that they don't want to tell.

[maestrowork]

Oooo, to make it a really fun death match, we should ask the two finalists to write in a genre or format they've NEVER done before. That would be really interesting.

[rhymegirl]

Here are my ideas for writing prompts:

1. Write an impossible interview, i.e. between a modern-day reporter and an author/poet/playwright from the past. (Example: Hemingway, Poe, Shakespeare)
Or alternate: Write a story with a conversation between a writer from the past and a modern day author.

2. Write a few pages of a soap opera script, possibly a love scene.

3. Write a children's story in rhyme.

[mommie4a]

William: write about three situations (events, memories etc.) that make you cry.

Sarah: write about three sets of circumstances in which you feel secure (as in, free of anxiety).

[Sarita]

William: write about three situations (events, memories etc.) that make you cry.

Sarah: write about three sets of circumstances in which you feel secure (as in, free of anxiety).
Mommmmmm! Jill stole my idea!

[maestrowork]

William: write about three situations (events, memories etc.) that make you cry.

Sarah: write about three sets of circumstances in which you feel secure (as in, free of anxiety).

But that could be unfair... (cry = drama/high emotions; security = calm/lack of drama)...

[mommie4a]

But that could be unfair... (cry = drama/high emotions; security = calm/lack of drama)...

Ah - that's what those ideas arouse in you. But some people cry for nothing (like a cute tv ad) and some people have phobias that require elaborate arrangements to make them secure or comfortable (i.e., have you ever seen the rituals OCD victims put themselves through in order to sigh with relief?).

[Paint]

1. A lusty love story, sci-fi, from a recipie for lasagne.

2. Two scientists discover they have created their own parents.

3. A mountain lion studies two children not knowing they are Japenese Animation.

[stranger]

William: write about three situations (events, memories etc.) that make you cry.

Sarah: write about three sets of circumstances in which you feel secure (as in, free of anxiety).

A personal essay about crying. Nooooo!!!!! Let me see, what would I like to read.

1. A situation where someone's life is at risk.
2. A story with a magical beast.
3. A story on a space ship.

[mommie4a]

Ok - I promise, no thread hijacking, but what's with everyone? Why does everyone only want to read about made up stuff? I am sorry - really. I like fiction, I do. I read it, though rarely write it.

But why why why does everyone want to see just another made up story from these talented folks? Do you have any idea how hard it is to be pithy, meaningful and universal in 750 words?

Sorry - just my little plug on the beauty and challenge of short nonfiction personal essay type writing.

I'll face the corner now.

[ChunkyC]

Write a short story about a pet shop employee who works next door to a butcher shop. The title is Grinding Nemo.

Retell Goldilocks from the POV of the bears. You need not stay true to the original plot.

What would Captain Kirk do if he found out Mr. Spock was his real father?

[Unique]

Ok - I promise, no thread hijacking, but what's with everyone? Why does everyone only want to read about made up stuff? I am sorry - really. I like fiction, I do. I read it, though rarely write it.

But why why why does everyone want to see just another made up story from these talented folks? Do you have any idea how hard it is to be pithy, meaningful and universal in 750 words?

Sorry - just my little plug on the beauty and challenge of short nonfiction personal essay type writing.

I'll face the corner now.

I'm with you Jill. I rarely write fiction either (but I'm giving it a whirl) But one thing we haven't seen yet is non fiction. But to make it challenging enough....without unfair advantage.....that might just make it the best challenge yet.

[brinkett]

But why why why does everyone want to see just another made up story from these talented folks?
My second prompt could be non-fiction.

[William Haskins]

But one thing we haven't seen yet is non fiction.


my week 4 entry was non-fiction.

that said, i don't have a dog in this hunt. carry on and do your worst.

[mommie4a]

Write a story that illustrates why telling the truth can be the wrong choice.



I agree and sit corrected, Brinkett. Sorry, and thanks.

[brinkett]

But one thing we haven't seen yet is non fiction.
jdkiggins submitted a non-fiction entry one week. firehorse wrote several personal essay type entries.

ETA: Yes, and William's week 4 entry.

[mommie4a]

my week 4 entry was non-fiction.

that said, i don't have a dog in this hunt. carry on and do your worst.

William, I don't see why you and Sarah can't make three suggestions. You both are voters, right? I'd love to know what you would want to write about.

Better yet - why not have William give Sarah three choices, and Sarah give William three choices? That might provoke pretty cool entries.

[William Haskins]

nah, i have no interest in suggesting prompts, and it would seem to implicitly go against jenna's rules.

you guys go ahead and throw the stuff out there. i just want to know how it shakes out so i can go away and write.

until then, i'm just enjoying the circus.

[rhymegirl]

I wrote a non-fiction piece for the first round.

[firehorse]

...until then, i'm just enjoying the circus.Same here. Keep it coming!

[rhymegirl]

See, that's what proves the two of you are such good writers. You are willing to take on any challenge.

[Unique]

jdkiggins submitted a non-fiction entry one week. firehorse wrote several personal essay type entries.

ETA: Yes, and William's week 4 entry.

Huh. My memory's gotten worse than I thought. Oh well. Can't be helped. Carry on, crew.

[maestrowork]

I'm with you Jill. I rarely write fiction either (but I'm giving it a whirl) But one thing we haven't seen yet is non fiction. But to make it challenging enough....without unfair advantage.....that might just make it the best challenge yet.

Actually, Jill has a point. So far we've seen a lot of creative fiction/poetry writing. But what about non-fiction? Maybe it's time for the contestants to do some non-fiction (it could be, of course, creative non-fiction). Pick a hot topic and run with it.

When I auditioned for one reality TV show, they asked us (as a group of 10 auditioners) to discuss a topic. The first thing they threw at us was "Bush or Kerry." *grumble grumble* But that was how they got to figure out who to pick....

[Cassie88]

You visit on old dear friend only to find he/she is living in one room and hearing voices.

A random act of kindness has disastrous consequences.

You're the MC in a modern day REAR WINDOW.





SORRY, I MISSED THE PART THAT SAID 3 PROMPTS PER VOTER! I'll remove the extras.

[Kida Adelyne]

A random act of kindness has disastrous consequences.


Oooo... I like that one.


Here's one Idea:
-Write the sequel to a fairy tale.

[William Haskins]

kick for the last 5 1/2 hours to get your ideas in...

[mkcbunny]

But what about non-fiction? Maybe it's time for the contestants to do some non-fiction (it could be, of course, creative non-fiction). Pick a hot topic and run with it.
Like a newspaper story. Hmmmmm. Very interesting.

I keep wanting to open my big, fat mouth and post more ideas. Then I stop myself. But commenting on other posts doesn't really count as an extra submission. [Imagine a smiley here, if so inclined.]

[Alphabet]

Eeekk.. maybe a bit controversial, but

1) God's soliloquy or thought-sequence. Jenna can decide the word limit


Other ideas

2) A scene or story set in a wild storm

3) ' What I would do if I won Absolute Write Idol ' OR 'What I would do if I lost Absolute Write Idol'

[mommie4a]

Umm - where's Vote Bot? What three themes might Vote Bot devise?

[mkcbunny]

Umm - where's Vote Bot? What three themes might Vote Bot devise?
Hmmmm. Sticky wicket. Bet VOTE_BOT can't offer suggestions. You don't see Bruce Wayne and Batman in the same room at the same time.

[mkcbunny]

Umm - where's Vote Bot? What three themes might Vote Bot devise?I just have to say that I did think it would be amusing to suggest that they had to write a story about VOTE_BOT, but (a) that would make light of the seriousness of this level of competition, (b) it would waste one of my three suggestions, (c) it might be a conflict of interest, and (d) it really wouldn't be a worthwhile prompt. VOTE_BOT's 15 minutes are nearly up.

Look how the masses of adoring fans turn on their idols so easily.

And now I return this thread to where it was meant to be, on the subject of the final Idol round. ...

[brokenfingers]

OK, here goes:

1) Sad to say, your day has come and we are at your funeral/wake. In walks, of all people, the person you least expected to see at your funeral.

2) Choose your favorite type of animal and tell a story from their viewpoint.

3a) Haskins: a story in the POV of an innocent, carefree girl who is crazy in love and waiting for her prom date to pick her up. Genre: Romance

3b) Firehorse: a story in the POV of a bitter middle-aged man who’s wife left him years ago and he is embarking on a date for the first time since. Genre: Romance

No word limit. Let’s see how well you can gauge your audience’s patience.

[rhymegirl]

Haskins: a story in the POV of an innocent, carefree girl who is crazy in love and waiting for her prom date to pick her up. Genre: Romance

3b) Firehorse: a story in the POV of a bitter middle-aged man who’s wife left him years ago and he is embarking on a date for the first time since. Genre: Romance


:ROFL: Not bad.

[Sarita]

Yeah, I like those BF. I'm still coming up with mine, since Jill stole my diabolical plan.

[VOTE_BOT]

VOTE_BOT's 15 minutes are nearly up.

What a horrid thing to say.

[rhymegirl]

I thought you liked emotional abuse, Vote Bot.

[VOTE_BOT]

If you were programmed to die at a particular time, you would understand.

[mommie4a]

Describe the first time you ever entered an altered state of mind:

what substance (if it was illegal, don't tell us - just substitute a legal one for it -unless you don't mind divulging) got you there, how you felt, did you want to do it again, who were you with, why you did it, and whether you thought you'd ever do it again, what age were you

[rhymegirl]

If you were programmed to die at a particular time, you would understand.

Well, don't die then. Just reinvent yourself as a brand new entity.

[dragonjax]

If you were programmed to die at a particular time, you would understand.
Oh my God, VOTE_BOT's a Replicant.

(At least he's not a Cylon...)

((So who was it who said there was no SF in the contest yet?))

[mommie4a]

Write a glowing 1000 word endorsement of yourself. Not one negative word. Every aspect must be based in reality. This isn't about why you should win, or why you're an awesome writer (although you certainly could point out that you are in fact an awesome writer and then explain what it is that makes you so awesome).

The point of the endorsement is to praise yourself and demonstrate a recognition that you do, in fact, possess many desirable qualities - some that are obviously desirable and some which, with a little spin (or a big spin) also come in handy.

[Sarita]

Oooo, Jill. I like #3! Good prompt!

[maestrowork]

Describe the first time you ever entered an altered state of mind:

what substance (if it was illegal, don't tell us - just substitute a legal one for it -unless you don't mind divulging) got you there, how you felt, did you want to do it again, who were you with, why you did it, and whether you thought you'd ever do it again, what age were you

I did that with my last JFF, which I deleted...

[maestrowork]

OR write a story composed of nothing but smilies.

[rhymegirl]

OR write a story composed of nothing but smilies.

:ROFL: :ROFL:

[Sarita]

#1: Imagine your life without that which you find most important (mate, children, writing, career, whatever). Tell us how things would be different.

[Sarita]

#2: You are God. You look down at the state of mankind and something moves you to solve the problems facing humanity. What motivated you to take action and what do you do to solve the problems?

[sgtsdaughter]

My two cents . . .

Write a story that ends with the line "And with that she left the key in the door."

Write an editorial to the editor--in 1892 discussing current trends (for 1892) with Firehorse as a man and William as a woman.

Have William write a "how to sex" guide for women, with him as a woman. And have Firehorse write a "how to for men guide" (as a man) . . .

A.

[Birol]

Create an entry using the stream of consciousness style.
Create an original (NOT a retelling of anything existing) fairy tale.
Write a romance that does not end happily for the lovers.

Oh, shoot. I have a fourth one, too, but, oh well. I guess those three will have to do.

[maestrowork]

Oooh, we did that fairytale thing in writing class, and it was lots of fun.

I like sgtsdaughter's suggestions, too; very provocative.

[jdkiggins]

Shoot! I'm always a day late and a dollar short.
Oh well, I didn't have any good ideas anyway. LOL

Everyone posted some really great prompts here!

I especially like Ray's suggestion of a story composed of
nothing but smilies. That's right up my alley. :D :banana:

[mkcbunny]

2) Choose your favorite type of animal and tell a story from their viewpoint.

I was going to suggest this, as well. But I have a story in progress using this very theme and I couldn't throw it out there. Yeah, I suck. It was just too close to home.

But I would love to see it done.

[mkcbunny]

VOTE_BOT's 15 minutes are nearly up.
What a horrid thing to say.
I thought you were ready to face the void? You seem fairly accepting, indeed proud, of your limited lifespan. Maybe with a bit more self-interested mobilization, you could stick around for a while.

OK, I'll put the T-shirt back on ...

[maestrowork]

That's the closest Vote_bot would ever get near your boobs...

[mkcbunny]

That's the closest Vote_bot would ever get near your boobs...
That's pretty close.

[firehorse]

I'm sure Mrs. Vote Bot and Mr. Bunny would have something to say about that.

[mkcbunny]

I'm sure Mrs. Vote Bot and Mr. Bunny would have something to say about that.
Mr. Bunny isn't the jealous type. He tolerates these crazy forays into fandom.

[firehorse]

Did Mr. Bunny make the t-shirt?

[mkcbunny]

Did Mr. Bunny make the t-shirt?
Nope. I did.

[mdmkay]

Write a glowing 1000 word endorsement of yourself. Not one negative word. Every aspect must be based in reality. This isn't about why you should win, or why you're an awesome writer (although you certainly could point out that you are in fact an awesome writer and then explain what it is that makes you so awesome).

The point of the endorsement is to praise yourself and demonstrate a recognition that you do, in fact, possess many desirable qualities - some that are obviously desirable and some which, with a little spin (or a big spin) also come in handy.

Whelp there goes Haskins. I doubt he has it in him. We all love him but this particular theme would strike him brain dead within seconds.

[JennaGlatzer]

OK! Voters' prompt time is over. (Nice going, gang!)

Now for step 2:

William and Sarah, please pick your favorite two prompts and list them here.

[Birol]

Originally Posted by brokenfingers
2) Choose your favorite type of animal and tell a story from their viewpoint.


Barb did something like this in the humor forum's prompt thread today.

[firehorse]

Difficult decision - so many great prompts! Only two? Okay...

Write the sequel to a fairy tale.Create an entry using the stream of consciousness style.I sent rep comments to all the people whose ideas were on my short list. Thanks for all the submissions - reading them has been a blast. Can't wait to see the actual assigment :D.

[JennaGlatzer]

Thank you. Someone e-mail me when William responds. :)

[maestrowork]

I hope Haskins picks the smilie one!

[rhymegirl]

Have William write a "how to sex" guide for women, with him as a woman.

I think he'll pick this one.

[William Haskins]

A random act of kindness has disastrous consequences.

Write a story with a conversation between a writer from the past and a modern day author.
.

[JennaGlatzer]

Okay! Assignment to be posted in 2 minutes...

[Birol]

Ooo. Jenna's evil. I like that about her.

[jdkiggins]

I was going to warn Sarah and William to be careful what they picked because I had a hunch that Jenna would have them write each other's pick.

I think it's great that they will be writing one of each. Woo Hoo!

Good luck, you two!

[William Haskins]

i saw the switcheroo coming from a mile away...

[Sarita]

It's a great idea to make it a combo. We could get two pieces that use the same prompt but are vastly different. Jenna, I love it!

[jdkiggins]

:Jump: :Jump: :Jump: :Jump:

Four stories to read this time.

Can't wait to see what you two come up with in this final round. :D

[firehorse]

i saw the switcheroo coming from a mile away...I thought we'd be switching, but I wasn't entirely certain, so I picked the prompts I wanted to use. I thought maybe Jenna would have us combine each other's two prompts into one story, but I didn't see the 'two story" part coming.

[three seven]

I can't believe no one suggested 'Hell found me'...

[Sarita]

I can't believe no one suggested 'Hell found me'... And risk the chance that William would get it? Too easy for the finals. ;)

[three seven]

Spot the joke.

[maestrowork]

i saw the switcheroo coming from a mile away...

William is the sly one... just look at what he picked! Good strategy, bro!

[William Haskins]

jenna's not the only one with a streak of evil.

[Sarita]

Spot the joke. Oh right. That was a joke... thanks for clearing that up.

Sarah picked some good ones for you to choose from, William. Looks like you're both evil.

[William Haskins]

Sarah picked some good ones for you to choose from, William. Looks like you're both evil.

they're just words.

[jdkiggins]

I can't believe no one suggested 'Hell found me'...

I saw your joke, Three.

I believe Kathy (rhymegirl) mentioned the Hell Found Me from the top of the forum, but she mentioned it in the House of Love. LOL
Wherever and however suggested, it still has its humor. :)

[Birol]

Oh I figured Jenna would do something evil. I just didn't know if she'd switch or eliminate your favorites from whatever hat she was pulling ideas out of or what. Best of luck guys. Can't wait to have four new reads in a couple of weeks. :D

[Kida Adelyne]

Yay, we get to read four stories!!:Jump: This will help keep me out of trouble.


((Sarah picked mine, I feel special :tongue))

[rhymegirl]

I can't believe no one suggested 'Hell found me'...

Um, they could always begin their stories with "Hell found me..."

[JennaGlatzer]

I figured you'd guess the switcheroo, but I also figured there'd be a lingering doubt about it in your mind, so you wouldn't pick obnoxious ones just in case I *didn't* pull the switcheroo. ;)

[William Haskins]

oh, i proceeded with every step as if it were a calculated risk, boobie-trapped with jennevil.