Writing Challenge - May/June 2018 [CHALLENGE COMPLETED - RESULTS TO FOLLOW]

[redfeatherraven]

@Opossum. Swamp Sensei . Fenriraga , Natz~ , Pazzo. .

I formally extend to you a challenge.

For eight weeks in 2018, we will pursue a weekly goal - creative output for improvement and glory. Those that succeed the entire span will be regarded as champions.

Every week we will bring something forth. If it is flawed, so be it. That it is, is enough.

The rules of this challenge are as follows.

1. The challenge will formally begin on April 29, 2018. Every Sunday following this date will be the deadline for that week's submission.
- The full list of deadline days includes May 6, May 13, May 20, May 27, June 3, June 10, June 17, and June 24.

2. The submissions will comprise no less than 1750 words per week.
- This equates to 250 words per day. Multiple pieces can be submitted in a week so long as they total the amount.
- Overage is encouraged if inspiration strikes, but is not counted.

3. Submissions to the challenge must be made before the end of each deadline day in EST.
- Submissions may be made at any time during the challenge week.
- A submission entered at 11:59 PM EST is valid. A submission entered at 12:01 AM EST is not.
- Life occasionally happens, and therefore there is consideration for Mercy.
- Once in the challenge, a submission may be submitted the Monday following the deadline for no penalty.
- If it is known that you will be unable to submit in advance, but a return date is also known, provide this information to me beforehand. Any backlogged submissions made on the return date or the next day following will be accepted. The remainder of the schedule remains unaffected.

4. Submissions to the challenge must be made in a text-based, publicly available format.
- Submission to the forum is the most readily available option. If a different venue is preferred it may be submitted there instead, so long as the above is followed.
- The global rules for SWF are still in effect, including those involving explicit profanity and inappropriate material. Submissions going against those rules remain acceptable for the challenge, but will need to be posted in another publicly available location.

Do you accept the terms?

 

[Natz~]

if ya wanna make this fourm long term ya could probs call the place the creative writing group, or something similar to that

where ya focus on getting works and encouraging writing liberties and try your best to discourage dis-motivation or stuff

just katts random thinking about the group and not the actual challenge i'm just a watcher and looking to read some good stuff from ya guys :3

 

[Deleted member]

I would like to do this, but I am not ready. I will spectate.

 

[Wolfie557]

:thinking:

 

[Pazzo.]

What's this?



If you'll have me, I'm in.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

Hm...

This... might be tricky...

Cause college classes/teaching might make that hard.

Plus... my writing is currently...

One big outline split into multiple parts... Working on a proof of concept mainly...

So unless I start working on the script, it won't be super nice...

Uh...


@Opossum What do you think exactly?

 

[Pazzo.]

I'd love to be held accountable by a deadline.

And I get everyone's two cents as an added bonus.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

Honestly the only people I'm comfortable getting advice from right now is Opo, Zeb, Z25, Fal and Proto cause they're already privy to the information and Red cause well...

He can keep a secret.

 

[redfeatherraven]

Hm...

This... might be tricky...

Cause college classes/teaching might make that hard.

It's an undertaking for sure, but there's a manageable way to think about it.

The challenge equates to 250 words a day.

The header post is 357 words. If you can write a post that's a bit more than two-thirds of the size of that one every day for the span, you'll complete the challenge.

Stream of consciousness also works best, pound for pound, if you're having a slow inspiration day.

Plus... my writing is currently...

One big outline split into multiple parts... Working on a proof of concept mainly...

So unless I start working on the script, it won't be super nice...

Notes are fine, so long as they're in coherent prose.

Back when I did this more regularly I submitted worldbuilding pieces of various stripes. They were coherent, they hit the wordcount. That fulfilled the requirement then, and similar things would now.

What's this?

View attachment 142281

If you'll have me, I'm in.

Consider it done.

I've added you to the header. Which, on another note, I will at some point probably try to gussy up.

He can keep a secret.

I can indeed.

I have a cabinet labelled for the purpose and everything.

I'd love to be held accountable by a deadline.

And I get everyone's two cents as an added bonus.

The former is advantageous to me as well.

The latter is a bit malleable. Challengers are encouraged to submit their pieces here publicly, but for those that want to keep things under wraps for the moment, we can make arrangements on that kind of thing as necessary.

 

[Fenriraga]

Honestly the only people I'm comfortable getting advice from right now is Opo, Zeb, Z25, Fal and Proto cause they're already privy to the information and Red cause well...

He can keep a secret.

Anyway as for the writing itself... Maybe? I also have my own college classes but it would be a great way to practice. What kind of topics would we be writing about, exactly?

 

[redfeatherraven]

What kind of topics would we be writing about, exactly?

Dealer's choice.

Putting together theme weeks is possible though.

 

[Pazzo.]

I hope you all like Neo-Western then, because that's what you're getting first.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

Anyway as for the writing itself... Maybe? I also have my own college classes but it would be a great way to practice. What kind of topics would we be writing about, exactly?

Nothing personal man.

I wouldn't mind showing you in the future.

But... I also want to surprise people too.

 

[redfeatherraven]

@Opossum. Swamp Sensei . Fenriraga , Natz~ , Pazzo. .

Just a reminder.

The challenge begins tomorrow.

The first check in is May 6.

 

[Natz~]

tags are usless red unless were part of the group :V

so is quotes

but ya i'm down for it, question when were ready to submit do we have our own thread? or do we send them in to you?

 

[redfeatherraven]

tags are usless red unless were part of the group :V

so is quotes

Ack.

One sec then.

 

[redfeatherraven]

Group invitations have been sent to the participants. And apologies on the delay for that, I'm honestly pretty new to the whole social forum thing.

As to the rest:

but ya i'm down for it, question when were ready to submit do we have our own thread? or do we send them in to you?

In order to keep things neat in the event we have another of these, I'd ask that either the content itself in text form or a link to the same (if hosted elsewhere) be posted in this thread, or to me via PM.

 

[Pazzo.]

I'd be neat to have a thread all to ourselves where we can join in for our respective comments.

Maybe keep this as the social/advice thread for inbetweens.

Glad this is happening, I'm writing a short story for a class that I can run by here first. The 1750 word minimum is daunting, but 250 a day is easy. An author I like says to find a spot exclusive to writing, like a closet or a desk.

Looking forward to whatever you all create!

 

[Deleted member]

I will think about joining.

 

[redfeatherraven]

The challenge has begun.
First week deadline is May 6, 2018.​

 

[Swamp Sensei]

Eek.

Due dates.

As a college student, they're my weakness.

 

[Fenriraga]

Wait, but... What's the actual topic we're writing for?

 

[redfeatherraven]

Wait, but... What's the actual topic we're writing for?

There are no official topics at this time. It's freeform creative writing.

I can probably put together some kind of optional prompt if it would be of help.

 

[Fenriraga]

There are no official topics at this time. It's freeform creative writing.

I can probably put together some kind of optional prompt if it would be of help.

That might be helpful for me... As it stands I can literally get away with posting any of the short stories I'm already writing for school.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

I got a topic for ya DarkAura.

Write a story involving elephants in some way.

 

[redfeatherraven]

That might be helpful for me... As it stands I can literally get away with posting any of the short stories I'm already writing for school.

Sure. It's admittedly an honor system thing.

There's no prize but improved output and/or confidence, so those who don't honor it are only cheating themselves.

But themes is a thing I was pondering. I've got dozens of prompts around here, could make it happen.

Swamp's prompt works too.

 

[Pazzo.]

Good Luck Everyone!

 

[Coricus]

I will not write about elephants.

Frick da policia.

I have put the first dash of writing for the week, up, though. It's nowhere near enough to be the week total, but it's starter work.

 

[redfeatherraven]

I will not write about elephants.

They won't forget that.

 

[redfeatherraven]

@A0SHIMA

Welcome to the challenge.

 

[Kirby Dragons]

I do enjoy writing, and I think this will be interesting to participate in. I'll join in.

 

[Pazzo.]

@A0SHIMA 's my brother, joined Smashboards to join this challenge.

 

[Natz~]

joined just to join a writing challenge? :V

interesting

 

[Pazzo.]

joined just to join a writing challenge? :V

interesting

Yep. He has a real passion for writing, wanted some neutral feedback.

Hey, @A0SHIMA , why don't you introduce yourself?

 

[Kirby Dragons]

I'll try to keep my story realistic, as a counter to all my usual stories.

I'll also need an invite to this group.

 

[redfeatherraven]

@A0SHIMA, Coricus , Fenriraga , Kirby Dragons , Natz~ , @Opossum, Swamp Sensei , Pazzo.

The deadline approacheth, and many have already risen as champions.

The challengers yet to respond with sufficient word count so far include DarkAura64/Fenrir and myself.

To us, five hours remain. Godspeed.

I do enjoy writing, and I think this will be interesting to participate in. I'll join in.

I'll try to keep my story realistic, as a counter to all my usual stories.

I'll also need an invite to this group.

I apologize for not seeing this or adding you sooner.

If you still wish to join in, by all means. However, five hours is a crunch and not my intent to impose, so I can't in good conscience hold you to the deadline. If you don't have the word count prepared, let me know and we can work something out.

 

[Natz~]

@A0SHIMA, Coricus , Fenriraga , Kirby Dragons , Natz~ , @Opossum, Swamp Sensei , Pazzo.

The deadline approacheth, and many have already risen as champions.

The challengers yet to respond with sufficient word count so far include DarkAura64/Fenrir and myself.

To us, five hours remain. Godspeed.



I apologize for not seeing this or adding you sooner.

If you still wish to join in, by all means. However, five hours is a crunch and not my intent to impose, so I can't in good conscience hold you to the deadline. If you don't have the word count prepared, let me know and we can work something out.

if hes still in give him mercy, still have to do week 1 but let him do it alongside week 2 as well making it 3500 words or something to work out on

 

[redfeatherraven]

Alas, close but no cigar for me. It seems my mercy's going to be used early.

Here's what I've got right now, coming to 1,103 words.

Spoiler: Excerpts from Xenological Studies of the Hylotl, A.Z. Price

Greetings, dear readers! If you've come by this humble tome in your search for knowledge about our universal neighbors, I welcome you with open arms to this noble quest for knowledge!

My name is Arthur Zachary Price, lifelong scholar of xenology and the passions of existence itself, and I am under recent commission to wander far and wide amongst the stars to gather knowledge in the service of our Terrene Protectorate.

I humbly entreat you to join me in my quest amongst the cosmos. Together we shall climb the great tree of universal understanding, and upon its hard-won fruits we shall feast!

-------

I was requested for my first expedition to wander deep into a sector of unexplored space, to visit a distant system with a beautiful, temperate star. It was here, my publisher explained, that reports had verified surface-level settlements of the noble, graceful Hylotl - a culture and civilization we've only just begun to interact with as a people! To the day I set my pen, we'd only known their cities as hidden away gems, peacefully situated beneath the mighty waves of planets covered in mighty oceans whose fierce and protective embrace only they could properly navigate.

To learn of such a settlement as we could freely and safely visit to exchange the gifts of our cultures - the diplomatic effort could not have been less than a Herculean task, and to be appointed to the position of First Contact Ambassador nothing less than the highest honor. This was a chance no self-respecting chronicler of our friends from afar could pass up!

My shuttle was readied by lunch, and I set out on my journey - already historic, as the jump was three times further from our own Earth than had ever been recorded to date. I felt a bit ashamed for the poor soul who fueled my ship - surely only providing enough fuel for the journey forward, and not the journey home, will be recorded as a terrible error.

Never fear, dear reader, as I'm no stranger to improvisation in times of hardship. Fully understanding I may need to barter, and with my publisher's endorsement - and my editor's truly heartfelt encouragement - I ensured that my shuttle was loaded with the entire first print run of my latest work, "A Brief Treatise on Ancient Human Civilizations, Volume One." I felt that beyond its worth as a material good, it would do well to offer insight into our own civilization. Certainly the Hylotl, noted to hold their traditions in such high esteem, would appreciate the glimpse into our own.

(I am certain, of course, that by the time you read this, the second print run will be completed. If you find the subject as intriguing as I have, please stop by your local bookstore and feel free to pick up any of the sixteen volumes of the series - or all of them, if your thirst for knowlege truly knows no bounds!)

The coordinates given to me by SAIL placed me in orbit around a lush and wonderful place. Truly, it was a precious and shining emerald in the vast darkness of space. However, it seems that the digits were incorrect, as even after combing the surface of the world thoroughly, I did not find the Hylotl city. I did manage to make relatively pleasant contact with a local group of Floran, the results of which I shall be happy to document in a later piece, but suffice to say I will need to find a significantly larger store of meat, and perhaps some kind of armed escort, before I am able to make a proper exchange of ideas. Consider it a long-term project!

Of course, I didn't wish to worry my publisher or the Protectorate by returning home quite so early, so I resolved to correct the error of the initial jump myself, which I presumed was an error in the coordinates' transcription. To my delight, I found that the moons out here were littered with the requisite amounts of fuel to hop around my local group of planetary systems. As I'd some years back mastered the fine art of holding my breath (you'd be surprised at the number of applications such a skill has) I was able to collect plenty over the course of several short trips.

I was soon able to correct my course - it seems that when the coordinates were input, an eight had been mistaken for a two - and discovered, on the surface of a gentle world of wide open grasslands, the surface village of the Hylotl that had been promised. They strangely did not seem to be anticipating my arrival, but I apologized for my tardiness nevertheless. I've found manners to be important in such matters, and would hardly be dissuaded from such today.

The Hylotl have been described as haughty and disdainful in other texts, but dear reader I will tell you now, nothing could be further from the truth. No sooner had I told them my mission than they became the most hospitable of hosts I have ever had the pleasure to be the guest of, insisting that I speak with them of their enlightened culture over tea.

I will begin, for those unfamiliar, with a brief primer on the biology of the Hylotl for those unaccustomed to them.

Their bodies bring to mind those of certain amphibians of Earth, with smooth skin that must be periodically moistened for good health. Through this mantle they may also respirate, though this mostly serves to suppliment the air stored in their powerful lungs, allowing them to remain submerged beneath the tides for longer periods of time.

They posess a triangle of eyes, each the color of a stunning rose in full sunlight. As my host demonstrated to me with several traditional works of art, their trinocular vision is overwhelmingly more sensitive to the nuances of luminosity, and this allows them to sense shades of color and hints of light far subtler than anything you or I could find without great effort and no small amount of guidance.

Though their lifecycle also mimics the amphibians of Earth to a degree, beginning as tadpole-like organisms, they rapidly grow out of this form within their first few years of life. By the time they enter what to humans would be considered toddler age, they've fully developed lungs and are able to walk upright on the land - albeit in an endearingly clumsy, stumbling way. From this point forward their life most closely resembles those of the other bipedal sentient races our Protectorate has encountered to date.

if hes still in give him mercy, still have to do week 1 but let him do it alongside week 2 as well making it 3500 words or something to work out on

A free mercy seems fine by me.

 

[redfeatherraven]

The deadline is nigh.

A0SHIMA, Coricus, Natz, Opossum, Pazzo, Swampasaur.

You have PASSED this week of the challenge!

Go forth and continue to conquer!​

This leaves Kirby Dragons, DarkAura64/Fenrir, and myself.

Kirby Dragons is granted a free Mercy due to host error. They may submit last week's entry without penalty at any point during week two.​

DarkAura64/Fenrir and myself have entered the period of Mercy.

Our revised deadline is tomorrow at midnight. If we succeed by that time our entries will be accepted with no penalty...but we shall not be granted such mercy again.

The next week of the challenge has begun.
Second week deadline is May 13, 2018.​

​

 

[Natz~]

the own host couldn't even follow his own deadline...sounds like you need this challenge more than the rest of us

anyway~ like the nice little starter there, its like an log of explorations neat~

hopefully ya don't fail your own challenge