We can see you browsing, Joe! Comp. latest.

[linda_lakeside]

50 Words..?

It takes me more than that to log in. It could be a challenge though. A tremendous challenge.

A short story is interesting, but there's Pete to consider. Maybe if we barred Pete from entry.

Btw, thank you for your kind words, Joe, and for your nomination, as you pack up your cross-country skis and head for the non-hills.

Linda (in-winter)

[Critic2]

How about 1,000 words max?

Your proposal is ill-thought out and quite absurd. I suggest a maximum of 1002 words. Of these there should be no more than 72% consonants, 25% vowels and 3% other things.

[Critic2]

50 Words..?

It takes me more than that to log in. It could be a challenge though. A tremendous challenge.

A short story is interesting, but there's Pete to consider. Maybe if we barred Pete from entry.

Btw, thank you for your kind words, Joe, and for your nomination, as you pack up your cross-country skis and head for the non-hills.

Linda (in-winter)

no good just thanking him, LL, tell us if you are up for it or not!

[Critic2]

Teratogen, your dilemma reminded me of the idea of the Mini Saga. A Mini Saga must be exactly 50 words. A Mini Saga must tell a story. The story must have a beginning, a middle and an end. The title may have no more than 15 words, and is not counted as part of the Saga.

Diane

hey, that sounds fun. btw any 50 words must inev. have a start middle and end but I suppose you mean narratively, thematically, whatever...

[linda_lakeside]

C2,

Are you once again hunched over your computer, just waiting to drop more words on the unsuspecting? I posted only 2 mins. ago. I might, I might, I might want to enter...

Sitting on the fence (yes, it hurts)
Linda.

[Diane]

Critic2, The Daily Telegraph ran a competition to write a mini saga a couple of years ago, that's where I first heard of it. Yes, I guess 50 words must have a beginning middle and end, I just copy-and -pasted the rules. I'm sure it does mean narratively, and not that you should be sure to avoid creating a physics conundrum. I think the only other guideline was that hyphenated words could be counted as one word, or counted individually, whichever was preferred by the writer. It is indeed quite a challenge to write a story of exactly 50 words.

Here's one example, written by a Paul Blaney, from a book I have entitled 'Mini Sagas' edited by Brian Aldiss:

First Interview

'Come!' from behind a newspaper.

'I'm Emily.' The last cigarette still sharp in her mouth.

'I know. Surprise me!'

'Excuse me?'

'Surprise me!'

The newspaper stayed up, fingers at either end. She watched herself reach the lighter across the desk. Watched as flames went like a cat up a curtain.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyway, it's just an idea. It doesn't give much room for much 'dialogue with Leonard' as mentioned above though, so maybe you should go with a longer short story this time...?

Diane

[lizzytysh]

Does 50 words ever get used up fast !

Very funny, what that writer did with them .

[John K.]

Thank you for the positive comments regarding my short story idea! I'm glad so many have liked it too.

As the idea's daddy I thought I would weigh in on the "rules" issue. I do agree that the stories will have to have a length requirement, and I think 1000 words is a reasonable number. I would suggest that one can expand to 1002 only if the remaining two are emoticons. I'll consult with Lizzy on the most effective use of those.

I don't know about Teratogen's writing style, but I find that I spend just as much time on a 3 minute song as I do on stories of lengths greater than 1000 words. T, I think you should challenge yourself and see what happens.

As to Joe's idea that I should also write a song about meeting Leonard, I like it alot and will try to do this as well. If it doesn't turn out to be embarrasing I'll post the lyrics after the competition ends.

John K.

[linda_lakeside]

I thought Diane's example was very similar in style to many 'poems' that I've read. The non-rhyming kind, naturally. I'm not sure I'd classify it as a 'story' as such, but then, I never classified those poems I refer to as 'poems'. No use in pigeon-holing the use of words.

I think that 1000 words could be difficult with folks working and all. Many non-writers could have quite a time with 1,000 words. So could the judge. It might limit the number of entries.

Too bad not everyone is musical. If that were the case, songwriting could be the topic. I mean the writing of a song.

It will be interesting to see what turns up. I like the set-pattern of everyone beginning with the same two lines. But who am I, she asked herself as she pressed the submit button, sending her post through cyberspace and into the poetry corner of the LC site. (I wonder how many words that was? Far, far too many, I'm sure.

Linda.

[LaurieAK]

I too have something to add:

68790430303
12348978770

(thanks in advance)

Linda~

I do believe the 1000 words is Maximum, not a requirement. Some folks would be shorter, some would have hard time keeping it that "low."

I may be wrong....but the percentile occurance of this happening is quite low.

Laurie

[John K.]

I meant to say a maximum and not a "requirement" that it be at least 1000 words. My bad.

[Critic2]

I too have something to add:

68790430303
12348978770

(thanks in advance)

oy, look 'ere Laurie person, I am still waiting for the answer to my sum, so join the queue (this quaint olde English expression means "get in line" btw foreigners) and respect your elders and betters. Do I make myself clear or do I have to make the point in some 1000 word Epic Poem entitled "why I don't want to live next door to Laurie" (too far to go to work etc).

[linda_lakeside]

I may be wrong....but the percentile occurance of this happening is quite low.

Especially as there doesn't seem to be topic. A jumping off point, as 'they' say. Someone go for donuts, please! We could talk about this for a very long time.

I suggest the topic of winter.

Linda.

[LaurieAK]

c2 wrote

or do I have to make the point in some 1000 word Epic Poem entitled "why I don't want to live next door to Laurie" (too far to go to work etc).

3,499,403,019,638,545,757,717

i believe the best answers are the simplest

p.s.
i added this by hand and did not check my work. Besides, I am much better at spelling. If I am wrong, it will be satisifying to know someone took the trouble to 'check my work' in the first place. the end.

[linda_lakeside]

This is where I take my leave. Waiter! Drinks are on me. Have fun, you two!

Linda.