tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post8770252501290835225..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: Writing contest results!Janet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-69836922769357113112015-07-15T12:50:42.738-04:002015-07-15T12:50:42.738-04:00Thank you, Ms. Reid! And congrats, everyone. Your ...Thank you, Ms. Reid! And congrats, everyone. Your entries were all so fun to read. <br /><br />To anyone considering attempting one of the flash fiction contests, you definitely should! It's a great exercise. Brevity, revision, creativity. For example, my entry was the first thing I'd ever written in present tense! And yes, the previous time I tried this, I got a "not a story" too. That just meant I knew what to look out for!Laura Rueckerthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12267281174937559086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-90294870383521005782015-07-15T11:25:43.096-04:002015-07-15T11:25:43.096-04:00
My sartorial and satirical style are above reproa...<br />My sartorial and satirical style are above reproach Colin...no back to Carkoon with you.<br />french sojournhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14262858704848580714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-2565194422464928572015-07-15T08:17:36.587-04:002015-07-15T08:17:36.587-04:00Laura Mary: Beating your doubts is the best use fo...Laura Mary: Beating your doubts is the best use for a dongle. :)<br /><br />Hank: No, we're not at all judgmental--except when it comes to your attire. That dress! Those shoes..!! ;)<br /><br />Now to today's post... :)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-33286638076666729432015-07-15T07:23:44.354-04:002015-07-15T07:23:44.354-04:00I like the insight into the contest that these res...I like the insight into the contest that these result pages give, so much more satisfying than the black hole most contests represent for entries and I got a laugh too: result! Congrats to the winner, that was a fine entry. Personally I try to remain philosophical about the prospect of success: it's not the winning that counts, it's the inconsolable and abject desolation of all the losers.DeadSpiderEyehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07687178085803686186noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-76926360577798836272015-07-15T07:23:07.717-04:002015-07-15T07:23:07.717-04:00I don't think you'll find a better group L...<br />I don't think you'll find a better group Laura May. It is the most objective bunch of people. Very helpful, and never judgmental, to my recollection anyway. And I will admit, once you get to know them, they're pretty insightful and sincere. Just take your time, we're all here for everyone.<br /><br />Cheers Hankfrench sojournhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14262858704848580714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-42306011317537873482015-07-15T07:05:37.602-04:002015-07-15T07:05:37.602-04:00Laura May, I know how you feel. Regularly comment...Laura May, I know how you feel. Regularly commenting here on has helped me immensely. Please keep chiming in.angie Brooksby-Arcangiolihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08000615140577512304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-58696833145426205982015-07-15T06:56:32.790-04:002015-07-15T06:56:32.790-04:00Thanks you Colin & co for all your words of en...Thanks you Colin & co for all your words of encouragement :-) I actually find it incredibly painful to share anything that I’ve written, and can’t even talk about my writing without turning red and blotchy – it’s crippling and slightly ridiculous. I realise I need to get over this pronto, which is part of why I have started chatting in the comments, and am slowly drip feeding my OH a chapter of my novel at a time. I naively thought 100 words would be an easy share, but knowing I was writing something specifically to be shared and judged and posted on the internets killed any ideas dead. It didn’t even occur to me that it was a good writing exercise regardless of whether I posted it or not. I let the panic win this time. I shall give it a beating next time. With a dongle.Laura Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604133412050870730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-69470526646411777812015-07-15T03:57:29.112-04:002015-07-15T03:57:29.112-04:00Craig and Colin, I also tried writing in different...Craig and Colin, I also tried writing in different genre's and styles. Heavens there was POV,film noir, musical,sci-fi, limerick...eieio. It's fun to jump into other arenas and strech. I hope anyone out there just reiding will jump in, we're all inclusive any barely ever any drama. (Unless I start it...ooof)<br /><br />cheers Hankfrench sojournhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14262858704848580714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-2050590367184562162015-07-14T23:28:51.312-04:002015-07-14T23:28:51.312-04:00Best. Compliment. Ever.
Thank you, Ms. Reid, you ...Best. Compliment. Ever. <br />Thank you, Ms. Reid, you made my week! Congrats to all of the writers who entered. I enjoyed peeking into your brains. ;)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05212475020884676350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-20079105018517796842015-07-14T23:20:45.161-04:002015-07-14T23:20:45.161-04:00Miss Donna, I did not say anything about a record....Miss Donna, I did not say anything about a record. I was only going by my personal knowledge. Since I have been following this blog you have won twice. I thank you for so sublimely rubbing my little rat shit nose in it. I knew there was a troublemaker behind those gee-whiz comments of yours.<br /><br />I have tried several tacks on these contests. I got recognition early for such things as reeling in lines of Lee Child and Elmore Leonard. Another was the bio-engineered dragon of Lot 2097. Then I tried other things and listened intently when they went splat. One of these days I'll get one to run on all cylinders, maybe.Craig Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07157301156577795781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-36576844585271594612015-07-14T22:41:15.411-04:002015-07-14T22:41:15.411-04:00My head. I don't know where it is. I thought I...My head. I don't know where it is. I thought I responded earlier. Katie what a great story. They are were, as usual. There is so much talent on display here. It's like going to the state fair of writing, which would be pretty awesome for me.<br /><br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-48165151931968708172015-07-14T21:33:52.372-04:002015-07-14T21:33:52.372-04:00Donna: I wouldn't be surprised at all if eithe...Donna: I wouldn't be surprised at all if either you or Amy had the record. But what you say is so true. There are times when I've taken the opportunity of a contest to try a different form, or even a new genre, knowing I'll probably fall flat on my face and certainly won't get so much as a mention. But the opportunity is too good to pass up. :)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-87341568595981277122015-07-14T20:40:33.151-04:002015-07-14T20:40:33.151-04:00Lance, all I can say is, thank goodness Mr. &...Lance, all I can say is, thank goodness Mr. & Mrs. Tingle didn't have triplets. LOL.<br /><br />Like others here, I didn't know there were points taken off for slackerishness. (Try saying that fast 3 times. Okay, not so hard, but after a few drinks it gets harder.) Hmm, I wonder if there are other things we lose points on. I need all the help I can get. <br /><br />I've also had a few "...not quite a story." And then there was one where Janet brought out her French. Oh yeah, she went there. I'm off to bed. LynnRodzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10796099106913990163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-51349579475575641642015-07-14T19:50:11.011-04:002015-07-14T19:50:11.011-04:00Colin,
I love these little contests, and anxiously...Colin,<br />I love these little contests, and anxiously await them, ever since I saw the first one.<br />I'm not at all expecting to win, which perhaps takes some of the pressure off.<br /><br />And any advice I would give, to those who might feel intimidated, would be to first say:<br />"What…? You mean like the way I feel every time I open my big fat fingers on the keyboard around here?"<br />And then maybe just to offer yourself up to the process, and see what develops.<br />I never know what's going to come out (see my previous comment).<br />That's a part of the wonder of it all.<br /><br />There are a few other sites I've submitted to, as well.<br />But I have to say, this is the most fun.<br /><br />Janet, I was unaware that using prompt words as names would count against you…<br />Boy, did I miss the boat THIS time… three out of five deductions for bad form.<br />That's not even a passing grade.<br />Heavy flashbacks, to dreams of exams for which I am woefully unprepared.<br />And other dreams, which we won't go into here… Scott Sloanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05331803044056836688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-9112453871145336702015-07-14T19:44:52.136-04:002015-07-14T19:44:52.136-04:00Note to self, never read Craig's comments whil...Note to self, never read Craig's comments while drinking tea.<br /><br />Actually, I think Amy S (i.e. Atoll Amy) may have beaten what is my perceived "record." Or Michael Seese. Not sure. It is <b>sublime</b> to win, but, speaking truthfully here, it sux like remora on a shark not to land even a tiny flip of the fin next go around. <br /><br />I don't expect that, wouldn't expect it - b/c Her Sharkness is always on the lookout for something different, fresh and new. <br /><br />Aside from all that, I like to try new ways of writing a piece, and I don't get to do that with my other projects. These contests allow me to expand, do something a little different. Which is also ANOTHER reason I do them, - now that I think about it.Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-70872386219037313772015-07-14T19:09:55.783-04:002015-07-14T19:09:55.783-04:00Lance: Poor, poor Dongle Tingle...
(Why am I laug...Lance: Poor, poor Dongle Tingle...<br /><br />(Why am I laughing so hard?)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-84900369548753730052015-07-14T18:08:54.813-04:002015-07-14T18:08:54.813-04:00LynnRodz, thank you. You may be interested to know...LynnRodz, thank you. You may be interested to know that Mrs. Tingle had her son's name all picked out ahead of time. She would call him Dingle Tingle. But when the second son showed up a minute or two later, Mr. Tingle named him Dongle.Lancehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17335923263777449916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-29992262188831958632015-07-14T17:54:16.439-04:002015-07-14T17:54:16.439-04:00SongsSongsCynthiaMchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12175917641033760408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-41245148268309336762015-07-14T17:52:19.048-04:002015-07-14T17:52:19.048-04:00I wasn't going to enter this one either - craz...I wasn't going to enter this one either - crazy schedule plus 2 new scripts to read plus severe anemia out of the blue (like I have time for that). The words were weird and didn't sing to me but once I started looking them up I was hooked. <br /><br />I didn't know the "don't use the words as names" rule (I do now) but when I looked up fangle and found Dillyfangle it tickled me and the image of Miss Dillyfangle popped into my head. What would one do with a dillyfangle? Strangle of course which led to seeing her in the courtroom. And with that much rhymage it had to be a limerick or Dr. Seuss. I went with limerick, had loads of fun, and reminded myself I used to write sings and poetry. <br /><br />So give it a shot, lurkers. You may enjoy it.<br /><br />Congrats, Katie and all the finalists and mentions!CynthiaMchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12175917641033760408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-82510874066203359422015-07-14T17:50:05.476-04:002015-07-14T17:50:05.476-04:00Colin, good point about addressing those reiding a...<br />Colin, good point about addressing those reiding and not yet commenting...vommenting on the contests. I remember thinking..."I don't have enough talent to even think of entering." But I did, and over time my entries got better. I don't regret any entries...well there were a couple....none the less. Please jump in and enter. It is better for everyone. And I guarantee, you will look back later and you will wish you entered earlier. <br /><br />Cheers Hank. french sojournhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14262858704848580714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-62272027870746709492015-07-14T17:16:55.827-04:002015-07-14T17:16:55.827-04:00To quote kd: "Care less, as Wendig says"...To quote kd: "Care less, as Wendig says"--and as people like to say these days (unfortunately), you COULD care less! :)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-25813757360022623872015-07-14T16:51:25.022-04:002015-07-14T16:51:25.022-04:00I love all these selections. Some of them are simp...I love all these selections. Some of them are simply brilliant. Congrats on the win, Katie!<br /><br />I'm always so impressed, and a wee bit intimidated, by all the creative talent over here. I had decided not to enter this one (I mean, c'mon, the words were SO weird) but I was reading through some of the early entries and decided, oh, what the heck. It's fun. Like doing a puzzle or a crossword, trying to make all the pieces fit. Except it's a puzzle with no one correct solution, just many different versions of right. I know before I start that I'm never going to be able to tell an entire story in 100 words -- not for lack of trying, I'm simply a dismal failure at it -- so that takes the pressure off. Colin's right, it's just a fun challenge. Anyone feeling hesitant should give it a try next time. Care less, as Wendig says.<br /><br />And now that I've encouraged participation . . . I might be a bit scarce around here in the coming weeks. Got to get back to seriously attempting to write fiction again, now that I'm past the worst part of recovery from surgery (<i>please</i>, let me be past it). Thought I'd better give you all a heads up so no one feels the need to send the S&R team into the stacks. Unless the team consists of ruggedly handsome manly men, doing manly things-- *fans self* Ahem. I'll leave a trail.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-39823177221594201212015-07-14T16:40:33.631-04:002015-07-14T16:40:33.631-04:00Well done, Katie. The ongle-angle trio lends itsel...Well done, Katie. The ongle-angle trio lends itself so naturally to humor, yet you brought sadness. Congrats, to you and everyone mentioned!Nate Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09690171790664252309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-46371486283039140892015-07-14T16:32:04.048-04:002015-07-14T16:32:04.048-04:00Congrats to all who have entered here. It was a ve...Congrats to all who have entered here. It was a very wide array of brilliant entries<br /><br />Why do I enter these:<br /> <br />1) The high road:<br /> A) As a writer incorporating key or prompt words widens my horizons<br /> B) It is a great distraction from trying to explain why Team Radic are such bad ass terrorists<br /> C) I hope it is also a good distraction for my Queen. All she has to do is say I like that and that and that. She doesn't have to explain where a full went wrong<br /><br />2) The Truth:<br /> A)There is a place in my brain where those key words burrow in. I can not get any rest until I excise them by attempting to make something of them.<br /> B) I am a competitive bastard and will compete at almost anything<br /><br />3) The low road:<br /> Donnaeve has won this two times and I haven't. Every time one comes up I see it as a way to start catching up. I have gotten special recognition a few times but Donnaeve is getting too far ahead.Craig Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07157301156577795781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-35443372234342701462015-07-14T15:31:58.292-04:002015-07-14T15:31:58.292-04:00I like the 100 word contests because they force me...I like the 100 word contests because they force me to cut a story down to the bone. My first draft is usually around the 170 mark. Getting it down to 130 is (now, with practice), relatively painless. But the drop to 110 hurts, and the final push to 100 kills me. I have to weigh every part of the story, and ask "do I need that? Does it really move things forward?"<br /><br />By the time I'm done, I feel like I've achieved a fitness goal. I'm exhausted and pumped up at the same time.<br /><br />I always set the story aside for a few hours before rereading, a final tweak or two, and hitting send.<br /><br />In short, it is excellent practice, and writing these stories as part of a community is just icing on the cake. Feel the love, new people! Join in and show off your stuff. We are hungry for all the stories!<br /><br />(P.S. I disappearing for a few days to the PNG Mask Festival. Don't have too much fine while I'm gone.)<br />Amy Schaeferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17263719891092841767noreply@blogger.com