PandaMask's picture
PandaMask from Los Angeles is reading More Than Human February 22, 2012 - 11:47am

@Utah That's what I thought.

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters February 22, 2012 - 11:48am

"because for a second there we all thought you were talking about sex.  We still do, in fact."

Did you?  Did you think that?  Hm. 

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry February 22, 2012 - 11:49am

Yes.  And now we all know that you did too.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 11:54am

@Matt:  but that could be the great explanation for the kids all walking out of the woods.  Woods is just a metaphor for video game addiction."

 

Yeah- not sure I want to write about this guy. 

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters February 22, 2012 - 11:50am

"Yes.  And now we all know that you did too."

Hmm.

aliensoul77's picture
aliensoul77 from a cold distant star is reading the writing on the wall. February 22, 2012 - 12:05pm

How did you get my picture??? Thats not funny!!! Chewbacca loves me.

Nick Wilczynski's picture
Nick Wilczynski from Greensboro, NC is reading A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin February 22, 2012 - 12:24pm

I have 10 stories in the workshop. (would be 11, but I deleted "The Best Friend" when I decided that getting more reviews on that wasn't going to help anyone, but mostly because of the shame)

It's about a 50/50 split on killing people. I mean, it just gives the story such closure  It's the ultimate satisfying ending. No sequel, let's all just get used to the fact that every human being in history has in fact died.

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry February 22, 2012 - 12:27pm

I haven't.  And I used to exist.

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry February 22, 2012 - 12:28pm

That was cheap.  I was wrong to post it.  But I won't change it.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 12:32pm

I really think the reason I see so much violence in our stories, or fiction in general (not-to-mention TV, the news, video games, music, movies) is that we seem to have been disconnected from death. I mean we see it when someone close dies, or other ways. But it isnt the same.  Growing up I bottle our calves (before school every morning), weaned them, raised them, and then when it was time, had to kill them and butcher them. It hurt like hell, but I knew where my food was from and had a different view on life and death. I guess I have always thought since we're disconnected from that now, we tend to go for violence in other places so we can compensate. Through-out human history we saw it and it was a natural part of life on this planet. Over the last two or three we havnt. 

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 12:36pm

Thats my theory, anyone else have an explanation for Utah's blood lust?

Laramore Black's picture
Laramore Black from Joplin, Missouri is reading Mario Kart 8 February 22, 2012 - 12:37pm

It's just the state of Utah, gun crazy.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 12:39pm

Good theory, but he is from Texas, which makes my argument even weaker. 

PandaMask's picture
PandaMask from Los Angeles is reading More Than Human February 22, 2012 - 12:41pm

I think it's just an abundance of violence portrayed in TV/music/movies and all other forms of media that gets us used to it. But not in the actual sense as what you went through Matt. You saw death first hand and seeing that is way different. FIrst hand experience is more real, obviously.

All the other forms numb us to the fact.

There was a study done that if you were exposed to too many violent images you would then become less prone to act in dangerous situations.

Kind of like Clockwork Orange, but in a less extreme way.

That's one of the main reasons why when I write something I try to avoid violence as much as possible.

I've experienced and seen violent acts in Honduras. People getting mugged, killed, beat up, etc.

I don't have an explanation for Utah though.

 

Laramore Black's picture
Laramore Black from Joplin, Missouri is reading Mario Kart 8 February 22, 2012 - 12:42pm

The ultra-violence is something easy to write.

What I try to do with most of my writing is take very taboo things and horrible people, and make people feel empathy for them. Or cast a lovely light on something very hated.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 12:46pm

@Panda, I think you may be on to something sir. One gives meaning, one numbs.....almost as though the other form is a shadow of the real thing. 

@Kitts. Yeah Anti-heroes are fun. Dexter is a prime example. 

PandaMask's picture
PandaMask from Los Angeles is reading More Than Human February 22, 2012 - 12:53pm

It is, that's what's weird.

You can watch a violent movie.

Leave the theatre.

Then someone get's into a car crash right in front of you.

There's broken glass everywhere, the car resembles a smashed tin can, and the driver's head is slumped on the steering wheel.

Which has more impact?

The hour and a half gore fest or the scene that happened in front of you.

Then you have to ask whether you would act out and help or call 911 or would you just wait for someone to do it?

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 1:01pm

Yeah I get what you're saying. I remember helping butcher my first steer. I was a kid, and...I am not ashamed to admit, I cried. But he fed us through winter and spring. I just think that sort of disconnection is why we have that stuff and would also explain why I don't really care for horror movies and such. 

PandaMask's picture
PandaMask from Los Angeles is reading More Than Human February 22, 2012 - 1:09pm

Yeah my friend and I are the same way.

I like watching horror movies, not because they scare me, but I find some enjoyment out of them.

Nick Wilczynski's picture
Nick Wilczynski from Greensboro, NC is reading A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin February 22, 2012 - 1:12pm

@Laurance: I used to be so into redemption stories that I once wrote a story about Germany winning the first world war (alternate history obviously, depression still happens, WW2 is about to happen in the story but De Gaulle is going all fascist on the French and the story is full of those types of reversals) just so that I could write a redemption story for Hitler.

In the end he rescues these jews out of a Synagogue in Dijon as the French march in, he isn't happy about it, but the whole story is about him dealing with his anti-semitism and trying to develop a concious.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 1:45pm

I think this whole interaction gave me a bead on my story. Back in action! 

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters February 22, 2012 - 1:49pm

Matt - mine is going to be amazing. 

Hint: 100 children come out of the woods.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 1:52pm

Matt - mine is going to be amazing. Hint: 100 children come out of the woods."

 

O really? Wasn't that just the prompt? Sounds like you're really cookin there. Hahaha

Here, I'll start it for you. 

A long time ago, a princess named Avery found one-hundred kids in the woods. They were sad. She had a pony and she helped rescue them with her troll friends. They were happy. 

The end. 

Nick Wilczynski's picture
Nick Wilczynski from Greensboro, NC is reading A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin February 22, 2012 - 1:54pm

Are you implying that Avery is Princess of the Trolls?

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 1:55pm

I suppose I am. Though despot would be more accurate. Back to your hovel troll! 

PandaMask's picture
PandaMask from Los Angeles is reading More Than Human February 22, 2012 - 1:55pm

Hahaha Troll Princess.

Laramore Black's picture
Laramore Black from Joplin, Missouri is reading Mario Kart 8 February 22, 2012 - 1:57pm

@Nick
That actually sounds really interesting. I used that tactic in this story against Richard you guys will see tomorrow. Hopefully it suits everyones fancy.

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters February 22, 2012 - 1:59pm

...

Laramore Black's picture
Laramore Black from Joplin, Missouri is reading Mario Kart 8 February 22, 2012 - 2:00pm

On the brightside Jessica, you can start charging tolls.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 2:01pm

Oh c'mon, crying is blackmail and you damn well know it! LOL You're not the troll, you simply lord over them with an iron fist. 

PandaMask's picture
PandaMask from Los Angeles is reading More Than Human February 22, 2012 - 2:03pm

Pay the toll troll.

Nick Wilczynski's picture
Nick Wilczynski from Greensboro, NC is reading A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin February 22, 2012 - 2:05pm

if you want in to this boys hole.

No, soul. Dammit. Soul.

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters February 22, 2012 - 2:06pm

...

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 2:11pm

Hahaha- OH C'MON! These are worse than the Sarah Mclaughlin commercials! 

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters February 22, 2012 - 2:13pm

...

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 2:14pm

DAMN YOU WOMAN! hahaha

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters February 22, 2012 - 2:16pm

.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 2:17pm

Alright, you forced my hand. 

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters February 22, 2012 - 2:19pm

Pushed too far, eh?  Fine - no choice now:

Laramore Black's picture
Laramore Black from Joplin, Missouri is reading Mario Kart 8 February 22, 2012 - 2:21pm

This is now a Neal Patrick Harris thread.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 2:21pm

Alright, Ill see your awesomeness and raise you this. 

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters February 22, 2012 - 2:23pm

Did someone say NPH thread???

DOUBLE RAINBOW!

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters February 22, 2012 - 2:23pm

I win the internet.

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 2:27pm

HAHAHAHA, Bravo. This ain't over, but you win this round. OMFG!

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters February 22, 2012 - 2:29pm

NPH + double rainbow is the best ever.

And by the way - I have had that picture saved for MONTHS waiting to use it.

Lame?  Or did I just anticipate an awesome oportunity? 

Matt Attack's picture
Matt Attack from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner February 22, 2012 - 2:33pm

You just lost the interwebs. I'm sorry. That is pretty epic though. Haha

Richard's picture
Richard from St. Louis is reading various anthologies February 22, 2012 - 3:19pm

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry February 22, 2012 - 3:35pm

...meet a giant fish...

Jose F. Diaz's picture
Jose F. Diaz from Boston is reading Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel February 22, 2012 - 3:43pm

Jose F. Diaz's picture
Jose F. Diaz from Boston is reading Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel February 22, 2012 - 3:44pm

Post # 1000