Sound's picture
Sound from Azusa, CA is reading Greener Pastures by Michael Wehunt April 4, 2013 - 8:34pm

I have a vague idea for that prompt. So, one week, then anonymous polls?

Courtney's picture
Courtney from the Midwest is reading Monkey: A Journey to the West and a thousand college textbooks April 4, 2013 - 8:35pm

Also, Sound, what are the details? 2,500 word limit, turned in on the 11th?
 

I get to see Donald Ray Pollock on the 11th! I just remembered that and I'm super excited!!

Sound's picture
Sound from Azusa, CA is reading Greener Pastures by Michael Wehunt April 4, 2013 - 8:38pm

Yup that sounds good to me. I have no idea who that is, but have fun! 

Jonathan Riley's picture
Jonathan Riley from Memphis, Tennessee is reading Flashover by Gordon Highland April 4, 2013 - 8:39pm

Top of my head.

I usually just post the two words that rhyme in my head as fast as they come. Or close to rhyme. Unless it's a four minute video about a "sleepy fuck" "crazy ass" honey badger.

Either way, good luck to you both. Excited to read it. It doesn't have to be an outdoor story, and the words themselves don't have to show up. Just make us believe that "Splints and Tents" inspired it.

Oh also. Both of you should read mine and Frank's Thunderdome battle and vote asap before you get too busy writing yours.

R.Moon's picture
R.Moon from The City of Champions is reading The Last Thing He Wanted by Joan Didion; Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schimdt PH.D; Creating Characters by the editors of Writer's Digest April 4, 2013 - 8:43pm

'Sleepy fuck...' That was my favorite part of that video.

Sound's picture
Sound from Azusa, CA is reading Greener Pastures by Michael Wehunt April 4, 2013 - 8:50pm

I definitely plan on reading your stories, Jonathan. 

R.Moon's picture
R.Moon from The City of Champions is reading The Last Thing He Wanted by Joan Didion; Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schimdt PH.D; Creating Characters by the editors of Writer's Digest April 4, 2013 - 9:19pm

I am exceptionally pleased with my story. Sometimes great stories come from the weirdest places, or prompts. It's so far removed from the prompt, though. But, still incorporates Bonsai trees. 

Michael.Eric.Snyder's picture
Michael.Eric.Snyder April 4, 2013 - 9:29pm

Courtney, I'm very jealous! I'll have to check his website and see when he might be in my area. He actually doesn't live far from me at all and got his MFA from Ohio State, which is about 5 miles from where I live. 

So yeah, that makes me kind of one of his stalkers, seeing as how I'm building up his bio as coincidentally having everything to do with me. :)

Yeah, one of my favorite writers... just checked. And yeah, he's going to be in Chillicothe in July. Maybe an hour or so drive. Going to mark that on my calendar!

Frank Chapel's picture
Frank Chapel from California is reading Thomas Ligotti's works April 4, 2013 - 11:31pm

Can't wait to read the Photon v. Moon battle. :)

Strange Photon's picture
Strange Photon from Fort Wayne, IN is reading Laurie Anderson lyrics April 5, 2013 - 5:19am

Moon will paint the skies with my blood, I fear.

Headache is FINALLY gone, and I have the whole day to myself, so awriting I will go!

See you all in hell when I'm done...

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters April 5, 2013 - 6:24am

My story is due Monday and I still haven't started or gotten an idea. 

Instead of blaming myself for procrastinating, I'm going to blame my prompt.  Dumb prompt.

Sound's picture
Sound from Azusa, CA is reading Greener Pastures by Michael Wehunt April 5, 2013 - 8:12am

Your prompt was amazing.

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters April 5, 2013 - 8:35am

OH YEAH?!  Then why haven't I tried to write a story yet, mister?  Answer me that one!

Strange Photon's picture
Strange Photon from Fort Wayne, IN is reading Laurie Anderson lyrics April 5, 2013 - 8:37am

Don't do it, Sound, it's a trap!

R.Moon's picture
R.Moon from The City of Champions is reading The Last Thing He Wanted by Joan Didion; Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schimdt PH.D; Creating Characters by the editors of Writer's Digest April 5, 2013 - 8:44am

OH YEAH?!  Then why haven't I tried to write a story yet, mister?  Answer me that one!

- Too busy listening to Wu-Tang with Sean?

Dwayne's picture
Dwayne from Cincinnati, Ohio (suburbs) is reading books that rotate to often to keep this updated April 5, 2013 - 9:21am

averydoll

OH YEAH?!  Then why haven't I tried to write a story yet, mister?  Answer me that one!

A mixture of laziness, natural hesitation of anyone to create when unsure an outcome to be judged by peers, family/friends/personal life taking up time/energy, sleep (some overlap with laziness) taking up time, and work taking up time/energy would be my guess.

Sound's picture
Sound from Azusa, CA is reading Greener Pastures by Michael Wehunt April 5, 2013 - 9:36am

Well, because you haven't given yourself to the prompt, obviously. I have every ounce of faith that you will have an amazing story by Monday that will destroy Utah and make him weep for mercy.

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters April 5, 2013 - 10:13am

I feel a pretty great sense of panic sinking into my lungs. 

 

 

R.Moon's picture
R.Moon from The City of Champions is reading The Last Thing He Wanted by Joan Didion; Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schimdt PH.D; Creating Characters by the editors of Writer's Digest April 5, 2013 - 10:29am

^ That's a great sentence. 

Bill Tucker's picture
Bill Tucker from Austin, Texas is reading Grimm's Fairy Tales (1st Edition) April 5, 2013 - 10:47am

So, it looks like Otis doesn't come into this thread and I feel weird poking him with a message saying, "hey, I just publicly challenged you to a writing contest you may or may not have time for."  Anybody else up for a scrap?

OtisTheBulldog's picture
OtisTheBulldog from Somerville, MA is reading The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz April 5, 2013 - 12:29pm

The Defender made me aware of the challenge, Bill. Unfortunately, I don't have the time right now - editing class with Richard Thomas, another class, life, etc. Hopefully in a couple of weeks I should have some time and we can have at it. Cool?

Jonathan Riley's picture
Jonathan Riley from Memphis, Tennessee is reading Flashover by Gordon Highland April 5, 2013 - 1:14pm

When does the Sound vs. Renfeild matchup go up?

Sound's picture
Sound from Azusa, CA is reading Greener Pastures by Michael Wehunt April 5, 2013 - 1:30pm

It looks like it'll go up tomorrow morning. I'm excited to see what the response is to my story. I decided to go with the second idea.

Jonathan Riley's picture
Jonathan Riley from Memphis, Tennessee is reading Flashover by Gordon Highland April 5, 2013 - 1:39pm

Did you write two stories in one week. Oh wait, you guys decided on two weeks didn't you. Either way, that's alot of writing. Can't wait to read it.

R.Moon's picture
R.Moon from The City of Champions is reading The Last Thing He Wanted by Joan Didion; Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schimdt PH.D; Creating Characters by the editors of Writer's Digest April 5, 2013 - 1:41pm

Photon, you gonna be ready tonight?

Bill Tucker's picture
Bill Tucker from Austin, Texas is reading Grimm's Fairy Tales (1st Edition) April 5, 2013 - 4:20pm

Sounds great, Otis! Looking forward to it!

Bill Tucker's picture
Bill Tucker from Austin, Texas is reading Grimm's Fairy Tales (1st Edition) April 5, 2013 - 4:20pm

Sounds great, Otis! Looking forward to it!

Matt's picture
Matt from New Zealand is reading This is how you lose her by Junot Diaz April 6, 2013 - 11:07am

Hey litreactors. I'd like a battle, beyond thunderdome. I'd like to do it 2500 words, 1 draft, 1 week, in the public arena if possible. Challenge me if you're keen.

EDIT: Actually, now I think about it, this week is terrible for me. I'll never get a story done. I'll be back next week if anyone wants a battle.

Utah's picture
Moderator
Utah from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry April 7, 2013 - 12:11pm

I got nothing.  I concede.  Sorry everybody.

AVERYDOLL WINS!

R.Moon's picture
R.Moon from The City of Champions is reading The Last Thing He Wanted by Joan Didion; Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schimdt PH.D; Creating Characters by the editors of Writer's Digest April 7, 2013 - 12:16pm

I got nothing.  I concede.  Sorry everybody.

AVERYDOLL WINS!

- Wh... Wh... What!!! Don't give up man! When is your poll supposed to be posted? So what if you don't win. At least you'll have a story written and really, that's what this is all about.
 

Strange Photon's picture
Strange Photon from Fort Wayne, IN is reading Laurie Anderson lyrics April 7, 2013 - 3:05pm

Concession is for cracker jacks, 8 dollar SOLO cups of beer, and shriveled hot dogs. You're not a weiner, are you?

avery of the dead's picture
avery of the dead from Kentucky is reading Cipher Sisters April 8, 2013 - 6:23am

Well, I didn't have much if a story anyway, so we'll call it a draw. 

 

Sound's picture
Sound from Azusa, CA is reading Greener Pastures by Michael Wehunt April 9, 2013 - 10:38am

@Courtney: I'm excited for our battle. I just got my idea last night and I intend on banging out a first draft tonight. I think my biggest obstacle will be length. How's it going with your story?

Courtney's picture
Courtney from the Midwest is reading Monkey: A Journey to the West and a thousand college textbooks April 9, 2013 - 11:08am

Well, I didn't sleep this morning (woke up at three a.m.) so I knocked it out then. I sort of did a write-and-edit simultaneous type thing, so I'm at least a little happy with what I've got! I'm giving it another pass later and a final check tomorrow. Stories are due Thursday, correct?

How do you want to handle the poll -- do you want to post it or should I?

Sound's picture
Sound from Azusa, CA is reading Greener Pastures by Michael Wehunt April 9, 2013 - 12:21pm

I can send it to you if you like. Just send me your email address. And yes, Thursday night. For some reason I thought it was Friday, so I'm a little panicky that I won't get a clean draft in time, but whatever.

Courtney's picture
Courtney from the Midwest is reading Monkey: A Journey to the West and a thousand college textbooks April 9, 2013 - 5:46pm

Hey, no worries! We'll extend it to Friday because of the confusion. My email's courtneyduff11@gmail.com, but you can send it to parablepress@gmail.com and I'll get it either way.

Strange Photon's picture
Strange Photon from Fort Wayne, IN is reading Laurie Anderson lyrics April 11, 2013 - 6:54am

Finally, I have Courtney's contact info. All my desperate and lurid love letters emails will stop going to Courtney Love and Courtney Cox, and at last make their way to the right Courtney!

Seriously, though... My battle with Moon is ending soon, and because I am a total masochist and like having my ass handed to me like a punk, I'd be interested in battling someone else just as soon as voting closes on my latest debacle.

I find more motivation to write when there is an opponent and a predetermined subject. When I say more motivation, I should amend that to some motivation at all - I am lazy and slothlike without the cuteness - so someone please challenge me this weekend. Someone else, please give us a prompt that will make me write like a god, instead of a blind illiterate mortal.

Renfield's picture
Renfield from Hell is reading 20th Century Ghosts April 11, 2013 - 7:47am

That makes me think of that 90s band Blind Idiot God. Should I challenge you then Mr. Strange?

Strange Photon's picture
Strange Photon from Fort Wayne, IN is reading Laurie Anderson lyrics April 11, 2013 - 7:54am

Seeing as I am as amoral as anyone, I could never exercise such hubris as to think I could tell anyone what they SHOULD do. However, I could say that you could challenge me, but should I?  ;)

When is your battle with Sound over?

And, Blind Idiot God... never heard of them. Their name sounds a bit theologically redundant to me, but what do I know. I'm a bit of a militant athiest these days.

Sound's picture
Sound from Azusa, CA is reading Greener Pastures by Michael Wehunt April 11, 2013 - 8:02am

Wait, are you two battling?

Sound's picture
Sound from Azusa, CA is reading Greener Pastures by Michael Wehunt April 11, 2013 - 8:07am

By the way SP, I'm looking forward to the reveal of your match. I think I have an idea of who wrote what, but I've found you never know.

Strange Photon's picture
Strange Photon from Fort Wayne, IN is reading Laurie Anderson lyrics April 11, 2013 - 8:16am

See, that's where YOU'RE wrong. I do know, Sound. I know damn well who wrote what in my match! So there, pppbbbbbtttt...

But, yeah, Renfield was the first one to semi-ambiguously challenge me, so I guess this means we're engaged to be engaged. As I said above, we should probably wait to send out wedding invitations till both of our present marriages battles are over.

Renfield's picture
Renfield from Hell is reading 20th Century Ghosts April 11, 2013 - 8:32am

I think both matches end tomorrow, don't they? Blind Idiot God = noodly instru-metal, artsy freakin fartsy.

Sound's picture
Sound from Azusa, CA is reading Greener Pastures by Michael Wehunt April 11, 2013 - 8:32am

I think so.

Strange Photon's picture
Strange Photon from Fort Wayne, IN is reading Laurie Anderson lyrics April 11, 2013 - 8:53am

Wow, that BIG song really makes me think of what it would sound like if Metallica and Yes had a love child.

Sound's picture
Sound from Azusa, CA is reading Greener Pastures by Michael Wehunt April 11, 2013 - 11:15am

I'm getting itchy for another battle, and I haven't even finished the story for my match with Courtney! I find it's a good way to quickly build a stockpile of first drafts to eventually send off. So beware, Strange Photon, if Renfield doens't challenge you, maybe I will.

Strange Photon's picture
Strange Photon from Fort Wayne, IN is reading Laurie Anderson lyrics April 11, 2013 - 12:02pm

I am with you on the sentiment that these battles are a great way to stir productivity into frothy goodness. Even if Renfield solidifies his claim on my soul for the next battle, there's always the battle after that, Ponyboy.

Renfield's picture
Renfield from Hell is reading 20th Century Ghosts April 11, 2013 - 12:23pm

We'll make it official then, I challenge this Strange Photon fella to a battle of extreme morbidity. Or morbid extremity, even. If we're forecasting battles I think Courtney and I deserve a post-War rematch too.

Strange Photon's picture
Strange Photon from Fort Wayne, IN is reading Laurie Anderson lyrics April 11, 2013 - 12:28pm

I don't know a damned thing about all those silly little MAGIC card game dealies, but I do know an exorbitant amount about morbidity.

So, it's on... officially.  ;)

Sound's picture
Sound from Azusa, CA is reading Greener Pastures by Michael Wehunt April 11, 2013 - 12:45pm

Prompt: