Short Story Contest #8 - Knife-edge [Lack of activity]

[Apheraz Lucent]

Wait, the contest has already began?

 

[RiotZ]

Wait, the contest has already began?

We're nearly a month in, but don't worry, we still have a month to go lol, I haven't even started writing yet.

I don't have a story.

 

[GunSlinger]

Sad face.

Why the long face buddy?

 

[RiotZ]

Why the long face buddy?

I'm not yo buddy friend.

On a serious note, I am too lazy to think of anything. This is going to be difficult...

 

[Apheraz Lucent]

As far as I was able to get this through, we need to get a realistic story that can actually happen to someone, along with the theme. And that's it?

 

[RiotZ]

As far as I was able to get this through, we need to get a realistic story that can actually happen to someone, along with the theme. And that's it?

Eh, my story so far is based on a Stasi officer who tries to defect; is hunted down by the Stasi's elite, and takes his own life to save his family.

 

[Apheraz Lucent]

I'm going with a girl, who's life becomes a rush in a moment, when she discovers that she has only a day of life left.

 

[Apheraz Lucent]

BOO!
My first WIP.

Apheraz's First WIP - Delusions

- Are you insane?! You knew that she could die! What kind of protective sister are you if you keep on trying to kill her?!
- Mother, I wasn't... I haven't knew that...
- You haven't knew that such behavior will cut out both of your heads, right? - Faye screamed out in Natalia's face.
- Would you take a deep breath for me? Maybe stop yelling at my face for no reasons? You know that I would give my life for her, and that I am never a type of person who tries to kill her own sister. - she said silently, yet, the words were as sharp as a butcher's knife. Faye took a deep breath.
- Okay. Maybe I overreacted, but I still think that she is not old enough for such... monstrosities.
- They are not monsters! They are just people with... with... issues. - Faye laughed at Natalia's attempt to hide her expressions towards her working place.
- Oh, and they just love to cut the heads of the cute little bunnies, don't they?
- It's not like I am going to... Wait a minute, how you know about that? - Natalia raised her left eyebrow. - Have you been searching through my computer?! - she yelled. Faye smiled.
- It's in today's newspapers. There are also stories that they have been exposed to some sort of nuclear testing. A word or two from you about that would be nice. I care about you, you know? - Faye's smile faded away, to be replaced with concern and worries.
- I... I'm not allowed to share secrets on what we do in there. But just to keep you off my head, it's true that they are killing people in there. Criminals and mafia members, mostly. - Natalia said the last sentence really fast, as an answer to Faye's shock. - But it's not like we are doing something bad. We are just cleaning the world from... bad people.
- I never thought that a Cereal Production company would hide nuclear secrets. And we eat that shit every day. - Faye frowned. - But how do they do it? Radiation exposing?
- Hunters inject it directly in a prisoner's veins. Death comes after 24 hours, or sooner, if the victim is younger. Best death you could imagine - fast and painless. But there is a prize we have to pay. Exposure to radiation ourselves - Natalia said to Faye's questioning face. - If we get in contact with the prisoners, we can get a portion of radiation injected in our own blood. Any portion of it results in death. It multiplies itself - she explained.
- Any contact? Oh dear. Well, I do hope that you learned your lessons, young girl! Your sister could had some of that for herself, by accident! - Natalia smiled at Faye's motherly protection.
- Don't worry mother. I kept an eye on her during all day. Only when I had to go to take the reports, she was alone with Irene, my assistant. Now, what's for dinner? - she followed her mother towards the kitchen.
A young girl, not older than fifteen years, ran up the stairs and silently closed the door of her room. She slowly raised her left arm towards the sunlight. A deep cut was clearly visible.

 

[RiotZ]

BOO!
My first WIP.

Apheraz's First WIP - Delusions

- Are you insane?! You knew that she could die! What kind of protective sister are you if you keep on trying to kill her?!
- Mother, I wasn't... I haven't knew that...
- You haven't knew that such behavior will cut out both of your heads, right? - Faye screamed out in Natalia's face.
- Would you take a deep breath for me? Maybe stop yelling at my face for no reasons? You know that I would give my life for her, and that I am never a type of person who tries to kill her own sister. - she said silently, yet, the words were as sharp as a butcher's knife. Faye took a deep breath.
- Okay. Maybe I overreacted, but I still think that she is not old enough for such... monstrosities.
- They are not monsters! They are just people with... with... issues. - Faye laughed at Natalia's attempt to hide her expressions towards her working place.
- Oh, and they just love to cut the heads of the cute little bunnies, don't they?
- It's not like I am going to... Wait a minute, how you know about that? - Natalia raised her left eyebrow. - Have you been searching through my computer?! - she yelled. Faye smiled.
- It's in today's newspapers. There are also stories that they have been exposed to some sort of nuclear testing. A word or two from you about that would be nice. I care about you, you know? - Faye's smile faded away, to be replaced with concern and worries.
- I... I'm not allowed to share secrets on what we do in there. But just to keep you off my head, it's true that they are killing people in there. Criminals and mafia members, mostly. - Natalia said the last sentence really fast, as an answer to Faye's shock. - But it's not like we are doing something bad. We are just cleaning the world from... bad people.
- I never thought that a Cereal Production company would hide nuclear secrets. And we eat that shit every day. - Faye frowned. - But how do they do it? Radiation exposing?
- Hunters inject it directly in a prisoner's veins. Death comes after 24 hours, or sooner, if the victim is younger. Best death you could imagine - fast and painless. But there is a prize we have to pay. Exposure to radiation ourselves - Natalia said to Faye's questioning face. - If we get in contact with the prisoners, we can get a portion of radiation injected in our own blood. Any portion of it results in death. It multiplies itself - she explained.
- Any contact? Oh dear. Well, I do hope that you learned your lessons, young girl! Your sister could had some of that for herself, by accident! - Natalia smiled at Faye's motherly protection.
- Don't worry mother. I kept an eye on her during all day. Only when I had to go to take the reports, she was alone with Irene, my assistant. Now, what's for dinner? - she followed her mother towards the kitchen.
A young girl, not older than fifteen years, ran up the stairs and silently closed the door of her room. She slowly raised her left arm towards the sunlight. A deep cut was clearly visible.

Stop screaming in my face for no reason*

Mother, I wasn't, I didn't know that*

Good WiP.

On a different note I don't know if I'm going to do this one, I'm, obligated to many other, well obligations, and don't have much solid story or inspiration. Maybe I'll work up a WiP later.

 

[Dynamiczx]

Stop screaming in my face for no reason*

Mother, I wasn't, I didn't know that*

Good WiP.

On a different note I don't know if I'm going to do this one, I'm, obligated to many other, well obligations, and don't have much solid story or inspiration. Maybe I'll work up a WiP later.

Me too, i doubt i will ever have time to make this, not only that i lack inspiration but i also don't have time to make it

I kinda feel ashamed now because i should have thought better about this before signing :|

 

[Apheraz Lucent]

This contest won't have enough entries and it will close. Where's motivation and inspiration when it's needed?

 

[RiotZ]

Me too, i doubt i will ever have time to make this, not only that i lack inspiration but i also don't have time to make it

I kinda feel ashamed now because i should have thought better about this before signing :|

Meh, shit happens. :S

@Apheraz: Maybe just for you. I may have some spare time over of holidays.

 

[Traxamillion]

I will have an entry, I'm just in the middle of finals atm.

 

[Avator]

I think Apheraz is right. IMO the contest started to suddenly, the theme isn't much good (to write stories for, which is what this is all about) and it can both be found in the fact that we're at about 2/3rd of the contest time and we have an awful lack of entrants/WiPs. We should really discuss the theme of the next contest better before starting it. No offense, TWIF.

 

[RiotZ]

I think Apheraz is right. IMO the contest started to suddenly, the theme isn't much good (to write stories for, which is what this is all about) and it can both be found in the fact that we're at about 2/3rd of the contest time and we have an awful lack of entrants/WiPs. We should really discuss the theme of the next contest better before starting it. No offense, TWIF.

Yeah, I was going to say something, but I made myself look like an ass in the last contest for saying the theme was stupid...

We should have broad themes like, Horror, Mystery and Suspense... When you make a theme this complex it limits the distance you can go with your story.

 

[Dynamiczx]

Yeah, I was going to say something, but I made myself look like an ass in the last contest for saying the theme was stupid...

We should have broad themes like, Horror, Mystery and Suspense... When you make a theme this complex it limits the distance you can go with your story.

It's true...this contest was also one hard to understand in my opinion...I sign up thinking i understood the theme and i planned an idea only to see that my idea had nothing to do with the actual theme
And yes, i totally support those broad themes...they are the best in my opinion

 

[RiotZ]

It's true...this contest was also one hard to understand in my opinion...I sign up thinking i understood the theme and i planned an idea only to see that my idea had nothing to do with the actual theme
And yes, i totally support those broad themes...they are the best in my opinion

Open theme would be a nice change-up also.

 

[Avator]

That might be a bit too much. A broader theme would be good, but an open theme is just as extreme as this one. No way to compare the stories if there are no theme restrictions.

 

[RiotZ]

That might be a bit too much. A broader theme would be good, but an open theme is just as extreme as this one. No way to compare the stories if there are no theme restrictions.

True...

 

[The World Is Flat]

In my defense, I didn't post it as the contest, but a well presented option. then people said, "lets do it!"

I'll still probably have an entry.

 

[Dynamiczx]

In my defense, I didn't post it as the contest, but a well presented option. then people said, "lets do it!"

I'll still probably have an entry.

This is true, no one had an objection about the theme before the contest was launched

 

[Pharaoh_]

I think the theme is a bit too sophisticated and the people stumbled upon the style of the story, rather than the story itself. But yeah, eventually, they did show interest in it.

 

[RiotZ]

I think the theme is a bit too sophisticated and the people stumbled upon the style of the story, rather than the story itself. But yeah, eventually, they did show interest in it.

Sophistication is (of a person or their thoughts, reactions, and understanding) Aware of and able to interpret complex issues; subtle.

This implies we are unintelligent. I think the theme limits the story in every way, you don't write Literary Fiction on purpose, it happens by accident. It's something you have to stumble upon. This theme contradicts itself in every way, and I have no idea what to write, my current idea seems to suspenseful...

I don't think you could write something like this with a good amount of premeditation. At least I couldn't.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stranger_(novel)

ಠ_ಠ

 

[Apheraz Lucent]

Well, since we started this, let me draw you away my side of the story:

Knife-Edge theme is good. It's quite interesting, refreshing and unique.
However, Realistic Literary Fiction is killing it completely.
Now, not everyone is capable of injecting a dose of tension in the story.
More than half of the ones that are capable, can't because of the realism request.

But I guess everything's alright. This is hard, but you can't learn on easy things.

 

[RiotZ]

Well, since we started this, let me draw you away my side of the story:

Knife-Edge theme is good. It's quite interesting, refreshing and unique.
However, Realistic Literary Fiction is killing it completely.
Now, not everyone is capable of injecting a dose of tension in the story.
More than half of the ones that are capable, can't because of the realism request.

But I guess everything's alright. This is hard, but you can't learn on easy things.

Well, I had to reformat my computer recently, so it really pains me to say this but I'm out guys. I'll have all my required tools reinstalled for the next SSC contest though.

Good luck to all contestants, I'll be watching you!

 

[Apheraz Lucent]

I hope that under "Tools" you mean "Notepad".

 

[RiotZ]

I hope that under "Tools" you mean "Notepad".

You can't use notepad. D:

I need my Microsoft suite...

My withdrawal is due to numerous factors, not just my lack of proper tools. I hope this contest doesn't get cancelled though...

 

[The World Is Flat]

1.

Think about it before you agree to host it as the contest then. most of you said lets do it.

2.

Pharaoh_, they said they liked it almost instantly, most of the initial responses were : yes!

3.

So let me get this, you complain about how loose the theme is but then complain again when the theme restricts you?

I. Don't. Understand.

Look, you voted in the theme, I didn't say it was perfect, it was your choice.

I assume if we don't get enough entries we will extend and then if not then, we will cancel.

 

[Avator]

Whoa. Nobody is trying to offend you TWIF, so there's no need to defend yourself either. For as far as I understood, some people (myself included) just think this is a complicated theme. The opinions of what should be done differently next time are similar, but not all the same (obviously). I didn't read the thread where people agree that this is a good theme, so I just believe you and think those people should consider reevaluating their criteria for a good theme with the next selection thread. So no harm to anyone, just ideas for the next time.

 

[Apheraz Lucent]

And we will keep making same mistakes, for entire life.

We're not attacking you. The theme is quite hard, and it limits amount of entries.
But I like it that way.

 

[The World Is Flat]

I'm sorry I responded. I was just pointing out, you did agree to this.

And don't you like a challenge?

 

[GunSlinger]

Its freakin' hard!

Anyways, two weeks left before the deadline, unless we have an extension.
Good luck to you all!

 

[Ignitedstar]

You guys chose a horrible time to have this contest.

Many universities had finals last week. This week, many schools and public colleges have finals.

We have priorities, you know...

 

[Apheraz Lucent]

We all have life. Well, I'm not gonna lie - most of us.
And by that, the ones who really want to participate in here will find time.

Like me.

 

[Ignitedstar]

And by that, the ones who really want to participate in here will find time.

There's no need to point out something so obvious. Any dedicated person can go to school full time and still work 40 hours a week.

 

[The World Is Flat]

Which I was doing for the last contest and managed to take second place with a terrible half-assed story.

I'm not going to compete though, I'm going to judge.

 

[Edhel-dur]

TWIF - Considering the theme is harder, if you are more familiar with this genre, maybe you can find some texts/stories so the contestants can read them and feel inspired by them. Maybe you know some movies which do it right?
Though they have to be posted on the internet or at least in digital format, and not "go buy this book, great book".

Should rise the quality and people could get a starting point.
Of course when someone doesn't want to do something, he simply won't do it no matter what. But at least give it a shot.

 

[Apheraz Lucent]

There is a cartoon I think that can fit this theme: The Little Match Girl.

Note that current theme works with more emotions, larger span of attention drawing and more tangled stories.

 

[The World Is Flat]

Read some Proust, Voltaire?

Johnathan Franzen if that is your cup of tea?

 

[Edhel-dur]

Read some Proust, Voltaire?

Johnathan Franzen if that is your cup of tea?

I'm not participating on this one. Never said I would. Didn't involve myself in choosing the theme either.
I'm just thinking you can post some direct links to some work as reference for the other contestants who seem to have a problem finding inspiration. You could edit the first post, write something at the end like "Reference Links" or something.

 

[The World Is Flat]

I really think that any Literature will do. People who fancy themselves writers need only a Google search to find materials. They should know what too look for.

My post was not directed at you for another thing, it was unidirectional.

 

[GunSlinger]

Contest is done...
No entries?
Soooo?

 

[Apheraz Lucent]

Wait. What? Damn.

We need a longer extension or a new contest with easier theme.
I vote for extension.

 

[Avator]

If it's going to be an extension, there need to be entries in the making. If there are none being processed, there's no reason to have an extension. So could whoever is still writing please post so?

 

[Apheraz Lucent]

I finished, like, half the story. I think I won't allow it that easily that my effort falls in water.

 

[Grey Nightmare]

I'd strongly suggest picking a less specific category. I've never even heard of such terminology used to widely describe a genre before this contest and I read and write regularly enough. :/

 

[Apheraz Lucent]

If this is not getting an extension, we can try with this one: http://www.hiveworkshop.com/forums/...y-contest-1-confrontation-209051/#post2071093

 

[Avator]

It's a nice theme, but why is it #1 if this is #8? You get 0/20 points for pacing LOL

Also, it's going to be hard for me to participate during that period of time. Holiday ends on jan 2 and the next starts in april. Barely any time for me left in between to write anything I'm afraid.

 

[Traxamillion]

I think it's fair to say that with the holiday seasons a lot of us just simply did not have the time to create a well though out entry. Unless there are many people who are "Almost Done," we should go ahead and scrap the competition.

 

[Brambleclaw]

Only just heard about it xD i agree with traxamillion. Or we could just postpone the competitioni to a more suited time frame where there will be more people online with alot of time. The Theme is very open