CAW 12 - The Story Writing Phase

[Dizzyworks673]

Originally Posted by ejls

People! We have weeks yet! Get your pens out and start writing!

I'm trying Ejls, I'm at 13 pages but I'm barely started. I really don't know how to write a SHORT story but I'm going to try to make it work by the deadline. I often have a problem trying to focus.

I came up with a concept for a love story told in a way that I at least have never seen done before so I'm running with it. However I hear that you, Ejls, are the expert on love stories, I hope I can give you a good challenge this time.

[ejls]

Originally Posted by Dizzyworks673

I'm trying Ejls, I'm at 13 pages but I'm barely started. I really don't know how to write a SHORT story but I'm going to try to make it work by the deadline. I often have a problem trying to focus.

I came up with a concept for a love story told in a way that I at least have never seen done before so I'm running with it. However I hear that you, Ejls, are the expert on love stories, I hope I can give you a good challenge this time.

I promise you, if in this CAW they compare our stories - yours will be more romantic.

[Dizzyworks673]

Originally Posted by ejls

I promise you, if in this CAW they compare our stories - yours will be more romantic.

Wooo hooo I've god a fighting chance! At least I hope so Its going to be hard to win with a story that doesn't have a sex scene in it.

[wantsomefun]

I scrapped my original story eleven pages in because it was too romantic to not wind up being compared (unfavorably) to what ejls would probably enter. Oh, well, now I can finish it when I'm in the mood.

Current story is a go. Basically, I'm writing a diary from memory. If the woman this story is about reads my entry, she'll recognize herself.

At this point, the thing is well over half done, and the ending is set in stone. If I had to, I could finish the thing tonight, but there are so many things I could say, that I've written a number of scenes. Now I have to figure out which ones are best and glue the middle part together.

Count me in.

[clairebare]

Count me in!
My story is complete. I think...
Hmm...maybe, for now anyway.
My story is sort of a missmash of genres, from thriller to romance.
I still have two weeks to tweak it here, there and everywhere so it may turn out to be a completely different story by the time the deadline comes.

Happy writing everyone.

[snowleopard3200]

Great, between Eljs and Dizzy it sounds like the story I have written has next to no chance at all. Well, at the least I can give people a good story and get more practice in for the next CAW competition.

I'm hoping to see many people enter this CAW, and present their great stories for all of us to read.

[wantsomefun]

Originally Posted by snowleopard3200

Great, between Eljs and Dizzy it sounds like the story I have written has next to no chance at all. Well, at the least I can give people a good story and get more practice in for the next CAW competition.

I'm hoping to see many people enter this CAW, and present their great stories for all of us to read.

Everyone has a chance. Look at the stats for all the CAWs. Yes, there are several repeat winners, but some people have only won once. A large number of writers have gotten multiple votes, some of them frequent participants, some simply dropping by and posting a killer story, and then moving on.

The great thing about all the CAWs has been the creativity shown by all the entrants. "Challenge" is what this thing is about, testing your ability to communicate and entertain.

This time, we'll probably get just as many different kinds of stories as we've gotten before. Horse's theme, limiting in some ways, still lets the door wide open to do pretty much anything we please.





** type, type, read, WTF was I thinking, delete, type **

[Dizzyworks673]

Originally Posted by snowleopard3200

Great, between Eljs and Dizzy it sounds like the story I have written has next to no chance at all. Well, at the least I can give people a good story and get more practice in for the next CAW competition.

I'm hoping to see many people enter this CAW, and present their great stories for all of us to read.

Thanks Snow, but I think you might be more sure of my chances then I am. I'm still having trouble making this concept more then an interesting idea.

Its like my creative writing teacher used to say "You can have 1000 great story ideas, but that doesn't mean you can write 1000 great stories." thats kind of where I'm at with the entry I'm working on now.

I'm out of town this week and don't know how much writing time I can pull off I hope to not only have something ready on time but I really hope to bring something to the table as well.

Good luck to everyone on your stories!

[johnstr]

Mine is coming along so far but I still cant see where it can come to a logical and satisfying ending. I guess I will just have to let the characters take me where they will.
Good luck to all. I can't wait for the reading phase.

[wantsomefun]

Done. I'm in the nit-picking stage now, but I'm pretty happy with it.

Now, maybe I'll work on the original story as a non-entry.

[ahorsewithnoname]

Okay everyone, there are about two weeks left. That's still quite a bit of time. I haven't even started on my story, which will be a non-entry, but I'm confident of getting something done that's readable. So, get your coffee, typewriter, white-out and get to work!

Good luck to all!

[ejls]

I actually took my idea to an on-line discussion group and some of their opinions are causing me to change one little thing. Right now I'm searching for some butt glue.

[snowleopard3200]

Originally Posted by ejls

I actually took my idea to an on-line discussion group and some of their opinions are causing me to change one little thing. Right now I'm searching for some butt glue.

Ejls - at least you are not writing a story about a politician; that would only need a tanker truck full of vasoline for the appropriate "affairs of state" and such...

Looking forward to your story and good fortune in the CAW 12.

[ejls]

Not about a politician, but it did need to be a little more politically correct. I just hope I can get it finished to my liking. Trying to step outside of the box with this one.

[Wee Hector]

My story is coming along in a strange way. It is actually 2 separate stories which will eventually converge (I hope), 1/3 new and 2/3 CAW 8 entry (never actually finished). Working on either part when the inspiration takes me. Main sex scene will be between two characters who are dead.

[wantsomefun]

I'm not sure whether to classify mine as "Diary" or not. Most of it is true, at least the summer of '69 parts.

Nah, "Diary" isn't right. No one will believe it.

[clairebare]

I've started another story and I think I preferring the lastest one to my first complete one. I think I'm gonna have a tough decision ahead of me choosing which to enter.

So much for needing butt glue, now I cannot stop writing.

Eeek!

[ahorsewithnoname]

Originally Posted by wantsomefun

I'm not sure whether to classify mine as "Diary" or not. Most of it is true, at least the summer of '69 parts.

Nah, "Diary" isn't right. No one will believe it.

I hear ya'. Sometime things that are too good just appear fake.

Crap, my doorbell just rang. Be back later.

[ahorsewithnoname]

Huh.

Two girl scouts selling cookies said if I would buy a case of cookies, they'd both give me a blow job.

Told them my girlfriend wouldn't like that. I mean, I'm on a diet, for chrissakes!

Now, WSF, what was I saying?

[Cheltenham]

The wording of the paragraph doesn't fit. So what I'm going to do is write the story and post it with my modified opening paragraph. I have to change the wording because it is really fucking with my ability to write.

Thanks.

[CAW SOP]

NOTE: YOU MUST INCLUDE THESE TWO PARAGRAPHS AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR STORY! If you fail to do so, or if you significantly alter the paragraphs, outside of the "blanks", your story will be rejected and will not be entered in the competition. You can make a minor change or two if needed for your story.

For example: "Off to the left, _________ could be heard..." and let's say that you need for it to be "Off to the right". That's fine.

The best thing, the safest option, is that if you want to make changes to the paragraph outside of the "blanks", your best bet would be to send a PM to the CAW SOP account and ask for a ruling.

Just sayin'.

[wantsomefun]

I did that twice, since I started two different stories. I got a quick positive response.

Just told my proofreader to delete the copy of my story that I sent. The ending sucked. I'm trying to write an ending that sucks less.

[wantsomefun]

Okay, less sucky ending in place. Now, do I leave it alone, or worry it to death (some more)? As I said before, if "Loni" would read the story, she would know it was about her.

Mine is an autobiographical story. The first 90% is true, or at least as true as my memory of events four decades ago can be. The rest is pure fantasy.

Loni was my first true adult love, the woman every woman winds up getting compared to.

I wonder what she's doing now?

[thatcuriousone]

So, with the week I had off, I attempted to write something regarding the first two paragraphs that Horse gave us. . . and I got absolutely no where with them. I dunno, but it seems that I got no inspiration from this. However, hopefully this time, I'll get to read what everyone has written. Good luck everyone~ -crawls back into her hiding place-

[Cheltenham]

Originally Posted by wantsomefun

Okay, less sucky ending in place. Now, do I leave it alone, or worry it to death (some more)? As I said before, if "Loni" would read the story, she would know it was about her.

Mine is an autobiographical story. The first 90% is true, or at least as true as my memory of events four decades ago can be. The rest is pure fantasy.

Loni was my first true adult love, the woman every woman winds up getting compared to.

I wonder what she's doing now?

I think your worrying is unnecessary. I know what it's like to fret over a few lines here and there. What I do that I find works for me is thinking of a story first in my head. The dialogue writes itself. The characters come to me as I write. The plot is where I stumble because if you don't know where you're going to go, how do you know the way to get there?

My endings aren't too final. If they are, I have to kill off the characters or enough of them to deny a given story a sequel. Or write myself into a dead end which happens a lot.

I'm rambling

I still don't think you need to focus too much on the ending. If you are hesitant on posting it the way it is now, play with the ending. Tweak it some and see how it sounds when you read it back to yourself.

[Cheltenham]

Originally Posted by thatcuriousone

So, with the week I had off, I attempted to write something regarding the first two paragraphs that Horse gave us. . . and I got absolutely no where with them. I dunno, but it seems that I got no inspiration from this. However, hopefully this time, I'll get to read what everyone has written. Good luck everyone~ -crawls back into her hiding place-

I didn't either. But I have quite a story written and it came to me today. Maybe that will inspire you.

I originally wrote myself into a wall. Then, a little birdie came down and perched upon the window's ledge. He imparted a bit of knowledge to me and I took off tip-tap typing

[snowleopard3200]

Originally Posted by thatcuriousone

So, with the week I had off, I attempted to write something regarding the first two paragraphs that Horse gave us. . . and I got absolutely no where with them. I dunno, but it seems that I got no inspiration from this. However, hopefully this time, I'll get to read what everyone has written. Good luck everyone~ -crawls back into her hiding place-

You still have plenty of time; I hope we get many authors entering their stories for the CAW 12 competition, and hopefully you can find the inspiration you need.

Best of fortunes to you.

[wantsomefun]

Hopefully even less sucky ending in place. I'm ready!

I think.

90% of the story is true. That part was easy. You don't forget a girl like her. I've struggled with the last 10% of the thing, the fictional part.

Loni, if you're out there, please read my story. It's a tribute to you.

[snowleopard3200]

Originally Posted by wantsomefun

Hopefully even less sucky ending in place. I'm ready!

I think.

90% of the story is true. That part was easy. You don't forget a girl like her. I've struggled with the last 10% of the thing, the fictional part.

Loni, if you're out there, please read my story. It's a tribute to you.

Glad to see the story is working out for you WantSomeFun; my own is some 19 pages in size, it grew from a short five pages to begin with. I never thought it would be finished when I started it.

[ELaken-Palmer]

As the occasional Muse will have it, I've come up with a germ of an idea for CAW12 and have started writing it. I do, however, plan to post it on the forum in the same format and manner as I posted "Digger". I would also post it to the story site, in plain text, where it could be linked. Would this be alright under the guidelines for set forth for CAW12?
.

[ejls]

Originally Posted by ELaken-Palmer

As the occasional Muse will have it, I've come up with a germ of an idea for CAW12 and have started writing it. I do, however, plan to post it on the forum in the same format and manner as I posted "Digger". I would also post it to the story site, in plain text, where it could be linked. Would this be alright under the guidelines for set forth for CAW12?
.

Oh boy, are we in for a treat now!

[wantsomefun]

Originally Posted by ejls

Oh boy, are we in for a treat now!

Now we're getting somewhere!

[ahorsewithnoname]

Originally Posted by ELaken-Palmer

As the occasional Muse will have it, I've come up with a germ of an idea for CAW12 and have started writing it. I do, however, plan to post it on the forum in the same format and manner as I posted "Digger". I would also post it to the story site, in plain text, where it could be linked. Would this be alright under the guidelines for set forth for CAW12?
.

Yep. We'll link to it via the story site.

While I personally like the idea of graphics-enhanced stories, it can give an advantage over those not-enhanced, so...that's how we'll handle it.

Good luck all!

[Dizzyworks673]

40 pages and counting now. I'm working on what's turning into a full story now, I will have to create a cut down version for the CAW I think.

I've got my ending worked out but I'm still working on filling in the heart of the story, I'm still hoping to have it done on time.

[wantsomefun]

Originally Posted by Dizzyworks673

40 pages and counting now. I'm working on what's turning into a full story now, I will have to create a cut down version for the CAW I think.

I've got my ending worked out but I'm still working on filling in the heart of the story, I'm still hoping to have it done on time.

Less posting, more writing!

[Dizzyworks673]

Originally Posted by wantsomefun

Less posting, more writing!

SIR YES SIR!

Please order me some Ritalin and strap me to a chair and have the girl in the pic whip me harder. That might be the only way to get me to focus.

Thanks WSF.

[Cheltenham]

Originally Posted by CAW SOP

Just sayin'.

I'm guessing a ruling won't be necessary. No one has answered my question sent via a private message, so I will go on assuming that it was approved.

[ejls]

I have a significant portion done on my story. Of course, it wouldn't be an ejls story without hearts and flowers, right? A little gazing into each others eyes?

[snowleopard3200]

Originally Posted by ejls

I have a significant portion done on my story. Of course, it wouldn't be an ejls story without hearts and flowers, right? A little gazing into each others eyes?

So would that be something like this:

His heart pounded with delight as he raced across the park, flowers lining the path he did travel to be in the arms of his wonderful love; their eyes gazed into one anothers as the distance between them rapidly closed...alas he failed to see the open manhole cover and disappeared into the dark and noxious depths below...his lady love just shrugged and said "You win some; you lose some."

[ejls]

LOL - very good!

[wantsomefun]

For some reason, I got my entry done two weeks before the deadline. I never do that!

So, I posted it to two other sites, hoping to get some feedback to help me with improvements before I submit it here.

So far, nada. Nice comments, but nothing about the characters, the setting, the plot, the emotions. Zilch. There was, of course, the obligatory PM from someone asking for part 2.

There is no part 2. There really can't be a part 2. There's nothing more to say.

Unless I rewrite the ending again....

[BlackRonin]

Originally Posted by snowleopard3200

His heart pounded with delight as he raced across the park, flowers lining the path he did travel to be in the arms of his wonderful love; their eyes gazed into one anothers as the distance between them rapidly closed...alas he failed to see the open manhole cover and disappeared into the dark and noxious depths below...his lady love just shrugged and said "You win some; you lose some."

You stole my ending! :P

So, this usually doesn't net much, but any volunteers to help me proofread this thing? It's a lengthy piece, but there ought to be relatively few problems (I've run over it and over it and over it already myself), so it shouldn't take that much longer to proof than just to read. Any help anyone wants to volunteer is appreciated.

[snowleopard3200]

Originally Posted by ejls

LOL - very good!

Thank you.

[QUOTE=BlackRonin;5268958]You stole my ending! :P

Apologies.

By the way, if I read the entry time right; the CAW 12 stories will be open to be posted on August 10th, this coming friday? Or will it be after midnight of August 10th?

[ejls]

I may have finished. I think it's finished. I need to really think about the end and if it allows everyone to have closure. I like it. Well, I think I like it. Oh, I don't know.

[ahorsewithnoname]

Originally Posted by ejls

I may have finished. I think it's finished. I need to really think about the end and if it allows everyone to have closure. I like it. Well, I think I like it. Oh, I don't know.

There's still time to rewrite the story!

::: ducking :::

[ejls]

Originally Posted by ahorsewithnoname

There's still time to rewrite the story!

::: ducking :::

And you know damn well I would smack you up side the head. I don't rewrite. What you see is what you get. If it was put down on paper, it was meant to be.

[snowleopard3200]

Originally Posted by ejls

I may have finished. I think it's finished. I need to really think about the end and if it allows everyone to have closure. I like it. Well, I think I like it. Oh, I don't know.

Originally Posted by ahorsewithnoname

There's still time to rewrite the story!

::: ducking :::

While AHorseWithNoName ducks to avoid the wrath of his beloved Ejls, her hand ever so gently, casually, with perfection of feminine grace, reaches over to the lever in the wall, which, with a deft push downward, opens the trapdoor beneath the feet of AHorseWithNoName who plumments into the unknowable depths below with a salute to his lady love and a grin to match that of a cheshire cat...

[wantsomefun]

.

[ejls]

Originally Posted by snowleopard3200

While AHorseWithNoName ducks to avoid the wrath of his beloved Ejls, her hand ever so gently, casually, with perfection of feminine grace, reaches over to the lever in the wall, which, with a deft push downward, opens the trapdoor beneath the feet of AHorseWithNoName who plumments into the unknowable depths below with a salute to his lady love and a grin to match that of a cheshire cat...

You are one creative dude. I like your imagination.

Watch out, horse.

[snowleopard3200]

Ejls - thanks. With the both of you and ELP in the CAW 12, I am going to have my hands full just trying to come close to your levels, let alone those of the other authors who are entering.

In CAW 10 I tied with some others for fifth, maybe this time I can make it to fourth.