FangedSmile
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Congrats to Crystal and Devin
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Post by FangedSmile on Jan 19, 2015 20:37:18 GMT -6
This challenge is just to set a timer for 15 minutes and start typing. If you don't know what you'll type about, you can use your Dream Journal or your Finding Interests activity, or just type "Once Upon a Time" and see where your mind takes you.
If you use your Dream Journal, read through until you find one that interests you. Read it a few times and try to think about the beginning, the middle, or the end. Then set your timer and type. Don't stop to think, just keep going even if it means you start ranting about how there was a shark in the dream, but it transformed into other things and was still referred to as a shark even if it taking the form of a smallish kitten. Then point is just to get yourself in the habit of being able to write without your brain telling you to slow down and figure out where you're going before you write.
If you use your list of likes and dislikes, pick from either category and think briefly about what you've read which fit those requirements. Then follow the advice above.
Don't edit your free-writing session, just post it. If you get into a grove and last longer than 15 minutes that's perfectly fine. Try to remember how long it took you to get into that mood and set a feel for what you were writing. Every time you do the free writing activity it'll take a little less time. You won't always end up with a plot you love, but you'll still have practiced and exercised your mind.
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B. B. Wolf
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The path is smooth that leadeth on to danger.
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Post by B. B. Wolf on Feb 1, 2015 21:44:41 GMT -6
Saul ducked down behind the desk to avoid the guard as he passed by. These Team Flare guys were diligent, he'd give them that. But a beautiful world? Who the heck decides what's beautiful for everyone? Idiots, that's who. And now they had resorted to stealing pokemon. Not that Saul was particularly upset about it. No, being a former member of Team Rocket, a certain lack of morals was a prerequisite. The problem was that, lately, he'd been feeling... Good. Now don't take this the wrong way, Saul had no problems ending any fight that was started, or even starting the fight himself. But ever since Giovanni disbanded the team like he did, well... He'd been thinking. Yeah, stealing pokemon was wrong, but he wasn't doing it to be particularly mean. He'd just been doing his job. Wasn't his job any more though, so no more of that. But other people wanting to steal pokemon? Fine, that's on them. So why was he here?
The guards footsteps faded into the distance and Saul decided it was time to move again. He stayed crouched and moved from behind the receptionists desk to the stairs. The elevator would give away to anyone that someone was moving around the building that wasn't supposed to, and while the stairs may be guarded, he had... insurance. He gently turned the knob once he got to the door and opened it just a hair. Hearing no creaking, he slowly opened it wide enough for him to slip inside before quietly shutting it behind him. Then he waited. He hated waiting. It made him think about things he'd rather not think about. Like her. So why was he here? An image in his mind of dark hair, sharp features and those piercing eyes invaded his mind. A smile was barely visible on her lips. Soft, seductive, daring. Saul glared at the stairs in front of him. All for a woman.
A motion on the stairs caught Sauls attention. The shadow of one of the railings grew slightly darker before two little gem stones twinkled into being. Smokey wisps of shadow lifted up, slowly solidifying into the form of a Sableye, his gemstone eyes seeming to pierce straight into Saul's soul. Saul smiled and held a hand out for the Sableye.
"What did you see, Hades?"
The pokemon reached forward with his hands and touched Sauls fingers. Images of a guard at the top floor, just outside the stares, an open door with three more members of Team Flare, one of them definitely being some sort of executive member with a briefcase. A bomb ticking down from fifteen minutes, and a room chock full of hostages. Soon to be casualties. And a helicopter being prepped. It'd been about five minutes since Hades had been sent out on reconnaissance. Saul didn't have much time. He thanked whatever gods that were listening that he was able to sneak up most of the office building without any real problems, and he was only a few floors away from the roof. First things first though. That executive would probably be taking the elevator to the roof to get to his chopper. That left the other grunts to evacuate using the stairs.
Saul growled and sprinted up the stairs to steps at a time. He yanked his bowie free of his sheath and came onto the landing just as the door opened. Poor soul barely saw it coming. Saul's pale blue eyes were the last thing that grunt saw before the knife pierced through the bottom of his jaw into his brain. With a vicious yank, Saul ripped the blade free and was halfway down the hallway before his body hit the floor.
Now he just had to disarm a bomb, chase down a helicopter, and avoid the police afterward. He glanced at his watch. Eight minutes left for the bomb. Jeez. The things a man will do for a pretty face. He wondered, not for the first time, if she had tricked him with those infamous psychic powers of hers...
----
Unfortunately, I never really got into a good groove with this one, but I'm glad I have something down. It's a starting point for me that I can build off of, and that is honestly the hardest part for me!
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FangedSmile
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Congrats to Crystal and Devin
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Post by FangedSmile on Feb 2, 2015 1:00:31 GMT -6
This is actually quite impressive for a free-write. It starts off with a defined purpose quickly get things moving. You establish a main character, give a bit of history, set up a scene, and explain goals. All of which is very productive! The writing has good dynamics and though I'm sorry you didn't get into a good flow, you are right to feel that you've conquered the first hurdle. With a story like this, you've given yourself a great start and may be at the point where the free-write has taken you far enough to allow you to plan out and work through the rest. Excellent!
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B. B. Wolf
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The path is smooth that leadeth on to danger.
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Post by B. B. Wolf on Feb 2, 2015 14:38:04 GMT -6
I appreciate it. I'll be honest, when I first saw this I thought, "Fifteen minutes? I could don't really need to save by switching car insurance right now, and I'll bet I could at least get three pages done!"
As it is, I think this is just over a page. I think one of the other things I would definitely benefit from is actually picking a chapter (preferably the first, but not necessarily) and mapping it out. Just little states like, "This happens here. That happens there. He boots this guy. He buys a hot dog." Things like that. Maybe that could work for a future challenge? I assume you already have something for the next one, but maybe the one after that.
I also realized that I fell into my trap of not describing the setting. I read back through and was like, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Made the cats look at me funny and the dog start barking.
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FangedSmile
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Congrats to Crystal and Devin
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Post by FangedSmile on Feb 2, 2015 19:59:12 GMT -6
15 minutes is just what most sites and classes recommend. Sometimes the time flies by, and other times it takes you 5 minutes of typing about utter nonsense until an idea surfaces.
You can try a chapter summary. I use them for brief summaries when I'm trying to plot out a path to a scene I have planned in the future. I could post it as a challenge, though it is more of an organization method. However, you are a moderator. You are more than welcome to post challenges. The challenge I had planned was just an other that is designed to help with writer's block. If you feel you're over that and want to move on, then a challenge relating to outlining a chapter or two is a great idea!
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B. B. Wolf
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The path is smooth that leadeth on to danger.
Posts: 2,370
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Post by B. B. Wolf on Feb 2, 2015 20:31:02 GMT -6
Go with your plan, I might put that in later, but I think you're right. I think it'd be better to have more challenges to help deal with writer's block first. For some people, these might not be enough, and we should get a few options out there so they can find which one works best for them. I'll keep it in mind though!
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FangedSmile
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Congrats to Crystal and Devin
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Post by FangedSmile on Feb 2, 2015 21:21:16 GMT -6
So far the only people doing these challenges are us.
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B. B. Wolf
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C.W.[M:0]
The path is smooth that leadeth on to danger.
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Post by B. B. Wolf on Feb 2, 2015 22:37:34 GMT -6
Soon, Grasshopper. Soon.
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FangedSmile
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Congrats to Crystal and Devin
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Post by FangedSmile on Feb 2, 2015 23:11:29 GMT -6
I'm just saying: Don't worry about making challenges to fit other people.
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B. B. Wolf
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The path is smooth that leadeth on to danger.
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Post by B. B. Wolf on Feb 2, 2015 23:19:48 GMT -6
Good point. In that case, we should substitute the words "they" and "them" with "me". Lol, I'm enjoying the things you're coming up with, and I'd like to try more if those before I present my own challenge.
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FangedSmile
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Congrats to Crystal and Devin
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Post by FangedSmile on Feb 5, 2015 20:06:22 GMT -6
So far I've just been focusing on writer's block because that is what you mentioned you had a problem with. Finding time to write is not always easy, and when you do have time it can be daunting to stare down a blank page. The challenges can be tricky because it isn't a class. There isn't a reading assignment and homework, so you have to try and make a challenge that doesn't require additional research. But that's okay. I's gotten me back into writing a bit. More so, I'm reading more.
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B. B. Wolf
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The path is smooth that leadeth on to danger.
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Post by B. B. Wolf on Feb 8, 2015 18:49:07 GMT -6
Sweet! Two birds with one stone, eh? Well, once we get some more stuff out to deal with writer's block, I might talk to my mother about some other organizational things to do, and I'll try to transfer those into some challenges in addition to your ideas. Sound like a plan?
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FangedSmile
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Congrats to Crystal and Devin
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Post by FangedSmile on Feb 8, 2015 22:14:42 GMT -6
Sounds good to me!
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wolftinstein
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A Kingdom of the Mind can never be Torn Down!
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Post by wolftinstein on Mar 27, 2015 21:10:07 GMT -6
Sestra snarled sharply as the cold icy wind sliced easily through her torn and tattered clothes. What she wouldn't give to give in to her inner fire, to spring into the air with her true form, impervious to the cold and wind. Yet she dared not, they were still hunting her, nestling killers, egg smashers, the damn hunters pursued her relentlessly. "I am the last," she thought bitterly as her booted feet trudged through the snow taking her higher into the brutal Dracon Mountains. Sestra's clan, her home nest had lived within the caves lower on the mountain sides for centuries. Hundreds of nestlings had walked hesitantly out into the sunlight to dry their still wet wings and learn to fly. "They are all dead," she thought bitterly a tear rolling partway down her cheek before freezing. "Why?" she wanted to scream,"Why kill us? We traded with you, helped you. Why do you hate us so?" as she crested the summit the wind slammed into her hard enough to steal her breath. As Sestra recoiled her iridescent eyes caught movement lower on the slopes. The hunters were retreating, leaving her to die of the cold. She wanted to just sit down and freeze, to join her clan. As she sat there shaking with cold her blood rose. "How dare she give up! She the daughter of Drask Diamond Flame! NEVER!" Her mind thundered. With a massive effort she stood and walked to the edge of the summit, staring off into the high peaks which spread out before her, she leaped off into space. Her body changed, her wings unfurled and Sestra Emerald Fire last of the Dragon Flame clan beat her massive wings and soared away from the empty cave that had once been called home.
Thanks to my buddy Devin who repeatedly thrusts his amazing dragon ideas at me and forcefully feeding my imagination one shovel full at a time!
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FangedSmile
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Congrats to Crystal and Devin
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Post by FangedSmile on Mar 30, 2015 11:38:41 GMT -6
Nicely done! You set up the scenario quickly and even had a conclusion. What did you think of the exercise? Did you find it easy or difficult?
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