Science Fiction Microstory Contest discussion
DECEMBER 2018 Microstory Contest - Comments Only



Yours goes exactly where it was driving for, Tom--indeed. Sharp!
Jeremy, so far out ahead of the curve . . . superb; t's brilliant.


Thanks Tom! Much appreciated!!

I'm probably totally off base and have no idea of what the story is about. I do recognize that it is well written and has created a strong image of T. Madsen (Madsen Shipping magnate in retirement?). By the way J. Marley is a rapper but I'm sure that has no bearing on the story. I'm going to stay awake all night on this one. This has inspired me to write something equally cryptic in revenge.

I found this prompt very hard and I don't know why. It seems so straightforward. I only knew I wanted to start out with someone watching snow fall down on Christmas Eve (or some day before Christmas). A few times I thought I had written myself into a corner, and perhaps the ending is too weak - I don't know. Others may chime in.
Anyway, thanks for the feedback!

I got the Christmas Carol references, but the ending just flew past me. I felt I was missing some meaning to the four components. I wondered if 'get them all back' was intended as revenge or not.
If this guy is like Scrooge, I failed to discern his fatal flaw or how the visitations offered change. He was certainly more sympathetic a character than Scrooge. Couldn't put my finger on his problem (unless he wants to blow up all the machines in the world.) Puzzler.


人(rén 刀 力(là 又 口(kǒu 土(tǔ

Just don't read it aloud in that case! It doesn't sound remotely Vogon though.




https://sites.google.com/a/newmyths.c...

Ouch. Sad. Really felt that one.


https://sites.google.com/a/newmyths.c......"
Great story Tom!!

https://sites.google.com/a/newmyths.c......"
Thank you!

Thank you, so very much, Paula. (I wish more editors shared your opinion.)
And, I look forward to reading more of your fine work.

Excellent imagery and pacing, Chris; really captures the childhood magic of Christmas.
Personally, I'd have ended it with the whole thing turning out to be an alien trick to take over Earth. Or, is that what you intended? The ending was open to interpretation, I guess. The kid thinks the toy soldiers are on their way to Mars to rescue Santa, but are they really on their way to Washington, D.C.? Hmmm....

Excellent imagery and pacing, Chris; really captures the childhood magic of Christmas.
Personally, I'd have ended it with the whole thing turning out to b..."
I was leaning that direction at first, but for that pesky word count. I think it would have been quite a bit longer. Lol.

Thank you for all of the fictitious flights of fancy you took me on this year. You are all great writers!!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!
Best wishes for 2019!
Justin

Happy Holidays to all!

a Christmas tree in the cornet and a Buddha by the door.
An American flag on the ceiling and a UN flag to deploy,
Happy Festivus for the rest of us and may life bring you joy.
Merry Christmas to all!
On another note, we had a discussion a prior month about the critique thread, to see if many read this before they vote. According to what people said, it didn't seem like many did. However, I am seeing about half of you guys doing so.
I really like the critique page, because I had started this group to learn how to be a better writer and to help others do the same. But the voting should be solely based on what you feel is the best story and should not be influenced based on critiques from others. Please try to read all the stories and make up your mind before reviewing all the critiques. Thanks and God bless.
On another note, we had a discussion a prior month about the critique thread, to see if many read this before they vote. According to what people said, it didn't seem like many did. However, I am seeing about half of you guys doing so.
I really like the critique page, because I had started this group to learn how to be a better writer and to help others do the same. But the voting should be solely based on what you feel is the best story and should not be influenced based on critiques from others. Please try to read all the stories and make up your mind before reviewing all the critiques. Thanks and God bless.

I never read a critique before reading the story, though; better to go in fresh.

Truth be told, I'm here mainly for the feedback. Sometimes I nail it other time I barely get the story done in time and the quality suffers. But, good or bad, I try to get in a story a month and negative feedback is as welcome as positive.
Thanks for the feedback. For me, I'm just trying to allow the critique thread to continue and for people to be able to create these critiques without holding back on their assessment of the stories.
Receipt of a gift (for a December holiday of your choice) that comes with complicated instructions.
Required Element:
It's important that you follow the instructions exactly or else...