What Are Some Writing Challenge Themes You Would Like To See?

[Arch , Mod]

We have done a Royal Challenge and we are getting ready to do a Uniform Challenge. Eugenia already started her story. With those two themes out of the way, what are some other themes you would like to see?


I want to see:

1. Married theme w/pregnancy or child(ren)

2. Nerds (In my Uniform story, Michael is a nerd. Parris is a nerd in Courage too.

3. Spy

That's all for now, I'll share some later, when they come to me.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

4. Assassin
5. Bad guy turned good (or girl for that matter)
6. Historical

[CaliGirlRae, Mod Squad]

I'll take all of the above.

Plus some geek/alternative heroines and heroes. Skateboarders, brainiacs, etc. :-)

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

Yes, please!

More Asian heroes (hearing the broken record scratch in the background).

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

Same here, Eugenia. I think the world needs to see how diverse BW really are.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

Check you out, Eugenia! You go!

[CaliGirlRae, Mod Squad]

Indeed! I'd love to see more of this, definitely. I just started a surfer romance (bwam) that may be a short story or whatever, but the idea hit me when I saw the trailer for that documentary Whitewash. I've always wanted to surf myself and hopefully can get back to Cali so I can pick it up. I'd love to have the feel of a surfboard under my arm. Let me know what how the snowboarding and surfing goes, Eugenia! They sound like they'll be a blast.

I so agree. I'd love to see more of these stories offered. :-)

[CaliGirlRae, Mod Squad]

Oh! I remember hearing a call for subs like this and I believe it was indeed Vixenne from Parker! I think she may be looking for these types of stories in the future aimed at the Young Adult market. So if you have any or any ideas for such stories hang on to them!

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

I would so read your stories. I'm not at all qualified to write a surfer girl story. Sounds cool, though.

[CaliGirlRae, Mod Squad]

Thanks guys! I miss California so much and this story is sort of a love letter to my hometown.

Danielle, I so agree with Eugenia.I think you can definitely write one. I've never surfed before although it's been a dream of mine but I do love the water.I know you can do it! :-)

Eugenia, I love that! Sounds like a good story. :-)

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

I've never surfed either. I love the ocean though. I really, really miss that about San Diego. I appreciate the support for my writing, ladies. :)

[Arch , Mod]

Well, I am a make believe writer or should I say, I can be a make believe writer. Some stuff I don't even know about and I probably will not really research.

I know that every fiction story has reality in it. But, I like to play with make believe too.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

Me too. But I'm a bit of a perfectionist, also. I'm always worry that someone will read my story and say, "She doesn't know what she's writing about." I know I have watched tv and felt that way about medical stuff.

[Arch , Mod]

Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "Me too. But I'm a bit of a perfectionist, also. I'm always worry that someone will read my story and say, "She doesn't know what she's writing about." I know I have watched tv and felt that way ab..."

Danielle, you are posting your challenge story as a story in your story section, so I can see what you are talking about and plus you want to be published one day.

I think it depends on what kind of story a person is writing as well. For instance, if someone is writing a story about vampires and werewolves, no one better look for "truth" in those stories.

[new_user]

LOL, Arch, you'd be surprised. Sometimes those stories can be even more demanding because if you're requiring suspension of disbelief from your readers to let pass werewolves and vampires, then the rest of the story must be that much more real.

Personally, I really like researching and learning, but I can definitely agree that there's always a fear that you might still fall short. People write what they like to read though, right? So if you like more realism in your stories, you'll probably be more inclined to write it.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

Oh, yes. You can go a little crazy when it comes to fantasy, but if you write a story about a physicist, the duck best quack and not meow. :)

[Arch , Mod]

See, I don't know anything about the CIA. So, therefore, I will go ahead and make up my own group, so that Michael can be real in his job. I wanted him to be a CIA agent, but he had to talk and act like a CIA agent. He will act the way I want him to act and use the language I want him to use.

If someone that truly knows about Princes and they read Courage, they will probably think I don't know what I am writing about, because a Prince doesn't act like this. Well, in my story Parris act the way "My Prince" acts.

Whenever I read a romance story, I don't look for accuracy. Five cities may be known for Gumbo, but everyone doesn't cook their Gumbo the same.

[new_user]

Even in fantasy, I think before you can diverge from consensus reality, you have to be well-versed in it-- unless you're writing a fantasy with no ties to our world whatever. Just my thoughts.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

I'm not going to tell anyone how to write. That's not for me to do. I do agree that I like to know a little bit about the subject I'm writing about. It's the scientist in me. I don't read ten books about it, but enough where I can integrate a few true facts into the story. But at the same time, when you make up countries and people, and agencies, of course you can have as much creative license as you want. It's a balance, because reading and writing should be fun, when it's fiction at least. That's why I don't enjoy technical writing. It's doable, but not fun for me.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

I try to make researching fun. I watch documentaries on TLC, Discover, History Channel, Food Network, and I pick up a lot of facts by watching these. You can learn about things from reading fiction books on the subject too, and can always check the facts if you want.

It's all about what your goals are as a writer, and what makes you happy.

As for fantasy, I think the crucial element is worldbuilding. Lay out the rules of the world you are writing about, and that becomes the context for believeability. If you don't do this, the reader is forced to pull from her frame of reference, which may be stricter, and you will lose credibility with that reader. That's why I prefer paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and fantasy with good worldbuilding.

I am not a hard science fiction reader. It's kind of boring to me, because I don't care for the writer dwelling on all the intricacies of technology. I want to know enough about the world to see the story unfold, and I'm happy.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

So when are we going to read your writing, New User? We're waiting here. NO pressure. :)

[Arch , Mod]

I would never tell anyone how to write and/or not to do research. Everyone has a unique way of writing and storytelling.

When I see fiction, I see make believe. Many facts are written in fiction. I have even written facts in stories that I have written. I have facts in Courage.

I know that some people read for accuracy. I don't. I have even had people get upset with me, because I have made that fact known about me. Many people believe that in order for me to read Historical romance, I have to read it for accuracy. If I want History accuracy - I can turn to a History book.

Speaking of Historical stories. Some people believe that all unmarried women were a certain. They wouldn't be with a man, until she is married. If they read For The Roses, they probably think that Julie didn't do her research, in regards to Mary Rose.

I stand tall on, there's nothing new under the sun. Same thing, different name.

I believe that just like teenagers gets pregnant in our time, they have in Historical days as well. Just as mother kills their babies today, they have in Historical days as well.

Just as a lot of men are virgins today. Which, some people find it hard to believe we have virgin men living amongst us. Many Historical men were virgins too. No one can tell me that every man in Historical time were having sex.

I was flipping the channel the other night and Tyson Beckford was on a talk show, him and a black female singer. The topic of sex came up. He was asked when he broke his virginity and he said 18 and the woman told him that he was a late bloomer. That's sad that people put a time frame on virginity.

Anyway, I don't buy romance books for education. I buy them to read.

[new_user]

I should make it clear I'm not trying to dictate how to write. I should have said, "Before you can diverge from consensus reality successfully..." etc. I'm not advocating restricting anyone from publishing or discouraging anyone from writing. I'm questioning the effectiveness of a novel without some research done, that's all. I'm not directing that at anyone either. Danielle, whatever methods work. Sometimes research can mean browsing a surfing forum for the lingo (just an example) and so on. Whatever works. We only see the end product.

Also, world-building = so cool. :) Reading or writing.

[new_user]

Arch wrote: "I would never tell anyone how to write and/or not to do research. Everyone has a unique way of writing and storytelling.

When I see fiction, I see make believe. Many facts are written in fictio..."

I tend not to see fiction as purely entertainment, but there are different readers and writers all across the spectrum. Nothing wrong with that. I also agree with you that many writers conflate the ideals of a period with behaviors, so that many think that there wasn't extramarital sex, etc. simply because it wasn't approved. At the same time, some authors write extramarital sex as in a vacuum, so they don't take into consideration values, atmosphere, etc. Each author has to determine for herself her comfort zone.

[Arch , Mod]

New_User, you are speaking in general. I tend to do that all the time. Thanks for your replies.

[Arch , Mod]

New_User wrote: "I tend not to see fiction as purely entertainment, but there are different readers and writers all across the spectrum. Nothing wrong with that. I also agree with you that many writers conflate the ideals of a period with behaviors, so that many think that there wasn't extramarital sex, etc. At the same time, some authors write extramarital sex as in a vacuum, so they don't take into consideration values, atmosphere, etc. It can be difficult."

I wish the know it all readers - the ones that likes to attack people and don't want people to say anything, unless they agree - would realize that there's nothing under the sun and if a writer has written something in Historical time or even Contemporary and although they don't believe it, it doesn't mean that it's not true.

How do they know that Jane Doe wouldn't have done this and John Doe wouldn't have done that?

[new_user]

Thanks for listening, Arch. :)

Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "So when are we going to read your writing, New User? We're waiting here. NO pressure. :)"

LOL. When you guys have a paranormal challenge. O:D Or when I get up the time, ideas-- various other excuses, LOL. xD I know. One day, I will put my money where my mouth is! I will! Or my foot. That's more likely, LOL. I don't think my own writing will live up to my mouthy, high-falutin' standards. Just call me yellow, LOL.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

Arch wrote: "New_User, you are speaking in general. I tend to do that all the time. Thanks for your replies. "

I didn't take anything that was said personally. I was just making it clear that I am not out to judge how people write. I can only speak for my philosophy on writing, and how I can successfully suspend disbelief in what I am reading (and I am actually pretty lenient on a lot of stuff).

Arch I must admit I am one of those people who desire a historical story that makes sense. I am a history buff, so it's frustrating for me when I see historical people acting like modern people. I don't mean breaking mores of the time. Of course, people have always done that. But for them to act thoroughly modern in a historical setting is very distracting for me. I can say that I enjoy some authors and books that do this within reason, as long as it is well-written (according to my own reference for quality) and has something to offer. But yes, it does annoy me to see a heroine acting like Samantha from Sex and the City and she's supposed to be an upper class, sheltered virgin, and there is no frame of reference for her behavior. I think this is what NU is getting at when she mentioned the vacuum.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

I hope I wasn't coming out like I was ready to tear your writing apart, NU. That is so not the case. You are such a good writer in your reviews and posts, I'm eager to read some of your creative writing. You can write paranormal in any of the challenges we are doing. There are not restrictions. I'm not creative enough to easily write a paranormal at this point.

[Arch , Mod]

New_User, I agree with Danielle. You can write a paranormal story with any challenge. You might not want to do a Royal Paranmormal story, but you can do one with the Uniform challenge. I don't know anything about Paranormal, so I don't think I would join in on that challenge, if we had one.

I would love to read your work New_User. Please take that step. I have and God knows I am shy, when it comes down to my writing.

I don't know what you want to write about, but watching Being Human, I know that vampires and werewolves wear uniforms.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

If we do a paranormal challenge, I'm throwing my hat in. I need to be forced into doing a paranormal to get me off my butt.

[Arch , Mod]

Okay, how about this. We put the Uniform story on hold and you all start a paranormal challenge.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

No way. We are doing the uniform challenge next.

[new_user]

I feel like if we're doing a challenge together, I couldn't be the one sore thumb, like the one paranormal, in the bunch. Theme's a theme, right? I think it's more encouraging personally if I were to write alongside you guys rather than as the one against the grain, since we're not all naturally PNR readers.

I definitely don't want you guys to stop with your uniform challenge or any others. I know paranormal/fantasy's not necessarily everyone's interest and that's perfectly cool too. That's just my comfort zone.

Thanks for the encouragement, guys. I do appreciate it. It's not that I'm worried you guys would tear it apart or anything. This is such a great crowd here.

[Arch , Mod]

new_user wrote: "I feel like if we're doing a challenge together, I couldn't be the one sore thumb, like the one paranormal, in the bunch. Theme's a theme, right? I think it's more encouraging personally if I were ..."

To my knowledge. We are writing a certain theme, but not a certain genre. So, New_User, you can write a Uniform Paranormal story. I'm writing a contemporary story. Who knows another writer might write a Historical Uniform story.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

Exactly what Arch said. I love Paranormal. No question about it. I just haven't gotten that story that drives me to completion in the PNR genre. Not yet. But soon, I hope. Please do write a PNR uniform story, NU.

[new_user]

LOL. Well, now that I'm on the spot... LOL, JK. I'll try and come up with something within that framework.

[Arch , Mod]

new_user wrote: "LOL. Well, now that I'm on the spot... LOL, JK. I'll try and come up with something within that framework."

No pressure New_User. Please write, only if you want to write. Don't think that you have to write a story.

[new_user]

Ugh, I thought about this so much last night, it was in my dreams. *zombie face* LOL.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

It's all good, NU. We're all friends here. These challenges keep me writing, because I get lazy with work and don't want to write regularly.

[new_user]

Actually, the dream was kind of interesting. We were playing a roleplaying game (i.e. kind of like round robin writing, except you only write from one character's perspective), and I was seeing the scenes we were writing like movie scenes! Pretty cool, huh?

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

Very cool, NU. Sounds like inspiration.

[Arch , Mod]

new_user wrote: "Actually, the dream was kind of interesting. We were playing a roleplaying game (i.e. kind of like round robin writing, except you only write from one character's perspective), and I was seeing the..."

I've came up with the name TAS years almost 10 years ago. It stands for Toss Around Story. Some people call the same type of story Round Robin.

We can do something like that New_User, if that will make you feel comfortable. I can write past tense, but I tend to write in the present.

[new_user]

Naw, it's all right. I should try and get out of my comfort zone at least a little, LOL. Thanks for the offer though. That would be fun to try sometime.

[new_user]

Yeah, exactly. I think it's a good thing, generally. Makes a person grow.

LOL. I think the dream came about partly because I was thinking the story should take place in Japan. So my dream somehow ended up part Mortal Kombat, part... Power Rangers? LOL. I don't know, it was some funky stuff, dude.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

That would be so cool to see your story set in Japan. :)

[Arch , Mod]

Mortal Kombat: "Get Over Here!"

Go for it New_User!

[new_user]

LOL. Yep, I'm thinking Japanese detective right now. :)

[Arch , Mod]

new_user wrote: "LOL. Yep, I'm thinking Japanese detective right now. :)"

It's all good, Michael is Japanese as well.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors]

Sounds good to me. :)