Variations on a Fairy Tale

[Amos]

I thought that in the meantime (that peaceful time of meditation before anything actually happens) we could have a smallish, competition-style event. I even have it all planned out, and the idea is remarkably simple, considering the source: Variations on the Theme of a Fairytale.

I don't think I even need to explain this to a cadre of self-confessed fantasy-lovers, since most if not all of you will have read something in that vein. Some of you may have already written or imagined your own.

The stories would ideally be reasonably short, barring divine inspiration or unnecessary exertion, but there's no need for limits on length. Or style, except that the stories written should be linked in some way to the original, via perhaps symbolism, plot, character, theme, etc. Judging I think is also unnecessary: a public vote would mean more entries and greater consensus of opinion, and in any case I think that winning should be a secondary consideration and the joy of writing itself the first

A show of hands would be nice, but I've been here too long to expect such mundane miracles. Maybe one or two "yips" or "yeas"? I'll check back in a few days or so, and if there is the slightest display of interest, such as suggestions for the parent-story, I'll make up a vote. Cool?

[Apoc]

coolio yip and a yeah uh huh

syyymbolism...y'know...coz i'm an expert in...nameiology :broken:

edit: I think you should just let folk be free to choose the tale they wish to re-invent or make their own one, as long as its in the vain of a fairy tale ~shrugs~ i've got two playing about in my head just now that i'd have some fun writing i think...so yeah...

[Anita Blake]

i like the idea, if it's as i'm imagining, whereas all contestants/participants write a variation on a fairy tale (of their own choosing) and then we all read them and enjoy them and possibly elect one to be the most-liked.

that sounds like niceness.

[Amelia]

Yippy!!!!!!

[Eyreplenh]

I'll hop in, if I may. For both these thingies.

Can we have deadlines? Like a fixed date or something? I don't want them to be absolute or anything nazi-like, only try to make them seem that way...Chances are I(or anyone) wont make the deadline, but I'm usually not that late. If there is a deadline, that is. If not, then I have a hard time doing anything at all. For your benefit, you say? Oh, psh

/-last-minute-panic-addict

[Amos]

Okay, a fairy tale of your own choosing then. You don't have to name the source beforehand, in case you want to be stylish, but if nobody gets the reference once it's voting time then you'll pretty much have to. Use more than one if you like, but if you plan on writing your own then you'll want to have some grasp of the conventions that fairy tales use and be able to employ them in a way that is evocative of fairy tales in general. Just saying "Once Upon A Time" at the beginning wont cut it, although I don't think it's really all that difficult actually. Probably you could get by with just an intuitive grasp of the language they use. If in doubt, try reading some fairy tales, or give up and do things the easy way (i.e. use an already-existing tale as your model).

So that's pretty clean and easy on the mind? They're not hard and fast rules in any case, just guidelines, and I have faith in most if not all of you. Provisions will be made for rebels, eccentrics, geniuses, etc.

For now we'll set an initial deadline of one month (from the date of this post), and extensions will be granted in the likely case of slackers. I've added it as an event in the Quill's calendar, so there will be a reminder, but I know how ineffective such reminders can be, lacking as they are the stimulative qualities of open threats. When done, PM your entries to me, with a relevant subject headline so I know what it is, and I swear by Osiris not to read them and steal your ideas.

[Buck]

A bit late but I'm in for this mini comp as well.

[QuirkyTemplate]

Count me in too.

>ninja vanish<

...

>ninja re-appear<

I think. Well, for the most part. I'm not saying no to it at any rate. Ok then, guess that's all.

>ninja vanish<

[Amelia]

was that Quirky I saw?

[sir archely]

this sounds like fun. if i remember and/or find the motivation to do this i'm in. i may have some free time coming up. (because one can't be out looking for work 24/7, right? ....right?)

plus, i'm definitely going to have to be in if QT is in.

[sir archely]

so i started my fairy tale...

probably finish it when i get back this evening.

[Amelia]

mmmmmm, I have some ideas bouncing around. Will try to get them onto paper.

[sir archely]

so, i have to gloat because i actually finished my fairy tale and sent it in. i'm not the slacker, i'm not the slacker...

hmm... of course it is my general idleness that enabled me to finish this quickly, so i'm not sure what to make of that.

[Eyreplenh]

so, i have to gloat because i actually finished my fairy tale and sent it in. i'm not the slacker, i'm not the slacker...

hmm... of course it is my general idleness that enabled me to finish this quickly, so i'm not sure what to make of that.

Do not belittle your achievement, noble sir... Because it is written in the laws of nature that the more time you got to do something, the lesser time you will spend doing it. (Of course it is written in a much more flashy and impressive way, but that there is the core of it)

[sir archely]

so did anyone complete a fairytale besides me?

woohoo, de fault. the two sweetest words in the english language.