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 Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 10:10 pm
So you want to be a writer, hmm?
Well, all pleasantries aside, do you really think you have what it takes?
Do you have the skills, the imagination, and determination...to be number one?
…Why do I feel like I’m on a Pokemon commercial?
Anyway, seriously now.
A main function of this guild is to aid members to improve their writing.
In line with that, this is a board that will hopefully provoke your creativity.
_____ • I’ll be posting different prompts on this board…and after the new prompt has been posted, every member has the chance to respond to it.
_____ • Each prompt will have a set of instructions to follow…such as “three hundred word limit” or “five minute limit” or anything of that sort. If there are no instructions, then the prompt is free game. You may respond to the prompt as many times as you like.
_____ • You may write about anything you like. Even if I am unfamiliar with the characters presented, I can judge the piece based entirely on what I see. Also, feel free to list certain things that you would especially like help on.
_____ • By coming and posting here, you are primarily coming for my help in your writing. And although I will be fair and polite…I’m not going to sugar-coat my reasons for why your post is not up to par. So, let’s all be mature. I’ll respect you, certainly. But you must respect me also.
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S_u_m_m_a_r_y:
_____• Prompts will be posted and you may respond to them if you want my critique on them.
_____ • These prompts are meant to stimulate your mind into being as creative as possible, to aid in connecting with your characters, and bettering your writing style.
C_r_e_d_i_b_i_l_i_t_y:
_____I do not claim to be a better writer than any one else in this guild.
_____ Most certainly not.
_____ However, even if I am not he best writer, I am fully capable of telling how to improve what errors I can perceive.
_____ I put up this board because I do want to help…and I hope you come out of this as a better writer.
_____ So, let’s all be friends and have a good time, okay?
Art property of:
Pichu: Amaya-chan of DeviantArt.
All other art found from google.com
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Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 5:48 pm
Announcements:
6.11.09 Grading Scale!
45-50 = A
40-44 = B
35-39 = C
30-34 = D
Below = F
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Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 5:55 pm
Rules:
1. Follow Gaia T.o.S.
2. Be respectful
3. Be humble
4. At the heading of each post, at least put the number of the prompt as well as the prompt. You do not have to copy the instructions I gave, it just makes it easier for me.
5. Please follow my instructions
6. Do not poke fun, whatsoever, at what people write. Inside or outside of this topic. Or I'll kick you in the shins. Seriously.
7. Have fun. Yes, this is a rule xD
Rules are subject to change :3
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Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 6:00 pm
Example Prompt and Response:
1. 3.14.09: Empty
Instructions: Free Write
(( Feel free to leave me notes in OOC for information or details on your writing. Such as what you decided to focus on (dialogue, characters, etc), if it's supposed to be a comedy or tragedy...anything you feel like saying. ))
“Would you care for a refill?”
Verdant orbs lazily deviated from the printed text of his paperback novel to the other who had questioned him. Raising a brow subconsciously, the male’s lips were set in a firm line as he spoke just above a whisper, “Pardon?”
“Your drink, it’s empty.” Started the blonde male with a smile while raising a pale hand as a gesture to the container he was currently carrying full of black liquid. “Would you care for a free refill?”
Blinking only once before shifting his gaze to his empty cup of coffee and back to the cheery café employee, the male seemed to mule over this proposition as if it were a life-defining moment. After a moment however, he nodded his consent and returned to his reading with a quiet, “Thank you.”
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Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 6:12 pm
Grading System:
Each entry will be graded in five categories with a maximum of ten points each. Total points available is fifty. These five categories are: Following Instructions, Characters, Grammar/Spelling/Syntax, Introduction/Conclusion, and Setting/Action.
Extra Credit possibility: Creativity.
Now…I’ll just explain a bit since these categories are a little squished together xD
- - - - -
Following Instructions:
Yes. You can get a ten out of ten for merely following instructions. Sounds too easy, right? Well actually, many people have difficulty focusing on their assigned topics as well as doing what is asked of them. It is important for writers to be able to stay on topic and do what is expected of them.
Characters:
Now, since most of these prompts will a for short responses…it is hard to develop a character or show much of their personality. However, it is possible. I want to be able to see, hear, and feel a person when I read these responses…not just a figment of someone’s imagination. Make these characters come to life, especially if prompts allow for longer entries. Short entries will be judged accordingly.
Grammar/Spelling/Syntax:
This category is simply your English teacher circling all your mistakes with a red pen. I’ll attempt to catch as many errors as possible and inform you of them through point deduction. Deductions depend on the size of the piece. This will be a grade on your sentence fluency, diction, use of rhetorical devices, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and all the like.
Introduction/Conclusion:
Introductions are arguably the most important aspect of a person’s writing. Interesting and exciting introductions are needed to capture the reader’s attention. Also, a sense of closure and satisfaction should be felt when an audience reads the conclusion. To inspire people to focus on these two areas more, points will be given or deducted based on the quality of a person’s introduction and conclusion.
Setting/Action:
Is the setting appropriate? Did the dialogue aid in piece or take away from it? Was the action well executed or unnecessary?
This grading area is somewhat hard to explain. Simply, does everything fit and make sense. If necessary, did the writer describe the scenery enough? Even in a short, two hundred word piece, the reader needs to have a sense of what is going on and where the stage has been set. It is possible to incorporate all this information into a short writing assignment. Remember, an important aspect we’re all trying to learn is how to say much by saying little.
Creativity:
Aaah…the main purpose for this “school.” Each prompt is meant to provoke your creativity. I want each response to be as…thoughtful as possible. However, because this element of writing is somewhat subjective, I’ve made this category into an extra credit opportunity. A max of five points may be given and a lack of creativity does not subtract from the grade given.
45-50 = A
40-44 = B
35-39 = C
30-34 = D
Below = F
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Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 6:35 pm
Current Prompt:
8. 1.6.11: “A prisoner of war is a man who tries to kill you and fails, and then asks you not to kill him.” - Winston Churchill
Instructions:
1. 200 word limit
2. Cannot use a medieval setting.
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Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 6:36 pm
Wall of Honorary Writing:
If presented with a piece of writing that I find particularly astounding or beautifully written, I will ask the author if I may post it here in the spotlight for a while :3
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Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 6:43 pm
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Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 3:54 pm
New Prompt:
1. 3.14.09: The Forbidden Fruit
Instructions:
250 words; no more, no less
Do not use the word "the" in the beginning of any sentence.
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Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 10:42 pm
((Oh, go me! I finally fixed it so that it would fit into the word limit! Geez.. that took a long time to pare off all the extra words and I don't really like how it turned out in the end.. Curse you for making it so short, Enmy… gonk ))
I. 3.14.09 Forbidden Fruit
“Leave Orellia alone, Zeph,” came Kale’s voice as his warm hand descended upon my shoulder infusing me with peace.
“B-but, she’s so different from the rest; she’s so vivid, so mortal!” cried the angel who had been flirting with me, “How can I just let her go?”
Kale turned, glaring with voice lowered to a dangerous hiss, “You can and will leave her be or the council will make you regret your existence.”
Cowering, the younger angel held up his hands in surrender as he retreated, tripping over wingtips in his haste. Sighing in relief, I leaned into Kale, thankful for his timely intervention and he smiled slightly, anger disappearing as he lifted me into his arms, “Come. Let us leave before the novelty of your humanity tempts him into returning.”
As his wings spread, I rested my head against his heart and realized that I loved him, truly loved him. Cursing my heart as panic filled me at the pain imagined at our inevitable parting, I knew his warning to Zeph applied to himself as well; by council’s decree, no angel could love a human. Feeling my panic in the sudden tension of my body, Kale wrapped his arms tighter around me, dissolving my fear as comfort and safety surged through my mind with a sense of peace. Everything would work out; if he were the forbidden fruit, then I, as Eve, would taste of elicit love if I had to force all the angels alive to accept us.
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silentbreeze90 Vice Captain
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Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 8:28 pm
1. 3.14.09 The Forbidden Fruit
Instructions: 250 Words; no "the" in the beginning of a sentence
(( Word Count: 250; Focus: Characterization )) “The Bible is such a lie.”
Spheres of lush green narrowed dangerously, deviating their stare to the older man lying sprawled in the front row pew, fingering carelessly through a well-worn Bible.
“If all you have to say is blasphemy, then get out Vincent.”
Disregarding the brunette’s words, Vincent smirked and continued his condescending monologue. “Mankind’s condemnation instigated by a woman eating a piece of fruit? How ridicu--”
“It was the Forbidden Fruit.”
“Hmm?”
Striding up to the intruder, the priest snatched the Bible from the other man’s hands and held on possessively, disgust clearly expressed on his frowning face. This blasphemer dared to touch a Bible with his filthy hands? Injustice! “God forbade them to eat of the Forbidden Fruit. They broke a commandment and were punished. End of story.”
“What else is forbidden then, Daimen? What does your God say is sinful?”
Huffing in exasperation, Daimen placed the Bible on his pulpit while answering curtly, “You’re sinful. Now get out of my church.”
“What does your God say about Pride, Daimen? Hmm?”
Turning to face Vincent, the brunette narrowed his eyes in confusion, raising a brow in question. “What…are you talking about, Vincent?”
A sly smirk gracing his pale features, Vincent sat up from his reclined position before standing up, harboring all the grace of a noble king. Advancing towards the younger man, Vincent’s wicked grin widened, revealing pointed canine teeth. “Before you go calling me a sinner, perhaps you should remove the mote from thine own eye.”
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Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 7:32 pm
3.14.09 The Forbidden Fruit
Instructions: 250 Words; no "the" in the beginning of a sentence
It was the only thing of color, here in my gray-stone-upon-gray-sky world. I could see it hanging there, taunting me every morning as I plaited my once-golden hair. My gown, which I suppose was once similar in color to the lovely fruit, is now a sun-faded pink. My lips too, now chapped and dry, are pale from age; they too used to be that the deep, seductive crimson which made men go mad- made them lose their eyes.
And yet, I remain. Withered and used, mocked by the apple in its young vibrancy. I am jealous. Yet I still desire it, almost more than anything else. It is all I think of now. I believe I am going mad. Perhaps I am already there.
I have asked the hag to fetch the tempting fruit for me, as she is my only source for food. Her cruelty and resentment only allow me water and bread. I speculate that the old witch planted the tree there herself just to spite me.
But I must have it.
I will have it.
Positioning my feet on the window ledge, I peer down at the wide expanse of graying forest below me. A tear falls from a place I believed to be long since frozen.
I will remain a prisoner no longer.
I will have my apple, and I will have my freedom.
Glancing about the room that has been my cell for thirty years, I step forward from the ledge into nothing.
Good riddance.
Word Count: 250 mrgreen
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Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 11:28 am
((okay so I am not sure if I am too late. But here is mine nonetheless. It was the first vivid idea that came to mind when I read the challenge. I like the way it looks centered better.))
1. 3.14.09: The Forbidden Fruit
Instructions:
250 words; no more, no less
Do not use the word "the" in the beginning of any sentence.
Her arrow seemed to cut though the air like a razor…
She was different then a traditional lady. She was neither dolled up in lace discussing court scandal nor a woman who was fit to remain home helping the family. She was special. Wearing the flared pants and golden vest of a male, was the most talented marksmen that Thomas had ever seen.
She had all the skill of one of the more veteran snipers and at least half the age, if not less. The palace would be honored to have someone who was so gifted. But asking her to join the palace guard was like taking a bite into a forbidden fruit. She would be the first female and that alone would make her life more challenging.
Thomas felt his breath catch when she stopped abruptly. Perhaps she had sensed his presence, although that was not the way he had intended to meet her, but it would be a sign of further talents just beneath the surface.
Her deep violet eyes turned towards him. She walked with confidence, slinging the quiver of arrows over her shoulder. Thomas noted how her chestnut hair shone red against the setting sun.
“What do you want from me?” She asked in a polite manner. She looked not the bit afraid to stand her own
Thomas knew now was his chance and he went forward to meet her.
Forbidden fruit was always sweetest they say.
… before reaching the rouge mark on the target.
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Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 4:52 pm
1. 3.14.09 Forbidden Fruit Grading for SilentBreeze90
Following Instructions: 10
No “the” in the beginning of a sentence and exactly two-hundred and fifty words. Next time, just put the heading before your post, please…I figure it helps with organization is all :3
Characters: 10
Kale’s personality jumped at me most in this piece, and Zeph was comically cute. I don’t know if you fabricated these personalities on the spur of the moment, but it felt as if you’ve known them for a long time. That gave me a comforting sense of familiarity which I think is a little challenging to convey. If the prompt had allowed for a longer entry, I hope you would have elongated the section pertaining to Zeph’s retreat.
Grammar/etc: 8
Very minor errors I found. Quote: …would taste of elicit love… I think what you were looking for was “illicit.” Some sentences, though there were no particular errors within them, seemed to just be worded…funny. Perhaps too structured is a good way to describe it. It helps if you read aloud what you write to see if it flows well. Quote: Sighing in relief, I leaned into Kale, thankful for his timely intervention and he smiled slightly, anger disappearing as he lifted me into his arms I think I would have liked to see this put into two sentences, just to avoid any chance or hint of it being a run-on sentence. I understand that there was a limit of words to adhere to…put, you know…I’m just reviewing. A period after “intervention” would have been nice and then you could just add a transitional “I saw him smile slightly” or something. Again, I understand there was a word limit you were probably worrying about. So I won’t go into detail about any other nit-picky things.
Introduction/Conclusion: 10
Excellent introduction. I particularly like reading things that start off in conversation or some kind of spoken statement. Your conclusion was also very good. It left me feeling satisfied with the piece and was well executed with an appropriate allusion.
Setting/Action: 10
Very well written dialogue. Kale’s invitation to leave added very well to the piece and was followed with good action choice. I think I would have liked you to actually say where they are. I can reasonably infer that they’re in heaven since there are angels and Zeph is so interested in the human…but, spelling it out is good sometimes. I did not count off points because I figured out where they are and it was not totally necessary in this particular piece of writing. But just something to consider for next time.
Overall, a good first piece. Hope to see a lot more from you.
Total: 48/50
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Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 5:11 pm
1. 3.14.09 Forbidden Fruit Grading for Harxlily
Following Instructions: 10
No “the” in the beginning of a sentence and two hundred and fifty words :3 Good job.
Characters: 10
I think you did a very good job of explaining this captive’s personality and role in a very limited amount of words. The character’s voice came out very well and that aided in this piece greatly.
Grammar/etc: 8
I only found one or two actual grammatical errors in this piece…everything else were phrases that just didn’t seem to flow quite right. For example: Quote: It was the only thing of color, here in my gray-stone-upon-gray-sky world. I understand your use of a comma to signify a pause…but it kind of throws the sentence off for me. While this may be argued by those more scholarly than I, again I reiterate that I’m grading based on my subjective nature. I think the sentence would be just fine without the comma…you can leave it to the reader to interpret for themselves. Also, I believe commas are only to be placed after a complete thought, commas are typically used to replace sentences. The first clause of that sentence isn’t a complete thought…which is probably why it sounded funny. [/ramble] Quote: …they too used to be that the deep, seductive crimson which made men go mad- made them lose their eyes. I think the first highlighted portion was simply a product of editing and forgetting to change something. But anyway…it doesn’t make too much sense :3
The second part…it looks a lot better if you write it “mad--made," with two dashes and no space inbetween.
Introduction/Conclusion: 10
Although our lovely Junior year English teacher told us to avoid using, “It was” in the beginning of a sentence, I like how you opened with it. It was attention grabbing and made me want to know what the narrator was talking about. Your conclusion was also very good. It was final and well written.
Setting/Action: 10
Although you didn’t go into deep detail about what everything looked like, I pretty much get a sense for the environment that this captive was in. It gave the feeling of “the highest window on the tallest tower” kind of thing, and I can appreciate that. The captive falling from the ledge seemed like a desperate move of a nearly insane woman…and I think you led up to it pretty nicely. Her obsession over the apple made me laugh.
Total: 48/50
Overall, a very good piece. I enjoyed it immensely :3
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