Ever wondered how others might approach the same story? Ever wondered what this "hook" is that everyone keeps talking about and how to write a good one?
Join the first 13 challenge! It's a great way to experiment with different ideas, and compare results.
Here's the deal--each week a moderator comes up with a story topic. Participants write up the first 13 lines of the story. You can start anywhere you like, and select any character you want. The goal is to write the "hookiest" opening. We all vote on the best one, and the winner gets to be captain for a week.
Why this is a valuable experience: For those learning to write, I think it's particularly helpful to observe and compare how others approach a story. It helps one grasp what a hook is and how many different kinds of hooks there can be. It's also elucidating to read people's comments and observe how they reacted to various entries, including your own.
So, what are you waiting for? It doesn't take long. Read through this week's topic and write up your entry!
Posted by InarticulateBabbler (Member # 4849) on :
Bump.
Posted by annepin (Member # 5952) on :
bump!
Posted by Wolfe_boy (Member # 5456) on :
Bump! (It's an annepin sandwich!)
Jayson Merryfield
Posted by InarticulateBabbler (Member # 4849) on :
I didn't think we could write about that here. Posted by Toby Western (Member # 7841) on :
Now there's a hook. A line? A sinker?
*scarpers*
Posted by slocum (Member # 7925) on :
I'm still looking for the topic. Or am I looking in the wrong place?
Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
You'll find what you're looking for in 'Writing Challenges' section.
Posted by annepin (Member # 5952) on :
You have to scroll down to the near bottom of the forum (last topic before the locked ones) and open the "Week 6 Challenge Topic".
quote:Bump! (It's an annepin sandwich!)
oh my!
[This message has been edited by annepin (edited April 26, 2008).]
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
slocum, you'll find the list of Writing Challenges topics if you follow this link .
Posted by Bent Tree (Member # 7777) on :
come all ye scallywags. Do ye have what it takes to be Captain Hook?
Posted by InarticulateBabbler (Member # 4849) on :
I'm not giving up a hand...
Posted by annepin (Member # 5952) on :
Enter enter enter! Come one new folks! It really is a great, low stakes way to experiment with the first 13. And if you don't win, well, who cares? It wasn't your story anyway--some hack created a cheesey synopsis and you did your best with it. But I think it's confidence-building. Every entry has gotten at least one vote; over all, I'm always surprised by the results, one way or another.
Posted by annepin (Member # 5952) on :
I adjusted the rules for this week only (week 6). You can now submit up to two entries. However, points will not be cumulative--each entry must win in its own right. You will be competing with yourself if you put in another entry.
However, I think this will really allow people to try out different first 13s.
In the event I get more than 20 posts, including doubles, I will post only the entry I received first.
Posted by Doctor (Member # 7736) on :
At that point entries will certainly outnumber votes. Which, frankly, is a horrible idea IMO.
Posted by annepin (Member # 5952) on :
Hm... I hadn't thought of that. You're right, of course. (Sigh... another badly thought-out plan!) Okay, okay, never mind!
