Since then we have enjoyed the added exuberance of dozens of newbies who may be unfamiliar with the Rewrite Challenge. This post is an invitation to participate—both as WRITERS and READERS!

The rules go something like this:

1. READERS: All are invited to request Challenge submissions for their personal reading enjoyment. Comments and critiques of the stories are welcome but NOT REQUIRED!
*MAKE your request by emailing the writer directly.
*DO NOT post your request to read on this thread.
*DO NOT post comments of any kind on this thread.
*QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS may be posted in Open Discussion on the thread entitled "5th Rewrite Discussion Zone".

2. WRITERS: Re-Write the story of Laocoon. The following are links to read and/or download a copy of the original story.

http://www.loggia.com/myth/laocoon.html
http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/Laocoon2.html

The challenge is to rewrite this story in one, or a combination of, the following four ways:
*Twist the story to suit your own creative bent.
*Write the story in the style of another well-known author.
*Combine the tale with another tale of your choosing.
*Write a "What if…?" version—a prequel, sequel, or other, of the original tale.

3. Submit the first 13 lines of your final draft (at least 'final' as of the deadline) to this thread.
*PLEASE post pre-deadline requests for 'Process' critiques (critiques intended to help you prepare for the deadline) on your own thread.
*DO NOT post comments or questions on this thread.
*QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS may be posted in Open Discussions, on the thread entitled "(WHATEVER THE CURRENT NUMBER) Rewrite Discussion Zone", or by contacting Dakota directly by email.
*THE CHALLENGE is ever-evolving. Let me know how we can do it better.

4. Word limit: 5000 words

5. Deadline: Midnight EST, February 28th, 2005.

6. Please, for SPAM's sake, include the word "Hatrack" in the subject line of all correspondences.

I quite like the idea, but I think there are some problems with some of the more technical info. Ah well, advice is always gratefully received.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Captain Linda Jennings looked up as the sirens sounded throughout the ship. So, they’re finally coming. After days of waiting the Grek raiders were attacking. She knew the strength of her space station, the MCD Hector, better than anyone did. They would be lucky to survive ten minutes against the might of the Grek.

She hurried towards the space station’s command deck, ignoring the salutes of the crew as she passed. Only once she had reached the lift did she pass a hand over her face. All of them would die and there was nothing she could do. Despite constants appeals for help, the high command had chosen to sacrifice them, preferring to mass their forces near the jump gates.

 

(Well, the first ten lines or so, anyway. You'll have to request to get the rest!)

The Reluctant Prophet

It could never be said of Reverend Asael Quincy Clayton that he was a perfect man.

He had a thirst for strong drink and a penchant for cursing--but only in the privacy of his own lodging. He had, however, slipped on one too many occasions in the presence of one too many influential parishioners. Which is how he found himself at Fort Abraham Lincoln, trying to attract a new congregation by selling Bibles to newly Christianized Indians who couldn't read, and to soldiers more interested in spending their money on liquor and whores.