{"id":446,"date":"2016-09-19T12:10:56","date_gmt":"2016-09-19T11:10:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/alphawriters.net\/new\/?page_id=446"},"modified":"2016-09-19T12:11:21","modified_gmt":"2016-09-19T11:11:21","slug":"season-xii","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/alphawriters.net\/new\/challenge\/season-xii\/","title":{"rendered":"Season XII"},"content":{"rendered":"

Season XII<\/h1>\n

Challenge 10 – Humour<\/h2>\n

It is apparently an Alpha tradition that the final challenge is light-hearted, so this challenge is looking for humour \u2013 not an easy aspect to pin-down, I know.\u00a0 Expanding on an earlier challenge that produced some remarkable results, this one again uses opening lines, but you can pick your own from either a novel or a song.\u00a0 For example:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018It is a truth universally acknowledged,\u2019 (Pride and Prejudice<\/i>) that toast will always fall butter-side down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018It was the best of times, it was the worst of times\u2019 (A Tale f Two Cities<\/i>) for it was Brexit polling day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice\u2019 (The Great Gatsby<\/i>), never say no to a cup of tea. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The opening of a song might be:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Dear Diary\u2019. (Dear Diary<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I was dreaming when I wrote this\u2019 (1999<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018There must be some kind of way out of here\u2019 (All Along the Watchtower<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

I want to stress that the opening is merely a springboard for a humourous follow-up which need bear no relation to the actual novel or song chosen. The humour can be in any genre, from descriptive slapstick, through overt or understated irony, to vicious sarcasm and it can be written in absolutely any genre \u2013 including for example a comic sketch script.<\/span><\/p>\n

Word count is the usual 300 words plus <\/b>any title and confirmation of the opening line\u2019s source.\u00a0 All entries need to be with me by midnight on the 19<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> April.<\/span><\/p>\n

1st place CCG – 10 points, 2nd place Suzanne – 8 points, 3rd place Lesley – 7 points<\/p>\n

\"horizontal-36856_6402\"<\/span><\/h2>\n

Callenge 9 – Phobia<\/h2>\n

A very straightforward challenge this time:-<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Phobia: <\/strong>Suffix forming abstract noun.\u00a0 (Latin from Greek, (phobos, <\/em>fear)<\/p>\n

Eg, Xenophobia,qv.<\/em><\/p>\n

You suffer from a phobia; you have an instinctive, irrational fear of something (spiders, the dark, closed doors, foreigners, public toilets\u2026)\u00a0 In no more than 300 words describe what your phobia is, how your phobia affects you, and how you deal with it.<\/p>\n

You are not required actually to suffer, or have suffered, from the phobia about which you write.<\/p>\n

Answers to me, please, within the usual framework which means by the end of Tuesday,<\/strong> 29th<\/sup> March<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Good luck, I look forward to receiving your entries by or before that date.<\/p>\n

1st place Stephen 13 points, Joint 2nd place Morgen and Olaf 10 points each, 3rd place Sarah 9 points<\/p>\n

The Alpha Leaderboard after Challenge 9:<\/span><\/p>\n

Morgen:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 23 points
\n<\/span>Lesley:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 16**
\n<\/span>Chris:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 15*
\n<\/span>Rosemary:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 14**
\n<\/span>Sarah:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 14
\n<\/span>Christine:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 14<\/span><\/p>\n

\"horizontal-36856_6402\"Challenge 8 – The Poetry Challenge<\/span><\/p>\n

We always have one poetry challenge per season. This time I\u2019d like you to tell us the story of a person who for some reason deserves to be immortalised in poetry. It\u2019s up to you to make your chosen character memorable in verse, although you\u2019re under no constraint as to the poetic form to be used. Free verse, iambic pentameters, heroic couplets, sonnets or a pattern of your own invention\u2026 it\u2019s up to you. Your aim is to impress us with your character in a poetic style that suits the subject.<\/p>\n

Your character can be funny, wicked or outstanding in any way you prefer. I\u2019ve selected some examples to illustrate the wide range of possibilities. I may have missed out your favourite character, but you might enjoy checking out the ones below which should be available in a single click. If that doesn\u2019t work they\u2019re easy enough to find.<\/p>\n

Poetry can say a great deal in only a few words. Your poem can have a maximum of 200 words, excluding the title, if used.<\/p>\n

Send your entry to me by Tuesday the 8th<\/sup> of March at midnight BST at the very latest.<\/p>\n

Examples:<\/u><\/p>\n

Boys:<\/u> \u2018You are Old, Father William\u2019<\/a> by Lewis Carroll.<\/p>\n

Peter Grimes<\/a> by George Crabbe<\/p>\n

The Unknown Citizen<\/a> by W H Auden<\/p>\n

Girls:<\/u> Mathilda<\/a> by Hilaire Belloc<\/p>\n

Lucy<\/a> by Wordsworth<\/p>\n

Molly Malone<\/a> by \u2018Unknown\u2019.<\/p>\n

1st place Lesley 15 points, 2nd Rosemary 12 points, 3rd Chris 11 points and 4th Morgen 10 points.<\/p>\n

The Alpha Leaderboard after Challenge 8:
\n<\/span>Morgen: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 20*
\n<\/span>Lesley:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 15**
\n<\/span>Chris: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a014*`
\n<\/span>Rosemary: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 13**
\n<\/span>Christine: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 13
\n<\/span>CCG:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 12*
\n<\/span>Sarah: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a012<\/span><\/p>\n

\"horizontal-36856_6402\"<\/p>\n

Challenge 7<\/h2>\n

Do we ever wonder \u201cWhat if Glenn Miller\/Buddy Holly\/Jimi Hendrix\/etc hadn’t died young? What would they have gone on to achieve; how would music look\u201d? No, DON’T resurrect them – that\u2019s not the brief…<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s 2016. You’re a music journalist. Your editor has asked you to review the career of a 20th Century artist (singer, group, bandleader) who died young before <\/span>lasting<\/i><\/span> success and fame came knocking. In the case of a group, one or more significant members died and they therefore broke up.<\/span><\/p>\n

So this challenge is to produce a piece of journalism.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

BUT… there\u2019s a twist: in this particular (imagined) 2016, the artist you choose died young, but in our mutual (real) 2016, they didn’t. Review their brief career and fame. You could also muse in passing \u201cWhat if…?\u201d (optional).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

300 words maximum, to include a title : the name of the artist and the year of their fictional early death. For example: <\/span>Elvis Presley, died 1956 immediately after recording Heartbreak Hotel<\/i><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

1st place Lesley 14 points, 2nd place Sarah and Morgen with 10 points each<\/p>\n

The Alpha Leaderboard after Challenge 7:<\/span><\/p>\n

Morgen:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 19
\n<\/span>Chris:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 12*
\n<\/span>Christine:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 12
\n<\/span>Lesley:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11**
\n<\/span>CCG:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11*
\n<\/span>Sarah:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11
\n<\/span>Rosemary:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10**<\/span><\/p>\n

\"horizontal-36856_6402\"<\/p>\n

Challenge 6<\/h2>\n

You work for an advertising agency\u00a0 and need a storyboard of a television commercial. In under 300 words write the outline description of the storyboard for a 30 second television commercial to market a new product \u2013 including the catch line or jingle that will be the main snippet all the viewers will remember. Your storyboard will be sent to script writers once it has been accepted.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is not a script, but the story outline that describes the action that will take place to show the product on screen. The only lines that the viewer will hear that you will include will be the \u2018jingle\u2019 at the end of the commercial that the viewer will remember and which will make sure they choose your product in store. For your title please use only the name of the product and the type, for example Codswallop \u2013 Washing Powder<\/i> or Plonk \u2013 Alcopop Drink<\/i> etc.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do not include the storyboard images. <\/span>This<\/span> is not a graphic challenge but a descriptive one. You may have as many or as few boards as are warranted by the outline, but I suggest around 6 should be enough. You might set it out something like:<\/span><\/p>\n

1\/ Man holds full pint glass to lips and swigs from amber nectar<\/span>\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

2\/\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

1st with 12 points – Morgen, 2nd with 7 points – Sarah and Zena, 3rd with 6 points – Lesley, Stephen, Chris, Rosemary & Paul<\/p>\n

The Alpha Leaderboard after Challenge 6:<\/span><\/p>\n

Morgen:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 16 points
\n<\/span>Chris: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 11*
\n<\/span>Christine:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11
\n<\/span>CCG:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10*
\n<\/span>Sally:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10*
\n<\/span>Zena:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10<\/span><\/p>\n

\"horizontal-36856_6402\"<\/p>\n

Challenge 5<\/h2>\n

One of the most (in)famous opening lines of a work of fiction is Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s<\/p>\n

being the start of his 1830 novel Paul Clifford<\/em>. Despite now being derided, the novel was very successful in its day. The opening lines were recently the subject of James McCreet’s gentle critique “Under the Microscope” in Writing Magazine. <\/em>This is attached\u00a0if anyone doesn’t have a copy and would like to read it – optional work!<\/p>\n

Your Alpha task for Challenge 5 is to take these opening words and produce a piece of quality fiction for today’s readership. Continue the story as you wish, but include at least 1 example of onomatopoeia:<\/p>\n

http:\/\/literarydevices.net\/onomatopoeia\/<\/a><\/p>\n

As well as allocating marks for entries, please choose your favourite onomatopoeic expression from all pieces of writing. Note, however, that this is completely separate from the judging process and just for interest. One excellent example of onomatopoeia will not the winner make!<\/p>\n

The total number of words must not exceed 300 and entries to me please by midnight GMT on Tuesday 5th January<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

1st with 15 points Sally and Suzanne, 2nd with 12 points Christine, 3rd with 10 points Lesley<\/p>\n

The Alpha Leaderboard after Challenge 5:<\/span><\/p>\n

Morgen:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 12 points
\n<\/span>Sally:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10*
\n<\/span>Chris:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10
\n<\/span>Christine:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10
\n<\/span>CCG:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 9*
\n<\/span>Suzanne: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a08
\n<\/span>Zena:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 8<\/span><\/p>\n

\"horizontal-36856_6402\"<\/p>\n

Challenge 4<\/h2>\n

This challenge is all about lists.<\/p>\n

50 ways to leave your lover… 88 lines about 44 women… The Pillow Book… The list is a celebrated literary device.<\/p>\n

You can make lists to develop a plot, reveal the character of your protagonist or reflect his\/her state of mind. The best lists read like poems: take a look at these for some wonderful examples from (admittedly mostly American) fiction: http:\/\/flavorwire.com\/371476\/10-lists-that-read-like-poems<\/a><\/p>\n

Your challenge this Alpha Day is to write a list. Any list: it can be a shopping list, to do list, a list of mistakes, lost friends, steps towards success, thoughts and musings, or things that make you laugh (or cry).<\/p>\n

Your list can be written by you, or a protagonist (or anyone\/anything else who might feature in a book or a piece of writing). If you’d like to ‘set the scene’ before and\/or after, that’s fine; or you can just write the list. The most important thing is that the sum should be more than the parts. And it should all be wrapped up within 300 words.<\/p>\n

Entries to me please by midnight on Tuesday 8 December.<\/p>\n

1st with 16 points Zena, 2nd with 11 points Morgen, 3rd with 9 points\u00a0Stephen<\/p>\n

The Alpha Leaderboard after Challenge 4 and the Christmas Quiz:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Morgen:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11 points
\n<\/span>Chris:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 9
\n<\/span>Zena:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 8
\n<\/span>CCG:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 8
\n<\/span>Christine:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 7
\n<\/span>Sally:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 6*
\n<\/span>Olaf:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 6*
\n<\/span>Rosemary: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a06<\/span><\/p>\n

\"horizontal-36856_6402\"<\/p>\n

Challenge 3<\/h2>\n

Good Evening.
\nMy name is Baroomph Maardi from the planet…well, that\u2019s not important.
\nWe are a peace-loving people but we do like to have fun. Our national sport involves destroying planets. For no particular reason \u2013 we\u2019re not building a Super Highway. That\u2019s been done.
\nWe\u2019ve tried fire, flood and famine but my absolute favourite is Almighty Explosion. Think Super Nova …it\u2019s a beautiful thing.
\nEarth\u2019s number is up, so to speak. It\u2019s nothing personal.
\nTo make it more interesting, you have been chosen to save the world. Literally.
\nWe know that you reckon yourself to be some sort of writer. So come on. Let\u2019s see what you\u2019ve got. Dazzle me.
\nBut none of your flights of fictional fantasy \u2013 this is for real. Non fiction, if you will.
\nYou\u2019ve got nineteen days to persuade me NOT to press this Big Red Button. Tell me why Earth should be excused. Write your Plea in no more than three hundred words and get it to me by midnight GMT on Tuesday November 17th<\/sup>.
\nNo pressure, but my trigger finger is itching something cruel.<\/p>\n

1st with 12 points Olaf, 2nd with 11 points each Sally, Morgen and Chris<\/p>\n

The Alpha Leaderboard after Challenge 3:<\/u><\/p>\n

Morgen:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 8 points
\nChris: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 8
\nCCG: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a07
\nChristine:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6
\nSally:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5*
\nOlaf: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 5<\/p>\n

\"horizontal-36856_6402\"<\/p>\n

Challenge 2<\/h2>\n

Preamble<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

It is very easy to be sloppy over the use of words.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u201d is usually thought of as second person singular or plural used to address the person(s) in front of you. Sometimes, however, \u201cyou\u201d is used to mean everyone in general. For instance, on showing holiday snaps of a temple to a friend it is easy to say, \u201cYou must take your shoes off before entering the temple,\u201d even though you know the person will never be visiting. The more unambiguous form is \u201cOne must take one\u2019s shoes off before entering the temple\u201d. It\u2019s rather ugly, but it could avoid embarrassment at times.<\/p>\n

Scenario<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Simon and Lucy have been to a course of three extra-mural lectures at the local university, given by the professor of philosophy. Simon has taken a bit of a shine to Lucy, who doesn\u2019t object. After the third lecture, they have a cup of tea\/coffee together.<\/p>\n

The conversation<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Simon likes to show he understands and extols the virtues of the lectures. \u201cI thought his explanation of nihilism was really good, and his examples of existentialism were very well chosen. Didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucy (who is a bit overweight) mumbles agreement, while reflecting that she\u2019d slept badly last night and had had a bad day at the office, and had a bad headache coming on.<\/p>\n

Simon rambles on. \u201cTonight\u2019s talk about our failure to understand infinity both in distance and time is difficult to appreciate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucy looks at her cup and grunts thinking longingly of getting back to her finite flat and lying down. She struggles to pay attention.<\/p>\n

Simon continues, \u201cand I thought the comments at the end of the lectures were illuminating. Your questions were really probing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucy gazed at him with a blank face.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what it\u2019s all about, isn\u2019t it? Discussions on a higher plane.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucy fought her headache, biting back any response.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a meeting of the intellects. You don\u2019t have to worry about your body.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucy\u2019s resolve to say nothing snapped, and she looked daggers at Simon.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat exactly is wrong with my body?\u201d<\/p>\n

Simon is taken aback and clumsily tries to put things right. \u201cOh, no, no, I didn\u2019t mean that. That was a general comment. After all, we hardly know each other, and I\u2019ve been so engrossed that I haven\u2019t yet thought about<\/p>\n

\u00a0The Challenge<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

This challenge asks you to write the next bit of conversation (after \u2018thought about\u2019) between Simon and Lucy. Simon may continue speaking, or Lucy may interrupt. The conversation must continue for about another 200 words, while you can use the remainder \u2013 up to 300 in total – for closing the confrontation in whatever way you like.<\/p>\n

The conversation is dialogue plus relevant comments \u2013 as in my conversation above.<\/p>\n

———————————————————————<\/p>\n

This is an exercise in creative dialogue, and clearly there are several topics which can be used (or new ones introduced), and there is scope for a number of endings for any conversation, but everyone is starting from the same well-defined point. I\u2019d like your entries with me by October 27th<\/sup>, please.<\/p>\n

1st with 18 points – Morgen, 2nd with 14 points Christine, 3rd with 13 points\u00a0Chris<\/p>\n

The Leaderboard after Challenge 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n

CCG:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5 point<\/p>\n

Chris:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5 points<\/p>\n

Morgen:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5 points<\/p>\n

Christine:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 4 points<\/p>\n

Rose:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3* points<\/p>\n

Sarah:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3 points<\/p>\n

Sally:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2* points<\/p>\n

\"horizontal-36856_6402\"<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

\"alphaXIIch1photo\"<\/a>Challenge 1: \u00a0Picture Challenge<\/h2>\n

They say\u00a0 \u201cA picture is worth a thousand words.\u201d<\/p>\n

This picture, however, is only worth 300 words and that includes the title (if used).<\/p>\n

Use your imagination to write a piece of prose fiction inspired by the picture.<\/p>\n

1st with 15 points – CCG, 2nd with 11 points Chris, 3rd with 9 points Rose<\/p>\n

The Leaderboard after Challenge 1:<\/u><\/p>\n

CCG:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 4 points<\/p>\n

Chris:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3 points<\/p>\n

Rose:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2* points<\/p>\n

Sarah:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2 points<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Season XII Challenge 10 – Humour It is apparently an Alpha tradition that the final challenge is light-hearted, so this challenge is looking for humour \u2013 not an easy aspect to pin-down,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":138,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-446","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alphawriters.net\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/446","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alphawriters.net\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alphawriters.net\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alphawriters.net\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alphawriters.net\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=446"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/alphawriters.net\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/446\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alphawriters.net\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/138"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alphawriters.net\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=446"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}