I Have a Suggestion for the Cousins To Discuss...

[alynwa.livejournal.com]

Lately, it seems that those of us who write MFU fanfic, except for spikesgirl58, are currently experiencing a writing lull. jantojones published a double drabble yesterday, but I think we can all agree that, for whatever reason, we're not being very productive.  I'm embarrassed to say that for the first time since I took over the Song Story Challenge, I was unable to publish anything for the January challenge.

Leap Year notwithstanding, February is short.  My suggestion is: Suspend all challenges for February to remove the pressure to produce.  Instead, how about we declare February a "free form" month and encourage ourselves to write whatever comes to our minds be they drabbles, one shots, gen, het & slash (in the appropriate venues, of course) of any length, even if it's only one sentence.

It's possible that someone might write something that inspires someone else to either continue in that vein or write something new.  If so, the original writer could be credited.   Also, maybe we could use this break to review the current challenges to determine if new challenges should be created and/or if any challenges should be put on hiatus or even discontinued.

What do you think, Cousins?

Comments

[the-wretching.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm generally a slash writer, so I don't write specifically for section 7 (or, at all lately :( ) and so take my input with the caveat that I really can't speak for anyone else, especially anyone in this particular group, but I find I am *more* likely to write when I see a juicy challenge than otherwise. I'm for more challenges than less (but I don't know...easier?...drabbles?...new-prompt gimicks?...I like photo prompts....?...)

But I do take your point about maybe there's just too much pressure. That can be a problem for writers too.

I don't know what the best answer is, but I LOVE that you're trying to work on it. (and now I feel a little guilty. maybe guilt is a good motivator? (I do come from a long line of Catholics.))

[pfrye.livejournal.com]

Feb is a short month - it wouldn't hurt to try.....

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

I'm completely distracted right now, purging and donating a lot of things as I've moved up on the waiting list for senior housing I have a lot of paperwork to go through and shred, (or keep) so I'm really focused on getting a lot done. I haven't been able to think about writing at all. Eventually I'll get back to it once I can relax. I'll probably binge watch the DVDs to get my head in the right place.

I'm good with your idea!

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

I'm good with this idea. I posted last week and asked if anyone had ideas for new challenges, but I don't recall any responses to that. We've been at this awhile, and I'm aware that a lot of people have stuff going on that keeps them otherwise occupied. I've had way less time lately, and something short is about all I can get posted.
That, I can't sit down at the laptop without Precious wanting to climb in my lap and try to type. I've had three or four shots at writing this.
So, February is a down telescope sort of month this year.

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

Didi I mention my cat is in the way? She made that whole thing underlined.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

I swear Precious wants to learn to type! Didn't she place an Amazon order, or some such?

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

Yes, she did order something while watching on the Kindle. A fluke, of course, but I have to watch her.

[reapermum.livejournal.com]

As a reader I had noticed the fall off in new offerings for me. An official break might be a good thing to take the pressure off the writers, just leave them to post if they have an idea or not if they want a complete rest from plotting.

I'm enjoying the word of the day for its own sake, so please continue posting the word without it being a challenge. Possibly we could just comment on whether it's a word we use or know of or find completely new.

And perhaps restart with some silly suggestions from readers that aren't a real challenge. Stuff like :Do you think all agents have their appendixes removed to prevent a mission being disrupted by appendicitis?

[ssclassof56.livejournal.com]

My son had to have his appendix out earlier this month, which got me thinking about the same thing. I started to imagine a story about one of our boys getting appendicitis on a mission, but I haven’t written anything yet. :)

[leethet.livejournal.com]

With its tendency to follow things to their logical (??) conclusion, my brain instantly removed every vulnerable organ from the agents and was left with ... robots.

But even robots break down.

[the-wretching.livejournal.com]

I also enjoy Word of the Day for its own sake.

And I love the question suggestion... that appendix one is a thinker. Nice.

[leethet.livejournal.com]

My opinion is worthless here (because I'm not writing anyway), but I'll share it.

I don't do challenges (never did) or drabbles, so whatever happens there won't affect me - in fact, nothing will cause me to write until my muse rises from the ashes, if and when that happens.

I mostly say this to point out that what happens or does not happen on Section 7 or any other community is not necessarily to blame for a dearth of writing. I don't see too many people saying they're overwhelmed by the challenge offerings, etc., so I'd say keep doing them with the understanding that some people - through no fault of the challenges - won't be able to participate.

[alynwa.livejournal.com]

Ultimately, it's Glenna's decision as to whether or not to table challenges for February. I just wanted to put the hiatus idea out there for consideration. I will go along with whatever she decides.

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

I'm fine with this idea. There is a Short Affair post due for February 3rd. When I post the reminder I can let everyone know that the next prompt won't be until March 2nd.