StoryMash Creative Storytelling Forum

So It has been eerily dead on this site, and I'm bored!
Is anyone up for a writers duel?

What are the rules? Not sure I'm up to it, but I'm certain other writers are curious.

Well, the duelists agree on a predetermined amount of chapters such as six, and the two alternate writing chapters each week.
The winner is the writer who submits every chapter on time. If both writers accomplish this apparent monumental task, everybody wins!

That sounds a little too easy :) Up the stakes a bit and I might be game!

Well what stakes do you want?

Here's an idea off the top of my head - How about we a typical scene - like a murder investigation for example - and each of us has to write chapters for the same story, that run parallel with the other person's chapters.
We take it in turns and we can't contradict anything in the other person's chapter. It should be in the same time frame, and people should be able to sample random chapters out of order and still understand what's going on.
What do you think?

I tried that with one of my story; I found it impossible; more and more I wanted to develop on what was already established, but the readers were getting lost more and more. By maintaining, pick-up anywhere concept, the characters would become flat and uninteresting to the readers who stayed with the storyline and the author.

Wow, that's a shame then ... I haven't tried it before. Maybe we should work on a mashed story together ;)

Sure which line would you like?
If you check my profile, I tried doing it with "Two Households in Tyrol."

We should pick one of the noobie's stories to mash. It doesn't matter if it's good or bad - as long as it's mashed!

As an outside mediator and possible duel "second" if my services are requested, I recommend picking a story worthy of mashing. Why encourage and reward mediocrity?

And for those of you who don't know what a second is in a duel, I suggest research.

I don't think I understand the rules of this duel thing. I think that WBS and I are in a duel with "Lovably Dead", but I'm in the dark as to how many chapters, how is the winner determined (if at all) or exactly how many days one has to write the next chapter; I read something about 4 days, then a week...(shugging shoulders)...lol.

But, if a second is necessary...I would sure be proud to have you as mine, JD...;o). Of course, I'd return that favor if and when you got yourself into one of nasty ol' duels!

I'm not encouraging mediocrity. We take some crappy story (or not crappy, I'm saying it makes no difference) and we test our skills at continuing.

If it's a good story, they will be honored. If it's a bad story, they will see how to write well - right in their face! Good for everyone! ;)

Ah - well since time is precious to me, if I am going to invest it and some effort in a mash, it better be a damn good story to start off with and worthy of that time and effort. But that is just me. :)

Who's noobie? I can't find him/her anywhere...lol.

WWB! En Garde!
http://storymash.com/u/WBScott/vetabuni/

WBS...the clock's ticking for you. I published chapter three this morning (my time)...;o)

JD, I welcome you as a second!
The time is agreed upon the duelist; I had but WWB in the hot-seat just out the convenience of timing; he published a chapter the same time I mentioned a duel, and I knew he's a cool guy like that.
I had suggested one week then mentioned I still had four days left, three days later. (Makes sense now, doesn't it?) I'll have the final chapter to lovably dead within the next week. Not easy, WWB left me with many implied loose-ends to tie up...Good job!
Light, I would really like if you chose to duel me on one of my chapters that have never been mashed.

Are the duels only four chapters long? I thought six. No matter, it's there for you to wrap up...;o).

JD..guess I don't need a second for this particular duel as WBS has the final chapter due in 3, no..4, or is it 5 days? LOL

WBS - I will second you in your duel with MrL.
WWB - I will second you in your duel with WBS.

(And no, this isn't a conflict of interest)

Rules of the seconds - Seconds offer moral and editing support of their writers as needed. Seconds also keep an eye on both duelists, ensuring all rules are adhered to.

If extenuating circumstances occur and an opponent cannot meet his/her deadline (family emergency, illness, etc.) the duelist can either request their second take their place and write the chapter, at a loss of points/credit, or they can forfeit the duel.

What say ye, duelists?

Also, if a story is needed for mashing in the duel between WBS and MrL - I offer one of my own in order to get the ball rolling.

JD, your terms as second for duelists are wonderful!

I think we need to add something in order to clearly delineate a winner.

How about votes. Each writer gives himself and his dueling partner 5 stars. That way, there's no "back stabbing". Then, everyone else (that reads the story and comments) votes. The average of the aggregate determines the winner.

I know that there's no oversight on votes. Anyone could go in and leave a one star vote to lower the average, even the duelists; but, hey, there's got to be some honor...right?

The seconds keep track of the votes and compare (if there are two seconds) and announce the winner.

Obviously, I'm open to better ideas...;o)

I think votes would work, but also perhaps voters could put their two cents in the comments or here on the forum if they are willing - feedback is always welcome. I do like the idea of both duelists voting 5's. Seconds, on the other hand, are open to vote what they deem worthy - yes?

Indeed! Only the duelists are honor bound to vote their opponent a 5 star.

This only applies to future duels as WBS and I are already almost done with the first one...;o)

Behold: Goo 2 (Mashing Goo by JD)
EN GARDE WB!!!

(I couldn't find any story of yours WB that hadn't been already mashed. I looked hard too. Next round you can pick one of yours for us to do ;) )

WBS - The gauntlet is thrown, the challenge made, the weapons chosen.

Good luck and good writing to both duelists.

Great! I LOVE that story! But, I gotta say...Light and WBS writing a children's tale? Hmmm...this'll be very interesing...lol

I can't wait to see what they come up with and whether they'll be able to keep it young.

;o)

Since WBS is taking so long for both of us, why don't we have a duel WWB?

Holy Moly, Light...all you young whipper-snappers, full of piss and vinegar make me....ummm, wanna teach ya a thing or three...LMAO.

Accepted, but I don't want to start with an already posted chapter here. So, if you'll agree to my doing a fresh kick-off chapter - you're on...;o)

Absolutely! It's ON!!!

Parry one:
http://storymash.com/u/WBScott/wutosero/

Striking at the other!

Damn things are quiet around here. I wish there was somebody to duel ;)

Weekends are notoriously slow on SM. I think most of us simply have too many other things going on.

We have a duel, remember? One thing I wanted to add about that, though, before I post the first chapter. I think we should set a minimum of words...say, 1000? What do you think?

Yeah it's Monday here, so I should remember that for next week. I was seriously thinking you and WBS had vanished. 1000 words - Agreed!

Good deal...here's the start chapter...lol.

http://storymash.com/u/writerwannabe/bugaduto/

I'm going to have to agree with WWB on this 1000 word minimum, and I'll write a new chapter for you to duel on.

Looking forward WBS. Question: Are we automatically giving our dueling partners 5 stars?

5 stars for yourself and 5 stars for your opponent. It's the only way to keep it fair; other reader's will determine the winner with their votes.

WBS - doesn't apply to our current, almost done duel because we were already well into it by the time I proposed the honor voting among the contestents...;o)

I had already changed my vote to five stars though...

Well, I have no problem changing my vote from 4.5 to 5 then...;o)

5 stars to you then wwb! Peripheral Vision: 2 is up :))

Holy Moly...you're as fast as..er, lightening! Off to read...lol

Ha-Ha, Mr. Light:
Strike in the nick of time:
http://storymash.com/u/WBScott/penanate/

and reposite:
http://storymash.com/u/WBScott/birumipo/

Right back at you:

http://storymash.com/u/MrLightening/nidiketa/

http://storymash.com/u/MrLightening/wahukadu/

Ho-Ha-Hee-Parry-Thrust:
http://storymash.com/u/WBScott/mamopobu/
http://storymash.com/u/WBScott/hidohefa/

Well, better late than never.

http://storymash.com/u/MrLightening/susapivu/
http://storymash.com/u/MrLightening/livimavi/

You were late on the last one:
http://storymash.com/u/WBScott/noriwipi/
http://storymash.com/u/WBScott/gemeviga/

What a dumb concept. Just write for fun.

What a dumb comment. Just keep your mouth shut if you don't want to join.

For a lot of people, entering in story contests/challenges *is* fun. They stretch us to become better at our craft while at the same time allowing us to see how we measure up against an "opponent." In my opinion, if you're too afraid to ever test your talent against other writers, then somewhere in your mind you know your work is subpar. If you already consciously think that way, then participating in challenges may just give you that competitive edge needed to try to boost your skill, while at the same time learning from what the "winning" authors had done to get the votes. Plus, writing for any reason is always a good thing, so you should be respectful of other people's motivators.

You said it more eloquently than my pseudo-reverse psychology...

LOL! I was merely expanding upon your pseudo-reverse psychology in order to further educate your misguided commenter on why his words were uncalled for. ;)

Well, thank you ;)