literature

Trifecta Writing Challenge: The Life and Times of Spinkz Mccoy

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Here’s what the Trifecta Writing Challenge  was for this weekend:

For this weekend, we want to play on an oft-noted literary concept: that of the opening line of a book (also known as an incipit, if you’re fancy).  A great first line can reel in the audience, set the pace for the entire piece, and make for an enjoyable read right off the bat.  Conversely, a weak opening can lose readers before the characters even have a chance.  There are lots of great sites and books dealing with the idea of the incipit.  Here’s just one.

So here’s the beginning sentence to my imaginary novel:

The Life and Times of Spinkz Mccoy

Spinkz Mccoy

Used car salesman Spinkz Mccoy figured the key to his success was due to the fact that he was as honest as the day is long on the shortest day of the year.

And there you have it, Dear Reader! This challenge was a lot of fun — I highly recommend it!

This Weekend’s Trifecta Writing Challenge: Anne

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This weekend’s Trifecta Writing Challenge is to retell our favorite book in 33 words.

Anne

There once was a girl named Anne Shirley

Whose hair was carrot-red curly

Went to live at Green Gables

And then switched the tables

And made them all love her quite purely

Until next time . . . I love you

Trifecta Weekend 33-Word Poetry Challenge: Reaching Singularity

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This weekend’s Trifecta Writing Challenge is to write a poem in 33 words:

Reaching Singularity

on an elevator
alone
with just yourself
life delayed
on an elevator
alone
with just yourself
plus 14 people — but they’re so quiet it’s like being
on an elevator
alone,
with just yourself

“Maybe this is the alone button.”

Trifecta Weekend Challenge Try 2: Poindexter’s Birthday

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The Weekend Trifecta Writing Challenge is to take a scene that involves (or affects) at least three people and write this scene from the point of view of three of the characters, using 33 words for each character.  —  HA! Just realized after writing my story I didn’t follow these directions . . . oops! 

Poindexter’s Birthday

“I hate my name,”  little Poindexter Hepatitis remarked to his mother, Roberta.

“Which one? Poindexter or Hepatitis?” Roberta asked absently — for her mind was more agreeably engaged with the placement of the candles on Poindexter’s birthday cake.

Poindexter was about to answer when he was interrupted by his father, Vladimir Hepatitis. 

“Nonsense!” Vladimir Hepatitis harrumphed. “Vladimir is a good enough name for me and it’s a good enough name for my son.”

“But father, you didn’t name me Vladimir, you named me Poindexter”

“No kidding? What was I thinking?”

The Hepatitis’s couldn’t stop laughing as they ate their cake.

Vladimir Poindexter Hepatitus

This Weekend’s Trifecta Writing Challenge

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This Weekend’s Trifecta Writing Challenge  is to finish these 33 words with 33 words of your own:

“There’s nothing cute about it,” he said. The register of his voice indicated decision more so than discussion.
She disagreed heartily and privately, staring past his head and out the window behind him.

The elephant caravan was just cresting the hill.  “We can still make it if we hurry!” Barbara pleaded.

“I told you!  I go nowhere without my nose, Barbara!” Bozo shouted angrily.  “Nowhere!”