OF COURSE!! ^^ i always welcome another numberBird wrote:Hey Sub can I be number 6 on your list ?
Writing for Millions Part 2
Re: Writing for Millions Part 2
Wootastically Bombin 
Re: Writing for Millions Part 2
Alright, sorry for the delay on the announcement, I was disconnected about 5 times in a row yesterday while trying to read one of the entries (progressing two words, attempting to log in only to have the client freeze twice before connecting again, then repeating got a bit annoying).
The 'ceremony' will be held (pay close attention here) on December 15th (Wednesday) at 7:00 pm (CST) the shard time will be December 16th at 01:00 (CET) at my home DIRECTLY EAST OF THE LIBRARY (caps, since I know this will be asked :p). I am fairly sure I got the math right on that, if I did not then just pay attention to the CST time, since that is what I am going on. The ceremony should only last ~approx 30 minutes. Keep in mind (since I see there is now a vote against it...after it was already decided, thanks for reading all the posts -_-) that you DO NOT HAVE to attend, this is more an experiment than anything else to see how it goes (plus it makes it much easier to deliver the prizes since it will be almost a week before I have another chance to hand them out). Those in attendance (that took part in the contest) will also have a token of appreciation handed to them at the close of the ceremony (so if you bother to come, don't leave when you do not hear your name for the top 3 :p). Everyone else is more than welcome to come, though if you do it will be for your own amusement since there is not any extra door giveaways or the like for this one. Now, for the obligatory warning. Do be aware, I have absolutely zero patience for people being obnoxious; so if you are coming with plans of being a nuisance by spamming emotes or being a general idiot (casting field effects, making mirror images and running around, etc), you will be removed from the area. No warning, no second chance, the staff are extremely fair in their dealings with such people....I am not. This is not to say cheering and applauds or even a well placed joke emote are not ok, but "*puke* *ah-ha!* *oh* *No* "An Lor Xen" "An Lor Xen" *puke* *puke* *punch* *punch*" within a matter of seconds....yea....good bye.
I will be at the location 30-45 minutes before we begin, to work as a sign post mostly (see my name you are in the right spot), but feel free to come early if you choose. I shall see you there.
Saying this again, the results of the winners will be posted AFTER the ceremony is cleared out. I will probably do my usual summary of why I chose said book, so it may take a few minutes to show up on the forum.
*edit* Hehe, as for the remembering to breathe...well.....this sums it up nicely:
http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=240 ^_^
The 'ceremony' will be held (pay close attention here) on December 15th (Wednesday) at 7:00 pm (CST) the shard time will be December 16th at 01:00 (CET) at my home DIRECTLY EAST OF THE LIBRARY (caps, since I know this will be asked :p). I am fairly sure I got the math right on that, if I did not then just pay attention to the CST time, since that is what I am going on. The ceremony should only last ~approx 30 minutes. Keep in mind (since I see there is now a vote against it...after it was already decided, thanks for reading all the posts -_-) that you DO NOT HAVE to attend, this is more an experiment than anything else to see how it goes (plus it makes it much easier to deliver the prizes since it will be almost a week before I have another chance to hand them out). Those in attendance (that took part in the contest) will also have a token of appreciation handed to them at the close of the ceremony (so if you bother to come, don't leave when you do not hear your name for the top 3 :p). Everyone else is more than welcome to come, though if you do it will be for your own amusement since there is not any extra door giveaways or the like for this one. Now, for the obligatory warning. Do be aware, I have absolutely zero patience for people being obnoxious; so if you are coming with plans of being a nuisance by spamming emotes or being a general idiot (casting field effects, making mirror images and running around, etc), you will be removed from the area. No warning, no second chance, the staff are extremely fair in their dealings with such people....I am not. This is not to say cheering and applauds or even a well placed joke emote are not ok, but "*puke* *ah-ha!* *oh* *No* "An Lor Xen" "An Lor Xen" *puke* *puke* *punch* *punch*" within a matter of seconds....yea....good bye.
I will be at the location 30-45 minutes before we begin, to work as a sign post mostly (see my name you are in the right spot), but feel free to come early if you choose. I shall see you there.
Saying this again, the results of the winners will be posted AFTER the ceremony is cleared out. I will probably do my usual summary of why I chose said book, so it may take a few minutes to show up on the forum.
*edit* Hehe, as for the remembering to breathe...well.....this sums it up nicely:
http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=240 ^_^
Re: Writing for Millions Part 2
OMG!! that comic strip is so funny ^^ hehe. it reminds me of those days when i used to be a nerd and played pokemon like crazy, now i dont play it *hides the DS game which starts to play the theme song from the games* ohh hehe thats nothing.. just a ringtone yea ring tone... *cough nervous* so yea, ceremony i look forward to the fun of that. everyone who wins deserves it and anyone who doesnt you gave it your best 
im not gonna lie though i do hope i win atleast one place... ^^ it shows that my writing is getting better and someday i can become an established writer in the world with my short and or long novel books. who knows maybe i can even create story lines for colibri or hina events since +v already seems to have a handle on that for himself hehe. Well like i said cant wait and GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!! 
im not gonna lie though i do hope i win atleast one place... ^^ it shows that my writing is getting better and someday i can become an established writer in the world with my short and or long novel books. who knows maybe i can even create story lines for colibri or hina events since +v already seems to have a handle on that for himself hehe. Well like i said cant wait and GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!! Wootastically Bombin
Re: Writing for Millions Part 2
Wow, just wow, you guys gave me a run for my money this time. I worked day and night (literally ) trying to narrow down the contestants; finally having to resort to nitpicking in order to whittle down the top 7! But, I feel mostly comfortable with the selections (minus one, that I really wish I could have put in to a top spot ><). Make sure to come to the ceremony this evening to hear the announcements first hand, afterward I will have them posted here. Excellent job ladies and gentlemen, simply outstanding (I even picked up a few techniques for my own writing from a select few ^_^). My question....why are you reading this *bonks each and every one of you* go read the books! They rock! 
Announcements later
) trying to narrow down the contestants; finally having to resort to nitpicking in order to whittle down the top 7! But, I feel mostly comfortable with the selections (minus one, that I really wish I could have put in to a top spot ><). Make sure to come to the ceremony this evening to hear the announcements first hand, afterward I will have them posted here. Excellent job ladies and gentlemen, simply outstanding (I even picked up a few techniques for my own writing from a select few ^_^). My question....why are you reading this *bonks each and every one of you* go read the books! They rock! Announcements later
Re: Writing for Millions Part 2
lol well some of those are really awesome reads, but others are just a cute little tale to make you wonder. all are awesomely written. this is gonna be so much fun cant wait till you do a part three of this.!! 
Wootastically Bombin
Re: Writing for Millions Part 2
And here we are, over 1 1/2 months after the start of the contest we finally see the end. And what an end, the books that were turned in ranged from good to 'Holy crap why are you entering my humdrum contest? o.o'. But really, the turnout was amazing and topped only by the quality of the book put in. As explained to the winners before the ceremony, a listing on the top 3 is only there as a necessity to hold such a contest. All of the books were wonderful and none should be discredited, under penalty of Oromis coming to visit you with a baseball bat ^_-. Is he serious, is he kidding? Who know . Onward to the winners. (forgive me I am tired, sleep deprivation ftw).
First Place
Necromancer, by Zalia (3 parts)
Honestly this book surprised me, literally. I had read it the first time and almost completely bypassed it (the disconnects may have had something to do with it ><). However, upon re-reading it really occurred to me just how well written this book is. Description throughout the book literally paints a picture, but does not do so to an annoying amount (see: Stephen King :p). This is an often overlooked technique, using the smallest amount of words possible to get what you need across; it allows for constant engagement as well as stopping from 'fluff/padding.' It also achieves something that is difficult to attain with only written text: atmosphere. From the moment you open the book you really get a feel for the area they are in and the general mindset of the people. The reason for it's number one spot has to be the protagonist though. Most of her interactions you can feel a certain...indifference. The initial scene of her at 10 years old sacrificing a living human being without a smile, a frown, or anything else; it was simply who she was and what she was born to do. Throughout the entire story she remains one part enigma and one part anti-hero. Her drive is selfish, her curiosity is likable, and her subtle power is slammed home in text form (both from her descriptions and her actual dialogue/action). Mix this curious avatar's general persona that keeps you scratching your head as you turn the pages with the fact she actually grows mentally in the short time you are with her and you have a recipe for something I like to call: A great character driven story.
Second Place
Land of the Lost, by Merlynious (4 parts)
A unique title that is almost beyond description. I incorrectly said (during the ceremony) that this is similar to Hellraiser (Hellbound Heart) in it's ability to disorient the reader/watcher and leave a sense of dread. A more accurate point would be to compare it to Phantasm or (the much newer) Deaths of Ian Stone, though for the same reason. Mix this with it's unique character, namely a player killer having a major moral crisis, and you end up with a very twisted and dark story. My personal favorite point would have to be as the protagonist is scrambling to find a recall rune to escape his attackers, you could really feel the panic permeating off of him (it was quite tangible, where most times situations like that come off as forced and unrealistic).
Third Place
Vengeance, by Sam Crow (3 parts)
Something of a mystery to me, this borders on the edge of fan fiction (something I typically dislike since the majority of them are trash/lemons ((don't know what a lemon is? Don't ask))) but still quickly made it through the ranks. Why? Because it is good! Real good! This acts almost as a prelude to the upcoming Approaching Shadow event, now, I know I said not to use +Veritas' ongoing plot arch on your stories; however this dodges every reason I said that with flair. No established characters are used out of context, no plots are compromised (i.e. if the protagonist burnt down the Umbris camp), and best yet....it was written in the same style that +Veritas writes his own! I had to check the author a few times to make sure +V did not slip one in on me. They say "imitation is the best form of flattery," well, be flattered and amazed at a great original side story.
One quick honorable mention, which I rarely do, goes to Samurai by Gnome Punter. This story was literally the last to be eliminated from the top 3 and it took many many reads to finally determine it. I absolutely love the idea of a protagonist that avoids conflict by hiding, seen rarely done outside of comedy and even more rarely done well. That and a few pieces of quite funny satire (namely the one on the NPC's talk and the Tokuno dye) and it makes for a piece that I was pained to eliminate ><.
One last thing before I wrap up, as mentioned a special award was given out during the ceremony. This was outside of the realm of the contest, but something more from me personally. We have all heard people constantly complaining about events being held, in fact rarely do you see a staff member announce an event without the immediate "What do we get??" (sometimes they get that just for popping to say 'hello'
). But, often it is forgotten just how much work go into these things; this goes for players and staff. Staff have many many things to consider on the technical aspect while players have major financial resources put into an event (Count the reward amount from this contest, think that is what I spent on it? Try again, much higher). Now in all of this one can still find joy, even through the complaints, by just having that one person pop up and say "That was fun." The person that I have seen consistently and unwaveringly put that support forward received a few tokens; on behalf of myself and any other person (staff or player) that has put forward an event. Subixee received a "Chocolate award for best shard" (for being part of what makes this the best shard) as well as a Bless deed to keep her goodies safe, since she dies a lot with said support . Everyone, remember, some events are brutal; some events may not be well thought out; and some events may not be your personal favorite. But regardless of the case, they all take work and dedication with the holder getting little more enjoyment out of it then seeing someone have fun, so go and have fun; leave the complaints at the door.
Well guys, this is the last of the bumpdates for Writing for Millions 2. Once more, thanks everyone for participating, thanks to everyone else for support, and as always thanks to the staff for dealing with a bunch of crazy nutters like us ^_-. As for the contest I hinted at that would be occurring in the near future, I am pulling it off the burner for a little bit; I am beat, my list of things to do is very long as it is, but I will get to it when I can. Next thing on the list, +V's writing to be transcribed and put on display. Until then, time for my brain to click off for a bit.
Much love Excelsior,
- Oromis, Head Librarian
*turns off lights*
*turns lights back on* Bah, edit, forgot to type in parts for 2nd and 3rd place.
*turns light back off and pulls covers over head*
*turns lights on again* Edit - Name fix, sleep time
*turns lights off, places claymores in strategic spots, and pulls covers over head*
. Onward to the winners. (forgive me I am tired, sleep deprivation ftw).First Place
Necromancer, by Zalia (3 parts)
Honestly this book surprised me, literally. I had read it the first time and almost completely bypassed it (the disconnects may have had something to do with it ><). However, upon re-reading it really occurred to me just how well written this book is. Description throughout the book literally paints a picture, but does not do so to an annoying amount (see: Stephen King :p). This is an often overlooked technique, using the smallest amount of words possible to get what you need across; it allows for constant engagement as well as stopping from 'fluff/padding.' It also achieves something that is difficult to attain with only written text: atmosphere. From the moment you open the book you really get a feel for the area they are in and the general mindset of the people. The reason for it's number one spot has to be the protagonist though. Most of her interactions you can feel a certain...indifference. The initial scene of her at 10 years old sacrificing a living human being without a smile, a frown, or anything else; it was simply who she was and what she was born to do. Throughout the entire story she remains one part enigma and one part anti-hero. Her drive is selfish, her curiosity is likable, and her subtle power is slammed home in text form (both from her descriptions and her actual dialogue/action). Mix this curious avatar's general persona that keeps you scratching your head as you turn the pages with the fact she actually grows mentally in the short time you are with her and you have a recipe for something I like to call: A great character driven story.
Second Place
Land of the Lost, by Merlynious (4 parts)
A unique title that is almost beyond description. I incorrectly said (during the ceremony) that this is similar to Hellraiser (Hellbound Heart) in it's ability to disorient the reader/watcher and leave a sense of dread. A more accurate point would be to compare it to Phantasm or (the much newer) Deaths of Ian Stone, though for the same reason. Mix this with it's unique character, namely a player killer having a major moral crisis, and you end up with a very twisted and dark story. My personal favorite point would have to be as the protagonist is scrambling to find a recall rune to escape his attackers, you could really feel the panic permeating off of him (it was quite tangible, where most times situations like that come off as forced and unrealistic).
Third Place
Vengeance, by Sam Crow (3 parts)
Something of a mystery to me, this borders on the edge of fan fiction (something I typically dislike since the majority of them are trash/lemons ((don't know what a lemon is? Don't ask))) but still quickly made it through the ranks. Why? Because it is good! Real good! This acts almost as a prelude to the upcoming Approaching Shadow event, now, I know I said not to use +Veritas' ongoing plot arch on your stories; however this dodges every reason I said that with flair. No established characters are used out of context, no plots are compromised (i.e. if the protagonist burnt down the Umbris camp), and best yet....it was written in the same style that +Veritas writes his own! I had to check the author a few times to make sure +V did not slip one in on me
. They say "imitation is the best form of flattery," well, be flattered and amazed at a great original side story.One quick honorable mention, which I rarely do, goes to Samurai by Gnome Punter. This story was literally the last to be eliminated from the top 3 and it took many many reads to finally determine it. I absolutely love the idea of a protagonist that avoids conflict by hiding, seen rarely done outside of comedy and even more rarely done well. That and a few pieces of quite funny satire (namely the one on the NPC's talk and the Tokuno dye) and it makes for a piece that I was pained to eliminate ><.
One last thing before I wrap up, as mentioned a special award was given out during the ceremony. This was outside of the realm of the contest, but something more from me personally. We have all heard people constantly complaining about events being held, in fact rarely do you see a staff member announce an event without the immediate "What do we get??" (sometimes they get that just for popping to say 'hello'
). But, often it is forgotten just how much work go into these things; this goes for players and staff. Staff have many many things to consider on the technical aspect while players have major financial resources put into an event (Count the reward amount from this contest, think that is what I spent on it? Try again, much higher). Now in all of this one can still find joy, even through the complaints, by just having that one person pop up and say "That was fun." The person that I have seen consistently and unwaveringly put that support forward received a few tokens; on behalf of myself and any other person (staff or player) that has put forward an event. Subixee received a "Chocolate award for best shard" (for being part of what makes this the best shard) as well as a Bless deed to keep her goodies safe, since she dies a lot with said support . Everyone, remember, some events are brutal; some events may not be well thought out; and some events may not be your personal favorite. But regardless of the case, they all take work and dedication with the holder getting little more enjoyment out of it then seeing someone have fun, so go and have fun; leave the complaints at the door.Well guys, this is the last of the bumpdates for Writing for Millions 2. Once more, thanks everyone for participating, thanks to everyone else for support, and as always thanks to the staff for dealing with a bunch of crazy nutters like us ^_-. As for the contest I hinted at that would be occurring in the near future, I am pulling it off the burner for a little bit; I am beat, my list of things to do is very long as it is, but I will get to it when I can. Next thing on the list, +V's writing to be transcribed and put on display. Until then, time for my brain to click off for a bit.
Much love Excelsior,
- Oromis, Head Librarian
*turns off lights*
*turns lights back on* Bah, edit, forgot to type in parts for 2nd and 3rd place.
*turns light back off and pulls covers over head*
*turns lights on again* Edit - Name fix, sleep time
*turns lights off, places claymores in strategic spots, and pulls covers over head*
Last edited by Oromis on Wed Dec 15, 2010 11:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Merlynious
- Apprentice Scribe
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Tue Nov 30, 2010 7:08 pm
Re: Writing for Millions Part 2
Just a note to you Oromis...you spelled me name wrong:) But no biggie:) I enjoyed the gathering very much! Oromis was quite tactical in keeping the crowd in suspense and most of the attending were very supportive to all and applauded no matter what the outcome. I hope to see a Part 3 to this event and might even participate once again.
"A wise man once said..."The grass is greener on the other side. But, there's usually a septic tank below the grass."
Re: Writing for Millions Part 2
Oromis did a great job at setting things up and sacrificed sleep,and sanity to make this happen. I enjoyed the small group that was there and the suspense that Oromis built up was nearly unbearable. As we urks say when someone does a fantastic job to better shard activities NOOGGRRAAHH OROMIS
Re: Writing for Millions Part 2
i just want to say that it means so much to know that you came up with the award yourself and that you gave me a peice of your memory room as a token of appreciation. without friends like you guys and a few others i would never have gotten as far as i have and enjoyed the shard good times bad times, glitched time, sad times, outragiously lagged times, and occassionally awkward times. OR the times when i died, nearly died, almost but not quite died, poision died, fireball died thanks to a pumpkin guard created by hina, or a +V death, and the one time i died but rezed right after.. yea those times were good too. (personal note: i die alot) were it not for all those friends i had laughing at my demise i would not have kept at it. ^^ they and everyone else managed to keep me going. so i pay special thanks to oromis, for supporting my death at an alarming rate. Anarchy, for backing me up and rezing me after my alarming death which happened almost immediatly after itself. Fiacha for helping me to die.. and occassionally live yea shes always a fun friend to drag around on a death hunt ^^. and the gms as many or little as they are, for making this shard never dull and so easy to enjoy. without them well id be boring like the rest of everyone boring.. lol LOVE YOU ALL!!
yea shes always a fun friend to drag around on a death hunt ^^. and the gms as many or little as they are, for making this shard never dull and so easy to enjoy. without them well id be boring like the rest of everyone boring.. lol LOVE YOU ALL!!Wootastically Bombin
Re: Writing for Millions Part 2
Thanks heaps Oro! I loved writing it and I'm so proud to know future characters can wander in and read stuff I've written! *Hugs*
Re: Writing for Millions Part 2
I found out about not using pending events after I'd made the submission from finding and reading the first Writing for Millions, I wasnt around for the first, so I'm happy it was still given a chance and I hope I haven't irked +V. I think its the first thing I've written (I draw not write) and not being all that imaginative I used memories and current/pending content to compose the story. My apologies +V for running it into your event.Oromis wrote:Third Place
Vengeance, by Sam Crow (3 parts)
Something of a mystery to me, this borders on the edge of fan fiction (something I typically dislike since the majority of them are trash/lemons ((don't know what a lemon is? Don't ask))) but still quickly made it through the ranks. Why? Because it is good! Real good! This acts almost as a prelude to the upcoming Approaching Shadow event, now, I know I said not to use +Veritas' ongoing plot arch on your stories; however this dodges every reason I said that with flair. No established characters are used out of context, no plots are compromised (i.e. if the protagonist burnt down the Umbris camp), and best yet....it was written in the same style that +Veritas writes his own! I had to check the author a few times to make sure +V did not slip one in on me
As for Subi's award, what a great addition that was. When you were mentioning what it was for I had an idea she would be the recipient as everything you'd said matched everything I'd seen about her, so very well deserved.
It was a great event a big congratulations to Zalia and Merlynious and a massive thanks to you Oromis for giving me third and for running the event throughout as well as the other authors for making it a great event. Look forward to the next.
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Merlynious
- Apprentice Scribe
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Tue Nov 30, 2010 7:08 pm
Re: Writing for Millions Part 2
My Inspiration...
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Last edited by Merlynious on Thu Dec 23, 2010 8:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"A wise man once said..."The grass is greener on the other side. But, there's usually a septic tank below the grass."
Re: Writing for Millions Part 2
Originally not planning to post anymore here, but for lack of a better spot I thought I would toss this out. I myself am a very music driven writer, you will never see me at a keyboard/notebook without hearing music blasting through my headset or speakers. Little metal, rock, symphony, classical, j-pop, nothing is free as long as it stirs the emotions I am looking for (except country, bunch of uninspired crap ><). This is a little something I came across while listening to some random Miku Hatsune music (don't know what that is? I'll explain in a minute). The visuals are outstanding, the song and lyrics fit the visuals perfectly, and (of course) it managed to stir up my writing bug quite severely. Check it out and if you are musically driven as well, I have no doubt you will find something interesting to pull from this.
Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiNc0N-4 ... re=related
Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_95P3xi ... re=related
Part 3 - ???? (can't find it)
Now, as stated (just because I find it fascinating), Miku Hatsune is a 'vocaloid.' Ran across this quite some time ago now when I was reading a news article about a "computer program that could hit notes no human can." Obviously intrigued, I looked into it to find a rather fascinating little voice synthesizer; now, I can't speak much on it seeing as I do not own/nor have I used the program, but the results speak for themselves. It is basically samplings of real life singers that have been integrated into this sound system, allowing you to make your own songs from their voices (think FruitLoops with voices, instead of sounds). It apparently has a heck of a cult following seeing the massive number of videos/songs available and I can see why. Every type of music you can think of is recreated with this thing (though most lean more towards J-Pop), do yourself a favor and crawl around YouTube for videos...might find something you like :p. My personal favorite is the Miku Hatsune though, just because the songs are so light hearted no matter who does the actual lyrics/music (good for a pick me up on depressing days). But for sheer epic value, anything done by the Nico Video group is great (those are the ones from the links).
Have fun and happy writing.
*edit* Part 3 apparently does not exist ><. It was a canceled project *prepares the rotten tomatoes*.
Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiNc0N-4 ... re=related
Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_95P3xi ... re=related
Part 3 - ???? (can't find it)
Now, as stated (just because I find it fascinating), Miku Hatsune is a 'vocaloid.' Ran across this quite some time ago now when I was reading a news article about a "computer program that could hit notes no human can." Obviously intrigued, I looked into it to find a rather fascinating little voice synthesizer; now, I can't speak much on it seeing as I do not own/nor have I used the program, but the results speak for themselves. It is basically samplings of real life singers that have been integrated into this sound system, allowing you to make your own songs from their voices (think FruitLoops with voices, instead of sounds). It apparently has a heck of a cult following seeing the massive number of videos/songs available and I can see why. Every type of music you can think of is recreated with this thing (though most lean more towards J-Pop), do yourself a favor and crawl around YouTube for videos...might find something you like :p. My personal favorite is the Miku Hatsune though, just because the songs are so light hearted no matter who does the actual lyrics/music (good for a pick me up on depressing days). But for sheer epic value, anything done by the Nico Video group is great (those are the ones from the links).
Have fun and happy writing.
*edit* Part 3 apparently does not exist ><. It was a canceled project *prepares the rotten tomatoes*.