Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Write CONTEMPORARY FICTION (10/30/14)
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TITLE: Judging by Moonlight | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gary Ritter
11/01/14 -
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Camille nodded. “Why did we ever come up with this one?”
Judith chimed in, “As a matter of fact, who came up with it?”
“Uh, I think it was you, Judith,” Bea said with a trace of melancholy. She brushed back a dark strand of hair and ended with her elbow on the table, chin propped up in hand.
“I’m breaking out in a rash,” Camille said.
“It’s a good color match for your hair; contrasts well with your green blouse.” Judith applied a touch of lipstick, snapped her compact shut, and sighed. “Do you think we’ll get out of here sometime tonight?”
The sun had long since gone down. The moon, a huge glowing orb, hung suspended between heaven and earth. On a normal day like this they would have completed their task and left hours ago.
Bea pulled herself straighter. “We are going to get this done.”
“Yeah! Right!” the other two chorused, then glumly looked again at the papers before them.
“Here’s the deal.” Bea knew she had to take control. She owned the company; it was her job to lead them through the wilderness they had created. “We gave them the assignment. Maybe we should have thought this one through a little more, but so be it. Just because none of us is a science fiction or fantasy whiz doesn’t mean we can’t judge the entries like we do every other topic we give the writers.”
Camille grimaced. “But what comments can we make? The writers appreciate the insight we often give them. I’m grasping here, but what do I say? ‘Nice job! God bless.’ Seems a tad sparse.”
Judith reached for the top paper in the messy stack. “Okay, here’s one about a robot that starts to experience feelings and concern about sin. Who ever heard of such a thing?”
“It’s science fiction. All things are possible,” Bea said.
“This is the problem,” Camille said. “We’re good with suspense, humor, and any number of word themes, but fantasy just isn’t real.”
“I think that’s the point,” Judith said. “Can’t you just put yourself into the story and accept the premise?”
“That a robot can sin?” Camille’s face contorted in puzzlement. “Did God make robots in His image? I don’t think so.”
Attempting once more to get the team on track, Bea said, “Accept the premise. We’ll go through the different points we always use for judging. The stories will either rise or fall based on those criteria as usual. As for comments, we’ll go light on them and hope no one notices.”
“There’re some writers who are really fussy,” Camille said. “Like if the one guy I’m thinking of happened to write that robot story, I know he’ll see the lack of in-depth comments.”
“He’ll just have to deal with it,” Judith said. “Look at how late it is! So, Point One with the robot: How well did the entry fit the topic?”
“You know, I was thinking,” Camille said. “Maybe we just pull this week’s challenge; you know: delete it all together?”
Bea’s hands rose in exasperation. “How would we explain that? We’re certainly not going to lie.”
Camille mumbled, “It was just a thought.”
“A good one I might add,” Judith said. “Perhaps not too practical considering our reputation.”
“The Lord has been merciful to us,” Bea said. “Our reputation reflects our love for Him.”
“That’s important to remember when we’re down like this and facing challenges,” Camille said.
“Ladies,” Judith said, “we may be down, but we’re not out.”
Amens echoed around the table.
“One more thing before we continue…,” Bea said.
Quizzical looks came her way.
“Let’s pray once more for the Lord’s guidance.”
When they finished praying, Bea said, “One final thing. Do either of you have the number of that pizza place programmed into your phones?”
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Anyhow, great job with the topic, and the dialogue. I'm sure this was inspired by the comments left on the "Sci-Fi" topic! Nicely incorporated into this weeks challenge.
Enjoyed it!
Now I'm thinking of pizza! LOL
God bless~
Hugs, Judi
1 Timothy 3:16 KJV
It is well thought out and the conversations plausible.
Since I don't know how my articles are judged, I find comfort in knowing that it stresses someone as they do their job.
Good writing.