Saturday, January 30, 2010
Storyblogging Carnival XXX
Welcome to the thirtieth Storyblogging Carnival. We have ten stories this time, from nine authors. Mark Rayner kindly contributed two stories this week. He's prolific, ain't he? If you're not familiar with it, storyblogging is simply storytelling in blog format, usually but not always fiction. More Carnivals can be found on this page. But for now, let's get on with this Storyblogging Carnival:
Thag not want get tattoo!
by Mark A. Rayner of The Skwib
A 300 word brief story rated PG.
Another in the continuing series on Thag, the caveman with problems. This story deals with another aspect of human nature — how we tend to avoid new experiences as we get older. It's still comedy though.
After Nelson
by Mark A. Rayner of The Skwib
A 450 word brief story rated PG.
On the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, I image what history might have looked like if Lord Nelson hadn't been there to win it.
The Sad Story of Princess Helga
by Gary Sieling of The Secret Life of Gary
A 529 brief story rated G.
Princess Helga meets a sorceress.
[I wrote the blurb for this one. -DSC]
Little Redfern's Trip to the Supermarket
by Jonathan Holley of Johnny America
A 765 word brief story rated R.
I looked up from my bucket to leer at two bickering coeds who were at the other end of Aisle 14. I thought about mouthing the sequins on brunette's blue miniskirt. I guessed from the flesh-toned Band-Aid on her calf that she’d nicked herself shaving...
Pineapple Upside-down Cake
by Andrea Graham of Adam's Blog
A 1,015 word short story rated G.
A child's eye view of death and food.
[As the author didn't send a blurb, I wrote one for her. -DSC]
The Journey (part 4), Part 14 of Scale 7 Artifact (Beginning)
by Dave Gudeman of Doc Rampage
The next 1,165 words of a 22,304 word story rated PG.
Yet another chapter in the greatest saga ever told about the exploration of the third moon of a gas giant in another solar system by a guy named Daniel with a scale 7 artifact on it.
Romero is a Pain Redux
by Andrew Ian Dodge of Dodgeblogium
A 1,265 word short story rated PG.
The Sage of Wales and Claire try to keep a straight face as Rupert explains how he got out of the mess he got himself into on an island in the middle of the sea. Written by request of Storyblogging readers.
Part XXI of The Spy Novel
by The Colossus of The Colossus
A 2,521 word chapter of a 41,958 word novel in progress rated PG-13.
Eric Ashley's summary: "Cold, controlled, paranoid, and searching speculation based on tiny clues, this story sucks you in, and grabs you. Who are your friends? Is the hero that, or simply a protagonist of questionable virtue, although undoubted skill? When will the betrayal come, and who will do it? Crisp writing style, and more questions than one can shoot with a full clip of ammo."
[I always enjoy a good description of the underground lair of a secret society of gardeners. -DSC]
Chapters 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, and 113 of The Child (Beginning)
by Sheya Joie of Tales by Sheya
The next 3,474 words of her 86,273 word novel rated PG.
At long last, they reach the enemy's fortress - and now they must find a way to sneak inside.
Chapters 29-34 of CLOWN
by Theron Marshman of Harkonnendog
A 6,271 word short story rated R.
Chapters 29-33 of CLOWN, during which Clown gets drunk, schizo, depressed, horny, has a philosophical discussion with a priest who ALMOST saves his soul and...
And that's it for this carnival. If you'd like to take part in a future carnival, please contact me. I am also looking for hosts.
The Storyblogging Carnival can be found at The Truth Laid Bear's ÜberCarnival.
Thag not want get tattoo!
by Mark A. Rayner of The Skwib
A 300 word brief story rated PG.
Another in the continuing series on Thag, the caveman with problems. This story deals with another aspect of human nature — how we tend to avoid new experiences as we get older. It's still comedy though.
After Nelson
by Mark A. Rayner of The Skwib
A 450 word brief story rated PG.
On the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, I image what history might have looked like if Lord Nelson hadn't been there to win it.
The Sad Story of Princess Helga
by Gary Sieling of The Secret Life of Gary
A 529 brief story rated G.
Princess Helga meets a sorceress.
[I wrote the blurb for this one. -DSC]
Little Redfern's Trip to the Supermarket
by Jonathan Holley of Johnny America
A 765 word brief story rated R.
I looked up from my bucket to leer at two bickering coeds who were at the other end of Aisle 14. I thought about mouthing the sequins on brunette's blue miniskirt. I guessed from the flesh-toned Band-Aid on her calf that she’d nicked herself shaving...
Pineapple Upside-down Cake
by Andrea Graham of Adam's Blog
A 1,015 word short story rated G.
A child's eye view of death and food.
[As the author didn't send a blurb, I wrote one for her. -DSC]
The Journey (part 4), Part 14 of Scale 7 Artifact (Beginning)
by Dave Gudeman of Doc Rampage
The next 1,165 words of a 22,304 word story rated PG.
Yet another chapter in the greatest saga ever told about the exploration of the third moon of a gas giant in another solar system by a guy named Daniel with a scale 7 artifact on it.
Romero is a Pain Redux
by Andrew Ian Dodge of Dodgeblogium
A 1,265 word short story rated PG.
The Sage of Wales and Claire try to keep a straight face as Rupert explains how he got out of the mess he got himself into on an island in the middle of the sea. Written by request of Storyblogging readers.
Part XXI of The Spy Novel
by The Colossus of The Colossus
A 2,521 word chapter of a 41,958 word novel in progress rated PG-13.
Eric Ashley's summary: "Cold, controlled, paranoid, and searching speculation based on tiny clues, this story sucks you in, and grabs you. Who are your friends? Is the hero that, or simply a protagonist of questionable virtue, although undoubted skill? When will the betrayal come, and who will do it? Crisp writing style, and more questions than one can shoot with a full clip of ammo."
[I always enjoy a good description of the underground lair of a secret society of gardeners. -DSC]
Chapters 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, and 113 of The Child (Beginning)
by Sheya Joie of Tales by Sheya
The next 3,474 words of her 86,273 word novel rated PG.
At long last, they reach the enemy's fortress - and now they must find a way to sneak inside.
Chapters 29-34 of CLOWN
by Theron Marshman of Harkonnendog
A 6,271 word short story rated R.
Chapters 29-33 of CLOWN, during which Clown gets drunk, schizo, depressed, horny, has a philosophical discussion with a priest who ALMOST saves his soul and...
And that's it for this carnival. If you'd like to take part in a future carnival, please contact me. I am also looking for hosts.
The Storyblogging Carnival can be found at The Truth Laid Bear's ÜberCarnival.
Labels: Storyblogging Carnival
Friday, January 29, 2010
Storyblogging Carnival XXIX
The latest Storyblogging Carnival is online at Tales by Sheya. There are thirteen stories from eleven authors this time.
I'll be hosting the next carnival myself, here at Back of the Envelope. Let me know if you'd like to join in.
I'll be hosting the next carnival myself, here at Back of the Envelope. Let me know if you'd like to join in.
Labels: Storyblogging Carnival
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Storyblogging Carnival XXVIII
Storyblogging Carnival XXVIII is now online at Tales of Tadeusz. Thirteen entries this time, as many as we've ever had. We'll see whether we can grow even more in the weeks to come. I met a few more blogging writers last night, whom I've invited to take part.
Labels: Storyblogging Carnival
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Storyblogging Carnival XXVII
Welcome to the first anniversary edition of the Storyblogging Carnival. Yes, it's really been a whole year since the first carnival. With a year's worth of storytelling in blog format under our collective belt, what's next? I have no idea, but I'm sure we'll have fun.
I honestly don't have much to say by way of introduction this week. So let's just enjoy this week's entries:
Thag Not Like Angry Sky!
by Mark A. Rayner of The Skwib
A 280 word brief story rated PG.
The continuing saga of Thag and his clan — this time on a more serious note, reflective of this past week's events.
[I really liked this short, serious fiction. A necessary reminder of the frailty of human life. -DSC]
Part 11 of Scale 7 Artifact (Beginning)
by Dave Gudeman of Doc Rampage
The next 1,231 words of an 18,525 word story rated PG.
The team is away, but Daniel still harbors dark suspicions. Will his fears come true? Will Daniel's insane paranoia itself damn the mission? Only time will tell. OK, I'll tell you. Daniel's suspicions are well-founded, but you would know that already if you read the ealier chapters.
[Doc continues to spin his yarn with humor and hard sci-fi. -DSC]
BLEEP!!
by Eric R. Ashley of Tales of Tadeusz
A 2,020 word short story rated PG.
An annoyed troubleshooter searches for a reason why the new work crew can't keep up with the production schedule. Sci-fi/Humor.
[We're off the Death of a Blogger story for the moment, for something a little lighter. -DSC]
Camp
by Trudy W. Schuett of WOLves
A 2,158 short story rated PG.
The purpose of Camp is not for summer getaways and winter hunting trips like everybody else’s property. Sure, it started out that way, but sometime in the late 1930s that changed. Officially, that is. I think it’s always been a place of refuge, a way station for people on the path to other things.
[This story was written especially for our first anniversary. It's a fascinating tale about the footnotes to history most folks don't read. -DSC]
Chapters 90, 91, 92, and 93 of The Child (Beginning)
by Sheya Joie of Tales by Sheya
The next 2,562 words of a 73,984 word novel rated PG.
A bit of sword practice in the morning turns into a hunt for a missing member of their group - and something even more unexpected.
[After a computer problem induced hiatus, The Child is back. Good to see you again, Sheya. -DSC]
Chapter 1 of Electricity
by Myke Bartlett of Electricity: A Novel in Increments
A 2,572 word chapter of a 60,000 word novel in progress rated R.
Aston Somerfield – 23, casual smoker and part-time alcoholic – has come to London to find himself. He knows who he's looking for, he's seen him on the cover of the NME. Drawn across oceans by fame and fate, Aston is keeping his diary empty to make sure he's available. Won't commit to anything until it's everything. But London has other plans.
When a virtual stranger calls Aston a few hours before his death, fate is derailed. Amid a hundred boozy evenings and romantic deadends, a mystery unfurls. Equally assisted and hindered by tremulous accountant Tom Hensley and dedicated loafer Steven Black, Aston uncovers a different London – one of murder, ghosts, dangerous emails and the second big bang.
As chaotic and random as the city it inhabits, Electricity slowly evolves into a mystery bigger than the universe itself.
[Okay, I'll admit I only skimmed some of these entries, but this one I didn't even have a chance to do that, as it was submitted late and there's a full 60,000 words online right now. However, it looks like a fascinating story, and when I get a chance, I'll have to start reading this. -DSC]
Chapters 8 and 9 of Britannia Revived (The Whole Story)
by Andrew Ian Dodge of Dodgeblogium
The next 4,677 words of a novel rated R.
The US President is having problems.
[A continuation of Andrew's near future story of the EU and it's many, many ills.-DSC]
The Quest
by Jason Pomerantz of Fiddle and Burn
A 7,000 word short story rated PG.
In honor of the Carnival's anniversary, here's a special sneak preview of a story that will be running in Fiddle and Burn over the next month: Thirteen year old Hal is obsessed with a violent computer game called Deathzone. When a new version comes out... he'll do whatever it takes to get a copy!
[This is quite a treat. Jason runs a blog he calls a comic strip in prose format, where he posts small bits of the story every day. He's making an entire storyline, weeks worth of posts, available to us ahead of time. Jason's a swell guy, ain't he? Now, if only I could convince J.K. Rowling to do the same with Book 7. -DSC]
A Slightly Different Love Story
by Josh Cohen of The New D-42
A 8,100 word short story rated NC-17.
A slightly different love story, in which two people fall in love, and events occur.
[As always, Josh's story needs a strong warning for explicit content. And as always, it's well told. This one isn't as explicit as most of the others, but it's not exactly PG either.-DSC]
And that's it for our first anniversary edition. If you'd like to take part in a future carnival, please contact me.
The Storyblogging Carnival can be found at The Truth Laid Bear's ÜberCarnival.
I honestly don't have much to say by way of introduction this week. So let's just enjoy this week's entries:
Thag Not Like Angry Sky!
by Mark A. Rayner of The Skwib
A 280 word brief story rated PG.
The continuing saga of Thag and his clan — this time on a more serious note, reflective of this past week's events.
[I really liked this short, serious fiction. A necessary reminder of the frailty of human life. -DSC]
Part 11 of Scale 7 Artifact (Beginning)
by Dave Gudeman of Doc Rampage
The next 1,231 words of an 18,525 word story rated PG.
The team is away, but Daniel still harbors dark suspicions. Will his fears come true? Will Daniel's insane paranoia itself damn the mission? Only time will tell. OK, I'll tell you. Daniel's suspicions are well-founded, but you would know that already if you read the ealier chapters.
[Doc continues to spin his yarn with humor and hard sci-fi. -DSC]
BLEEP!!
by Eric R. Ashley of Tales of Tadeusz
A 2,020 word short story rated PG.
An annoyed troubleshooter searches for a reason why the new work crew can't keep up with the production schedule. Sci-fi/Humor.
[We're off the Death of a Blogger story for the moment, for something a little lighter. -DSC]
Camp
by Trudy W. Schuett of WOLves
A 2,158 short story rated PG.
The purpose of Camp is not for summer getaways and winter hunting trips like everybody else’s property. Sure, it started out that way, but sometime in the late 1930s that changed. Officially, that is. I think it’s always been a place of refuge, a way station for people on the path to other things.
[This story was written especially for our first anniversary. It's a fascinating tale about the footnotes to history most folks don't read. -DSC]
Chapters 90, 91, 92, and 93 of The Child (Beginning)
by Sheya Joie of Tales by Sheya
The next 2,562 words of a 73,984 word novel rated PG.
A bit of sword practice in the morning turns into a hunt for a missing member of their group - and something even more unexpected.
[After a computer problem induced hiatus, The Child is back. Good to see you again, Sheya. -DSC]
Chapter 1 of Electricity
by Myke Bartlett of Electricity: A Novel in Increments
A 2,572 word chapter of a 60,000 word novel in progress rated R.
Aston Somerfield – 23, casual smoker and part-time alcoholic – has come to London to find himself. He knows who he's looking for, he's seen him on the cover of the NME. Drawn across oceans by fame and fate, Aston is keeping his diary empty to make sure he's available. Won't commit to anything until it's everything. But London has other plans.
When a virtual stranger calls Aston a few hours before his death, fate is derailed. Amid a hundred boozy evenings and romantic deadends, a mystery unfurls. Equally assisted and hindered by tremulous accountant Tom Hensley and dedicated loafer Steven Black, Aston uncovers a different London – one of murder, ghosts, dangerous emails and the second big bang.
As chaotic and random as the city it inhabits, Electricity slowly evolves into a mystery bigger than the universe itself.
[Okay, I'll admit I only skimmed some of these entries, but this one I didn't even have a chance to do that, as it was submitted late and there's a full 60,000 words online right now. However, it looks like a fascinating story, and when I get a chance, I'll have to start reading this. -DSC]
Chapters 8 and 9 of Britannia Revived (The Whole Story)
by Andrew Ian Dodge of Dodgeblogium
The next 4,677 words of a novel rated R.
The US President is having problems.
[A continuation of Andrew's near future story of the EU and it's many, many ills.-DSC]
The Quest
by Jason Pomerantz of Fiddle and Burn
A 7,000 word short story rated PG.
In honor of the Carnival's anniversary, here's a special sneak preview of a story that will be running in Fiddle and Burn over the next month: Thirteen year old Hal is obsessed with a violent computer game called Deathzone. When a new version comes out... he'll do whatever it takes to get a copy!
[This is quite a treat. Jason runs a blog he calls a comic strip in prose format, where he posts small bits of the story every day. He's making an entire storyline, weeks worth of posts, available to us ahead of time. Jason's a swell guy, ain't he? Now, if only I could convince J.K. Rowling to do the same with Book 7. -DSC]
A Slightly Different Love Story
by Josh Cohen of The New D-42
A 8,100 word short story rated NC-17.
A slightly different love story, in which two people fall in love, and events occur.
[As always, Josh's story needs a strong warning for explicit content. And as always, it's well told. This one isn't as explicit as most of the others, but it's not exactly PG either.-DSC]
And that's it for our first anniversary edition. If you'd like to take part in a future carnival, please contact me.
The Storyblogging Carnival can be found at The Truth Laid Bear's ÜberCarnival.
Labels: Storyblogging Carnival
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Storyblogging Carnival XXVI
NOTE: Once again, this is a re-post, so the links aren't guaranteed.
The latest Storyblogging Carnival is up at Curtis Schweitzer's a-sdf. He's posted it on both his blogs, so you can also find it at Working Titles. We have a good showing with thirteen stories this week.
The next carnival is the twenty-seventh, making it our first anniversary. I would like to get as many entries as possible for this, so please consider submitting even if you haven't done so in a while. And if you don't have a story yourself, please use your blog to let other people know about this upcoming carnival.
The latest Storyblogging Carnival is up at Curtis Schweitzer's a-sdf. He's posted it on both his blogs, so you can also find it at Working Titles. We have a good showing with thirteen stories this week.
The next carnival is the twenty-seventh, making it our first anniversary. I would like to get as many entries as possible for this, so please consider submitting even if you haven't done so in a while. And if you don't have a story yourself, please use your blog to let other people know about this upcoming carnival.
Labels: Storyblogging Carnival
Monday, January 25, 2010
Storyblogging Carnival XXV
NOTE: As before: re-post, old links.
The latest Storyblogging Carnival is up at Fiddle and Burn. Jason has collected nine stories from around the blogosphere for your reading pleasure.
The latest Storyblogging Carnival is up at Fiddle and Burn. Jason has collected nine stories from around the blogosphere for your reading pleasure.
Labels: Storyblogging Carnival
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Storyblogging Carnival XXIV
NOTE: As a reminder, this is a re-post, so some of the links may be outdated.
Welcome to the twenty-fourth Storyblogging Carnival, a bi-weekly collection of fiction from around the blogosphere. Previous carnivals are archived in the Storyblogging Carnival category of this blog. A Carnival collects and organizes entries from numerous participants in a central location, and this Carnival collects examples of Storyblogging. For new visitors, Storyblogging is simply story-telling in blog format, and may range from posting a short story on a blog to posting a long serial story there, from blogging as a fictional persona to collaborative story-telling. It can even be non-fiction that tells a story rather than recites facts. There are twelve stories this week, two from new participants.
You'll notice that there are two stories rated NC-17 in this carnival. My policy over what degree of sex and/or violence is acceptable in the carnival is that it's entirely up to the host. But what about when I'm the host? When it comes to sex, at least, any sort of explicit description will get an NC-17 rating, which is why these two stories have it. When it's not explicit, but it's still there, the story will probably get an R--as my own story "A Stranger in the Library" received. But is there a limit for what I'll include in the carnival? The short answer is "yes." The long answer is that I'm not quite sure what that limit is. The two stories I included made the cut since I found the stories themselves both interesting and well-written, even if parts made me uncomfortable. Other than that, I can't tell if another story will make it until I read it, and I can tell you with certainty that some of the other hosts would not have accepted these stories, and others would have had no problem with them.
Of course, if you wanted to make it easier on me and the other hosts, you could tone down what stories you submit to the carnival. You can write whatever you want on your own blog, but the host implicitly takes a certain amount of responsibility for what he links to, even when he liberally applies warnings to the link. And while it's not my goal to go so far as to keep the carnival family-friendly, I really don't want my sister telling her daughter that she's not allowed to read my blog.
The Fools' Village
by Tom Harrison of Monday Evening
A 263 word brief story rated G.
A fable of employment in the non-profit sector.
[This is a funny story, but you have to pay close attention. -DSC]
A potato named McKenzie
by Goemagog of this space for sublet
A 547 word brief story rated PG.
Fighting the good fight against vegetation.
[This one's really, really weird. -DSC]
The Story of a Dog and a Baby
by firstbrokenangel of AAFFLLAACCKK
A 624 word brief story rated PG.
That dog's a keeper.
[This is more advice than story, and while I think it's generally true, I don't believe it's always true. As always, your mileage may vary. -DSC]
CLOWN Excerpt 2 (Beginning)
by Theron Marshman of Harkonnendog
A 736 word brief story rated R.
Clown sexually harrasses Abbey, creating a basketball of dead flesh thereby.
[I think the main character thinks too much. -DSC]
Money Emotions and Beachstone Buzz
by Melissa Moon of New Age Harlot
A 1,079 short story rated NC-17.
It's about being a whore and being pure about worldly things, including money which this non-fiction story is about.
[From the description, you can probably guess why it receives this rating. The story itself is not the most graphic in this carnival, but much of the rest of the blog is disturbing. Enter at your own risk. -DSC]
Scale 7 Artifact, Part 9 (Beginning)
by Dave Gudeman of Doc Rampage
The next 2,441 words of a 16,388 word story in progress rated PG.
The expedition to Moon 3 won't have any marines to guard them from alien animals, but the team won't exactly be helpless.
[Despite saying that he was going to focus on Dying Earth stories, Doc has returned to Scale 7 Artifact. I, for one, am glad to see it, as I was wondering what would happen next. -DSC]
Chapters 82,83,84, and 85 of The Child (Beginning)
by Sheya Joie of Tales by Sheya
The next 2,537 words of a 68,277 word novel in progress rated PG.
Oh - *that's* why Starr was having all those visions of wolves...
[The Child's coming along nicely. -DSC]
Chapters 2 and 3 of Britannia Revived (Whole story)
by Andrew Ian Dodge of Dodgeblogium
The next 3,137 words of a novel in progress rated R.
The novel BR continues and this time Andrew has given us two chapters to chew on. In the light of the recent attack in London the title is rather apt.
[Andrew takes us to a near future where the EU rules Europe with all the competence you'd expect, and everything's coming apart at the seams. This is a departure from his Cthulhu tales, but very interesting. -DSC]
City of Peace: part 2 (Beginning)
by Curtis Schweitzer of working titles
The next 3,726 words of a 8,227 story rated R.
The first installment of "city of peace" began with a story about redemption. Inasmuch as this is what I hope will become the theme of the overall work, I am tracing its effects through different characters. In a way, it reminds me of the parable of the sower, in which redemption is offered but only sometimes taken. Likewise, these characters have all been given the chance to begin life anew--to be saved from their desperate circumstances. In this installment, Nathan James Riley ("The Bum") shows us that all too often, the story does not end happily.
[This one was right on the edge of receiving my NC-17 rating. Nevertheless, it's a good story about some rough characters and harsh realities. -DSC]
Chapters 8 and 9 of The Death of a Blogger (Beginning)
by Eric Ashley of Tales of Tadeusz
A 4,750 word excerpt of a 67,110 word novel rated PG.
The Blogosphere starts to operate as a problem-solving machine on Sharon's behalf, and the first gusts of what will become a perfect blogstorm are felt.
[I'm glad the blogosphere is living up to its billing. -DSC]
Cheated
by Josh Cohen of The New D-42
A 10,378 word short story rated NC-17.
A story about two couples. Actually, one couple, seen through the eyes of another as they come to terms with the effect they have on each other. Part of a continuum of stories about "Little Infidelities". Contains adult language, adult situations (some of them including moderately-explicit sex), and mild violence.
[The author was concerned that I would find this story too sexually explicit. It certainly is so, but the quality of the writing and of the story-telling outweigh my discomfort with some of the scenes. -DSC]
I hope you enjoyed this Carnival. If you'd like to participate in future Storyblogging Carnivals, or just join the e-mail list, please contact me.
The Storyblogging Carnival can be found at The Truth Laid Bear's ÜberCarnival.
Welcome to the twenty-fourth Storyblogging Carnival, a bi-weekly collection of fiction from around the blogosphere. Previous carnivals are archived in the Storyblogging Carnival category of this blog. A Carnival collects and organizes entries from numerous participants in a central location, and this Carnival collects examples of Storyblogging. For new visitors, Storyblogging is simply story-telling in blog format, and may range from posting a short story on a blog to posting a long serial story there, from blogging as a fictional persona to collaborative story-telling. It can even be non-fiction that tells a story rather than recites facts. There are twelve stories this week, two from new participants.
You'll notice that there are two stories rated NC-17 in this carnival. My policy over what degree of sex and/or violence is acceptable in the carnival is that it's entirely up to the host. But what about when I'm the host? When it comes to sex, at least, any sort of explicit description will get an NC-17 rating, which is why these two stories have it. When it's not explicit, but it's still there, the story will probably get an R--as my own story "A Stranger in the Library" received. But is there a limit for what I'll include in the carnival? The short answer is "yes." The long answer is that I'm not quite sure what that limit is. The two stories I included made the cut since I found the stories themselves both interesting and well-written, even if parts made me uncomfortable. Other than that, I can't tell if another story will make it until I read it, and I can tell you with certainty that some of the other hosts would not have accepted these stories, and others would have had no problem with them.
Of course, if you wanted to make it easier on me and the other hosts, you could tone down what stories you submit to the carnival. You can write whatever you want on your own blog, but the host implicitly takes a certain amount of responsibility for what he links to, even when he liberally applies warnings to the link. And while it's not my goal to go so far as to keep the carnival family-friendly, I really don't want my sister telling her daughter that she's not allowed to read my blog.
The Fools' Village
by Tom Harrison of Monday Evening
A 263 word brief story rated G.
A fable of employment in the non-profit sector.
[This is a funny story, but you have to pay close attention. -DSC]
A potato named McKenzie
by Goemagog of this space for sublet
A 547 word brief story rated PG.
Fighting the good fight against vegetation.
[This one's really, really weird. -DSC]
The Story of a Dog and a Baby
by firstbrokenangel of AAFFLLAACCKK
A 624 word brief story rated PG.
That dog's a keeper.
[This is more advice than story, and while I think it's generally true, I don't believe it's always true. As always, your mileage may vary. -DSC]
CLOWN Excerpt 2 (Beginning)
by Theron Marshman of Harkonnendog
A 736 word brief story rated R.
Clown sexually harrasses Abbey, creating a basketball of dead flesh thereby.
[I think the main character thinks too much. -DSC]
Money Emotions and Beachstone Buzz
by Melissa Moon of New Age Harlot
A 1,079 short story rated NC-17.
It's about being a whore and being pure about worldly things, including money which this non-fiction story is about.
[From the description, you can probably guess why it receives this rating. The story itself is not the most graphic in this carnival, but much of the rest of the blog is disturbing. Enter at your own risk. -DSC]
Scale 7 Artifact, Part 9 (Beginning)
by Dave Gudeman of Doc Rampage
The next 2,441 words of a 16,388 word story in progress rated PG.
The expedition to Moon 3 won't have any marines to guard them from alien animals, but the team won't exactly be helpless.
[Despite saying that he was going to focus on Dying Earth stories, Doc has returned to Scale 7 Artifact. I, for one, am glad to see it, as I was wondering what would happen next. -DSC]
Chapters 82,83,84, and 85 of The Child (Beginning)
by Sheya Joie of Tales by Sheya
The next 2,537 words of a 68,277 word novel in progress rated PG.
Oh - *that's* why Starr was having all those visions of wolves...
[The Child's coming along nicely. -DSC]
Chapters 2 and 3 of Britannia Revived (Whole story)
by Andrew Ian Dodge of Dodgeblogium
The next 3,137 words of a novel in progress rated R.
The novel BR continues and this time Andrew has given us two chapters to chew on. In the light of the recent attack in London the title is rather apt.
[Andrew takes us to a near future where the EU rules Europe with all the competence you'd expect, and everything's coming apart at the seams. This is a departure from his Cthulhu tales, but very interesting. -DSC]
City of Peace: part 2 (Beginning)
by Curtis Schweitzer of working titles
The next 3,726 words of a 8,227 story rated R.
The first installment of "city of peace" began with a story about redemption. Inasmuch as this is what I hope will become the theme of the overall work, I am tracing its effects through different characters. In a way, it reminds me of the parable of the sower, in which redemption is offered but only sometimes taken. Likewise, these characters have all been given the chance to begin life anew--to be saved from their desperate circumstances. In this installment, Nathan James Riley ("The Bum") shows us that all too often, the story does not end happily.
[This one was right on the edge of receiving my NC-17 rating. Nevertheless, it's a good story about some rough characters and harsh realities. -DSC]
Chapters 8 and 9 of The Death of a Blogger (Beginning)
by Eric Ashley of Tales of Tadeusz
A 4,750 word excerpt of a 67,110 word novel rated PG.
The Blogosphere starts to operate as a problem-solving machine on Sharon's behalf, and the first gusts of what will become a perfect blogstorm are felt.
[I'm glad the blogosphere is living up to its billing. -DSC]
Cheated
by Josh Cohen of The New D-42
A 10,378 word short story rated NC-17.
A story about two couples. Actually, one couple, seen through the eyes of another as they come to terms with the effect they have on each other. Part of a continuum of stories about "Little Infidelities". Contains adult language, adult situations (some of them including moderately-explicit sex), and mild violence.
[The author was concerned that I would find this story too sexually explicit. It certainly is so, but the quality of the writing and of the story-telling outweigh my discomfort with some of the scenes. -DSC]
I hope you enjoyed this Carnival. If you'd like to participate in future Storyblogging Carnivals, or just join the e-mail list, please contact me.
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Labels: Storyblogging Carnival
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