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Ignore It and It Will Go Away · FiM Minific ·
Organised by RogerDodger
Word limit 400–750
Show rules for this event
#1 · 11
·
“Pssst, it’s your turn.”
“What? But, but…”
“Come on Fluttershy, you can do it.”
“I know, Rainbow Dash, but wouldn’t Pinkie be more fitting for this?”
“Even if she would, she isn’t here right now, she’s foalsitting Pound and Pumpkin so it’s all up to you. Go on, we’re counting on you.”
“Hmmm okay. *Sigh*. Hello everypony and welcome to the new white — no — writeoff round. Come and gather — but only if you want. This round is a pony round, so Rainbow Dash expects — what? Oh sorry — we expect you to celebrate Equestria and its inhabitants. That’s right, ponies are not the only ones to live in our wonderful world, there are several other species like griffins, minotaurs... Also, there are tons of cute little critters too, who deserve more attention. It’s always ponies, ponies, ponies and more ponies. Look at this little platypus here! Isn’t he the cutest and the sweetest? And look at this firefly! Isn’t her light heartwarming? Oh, here you have a -”
“Fluttershy!”
“Yes, Rainbow?”
“Ugh, spell out the rules and let the writers decide what they want to write about.”
“Oh my, you’re right. I’m sorry. So this is a MiniFic round so hum, no less than 400 words and no more than 750 words. Now, now, I know that may seem short but I know you can do it. I have faith in you, even if you might possibly assume that whatever you could pen would potentially be, hmm, not good?”
“Whoa, understatement of the century.”
“Rainbow Dash! That is NOT a nice thing to say!”
“What? That’s true! Most of the entries are awful and — no! No! Don’t give me that look, please!”
“You’re gonna apologise right now, Rainbow Dash!”
“Okay, okay! I’m sorry, your entries are all awesome! Please, stop staring!”
“That’s better. Even if some entries are middling, everypony can learn from them and you are all awesome for trying. Isn’t that the point of doing?”
“Yeah, maybe…”
“Rainbow? Please remind me, when did you eventually manage to be a full-fledged Wonderbolt?”
“... Last year.”
“And when did you first put in an application for the team?”
“... Four years ago.”
“That’s rather a long time if you ask me.”
“Not really, it usually takes twice that time but I’m Rainbow ‘Awesome’ Dash! … What? Why are you laughing?”
“Oh, it’s nothing, I just remembered how your first show ended in a trash-”
“Okay, let’s talk about something else, right? What about the prompt? What is it this time?”
“It’s up to them to decide.”
“Is it? Then I trust you, writers, to choose a prompt related to your favorite pegasus, how she tried so hard to achieve her dreams and overcome her fears.”
“Rainbow!”
“I was talking about you, Fluttershy.”
“Eeeep.”
“Where are you going? Come back and — too late. Well, it’s only us now. And Fluttershy was right, better try than do nothing, so good luck with this one, guys. See you in the finals!”
#2 · 1
· · >>georg
This is now a Spider-Man thread
#3 · 7
· · >>Posh
>>Syeekoh Enough of those threads and we have a web.
#4 · 6
· · >>CoffeeMinion
>>georg Enough of those webs and we have an Innernet

(see how I brought that back around?)
#5 ·
· · >>Syeekoh
Sure. The first Writeoff when I'll be out of school for the summer, and the writing period is the day I'm driving home.
#6 · 2
·
>>007Ben
To be fair it doesn't take that long to write 750 words, so you can spend the majority of the time doing planning in your head
#7 · 3
· · >>Light_Striker >>The_Letter_J
I think I have a lock for this week's prompt. :dashcool:
#8 · 2
·
It's time to unleash the power of Frank Stallone.
#9 ·
·
>>Trick_Question So many questions.
#10 ·
·
>>Posh
A Inner Is You!
#11 · 2
·
Ahh, it's that time again. Feel like I've been away for a long time, even though it's only been one round. Maybe it's because I haven't been in the chat lately. Stupid family life taking up most of my time. People just have to keep popping out babies and stuff.

Can't wait to get back in it.
#12 ·
·
I do wonder if I will write something for this round, too. It is, after all, helpful to participate in these kinds of things. I guess I'll see when we get the prompt.
#13 · 5
· · >>MLPmatthewl419
You know what I dislike? Unfunny Star Wars memes.

I may be singled out alone here, but they're honestly as redundant as arrow in the knee jokes. They just want to make me roll my eyes whenever I see them. They're easily forgettable. But you know what's not forgettable? The Writeoff, and I wish the best of luck to all of you who enter.

In fact, I guess you could say that the fourth may be with all of you.

Not funny? Point proven.

(Seriously though, good luck! And don't forget to have fun!)
#14 · 7
· · >>MLPmatthewl419 >>Cassius >>CoffeeMinion >>Fenton >>Trick_Question >>HoofBitingActionOverload >>thisisalongname >>Light_Striker
Planning to skip again and get some editing done.

Maybe one of these years Roger will listen to my suggestion to try shifting minifics to 500-1000 words, and give us more space to establish plot and character.
#15 · 2
· · >>Trick_Question
>>Trick_Question
So you're the one who submitted "Ot" this time.
#16 · 3
·
>>Kritten
I used to think "may the fourth be with you" was funny, then I took an arrow in the knee.

>>horizon
No, don't skip it!!! Bad horizon!
#17 ·
·
>>The_Letter_J
no
#18 · 4
· · >>CoffeeMinion
>>horizon

You have to just keep hitting Roger until he changes.
#19 · 1
· · >>MLPmatthewl419 >>Fenton >>Monokeras
>>Cassius
>>horizon
Should we do some kind of online petition thing? Cuz I'd love to try a limit of 500-1000.
#20 · 2
· · >>Fenton
>>CoffeeMinion
I want in on this petition...
#21 · 3
·
>>horizon
>>CoffeeMinion
>>MLPmatthewl419

I have to disagree. Even if it's hard, MiniFic rounds are a great writing exercise. Having more words will only make them like the short story rounds and there won't be any difference between the two.
However, it seems that at least several people are interested, so maybe a strawpoll could help?
#22 ·
· · >>CoffeeMinion
>>horizon
Or maybe 1250 words! That would be even better, logically speaking, because it's another 250. Or maybe 1500? No, wait, 1750!

OH! Let's try to do one where we have 2000-8000 words!!! We could even do that one like, every other time, if we really like it.

Or maybe just stop with the bucking nonpony contests that most of us don't particularly enjoy.
#23 · 2
· · >>CoffeeMinion
>>CoffeeMinion
Besides if you write a thousand word text, you can publish it verbatim on FIM.
#24 · 4
· · >>Moosetasm
>>Trick_Question
Right, obviously this can get to the point where there's no difference in formats and so why have different formats? But of course we're not writing into a vacuum here. As >>Monokeras notes, there's a word count minimum required by the most logical place for these stories to go after appearing here, and that minimum is 1/3rd higher on word count than the maximum allowable word count for these rounds. So rather than arguing it from the perspective of more words = better, I submit that it just makes sense from a usability perspective to let us aim for a length with these that might make the path to subsequent publication on FF materially smoother.

And I don't want to stir the pot unduly; I just think this is a small thing that would be nice.

(Also, since it came up: while I've determined that the non-pony rounds aren't my bag, I think it's great way to let this community spread its wings with other subjects and I see less clear value in changing those.)
#25 · 2
·
>>horizon
Flash fiction is a well established form of writing these days, maybe even as common as the short story. Many flash fiction contests, which you can find all over the place, have more restrictive word limits than here. A lot of good authors out in the world have done a lot more with a lot less.

If 750 words isn't enough to accomplish what you're trying to do with a piece, it might be worth rethinking what you should be trying to accomplish in those 750 words.
#26 · 11
·
I suggest 0-0 words. Not-writing is overwhelmingly popular these days, and seems to produce interesting results. We gotta get on that bandwagon.
#27 ·
·
>>horizon

In theory I like this since I usually write 1000-1200 words and have to whittle it down to the 750 mark. In reality though, if the cap was increased to 1000, I'd probably end up writing 1400-1500 words and have the same problem. It's me that's broken :(
#28 · 4
· · >>CoffeeMinion >>Rao >>Syeekoh >>Dubs_Rewatcher
Am I alone in not knowing who the hell William Antonelli is?
#29 · 1
·
>>Posh
He is among us now and always.

He was here before all we now recognize.

He shall be here when our names have faded into dust.

(No seriously he's a user and I don't know how out he is about his real name but he's cool)
#30 ·
· · >>Monokeras
>>Posh
I have no idea who this William guy is, either.
#31 · 2
·
>>Rao
Your worst nightmare!
#32 · 1
·
>>Posh
Isn’t is obvious?

Look deep inside of yourself.

There, you will find a man who eats cheese.

He make that cheese from a cow owned by William Anotnelli.
#33 · 5
·
William Antonelli died last year on Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones. He was a Korean War vet who was an avid Steelers and Pirates fan. He was 83 years old.
#34 · 1
·
Hmmm. Maybe if I ignore this prompt it'll go away and I can write whatever I want?

...Nah, that seems too meta. Better just see what I can do with it.
#35 · 2
· · >>Trick_Question
cool, my prompt won. my 2nd time! though I didn't come up with it, I actually stole it from..... I'll explain later.

ignore your writing time, and it too will naturally go away.
#36 · 1
·
>>Haze

...and mine, which I thought would be a lock, came in second. Kyoo kyoo.
#37 · 1
· · >>FrontSevens
...am I William Antonelli? Is... is that what it is? I'm so frightened.
#38 · 2
·
>>Posh
(it's Dubs' username irl)
#39 · 2
·
Donezo! Quickly, too.
#40 · 2
· · >>CoffeeMinion
Hmm, maybe I can move up my usual despair-filled lament about not having ideas or time by about 10 hours and do that now. Probably saves time in the long run to just knock that out...
#41 · 2
· · >>Trick_Question
Oooh, I like this prompt muchly! I like it so much in fact that I'm already in. Twice.

Looking forward to seeing where this one goes.
#42 · 6
· · >>devas
Me several hours ago: "This time, I've learned my lesson. I'll make a nice, short story that won't need chopped into kibble in order to fit.

Me now: "Dammit! War and Peace again."
#43 ·
· · >>Trick_Question
Ok. First one in.
Time to sleep and tomorrow shall tell if I have an idea for a second one.
#44 · 2
· · >>bloons3
I spent nearly 11 hours of this time sleeping. Perhaps I should get started.
#45 · 1
·
>>CoffeeMinion
I definitely agree on this point, I have a few fics that are sitting on FiMFiction unpublished because they are 250 words too short.

Hrmm...

My procrastination skills will make the prompt come true, but not my story...
#46 · 2
· · >>FrontSevens >>Chryssi >>Trick_Question
For the first time in quite a while, I am in, and I am so glad to be able to say that.

It feels so good to have written something again.
Post by FrontSevens , deleted
#48 ·
· · >>CoffeeMinion
>>Everyday I know, right? I barely remember The Darkest Hour prompt anymore...
#49 ·
· · >>Posh
>>Chryssi
Oh man, The Darkest Hour was legit.

Sadly, at this point I'm thinking my earlier decision (see >>CoffeeMinion) was timely, bordering on prescient: a great desire to write is mired in physical and mental fatigue. I may opt for an early bedtime & see if I can grind something out at like 4am.
#50 · 1
· · >>MLPmatthewl419
Ha ha! Dust off that last place trophy folks! It's all mine!
#51 · 2
·
*sigh* Alas, today I had both time to write, and a semi decent idea. Yet somehow I have completely failed to write anything. For some reason I just can not get my writing groove on. So, to my immense dissatisfaction, I shall be sitting this one out. :(

Good luck to everyone still writing!
#52 · 1
·
>>CoffeeMinion You should listen to a coffee-drinking ASMR while writing. See if that helps.
#53 ·
·
>>Misternick
I'll fight you for it...
#54 ·
· · >>Chryssi
>>Chryssi
gogogogo
#55 · 1
· · >>Trick_Question
To my greatest surprise, I've put something in. Good luck to any other late-night writers, and see you all in the morning. =)
#56 · 1
·
>>Posh
https://i.imgur.com/EucIfYY.gif
#57 · 1
·
(also on a serious note, I have an eight-page paper on Jane Austen's depictions of hypochondriacs due in about eleven hours, so I'm out this round, sorry, I do have great hair though)
#58 · 6
· · >>Foehn
For the first time in almost six months, I have submitted a story! It's not the best thing I've ever written, and it took way too long to write, but I did write it!
#59 · 1
·
>>bloons3 I got it done seven four hours ago, bloons :p
#60 · 1
· · >>Trick_Question
I’m in!
#61 · 3
· · >>Trick_Question >>Trick_Question
Mine is terrible. TERRIBLE.

But it's in
#62 · 1
·
>>Morning Sun
It's in your mom.

Also, I'm done with my submission(s). It's like, almost 4am here and I don't usually stay up, but sometimes the ideas force themselves. Into your mom. I'm very tired.

Most controversial, here I come? Maybe.
#63 · 2
· · >>Monokeras >>Monokeras
>>PaulAsaran
>>Monokeras
>>Everyday
>>Bachiavellian
>>GroaningGreyAgony
>>Morning Sun

Congrats to all who used the wording "getting it in", and especially to PaulAsaran, for "putting it in twice".

(Since this is a minific competition, I'll presume it was just the tip.) :trollestia:
#64 · 1
·
>>The_Letter_J
Likewise! Definitely far from a good entry, but it's an entry nonetheless.
#65 · 1
·
I am dozing off between every paragraph I try to edit, so screw it. I'm done and I hope the whole thing is way more coherent than I feel.
#66 · 1
·
Woo, I suddenly got an idea at breakfast. Halfway through the story now... and already at 723 words D:

Gotta take a rest, write the other half, do whatever polishing I can in the remaining time, and submit at the last second...
#67 · 1
·
One of my stories I personally don't like, but hey maybe someone else can gain enjoyment from it? I don't know. I'm really grasping at straws with this one, but then again, when aren't I grasping at straws?

Can't wait to get this show on the road!
#68 · 1
· · >>Chryssi
>>Trick_Question
Lewd! :P
#69 ·
· · >>Monokeras
>>Monokeras ;)
#70 ·
·
>>georg

I feel your pain. I also had to do some questionable cutting to make it all fit in.

Also, been a while since I managed to do one of these, which made me happy :-)
#71 · 1
· · >>georg
So my hail-Mary plan to wake up early and crank something out has borne fruit. :bulkbicepsyeah:

...

I'mma fight ALL of you for last place.
#72 ·
·
848 words. Damn it. Cutcutcutprunepruneprune
#73 · 2
· · >>Chryssi
>>Trick_Question
>>Chryssi
Stuffed the second one in!
#74 · 1
·
>>CoffeeMinion
You're on!
#75 ·
· · >>Monokeras
>>Monokeras Congrats :)
#76 ·
·
>>Chryssi
Thanks!
#77 ·
· · >>Monokeras
Huh, actually submitted something. That's the first one for a few Write-offs I think. Good luck everyone.
#78 · 2
·
I literally only sat down to write 91 minutes ago. I got it in JUST under the time limit. Despite the rush, I think I might have something actually decent. Sometimes I think my muse just doesn't work without a gun to her head!
#79 · 1
·
>>billymorph
Awesome!
#80 ·
·
Time to read some stuff before bed.
#81 · 2
· · >>Light_Striker
I am prepared to be ashamed!
#82 ·
·
>>Light_Striker Okay, slight revision of my previous comment. I'm not actually prepared to be ashamed. But now there's nothing I can do to stop it, and that's the point. Right?
#83 · 2
· · >>MLPmatthewl419
I won't be able to read and review anything until Tuesday (final grades are due Monday midnight).
#84 · 2
· · >>Trick_Question
>>Trick_Question
I feel so bad for you.
#85 ·
·
>>MLPmatthewl419
As do I. :raritydespair:
#86 · 1
· · >>CoffeeMinion
>>horizon

Re the length bump suggestion: after some discussion in chat, what this feels like to me so far (and keep in mind my near-complete lack of experience here, as this is the first round I've actually submitted to) is that the minific length constraints are just around a phase transition between "flash fiction" and "short story" mindsets where the turbulence impacts story quality significantly: enough that you can't really go without starting to expand on things, but if you do it the most natural way then you run out of words before you hit the payoff. Yes, a really good writer might be able to deal with just about any such constraint, but maybe it's too tricky a curve for the wider range of experience levels the Writeoff is targeting? It's like singing around a passaggio.

In my case, just for the record, I had to do several cuts here to get my story down from about 880, which significantly hurt it, but I do attribute a lot of that to my (literal) last-minute participation. A previous time, though, I started writing something for a short story round, and started running out of narratively useful things to say around 1600, then never submitted anything because I couldn't make the word count in time. I don't know what that implies overall.
#87 · 1
·
>>Light_Striker
I don't always Discord but when I do I'm drinking Dos Equus so I'll chip in an additional 2 cents here: I've definitely encountered issues at times with both the 750 ceiling and the 2k floor. But I've found that, with experience, I've gotten better at figuring out how much story I can (or should) try to tell in a given word limit. For me it was a non-obvious skill to have to develop.

I still say a 1k limit for pony minifics would make more sense for the sake of those intending to publish on FimFiction (because we're already close-ish at 750 and where else could we publish these?), but I think it's a valid skill to have to learn to stick with various word limits.
#88 ·
· · >>Monokeras >>Light_Striker
If anything I've submitted makes the cut this time, I'll be surprised.

I submitted one story at 4 in the morning and made some really dumb mistakes in the presentation (plus, it was rushed). It can definitely be fixed, however.

I submitted another story that I think is very good, but I also think few ponies will appreciate it. I don't know if I'll try to publish it. I want to, but it's going to get a lot of downvotes on Fimfiction if I do.

This is totes def not my best round. :facehoof:
#89 · 3
·
>>Trick_Question
❤️
#90 · 3
· · >>The_Letter_J
Now, Rainbow my dear, I cannot express my delight!
It's abundantly clear
That somewhere out here
Is a fic that will suit you just right!


I can't wait to get started,
But first let me set a few rules!
It's of utmost importance the fic that will win
Is something that's awesome and cool!


Awesome, cool, got it.
I have so many wonderful choices just wait you will see!


I need some tension, keep it immense or I'll get sleepy!

Sure! How bout a comedy
They're funny and witty and silly as can be!


Witty? Silly? Have you even met me?

Rainbow, have faith,
You see, I will bet you,
Somewhere in here is a plot that will get you!
Come on the sky's the limit!


Sky is good. I'd like it to be about flying...

Really? Because I think this story with Dinky has your name written all over it! Yes it does! (squeak) Aw, look! It suits you!

Pass...

I have so many wonderful choices for you to decide!
There are Slices of Life with massive appeal!


Slices of life are boring...

Maybe, but I've seen this particular story catch ten thousands views when it hit the website
(F’naa! F’naa!)

That's it! I'm outta here.

Wait!
There must be a fic here that will fit the ticket!
How bout a Daring Do adventure ficlet!


Bigger, and cooler!

Bigger, cooler, right!
I've got just the thing in that slate dash!
Read your new fabulous meta story!


It's, just a story...

Not just any story, a meta story!

Yeah so like I was saying...
Fluttershy pal, this won't cut it!
I need a fic to keep up with me...
Something awesome, something daring,
With coolness that defies gravity!

I'm sensing you want a fast-paced fic?

You think?

I have plenty of wonderful fics which shine on this site!
Like a sweet romance or a giant one about might!


Better, but cooler!

I see... How bout Drama, or Sci-Fi, or Human?
There's so many wonderful fics the likes of that!
There are fluff and crackfics, they are both ironic!
Or perhaps what you need is a dark and mysterious fic.


Now you're talking! But instead of just one stand-out, now that's too many!
So many choices!
And such riches of plenty!


Not a bad problem to have, if you ask me!

The Dark would be awesome
But the Drama I'm digging too!
Do you have something that is both!?


No, I've got a hot fetish clopfic
just dying to be read!


What to do, what to do?
*GASP* a prize! That's it!
There's really just one way!
To find out which story's best!
Hold a contest of speed, metaphor and prose!
That will put each fic to the test!


Don't forget style, that should be considered

Then we'll know for sure who's best of the litter

The one which is awesome and cool!

Just like me!
Can't settle for less
Cuz I expect the best!


So a Writeoff we will see!

Who's the number one greatest, perfectest fic in the world for me!

May the votes begin!

And May The Best Fic Win!


Many thanks to horizon
#91 ·
· · >>Fenton
>>Fenton
Witty? Silly? Have you even met me?

Yeah, why would Rainbow "There Was an Entire Episode About Me Pranking Too Much" care about comedy?

But seriously, that was great.
#92 · 1
· · >>Trick_Question
>>Trick_Question Well, guess what: I'm certain that this is going to be my best round ever! Because it's, um, my only round ever, so far.

Practice is good.
#93 · 2
·
Just FYI: I've created a folder on FIMFiction for those of you who will be publishing your Writeoff stories there later.

If you're relatively new to the Writeoffs, remember: don't repost your story until after the judging is over! If you compromise your anonymity, you'll be disqualified!

Stories that are finalists can safely be posted starting 5/18 after winners are announced; stories that don't make finals can be posted approximately 5/13 (once you see your name show up on the Gallery page next to the story title).

Everyone who has ever entered a Writeoff should have posting privileges to Writeoff folders (though if you're not a member of the FIMFiction group, you'll have to join it). Bug me if you need posting rights.
#94 ·
· · >>Light_Striker
>>Light_Striker
Indeed!

I already have enough feedback to fix things, plus questions to ask, so it wouldn't serve me well to pass the cut with either tale (maybe the one with less feedback that's better, but even then). But the feedback from these little events has helped me immeasurably toward becoming a better author.
#95 ·
· · >>Trick_Question
>>Trick_Question You should know better than to write "immeasurably" after Broken Symmetry

(Okay, okay, I know, you were using it figuratively. Don't geometrident my nose)

(or any other part of me)
#96 ·
·
>>The_Letter_J
You could say the same with the original line :)
Cutesy? Wootesy? Have you ever met me?

Rainbow Dash can be called cute.
#97 ·
· · >>Light_Striker
>>Light_Striker
Not sure I follow the rib. Do you mean Broken Symmetry isn't a good fic, so clearly the feedback hasn't helped? Or the fic has so much scientific measurement in it that the word is ironic?

Either way, yes, it's an exaggeration. But I have totes def improved since I started writing on Fimfiction, at least.
#98 · 1
· · >>Trick_Question
>>Trick_Question I meant (playfully) that I'm pretty sure you could figure out a way to form a useful measurement of the feedback, especially if you had Moondancer and Twilight helping you. That's all. :-)
#99 ·
·
>>Light_Striker
Ah, I see. :)
#100 · 3
· · >>PaulAsaran
Hello everypony, hum, Fenton has an announcement to make, so please, listen to him and spray the words because everypony might not hear it.

Thank you very much Fluttershy.
Okay fellow writeoffers, I've got some good and bad news. The bad news is that Quill and Not_A_Hat are going to very busy this weekend and thus, they won't be able to organise the podcast. I know, it's sad. BE SAD!!
The good news is that your humble servant, with the podcasters' consent, has decided to air a podcast this Saturday. Rejoyce, you will be able to listen to a French guy trying to speak English. Sounds fun, right?
The podcast should have the same form as it has always had, but for that, I need YOU to participate. If I'm the only one talking, what would be the point? That's why I invite everyone willing to talk to send me a message on Discord or on FimFic (same username). It will be a chance for you to become infamous among the Writeoff community!
(There won't be any recording)

So gather and go vote on this strawpoll to let us now which stories should be discussed.

The podcast will be aired this Saturday, 13/05/2017 at 10 pm GMT+2 (French hour), 8pm GMT.

Venez nombreux!