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SimplyScripts Screenwriting Discussion Board  /  October 2014 One Week Challenge  /  The October 2014 OWC Scripts...
Posted by: Don, October 24th, 2014, 11:20pm
I am going to be posting the scripts in groups of five or six at intervals. Here is the first batch.  Click the title to go to that scripts' thread.  Once there, click the title to read the script.

- Don

Da Horns by Samuel Wayman - Short, Horror - Would you go to the depths of hell to bring back someone you loved?   (R ) - pdf, format 8)

Operation: Sleepwalker by Newt - Short, Horror - On Halloween, a young man going through withdrawal witnesses beings that can't be seen mingling among the Trick-or-Treaters and killing them one at a time. (R ) - pdf, format 8)

Be Careful What You Wish For by Unoriginal nom de plume - Short, Horror - A young boy seeks the help of an unusual Halloween artifact, as he takes flight from his abusive father. (R ) - pdf, format 8)

Isle Of The Dead by Rodney - Short, Horror - When an internet blogger is persuaded by her boyfriend and crew to investigate an urban legend, about a cursed island off shore, she will be forced to fight for her life as they all unwilling become part of the legend until the curse on the island is broken. (R ) - pdf, format 8)

Mr. Nasty And The Dancing Angels by ? - Short, Horror - Some holidays are more difficult than others - especially when taking a trip with Mr. Nasty (R ) - pdf, format 8)

Shout at the Devil by Logan Tyler - Short, Horror - On Halloween, 2014, the gates of Hell will open, and only the chosen one can hope to close them. (NC 17) - pdf, format 8)


Cold Alone by David Carol - Short, Horror - A  man receives a message from his recently deceased wife and visits her grave. (PG) - pdf, format 8)

The Nightmare Door by Larry Huckenstuffit - Short, Horror - A conniving Housemaster recounts a bedtime tale to a sleepless young student. (PG) - pdf, format 8)

Justice at Sundown by Betsy Ross - Short, Horror - A man wakes up, tied to a chair in a greenhouse on Halloween. With only a strange man to keep him company and even stranger things happening outside. (NC17) - pdf, format 8)

Nathan Green by Adam Stein - Short, Horror - When a woman struggling to deal with her recent separation buys a jacket from a thrift store, she inadvertently lets another bad man into her life. (R ) - pdf, format 8)

The Soul Cleaner Vs. Hitler Vs. Kevin by Jasper Kidd - Short, Horror - On a Halloween rave, searching for the restroom, drugged up Kevin collides with an overchallenged cleaning power, and Adolf Hitler, whose plan is to send more Ebola to the living. (R ) - pdf, format 8)

Demon.Star.31 by Great Dane - Short, Horror - Neo Alchemists open a portal to Hell on a space shuttle orbitting Earth. (R ) - pdf, format 8)

A Burning Ring of Fire by Name of First Writer - Short, Horror - A tough guy biker must battle demonic forces in order to escape their devious trap.  (R ) - pdf, format 8)

Peanut Butter Kisses by Maria Avedici Santoya - Short, Horror - After a Halloween party, an axe-wielding sociopath in a goat mask stalks a young woman. When she fights back, she finds he's not exactly human. (R ) - pdf, format 8)

A Soldier's Search by David Nigel - Short, Horror - As a raging war threatens humanity, a soldier must find his family before the horrors of another world get to them. (R ) - pdf, format 8)


Trapped by Bud Wiser - Short, Horror - A man trying to avoid Halloween has to help a horde escape their entrapment. (R ) - pdf, format 8)

Halloween Hijack by Javar Van Helsing - Short, Horror - A troubled kid has no patience for the Halloween spirit.  (PG) - pdf, format 8)

For Her Lov'd Sake by Reads Way Too Much - Short, Horror - In Victorian London, a grieving husband travels into the Underworld to rescue his wife's spirit before he loses her forever. (PG) - pdf, format 8)

Pins and Needles by Boone Helm - Short, Horror - Desperate to save his afflicted wife, a tailor decides on a drastic last resort. (R ) - pdf, format 8)

Danny's Coming Home by Vlad Dumichu - Short, Horror - The dead are returning to the land of the living and Danny is dying to go home. (PG) - pdf, format 8)

Conversion by Stumpzian Farber - Short, Horror - A 62-year-old woman faces a point of no return while seeking treatment for a forgotten early trauma. (PG) - pdf, format 8)

Humanity Speaks by Habeus Corpus - Short, Horror - The human race is being put on trial, and the only person who can save mankind is a mute girl. (G) - pdf, format 8)

This Tornado Loves You by N.C. - Short, Horror - A young woman, held in captivity, has one chance to ensure her freedom… and one last night to endure her captor. (R ) - pdf, format 8)

Forsworcennes by Dark I. Am - Short, Horror - When the otherworld opens on sundown at October 31st, an old man uses its forces through dark magic from the Anglo-Saxon days to avoid losing his beloved farm. (PG) - pdf, format 8)


Exchange Student by A Horror Author - Short, Horror - A cocky college student investigating a dimensional portal on Halloween encounters an unexpected surprise. - pdf, format 8)

The Price by Chocolate Kahuna - Short, Horror - A desperate woman struggles with the high price of the one thing she wants most - her dead son brought to life. (NC 17) - pdf, format 8)

Shamed by Koutius Vomitus - Short, Horror - Two deceased, former high school students embarrassed by the school bully when alive seek revenge on Halloween night. (R ) - pdf, format 8)


Spiral by Hieronymush Bosch - Short, Horror - Within its pages lie some of mankind's best kept secrets. Many try to gain it. Many will fail. (R ) - pdf, format 8)




Fair Trade by Dr. Jeckyll - Short, Horror - A terminally ill man inadvertently discovers a portal to a parallel world - and possible redemption for his family. (PG) - pdf, format 8)

Halloween Baby! by The Other Purple One - Short, Horror - A hip scientist invents a way to summon his dream girl from hell, but is she everything he's dreamed of? (PG) - pdf, format 8)

Impropriety by Richard Layman - Short, Horror - A deaf, dumb and blind man, reveals his true motivations to a nurse on Halloween night. (R ) - pdf, format 8)

Je Me Sais Pas, Cozco by Avant Garde - Short, Horror - After having his money stolen, a high schooler finds solace in an idiopathic Frenchman from another world who may or may not be a hitman. (R ) - pdf, format 8)

Reynard: Doors & Rings by Dark Stanley - Short, Horror - An abusive husband pushes his wife to extreme action only to have him pursue her return from a world he belongs in. (PG) - pdf, format 8)

Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 24th, 2014, 11:42pm; Reply: 1
Thank you to Don for all his hard work. WE love ya!
Posted by: DarrenJamesSeeley, October 24th, 2014, 11:57pm; Reply: 2
WOW
Already? Is that some sort o' record? Great stuff Don!
And good fortune to all who partook
Posted by: LC, October 25th, 2014, 12:10am; Reply: 3
Thanks from me as well. Superfast posting!

The Countdown was a terrific addition too. :)
Posted by: Last Fountain, October 25th, 2014, 12:23am; Reply: 4
A huge thanks to this community and those that run it. I'm so happy I've stumbled onto this portal. It's been over a year for me here. The inspiration and support can't be quantified. I really appreciate the hard work that must go into maintaining simplyscripts and these OWCs. I eagerly anticipate each one.

Thank you,
Dan
Posted by: mmmarnie, October 25th, 2014, 12:35am; Reply: 5
Wow! That was fast! I wonder if it's because there are a gabillion entries we need to start ASAP.

Thanks Don! Great challenge. It really hurt some people's brains this time around. Mine included.  :D
Posted by: EWall433, October 25th, 2014, 12:44am; Reply: 6
Big thanks Don for the quick posting! I though I was gonna have to go to work tomorrow with nothing to read and be super behind come Sunday.

Now to see how many more are coming down the pike.
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, October 25th, 2014, 4:30am; Reply: 7
Don=The Man.
Posted by: rendevous, October 25th, 2014, 4:34am; Reply: 8

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films
Don=The Man.


Quite. Good work, fella.

How many scripts were sent in?

R
Posted by: Reef Dreamer, October 25th, 2014, 5:31am; Reply: 9
Pleased to see the thanks, I was just thinking of this.

Don, once again, many thanks for hosting this.
Posted by: JonnyBoy, October 25th, 2014, 5:49am; Reply: 10
Jumping on the bandwagon - great work Don, thanks for your superhuman efforts!
Posted by: IamGlenn, October 25th, 2014, 7:08am; Reply: 11
Yeah, I'll have to jump on this and thank the big man too.

Really is quite exceptional what you do.

Cheers ;)
Posted by: wonkavite (Guest), October 25th, 2014, 7:43am; Reply: 12
Don -

A million thanks for the start of yet another great OWC...!  I hope everyone on this board realizes and appreciates how much work goes into what you do.  (And I'm sure most of the regulars, at least, do!)  :)
Posted by: Don, October 25th, 2014, 8:14am; Reply: 13
The second batch is up.  I am glad you appreciate the effort.  Thanks to John Robbins for keeping me company until midnight last night.  There were thirty six entries.  About average for an October OWC.

The writer's names were either chosen by the writers or by me.  The names I chose may have some significance to the script.

Posted by: DS, October 25th, 2014, 8:20am; Reply: 14
Thanks for hosting the challenge and all of your hard work, Don!

Right, time to start reading... all 35... Ahhh.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 25th, 2014, 8:44am; Reply: 15
Yes, Kudos to The Don, for sure.  As always, stellar effort to get these posted so amazingly fast.

I wish I hadn't submitted mine, actually, because it's downright awful and embarrassing, but you guys can have a field day at my expense, and I will gladly accept it.  I just ran out of time and in the end, I really had no idea what I was even throwing down on the page...just trying to somehow wrap it up.

36 entries is alot, so in all seriousness, Congrats to all who entered - I won't say that again on each review.

Let's see what we've got...
Posted by: Reef Dreamer, October 25th, 2014, 9:07am; Reply: 16

Quoted from Don
T  There were thirty six entries.  


Reef Dreamer quote (still haven't worked out to blend quote from two different threads)

'I guess 35 entries

Including one by Jeff'



well, thats not bad a stab at the future. A jeff script and one out on the number.

Give the guy a cigar. ;D ;D ;D


Posted by: bert, October 25th, 2014, 9:16am; Reply: 17
Don IS the man, isn't he?

My usual request in these things -- 36 fast-growing threads is quite a bit to keep track of.

Should you notice any trouble brewing on a particular thread -- or maybe a review treading into the abusive category -- or Jeff doing pretty much anything -- please let me know.

Cheers to all playing.  I will try to read at least a few.  
Posted by: dogglebe (Guest), October 25th, 2014, 10:02am; Reply: 18
Wait a sec!  The OWC was this week????

Shit.


Phil
Posted by: Gum, October 25th, 2014, 12:07pm; Reply: 19
36 entries! That's nucking futs...

Yes, a big tip of the Fedora to Mr. Don for all that he does! ... and Johnny (as mentioned) for keeping you company while burning the midnight oil.

I'm trying to get into a few of these as we speak, but both my kids had sleepovers last night, and it's literally a gong show over here right now. Definitely be digging into these later though, kudos to all who entered!
Posted by: oJOHNNYoNUTSo, October 25th, 2014, 12:29pm; Reply: 20

Quoted from Gum
36 entries! Yes, a big tip of the Fedora to Mr. Don for all that he does! ... and Johnny (as mentioned) for keeping you company while burning the midnight oil.


That's all Don's hardwork bro, which I too tip my hat! I didn't do anything, just got a great chili recipe.
Posted by: Ryan1, October 25th, 2014, 1:27pm; Reply: 21
Don is the dude, as usual.  36 entries sounds about right for an October owc.  Alright, second batch here we go.
Posted by: khamanna, October 25th, 2014, 1:55pm; Reply: 22
Woah, 36 entries... And I thought I was a genious for coming up with a story to fit the parameters, but no, 35 others had to break my bubble.

Big thanks for the challenge, Don - the challenge was a lot of fun and I'm for one enjoying the entries.

36...  
Posted by: dead by dawn, October 25th, 2014, 3:20pm; Reply: 23
Damn!  36!  I only read 3.  Don't have time for all of 'em.  Sorry.

Anyone who wants a particular read, shoot me a PM.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 25th, 2014, 3:55pm; Reply: 24

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo
That's all Don's hardwork bro, which I too tip my hat! I didn't do anything, just got a great chili recipe.


Johnny, few may realize this, but I am the chili master!   ;D ;D ;D

No recipes will be released, but I can tell you 2 very important things...

Never add water - use your favorite dark beer, instead.

The main ingredient of my chili is...well, duh...chilies! And I roast them myself, and let the bad boy simmer at least 8 hours, if not more.

Feel free to send money, but don't think you have to,  LOL...


Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 25th, 2014, 3:58pm; Reply: 25

Quoted from dead by dawn
Anyone who wants a particular read, shoot me a PM.


Please skip mine.  I will be skewered and I deserve it 100%.  No pisser, but it's God Awful and I am seriously embarrassed - worse than Dustin's shark scipt, adn that's saying something.   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D LOL...

Hopefully, Dustin understands I like to fuck around and also I take full responsibility when I write a shitter, that was intended on being a star.
Posted by: oJOHNNYoNUTSo, October 25th, 2014, 4:10pm; Reply: 26

Quoted from Dreamscale


Johnny, few may realize this, but I am the chili master!   ;D ;D ;D

No recipes will be released, but I can tell you 2 very important things...

Never add water - use your favorite dark beer, instead.

The main ingredient of my chili is...well, duh...chilies! And I roast them myself, and let the bad boy simmer at least 8 hours, if not more.

Feel free to send money, but don't think you have to,  LOL...




Truth be told, I never got the full recipe... just a few ingredients and a testimonial of its greatness, lol! I think you just did the same thing, Jeff.

Maybe we should do a chili cook-off next go around. I've got a wicked chili that will light your ass on fire for a week dude... I'm not kidding. It's that good. And I add da beer.
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 25th, 2014, 4:14pm; Reply: 27

Quoted from Dreamscale


Please skip mine.  I will be skewered and I deserve it 100%.  No pisser, but it's God Awful and I am seriously embarrassed - worse than Dustin's shark scipt, adn that's saying something.   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D LOL...

Hopefully, Dustin understands I like to fuck around and also I take full responsibility when I write a shitter, that was intended on being a star.


At least you wrote one, Jeff! Kudos on that. And mine will be more suckier than yours :) so no worries on that one. We were last minute scramblers!!!! :)
Posted by: Reef Dreamer, October 25th, 2014, 4:22pm; Reply: 28

Quoted from Pale Yellow


At least you wrote one, Jeff! Kudos on that. And mine will be more suckier than yours :) so no worries on that one. We were last minute scramblers!!!! :)


Does that mean you both suck....err.....not going there.....at all.....get out of my head :-(
Posted by: LC, October 25th, 2014, 5:30pm; Reply: 29

Quoted from Gum
36 entries! That's nucking futs...

The October 13 Witches challenge had 47 entries so this is a walk in the park imh.  ;D

Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 25th, 2014, 5:36pm; Reply: 30

Quoted from Reef Dreamer


Does that mean you both suck....err.....not going there.....at all.....get out of my head :-(


Out of your head? But I'm in your head, Bill. Whispering, hypnotizing, WARNING you to skip over my script as if it were a snake with three eyeballs and a jagged tail. It's a suckfest, yes!
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 25th, 2014, 5:43pm; Reply: 31

Quoted from Pale Yellow
Out of your head? But I'm in your head, Bill. Whispering, hypnotizing, WARNING you to skip over my script as if it were a snake with three eyeballs and a jagged tail. It's a suckfest, yes!



pLEASE SKIP KIJE AS WELL.

Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, October 25th, 2014, 5:48pm; Reply: 32
Seen a few reviews saying there needs to be an explanation for what's going on.

This is, in my humble opinion, incorrect.

It is an integral part of the fantasy genre that supernatural happenings occur and there is no explanation. Any explanation actually would have the effect of taking it out of the fantasy genre.

For instance: In a Horror Fantasy...if the explanation is a rational one..it becomes straight Horror or Science Fiction Horror and is no longer fantasy. If it is an established supernatural explanation..it would become Supernatural Horror.

When the kids go through the Wardrobe into Narnia it's because that's what happens.

It's not because there is a wormhole in the wardrobe....if there was the story would be Science Fiction and not Fantasy.

Not having a go at anyone...just pointing out genre conventions.

It's not a legitimate criticism of Fantasy scripts, that they are in fact, Fantasy.
Posted by: LC, October 25th, 2014, 6:05pm; Reply: 33

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films
Seen a few reviews saying there needs to be an explanation for what's going on.

This is, in my humble opinion, incorrect.

It is an integral part of the fantasy genre that supernatural happenings occur and there is no explanation. Any explanation actually would have the effect of taking it out of the fantasy genre.

For instance: In a Horror Fantasy...if the explanation is a rational one..it becomes straight Horror or Science Fiction Horror and is no longer fantasy. If it is an established supernatural explanation..it would become Supernatural Horror.

When the kids go through the Wardrobe into Narnia it's because that's what happens.

It's not because there is a wormhole in the wardrobe....if there was the story would be Science Fiction and not Fantasy.

Not having a go at anyone...just pointing out genre conventions.

It's not a legitimate criticism of Fantasy scripts, that they are in fact, Fantasy.


Couldn't have said it better myself. All things fantasy/horror should not need explaining. If it were the other way i.e., clearly spelled out then David Lynch, for one, would have no fans.

That said there needs to be some cohesive entertaining/intriguing story to follow and a main character to get behind imh.


Posted by: Ryan1, October 25th, 2014, 8:43pm; Reply: 34
Alright, time to unleash the third batch!
Posted by: Don, October 25th, 2014, 8:56pm; Reply: 35

Quoted from Ryan1
Alright, time to unleash the third batch!


The third batch has been unleashed.  Note: We are getting to the edge of the scripts I've read, so there may be entries in this batch that do not fit the theme.  Did a quick scan on them.  I'll give them a deeper read tonight and tomorrow.

Don
Posted by: dead by dawn, October 25th, 2014, 8:59pm; Reply: 36

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films
Seen a few reviews saying there needs to be an explanation for what's going on.



Maybe they meant "where the fuck is the portal concept?" because out of the 3 that I took the time to read, I didn't see anything like that.

Posted by: RayW, October 25th, 2014, 9:18pm; Reply: 37
Don, great show you always put on here.
Truly impressive.


Folks, you don't need to be spoonfed everything.
A reader (cough, cough: audience VIEWER!) is expected to bring something to the table themselves.
"Stuff" just happens in SciFi/fantasy/fiction. ::)
Posted by: Reef Dreamer, October 26th, 2014, 3:32am; Reply: 38
Kind of wished I had seen fantasy in the same way - would have been quite a lot easier just having something appear.

Where was that wardrobe when I needed it
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), October 26th, 2014, 3:38am; Reply: 39
That's the magic of magic.
Posted by: khamanna, October 26th, 2014, 4:01am; Reply: 40
Don, I didn't know you took time to read the entries. So, you're running this thing and reading the entries. That's impressive.
Posted by: DarrenJamesSeeley, October 26th, 2014, 7:15am; Reply: 41
Don is Da man.
He's a hipster  ;D
Posted by: Don, October 26th, 2014, 10:40am; Reply: 42
The next batch is up.  

Cold Alone by David Carol - Short, Horror - A  man receives a message from his recently deceased wife and visits her grave. (PG) - pdf, format 8)

The Nightmare Door by Larry Huckenstuffit - Short, Horror - A conniving Housemaster recounts a bedtime tale to a sleepless young student. (PG) - pdf, format 8)

Justice at Sundown by Betsy Ross - Short, Horror - A man wakes up, tied to a chair in a greenhouse on Halloween. With only a strange man to keep him company and even stranger things happening outside. (NC17) - pdf, format 8)

Nathan Green by Adam Stein - Short, Horror - When a woman struggling to deal with her recent separation buys a jacket from a thrift store, she inadvertently lets another bad man into her life. (R ) - pdf, format 8)

Liquide Bone Danse by Luther Rinn - Short, Horror - It's All Hallows Eve, and whilst attempting to cling to a worthless existence, an aging priest must come face to face with his sordid past, and the darkness it has begot. (R ) - pdf, format 8)
Posted by: Don, October 26th, 2014, 10:54am; Reply: 43

Quoted from LC

The October 13 Witches challenge had 47 entries so this is a walk in the park imh.  ;D



I love witches.  Witches are cool


Quoted from Scar Tissue Films
Seen a few reviews saying there needs to be an explanation for what's going on.

This is, in my humble opinion, incorrect.



I get that.  I have mixed emotions.  On the one hand, I want to understand the motivations.  On the other hand, I get that it is fantasy and not everything needs to be explained and that it isn't explained leaving you thinking about it after the story is over is kind of the point.  Janet's script is like that.  It left me thinking, "I can't figure it out.  How does that work? Why did the protag do what he did?"  In the end, my rationale was, "Janet did that on purpose just to fuck with the reader."  


Quoted from dead by dawn


Maybe they meant "where the fuck is the portal concept?" because out of the 3 that I took the time to read, I didn't see anything like that.



In my mind, I was open to the broadest possible interpretation of doorway, door, portal, or etc., even a Brigadoon otherworld would work for me.



Quoted from khamanna
Don, I didn't know you took time to read the entries. So, you're running this thing and reading the entries. That's impressive.


I really like this theme and I'm crazy curious to see how each person interprets it.  Thus far, only one person came close to what I had in mind. However, thus far, ALL the entries that I've read have been crazy out of the box interpretations of the theme and limitations. Nothing what I was expecting, but totally nailing the theme and limitations in my opinion.  


Early in the week, I read the entries as they come in.  Sometimes I even make comments when I let you know the script has been received.  It is the later entries that I don't get to until later in the week.  So, this is why sometimes a script that doesn't meet the theme slips by.

Posted by: DarrenJamesSeeley, October 26th, 2014, 6:02pm; Reply: 44

Quoted from Don


In the end, my rationale was, "Janet Darren did that on purpose just to fuck with the reader."  

I've read have been crazy out of the box interpretations of the theme and limitations.



;D

Don understands. i think.
Posted by: Don, October 26th, 2014, 8:03pm; Reply: 45

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley


;D

Don understands. i think.



Quoted from Grandma Bear


Don...you're amazing!!!!  :)



These writers understand and are amazing!  The OWC script I've read this far are freaking great!  They are nothing like what I was expecting, but precisely what I wanted.  They are all so different. I'm trying to write reviews for all of them.  



Next batch is up.  Twenty thus far.  

- Don
Posted by: SAC, October 26th, 2014, 8:35pm; Reply: 46
I'm so pissed I didn't enter. I had five pages in the can, so much else going on though... Now I've read a few and I can't believe I didn't do this! Arrghh.

Steve
Posted by: oJOHNNYoNUTSo, October 26th, 2014, 8:44pm; Reply: 47

Quoted from SAC
I'm so pissed I didn't enter. I had five pages in the can, so much else going on though... Now I've read a few and I can't believe I didn't do this! Arrghh.

Steve


Write one anyway!
Posted by: SAC, October 26th, 2014, 8:59pm; Reply: 48

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo


Write one anyway!


Yeah, yeah.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), October 27th, 2014, 4:43am; Reply: 49
The quality of writing is really good in most I've read. Mine isn't going down too good (to say the least) but that's a testament to how well everyone has done this time around. Well done all. I'm going to go and drown my sorrows in coffee.
Posted by: Don, October 27th, 2014, 4:38pm; Reply: 50
The next batch is up.

- Don
Posted by: DS, October 27th, 2014, 4:50pm; Reply: 51
Haven't had much time to get on here. Hopefully I'll be able to dig into more scripts in the next few days.

My script is doing OK based on the feedback, not too happy with it myself but I don't think it's that bad. Submitted on Friday, but pretty much left it a first and 1/4 draft with a half-assed job. I'm not even 100% sure if I met all the criterias. Should have given it a proper second draft, oh well. At least I got the first OWC excuse. ;)

The entries are looking good so far!
Posted by: mmmarnie, October 27th, 2014, 5:11pm; Reply: 52
I think a lot of these are probably first drafts, unless someone really got a crazy early start.

Mine is getting mixed reviews. I knew it wouldn't be a contender though. Too many great horror writers on this site. I love horror but really stink at writing it. But that's why I made sure to enter something. Gotta go out of your comfort zone sometimes.
Posted by: LC, October 27th, 2014, 6:24pm; Reply: 53
Don,

Just going through checking off which ones I've read and haven't read and:

Cold Alone does not appear on the Master List - least not on my screen.  :-/
Posted by: Don, October 27th, 2014, 8:11pm; Reply: 54

Quoted from LC
Don,

Just going through checking off which ones I've read and haven't read and:

Cold Alone does not appear on the Master List - least not on my screen.  :-/


LC,

Thanks for the catch.  I forgot to add five to the master list.  I've added them.

Cold Alone, The Nightmare Door, Justice at Sundown, Nathan Green and Liquide Bone Danse were added.

Don
Posted by: DarrenJamesSeeley, October 27th, 2014, 10:20pm; Reply: 55

Quoted from mmmarnie
I think a lot of these are probably first drafts, unless someone really got a crazy early start.

Mine is getting mixed reviews. I knew it wouldn't be a contender though. Too many great horror writers on this site. I love horror but really stink at writing it. But that's why I made sure to enter something. Gotta go out of your comfort zone sometimes.


It's a OWC. In all likelihood 99% of the entries are going to be first drafts. Mine's getting mixed reviews too, and don't sweat it. In fact one comment was such where I thought I really dropped the ball. And from someone who usually likes my writing on here and Writer Arena. But in OWCs I also like to expieriment a little. When it comes to horror, I took inventory and I noted I didn't have a specific sub-genre of horror yet. Can't say what that is just yet because that'll give my alias away. (not that it matters that much--I have found that I can try new stuff all I want but my style eventually rears itself)

One of the biggest problems with speckers writing horror, is that there are compulsions to rely too much on cliches (thank God i haven't read any OWC that had The Monster With The Glowing Eyes "hidden in shadows") the stopping of the script to point to a movie reference (especially a horror film one) for the sake of showing me that they are a big of a Gore Geek (just like me) and...this is something I wised up to in recent years but nobody brings it up. The three Bs. We are asked as writers not to repeat words often on a page. We are asked not to play fight cheographer. We are asked not to worry about every knick-knack in a room. And while some may love the horror genre and may very well be a GoreGeek...someone somewhere is also eating lunch.

How many times can you (or myself) write the following words on a single page
Bones
Brains
Blood/Bloody
('breasts' could be a 4th B, but it isn't repeated in narrative often)

In short, if I'm watching an ep of Walking Dead, and Rick puts a machete to a walker - I wonder if the writers go "Rick slices into the walker" or "Rick slices into the walker. Blood showers him, brains pop out, bone snaps" most likely the former.

Here's something I think Gore Geeks should read as well.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the majority of entries. Even mine. Well, you of course knew I'd think mine was stellar, right? Well...of course  ;D But there are entries which I fell knocked it out of the park in this OWC.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), October 28th, 2014, 3:08am; Reply: 56

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley

We are asked not to play fight cheographer. We are asked not to worry about every knick-knack in a room. And while some may love the horror genre and may very well be a GoreGeek...someone somewhere is also eating lunch.

How many times can you (or myself) write the following words on a single page
Bones
Brains
Blood/Bloody
('breasts' could be a 4th B, but it isn't repeated in narrative often)


Oh shut up whining you ninny.
Posted by: khamanna, October 28th, 2014, 3:16am; Reply: 57
I got good comments on mine, and I see that it's worth a rewrite. And I know how to rewrite it - as sometimes an entry is a lost cause, but not this time.

so I'm happy.
Posted by: mmmarnie, October 28th, 2014, 3:25am; Reply: 58

Quoted from khamanna
I got good comments on mine, and I see that it's worth a rewrite. And I know how to rewrite it - as sometimes an entry is a lost cause, but not this time.

so I'm happy.


I think I know which one is yours...I think.  :)
Posted by: IamGlenn, October 28th, 2014, 3:54am; Reply: 59
I've been pretty quiet on the reviewing side of things. Basically, I've had a bit of a crazy weekend and had no access to a laptop (writing this on my phone).

Tonight, I will be back with my laptop and then I will begin going through them all and giving my views.

Mine is up and doing ok, which I'm happy with. Some very positive feedback and some things to work on. So thank you to all who took the time with it. Much appreciated :)
Posted by: khamanna, October 28th, 2014, 3:56am; Reply: 60

Quoted from mmmarnie


I think I know which one is yours...I think.  :)


I might know yours as well! Not sure though.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), October 28th, 2014, 4:16am; Reply: 61

Quoted from IamGlenn
I've been pretty quiet on the reviewing side of things. Basically, I've had a bit of a crazy weekend and had no access to a laptop (writing this on my phone).

Tonight, I will be back with my laptop and then I will begin going through them all and giving my views.

Mine is up and doing ok, which I'm happy with. Some very positive feedback and some things to work on. So thank you to all who took the time with it. Much appreciated :)


Glad to hear it mate. Hopefully mine went down well. If not, let me know and I'll go through with a more constructive review.
Posted by: IamGlenn, October 28th, 2014, 4:43am; Reply: 62
Dustin, you were actually one of the more critical reviewers. Not in a bad way though. You made good points and my script was far from perfect.

I may look into getting a deeper review from you though, as it can only help. Cheers for that.
Posted by: Reef Dreamer, October 28th, 2014, 3:09pm; Reply: 63
You know what I have struggled with...too much action...well actually too much description.

Inevitably, the criteria have made them light in dialogue, therefore heavy in action.

When done well, you don't notice. If not, a heavy read.

So, combine the fact that we often read at night when we are tired, plus heavy writing, makes me a grumpy reader :-(

Happy to re read if. Anybody one wants a second go later. I appreciate we will have some newbies

Now...to finish and see how I'm doing...could be worse...could be better...

Just pleased to take part

Thanks Don - you're a good man for this
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), October 28th, 2014, 3:12pm; Reply: 64

Quoted from Reef Dreamer

When done well, you don't notice. If not, a heavy read.


That's the challenge. To write action so well the reader barely notices the journey through the story.

Those that have resorted to extensive dialogue (musical aside) are also likely to fail because of the expository nature of dialogue.

I've really enjoyed it and I have another great short that I can make myself.
Posted by: mmmarnie, October 28th, 2014, 3:52pm; Reply: 65

Quoted from Reef Dreamer
You know what I have struggled with...too much action...well actually too much description.

Inevitably, the criteria have made them light in dialogue, therefore heavy in action.

When done well, you don't notice. If not, a heavy read.

So, combine the fact that we often read at night when we are tired, plus heavy writing, makes me a grumpy reader :-(

Happy to re read if. Anybody one wants a second go later. I appreciate we will have some newbies

Now...to finish and see how I'm doing...could be worse...could be better...

Just pleased to take part

Thanks Don - you're a good man for this


I've been having the same issue, Bill. Some have been hard to get to the story. You're right about it being the lack of dialog. But some do seem pretty heavy handed. That and other annoyances here have sorta sucked the fun out of this OWC, for me anyway. :P

Posted by: DS, October 28th, 2014, 4:10pm; Reply: 66

Quoted from Reef Dreamer
You know what I have struggled with...too much action...well actually too much description.

Inevitably, the criteria have made them light in dialogue, therefore heavy in action.

When done well, you don't notice. If not, a heavy read.

So, combine the fact that we often read at night when we are tired, plus heavy writing, makes me a grumpy reader


Mhm.

Anyone else suprised by the lack of 6 and 7 pagers? Only seen two around. Most are 9 or 10.
Posted by: RayW, October 28th, 2014, 4:21pm; Reply: 67
I'm a beast.

I'm reading though these like a combine through cornstalks.

Dialog.
Action lines.
I don't care.

VRUUM VRUMM!!!  ;)
Posted by: Don, October 28th, 2014, 5:53pm; Reply: 68
Folks,

The final batch is up.  36 in total.  

One administrative item.  Please keep the discussion in the script threads about the scripts.  If you go off topic, I try to remove the off topic items, not so much to 'censor' or 'quash' anything, but rather it isn't fair to the writer to have his/her thread chewed up with off topic discussions.  Folks are more than welcome to open up something in general chat.

Don
Posted by: Grandma Bear, October 28th, 2014, 7:04pm; Reply: 69
Don, I knew it it's a lot of extra work for you to do these OWC and I've always appreciated what you've done for us. I had no idea, you actually read the scripts too!!!!!! I thought you checked to make sure the format was somewhat close to standards, but reading them all? Wow! And, I noticed you rated them all too! Again, wow! And on top of that, you're also buying a "crappy mug" to give away! IMO, you're the one that deserves a prize!  :)
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 28th, 2014, 7:11pm; Reply: 70

Quoted from Grandma Bear
Don, I knew it it's a lot of extra work for you to do these OWC and I've always appreciated what you've done for us. I had no idea, you actually read the scripts too!!!!!! I thought you checked to make sure the format was somewhat close to standards, but reading them all? Wow! And, I noticed you rated them all too! Again, wow! And on top of that, you're also buying a "crappy mug" to give away! IMO, you're the one that deserves a prize!  :)


Rating them?  How?  WHere's the rating?

Don, you so cool, and I mean that in all seriousness.
Posted by: IamGlenn, October 28th, 2014, 7:13pm; Reply: 71
He's rating them?
Posted by: DS, October 28th, 2014, 7:26pm; Reply: 72

Quoted from Grandma Bear
I thought you checked to make sure the format was somewhat close to standards, but reading them all? Wow! And, I noticed you rated them all too!


The MPAA rating was on the submission form and had to be toggled by the writer. :P

But I'll also get on the "Great job, Don" train again, this OWC has been handled superbly. I know I've benefit from the challenge as a writer, thanks for that.
Posted by: Don, October 28th, 2014, 7:40pm; Reply: 73
As Glenn mentioned, the rating was part of the submission form.  However, if the script was unrated, I did read and add a rating.  

I'm still working my way through them.  I read the scripts that were submitted prior to Friday.  My reviews will be up shortly.

Don
Posted by: mmmarnie, October 28th, 2014, 8:08pm; Reply: 74
Don is such a humble guy, it's easy to forget how much he does so we can have this place to read, write, learn, talk and fight.

He's gonna get mad but I have to mention, as I was just reminded of his hard work I also remembered to hit the Donate button way, way down on the left side of the Home page. :)
Posted by: RayW, October 28th, 2014, 11:20pm; Reply: 75
Don,
I am just chuckling my arse off at some of these names you're laying on these screenplays.

Very nice.  :D
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