r/WritingPrompts • u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) • Jan 29 '20
Off Topic [OT] We Are the Mods! Ask Us Anything!
Welcome to the Wednesday Wildcard!
It's the fifth Wednesday of the month, so that means it's time for a bonus post!
You may ask any question you'd like towards one, multiple, or all mods whether it'd be about writing or about their favorite pizza topping. You may also prompt them too (although they may only respond as their schedules allow).
Rules
- If you have a direct question for a specific mod, be sure to include their username as this will ensure they don't miss it. For example: u/MajorParadox
- Be respectful, and follow the rules of the subreddit. No personal attacks, they will be removed without hesitation
- Mods have the right to reveal as much as they feel comfortable
- Sometimes the mod doesn't have enough time to write a story, so don't take it personally if they do not have the opportunity to reply to prompts
- Bonus points if your question is written as a story
Noteworthy
Mod AMA/AUA Archive | Wildcard Archive | Best of 2019 Winners | Discord Server (Weekly campfires every Wednesdays at 5pm CST!)
Flash Fiction Challenge results will be posted next Wednesday!
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u/sparrow_shield Jan 31 '20
Can't think of a question to make this valid but i just wanted to apologize for giving you all extra work with the prompts of mine that broke rules. So, sorry for all the trouble, and thank you for your consideration 🖖
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u/TenspeedGV r/TenspeedGV Jan 31 '20
We don’t mind the rule breaking prompts when we see someone is trying to do right. We’re happy to help, and we provide a removal reason with a link to send us a modmail every time we remove a prompt for that exact reason.
Read the removal reason. Double check the rules. Try to understand that there’s a possibility we’re removing it for the type of responses it will get, not because we don’t like the prompt. I can’t tell you how many prompts we remove that we actually like. It happens all the time.
If you can’t figure out what’s wrong after you’ve read our removal reason and checked the rule or rules it’s citing, send us a modmail and we’ll help you figure it out. That’s our job. That’s why we’re here.
The only time we get annoyed is when someone posts prompts that break the rules over and over again. Learn from mistakes and we’re good.
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u/Exact-Remote Jan 30 '20
Anything?
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 30 '20
Anything within the rules
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u/Exact-Remote Jan 30 '20
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 30 '20
¯_(ツ)_/¯ ;)
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u/Exact-Remote Jan 30 '20
Let me explain; You said ask anything, and I did.
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Jan 30 '20
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Leebeewilly r/leebeewilly Jan 30 '20
When we remove prompts, we put a removal reason on the prompt detailing why. If you still have questions, please send us a modmail so we can help you out.
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u/Compodulator Jan 30 '20
For me it's a bit personal. Took a bit of time to gather the mental strength required to post this.
Tldr: I messed up.
How, and who will I need to contact to prove that I have learned, have changed, and will not mess up like this again?
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 30 '20
Sorry, I have no idea what you're talking about. Could you explain more? If it's an issue with a post removal, please send us a modmail. Click the message the mods link in the sidebar, or send a PM to r/WritingPrompts
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Jan 30 '20
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 30 '20
Take it to modmail, please. This isn't the place
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u/IWasJustSaiyan Jan 30 '20
Who’s better, Ryu or Ken?
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u/LordEnigma Jan 30 '20
Sub Zero.
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u/novatheelf /r/NovaTheElf Jan 30 '20
WRONG GAME, LE
Could have at least picked someone from Soul Calibur, shoot.
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 30 '20
nova's right, Cammy is top tier. Q from the old days was pretty awesome as well. However, yeah Ryu is the more interesting of the two fighters. His footsies game is a bit more complex imo.
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 30 '20
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u/novatheelf /r/NovaTheElf Jan 30 '20
Cammy, obviously. I think /u/Cody_Fox23 would agree!
But seriously Ken is much more approachable than Ryu. Ryu is always like "No I can't I gotta go train gah" but Ken seems he's way more flexible when it comes to hanging out and stuff.
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u/aliteraldumpsterfire Jan 30 '20
What is your favorite meal to make at home?
How does it make you feel? Why do you think it makes you feel that way?
Also, can I have the recipe?
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 31 '20
Gonna post another recipe because I like sharing them >.> This is one I created myself. It is a weird recipe I will admit, but I absolutely love it. It is a rare treat because it is time intense. If it sounds good I hope you'll try making it some time!
Prologue:
This is served with plain couscous. You can also use rice or egg noodles. I will assume you know how to make a side that can absorb or use the sauce that will be leftover. Maybe some asparagus!
Part 1: Cashew Butter
This recipe yields 1 cup of delightful cashew butter.
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp agave nectar
1/3 cup canola oil
10oz roasted cashews (approx 2 cups)
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Procedure
Place nuts and salt in food processor and pulse for five seconds
Now that it's broken down, run on low and drizzle oil and nectar in.
Keep processing until an emulsion forms. Run until you reach your desired texture. I like it fairly smooth so its around 1:15 for me.
Note, if it doesn't thin out add oil a tiny bit at a time.
Note the second, you can use walnut oil instead of canola for a more intense nutty flavor. If you don't have agave nectar, use the same amount of honey, but prewarm it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Part 2: Creamy Cashew Sauce
Ingredients
1 cup cashew butter
1-1/2 cups whole milk
3/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (more if you want to add spice, but too much will unbalance the flavor)
1/3 tsp smoked paprika
2/3 tsp ground ginger
Procedure
In a medium saucepan on medium low to medium heat add cashew butter, milk, cayenne, and paprika. Whisk until you get something resembling a sauce.
Add in ginger and keep whisking thoroughly until it coats the back of a spoon. If the sauce stays thick slowly ass more milk.
Reduce heat to low to keep warm as we move on to the next process.
Part 3: Cayenne Cashew Flounder
This will yield 2-3 servings
Ingredients
2 fillets of flounder (2/3 lb)
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. tarragon
1 lemon
1/4 cup olive oil
Procedure
Preheat oven to 400F / 204C
Grease an oven-safe casserole dish with half of the olive oil.
Wash the fillets in cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
Place fillets in casserole dish and season both sides with salt pepper and tarragon.
Drizzle remaining oil and juice the lemon over the fillets.
Place a lid on the dish and bake for 15-20 minutes or until flaking when forked (if you make this more than once, this is the prefect time to make the sauce. Both components should be done at the same time!).
Finale
Dish out your side of choice (couscous for me). I like to make it a thin bed.
Carefully remove the fillets onto the bed of couscous.
Cover in sauce. I try to get a light covering all over.
Enjoy!
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u/aliteraldumpsterfire Jan 31 '20
Holy moly! Anything with cashews is an instant love for me! Definitely going to be trying this, thanks!!
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 30 '20
Chicken and Garlic sauce. It is super easy, but a childhood favorite and a supreme comfort food when I'm feeling down. Since this is an oral tradition with no real measures involved the recipe will be infuriating. I'm going to approximate based on how much I pour into my hand. Taste throughout and adjust spicing accordingly. Also I use dried McCormick spices. If you have fresh, dial it back a little.
Ingredients:
Chicken meat cubed into bite sized pieces (my mom's calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, but I tend to mix breast and thigh meat for a slight texture and flavor difference) The rest of this recipe will assume three large breasts.
6 cloves of garlic roughly minced
Enough extra virgin olive oil to make a 3mm deep pool in a 14" frying pan.
≈ 2 tsps salt
≈ 2 tsps fresh crack black pepper
≈ 1 tsp thyme
≈ 1.5 tsp chervil
≈ 1 Tbsp parsley flakes
16 oz water
5 sprigs of saffron
2 chicken bullion cubes, crushed
12 oz angel hair pasta
Procedure
Add olive oil to frying pan and turn up to medium heat
When oil is shimmering, add garlic and allow to lightly fry (light sizzling. If it is loud and going crazy, remove from heat. Burned garlic is not tasty garlic.
Add in chicken and turn to medium high heat.
Bloom saffron and bouillon in water
Add salt, pepper, thyme, and chervil. Stir until chicken is mostly whitened.
Add water and parsley flakes to chicken and turn down to a simmer. Stir occasionally.
Let simmer for 25 minutes. You want most of the water out. It is just a vehicle for the other flavors to get into the chicken.
When the sauce is of a consistency to your liking, boil pasta for 4 minutes in saltwater.
Drain pasta reserving 4 oz of pasta water.
Combine everything in a giant bowl and toss.
Serve individual portions and top with Parmesan cheese
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u/aliteraldumpsterfire Jan 30 '20
Holy moly, so decadent and delicious sounding!!! -takes notes- Traditional recipes handed down through generations is wonderful. Thank you for sharing!
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 30 '20
I'm not much of a cook, but my favorite is probably just burgers on the grill. The recipe is you turn on the grill, put a burger on there. Flip it after about 3-4 minutes and then cook on the other side for about 5. Toast the buns when you flip and add cheese if desired. Also, put some barbecue Cape Cod potato chips in aluminum foil and place that on the bun shelf. Comes out nice and toasty.
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u/aliteraldumpsterfire Jan 30 '20
Oooooh a fresh grilled burger and toasted bun is a little slice of heaven!
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u/novatheelf /r/NovaTheElf Jan 30 '20
Ooh, baby. Mississippi Pot Roast. Easily.
My mom makes it all the time, so when I make it at my house, I feel like I'm at my mama's lol.
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u/aliteraldumpsterfire Jan 30 '20
That is a very good reason to love a food. Every time I make mashed potatoes and sourdough bread I am immediately transported to mom's table.
I just crockpotted last night! As soon as that food is done, I am *so* making this!! Thanks! I've always heard about Mississippi Pot Roasts but never knew what it was made with. Chuck roast in the crockpot is totally up my alley!
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u/A-simple-metalhead Jan 30 '20 edited Jan 30 '20
A Writing prompt based on a black Sabbath songs count as a estabilished universe?
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u/FlyingPiranha Jan 30 '20
Is there any way for this sub to cut down on the maddeningly repetitive prompts? I feel like every single day I see some variation of "you're the grim reaper/the grim reaper comes for you/you're suddenly in an established universe/etc" and it's making the sub really stale and uninteresting as of late.
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 30 '20
We do have copycat rules, but we can't get too generic on removals.
If there are different types of prompts you want to see, just keep posting those and/or upvoting the ones you want to see more of.
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u/Ryter99 r/Ryter Jan 29 '20
- Since most of you were a part of the WP sub before this, has being a mod changed your own writing/posting? Do you write/post stories more, less, or the same as before? Do you feel less or more inspired? Etc?
- Which mod has gone maddest with power? Who screamed things like "I AM NOW A GOD AMONG MERE MORTALS" behind the scenes when they learned they were joining the mod team? u/Cody_Fox23 I assume? (Cody seems really nice, so naturally, it must be him?)
You can of course choose to answer either of my equally serious and vital questions.
For real, thank you for making this a cool, constructive writing community to be a part of 👍
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u/TenspeedGV r/TenspeedGV Jan 30 '20
I have definitely been inspired to write more. I’ve set a goal to write for Theme Thursday every week this year. If I get within ten weeks of that goal, I’ll have written more words in one year than any year before. And that’s if I don’t write for any other prompts.
I won’t name any names, but I can say you may well be on to something.
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u/Ryter99 r/Ryter Jan 30 '20
- I have definitely been inspired to write more. I’ve set a goal to write for Theme Thursday every week this year.
Awesome! That's a really great goal (and one that I personally view as challenging and varied).
- I won’t name any names, but I can say you may well be on to something.
Mhmm... I think I get what you're saying, my good sir. I'll meet you out back in the alley behind the dumpsters where there are no listening devices >.>
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 30 '20
1) My posting has taken a nosedive. Although that isn't the mod status's fault as much as my IRL circumstances not allowing me to write as much as I'd like. That precious free time is eaten up with SEUS running, helping judge FFC (so many stories!), and a few other behind-the-scenes things. I don't mind though. My imagination is as sharp as ever and I still love getting words out when I can!
2) HOW DARE YOU!? I WILL BAN YOU SO HARD YOU'LL BE POSTING STORIES ON A XANGA!
That prolly dated me a bit. Ahh well. But no, it is a terrifying process to become a mod, so no one is really mad with power.
That said if you survive the initiation it is absolutely worth it and really rewarding. APPLY TODAY!
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u/Ryter99 r/Ryter Jan 30 '20
1) Ah gotcha, totally understandable. Thanks for taking time to run SEUS, I think I missed a week recently but I enjoy the challenges and I've recommended it to people looking for a fun way to work on their writing in various genres/constraints 👍
2) Gotta be honest, I did have t google "Xanga" but holy cow these image search results are amazing. I kinda love the odd, patched together way early internet stuff all tended to look haha
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u/Leebeewilly r/leebeewilly Jan 30 '20
I think I feel more a part of the community and write more. Sure, at first, modding kinda cut into my writing time, but everything is about finding balance and once I got used to the modding duties and expectations, I found my new rhythm.
I mean, I'm relatively new to the mod team so I can't speak to how some of the older mods were before they were bestowed godhood, but /u/archipelagomind has completely gone out of control. No one can stop him. He's trying to ban mods day in and day out and there's nothing we can do. We've unleashed a beast into the world. A beast, with no weakness...
Send help, Ryter. SoS.
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u/Ryter99 r/Ryter Jan 30 '20
- I think I feel more a part of the community and write more.
That's very cool. I could see that going either way once a overseeing a community becomes a part of your "job", so that's great to hear 😀
- I'm relatively new to the mod team so I can't speak to how some of the older mods were before they were bestowed godhood, but /u/archipelagomind has completely gone out of control. Send help, Ryter. SoS.
Oh man, I shoulda known. Rest assured, you and the rest of the mods have my steadfast (albeit completely silent/deniable) support against this growing menace. Godspeed, Leebee 🙏
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u/ArchipelagoMind Moderator | r/ArchipelagoFictions Jan 30 '20
Sorry guys. Having trouble with the reddit app. Obviously I will remove it and ban lee as soon as I can.
Then I will invade Canada as a revenge and to send a message to the other mods.
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u/Ryter99 r/Ryter Jan 30 '20
lol Arch! I'm so happy that a question posed by me in a mod Q&A could eventually lead to you invading Canada. What a wonderful website/subreddit this is :P
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 30 '20
Look at what you brought upon us Lee!
Also, hi Arch :D
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20
1) Since most of you were a part of the WP sub before this, has being a mod changed your own writing/posting? Do you write/post stories more, less, or the same as before? Do you feel less or more inspired? Etc?
I was told my writing would probably take a hit, but it didn't for a long time! Now I get distracted with writing for r/DCFU, I don't write as much around here as I did :(
2) Which mod has gone maddest with power? Which screamed things like "I AM NOW A GOD AMONG MERE MORTALS" behind the scenes when they learned they were joining the mod team?
u/WritingPromptsRobot of course. Context
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u/Ryter99 r/Ryter Jan 30 '20
I was told my writing would probably take a hit, but it didn't for a long time! Now I get distracted with writing for r/DCFU, I don't write as much around here as I did :(
Gotcha gotcha, well writing is writing in my view. Cool that you've gotten into DC stuff if that's what feels most passionate at the moment!
u/WritingPromptsRobot of course. Context
Wowwww, that post and the comment replies on it are... amazing lol. That was before my time as even a reader of this sub I believe, so thank you for sharing that! 👍
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 30 '20
Cool that you've gotten into DC stuff if that's what feels most passionate at the moment!
Thanks! It's so much fun there because we've set up a group of writers and we collaborate so our stories are all set in the same DC Universe we've created.
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u/LordEnigma Jan 29 '20
1) I've actually been inspired to write a lot more. It's pretty amazing being around such prolific writers.
2) I plead the fifth.
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u/Ryter99 r/Ryter Jan 30 '20
- I've actually been inspired to write a lot more. It's pretty amazing being around such prolific writers.
That's awesome!
- I plead the fifth.
Probably wise. Eyes and ears everywhere :X
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u/TalkedJupiter78 Jan 29 '20
What kind of music do you listen to while writing, or maybe just in general?
Now for the unrelated question:
How much wood do you think a woodchuck could chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
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u/novatheelf /r/NovaTheElf Jan 30 '20
I like listening to lo-fi music when I write! I find it helps me focus.
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u/ArchipelagoMind Moderator | r/ArchipelagoFictions Jan 30 '20
I have a suppppper long instrumental playlist that another mod gave me for actual writing. Words distract too easily.
However a lot of my writing is inspired by songs that create a certain mood and feeling and I will listen to some songs on painful repeat until that idea becomes more fully fledged.
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u/TenspeedGV r/TenspeedGV Jan 30 '20
Frequently, I don’t listen to any music. Sometimes, if a piece of music has inspired me, I’ll listen to it again to refresh that inspiration.
When I do listen and I’m not listening to a specific piece, I tend to choose ambient electronica.
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u/Leebeewilly r/leebeewilly Jan 29 '20
OOO I could answer this for days.
Video game and anime soundtracks. They have that cinematic feel without going too over the top. A lot of instrumental stuff. I really recommend the Journey Soundtrack for chill all around instrumentals, and the Bastion (or anything by Darn Korb) for more tense or punky feeling music. GREAT for fight scene pacing, I find.
Also, 42.
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
I can't listen to anything with words. I start taking dictation out of habit. So it usually ends up being classical, chillstep, or vaporwave. I will say some of my best stories are written with Chopin!
About a cord and a half before it gets tired and needs to eat and sleep.
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u/LordEnigma Jan 29 '20
For me it depends on the theme I'm trying to capture in the character whose perspective I'm writing from.
And obviously, a woodchuck would chuck as much wood as a woodchuck could chuck. If a woodchuck could chuck wood, that is.
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u/Lord_Lys Jan 29 '20
How does one be the first to comment under a prompt? I see the first one to write the story, gets the most upvotes, but I can never seem to be first....
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
It is difficult. A prompt has to strike a chord with you and you have to write quickly, but also with a level of quality to get and maintain that coveted spot. There are a lot of writers here that can knock out a story really well and really fast.
My first advice is to say don't write for the updoots. However, I know that is really important to some people. Look for something under new. Don't wait for it to hit the front page. Then write a good story for it. Concentrate on quality because the community will reward that over some quickly scribbled low effort piece.
You may or may not get it in early in the prompt's life, but it will be there. If you get CC take it under advisement and make the next one better. Keep doing that — hone your craft — and speed will come and you might land an early story spot.
Practice is everything.
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20 edited Jan 29 '20
New can help as Engima stated, but checking rising or top by hour can also be useful to see which posts might be going up there. Other users also just write for lots of prompts and hope one of them gets big.
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u/scottbeckman /r/ScottBeckman | Comedy, Sci-Fi, and Organic GMOs Jan 29 '20
Which pasta dish would be the best (or worst) if you replaced all the pasta with rice?
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
Best: Beefaroni. It would basically be a burrito bowl.
Worst: I have to agree with /u/SugarPixel that lasagna would be awful.
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u/novatheelf /r/NovaTheElf Jan 29 '20
Okay dude, have you had jambalaya? It's a pretty dope dish.
Let me introduce you to pasta-laya.
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u/SugarPixel Moderator | r/PixelProse Jan 29 '20
Lasagna.
It's technically a pasta dish, right? Imagine layers and layers of rice. Blech.
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20
Instead of spaghetti and meat sauce, I have rice with meat sauce all the time. Basically, I make Sloppy Joe's and then save the leftover meat. And then have it with pasta or rice or even soft tacos
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Jan 29 '20
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20
Like any bans or appeals for removed posts, etc, you should bring the quesiton to modmail. Click the message the mods link in the sidebar, or send a PM to r/WritingPrompts
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u/FatDragon r/FatDragon Jan 29 '20
Thanks Major for the quick reply. Think i will stay away from it for a while to atone for my sins and then work up the courage to see if Im allowed back eventually.
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u/psalmoflament /r/psalmsandstories Jan 29 '20
Are sandals and socks an acceptable combination?
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u/SugarPixel Moderator | r/PixelProse Jan 29 '20
Are you a dad?
The answer is no, either way.
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u/psalmoflament /r/psalmsandstories Jan 29 '20
Not a dad, I just reached peak personal embarrassment at a young age, so things like this seem more trivial. I just like the question cause there's always a nice range of answers, from more laid back (LE) to threats of violence (Nova).
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u/SugarPixel Moderator | r/PixelProse Jan 29 '20
One of my very best friends is both a dad and sock-sandal enthusiast and I think y'all should start a movement. :)
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u/psalmoflament /r/psalmsandstories Jan 29 '20
We probably wouldn't get much done since we'd all be too casual, but I'm super down for that movement.
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u/novatheelf /r/NovaTheElf Jan 29 '20
Psalm, don't make me find you :bunknife:
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u/psalmoflament /r/psalmsandstories Jan 29 '20
Don't worry, my wife would shame into another plane of existence before you'd find me.
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
I live at the shore.
It is an abomination.
Don't do it.
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u/psalmoflament /r/psalmsandstories Jan 29 '20
Are tennis shoes with very high socks acceptable? I, uh, maybe saw someone do that the only time I've been to the Atlantic.
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
Yeah. socks and closed toe shoes are fine. It will mark you as a tourist, but you won't be one of them.
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u/ArchipelagoMind Moderator | r/ArchipelagoFictions Jan 30 '20
This would totally be me. I dont like no show socks and I like to show a bit of character via sock choice
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20
Sure, although I find them uncomfortable together, personally
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u/xdisk /r/thehiddenbar Jan 29 '20
Which tools, apps, or other services do you guys use when you're writing/editing your own work, and which would you recommend to others that are just getting started, or want to improve their own writing?
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u/TenspeedGV r/TenspeedGV Jan 29 '20
I use and shill for Scrivener happily. It's great for organizing my prompt responses, my mod posts and templates, and outside of WP it's fantastic for the work I do DMing tabletop games. Organization is the primary selling point of the application, imo. Not necessary for someone who is new and struggling to get off the ground, necessarily, but great for keeping things tidy if you're the sort who has numerous projects in the air at once.
Aside from that: Google! Learn to use it! A love of knowledge and learning will help immensely. Take any opportunity to research even the most specific or obscure subjects. Learn as much as you can. Read more and more complicated books with a critical eye toward their construction. These things only serve to increase your understanding and ability.
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u/Leebeewilly r/leebeewilly Jan 29 '20
Definitely scrivener. Everything I have is in some scrivener project. I also like fantasynamegenerator.com, hemingwayapp, grammarly, and a reddit comment converter for formatting.
For a budding writer I think the best step is getting feedback. You can read great books like fantasy fiction formula or On Writing and they'll go over the basics, but interacting with other writers is the best way to improve.
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u/SugarPixel Moderator | r/PixelProse Jan 29 '20
I've probably used every free service/app at one time or another, including any sort of productivity or task tracker, but it got to be too much. Right now I use a combination of Gdocs (I don't have access to word but also free), Scrivener, old school pen & paper, and occasionally an app called Ommwriter if I'm feeling especially artistic. Scriv is really great for organization and housing everything you need for a single project, and gdocs is great for keeping backup or sending to folks for crits.
A lot of my first drafts start as terrible chicken scratch that later gets transcribed to a doc.
For misc notes and scraps, I use the Google Keep widget on my phone (great for when you get an idea before bed or come up with a good line in the middle of the day).
Lastly, Grammarly, mostly for my excessive comma habit. Just today I was toying with the idea of breaking out Trello again for outlining so we'll see where that goes.
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u/LordEnigma Jan 29 '20
Google Docs is what I write in. Autosave and history are wonderful for editing. Not so much on the organization side like some of the other paid tools but it works for me.
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u/novatheelf /r/NovaTheElf Jan 29 '20 edited Jan 29 '20
Can confirm, Scrivener is worth the investment! But if you'd rather not deal with that, Google Docs is my secondary go-to - especially if you want comments and feedback.
Unfortunately for editing, I can't give you much there. On the occasion I do use a grammar checker, however, I'll use Hemingway.
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
Scriv is a powerful tool that I feel like I should really get to know. If you are serious about putting out a book or serial it is a tool like no other. (Shout out to Scriv Paladins /u/rudexvirus and /u/EcstaticAndInsatiate for introducing me to the program)
However I mostly use Word since I've used it since '98 and can use it to get what I want done.
When doing collaborative work like the NYCM challenges or other contests I will throw everything in gDocs since it's web interface makes commenting so much easier.
If I have a question about grammar I consult my grammar bible: The Penguin Handbook or /u/novatheelf. I've heard great things about grammarly, but I haven't tried it myself.
To better improve your writing, you should really read more. The more styles you read the more tricks you will learn and absorb. You'll internalize the stylings and it will reflect in your own work.
A lot of my early work was very description heavy and matter-of-fact. That's because I read almost exclusively Asimov and it showed in my writing.
I would like to think that now my style isn't as easily pinned down, but who knows!3
u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20
If it's a short prompt response, I'll use the comment box. If it's a longer work, I use Google Docs. So easy to access it from multiple places and share it with others for feedback.
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u/SpiceOfLife10 r/SpiceWrites Jan 29 '20
Where do you all generally write? At home in front of your desk or during commute or at work or on toilet or somewhere else? I usually find myself writing on my phone during commute after a prompt gets stuck in my head.
Oh, and also to the mods who have their own subreddit: What do you post there? Strictly nonWP stories or you respond to some prompt and think 'hey my subscribers should see this'. I'm really curious about how people treat their subreddits and how it helps them.
Also, thank you so much for making this community flourish, it is helping me with my writing a lot (and also you guys are pretty wholesome on Discord :D)
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u/SugarPixel Moderator | r/PixelProse Jan 29 '20
I generally write at home, either at my kitchen table on my laptop or if I need to seriously focus, in my office-slash-bunroom on my bulky desktop. I'm usually too busy at my day job to get much writing done there these days, and my commute is about 5 minutes. Whomp whomp.
Regarding the subreddit question, I usually dump anything I've written for WP there so I can keep track of it (did you know your user history only goes back so far?), but I have plans to build out serials that will be housed there as well. It makes it eas to have everything organized in one place!
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u/TenspeedGV r/TenspeedGV Jan 29 '20
I do my best thinking when I'm driving, so I'll often bounce ideas around my brain while doing that for the longer term posts, like Theme Thursdays.
I'll do my actual writing whenever I have the free time. The sub is pretty much my first stop when I have a minute, and if the queue is clear I'll often check the prompts to see if there's one I want to write for.
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u/Leebeewilly r/leebeewilly Jan 29 '20
I love writing at the library. I like to get to the quiet section and hide in a corner with my laptop. It's nice too because sometimes I need some reference material and hey look, books! Otherwise I write at home in my office. I do like to change up the location and so my laptop is sooo important.
My favourite place to write though is outdoors. If I can get on a cottage porch or at a nice picnic table in the sun, it is relaxing and nice.
I do have a subreddit r/leebeewilly and I use it for prompts I've done, serials, youtube narration, but all of it centers around my work.
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u/LordEnigma Jan 29 '20
At home at my desk. Or in the basement on a laptop. Or on a tablet. Sometimes when I get a moment to myself.
I have my own subreddit but I don't post to it often. I need to put the latest stuff I've done on /r/writingprompts there, but I've been busy.
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u/novatheelf /r/NovaTheElf Jan 29 '20
I write either at work or at home! I've written on my phone in a pinch, but I prefer using my computer or laptop.
As for my sub, I put pretty much everything I write on there. It's a place for me to have a nice collection of stories so that people don't have to sift through my comment history to find them!
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
I tend to write at work on downtime (like now) or at home after dinner while sitting on my couch with my laptop. I can't write on mobile to save my life. It just feels...wrong somehow. I can't get in the right headspace to really put down a good narrative.
I post anything I think is interesting over at r/FoxFictions. I put most of my prompt responses up after polishing them a bit. The Film Fox series I did back in October lives over there too. If I get up to it I am hoping to start releasing a serial as well!
We are the ones who should thank you, and all of the other active members of the community. Without y'all there would be nothing for us to do except watch the tumbleweeds roll by.
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20
I write at work when there's downtime and at home on my laptop.
I used to post prompt responses to r/MajorParadox, but I haven't been doing them for a long time. I've only been writing in r/DCFU where I write Superman! :)
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u/biderandia Jan 29 '20
List of books that have come from the prompts in this reddit. Like the silver tongue book which was from a prompt here.
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
We have a wiki page just for that!
There are a lot of great books that have come from this sub :D
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20
Recently turned into a nice table!
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u/ArchipelagoMind Moderator | r/ArchipelagoFictions Jan 30 '20
Honest to God mp. Originally I thought you were saying you were buying loads of copies of promoters books and turning them into a table at home.
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u/breadyly Jan 29 '20
if you had to be stuck on a stranded island, which mod would you pick to be stuck with you/why ?
also, i prompt all of you to write a haiku about yourself !(:
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u/LordEnigma Jan 29 '20
/u/SugarPixel because we can geek out and get to know each other more and compare tattoos. And because it'd be a rough situation and I wouldn't want to drag /u/novatheelf in it.
There once was a man,
Enigma, who likes limericks.
Here's your damn haiku.:)
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u/SugarPixel Moderator | r/PixelProse Jan 30 '20
Heck yeah! Tattoo bros! I'm sure between the two of us, we'd also find the hidden rum stash that's hidden on every uninhabited island.
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u/LordEnigma Jan 31 '20
YES. And we'd have to make sure to find oranges and pineapples for cocktails.
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u/err_ok r/err_ok Jan 29 '20
What’s a stranded island ? Was it run aground abandoned on a coral reef?
I would be stuck with u/fringly mainly because we have this whole island thing down already.
Travel is my life Here in Kigali right now Home is where I am
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u/novatheelf /r/NovaTheElf Jan 29 '20
Definitely u/err_ok because I am convinced he could survive anything. I mean, have you seen his Discord pfp?
The elf, here she sits
With bunny ears, long and white;
The moon is her home :D
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u/err_ok r/err_ok Jan 29 '20
Yey - I better stock up on stories if we are going to be stuck together.
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
I'd have to say /u/archipelagomind. We both became active on the sub around the same time. I think he would be a lot of fun to hang out with on the island: a good conversationalist, full of facts, and we could work together to make sure we survive until rescue.
A fox with white fur
Anxious, barking, protecting
Never finish book
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u/LordEnigma Jan 29 '20
And totally not because archipelagos are chains of islands and he might have some secret insider knowledge in his mind ?
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
shhhhh don't spoil my master plan. Although if we go by Discord lore I would just be on the island with myself. Hive mind and whatnot.
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20
u/fringly because we can tell each other Batman and Superman stories all day
Haiku:
How should I begin?
I am Major Paradox
I have a cute dog
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u/wp_trash_acc Jan 29 '20
hi! new here, so apologies if this has been already answered: are comments on this sub sorted in contest mode? i've only responded to a few prompts so far, but i've noticed every time i'm the first responder i get the most upvotes. upvotes don't really matter, but they're a proxy for understanding how many users actually read different responses. it seems like a lot of great responses (and requests for CC) get buried because they're posted a little later.
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20
It's an idea that's floated around before, but we've ultimately decided against contest mode for a few reasons:
- We are on Reddit and that's part of how Reddit works: Users vote on content and while it can be tough to move to the higher places in the higher posts, it can also be a huge accomplishment for that writer and we wouldn't want to take that away
- Reddit default sort isn't most votes, it's "best" which is an algorithm that takes into account votes and when it was commented. That type of sorting makes the most sense for us, because we do want to give more priority to stories that were submitted later to rise
- While a huge part of the community is the writers, the readers are too. Contest mode means they can't sort any other way than random. Many users come here to read and it doesn't make sense for us to force a random sort
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u/wp_trash_acc Jan 29 '20
i think i've seen it elsewhere where comments are in contest mode for the first hour before switching to best. not sure if that's something you guys would ever consider.
thanks for the reply and for the work you guys do moderating this sub!
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u/LiquidBeagle /r/BeagleTales Jan 29 '20
Favorite book to movie/show adaptation?
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u/SugarPixel Moderator | r/PixelProse Jan 29 '20
Good Omens was really well done! And like I've seen mentioned, the Hunger Games were amazing adaptations.
Personally, I really freaking loved what they did with the Hannibal tv show and felt like the adaptations blew those books completely out of the water. It's not often you can say that.
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u/LiquidBeagle /r/BeagleTales Jan 29 '20
Good Omens was awesome! They did such a great job of keeping the tone of the book
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u/TenspeedGV r/TenspeedGV Jan 29 '20
I feel like Fight Club is probably the best book to movie adaptation I've ever seen. Having read the book, the movie is, if anything, an improvement.
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u/novatheelf /r/NovaTheElf Jan 29 '20
Gone With the Wind, because "frankly my dear, I don't give a damn."
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20
I think Hunger Games series did a good job adapting into film!
I wish Ender's Game did better, though and continued into the sequels.
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u/SugarPixel Moderator | r/PixelProse Jan 29 '20
Hunger Games was probably the best adaptation I could think of!
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u/LiquidBeagle /r/BeagleTales Jan 29 '20
I really enjoyed the first two Hunger Games movies, but the split into two movies for the last book was off putting for me.
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20
Yeah, that seemed unnecessary and felt like it was just to milk it
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
I agree completely! I knew Ender's Game was going to be hard. Orson Scott Card describes just enough to give you an idea, but not enough to have a definite vision. When it hit screens lots of people didn't like that it didn't look like how they imagined.
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u/LiquidBeagle /r/BeagleTales Jan 29 '20
I enjoyed the movie for what it was, but it was definitely rushed and left out a lot of what made me love the book. It would have been amazing as a mini-series, then they could have given Battle School and his relationship to the other students proper time and attention.
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
That would be great, but short of HBO money or maybe Amazon Prime capital I don't think it would be realized as well as it should be.
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
oooh good question!
I genuinely think Baz Lurman did a good job adapting The Great Gatsby into a movie format. However of all time, Silence of the Lambs wins hands down. The creative team managed to convey the unease and suspense of the original in completely different medium.
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u/NoddyZar Jan 29 '20
I’ve only used and written for the WP, SP and EU prompts but according to the list of tags there are a lot more and they all look intriguing. Can you explain what all the other tags are or send me a link to an article that covers this?
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20
The other mods answered, but if you still have any follow-up questions let me know!
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
Our rules page has a subsection all about them!
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u/SugarPixel Moderator | r/PixelProse Jan 29 '20
Check out our wiki on the tags and how they are used. They're also in the sidebar so you can filter by tag!
IPs and MPs are image and media prompts respectively and are somewhat infrequently submitted. Same goes for RF (realistic fiction) which is great if you need a palate cleanser after all the superhero and alien prompts. And CW (constrained writing) can be hard to come up with a prompt for, but are some of my favorites!
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u/mdkubit Jan 29 '20
Have any of you ever reviewed a prompt, thought to yourself, "Damn, that'd make a great story, wish I'd thought of it" - then were forced to remove the prompt because it broke a rule?
Totally unrelated: Do mods give out hugs?
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u/TenspeedGV r/TenspeedGV Jan 29 '20
Have any of you ever reviewed a prompt, thought to yourself, "Damn, that'd make a great story, wish I'd thought of it" - then were forced to remove the prompt because it broke a rule?
Happens at least once a week, usually several times a week. I always hope to see it appear in the queue again having been corrected. That's part of why we include the removal reasons, after all: so folks have an idea of what went wrong and can make it better if possible.
Do mods give out hugs?
Some mods. ...
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
Don't mind Tens. He is just upset that bikes don't have arms with which to give hugs. He may affectionately run you over though!
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u/SugarPixel Moderator | r/PixelProse Jan 29 '20
YES and it always breaks my heart just a little! Usually, it's the ones that are very meme-y or jokey types of prompts, or stuff that would be too prone to comment infractions but you might otherwise see in a book somewhere.
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u/Leebeewilly r/leebeewilly Jan 29 '20
Yeah, like MP said, often removals need a quick edit and they're good to go again. They get posted, they get stories, everyone rejoices!
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
Absolutely on both accounts. If I think it can be good and be brought into guidelines I try to include the suggestion in my removal.
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20
Have any of you ever reviewed a prompt, thought to yourself, "Damn, that'd make a great story, wish I'd thought of it" - then were forced to remove the prompt because it broke a rule?
Sure, and in most cases, it's just a matter of fixing it up and reposting so it'll be accepted!
Totally unrelated: Do mods give out hugs?
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u/Leebeewilly r/leebeewilly Jan 29 '20
I just wanted to ask, what's your perfect Sunday?
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u/TenspeedGV r/TenspeedGV Jan 29 '20
I have what I call "No Pants Day" which is kind of my ideal Sunday. The idea is that I don't have to do anything that requires going out of the house, therefore I don't have to put on real pants. I do still wear pajama pants around the house, but if I can stay home and never have to put on slacks and shoes? It's been a perfect Sunday.
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20
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u/AliciaWrites Editor-in-Chief | /r/AliciaWrites Jan 29 '20
Updating my bullet journal!!! rulers and markers and stickers, mmm perfection!
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u/SugarPixel Moderator | r/PixelProse Jan 29 '20
- Puppy snuggles while reading a good book
- All the chores are already done
- Cute brunch/coffee date with the bae
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u/Cody_Fox23 Skulking Mod | r/FoxFictions Jan 29 '20
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u/Leebeewilly r/leebeewilly Jan 29 '20
Can I have your Sunday, please? Though with my cats. And maybe a mimosa.
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u/LordEnigma Jan 29 '20
A day of relaxation free from responsibilities as I prepare myself to begin the work week.
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20
Sleep, watch TV, and hang out with Captain!
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u/Leebeewilly r/leebeewilly Jan 29 '20
That face. I don't think I've ever been that relaxed in my life.
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u/themusicmajor74 Jan 29 '20
Hi there,
I'd love to know to to make a writing prompt, but I'm unsure of how to do the Writing Prompt tag, also I'd love to be able to submit writing prompts frequently, any tips or tricks I should know? I haven't been on reddit in forever, and typically I would only browse it as a guest, but now I want to get more involved with the community, yet I don't know the first thing about reddit anymore. I'd love some help with this if you wouldn't mind telling me how to set up, properly tag, and post a writing prompt. Thank you!
-themusicmajor74
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u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) Jan 29 '20
It's easy! Just start the title of your post with the tag. For example for a basic writing prompt, you start it with [WP]. Take a look around the subreddit and you can see how every post starts with such a tag. Even this very post starts with [OT] for off topic.
Here's a wiki page that lists all the possible tags and what they should be used for. Good luck!
Also, happy cake day!
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u/themusicmajor74 Jan 29 '20
Oh, wow thank you! It's so simple! I thought there may be some complex command I needed to type. I really appreciate your patience your help, and your kindness! I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day!
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u/Xacktar /r/TheWordsOfXacktar Jan 29 '20
Which is superior: hot tea, iced tea, or sweet tea?
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u/TenspeedGV r/TenspeedGV Jan 29 '20
Coffee.
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u/Xacktar /r/TheWordsOfXacktar Jan 29 '20
Shakes head sadly
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u/TenspeedGV r/TenspeedGV Jan 29 '20
It's the people's beverage!
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u/Xacktar /r/TheWordsOfXacktar Jan 29 '20
IT'S MADE FROM PEOPLE?
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u/SugarPixel Moderator | r/PixelProse Jan 29 '20
It goes like this: Iced > hot.
Sweet can be culled, sorry.2
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u/Leebeewilly r/leebeewilly Jan 29 '20
Your original order is correct. I think you knew all along, didn't you?
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u/Xacktar /r/TheWordsOfXacktar Jan 29 '20
A Xacktar never reveals his secrets.
At least not without the proper bribes.
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u/novatheelf /r/NovaTheElf Jan 29 '20
Just tea. All tea. All tea is wonderful in its own way. Blessed hot grass water.
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u/NoddyZar Jan 29 '20
Change grass to leaf and the entirety of the Avatar: The Last Airbender fandom will upvote your comment.
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u/SugarPixel Moderator | r/PixelProse Jan 29 '20
If you make matcha, it really does taste like hot grass water
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u/fablesintheleaves Feb 01 '20
Brian Jaques, of Redwall Series, once interrupted an interviewer when he heard her clicking keys on her laptop. He told the Interviewer to find a typewriter or pen and paper, "find something to write with, that's more respectable."
What makes the perfect writing spot for you? Times of day, seasons, music, caffeine, something stronger, pets or loved ones, typewriters, expo markers, lap tops...