I won a contest! · 8:02pm Jun 9th, 2013
When I read the story prompt "Write something that takes place in a tavern or bar" for the May contest of the School for New Writers it quite instantly sparked an idea which I fleshed out in the course of the next two hours and which interrupted my plans to write something dark quite beautifully. Then again, procrastionation struck and I had to pull an all-nighter to finish the story to meet the deadline. Consequently, I wouldn't have dared to hope to reach a good placing, or -- alas -- win the thing. To my surprise, the judges liked my short story The End of a Quest about Old Thunder (cyber-cookies for the ones that know where I borrowed that name) and I was placed first!
I was very happy when I got the good news. This really boosts my motivation for writing and I'll get back to my dark story. In addition to a prominent spot for my profile and the story itself on the front page of the group, I won the banner on top of this post. I'll leave this here since I wasn't allowed to attach it to my story description (too much of an advertisment I suppose). I also failed moderation the first time because apparently the story must be rated "teen" instead of "for everyone". If any of you who read this have had a look or will have a look at my story, consider telling me if you find out why.
Why can't I remember where I heard of 'Old Thunder'. Hints?
As to why it must be teen; it's probably the fact that Starbuck got himself drunk, or there's the possibility that Pinkie crashing in the same room as Old T. would be considered teen material to some.
1138941 Ok, one hint: He was captain of a ship.
Thanks for the pointers as to why it had to be rated teen. I found some myself by now, but other ones: Holdfast talking about not wanting to spend the night someplace else because his wife has been lonely might be seen as a sexual innuendo... which, of course, it is. Also, Starbuck is cursing when hung over.
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Ah yes, Captain Ahab of Moby Dick. I'd heard of him before, but being only fourteen I am only now beginning to read the book myself. I most certainly will enjoy it I'm sure.
1139944 Very good! I hope you will enjoy it. I for my part found it terribly long-winded at times, especially since Herman Melville sought to educate the people of his time about whales and much of that information is outdated. It has some powerful imagery and language though.
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As in my comment on your story I enjoy tales of the sea. My imagination is such that I do not see the words on the page but see everything as if I were part of the story. I can place myself in the mind of any character I choose, and view the world through their eyes. Have you ever seen the movie Somewhere in Time? My mind is similar to his. I have traveled through imaginary worlds, and gone back in time, all through the pages of a book. As I read Moby Dick I shall see the world of the ocean, remember the pain of my lost leg, and hunt the White Whale.