WIP Challenge: Day 20, Tuesday

[enemytosleep]

Another day has come and gone, so now it's time to check in. \o/



How many new words did you write today? Did you reach your goal? Were you editing instead? Researching? Or was today a day of rest?

...and today's discussion topic:

Purple prose: many fandom writers have gone there before, either by rookie mistake or by simply not knowing better. Have you ever written anything purple? Please feel free to share any advice you might have on avoiding this for any newbies out there (and feel free to share your own purple prose too, if you want!).

Comments

[enemytosleep]

This isn't quite purple (maybe some violet, haha), but I have an old FMA fic I wrote where I really tried Way Too Hard. XD I think it's obvious from this that I spent a lot of time in parochial school listening to old priests. Have an excerpt from this old fic (btw, Ed is very vocal in series about being an atheist, if that makes his talkingi to a priest like this any more weighty):

As if he could read Edward's thoughts, the priest spoke again. "St. Paul says that 'the demands of the law are written on the hearts of men.' We are all born with the ability to decipher virtuousness from immorality. Even if we choose not to have faith, we are still held accountable for our actions. But God does reward good men. He understands that at times we will doubt, that at times we will stray. It is your acknowledgment of those sins and your remorse that are the key to true happiness."

"But we've acknowledged what we've done wrong! Why must we keep paying for it?"

"We do not always know the plan God has for us. As the Lord's Son tells us, 'It is a paradox and a challenge. The challenge forces us to step back and ask ourselves: What am I made of? What does my life stand for, and am I going to retaliate, or act selflessly.' Do not consider the cost if you are to be truly happy, for it is the sacrifice itself that makes us better men."

"In exchange for my brother's life I was sent here. If you want to call it remorse for my sins so be it." Ed clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. He didn't believe for a second that his latest exchange was sinful in any way. He knew the consequences and made the sacrifice of his own accord. Maybe it was a punishment, maybe it wasn't. He didn't care. He just wanted to find a way back to them. "I won't give up. I will find a way back somehow...I just hope that he's there when I arrive...and that he doesn't forget me."

"I cannot say whether or not you will be remembered upon your return, but I can tell you that another person's memories are not yours to control. We are living on the brink of war, with the hope of great social change. The things we do and see in these times may be better off forgotten. But do not let go of your own memories, and should you reach your destination someday, those will serve as a catalyst to recall anew those times passed. In the meantime, I advise you to scrutinize your morality, and determine whether your actions follow your heart's conscience, or whether they are fueled by selfish desires."

Ed's shoulders slumped as he exhaled deeply, looking defeated. Maybe he was being selfish. It was Equivalent Exchange after all: his body and soul for those of his brother. Who was he to question this existence, or to try and reclaim that which he had given up?

[enemytosleep]

Oh, and:

Yuujinchou Exchange Bonus Treat #3 (due Mar 24): No new words. Re-watched some scenes to try and find the right tone for this piece. Current word count: 654

Yuujinchou Exchange Bonus Treat #5 (due Mar 24): No new words. I have an idea for a little drabble that may or may not happen depending on available writing time this week. Current word count: 0

Help_Japan (due 18 years ago - 750 word min): No new words. I promise to give this love after the Yuujinchou exchange stops eating my brain. O.o Current word count: 3,666


I was afraid this might happen this week. T_T No writing last night again. I'd love to wrap up the piece I'd started for the Yuujinchou exchange (650+ words drafted last week), so *shame* for 3 days of nothing and fingers crossed I can get this finished soon.