Sister-story to Paul's Persistently Protracted Practice Pieces.
A collection of extra-short stories written as contest entries for the Writeoff Association. This collection will only feature the stories with word counts between 350 and 750 words. The contests with longer word count limits have their own separate compendium: Paul's Persistently Protracted Practice Pieces. Check below for a list of each story and a short description.
Note: Random tag used because I have no idea what prompts will arise in the future. Check the individual story descriptions for additional tags. Character tags reflect the most recently updated stories only.
White Lies: [sad][slice of life]
The simple act of giving Apple Bloom medicine reminds Applejack that there are actually some downsides to honesty.
Pink: [comedy][slice of life]
It's an all on one pranking war, and Vinyl is on the losing side. Perhaps Octavia can help deal with the problem?
Well, She Tried: [comedy][slice of life]
Twilight discovers Spike's secret notebook of plans for wooing his lady, and decides it's time to have a little talk with the lovestruck dragon.
Above: [sad]
A young changeling queen longs for a better life in the darkness.
A Most Dastardly Foe: [comedy][mystery]
Celestia's morning is interrupted by what may be her greatest rival yet.
Clockwork: [drama]
Clockwork Callous, legendary clockmaker and inventor from the Crystal Empire, unveils his first creation since the Empire's return.
I Wasn't Prepared for This: [sad]
Celestia has a new student. But before she can embrace this change, she has to deal with the old one...
Ticks and Tocks: [drama]
It's just another tea party with Fluttershy. Everything is fine. Perfectly fine. Just ignore the little voice in your head, Discord.
Your story gave Fimfiction cancer.
anony.ws/i/2015/06/22/5P-Glitch.png
6123147
If FIMFiction goes down, perhaps I can get a job as a virus-builder.
It's a cute little piece, but I can see what you mean by 'threw it together with an hour to spare' :P
Wow. Now I'm actually thinking about the EoH and being a bearer of one entails. This is first stories that I've read in a while that take my suspension for disbelief and throw it out the window.
I mean, ignoring the talking friendship ponies that have an orbital friendship cannon.
This was fantastic, a blend of personal tragedy and Cadence at her best. Thanks for putting it and its sibling on Fimfic.
7309521
Interestingly (to me, at least), the decision to set the story in the Crystal Empire and have Cadance there was decided on a whim, and maintained largely because I almost never use her in my writing. I think it was a good call.
Fantastic story.
I'll be honest, I completely missed the hole in the tower until I knew to look for it. Still, I'm glad that the reviews acted as shot of confidence for your usual style.
Given the content of the story, I'd say a confusing mesh of joy and frustration is perfectly appropriate. Excellent presentation of the stranger in an insufficiently strange land.
It happens. Both are good stories, regardless! Maybe Ticks and Tocks was discussed less because it wasn't quite in the top 3, but had few enough flaws to make discussing them difficult?
You misunderstand the 'exploded' bit. Ticks and Tocks wasn't discussed because nobody had read it and so it was unnoticed. But that couldn't possibly last, because it had to have been given to a certain number of participants to read. Everyone just ended up reading it late by sheer coincidence.
Once they did, it abruptly dominated the forums as a topic of discussion.
Ugh. User experiences like this are why I always made an effort to read every entry... and, as a result, why I don't feel like I have the time to do the Writeoff justice anymore.
Still a good little story, but I agree with your assessment. The immortality blues are played out when compared to the ticking clock that is Discord's limited patience.
Do you mind if I ask, how could I participate in these contest thingies, if possible?
8558050
Why, it's quite easy! Just go to The Writeoff Association group and join. Then register at the Writeoff website. You'll then get emails a few days before each contest starts (might have to check your junk folder). There's no requirement to join the group or a contest, anyone can do it. Just make sure to follow the rules posted in each contest and, above all else, don't tell anyone which story is yours until the contest is over (or you'll get disqualified!). I believe contests are held every two weeks.
8558477
it looks like a lot of fun
Ohh!! Thank you! In that case hopefully I will participate soon
8558810
It is! And a great way to develop your skills; half the fun is from the critique.
This is really good. I can't believe it's under 1000 words. It feels longer than it is.
8749517
Gotta admit, I'm kinda proud of this one.
Review here: https://www.fimfiction.net/blog/797707/more-slightly-high-pony-reviews
I loved the exchange between Twilight and Spike in 'Well, She Tried'! It was so easy to imagine something like that playing out in the show. Very well done!
9261894
Why, thank you!