Character Development
Canada’s most consequential election is on the horizon
The contest that resulted in Mark Carney becoming the leader of the Liberal Party and the next prime minister of Canada has turned out to be a dull fait accompli. Chrystia Freeland, the once-reliable confidante and trusted deputy prime minister of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, played the role of Judas in the drama that appeared to inevitably result in Carney's persuasive coronation on Sunday evening.
By Md Mirajul Islam10 months ago in Critique
How Did These Words Come Together?. Runner-Up in Self-Editing Epiphany Challenge.
The challenge Vocal sponsored a few months ago was to write a microfiction piece of 300 words that started with “There was only one rule: don’t open the door.” This seemed like something right up my alley because I love writing all things spooky and scary. I also couldn’t pass up this opportunity for an exact word count. I had to chop out some phrases and replace them with single words and carefully consider how I structured each sentence in each paragraph. However, I decided to include a real person, my son, and aged him. I had to imagine his life in the future as a blind man navigating the world. Here’s the first part of the story:
By Barb Dukeman10 months ago in Critique
The Meta of Writing
Writing about the process of writing is difficult these days because of two main technological advances: word processing software and AI. Editing on Word is much easier than the “old-fashioned” way of writing by hand and making editing suggestions in the margins as Shakespeare and Coleridge did. Most spellings are autocorrected, making that bit of proofreading almost obsolete. I edit as I write, revisiting my piece days later with fresh eyes. Using AI in original work is completely unethical. To approach this prompt, I had to write on paper. I chose the first part of the next challenge. I examine one sentence at a time.
By Barb Dukeman10 months ago in Critique
How HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us set a new gold standard for video game storytelling
Few video games have left as profound an impact as The Last of Us. When HBO announced a live-action adaptation, expectations were sky-high. Could the series capture the emotional weight, intense storytelling, and immersive worldbuilding of the game? The result was a critically acclaimed success that managed to both honor and expand upon its source material. This article explores how The Last of Us translated from game to screen, analyzing its faithfulness, emotional depth, worldbuilding, supporting characters, and cultural impact.
By Bounty Hunter 10 months ago in Critique
Fallout: A Masterful Adaptation or Just Another Post-Apocalyptic Show?
The long-anticipated Fallout TV series, released on April 10, 2024, on Amazon Prime Video, has arrived with high expectations from both die-hard fans of the video game franchise and newcomers intrigued by its apocalyptic setting. Developed by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, the creative minds behind Westworld, the series promised to bring the rich lore, dark humor, and moral complexities of Bethesda’s beloved RPG to life. But does it truly capture the spirit of Fallout, or is it just another entry in the ever-growing catalog of post-apocalyptic dramas?
By Bounty Hunter 10 months ago in Critique
Backroom Cat Nap
THE 1ST DRAFT Warehouse Backroom Cat Nap “This is the stockroom warehouse where we keep our surplus. The most common items are stored up front. The whole place is basically a twisting tunnel of eclectic furniture. Most of the floor displays are directly for sale, but we keep extra stock in here. It’s primarily mattresses.”
By Amos Glade10 months ago in Critique
Aladdin: The Untold Journey of Magic, Courage, and Destiny
cent of spices filled the air and the sound of merchants haggling echoed through the narrow streets, there lived a young man named Aladdin. Unlike the tales you may have heard, Aladdin was not a carefree street urchin, but a clever and resourceful young man with a heart full of dreams and a mind sharp as a blade. His story, however, is far more intricate and thrilling than any fable could convey.
By Mosap Homa10 months ago in Critique
The Wavering Point!. Honorable Mention in Self-Editing Epiphany Challenge.
Original Excerpt The apartment pulsed like a living thing; radiator clicks a heartbeat, pipes creaking like arteries. Morgan hadn’t thought about this before today — today, before the letter came. Now everything felt intensified, everything felt conscious.
By Neli Ivanova10 months ago in Critique
what does censure mean
In a world where opinions and actions are constantly scrutinized, the concept of censure plays a crucial role in holding individuals and institutions accountable. But what exactly does it mean to be censured? Why do we need such a term, and how does it function in our societies? For many, censure is a distant legal or political term, but its impact on our lives, whether through public figures or personal relationships, is far-reaching.
By Md. Iqbal Hasan11 months ago in Critique
To Change or Not to Change
Change is terrifying. But some days, it's the only way to survive. Philosophers have spent centuries searching for the meaning of life. In reality, we all do. In the stillness of the night, after darkness has fallen and everyone has gone to sleep, we all dive deep into our thoughts.
By CrimsonQueen11 months ago in Critique
Arcane: How Riot’s Animated Masterpiece Redefined Video Game Adaptations
Video game adaptations have long struggled to capture the depth and complexity of their source material. Arcane, the critically acclaimed animated series from Riot Games and Fortiche Productions, not only overcame this challenge but redefined what a video game adaptation can achieve.
By Bounty Hunter 11 months ago in Critique








