Fiction
Are Ukrainians prepared for concessions and a ceasefire? What the polls say is as follows:
The idea of a negotiated end to the three-year war has been put on the agenda and in the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin thanks to an agreement between the United States and Ukraine on a ceasefire proposal. However, the parties' positions are pretty clear even before Moscow responds.
By Md Mirajul Islam10 months ago in Critique
Trump’s Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Go Into Effect
President Trump’s sweeping tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum went into effect on Wednesday, escalating America’s trade spats with global competitors, including close allies already reeling from his on-and-off approach to trade penalties.
By Md Mirajul Islam10 months ago in Critique
The Flower and the Flame
Chapter 1: The Encounter In the idyllic town of Verenthia, where blooming flowers kissed the gentle breeze and sunlight draped every street corner, lived Lila, a florist whose delicate creations captured the hearts of the townsfolk. She was known as the *Flower*, radiating warmth and kindness, tending to her shop, "Whispers of Petals." Each bouquet she crafted was renowned for its beauty and enchanting scent, a testament to her extraordinary talent.
By MOHAMMED NAZIM HOSSAIN10 months ago in Critique
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 Homa11 months ago in Critique
