2009 SKMB Halloween Story

[Matticus]

For those of you that don't know, this message board does a collaborative Halloween story every year. Last year was a really amazing experience and I have some interesting ideas on how to set it up this year.

I know I'm starting very early but I think that's important to get all our ducks in a row. I'd really like to step forward and handle it this year for two reasons.

1. We need someone to be in charge of it, there is no way around that.

2. Ms. Mod is normally too busy to mess with it. This year should be the same considering Under the Dome coming out.

The development and story remain a secret until Halloween of course, there will be a social group created to handle interaction between the participants.

However, I don't want to step on anyone's toes so if someone out there feels they could make it happen and want to try, I'm happy to let it go by the wayside. I mostly just want a great story that we can all be proud of this year (like last year). So it's time to get started.

Obviously we have plenty of time.

Please let me know a couple of things through comments here.

A. That you are cool with me taking care of it this year

B. That you would like to be involved.

I would like to get as many people involved as we can because the story is about the community and it doesn't matter if you feel like you can write or not. It's really people who don't think they can that turn out the best sometimes and this is more about the community coming together than the story itself.

There will be rules and I will make those clear if the first stage of this goes through. As a community, we can make this happen without adding to Ms. Mod's work load and also produce a story that we don't mind the man himself having a look at (if he is so inclined).

Much love to all and please be honest with your opinions.

**Ms. Mod--please feel free to pin if you would like (I would love that) and also disregard if you feel like it's too soon for this.** :love:

[Sundrop]

Hey Matt! Very cool with you taking care of it.....can't think of a better person.

I'd like to be involved again this year if it's OK.....had soooo much fun last year :)

[Spideyman]

Matt- I think you'd be a cool dude to take care of the Halloween Story.

If you need some help behind the scenes- I'll be available as much as I can. Due to my schedules, I can not commit to partaking in the writing part. Besides I'm not a writer and never will be:blush: But there is such talent on the SKMB. Here if you need me.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

My opinion is that there is no-one else on the MB better equipped to 'wrangle' the story this year than yourself, Matt.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Dana Jean]

I think you would do a fine job. I would also like to be one of the contributors as I missed out last year.

[PatInTheHat]

:y::cool2::y:

Will there be cool, delicious and oh so refreshing Jello this year:eyebrow:?
I :love: Jello!

[Perse Jr.]

I'd love to be involved if you'll have me. :)

[Matticus]

http://www.thedarktower.com/palaver/images/smilies/rock.gif http://www.thedarktower.com/palaver/images/smilies/rose.gif http://www.thedarktower.com/palaver/images/smilies/grouphug.gif


Thanks you guys, I'm going to keep track of who said they are in in this thread and then send out invites.

[dw1345]

I think you'd be great to handle it! I'd love to join in this year too.

[boogerb53]

I vote Matticus for Prezident!

I don't know how well I can write but I would absolutely LOVE to participate.

[mojomofo]

I think you will handle it perfectly Matticus. :cool2:

I can't wait to see this years masterpiece, but I will skip contributing this year.

[ihavepromisestokeep]

I loved doing this last year, never thought I had it in me. I would love to take part again.

Is there a link to last years, so I can re-read it?

[Kim L.]

I agree Matt should be the one to run it, and I would love to be involved. Thanks Matt!

[Robert Gray]

I was going to volunteer to take charge of it this year but you beat me to the punch. You aren't stepping on my toes, however, as I'm happy as long as someone dedicated and organized does the job. My only request is we make sure it is clear to posters (and whomever does the read before post) that each person in turn can only introduce so many elements. This was part of the rules last year but it really wasn't enforced. I think it is better (and more fun) for all involved if one or two people don't machinegun fire blast all the possible elements and outcomes early, binding the hands of those that follow.

I wasn't affected by this because I went first, but I know some people toward the end of the line would probably have liked a bit more freedom (and things left) to introduce new elements. Basically, whomever is in charge needs to make sure that the submission isn't jumping to the end and filling in too many details. We should not see the shark (so to speak) in the first few moments. Given the low number of words each person is given, no more than three elements (characters, plot twists, important facts, etc.) should be going in per person. Those at the start give us a good foundation and then those that continue must also have some wiggle room. :) For example:

Poster #7: Can introduce a new character to the story, an important clue, and shift the setting to a new location. These are three hefty elements to manage in concise words.

*What Poster #7 should not do is get swept up by the demons of rampant exposition and try to frame the entire story by introducing all the plot points he/she likes in an effort (conscious or unconscious) to lock the story in concrete. Since this is a collaborative effort, we have to make sure no one person does that.

[Matticus]

I'm going to try and see if we can get all the past stories posted in this thread so people can look through them.

I also had a great idea from a dear friend (John) that it might be a cool idea to hold some of the "slots" back until close to the end so people who didn't know or just showed up could have a chance. I like it.

So we'll decide what the limit is and look at doing that. Thanks for the response so far you guys, this is going to be really cool.

[staropeace]

My vote is for you and I so want to be involved again Matt

[arista]

Go Matticus and prosper with handling this story.

[mojomofo]

I thought I would be helpful and search for the SKMB story from last year, because I would swear that I had saved it. Only guess what, I can't find it.
Naturally, I will find it as soon as someone else posts a link, so can someone please do that? :laugh::oo:

[Jojo87]

This is new for me. I hope I can be involved this year.

[REDRUM617]

Definitely sounds cool. I don't think I've ever been on the MB around the time when the Halloween story is so I'd love to contribute. :)

[Kim L.]

This is new for me. I hope I can be involved this year.

It's really fun; I've been involved in 3 so far (sat out one of them and regretted it LOL)

[psj77]

I would love to be a part of this, but I've never been involved before, & I don't know how much I'd be able to actually write. I've written a few things before (several songs & one, one page short story), but I'd hate to get involved & then realize I was out of my league & end up causing the whole thing to fall apart.

[BeowulfTX]

Sounds fun! I'm in. Whoever is in charge let me know what is required.

[Cody44]

I'll contribute for sure! I got a chance to read last years and it was awesome.

[Matticus]

Love the response you guys.

This thread is to gauge interest. I am going to try to structure the project in a way that as many people as possible can participate. Obviously, it can't be an endless list and there will be slots for drop outs.

If we have too many people that want to participate, maybe we can have some kind of trivia contest or something (draw straws) to see who is able to be a part of it.

Also, we found out last year that the person starting (and ending) the story will have some serious responsibility. I'm going to draw those two people using an automated system with all our names in a "computer hat". :)

[Kim L.]

I would love to be a part of this, but I've never been involved before, & I don't know how much I'd be able to actually write. I've written a few things before (several songs & one, one page short story), but I'd hate to get involved & then realize I was out of my league & end up causing the whole thing to fall apart.

Don't worry, you'll do fine, and it's a lot of fun.

[poisonbat]

I think you are perfect for the job Matt. I would like to be part of this again, I was super nervous last year when my section came up, but did just fine. My only concern is to commit to it right now. I am going back to school to finish up my long awaited BA degree. I have not been in school full time since 1995 :eek2: So for now, I must say no until I see how my work load is. :down: I start school August 17th and am taking 14 units :wow: But I will let you know for sure closer to the time K? :bat:

[Matticus]

Sounds great p-bat. I'm really interested in making it available to as much of the community as possible.

[JohnDalglish]

Sounds great p-bat. I'm really interested in making it available to as much of the community as possible.

Hi,

Absolutely, couldn't agree more, Matt, that's exactly why I suggested holding some slots back till nearer the time.

And I can be discounted as a contributor right now; no space in this little brain for distraction from my own writing of Erocktica.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Perse Jr.]

Hi guys. Here is a link to the stories (many thanks to Spidey): post #28:

http://www.stephenking.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8527&highlight=halloween+short+story

I think it is also located in the History of the SKMB thread as well. :)

[Perse Jr.]

I think this is the right one (thanks again Spidey!). :)

http://www.stephenking.com/forums/sh...en+short+story

#28

[Mr. Jingles]

I didn't join the SKMB till Feb....missed last Halloween, can I play this year? Mouse like me might have some good gory details to contibute ;)

[Perse Jr.]

Hi guys! Sorry the above links don't seem to be valid anymore. I'm glad I read a bunch of the old stories already. Sorry! :(

[the_last_gunslinger]

My first inclination is that I would enjoy participating if there is room. The SK Message forum is my favorite site on the internet, and Halloween is by far my favorite holiday. That makes for a decent combination.

I'm not sure what all goes into participating, however. But if there are enough spots, I'd be up for it.

[Spideyman]

A big thank you out to Jordan for these links. Enjoy the past SKMB stories!

The links for the stories are:
http://www.stephenking.com/other/mes...story_2005.pdf
http://www.stephenking.com/other/mes...oween_2005.pdf
http://www.stephenking.com/other/mes...oween_2006.pdf
http://www.stephenking.com/other/mes...oween_2007.pdf
http://www.stephenking.com/other/mes...tines_2006.pdf

[Spideyman]

Cry pardon re the links. Appears to be a problem. I've contacted Jordan for help.

[Matticus]

My first inclination is that I would enjoy participating if there is room. The SK Message forum is my favorite site on the internet, and Halloween is by far my favorite holiday. That makes for a decent combination.

I'm not sure what all goes into participating, however. But if there are enough spots, I'd be up for it.

There are going to be some very simple rules to follow and an order for each section. It's going to be designed to be really fun and easy because that's the only way people have a good time. :cool2:

[Spideyman]

Let me try again. Thank you Jordan!

http://www.stephenking.com/other/message_board/mb_birthday_story_2005.pdf


http://www.stephenking.com/other/message_board/mb_halloween_2005.pdf

http://www.stephenking.com/other/message_board/mb_halloween_2006.pdf

http://www.stephenking.com/other/message_board/mb_halloween_2007.pdf

http://www.stephenking.com/other/message_board/mb_valentines_2006.pdf

[Bryan James]

I'm interested.

BJS

[marew1]

It's your show and I know you'll do a great job. I'd like to be involved again. Last year was fun and very creative.

[Natjen26]

I you want me, I'll like to get involved too! :grinning:

[kisun]

Hi, I absolutely loved last year's! Awesome job, guys :grinning:

If there's room for me this year, I'd be happy to participate. If not, I sure look forward to reading it anyways! :laugh:

[Balrog21]

oh wow, this is too good to be true! woot! I do want in if there is still room and you will have me? Just let me know what I need to do!
Best,
Bal

[Matticus]

I LOVE how many people are interested in this. It's truly amazing. Consider yourselves all on the list and I'm going to be able to get more details out in the next couple of weeks.

This is Tuesday in the first week of my new business and it's been really busy so far which is good I guess, I'm hoping money comes in soon. :laugh:

[Matticus]

For those of you who don't know already, a social group has been created for the Halloween Story and we're trying to pound out the details now.

If you are interested in participating, please let us know. There will be a cut off date for signing up but I would still like to know you if you want to help.

[sam peebles]

I would like to be involved with the SK Halloween story.

[Matticus]

We are accepting writers right now, I will send you an invite Sam. :)

[Cerralin]

I would like to have ago to. Never written anything scary before so looking forward to it.

[AngelZ]

I'd love to be part of it this year. I had such a blast last year. Thanks for organizing, Matt.

[DarkWriter]

Thank you Matt for the offer, I am sure you will do a wonderful job.
If you find my installment from last year worthy, I would be more than happy to join in again this year.




If you see a masked, blood soaked figure and it's not Halloween...RUN

[TBlack]

I'll play!---If'n there's room.:biggrin2:

[Matticus]

You have all been invited, thanks for participating.

There will be a cut off for sign ups coming out soon but we aren't there yet.

[Cola]

Me Too (going against what she has said in the past) :blush: - if'n y'al have me :)

[Anton177]

I don't know how this works, how it's run or what it's comprised of, but assuming I have the time I would be more than happy to add a page here or there.

[Matticus]

It's actually going to be an entire section Anton. We're looking at a 500 word count per writer so if you are up for that, let me know.

The social group is ALIVE with information on this and we are hashing out a very nice community based method of getting this thing done. Very exciting today.

[catnoel]

I'm down with it. Look forward to being involved. Thanks for stepping up!!!!:biggrin2:

[Anton177]

It's actually going to be an entire section Anton. We're looking at a 500 word count per writer so if you are up for that, let me know.

The social group is ALIVE with information on this and we are hashing out a very nice community based method of getting this thing done. Very exciting today.

Count me in.

[Patricia A]

Thanks for adding me to the writers list! I has a 2 cents worth. Hey can I write my part in LOL cat? I has a scary etc?
Just kidding, but seriously this is going to be so much fun. :biggrin2:

[JohnDalglish]

Thanks for adding me to the writers list! I has a 2 cents worth. Hey can I write my part in LOL cat? I has a scary etc?
Just kidding, but seriously this is going to be so much fun. :biggrin2:

Hi,

Seriously, I think that's a great idea, Pat!

How better to express the variegated nature of the SKMB?

Let the kittehs speak!

Long days and pleasant nights

[Patricia A]

Hi,

Seriously, I think that's a great idea, Pat!

How better to express the variegated nature of the SKMB?

Let the kittehs speak!

Long days and pleasant nights
I think you just caused the more serious minded members of the SKMB join in a collective gasp. :eek2:

I don't has a know right now what I'll do. All I know is that this is going to be really fun this year.

[JohnDalglish]

I think you just caused the more serious minded members of the SKMB join in a collective gasp. :eek2:


Hi,

Not for the first time LOL

Long days and pleasant nights

[Matticus]

Signing up for this project is closed now. With the amount of people we have and the time we have left, the math says we're full up. :) We will take requests for "back up's" until Tuesday but we may not have a need for them because so many have signed up.

Our first writer will begin this Tuesday 7/14 so look for a pinned/closed threads for the installments very soon. This thread will act as the general discussion.

If you missed out this time, please keep in mind we are going to be trying to write more Holiday stories in the future so it may come up again very soon.

Thanks to everyone who is participating.

[Sugar Marie]

You got me lookin' forward to Halloween already!

I really enjoyed last years story, and with all the clever people participating this year, I'm sure this installment will be da bomb as well.

Have fun folks!!

[Matticus]

The first installment to our story is already done and ready to post. Look for a closed thread with it here on the board very soon.

Please continue to use this thread for discussion on the installments.