Your life or your freedom?

[Glynnavyre]

well eater of Bunnes... so it shall be...
But it might take time, cause I know what all you writers are like with your blocks!

But I think we have the right people in this site to contribute well and be reliable...
I think we have to rewrite the original concept and maybe define it more... give it some identity, and we are all going to have to work together with intial planning if they are linked together in some small way just to set it up... but, maybe it all might just work...

[Elspeth]

You're quite right there, Glynnavyre-as-Tessa. We probably need to define the idea a little and decide whether we should steer clear of the Tomorrow Series, or use it as a sort of basis of comparison. Everyone who has contributed to the thread (and who wants to be a part of this project) might want to think about their stance and decide exactly where they'd like to stand.

Lots to do, but lots of fun to be had!

[Dameon]

Well, Katie of Bunne has spoken.

And as she commands, so it shall be.

Tell you what. I will write up a complete scenario. I'll explain what sort of enemy we're facing, who they are, what they do, what their motives are, exactly what I saw in my head when I originally posed the question.

I'll post it up as soon as possible and ya'll can critique it.If we reach a common consensus, then we can change elements and develop a scenario we all agree on.

Then, when we're happy with it, everyone will explain exaclty where they see themselves and what they're doing, and whether they've chose Their Life or Their Freedom.

Then we post up a list and we all write.

How does that sound?

And Buneater, you're right. That would be a good title! I've been trying to think of one, and there it was already!!!

KSL

[Glynnavyre]

Kayt said:

And Buneater, you're right. That would be a good title! I've been trying to think of one, and there it was already!!!

KSL

It's like when your looking for something in the pantry... Its always right in front of your face...!

I like your idea of developing the senario... I don't see it like the tomorrow series and I want somebody to take me out the back and put me down if my contribution is like it cause I think we have to try and be a original as we can!
I look foward going through the senario in more depth!

[Elspeth]

Huzzah for Kayt! If you want to bounce any ideas around, consider me the human equivalent of a squash court... I shall be intrigued to see what you come up with, even though my writing brain is already trying to put together my own story based on my earlier post. Eee! This should be fun! A lovely exercise to get all our writing muscles flexing.

Kayt, would you like me to put together the webpage?

[Dameon]

That sounds an excellent idea, she of Bun Consumption. Webdesign away!

I am now off to shower and bed, the two places wheremy ideas flow most freely!

Pray that the Plot Fairies come to me tonight!!!

KSL

[Elspeth]

Hehe - I will design my little heart out. It sounds like I'll be spending a fair bit of time at work tomorrow scribbling designs and ideas on scrap paper... er, I mean, I'll be working hard!

*rings the plot fairies and reminds them to visit Kayt*

[Dameon]

Okay gang!

Starting to get a clear picture of our scenario, but I have a few questions which I need answers to before I can go on.

1. Is this country Australia or an imaginary place where we all live? (If ti is Australia, then perhaps Elspethseeker and other non-Aussies can write from an International point of view.)
2. If it is an imaginary country, does it have a name, or do we have to write without ever saying where it is?
3. In my scenario, can I include some made up major players in the country?(Like enemy leaders, rebel leaders, or whatever?) Can I give them names? I'd only call them Fred Smith and Bob Jones, we can change them later!)
4. How realistic am I being? This is war, remember, and nasty stuff goes down. Do I include the nastiness or am I toning it down? How much?

Phew! This is slightly morecomplicated then we reaslise! I think those are all my questions for now, but before I leave you to answer them, heere are my own thoughts on each.

1. I don't care. Either can work
2. If it's an imaginary place and we all have to write about it, then we need to establish as much about it (name, major cities, leaders, etc), or confusion will abound
3. Well, obviously I think it'd help if I could do it, or I wouldn't have asked!
4. Peronally, I don't think there's much point unless we're as real as possible, but I accept that others may not agree with me. I'd like to argue strongly for Realism, but I will abide by the majority.

Other than those four things, all my ideas are coming along nicely. Even with Uni and so forth, I should have it written up soon!

Later, peeps!
KSL
PS. Thanks for the plot fairies, Buneater! They came, alright!!!

[Glynnavyre]

Answers to questions...

1. Australia or Imaginary place? I think it should not be exactly Australia but somewhere very similar that is made up... Cause if it's Australia you automatically sort of have to take its leader, heads of government, cities etc... I think we should give ourselves more freedom to explore and create our country, allthough we would all probably write around a society based on our own... If you get what I am saying... I like the fact that overseas people can write from their point of view, especially an american sort of take on it...

2. Does the country have a name? I think probably not... It would be good to get away without ever saying where or what it is... I do think however that cities name and major places are unavoidable and we will need to make up names and stuff (thats the fun bit!)... QUESTION: We all live a long way away from each other, would we write like that or all be based in a big city or same locallity area?

3. Major players in the country? Names? I've got no problem with you making up the names and power structures of the major players and groups in the scenario...

4. How realistic? There's no point in beating around the bush with these issues and circumstances... We're talking about war! I'm all for very realistic depictions and situations, I wouldn't have sugessted the idea if we were going to be soft! Maybe you should watch some gorey war movies and stuff to get the real scene going... people, LETS GET REAL!!!

[Min]

Hey hey - look what happens when I go away for a weekend of camping - war breaks out!! ooh, story time, how exciting!

1. Location: Whether we want to or not, if we are writing this thing realistically, it will have elements of Aussie-ness in it. Even if we don't mention a country, people will presume it is so. We have a very different way of speaking / writing / reacting to things than the rest of the world. I think it'd be a nice touch to not mention any names - because it could theoretically be relevant anywhere - but I think it's Aussie-ness will be unavoidable.
2. I don't think it should be an imaginary place - but it should be perhaps set a little in the future. That'll cover leader names changing and such, but still give it a sense of realism.
3. Go for it Kayt. If you need help with names, give me a holler.
4. Again I'd say go for it. But we do have a PG rating on the site. Perhaps we should put ratings on all the stories just to be safe - like in the subject heading. Because it should be as real as possible, and reality is not nice.

Are you going to set up word limits and such? Do you think stories should be submitted for editing before being posted?
Woo, what fun!

[Megana]

Love the idea! I think realism will be best. Dunno what everyone else thinks, but it would be easier if we didn't have to make up our own country/politics/people. Besides, we could have fun making john howard a slave ;D. But i totally love the idea! Kayt, I be one of your rebels, ok?

[Elspeth]

OK, here's my input.

1. I like the idea of it all taking place in a vaguely Australian-ish country. Min's idea of placing it in the future appealed to me as well. That could give us a lot of freedom as far as people and invading countries go. It would also be interesting to have the whole 'international viewpoint' thing happening on the behalf of our non-Australian members. What would they do if 'Australia' was invaded? Would they work behind the scenes in their own country, or make the trip over to help out their friends?

2. We probably don't need to name the country. However, if someone comes up with a name in the course of writing their piece/s, we could always adopt it!

3. Yes, by all means make up a couple of names, Kayt!

4. I think you can be as realistic as you want in your scenario, although graphic detail might need to be kept to a minimum. However, it’s up to everyone else to decide how realistic they want to be. It might be nice for the individual stories to have warnings if the writer feels they might be too graphic, just as an author’s note at the start of the story.

Kayt said:

PS. Thanks for the plot fairies, Buneater! They came, alright!!!

I’m glad the plot fairies dropped by, Kayt. Let me know when you need them again and I’ll get onto them.

[Dameon]

Okay...

Well then...

My Scenario shall be set in an anomous country that may, OR MAY NOT, be Australia. Paticipators will be asked to write as though it is Australia, but we'll not specify.

I shall make up names but my people will be called Mr. Jones, Miss Black, etc. Nothing creative!

And I will be realistic. I was never intending (nor would I be able to handle) graphic violence, but I will make sure that I keep it real. I think it was Glynnavyre who said it, otherwise there's not much point in writing about war!

Okay. I also have some thoughts about the actual rules (ie word limits, etc) but I'll put all those into another post later.

Well, I better get on with it.
KSL

[talisha]

Oh this is such a fantastic idea! I cant wait!

[Dameon]

Here it is...

Keep in mind it's only a draft, and we haven't established the writing guidleines yet!

Comments??

Your Life or Your Freedom
The Scenario, as promised
(Or at least KSL’s draft of it)

Three years ago, our country was invaded…<br>Our enemies are from a rich, neighbouring country. They had a lot more resources, a much bigger army and a lot more weaponry then us. They came to our country simply because it was there. They want land, resources and profit, as much of it as they can get, and as they are big, and we are small, they thought it made sense to get it from us.
We’re not the first country to be swallowed up by the enemy, and we probably won’t be the last, but we put up a good fight. Maybe someone you know died in the war, maybe you fought too, but survived. Many fought and died, but in the end there was nothing we could do, our Government surrendered.
For two years, we have been completely under the control of our enemy. Some of our citizens in exile have appealed for aid, and appealed to the United Nations. The invasion of our country has been universally condemned, but the enemy are not interested in international opinion. They now have complete control over our country and our people.
They are a ruthless invader, holding tight control over our country. Any resistance is met with violent retaliation, and no one is ever surprised when then enemy overreact violently to anyone who puts a toe out of line.
In order to keep us in our place, we locals have all been reduced to Second Class Citizens. This means the following:

• Most local businessmen have had their assets seized. So if you work for a local company, it’s been taken over by the enemy, and you’ve lost your job.
• If you work for the Government, you’ve also lost your job. We don’t have a government anymore
• In fact, the enemy reserves the right to fire you from your job whenever they like
• If they suspect you of any crime, big or small, you will be arrested and you are not entitled to a trial
• As second class citizens, we are not entitled to education. You can no longer attend school or university
• Because businessmen have had their assets seized, there is no longer a local media. All TV stations, radio stations, newspapers, magazines and Media Outlets are now owned by the enemy (Sorry, you lose your jobs too)
• We are forbidden to leave the country
• Military Service is compulsory for all Males between 12 and 28, so boys, unless you can escape, you may be sent to fight for the enemy, on their campaign into a new country

Of course, some loyal citizens are not going to take it lying down. They’ve formed the Liberation Army. The LA are fighting for freedom, but it’s a high risk business. Some have remained in the cities, meeting in secret cellars and blowing up buildings in the quiet. Others have retreated to the mountains, where they fight back with Guerrilla Warfare. They operate in cells, and no one knows anyone but those in their cell. Except the leaders of each cell, who meet secretly.

But there are others who don’t fight back at all. The enemy is brutal to those who refuse to co-operate, but anyone who works alongside the enemy is richly rewarded. They may be exempt from military service, allowed to attend schools, or allowed on holiday out of the country. Unfortunately, in order to get these benefits, an informer will be watched. Their correspondence is monitored, and at any time, the enemy might be keeping an eye on them. They have no freedom and are never trusted.

The enemy are indeed extremely ruthless. Any misbehaviour will not be tolerated.

• If you try and leave the country, you will be arrested
• Any member of the Liberation Army who is caught will be killed, after the enemy have ascertained what information can be extracted from them
• Suspected rebels may be allowed to live, but they will be sent to a prison camp, where they will work
• Evading Military Service is punishable by death
• Any enemy informer who betrays their Masters may be imprisoned, killed or otherwise punished, depending on the seriousness of the infraction
• Ordinary crime like robbery, etc, will be dealt with extremely harshly (I leave it up to your imagination)

The enemy have a lot of things that need doing. They ay have taken over our government buildings, but they still have an extensive building program they need people to work on. They also have some disgusting factories, and weapons plants. This may be where you will be sent if you get arrested. If a member of your family is in the Liberation Army, you may end up here, where they can keep an eye on you.

Of course, not everyone is rebel or informer. There are those who just get on with their lives, and there are those already in prison or work groups, and the young men who have been conscripted to the Military. There are rebel sympathisers, and people who supply weapons, food and clothing (sometimes to both sides). Some choose passive resistance, others managed to flee the country and now do what they can from overseas. Some are simply humanitarians and healers, doing what they can do prevent bloodshed.

But there are advantages and disadvantages to whatever action you take? To keep your life you may have to give up your freedom, but your freedom may cost you your life.
So where do you see yourself in this country?
Which is most important?

Your Life or Your Freedom?

[Elspethseeker]

Ahh three pages that is what i get for just barely coming. Trhis sounds like an excelent idea as many of you have already said. i like the idea kyt that i am someone outside the country since it is true and can give my point of veiw.
Umm Kayt a suggestion on the name. It is like IC did a variation of the original like turka or raq. What if you did something like that to Australia.
Excelent plot deal down there Kayt!

[Glynnavyre]

I think we should repost the senario and what the idea is of everybody writing their own story, in the writermerge... Cause I think more people would read it and catch on...

Need to give everybody the chance to read our latest idea...


p.s. I LOVE IT!!! the scenario is fanatasic! Kayt, I see you work very harmoniously with those plot faries... I think this may just acutally work!

[Megana]

Love the idea, Kayt! I'm already brainstorming my situation! ;D

[Dameon]

Oki Doki then.

It's a brand new day, the sun is shining and so forth.
First of all, I've added an aspect to the rights we lose as Second Class Citizens:

We are not entitled to medical treatment or hospital care

Right! Now I've had a few thoughts about the story we're all going to write, about guidelines and so forth:

1. Are we going to have a Word Limit?
2. Are we writing as if we are our current age, or three years on, or however old we like?
3. As Glynnavyre asked, can we move around and claim to live in different cities or in the country or wherever?
4. I thought it might be interesting to see all stories as a Day or a Week in the life. What do you think?
5. Who can contribute? Just Ober.netters?
6. Will someone act as a general editor of all stories?

Again, here are my thoughts on each of my questions.

1. I think we should have a maximum and a minimum word limit, but that we should make it fairly broad. SO it has to be betwwen say 2000 and 8000 words, or something. That leaves a lot of room.

2. I think we should either be writing as our current age, or three years older, and that it should be the same rule for everyone. So if I'm 21, then Min will be 26, Rilla 16, and so forth. But if I remain 18, then so does Megana, Clare will still be 19 and so on.

3. Don't see why we can't claim to live wherever we like. I haven't got a problem with that. Besides, Megana will have to move if she wants to join my Cell of the LA.

4. Well, obviously, I'm in favour of this idea.

5. Well, I really wasn't sure what I think. That's why I asked.

6. I think someone should. As well as generally check for grammar and spelling, they can think about whether it needs censoring or a warning, and they can find discrepancies, things that don't quite link up. (eg. I've given my Deputy a name, and Megana calls him something different)

Well, ya'll let me know what you think, and feel free to ask any further questions of a similar nature.

KSL

[Megana]

8000 words is a lot! I was thinking of cutting it off at maybe 5000. But that's just my opinion. Knowing me, I'll start writing, and it will just go on and on and on.

Current ages work for me, unless some of the younger people want to be older. If so, then we all have to age a bit, to keep everything reasonably true.

Well, I was thinking of being a Guerrilla, so I'm moving to the mountains. I could be your link to the mountain resistance, Kayt!

Yup to question 4. A week would be good. Gives us a chance to have lots of stuff happen.

Who else is there? I think just ober.netters would be fine.

Don't know if I'd have time to read over heaps of stories, but I don't mind helping people with any probs they have. My spelling sucks (thats what spell checks for) and I have a primary school grasps of gramma (but I can fake it really well! ;D) But if anyone needs advise, I'm willing to help.

[Rilla]

I feel like running around and dancing! This is going to be cool! ;D

*goes away to brainstorm*

[Dameon]

I'm probably going to be a guerrilla too! But if I'm not, you'll definetly be my mountain contact!

Hey, the LA, is divided into cells. I could call mine Kayt's Cell Liantuy

GET IT!!!

*falls over with the laughter*

All: *sigh*

KSL

[Elspethseeker]

Well i think it best to go with me outside the country maybe as a fearful citizen. If i am sticking to the truth I could say maybe a fear for all of my friends in the resistance i.e. you guys. and also of my country being targeted next. since i am not really in the country. hmm maybe i could help the resistance some way but i really have no clue. This will be way fun!

[Elspeth]

1. A word limit might be helpful, but it could be pretty generous, say, something around five thousand words. If people think their story might be longer, they could have the option to split it up into two or three parts. I also think that the style of the story could be open. For instance, if someone wants to write their contribution as a diary and someone else wants to write theirs as a straight-out story, then that's perfectly fine. (I only added this because I was considering a minimum word limit, but dismissed it because of the various styles people may favour.)

2. I'm not really fussed about the whole age thing. It's probably up to the individual to decide what age they want their character to be, or whether they want to write as themselves, or as a 'character'.

3. This one's probably an individual choice again. For instance, I contemplate moving to a neutral country to try and aid the rebels, so I'd definitely vote for being able to move around!

4. The Day or Week in the Life idea sounds great. It gives everyone a time-frame to work with.

5. I'm inclined to reserve it for Ober.netters to start with. If anyone else shows interest in it once it's all up and running, we can consider including them.

6. I'm happy to act as a general editor. Spelling and grammar are two of my fortes and I'd have no problem going through people's work and picking out any mistakes they may have missed. We probably need a sort of 'series editor', to make sure everything's consistent (as Kayt suggested). I'm also happy to be part of a series editing team.

Oh, and I'll be getting onto designing the website soon!

[Glynnavyre]

I feel like i spend my entire time on here answering questions!... BUT C'MON! I LOVE IT!

1. I think a word limit is good because it stops people from thinking that they have to write forever cause they don't know what anybody eles is doing...! you know what I mean... ANSWER: yes

2. probably threes years on but I'd be doubtful that anybody could sustain writing from a much older point of view... I think we'll all be writing stuff that is our age anyway

3. Well, now I was mentioned in the question for this one (I feel very honoured!) so ANSWER: Yes, move around...

4. I like the week thing... If we use it as a starting block then we can see where it goes and what happens...

5. I think just obernetters and if anybody wants to join in then they can REGISTER!!! and join in all the fun we have here!

6. I'm happy for somebody to edit my stories (cause I've never dabbled in writing before) and i think we'll find a general series editor essential in pulling all the parts into line!

;D