Whether you are just a reader of the site, a part-time contributor, or a full-fledged nut like me who submits every time and can’t get enough, let us know what this site means/does for you.
What do you like?
What do you hate?
Has it helped you write better?
Has it brightened your day?
What would you like to see us do?
What could we do better?
Have at it in the comments.
{ 76 comments… read them below or add one }
I love CCC because it lets me be creative in yet another area of my life. I am a florist and an artist. You can give a several florists the same flowers and everybody will have an interesting arrangement, but what you do with it is what sets it apart from the others. When you give an artist paints or another medium, everyone will create a different work of art and it is inspiring to see how we are all different and start out with the same materials, but infuse them with our personalities and skills and create our little masterpieces. I have no suggestions on making changes, because I just enjoy the process and am having fun!
Thanks, Margaret.
It gives me a little push to write something. It may be quick, thoughful or just a disaster, but it gets me to write. Thanks.
Thanks Stacy. Your input is unique, because as far as I remember you have not actually done a challenge. It’s fascinating that the effect of the site, though, is it pushes you to write in other avenues regardless. That makes me feel good.
No. I haven’t posted anything yet. I typically get the e-mail from my iPhone and write something out long hand before moving onto the next project!
The CCC lives beyond the Internet then. That’s excellent! We’re glad you are out there with us, Stacy.
Ø I like: The challenge to make someone else’s list of words into something cohesive.
The avenue to read other writers who share their take on the same list.
The continuing sagas.
The verity of voices.
The inspiration.
The addition.
Ø I hate:
Not having enough time to write more and my spouse and others not seeing writing as a real job. Why did I go to school again?
Ø Has it helped you write better?
Yes, CCC has made me write tighter and not just because I love to write shorts. I am challenged to write for a bigger audience. To make sure I am writing clear, complete ideas that many a reader can understand.
Ø Without a doubt coming to CCC brightens my day. It gives me hope. Personally, as a writer, and as a reader.
Ø What would you like to see us do?
Continue puttin’ up the lists.
Ø What could we do better?
Not sure. But please don’t stop doing what you are doing.
Awesome, Kathleen. Thanks for the detailed response.
What do you like?
I love everything about the CCC. I believe it is a wonderful eco system for wordsmiths to gather.
What do you hate? That I don’t have the time to participate by contributing more or by reading the works of others. That makes me sad.
Has it helped you write better? I don’t know that it has, necessarily. But it does make me appreciate the craft even more.
Has it brightened your day? By showing me how differently everyone can approach the same set of words. Like Madge said above, I love how everyone can take the same ingredients and make something so different.
What would you like to see us do? Develop an army of writer robots that can help me with my priorities and obligations so that I may have more time to write the things I really love to write.
What could we do better? Just keep on keeping on.
You made me laugh, Sean. As for the Army, just let us know what you’re looking for and I’m sure we can at least get a squad together.
Dude your killing me here. I got up and checked my inbox just to get my next 10 words today and finally realized that it is Wednesday. I am off a day but now hopelessly addicted.
I know I only have 4 entries so far but this site is great. I really like the sense of community and support that everyone gives each other.
I like to read the vastly different submisisons from others and I like to get feedback on my submissions.
This site has made me work on writing something compelling and complete in a short amount of time. I have chosen to serialize the story, but each chapter works to compel someone to read the rest.
I like seeing all of the different ways that people interpret 10 different words or phrases. There are not many similarities in these submissions and that makes it fun.
Better? I don’t think there is much to do. Initially I would say post 3X per week but on second thought, that would dilute it too much and I think people would lose interest. Stick with 2 and I think the writing will stay strong.
Thanks for having me here!
-Justin
Awesome, Justin. I know all about addiction. As the administrator, I get access to all the good drugs the minute they are available. The CCC is like my third child. You’re a part of that.
I love a challenge. It inspires and motivates me to try. I come from a background in interior design, and it all comes back to the definition I can still clearly hear my professor saying, “Design is the process of problem solving.” I was born to problem-solve, in more areas than one. For myself, creating a series out of the challenges makes them even better, because the words may not fit naturally into the story I am creating and it forces me to think outside the box.
I agree with what Justin said. Part of me wishes there were more challenges per week. I work well under pressure and I see the challenge day as a deadline of sorts. But at the same time, I don’t know whether or not increasing the challenges would be a successful decision for the site. If anything, I guess you could have a trial run of adding one more per week and see what kind of feedback you get.
Without a doubt, the best thing I get from this site is encouragement. As a writer, it’s an amazing feeling to have people eagerly awaiting my next submision. What writer doesn’t need feedback? This site offers support from other writers in a way that I never thought it would before I tried a challenge. Sometimes it almost feels like a family, not a random group of strangers posting things. (Sorry if that’s a little too mushy for you.)
Shane, I just have to say that, personally, I think one of the reasons people keep coming back is because of your own dedication to the site and giving positive feedback. The fact that you comment on EVERY post is phenomenal! You definately have the gift of encouragement, and that’s something that people absolutely thrive on. Keep doing what you are doing and people will keep coming back.
I really appreciate that Becca. It’s a lot of reading, but administering the CCC is worth every second of it.
ps. I was a computer instructor, so teaching other’s and encouraging the best out of them is in my blood.
Amen, Becca, Amen!!!
Shane,
You’ve tapped into something special here, on many levels.
Hm. 3 challenges a week, maybe. Personally I’d love it but I’m not sure it would work, for exactly the reason Justin mentioned.
As we were talking about in the comments a few days back—a way to get each person’s entries to populate their own page or category somewhow? Boy, if you’ve got a genius on your team who can do it (a checkbox in the comment area so only their story and not their normal comments go? it must be possible somehow)…
I’d say that would be about the nicest structural improvement, and might help addict more folks and create better word of mouth. I’d put some energy there if you guys think it’s at all doable.
We’ve talked about this privately before, so if I had other suggestions I probably gave already at the office.
The genius was easy to spot right away. So I did a post at MCE a while back praising all the things you get right, and I still agree with me.
You are a huge part of the magic. Don’t change a hair on your dear head.
Has it helped me write better? Hm. Creatively and professionally I’m a lifelong writer, so I don’t know about that. (Though writing’s not my profession, writing well is part of doing what I do *well.*) It certainly has challenged me to revisit styles/ formats I get zero chance to visit in my business life, and that is precious to me now.
Brightening my day?
Oh, yeah. 82.5% brighter on Mondays and Thursdays now. For sure.
I love, love, LOVE CCC. Nothing more to say.
Until later,
Kelly
“82.5% brighter on Mondays and Thursdays” That could be our new unofficial motto.
As for the individual pages, I’ll look into that functionality. Hopefully there is something besides a manual process to make this happen.
Thanks for all your words about the CCC, Kelly.
I just like taking a challenge and then bringing it to the next irrational level of challenge…
The CCC was like checkers. Then you did what you did and turned it into chess. Glad you crossed our path, Devin.
Shane,
I really enjoy CCC even though I have only belonged for a week. I look forwarded to the daily challenge. I find this blog site to be relaxing. I usualy do not take a break at work because I go to school during my lunch period. Once I return, I log into CCC and create away.
There are several ways to look at the challenges. First can I use all of the words in one paragraph using the least amount of sentences and still have the story make sense and be interesting?
Second, I tried to create a story that I could expand upon from day-to-day?
Things I have tried yet are a poem or even taking the story backwards.
Believe it or not, I don’t usually blog and I don’t use facebook. This site is the one place where my sister and I can share our creative writings. Somedays were actually write about the same person (now that is scary).
I’m sure that I shouldn’t be doing this while at work, but as long as web-sense hasn’t blocked me I will continue to pen these stories.
When I was a little girl (way back in the day…) my grandfather would encourage me to write him short stories. And now you are doing the same. He has been gone for 20 years now, but his encouragement lives on through you all. He was a write, song write, an actor, an accountant, and a veteran. He lived to be 96.
Thanks for the opportunity to let us shine. Please keep up the site as this is the best relaxation I can think of. I love the challenge just as I love to do Suduko.
Sheryl, that some touching background on your grandfather. His memory can live through your writing for sure. You should try to work him and some of his stories into tomorrow’s challenge.
Let me see how I can fit him in with my cheerleader… LOL! There are a couple of other areas I want to weave in also. I can’t wait!
Love that comment, Sheryl, because that’s the key—there’s a wonderful sense of belonging being created here. The minute you arrive, no entrance fee, no test to take—you just belong.
Kelly,
I couldn’t have said it better. No privacy issues here either. No identity being stolen. LOL
Kelly — You are right… I had not ever look at CCC this way…. Once you start you “just belong”! Sheryl — this is soooo true. It is a woderfully welcoming community to be a welcomed part of.
And, I think grandpa Fred is proud.
I found this website through another website. Since I’ve been participating (I know I’m behind on the challenges), I’ve been inspired to take my short story The Homecoming to a novel. I have chapter 1 completed and chapter 2 will be completed. This site helps me hone my writing and creative skills.
Hey Rebecca. Welcome back.
That’s awesome that our site could motivate you in the way it has. Finish that book!
Shane,
I’ve totally enjoyed the CCC because of the opportunity to write in a different. It’s inspiring to read what other people write using the very same words. It’s a tribute to the creative process how different the submissions are not to mention how very entertaining it all is. What’s cool is the supportive community that is growing out of the challenge, people connecting and giving encouragement, mentioning resources, those kinds of things too. I don’t know if my writing has improved but I’m writing more frequently. It definitely brightens my day when I can participate. My days of late have been pretty crazy so it’s been more of a challenge to keep up. It would be nice to be able to read the serial stories in order. If you can figure out how to set that up it would be great. If not, then I guess we’re on our own to put that together for others to enjoy. At any rate you are the glue that holds us all together! The only thing I don’t like is that there are so many better submissions than mine but it also inspires me to try harder. So thank you for all you are doing to keep this all going.
Loran, thanks for your input. You can write girl! Kick doubt to the curb and let the feelings of friendly competition fill your creative self.
Thanks again Shane for the encouragement. I have always been able to write academically or write minutes for meetings and that kind of thing, it’s the Creative writing that’s the Challenge so I must be in the right place!
Turn the editor inside off and let the muse play.
Okey dokey!
What the CCC means to me.
Let’s see:
I have not worked out in 5 months due to health issues.
I’m worried about my son all the time.
I wonder how I”m going to make my mortgage every month.
My salary was cut 10%.
My wife and I have not taken a vacation in over a year.
I have not bought new shoes in over 3 years.
The CCC is the light in the bleepin’ dread for me.
You guys are like a second family to me.
I’m so grateful to have the CCC as part of my life now.
This is indeed the AwesomeSauce.
It’s good to know that the CCC is a suport to you, not a burden. Hang in there!
It will be a challenge, but I will.
Shane,
Agreed. It’s drama, suspense, horror, giggles, sighs, heat, and shock—and as (mainly) fiction, it’s all somebody else’s problem. That can be fabulous on dark days.
I hope you have fewer dark days, and just as much entertainment, right around the corner.
Thanks Kelly.
Shane, wow, thanks for sharing with us how you came to being with us. Personally, I pray all will work out. I try to remember — when one door is closed another is opened — as I just lost my job, last Friday, I sit and know I too worry about how to make the mortague. But I keep pluggin’ away at these talents I have and hope to make some more money with it. Maybe this is the door that has been opened for you too. Plus, you get to spend more time with your son, how much better can it get.
@Kathleen: Thanks. I appreciate that.
Is your wife involved with ccc? or your son? do you all have family ccc nights?
@Devin: The CCC is all daddy’s! I have this and about 4 square feet of space somewhere in the garage that I call mine.
Hilarious. Cool. At least you have that.
I don’t know that I can say anything more profound or better than what has already been said…. But you know me…. Here goes anyway…
Shane, thank you!
This site has become a ray of light in what had become a dark and dreary place for me. Like you, I am really struggling right now. Shoot, the death of the real estate market took me from being in the top 50 agents in the state for CBRB to working graveyards at a c-store/gas station for less than I’ve made since I was just out of my teens. Although I have plenty of other projects I could be and probably should be working on, and although I am frequently a day or three late with my submissions, and although I sometimes don’t give it the attention I would like to; yet, I am here, I have now submitted to every one of the challenges, going back to all of the challenges from before my first, and I am happier today than I was 2 months ago or so when I found this sight (through a recommendation on Twitter).
What do you like? More than anything the positive reinforcement of writing and continuing to write. The comments from so many other writers who, well, it’s a drug to my system….
What do you hate? That I don’t have more time to read more of the other entries as soon as they are written.
Has it helped you write better? I’m not sure. I will let you guys be the judge of that over time.
Has it brightened your day? No ___, Sherlock!!!
What would you like to see us do? As Kelly said, add a way to let people read the submissions from a particular writer in order without searching them out through each challenge. Don’t get me wrong, I love finding the new writers, and seeing what they have to say. But I would really like to be able to read/re-read Kenn’s, or Kelly’s, or Becca’s, or yours, or, well, whoever’s, submissions at one time. <Hmm, I really enjoyed this submission. What else has this writer submitted? Let’s go see…>
What could we do better? Nothing else that I can see.
Thanks for letting me be a part of the family!!!
That was awesome Cleve. I’m glad our paths crossed my friend.
As for the ability to see all the series. I’m still thinking about the best course of action. I still have to talk it over with Dave and Sean.
One idea I thought of would be this:
On the CCC community links page, we have everyone’s name with links to their websites if they have one. Right next to those links we could put a link saying “author page” that would take people to that author’s page. These pages would not be linked on the main navigation as it would get too big, but they would be available through this page. We then set up individual pages for each user and user accounts which allow people to update just the page we set up for them, adding the new portions of their series as they go. I don’t know for sure right now if we can set up rights just to a single page for each person, but I’ll take to Dave about this.
Thanks Shane. I’m equally glad our paths crossed as well. The idea of a link to an authors page on the community page works for me, but I wouldn’t worry about single page rights. Simple is better I think. But however you do it, I’m sure it will work out fine!!! And I’m ok if you keep the green…
What do you like?
The challenge of getting here first – which I’m failing on lately, lol
Trying to slam it out and make it a race against time. Best time to date, 2 minutes.
Making it a story, just a glimpse of a character’s life
That I can use my drive-by shooter persona
What do you hate?
There are a lot of comments, so I’m racing for the Unsubscribe pretty fast (sorry, I know that’s awful…)
Has it helped you write better?
In certain ways – to see how quickly I can get something out without editing. Does that make my whole writing better per se? Who knows. It also works on my storytelling techniques.
Has it brightened your day?
Yep. Fun times, loose and relaxed, no pressure. Love it.
What would you like to see us do?
Change your design from mint green and black to something… not green and black?
Hold contests, prizes, maybe sponsored challenges – I’d like to toss out 10 words to people, for example.
What could we do better?
Go go dancers, open bar, disco music… oh, wait, I’m thinking of something else. Sorry. *shuffles off*
You made me laugh, James. I’ve thought of the sponsored challenges before. I’ll have to rattle that around in my brain so more.
*spits coffee*
You unsubscribe from comments? Dude! That’s so wrong! That’s so not getting the point!That’s so… missing all my genius.
Go-go dancers could work…. as long as they’re tall, dark, and slightly scruffy gents in boots on top of that open bar.
Mmmmm.
*forgets what she spit her coffee about and goes off to daydream*
That’s why I said dancers – genderless
And HELL yeah I unsubscribe! Y’all are prolific around here!
Yeah, but that’s the point… oh, nevermind. You get that, you stinker you. What a lot you miss!
Plus I like my head being patted. I’m arrogant that way (but I pat everyone else’s head when they do awesome stuff, too, to make up for it, hee hee).
I’ve been riding a personal landslide recently. Always in the back of my mind … dang, I bet I’m missing some great words.
I like the lists. How do you come up with those? I like the folks. I like the community. I like the challenge of writing as quickly as I can. I like looking forward to reading the work of others, but never find time. Have actually *gasp* considered getting up earlier to participate more. I like the diversion and distraction from my life.
I hate missing out on reading all the stuff that others write, even more than I hate missing out on a new list.
Don’t change a thing. I like the green.
Thanks Jessy. For the words I use a random word generator and music for my inspiration. I keep a spread sheet so that I don’t repeat words and I pick them as fast as I can so that no thought goes into whether or not the words will work together.
Weird how they always seem to go well together, even though it’s a random process.
I had this picture of you sitting at your computer, music blaring, composing theatrically, not unlike Mozart – ‘cept the computer part.
All the best.
Indeed. I feel like ever since this started, the words have come with a magical rhythm that I don’t even want to explain or fully understand. I crank out the words, check to see if I’ve used them yet, and move on. Choosing words such a fun process. Just think, whatever word I come up with affects how people begin their stories, especially if they do them in order. My word choice determines stories. I always wonder if I switches two words around how much of an affect it would have on submissions. It’s a trip thinking about it.
I almost wrote that it appears there is another “force” working with you to come up with the words.
It’s obvious that you enjoy the process.
I like that. I shall call myself Luke CCC-Skywalker!
As you should!
Could the CCC be any brighter? -As it is, I need my sunscreen and shades!
My writing is brighter, my teeth whiter, and my step lighter!
If anything, I might suggest variety. Not so many activities at once that people
begin to feel disconnected, but maybe an alternate challenge -? Just a thought.
Either way, I’ll be back.
Shane,
I was just talking with a friend, and I was reminded of an issue I do have with CCC. Funny that I didn’t think of it when you asked about improvements. Not sure it’s something you can fix, really, but here it is…
Happily, I work. When I do this I go away from the computer for hours. (Gasp!!)
Mondays and Thursdays, in the year ACCC (After Creative Copy Challenge), when I come back there are dozens of emails piled up, both new stories and comments on stories. The stories I can read through and enjoy no problem. The comments, however, are a huge mass of “Yeah!” and “Love this one!” and “You phrased that so well!”
I’m not complaining about the comments from anyone, not at all—it’s so great to hear even the tiniest smiles and clapping in the background here—but it is impossible, while in my email, to tell who any commenter is talking to, unless they’ve used the storyteller’s name in their comment (like I did at the top of this comment). After a while I end up clicking through, just to figure out who’s happy about what.
One answer would be to suggest that folks mention who they’re responding to in their comments but that’s not very scalable. Is there an option, a plugin, some way to have the threaded comment that shows up in our email say “in response to Mr. X”?
(Without resorting to icky, heavyhanded, comment-discourager Disqus.)
There! A little something for you to look into. Wouldn’t want you bored on a Friday.
Later,
Kelly
I think that is a great idea to have everyone address the person they are commenting on as follows:
@shane: message
@kelly: message
Let’s do it from now on folks!
Shane,
Old-fashioned rebel that I am, I probably will never think of the @, but I think it helps either way.
@Kelly, I could instruct our spam filter to filter out old-fashioned rebels.
Just kidding. The more you use it, the easier it is not to forget.
Just saw this as I was going back through the ones I missed –
What do you like?
My favorite thing is the community! Everyone is so supportive and it is really the best “feel good” place on the web!
What do you hate?
Really, I cannot come up with anything I hate–in the past I would have said I hate my own limitations with words but CCC makes you feel so good about yourself, that even that doesn’t apply!
Hate is not a word that is permitted at CCC – unless it’s in one of our stories.
Has it helped you write better?
Absolutely. I am a business writer & sometimes – like when I am writing a continuing education course on insurance – it gets challenging to stay creative. CCC also lets me explore a whole other side of my creativity.
Has it brightened your day?
Absolutely! I visit on Saturday morning and it kicks my whole weekend off in a very positive way.
With the danger of sounding repetitive (how un-creative)
What would you like to see us do?
Can’t come up with anything. I like what you started with the series – wait – I would love to write something about you guys & interview you for the story. You can use it to PR the site – we can get help from our saavy writers. What do you think? As Ben says on Cash Cab – you in?
What could we do better?
I like Kelly’s idea on Comments. Sorry I missed it for the latest–maybe include that with the instructions at the top for newbies & those who don’t get to every Challenge.
I know I am not alone in wanting to thank you guys for a really fun community!
What do you like? I like the mix of words and responses. The creativity here is amazing.
What do you hate? That it takes away time from my other obligations (or should that be a “like”?). I also dislike that I don’t have the time to read all of the responses and lately haven’t had time to contribute anything
Has it helped you write better? I’m not sure because I never really considered myself a “writer”
Has it brightened your day? Every time I get a chance to read something, I thoroughly enjoy it and often laugh out loud.
What would you like to see us do? Stop time so I could have more time for reading/contributing? (I still haven’t had a chance to read all these comments!)
What could we do better? I’m not sure how you could, but I like what you’ve done so far.
@Kool Aid: Thanks for those kind words. Don’t feel bad. I put all the submissions and comments from CCC#38 into a word file, ran a word count on it, and found out that it was 11,500 words long. That’s a lot of reading each time, so don’t worry about that too much. I understand. Good to see you back.
I wanted to add, that I think it would be very cool to have themed words, either 10 words of the same theme or each challenge include an “ancient” word, a “unique” word, a “foreign” word, a “scholarly” word… and so on… as to aide expansion of vocabulary and creativity…
@Devin, let me think on that some more. I think at the least I could include one from that list.
it could be a monthly special? or something like that, no intentions of imposing my own list on yours just throwin some ideas out there for you.
@Devin, any and all suggestions are welcome here. Keep them coming.
does wordpress or your theme support favicon’s ?
@Devin: you know, I’m sure it does. I’ll have to talk to David about that and possibly making one.
I really enjoy the CCC. It helps me to clear my thinking and gives me a chance to WRITE. My goal is to write something everyday. But now that I am working as a freelance writer, I cannot always write what I want. I have to write someone else’s thoughts.
Thanks for bringing all of together.
@Clarabela: You’re most welcome.
Lots of people are saying the same thing; about how they have to write for others and crave the opportunity to let their own words flow. I”m so glad we can provide that for people.
CCC has motivated me to start writing again. My real life career does not require that I do much writing, but I have that itch compelling me to write…mostly poetry but now I’m branching out into short story snippets and ideas, as well as some character sketches. I have to overcome the inner critic that says “you don’t have any original ideas” and “there are already too many great writers out there anyway, so why should you bother?” Hate that inner voice, but it is a part of me. Thanks to CCC I’ve been motivated to pick up the pen a little more often. Not to mention, CCC is just plain FUN!
@Karetha: That’s a great comment. I’m so glad the CCC does that for you. Write on.
@Karetha,
Never, never listen to that inner voice. Nothing good can come of his claims. Embrace your creativity! You CAN be original! Don’t ever squelch what’s inside of you.