Congratulations to all who entered (so many fabulous stories inside and outside the top ten,) to the others in the top ten, and especially the three on the podium--I loved those stories.
Thanks as always to those who entered, those who read, and those who commented. And to the organisers and judges. Such a fun competition.
Merry Christmas, not quite Christmas day, 45 minutes to go. Hot but not oppressive heat forecast so the day is looking good.
A certain two-year-old is excited, he's not quite sure why, but there was this Santa guy on a firetruck and Christmas lights.
Enjoy and be kind to each other. Thanks for the friendliness of you all. Hopefully i’ll get my competition story done 🎄🎁
Quote by kistinspencil
GREAT Heron? That strutting blue-butt trash? I'd rather feed myself to the coyotes.
I am a Black Crowned Night Heron, twilight's river-edge royalty! Fear me, fear the blood-lust red of my eyes!
And if you have any extra cornbread, that would be cool, too.-----------
A Happy to you, James, and everyone here. Even the drunk guy with the gravy mustache.
This will go down as one of my favourite Rump posts. Herons struggle to compete in our menagerie of parrots (though technically our chief parrot, the cockatoo, and his/her amigos, the Galah and Corella aren't true parrots, like the King and the Rosella,) but Kistin you've made me a Black Crowned Night Heron fangirl.
Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends. Black Friday has made it here, and that day is almost done, but fortunately the sales go into the weekend, so you can imagine what I am doing Saturday morning. Chrissy presents here we come, I have seen the most adorable Duplo construction set, Himself will be having it for Christmas, sale or no sale tomorrow.
A couple of weeks ago the biggest Lego store in the world opened in Sydney. We're so not going there, lol, that joy is ahead of us.
I'm 1500 words into a competition story, gone out on a total limb, lets just say Sara's Secret Santa on acid. The characters are in control (rare for me) and omg the grandmother! Helppppp ....
Congrats to all who entered, so many enjoyable stories in and beyond Jen’s 20. So cool to see El Henke top a great leaderboard. Well done to all who organized and judged.
As the cold creeps into the north, down under the jacaranda's falling flowers herald the start of summer and bring with them an obvious song choice. Happy Sunday.
Halloween down under is almost done, the witching hour for the competition's over 160 entries approaches.
Something a little spooky from Billie.
Quote by Seeker4
And I thought that was actually a nice touch. So many of us went automatically to the Halloween angle, but Fall is about more than just spooks, eh.
Some interesting stories in there. Going to be quite interested to see what comes out of this.
Lol, and, of course, in our half of the world, this time of year is about spring, rebirth, sunshine and light. Happy Halloween to you all.
For me 3,000-5,000 views is usual; even my best story, Oxford Street, hasn't cracked 7000. Only two stories of mine, my very first, Turkish Delight, and my twins story with Cat-gets-the-cream have passed 10,000, and are nearing, 12,000 views.
But in May 2021, within days of each other, I published two stories, both RR's, that now have over 9000 views and are my third and fourth most viewed stories.
Lets put them both over 10,000 views:
Ms Schrödinger's Pussy is a funny, cummy, kitten story; yes lesbian physics can be super-hot. I'd gone with another idea for the Time Travel competition but couldn't resist writing this sexy-punny tale.
Miss, my Miss on the other hand, I'd written thinking it would only get niche support: Afterall it's a D/s lesbian tale that is written in the second person and features pee play. But it's been so well received and I am enormously proud of the quality of this story.
Please read vote and comment on them both ... lets push these two stories to the top of my most read list.
Morning all, weekend is done and dusted in this part of the world. Welcome, Fanny, the rugby was certainly worth watching though I didn't see the first game which started at about 2am our time. SA and France, like NZ and Ireland yesterday, was a fabulous game. If you see Susie around, her drinks are on me and don't go mentioning the rugby.
The competition entries top 100, I am barely keeping up with reading, have done about 3/4 up to James entry and none after. A good showing as always from the Rump regulars. In case you haven't read and commented on mine here's the link:
and, to whet your appetite, here's what Sprite said about it:
i love this. love love love this. it's somehow got everything in it. humor, sex, poetry, magic... most of all it has you. haven't read a lot of the others, but i think that they will pale (mine included) next to this. oh, and the cover image rocks. not saying this because your a friend. even if i hated you, i'd have loved this. just wow. lol and no, i am NOT high (yet - that's later 
).
Mind you I can neither confirm nor deny whether Rachel was high.
It appears that the earliest published stories have started to drop off the competition page's entry list. Is that just me or a bug that could be fixed?
Such good news Kat.
Can't stay, should be working. Or reading, so many entries in the competition.
Lol, the competition is announced. Three days later Annie submits, and its touch and go whether she will be one of the first 50 entries. I shall get on with reading others, once mine is actually published. Hope you all are having a great weekend.
Quote by Seeker4
Who needs buckets of guts? I wrote a story about a guy who gets a phone call from one of his employees ... who is in HELL!! Yeah, I was in a cheery mood that Fall or something.😉
Some stories just stick in the mind. This was one of them, just perfectly constructed.
Quote by Jen
This week. We'll do a fairly lighthearted one for Halloween time, then that should take us nicely into the festive season
Once again it's into the breech, dear friends, writing a southern hemisphere Beltane story while most others are scribing a northern hemisphere Samhain story. With humour (or is that humor?) too.
Mostly my titles are born in a last minute panic before hitting the submit button.
Occasionally they occur during writing, and very occasionally I start with the title: Butch Cassidy and the Vegemite Kid told the story of an Australian and USA lesbian couple … that title meant the US one had to be the butch one, but didn't otherwise affect the story line.
Zucchini and the Art of Environmental Maintenance, on the other hand, which I thought of as soon as I read the brief for the nature competition, caused me dramas when I had to significantly edit the draft story down to the word limit. The easy option would have been to delete the zucchini dildo scene. But to keep the title I ended up doing a more complex edit.
Quote by Ironic
It’s misleading to think of historical CO2 emissions by country. The atmospheric CO2 is usually associated with the Industrial Revolution, and it’s often said to start in the late 1700s. Europe had different countries then than it does now. For example, Italy didn’t exist then. Neither did Greece or any of the Balkan countries.
So, instead of comparing country to country, it's more useful to compare Europe’s emissions to the US’s. That would be more of an apples-to-apples comparison. Using Statista, I summed up the historical emissions of European countries: 412.5 billion tons CO2 and the US’s historical emissions: 421.9 billion tons CO2.
25 percent of world’s emissions, 4 percent of world population. Ffs, own it; the west has screwed up... And the US is the leading actor
Ahhh, Christmas,... those lazy hazy crazy days of summer; can't wait.
Quote by KimmiBeGood
Just curious about this. No judgment from me, so please answer honestly.
If you read a story by an author, do you expect them to return the favor?
If an author reads your story, do you feel obligated to read one of their stories?
Do you think authors should read the other entries in competitions?
Do you feel you can leave a critical comment on a comp entry?
Do you think differently about an author who doesn’t return reads?
For me, the distinguishing feature of Lush relative to other story sites is that feeling of a community of writers. So, for me, I do try to read those who have commented on mine and I kind of hope the favour will be returned. But I understand how difficult that can often be for me and others, so I dont have the expectation of a reading quid pro quo.
Competitions are different, I will always read and comment (before reading anything else) on other entrants who read and comment on mine. Then I will attempt to read every story, sometimes I succeed - Noir and Free Spirit - other times I don't quite make it - Punk was about 75 percent. The competitions bring more attention to our writing so for that reason I am determined to make them a priority.
I'd be happy to receive critical comments on my stories, in fact that would be really helpful to me improving as a writer. I do tend to closely read comments on my stories with an eye to improving. But I would be loathe to make 'suggestions for improvement' in competitions for others, as who is to say my views would coincide with those of the judges.
Congrats to all, those in the top ten, and especially those on the podium. Neat competition, 2000 words is a tough Mistress but she inspired so many, I so enjoyed reading all the stories. Thanks to all who wrote, read, commented, organised and judged.
Evening all, hope your Saturday is going well. The warm spring temps have deserted us, it's a bit cool these last two days. Himself was two this week, OMG, seriously, how time flies.
Football; well two codes in Australia, Rugby League and Australian Rules, have started the post season. And the Rugby World Cup opened in France this morning with France beating New Zealand in a fabulous game. Lol, you don't really care do you?
I've read all the competition stories, the first time in a long while. Excited to see how the judges perceive the entries. Lots of good stuff from Rump's regulars. Hugs to all those who need support. Take care and enjoy life.
Gruff, but cute Yorkshire guy who can write like a dream? Adds tits, OMG Heaven. Seriously though, whatever your comment numbers, you can surely write; like that Tina Turner song, Better than all the Rest.
It is, so I am told, a fundamental rule of economics that higher prices decrease demand and lower prices increase demand.
At the current price point, namely zero, for my stories, I am not exactly run off my feet replying to comments on my stories nor admiring the ginormous number of likes they have netted, nor counting my stash of coins.
Quote by CallmeJayne
This will provide the author with ... some insight into the commercial value of their work.
And that is perhaps, Jayne, not something I really want confirmed. I'll settle for the occasional RR and EP. And more reads of course, here's my competition story; you have thank you, Jayne, others could, after all it costs you nothing
Quote by techgoddess
It’s birthday party day! And it’s a Bluey Birthday (if y’all don’t have kids or grandkids, Bluey is an adorable Blue dog from a children’s program). But the BEST part of today is seeing all 3 of my kids and my 3 grandkids.
Have a great day all y’all!
Seriously, that Australian Blue Heeler has reached America! Lol, welcome to my (future) world. Himself has seen Bluey of course, but isn't old enough to be as merchandise obsessed as his cousins. Enjoy the party. 
Quote by sprite
why are straight people so hung up on hating LGBTQ+?
You asked, Rachel, why? And I don't have an easy answer as I can't get into that mindset. But whatever the reason, I ask myself, where is the tide going. And I like to think in our favour.
Remember my story On Oxford Street, This Gay Girl Found Pride While Playing With Balls | Lush Stories ... I believe in the ending:
"For I have accepted I have a sacred duty; to accept and carry the torch from those who have gone before, like the original 78ers, and to light the way for the next generation so their journey in love is smoother than mine.
We shall overcome."
Those in '78 in Sydney and those at Stonewall had it tough, tougher than us. On their shoulders we stand, on our shoulders, future generations will stand; and we shall surely overcome. Whatever the current state of play, the arc of history since the 1970's tells us today isn't the same.
Panglossian or overly pessimistic, what is the future? I think you are too harsh on Danielle, that she has found an accepting community is a good thing. And in France on vacation, the ambiance was as AmuseBouche reported it; supportive. I am sure, as you did with the stats on the UK, one can show that the battle isn't won, but the key for me is the direction.
This last month in Australia has been remarkable. Let me quote a lesbian writer:
"As a queer sports fan, the past few weeks have been incredible. I mean “queer sports fan” in both senses, by the way. I am queer, and I am a sports fan. I am also a fan of queer sports. Never in my 40 years of lesbian living on this Earth have I ever witnessed a more “queer sports” event than the Women’s World Cup (and I’ve played back yard cricket surrounded by butch lesbians in jorts).
According to Outsports, at least 13% of athletes who attended the WC were out, along with three head coaches. The Matildas were dubbed one of the queerest teams of the tournament, with nine first team and three reserve openly queer players. A single tear is rolling down my face as I salute a portrait of Sam Kerr.
As someone who has voluntarily watched a lot of men’s sport as well, the vibe of the World Cup was unmatched. This was for various reasons, but part of it was the effect of having an environment so completely accepting of queerness. For one, I never once felt in danger of hearing a gay slur be shouted in a crowd. It was a lovely reality to live in for a while, one where we allow athletes to be themselves and everyone is normal about it."
That's not a win, we are still playing for equality, but maybe a sign that the support of the Matildas in the straight community means the game down under is going our way.
There is nothing like having a baby to focus one's mind. It's informative to see how my mother's group has moved away from a (non-religious) mum who is so negative about the gay community that she is going to home school. I don't want my son exposed to that, he has three generations of out (well early on, not quite as out as we would like) and proud, and I want him celebrating the legacy of the gay and lesbian part of the family he's born into.
Country by country, surveys say: "At the same time, the U.S. still maintains one of the lowest rates of acceptance among the Western European and North and South American countries surveyed." I worry about the trends in the US, but I'm loath to offer an answer about a culture I have visited but never lived in. I hope my story: Never Mind the Bollocks: What’s Love Got To Do With It | Lush Stories never comes to pass.
Hugs and lots of love, my friend.
You are a wonderful advocate for what is right. Don't let the bastards get you down. ❤️
Quote by KimmiBeGood
Hiya sexy beasts
I just popped in to show my ass.
Caught you
Quote by Seeker4
And there's Canada where the ever-wishwashy, let's adopt whatever policy we think will win Liberals are in charge. They kind of lean center-left unless they are leaning center-right (as they did under Jean Chretien, who was socially liberal but fiscally conservative). And the center-left lean right now is mostly due to the fact that they are a minority government relying on the support of the very left-wing New Democratic Party. Who knows what happens if they either get a majority in the next election or change leader in the next few years?
Liberal is another of those words on which English speakers seem to differ.
I see socially liberal but fiscally conservative as traditional liberal (and indeed remember that in Australia the main RIGHT party is called the Liberal Party.) Our Liberals have two groups the traditional socially liberal/fiscally conservative and the more recent socially conservative/fiscally conservative.
Counting left/right wins can be misleading too. Many US Democrats would be seen as right wing in other democracies. And the Republicans have become much less fiscally conservative than other right parties around the world.
Though what I do think is true is that governments like that in Italy are more socially conservative than their predecessors.
Quote by Dani
This thread is about addressing the problem of systemic racism/marginalization in the US (and the world where relevant).
Well part of me is loath to go where angels fear to tread ... foreigners and all that.
But the idea of marginalization (systemic racism seems to raise hackles so I shall avoid that term) or inter-generational cycles of disadvantage is well accepted and not intellectually controversial.
Public policy by its very nature means making service provision choices - choices in social policy, economic policy, defence procurement etc. My specialty is health, in Australia nearly all health is funded through taxation and provided free. Yet, through triage and policies around elective and non-elective surgery. treatment is (I think reasonably appropriately) allocated.
Now we know for sure that those cycles of disadvantage result in poorer health outcomes in specific communities (rural aboriginal for instance, but also other urban communities.) To make a difference to those communities and raise their life outcomes towards those of other Australians there has to be specific actions taken that reflect cultural language and location factors. It would be unconscionable to use a one size fits all approach when outcomes currently are not one size fits all.
While health policy matters, education policy is also key. Call it what you like (affirmative action, common sense) but the focus should be on enabling those caught in cycles of disadvantage to break out of that disadvantage. Reading recovery programmes for instance should be targeted at those communities (and if you want to call that discrimination, then its unambiguously a form of 'good' discrimination.) Specific pathways to post school training should be illuminated by public policy (and the private voluntary sector too) for these groups. For it is axiomatic that we all benefit from improving these groups life outcomes.
This isn't an area where there is an international consensus on the nature of the 'perfect policies.' I think all of us should be alive to ideas the world over.
Quote by AmuseBouche
Avocado... it is a vile substance. Tastes of soap.
Wow, lol, alright mon ami., what about tripes à la mode de Caen ... done it, totally not convinced.
Kistin ... cover your eyes for this sentence: stories are like cocks, its not the size its what you do with it.
I think of writing a bit like cricket (just lost half my audience) T-20, 50 overs and test cricket are different games requiring different approaches though the basic mechanics are the same.
When I came to Lush I'd never written anything under 10,000 words, I thought that was a short story. I learn't (well shamelessly imitated Wannabewordsmith) to write flash and got into micro when it became a category. I like them but they are specialist skills and I so admire those like Kistin and WW who can nail the shorter forms. But in terms of relaxing with a good book, I also like length as it gives the reader time to savour the development of plot and character.
That said around 3,500 words is a sweet spot on Lush, readers stay and its enough words to develop what I want to develop. Competitions are interesting and enjoyable as length becomes part of the challenge. I'm amazed how much harder the Free Spirit competition at 2000 words was compared to the Masturbation one at 2,500 words. But I loved doing both,for their unique challenges (and the even more radical Blue one a few competitions ago which was 500 words.)
My reading of late reflects my current status ... I will dip into stories not sure I can stay for long and in that case short is best. I'm also trying hard to support the competitions by reading them as a priority - and can I say I will read all the stories in this one which I haven't done in ages as the story length is shorter.
Quote by Seeker4
For the rare individuals who might perchance be interested, my comp entry is now live (thanks to krystalg).
I read and loved the story my friend. I'm out doing myself, having read all but six stories; so good to see the different interpretations of Free Spirit and indeed how successful authors are with that minuscule word count. Fun competition and there's still three weeks to go.
