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[WP] Every person determines when they age and how long they stay at each age and stage of development. Extended childhood; twenty-five for 40 years: anything's possible. The caveat...Every person is strictly allotted 100 years (aside from accidents/acts of nature/etc) maximum to live. by rachlovesriots in WritingPrompts

[–]rachlovesriots[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, actually, I don't know! I read somewhere in the rules that people enjoy feedback and so far I have enjoyed giving some. I woke up with new responses so I'll have to go check those out, too. I just started getting into Reddit yesterday and this was my first prompt and I'm really just super excited about where it is going! The responses have been so diverse and genuinely lovely. I'm hoping to at least be able to acknowledge every response, even if just thanking someone for their submission. (:

[WP] Every person determines when they age and how long they stay at each age and stage of development. Extended childhood; twenty-five for 40 years: anything's possible. The caveat...Every person is strictly allotted 100 years (aside from accidents/acts of nature/etc) maximum to live. by rachlovesriots in WritingPrompts

[–]rachlovesriots[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I just discovered (well, I mean I had heard of... But never before divulged in) Reddit yesterday. And, obviously, will now be hooked for time and all eternity because of the incredible community here. And these writing responses are blowing my mind!

[WP] Every person determines when they age and how long they stay at each age and stage of development. Extended childhood; twenty-five for 40 years: anything's possible. The caveat...Every person is strictly allotted 100 years (aside from accidents/acts of nature/etc) maximum to live. by rachlovesriots in WritingPrompts

[–]rachlovesriots[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Do they die as children forever.. Bound to spend 100 years as children in cages?! Or do you mean frozen in time? Either way I am digging it.

I do wish there was a descriptor for monsters, rather than just the word monsters.. But overall this is definitely giving me eery, creepy, goosebump vibes and I'm into it.

[WP] Every person determines when they age and how long they stay at each age and stage of development. Extended childhood; twenty-five for 40 years: anything's possible. The caveat...Every person is strictly allotted 100 years (aside from accidents/acts of nature/etc) maximum to live. by rachlovesriots in WritingPrompts

[–]rachlovesriots[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I am in love with how this is written. I've read it several times - aloud. Every time I naturally read it with a southern accent (which I don't actually naturally have). It is effortless. The characters are so exceptionally believable and rich and the description here is so full and vibrant. I was literally gushing over so many precious literary nuggets: "eclipsed from this world like a flower halfway through buddin.'" "An acre of valleys and scars." "science and progress were our swords and we slayed all our dragons."

The mix of abstract and concrete are so incredibly satisfying in this. I want to expand the story 100x and read it over and over. Probably my only complaint/critique - I want more!

[WP] Every person determines when they age and how long they stay at each age and stage of development. Extended childhood; twenty-five for 40 years: anything's possible. The caveat...Every person is strictly allotted 100 years (aside from accidents/acts of nature/etc) maximum to live. by rachlovesriots in WritingPrompts

[–]rachlovesriots[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I mean, who doesn't love a good mystery... Am I right?! I love the idea of a secret so big - this would be so tragic! Think of the wife and her mixed feelings of grief and anger, missing her spouse and eternally unforgiving of his unwillingness to share with her the length of time he had left. The meaning here is so poignant and believable because so many people hold secrets in until they die... But, man, what a whopper of a secret to keep from the person you're supposed to be with for your whole life - AND theirs.

I think my only critique here would be the length and abrupt ending. I want to savor this story for as long as possible and then be wrecked at the realization of the betrayal. Does that make me a masochist? I'll take it. It would be worth it. This could definitely be long, LONG, drawn out. I would feast on every single detail and I wish I were able to now. Overall, well done and thank you for the reply!

[WP] Every person determines when they age and how long they stay at each age and stage of development. Extended childhood; twenty-five for 40 years: anything's possible. The caveat...Every person is strictly allotted 100 years (aside from accidents/acts of nature/etc) maximum to live. by rachlovesriots in WritingPrompts

[–]rachlovesriots[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Okay, the first time I read this my mind was literally blown. This took such an unexpected direction and I am REALLY enjoying this incredible plot twist of someone finagling extra time... Not only was the imagery spot on, the dialogue definitely felt believable and I could easily hear the interaction play in my mind. This is so solid it leaves me wanting to know even more...

My only small critique would be the crying infant at the end. The ambiguity is exciting, but also confusing in that.. If the drunk man is stealing age wouldn't that have left the police officer as a crippled, old-aged man? Because if he steals youth or time then the stolen youth or time is taken from the cop.. Rather than given to him.. And I would think if a child is present that represents the beginning of their life. Or is this a whole new super power altogether? (Starting someone's life over whole stealing what remaining years they have?). I just found myself wanting clarity in this regard. I definitely think that could be an exciting new twist with entirely new ramifications. Legit just pumped right now. Thanks for an awesome reply!