Summer Camp Reading 2024

Things have been hectic but I am finally getting around to it.  
 

My Own Full Camp Journey


Final Badge Achieved: DIAMOND!

Total Prompts Completed: 42/42

Full Pledge and Progress Report
I didn't think I was going to be able to do it but, somehow, I did. Especially since two bonus prompts actually did drop just as we knew something scary was going to happen at the last minute. But, on the last day, hours before the Big Red Button was pressed, feeling kinda bad and down and calling in hours late for work, I still managed to do it.
 
rundown of articles (and my thoughts on them)

Change

Change 8/8


 
For this category, I was debating between Loam and maybe reviving this Earth stub. I decided reviving the stub was the best thing to do because Loam ended up fitting a different prompt. Even though I sometimes feel strange when I write worldbuilding articles about more known and mundane things from our real world, I have learned over the years that adding my own eerie comedy and mysterious twist will leave readers in suspense.
I was wondering what exactly to write about here. When it comes to natural laws, I see it in the same way as I see writing other mundane things that happen in our real world. But the important thing to remember is to incorporate stories and how it is relevant to my world specifically that will make it unique and interesting.
AN ENVIRONMENTAL OR OTHER LARGE-SCALE NATURAL DISASTER
Volcanic Islands
Physical / Metaphysical Law | Jul 27, 2024

New Land Formations

I usually judge Characters, so when I received a Title this year and Dimitris himself was sponsoring a Character, I was surprised. Once stipulations were issued, I decided not to work heavily on this article at all until I reached Diamond. Though I honestly would be flabbergasted if I did somehow manage to win, it was the mindset that drove me. Lin is a character I've been wanting to add into the world for a while, and I was happy I chose to wait as I figured something like this would happen. I scrambled for a model for the images, though, but was elated to have found a wonderful one at the last minute! In addition, I am admittedly pleased with the CSS and formatting work I did.
A CHARACTER WHO GOES THROUGH A GREAT CHANGE OR METAMORPHOSIS
Lin Vu
Character | Aug 3, 2024
For this prompt, I didn't know what to do at first until I realized that I could make a condition about anything, even something as vague as "being sick". There are lots of excuses for absence and disappearance in the mysterious world of W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P., so why not actually write about something that seems so generic but could be eerily specific?
Instead of focusing on a single document, I remembered that it didn't have to be one specific instance. Because of this, I chose to define a type of medium that is popularly spread throughout the setting. It was supposed to be something that "changed the course of history" so to speak, and it inadvertently did. Not only have these invitations altered the lives of the children picked to become agents, they have altered the world through the significant things each of those agents grew to do within the company that affected the organization and the universe as a whole.
For the ethnicity prompts, I always stop back into my medieval world of Wynsumheord. I feel like there is always some kind of prompt about displaced people or ruined settlements being rebuilt, so I decided to focus on a land that was alright for the time being but was actually made up of refugees. Nearly everyone in Wynsumheord was originally from one of the four surrounding kingdoms. So I might as well take this opportunity to write about a people who are currently thriving.
A DISPLACED PEOPLE IN YOUR WORLD
Hangrans
Ethnicity | Jul 2, 2024
Once again, instead of focusing on a single event, I chose to generalize these Chollas as something that happens regularly and is widely recognized. Of course, it would go hand in hand with Loam, my submission for the expanding environment prompt that would be introduced later.
A CONFLICT THAT INVOLVED A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT
Cholla
Military Conflict | Jul 26, 2024
I wasn't sure how 'societal upheaval' I wanted to go, but I wanted it to be something that was able to be subtle and still get reaction from the public. My more public-facing section of this project came to mind. Jenny Ford and SPO has wayy more experience with society and what everyone thinks and is led to believe...
A VEHICLE THAT, WHEN INTRODUCED, CAUSED SOCIAL UPHEAVAL
TimeBikes
Vehicle | Jul 9, 2024

Wildcard 2/2


 
Staying in the vein of SPO, I aimed to go for a more comical and public-facing myth that was fun and simple to explain without having to go into too much detail.
 
This could be interpreted in so many ways, but I figured The Greenhouse would work best, especially when I looked upon what other building prompts would be. This is one of the articles I thought to switch around maybe to the sheltered category, but I ultimately decided against it.
A BUILDING ASSOCIATED WITH JOY AND FUN
The Greenhouse
Building / Landmark | Jul 6, 2024
 

Refuge

Refuge 8/8

Since I had already written about The Greenhouse itself, I wasn't sure what to do here. I always get tripped up on settlements and wonder how I should incorporate them into my work. Sometimes, the article templates can feel like a bit too much, but I managed to push those thoughts aside and focus on it like a college district-type setup to simplify things.
A SETTLEMENT CONSIDERED A REFUGE
Trelis District
Settlement | Jul 31, 2024
I wanted to go for something I thought I already described but what I was thinking about was COMMS. W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P. has been known to create their own full network. This was it. COMMS is just a branch of that technology.
A TECHNOLOGY USED FOR DEFENSE OR PROTECTION
Mycorrhiza
Technology / Science | Jul 15, 2024
I started to make this Planet Earth but then I thought that I should make it something else instead, because Earth can literally fit every prompt that was being thrown out for geographic location. I guess my mind was thinking a lot about the Junior Sprouts for this camp.
I've really been focusing on Stewart lately and the solace he finds in the little things. On the outside, he's bright, bubbly, and comical. But, on the inside, he has a whole lot going on. His mind is always racing. He needs a place to calm down and ponder...or just let the thoughts fade into the ether. I really enjoyed writing about his room and drawing the picture for its cover. So happy that an individual apartment was able to be counted as a building!
A BUILDING CONSIDERED A REFUGE AGAINST THE WORLD
Stewart's Room
Building / Landmark | Jul 15, 2024
I can never resist puns, and with a character named Someone Elsewood in my world, whenever a prompt comes up that mentions the word "SOMEONE", it just has to be in relation to him. XD It's a personal challenge for myself. Though there wasn't a specific group tasked with keeping Someone safe, Bruce was assigned to, so I figured it was time to get Mr. Machete into the spotlight a bit. Despite how Someone feels about him, I admittedly think he's pretty cool.
When I saw this category, I naturally thought about making it about a weapon or something like that, but that was too traditional. The Keycard is something that, for most people, doesn't come to mind very often. Still, they are super important. They grant access to restricted areas and make sure that unauthorized persons are forbidden entry into top-secret locations. This keeps agents safe from opposition AND keeps those curious kiddos safe from wandering into places that could cause them harm. Without keycards, the company would combust in chaos.
A PERSONAL ITEM THAT KEEPS YOU SAFE
Keycard
Item | Jul 27, 2024

Don't lose it!

This was more untraditional, but I thought that it would be good to cover the naming of agents. Then, I realized that I should go into the complete process of becoming your own person at the organization. I didn't know what it was called at first, but I managed a somewhat decent title for the experience. I know I'm weird because I usually have whole stories and stuff but don't know what people, places, and things are called yet sometimes. At least now I know. XP
I really didn't know what to cover here. I wanted to make an article about Androids, but I even debated on whether they could be considered a species or not. I decided that, according to the official definition of the word, they could count.

Wildcard 2/2


 
Once again, I traveled back to Wynsumheord for this prompt. The wording of this prompt instantly put me in the mind of the Gardinbeaufians. Since I had already written about them, I figured I'd have to focus on something else. But then, I realized with this calling for a subculture, I could still cover them.
A SUB-CULTURE CONSIDERED LARGER-THAN-LIFE BY SOME
Gardinhynden
Ethnicity | Jul 9, 2024
 
At first, I was going to make this about The Opposing School and put a twist on the fact that good is subjective, but then I realized it was better to focus on SPO--something I thought I had already written about but discovered it was only a stub. This is what I get for having too much stuff in my head and not enough on the (virtual) paper!
A CHARITY OR OTHER ORGANIZATION FOCUSED AROUND DOING GOOD
SPO
Organization | Jul 15, 2024

Belief

Belief 8/8

I was going to put this on the Doing Good category once I figured out, but then I thought about it and decided since it was literally called The Fact Faction, I simply had to put it here.
The myth ones are always a bit of a struggle for me, mainly because there are a lot of things that are widely believed but are not fully surmountable as a concept without being too messy. The worst part of it is trying to name it but I realized that I could just make it called something vague. Since these 'legends' aren't set in stone in any books or anything like that, the general word or phrase used for them is fine.
A MYTH, URBAN LEGEND OR CONSPIRACY THEORY BELIEVED BY MANY TO BE TRUE
We Are All Lab Rats
Myth | Jul 31, 2024
Back to the world of Wynsumheord. I thought I had written about this character already but I actually wrote about his group. Simply telling his origin story was enough to get up to wordcount but, every time I visit Wynsumheord, I feel like I've been neglecting it. The layout and most of the articles are nowhere near polished. Maybe someday somehow I'll get the time to refresh it all.
AN EVIL SPIRIT OR DIVINE ANTAGONIST
Ithlamech
Character | Jul 15, 2024
I was uncertain if this was going to be a page out of Lin's journal or something else, but once the language category was introduced, I knew I could make it a digital file instead of something physical. I wasn't fully able to go into the accusations, but I mentioned it in passing so that the article could fit the prompt.
I really didn't know what to do here, but I decided to focus on an object that is not necessarily a single object but a mass-produced item. This award is a symbol helps WILLOWISP agents to believe in themselves and others. A bit of a stretch but, ultimately, I think this technically fits the bill.
I didn't know what to do here either but I realized it could be a computer language. It is associated with not a religion but a belief that some agents will be devious and attempt to defy WILLOWISP's guidelines.
SLANG OR A LANGUAGE ASSOCIATED WITH A RELIGION OR BELIEF
Lianas
Language | Aug 3, 2024
This is the category I am judging. I decided to stay on the Bruce train and write more about his teams and his position.
A LEADER OR HIGH-RANKING PERSON IN AN ORGANIZATION
Spike
Rank/Title | Jul 15, 2024
This was something that I wasn't completely sure of, but I decided also to make it looser and focus on a general idea rather than a specific ceremony.
THE PRACTICES AND CEREMONIES OF WORSHIP
Chapel
Tradition / Ritual | Jul 14, 2024

Wildcard 2/2


 
There were many places I could use for this one, but I decided to stay on the Bruce path here, showcasing the place where Cacti typically meet before the big Cholla.
A SETTLEMENT THAT'S KNOWN AS A PARTY TOWN OR PLEASURE CITY
Oasis
Settlement | Jul 27, 2024
 
I wanted to go with plants on this one instead of animals, as animals are usually the focus of such things. I was thinking about how it could be something simpler yet still very intriguing and effective. The plants are something that people have expressed interest in seeing, so I would love to add art to the article after the judging period (if I have time and remember to do so)!
A HYBRID SPECIES INTENTIONALLY BRED
Diffuser Flowers
Species | Aug 1, 2024

Decay

Decay 8/8

I was once again thinking of vague ideas for these myths...there were quite a lot of myths this round! It is challenging to think of a name for these concepts, but I ended up pulling something off.
A MYTH OR PROPHECY ABOUT THE END OF THE WORLD
You Fail, You Die
Myth | Aug 1, 2024
I wanted to go more non-traditional with the material. Since there is an "electronic" subcategory under this template, I figured it could fit. Later, I realized there was also a technology template that kinda covered the same thing, so I decided to focus on the parent process.
A MATERIAL THAT IS RESISTANT TO DECAY
Pothos
Material | Aug 3, 2024
I wanted to make this dirty in the literal sense of the word, so I looked to Janitors. I like to explore the positions in WILLOWISP that are not directly agents. Many people don't think about the regular normies and randos who keep these places running efficiently but I do. It's quite a fun thing to explore. Just the kind of thing that drags me down rabbit holes about 'extra' characters I know too much about lol.
This was something more minor in the organization department. At this point, I was flailing. There were too many organization prompts and I figured I shouldn't overthink this one. The Petrichor Four was a small group created by Stewart and his friends as they neared the end of their Junior Sprout program. It was something simple but also tied in with Lin who was a center character in this summer camp journey of mine.
AN ORGANIZATION FIGHTING CORRUPTION
Petrichor Four
Organization | Aug 3, 2024
Again, I faced the conundrum of summarizing a vague concept rather than something more official and specified. The notion to 'test the waters naturually and inevitably seems to nag at the mind of almost every new WILLOWISP inductee. And such can be considered moral decay due to the fact that the organization believes that anyone who goes against it is corrupt.
A TRADITION THAT REPRESENTS MORAL DECAY
Testing the Waters
Tradition / Ritual | Aug 3, 2024
At this point, I was flailing again and went back to Dionaea Muscipula and the likes of GMG Scorpions.
AN ANIMAL OR PLANT THAT FEEDS ON DECAY
GMG Vulture Bees
Species | Aug 3, 2024
I knew that Erasure had already been covered for humans, but I didn't completely cover Android memory loss which has been previously hinted at even within the Human article itself. I figured that this would be a unique take on the prompt, using a disease or condition template to describe something that happens to an electronic mechanical being.
A DEGENERATIVE DISEASE
RootRot
Condition | Aug 3, 2024
Again, we have the near duplicate article because I thought I was being clever making an 'electronic' material that prevents decay, only to remember that there was an actual technology template of the same nature coming up. No matter. I decided to focus on the parent technology.
A PIECE OF TECH THAT PREVENTS DECAY
PothosX
Technology / Science | Aug 3, 2024

Wildcard 2/2


 
Quade is a lovely character I adore from the wonderful medieval world of Wynsumheord. I thought I had already written his article but I figured out that I hadn't. I recently found some wonderful short stories I'd penned about him years ago and I wanted to add much more to the article but time was on a crunch! Good thing I already had his HeroForge render lol.
A STORYTELLER, AUTHOR OR BARD IN YOUR WORLD
Quade
Character | Aug 3, 2024
 
I was thinking about Earth for this one, but I figured to make Earth the first one because it was being judged by Strixxline and hopefully it would be a nice short one for them to skim through lol. That category probably got the most entries out of all of them, I'm guessing. Sending prayers, love. and hugs to Polina! lol
A GEOGRAPHICAL REGION THAT IS EXPANDING
Loam
Geographic Location | Jul 27, 2024

Bonus

Bonus Wilds 2/2


 
Being in a modern-day world, I could have written about literally anything, but I chose these granola bars because I thought it would be an amusing little fun article that is easy to read (and write)!
I was glad that I could stretch this prompt a bit. I kinda wrote about Someone's Apartment before, but not his specific room. This one was not an entire building that was meant to be temporary in the traditional sense of being broken down after use or something, but it was not intended for Someone to stay there indefinitely.
A BUILDING THAT WAS MEANT TO BE TEMPORARY
Someone's Apartment
Building / Landmark | Aug 1, 2024

 

   

Judging Your Articles!

This camp, I was tasked to judge the Rank article type category themed A Leader or High-Ranking Person in an Organization. At the end of it all, I received 222 entries! Two is my favorite number, also. :)
  The first year I judged a category, I messaged each and every person by commenting on their articles and asking them if they wanted me to read them on stream. Unfortunately, though I love WorldAnvil, the notification system here isn't the best. Still, I got so many responses in time to stream (and even more replies as late as this year lol).
  The task was overwhelming and I had a hectic time trying to organize everyone and stuff, so last year, I instead said that people must fill out a form to be featured on stream AND have a chance to win. This was met with criticism as many were disappointed that they could be skipped if they didn't submit a response. As result of this, I felt guilty and ended up picking some people who didn't submit to the form as honorable mentions, and I still made myself read through and comment on all the articles.
  This year, I have decided to read them initially off-stream, but leave a message that they can be featured after the fact in a future stream if they care to. This is the best of both worlds in my opinion. It takes the pressure off and allows me to have time to read through them on my own schedule, and then invites people to visit my lives anytime and request for their articles to be read. Even if I've already read it, I can reread it for the chat to view it, too.

It was QUITE A LOT but I managed them all!

...below are a few that particularly caught my interest...

Some stood out due to lovely design and formatting, while others were filled with intriguing writing, wonderful worldbuilding, and curious mysteries that made me want to know more. A few articles contained all of the above.
 
Commander
Rank/Title | Aug 3, 2024
 
Blue Snake
Rank/Title | Aug 2, 2024
 
Chief of Investigations
Rank/Title | Aug 2, 2024
 
Emissary of the Beacon
Rank/Title | Aug 2, 2024

A

 
Emperor of Malvarron
Rank/Title | Aug 3, 2024

The Emperor is the sovereign ruler of Malvarron responsible for devising the Empire's laws and policies.

 
Lecturer
Rank/Title | Aug 3, 2024
 
Tellurian
Rank/Title | Jul 26, 2024

Incredible singers of spiritual importance.

 
Dread Pirate
Rank/Title | Sep 12, 2024
 
King of Dutan
Rank/Title | Aug 1, 2024
 
League Captain
Rank/Title | Jul 28, 2024
 
Highlord
Rank/Title | Aug 2, 2024

Members of his clan-clutch debated who should lead the clan and who should lead the people. Takshi-still the eldest of the clutch despite his relative youth-thought why not do both?

 
The 5 Star
Rank/Title | Jul 26, 2024
 
Sword of Paradise
Rank/Title | Aug 3, 2024

The title given to the strongest combatant in the Celestial Host. Currently held by Valkiya, formerly by Grigorius Bieloskytes.

 
Glam Queens
Rank/Title | Jul 21, 2024
 
Aurelius
Rank/Title | Jul 20, 2024
 
Grand Elder
Rank/Title | Jul 17, 2024

The Grand Elder is often the head of the Runestrike Seers Clan, bringing their history & knowledge to the table & treating the whole of the Cradle as their kin & clan. Serving as an advisor to the Clan Elders, the Grand Elder serves as the uniting factor.

 
King Edward II
Rank/Title | Jul 15, 2024
 
High Seeker
Rank/Title | Sep 7, 2024

The seven High Seekers are the spiritual and political leaders of the Star Seekers

Äto: Heart of the Crumblers
Rank/Title | Jul 28, 2024
 
General Ruger Pietman
Rank/Title | Jul 27, 2024
Zaiseva Boltwarden
Rank/Title | Jul 27, 2024

The very overburned leader of the Jurisaudra.

 
Faceless Knight
Rank/Title | Jul 27, 2024

Leader of the Nameless Swords

 
Presage
Rank/Title | Jul 25, 2024
 
The Eastern Human Queen
Rank/Title | Jul 24, 2024
 
Mahia
Rank/Title | Jul 24, 2024

Der Titel der Mahia, der Tochter der Ame, die an der Spitze der Kirche des Lichts residiert.

 
The Mist Sovereign
Rank/Title | Jul 24, 2024

The highest authority in the Twilight Veil, responsible for guiding souls through their passage to the afterlife and overseeing the Veilweavers.

 
The Father
Rank/Title | Jul 19, 2024

The Father is the highest rank in the priesthood of the Faith, holding sway over multitudes.

 
Bosun
Rank/Title | Jul 19, 2024
 
Living Village Elder
Rank/Title | Jul 19, 2024
 
Voice of Volaris
Rank/Title | Aug 1, 2024
 
Püroki
Rank/Title | Jul 18, 2024

The Püroki is the leader of a tribe, clan, or community of halflings. Elected only by uncontested acclamation, the Püroki is given supreme authority over the conduct of their tribe and is tasked with ensuring their people adhere to Promise Law.

 
High General
Rank/Title | Jul 24, 2024
 
Ossessian
Rank/Title | Jul 14, 2024

"Holy moly!"

 
The Voice of Kelaksha
Rank/Title | Jul 15, 2024

The Voice of Kelaksha commands incredible power over the Empire as the spiritual leader of their religious nation.

 
Bishop of the Humanar Church
Rank/Title | Aug 7, 2024
 

So, after all that, who won???

   

The Winner

 

Tellurian

Incredible singers of spiritual importance.
by Paul Norris
  A very intriguing title to read. The idea of singers being revered so highly in the community is lovely and makes me super curious about your world! The quotes and neat layout kept things short and to the point, but gave enough interesting information to draw me in. God bless and thanks for sharing!


hey! pssst!
Thanks for reading and much love to you <3
 
 


   

2024 Summer Reading Challenge!

This time, the World Anvil team challenged us all to read TEN articles! Instead of nine, like previous years. I decided to take a look around the Community and see what everyone was up to. Then, I planned on using my handy Summer Camp prompt spinny wheel to pick a few categories to scroll through and choose ones that look interesting.   In addition to this, I had a bit of fun reading over some from people around my Infinite Imaginations discord server.   If you want me to read yours, feel free to link it below. Also, if you'd like to be featured on one of my reading streams, be sure to drop by my Twitch channel anytime I'm live and let me know you're watching.
 
 
Intrusive Thoughts
Physical / Metaphysical Law | Jul 12, 2024
by DreamCartographer
  what I liked and learned

This was an intriguing take on AN ENVIRONMENTAL OR OTHER LARGE-SCALE NATURAL DISASTER. To imagine something turbulent happening within the mind as a natural occurrence is fascinating but true. When we think of natural disasters, we traditionally picture things that happen on a physically large scale somewhere in the Earth or our universe, but mental disasters are very large scale and sadly widespread. They affect many people (myself included) and it was quite the experience to read about it in this fictional setting. The way DreamCartographer described things and told about the law in story form was captivating and held my attention til the end. This article helped to reinforce what I have been learning to do with articles over the years: stretch the templates and never be afraid to think outside of the box.
Internal communication
Language | Jul 18, 2024
by jylietz
  what I liked and learned
This was a super interesting take on SLANG OR A LANGUAGE ASSOCIATED WITH A RELIGION OR BELIEF. Most will default to some kind of external language between separate beings, but the truth is, our bodies are communicating inside all the time. Each of our individual organs, nerves, and brain cells send messages to each other at lightning speeds. The way this article was described, however, makes me very curious about what kinds of creatures inhabit Jylietz' world that have to learn about how to communicate as a 'body family'. The wording in this article alone makes me want to dig deeper and discover the assorted beings of Mutania. In addition to thinking outside the box and exploring templates in new ways, this also helped reinforce what I've learned over the years, that as long as the content is interesting and the basic layout is readable, an article can hold attention without special work in css or even images.

 
A shady group
Organization | Jul 25, 2024
by Escritora Novata
  what I liked and learned
I always love Escritora Novata's generic naming style and unique narrative voice! The fact that these articles sometimes say a lot but tell us pretty much nothing is amusing as well. This FACTION OF AN ORGANIZATION BUILT AROUND BELIEF was very intriguing to read about and it was also a nice touch to put in the Author's Notes some things the in-world narrator would not know, though there were still many questions left in my mind even after reading that! I love the use of tooltips to explain things I may not be familiar with, and I appreciate the linking of articles that relate to other aspects of the world. I found myself spiraling down a rabbit hole, even going to read about things like Witnesses which was an entry for LAST YEAR'S Summer Camp! This reinforced what I've been learning over the years, in wiki-style articles like these on World Anvil, it's good to link everything. You never know what a reader will be curious about. Also, that other people also sometimes enjoy mysterious articles that don't tell lots of spoilers but are still intriguing due to lovely writing and a fascinating story concept.
Dumplings for Peace
Myth | Jul 4, 2024
by Kranjax
  what I liked and learned
This MYTH ABOUT FOOD was very interesting to see. I liked how it remained a speculation and nothing was actually proven correct or incorrect in the article. The origin of this myth was crafted nicely and the story element of the article along with the narrative voice was captivating. The whole thing made me curious about the world and wonder if there really was any truth to the speculation or if it was solely nonsense. If so, what would these gods, if they exist, really think about this little rumor being spread around about them? lol   This article reinforced that each of us can be inspired by other authors, stories, or things, but still be original enough to make it into our own creation.   Oh. And I want dumplings now. XP

 
Epilogue
Myth | Aug 3, 2024
by TinkerTech
  what I liked and learned
Though this article was a more traditional take on A MYTH OR PROPHECY ABOUT THE END OF THE WORLD and outlined a philosophy that somewhat mirrors what many believe in real life, the narrative voice, alongside the lovely poem and other mentioned aspects of the fictional world made me very curious about The Mortal Lands! Not to mention the eye-catching name of the article and the world's sleek, inviting design. This article was short and to the point with a wonderful layout and links to other articles that encourage more reading. Once again, another lesson reinforcing the fact that articles don't have to be super lengthy or pumped up with images or outrageous amounts of CSS to be good.
Isekai Island
Geographic Location | Aug 30, 2024

an insurance policy just in case someone accidentally gets transported to their own fantasy world

by Scalenex
  what I liked and learned
This GEOGRAPHICAL REGION THAT IS EXPANDING was absolutely hillariously meta! I love the narrative voice and the fact that this clearly exists in the world though people in-world know nothing about it. The funny premise of it being a failsafe for the author is genius and definitely something that should exist for people who write about fictional worlds they'd rather not get stuck in. This article reinforced the fact that it's okay to have fun, play around, and think completely outside of the box (and story!) when dealing with these prompts.

 
City of Night and Shade
Settlement | Aug 3, 2024

Degrunda's capital city, nestled against a behemoth cliff face known as the Great Embrace, which ensures roughly 70% of the city exists in perpetual darkness -- just how the inhabitants like it.

by Stormbril
  what I liked and learned
CSS wizard Stormbril strikes again! The interactive elements, lighting effects, overlain graphics, and smooth animations of Cathedris never cease to amaze me! In addition to all the visual goodness, I do often find it a challenge to properly define settlements, so this simpler take on A SETTLEMENT CONSIDERED A REFUGE was inspiring in more ways than one. It is not necessary to overthink things. This simple postcard provided nice imagery but also a brief description of a curiously creepy place in which it is perpetually night. The spookiness not only stems from the lack of light, but also the large terrifying cliff that is providing the shade. This article included many phrases that made me curious and a couple of links to encourage further reading. This reinforced the fact that css is pretty cool and, someday (maybe), I might finally find the talent and time to implement it at least half as well as Stormbril.
Father Douglas' Chapel
Building / Landmark | Jul 16, 2024

A church in Scotland is nothing out of the ordinary, but the circumstances regarding this particular structure and its steward are quite unusual.

by Mardrena
  what I liked and learned
Another based on something that can be found in our real world, but this BUILDING CONSIDERED A REFUGE AGAINST THE WORLD was nicely done. I always love to see the beautiful art that Mardrena creates by hand using digital programs. It is absolutely amazing to think that she is able to do all this usually during summer camp, too! The storytelling style is intriguing, and each article is detailed, full of references, images, quotes, and links to other places in the world that can be explored. Mardrena also usually includes excerpts to the stories and episodes where scenes took place. It was nice to not only learn about the building in its current state, but a bit of the history behind it as well. This reinforced what I've learned over the years about writing different instances and time periods of a story within a single article can be pulled off if done correctly.

 
Adventure Food Day Packet
Item | Aug 1, 2024
by Valcin
  what I liked and learned
This was an excellent take on a FOOD OFTEN EATEN BY TRAVELERS! Whenever it's time to make a FOOD ITEM, I somehow get thrown off by the template. It just...for some reason...doesn't feel right to make food into an item. But it technically is one. Valcin completed this prompt wonderfully, not only making a food item, but fashioning it into a packet for travelers. I liked to read about the different choices that could exist within these ration packets, and the wording of the article made me super curious about the world! This entry reinforced the fact that food can definitely fit into an item template and there are several creative ways to go about doing it!



 
Ezzy's bodyguards
Military Formation | Jul 20, 2024
by BasicDragon
  what I liked and learned
Quite a simple take on A UNIT DEDICATED TO GUARDING SOMEONE OR SOMETHING but very well written and intriguing to read! Ezzy seems like a very interesting character, and BasicDragon always does a good job of making articles nice, easy to read, and beautiful to look at, even when there isn't necessarily boatloads of audacious CSS and imagery going on. This helped to reinforce that articles can be short and simple and still remain interesting due to the writing and subject matter. The layout is nice and simple, and the added quote gives more flavor to it all.

 

Honorable Mention:

 

Phoenix_Bluefeather withdrew their entry from A BUILDING ASSOCIATED WITH JOY AND FUN, but it was quite an interesting one that I was looking forward to putting into my reading article. Thankfully, they were nice enough to give me permission to feature it anyways. This hauntingly eerie and scary concept reminded me of a fever dream. The creepiness of the house's strikingly mismatched appearance combined with the fact that visitors are filled with abundant joy and do not want to leave is unsettlingly fascinating! It makes me super curious about the world. Along with all its vivid descriptions, I believe the narrative voice is very engaging, and the final sentence is the cherry on top. This article reinforced that focusing on senses and experience is essential in getting your audience to truly feel what they are reading.  


 

Plans going forward

I had a lot I wanted to do, but I don't know. I'm going to have to restructure everything due to my current financial situation. I am still uncertain, but I do need to update my paid supporters and complete a few unrelated freelance projects now that I have actually finished this article. Those are my immediate plans of focus. Also, figure out something about next month. I was on forbearance but now my back mortgage is due and I still haven't secured a stable source of income. I am thankful for the donations and freelance work orders I have been receiving, but it, unfortunately, isn't enough to sustain me full-time. If I was not a lifetime Sage, I would have been forced to leave WorldAnvil back in January when I got laid off. ':(



 

God bless and much success with your own Summer Reading plans!
Sending prayers, love, and healing hugs always.
Feel free to link your reading articles below!


Comments

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Aug 22, 2024 03:41 by E. Christopher Clark

Good luck with the rest of your reading. Though 222 is a big number, I'm glad to read that 2 is your favorite number! Oh, and thank you so much for including me amongst such great company up above.

Track my progress on Summer Camp 2024!
Aug 23, 2024 14:04 by LexiCon (WordiGirl)

<3 I did end up getting through it! Thank you for reading and sharing your own article :)

Aug 29, 2024 15:08 by K.S. Bishoff

Thanx for including my article

Come vist my worlds
PANGORIO
and
HYPNOSIUM
Aug 30, 2024 06:01 by LexiCon (WordiGirl)
Aug 30, 2024 05:43 by Jacqueline Yang

Oh, my gosh! Thanks so much for including me in the short list!

Aug 30, 2024 15:13 by LexiCon (WordiGirl)
Aug 30, 2024 06:57 by Mardrena Lockehart

Thank you very much for featuring my entry but I didn't expect you to mention a second one. Much appreciated! It's amazing what is possible with containers but sadly that is locked behind grandmaster. Hopefully some day I can get that I can think of many ways to make use of it but for now I will make do with BBCode. Maybe now that SC's fully winding down you can get back to some Black Inking >->

Crazy Anime Cat Lady and Gamer Nun, Proud Texan Enjoying Renaissance Faires.
Aug 30, 2024 15:15 by LexiCon (WordiGirl)

your worlds are nice without containers but it would definitely be interesting to see what you come up with if and when you are able to use them! :)   For now, I suppose I'm just trying to keep praying and keep going. Got a lot to catch up on. Thanks for gifting me Black Ink and sorry I haven't used it more.

Aug 30, 2024 14:40 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

Great picks! Thank you for including me in your prompt showcase, and congratulations on a successful Summer Camp! :)

Aug 30, 2024 15:15 by LexiCon (WordiGirl)
Aug 30, 2024 15:08

Thank you for including my article!

I can hear the stars, they are singing to me...
For more mystery and magic, check out the world of Starsong
Aug 30, 2024 15:15 by LexiCon (WordiGirl)
Aug 30, 2024 18:17 by Gilly-May Hartill

Hey!   Thanks for the inclusion, and for sharing a compilation of new articles for me to read!   Good luck with your reading :)

Gilly Hartill   Fantasy world builder, aspiring author & lover of all things RPG.
Aug 30, 2024 20:41 by LexiCon (WordiGirl)

thanks for sharing! I hope you enjoy reading through some of the articles here. I think I included too many lol ';D

Aug 31, 2024 15:21 by Chris L

I made the shortlist! Thank you!


Learn about the World of Wizard's Peak and check out my award winning article about the Ghost Boy of Kirinal!

Sep 1, 2024 00:14 by Pandora 9

Thanks so much for the feature... not just because it's flattering but because it set me off looking at other featured articles! I feel great being in great company.

Crimson Court: Dark Isekai Fantasy focusing on Court Intrigue, Politics and Complicated Relationships. And Also Wars. Still Under Construction, beware the pits.

Sep 6, 2024 16:22 by LexiCon (WordiGirl)

<3 Nice! Glad to help extend everyone's reading lists lol XD

Sep 1, 2024 18:30 by Stormbril

Thank you so much once again!! :D And this is a fantastic selection of articles to be among <3

Sep 6, 2024 16:21 by LexiCon (WordiGirl)

I appreciate you sharing and reading! <3

Sep 1, 2024 21:26 by Quinley

Thank you for including my article as an honorable mention, Wordi.

Sep 6, 2024 16:21 by LexiCon (WordiGirl)
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