HotLits the 6th!

Well happy New Year everyone! I hope everyone got what they asked Santa for and are now hitting the gym after feasting on chocolate delights. Personally I justify the whole new lack of exercise routine as the fact there is still chocolate!

I need to apologise to everyone who is kind enough to read this. After HotLits #5, I was struck with this overpowerment of extreme engagement that is known as ‘December’. After all, we are all human.

So I promised in my own journal that I would make the 6th edition of HotLits a little more special. There were thoughts of reviewing the entire year, but since HotLits only began in November, I felt that reviewing all of 2007 was a big cheeky. (I left that in my journal). I also thought of featuring those who had won contests in December, but to be honest, there are News articles that already feature them, so instead I have a link to those articles for you to look at.

Part of why I started HotLits was to keep things simple. The weekly feature was intended to show off a sample of sexy writings, and tipple the iceberg of the literature community. Therefore this feature contains slightly more features than my usually amount due to the missed weeks, but no so many you’re overwhelmed by what to read. These were all pieces submitted to DA in December 2007 and the beginning of January 2008.



Thank you Mr Pratchett by ~Desert-Lilly

A tribute poem to one of the most loved fantasy comedy writers around. Author Terry Pratchett recently announced he is suffering from a form of Alzheimer’s. This concise tribute poem sums up probably what a lot of his fans feel, which that touch of ‘Weatherwax’ to it!


Chain 1- Homesick by *TranslationChain

I know *TranslationChain is a community project, but this piece of collaborative work is just so hot, and since I make up the HotLit rules, I decided it was allowed! This is more than evidence of how writing can be a piece of artwork, and the beauty of how this poem moves between languages and becomes a completely different creation by the end is brilliant.


Carousel by *poprocksandcharlotte

Scriptwriting is one of my favourite things to do, and I love finding pieces where others have made a great effort in their scripting. This rather darker take on a script reminds me a little of Sarah Kane’s style, and *poprocksandcharlotte has made a brilliant attempt.


Unfortunate Thing by ~Otterwen

I expect a lot of people have already come across this wonderfully amusing poem by ~Otterwen and it’s not wonder over 500 people have fav’d it already. This poem is just full of childlike amusement, that anyone reading this will be finishing it smiling. This isn’t just a Hot Lit, this is an Inferno!


There is a Place... by ~LittleLottexo

Getting an introduction to hook a reader is an important aspect for any form of writing, and I guess for Art too, we all make assumptions on our first look. This excellent fantasy piece definitely has that element and it beautifully turns one very simple thing into the beginning of what may become an epic world.


Starfish Spider webs by ~HerrheRR

~HerrheRR has an awesome gallery of poems, but for me this one stood out. It’s jammed packed with imagery and provoking thoughts that leave you thinking about it even after you’ve finished reading.


When I Quit by *VisualPoetress

Visual poetry is still one of those concepts I struggle to find a fondness for. However, this piece for me has an image that gives the poem its historical essence and suits the words and context of the reason it has been submitted to DA. Originally written by her Grandfather, the words have personal sentiment too.


28 Sonnest- Eleven by ~AubraPenner

You don’t often see the word ‘velveteen’ used in literature, but it is one of those words that express its meaning through its sound. Used in this amusing yet unusual sonnet, it’s great to step back and realise this has been written from the perspective of a chair!


A Guide to Good critique- Lit by `lovetodeviate

Possibly a very much needed guide on deviantart, not just for the literature community, but something that anyone on DA would benefit from reading and taking consideration. Critique is an essential part of progress in our work, and a lot of people shy away from it. This article can teach us all something.


Dandelion by ~Shazbar

A stylised poem inspired by stimulation from *fotoFRIDAY, this poem is full of images, analogy and lovely word choices.


Stamp?

I was considering making a HotLits stamp, but I am genuinely useless at making stamps! If anyone is in a generous mood and fancies making one, please drop me a note!

For those who have missed the issues so far, here is a list of the existing HotLit articles:

HotLits- the First!
HotLits- the Second!
HotLits- the Third!
HotLits- the Fourth!
HotLits- the Fifth!

For more literature information, check out *litNEWS. Also, please do pay a visit to our gallery forums. The Fantasy literature forum is currently in a trial period as its state has slipped over the years, and the Literature Workshop is begging for more people to take up some genuine work shopping of their pieces. The poetry and prose forum always loves a bit of attention too.

Fantasy Literature
Poetry & Prose
Literature Workshop

Thank you to everyone who is adding love to this article, and to those who also promote the HotLits in their journals!

HotLits #7 will resume with normal service. Again I apologise for the delay of submission. PLEASE do feel free to drop me a note of any suggestions you have to new pieces of work that you favour, because we all do have different tastes, and I always like to try and show a variety.

Bored? Finished reading? Why not relax a little and play The Impossible Quiz?



Thank you for reading,

`Beccalicious

Ps. Lit Crit Contest