Our first stop is The Town Square. The Town Square is meant for everyday chat and discussion about whatever (forum rules abiding) chitchat you may choose. Like any conversation, things may drift from topic to topic, and may be serious or light hearted. You can think of things here like a perpetual mixer, where everyone has something to share, but, as long as you post with substance, there is no unifying goal (other than to socialize, of course!). Abraham Lincoln, our favorite cricket, is the host here.

And just now coming into view is the Cavern Tavern. The Tavern is the local hang for our writers to discuss plots, characters, and other shenanigans. If you are interested in joining a story, or wish to talk about potential characters, I recommend you stop by. No brooding in the corners allowed!

Across the street you can see the Cup & Platter, which is, unfortunately, closed for renovations. Above it, however, is Apartment 51, our local speak-easy and the official home of Ditto Town’s Writer’s Circle. If you have a short story you would like to share with other writers, I recommend you visit us sometime. I am the Apartment’s host.

Our last stop, at the edge of town, is the Mansion. The Mansion is the oldest building in Ditto Town and it is where our group stories are written. If you are interested in writing a story with others, make yourself a character and stop by! There’s usually some sort of shenanigans going on there. Ms. Delia Death is the Mansion's host.

Finally, it is important to know where you are: Ditto Town is not located on Earth, but rather on Dittotopia (or Dittopia—there’s an ongoing debate). This is its own planet, with its own time, traditions, and seasons. While there are specific spaces in Ditto Town, the town changes to fit the needs of the people. In the past, people have tried to create timelines and maps, but those never seemed to stick. Really, Ditto Town is a safe haven for imagination, and it needs to be able to expand and contract, depending on what imaginations are inhabiting it at the moment. I—as well as the other hosts and the moderators—invite you to be one of those inhabitants.

Enjoy your visit!

Hugh

Well! A good mortereve to you!

I just talked with Hugh, and he said he will send over a plate of cookies and both hot and cold beverages, so please! Make your self at home, gather in, and enjoy yourself!

You may find the end of the last Town Square here.

Apartment 51 is the renovated quarters above the Cup & Platter, and it is meant as a secret gathering space for those of a literary bent. It is, quite literally, a "speak-easy", but of the more bookish sort. I've heard there's a secret room or two hidden in here, with an assortment of--ahem--banned books, if you are in the mood to explore. It is also the permanent home of Ditto Town's Writer’s Circle and Flash Fiction Challenges. Writers can post their work, and, from time to time, the hosts (usually myself or Ms. Death) will post Flash Fiction Challenges. Once stories have been submitted, writers can provide each other with feedback, of the friendly sort.

As you explore, please note the following rules:

General Rules:

1. This thread is specifically for authors to post finished pieces and receive feedback. It is not for roleplays.
2. For the same reasons, please refrain from discussing tangent topics or plotting in this thread.

Writer Rules:

1. Keep all posts rated “G” or “PG” for the sake of our younger members.
2. Only post complete drafts. Do not post works that are "to be continued".
3. Works must be between 10 and 8,000 words in length. If your work is over 2,000 words, please break it into chunks and post them sequentially. You are allowed to double post when posting sections of a single story.
4. You may post works of fiction, dramas, poetry, screenplays, or non-fiction stories. Editorials, essays, and academic pieces are not appropriate for this thread, and will be removed.
5. Fan fiction is not allowed. All characters must be characters you have invented yourself, not taken from other authors. You can use your characters from other Ditto Town stories, your own independent works, or ones made up just for this thread.
6. Include a title for each of your posts. This can be as simple as "Story #4" -- the purpose of the title is to clarify feedback.

Feedback Rules:

1. Always include the title of the story you are commenting on.
2. Remember to THINK—are your comments true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind?
3. Make your posts substantial. For example, if you want to say “Good job!” or “I really liked your story!” add some details (“I really liked your story because it highlighted the strong friendship between Cheddar the Chipmunk and his Talking Thimble without being overbearing and cheesy”). If you have a critique for someone, explain why ("I found the middle part of your story hard to read, as I wasn't sure who was talking. Maybe adding some more tags would help?")
4. Please keep in mind that all writers are at a different place in their writing journey. Thus, we ask that you focus on giving feedback on the storyline, pacing, and structure, rather than editing pointers.

Happy writing! If you need me, I'll likely be polishing a glass, so just holler. 

Hugh

It used to be that Ditto Town was the busiest place—The Mansion always had a party, the Town Square was hopping, and Apartment 51 had some strange shenanigans taking place. Now, there’s not much of anyone about except the other hosts and me—I’m Delia Death, professional ghost wrangler. Ironic, isn’t it?

I live here, in the Mansion. There’s plenty of rooms here, so you’re welcome to pick your favorite and stay as long as you like. There’s a lovely garden and conservatory with plants from many universes (including a pomegranate tree or two), a labyrinth that may have some unusual critters hanging out in it, an archery range, some stables, and the basement. The first layer of the basement is used for storage, but I’d be careful—there’s more that lurks beneath that. If you’re really curious, I can tell you about the Mansion’s history, but that’s fitting for another day. 

This is the place where you and other folks create your own story--a sort of slow paced RPG, if you will. Where those stories take you is entirely up to you, the writers. I might pop in to aid the story along, if needed, or will show up if you coming looking for me, but this Mansion has no pre-designed plot.

There are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
1) If you choose to come as a character (other than yourself), please do keep your characters original. Thus, showing up as Lucy Pevensie or Bilbo Baggins would be a no-no.
2) Do not fold, staple, mutilate, kill, or otherwise destroy, another writer's character(s).*
3) Keep in mind that all general forum rules still apply.
4) Keep all posts rated “G” or “PG” for the sake of our younger members.

*If you would like to include another character’s actions in your post, discuss it with them beforehand. Sometimes it is best to spread something out of several smaller posts, where characters can go back and forth, rather than lumping everything into one big post!

If the Mansion grounds don’t suit you, the Town Square is right down the street, and worth checking out, if you are looking for conversation. Apartment 51 is usually open, too, and that’s a great place to share your favorite yarns and tall tales.

If you are new to Ditto Town, or are interested in learning a bit more about what goes on here, this is a perfect place to jump in, as no prior knowledge about the subforum is needed to participate. If, however, you have any questions, feel free to PM myself or one of the Ditto Town mods, and we would be happy to provide you with an answer. And if we don't know the answer, we'll either make something up, or refer you on to someone who does know. We're pretty good about knowing, though!

Come on in and join the fun!

D. Death

Every year, Ditto Town hosts a Holiday Party, which usually starts during Hanukkah (but is very late this year, so we are starting early) and runs through the Feast of Epiphany. Everyone is welcome to join in! You can come as yourself, your favorite (original) character, even your favorite hat! Unlike most other Mansions, the Holiday Mansions are generally not heavily planned out, so there is quite a lot of room to enjoy eggnog or cider, kick back, relax, and catch up with some old friends. Hopefully you make a few new friends, too! 

There are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
1) If you choose to come as a character (other than yourself), please do keep your characters original. Thus, showing up as Lucy Pevensie or Bilbo Baggins would be a no-no.
2) Do not fold, staple, mutilate, kill, or otherwise destroy, another writer's character(s).
3) Keep in mind that all general forum rules still apply.
4) Keep all posts rated “G” or “PG” for the sake of our younger members.

If you are new to Ditto Town, or are interested in learning a bit more about what goes on here, this is a perfect place to jump in, as no prior knowledge about the subforum is needed to participate. If, however, you have any questions, feel free to PM myself or one of the Ditto Town mods, and we would be happy to provide you with an answer. And if we don't know the answer, we'll either make something up, or refer you on to someone who does know. We're pretty good about knowing, though!

Come on in and join the fun!

D. Death

Every year, Ditto Town hosts a Holiday Party, which usually starts during Hanukkah (whoops!) and runs through the Feast of Epiphany. Everyone is welcome to join in! You can come as yourself, your favorite (original) character, even your favorite hat! Unlike most other Mansions, the Holiday Mansions are generally not heavily planned out, so there is quite a lot of room to enjoy eggnog or cider, kick back, relax, and catch up with some old friends. Hopefully you make a few new friends, too! 

There are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
1) If you choose to come as a character (other than yourself), please do keep your characters original. Thus, showing up as Lucy Pevensie or Bilbo Baggins would be a no-no.
2) Do not fold, staple, mutilate, kill, or otherwise destroy, another writer's character(s).
3) Keep in mind that all general forum rules still apply.
4) Keep all posts rated “G” or “PG” for the sake of our younger members.

If you are new to Ditto Town, or are interested in learning a bit more about what goes on here, this is a perfect place to jump in, as no prior knowledge about the subforum is needed to participate. If, however, you have any questions, feel free to PM myself or one of the Ditto Town mods, and we would be happy to provide you with an answer. And if we don't know the answer, we'll either make something up, or refer you on to someone who does know. We're pretty good about knowing, though!

Come on in and join the fun!

D. Death

Every year, Ditto Town hosts a Holiday Party, which usually starts during Hanukkah and runs through the Feast of Epiphany. Everyone is welcome to join in! You can come as yourself, your favorite (original) character, even your favorite hat! Unlike most other Mansions, the Holiday Mansions are generally not heavily planned out, so there is quite a lot of room to enjoy eggnog or cider, kick back, relax, and catch up with some old friends. Hopefully you make a few new friends, too! 

There are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
1) If you choose to come as a character (other than yourself), please do keep your characters original. Thus, showing up as Lucy Pevensie or Bilbo Baggins would be a no-no.
2) Do not fold, staple, mutilate, kill, or otherwise destroy, another writer's character(s).
3) Keep in mind that all general forum rules still apply.
4) Keep all posts rated “G” or “PG” for the sake of our younger members.

If you are new to Ditto Town, or are interested in learning a bit more about what goes on here, this is a perfect place to jump in, as no prior knowledge about the subforum is needed to participate. If, however, you have any questions, feel free to PM myself or one of the Ditto Town mods, and we would be happy to provide you with an answer. And if we don't know the answer, we'll either make something up, or refer you on to someone who does know. We're pretty good about knowing, though!

Come on in and join the fun!

D. Death

Every year, Ditto Town hosts a Holiday Party, which usually starts during Hanukkah and runs through the Feast of Epiphany. Everyone is welcome to join in! You can come as yourself, your favorite (original) character, even your favorite hat! Unlike most other Mansions, the Holiday Mansions are generally not heavily planned out, so there is quite a lot of room to enjoy eggnog or cider, kick back, relax, and catch up with some old friends. Hopefully you make a few new friends, too! While there are two Mansions open, the two are not occurring that the same time, so characters may be in attendance of both Mansions.

There are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
1) If you choose to come as a character (other than yourself), please do keep your characters original. Thus, showing up as Lucy Pevensie or Bilbo Baggins would be a no-no.
2) Do not fold, staple, mutilate, kill, or otherwise destroy, another writer's character(s).
3) Keep in mind that all general forum rules still apply.
4) Keep all posts rated “G” or “PG” for the sake of our younger members.

If you are new to Ditto Town, or are interested in learning a bit more about what goes on here, this is a perfect place to jump in, as no prior knowledge about the subforum is needed to participate. If, however, you have any questions, feel free to PM myself or one of the Ditto Town mods, and we would be happy to provide you with an answer. And if we don't know the answer, we'll either make something up, or refer you on to someone who does know. We're pretty good about knowing, though!

Come on in and join the fun!

D. Death

Everyone is welcome to join into the festivities! You can come as yourself, your favorite (original) character, even your favorite hat! 

For everyone's continued safety, we do ask that you park your vehicle in designated areas only. Do not accept packages or baggage from unknown individuals, and, please, watch your children! Please keep the following guidelines in mind:

1) If you choose to come as a character (other than yourself), please do keep your characters original. Thus, showing up as Lucy Pevensie or Bilbo Baggins would be a no-no.

2) Do not fold, staple, mutilate, kill, or otherwise destroy, another writer's character(s).

3) Keep in mind that all general forum rules still apply.

4) Keep all posts rated “G” or “PG” for the sake of our younger members.

If you are new to Ditto Town, or are interested in learning a bit more about what goes on here, this is a perfect place to jump in, as no prior knowledge about the subforum is needed to participate. If, however, you have any questions, feel free to PM myself or one of the Ditto Town mods, and we would be happy to provide you with an answer. And if we don't know the answer, we'll either make something up, or refer you on to someone who does know. We're pretty good about knowing, though!

The organizers will be dropping in from time to time to announce the beginning of the next event, but we encourage you to explore in the meantime!

Come on in and join the fun!

D. Death

The Blossom Festival is held in the Square in front of the Mansion. While the Mansion is open, there are a variety of booths, games, mud pits, contests, and other funnities in the Square.

Everyone is welcome to join in! You can come as yourself, your favorite (original) character, even your favorite hat! The Blossom Festival, like the Holiday Mansions, are generally not heavily planned out (with a exception explained below), so there is quite a lot of room to enjoy some tea or coffee, kick back, relax, and catch up with some old friends—or, if we prefer a more active lifestyle, open your own booth! As long as your booth contents do not violate the rules, they can be as outrageous and wacky as you like.

There are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

1) If you choose to come as a character (other than yourself), please do keep your characters original. Thus, showing up as Lucy Pevensie or Bilbo Baggins would be a no-no.

2) Do not fold, staple, mutilate, kill, or otherwise destroy, another writer's character(s).

3) Keep in mind that all general forum rules still apply.

4) Keep all posts rated “G” or “PG” for the sake of our younger members.

New Event Challenge:

The Blossom Festival will feature a new event: a Mini Bingo Challenge! When your guest first arrives, they will want to pick up a bingo card. You, as the writer, will receive your own Bingo card separately. Every time a character written by someone else fulfills an item on your bingo card, you may complete a square. Please keep track of when each square is filled! The first person to shout BINGO and provide their completed card to myself or a moderator will win.

Please do not peek at other people's cards!

If you are new to Ditto Town, or are interested in learning a bit more about what goes on here, this is a perfect place to jump in, as no prior knowledge about the subforum is needed to participate. If, however, you have any questions, feel free to PM myself or one of the Ditto Town mods, and we would be happy to provide you with an answer. And if we don't know the answer, we'll either make something up, or refer you on to someone who does know. We're pretty good about knowing, though!

Come on in and join the fun!

D. Death