I figured I would continue to post my entries every week, seeing as I keep submitting them to fellow bloggers challenges, and it’s a nice place to keep a log of them. Last week I did three challenges, if you fancy a challenge you should definitely enter, they are only quick and it always helps to exercise your writing muscles.
Esther’s was to tell a story in only 20 words.
I’d always been terrified of flying. Fear would paralysed me. Until a kind stranger held my hand. I married him.
***
Charli’s prompt this week was: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that shows the bully mentality countered with a different, unexpected or kind action. Bullies can be known or incognito; Goliaths or small-minded; in-person or online. Think of ways to unplug a bully’s power. Show characters with strength and dignity and even humor.
Once A Politician Always A Politician By Sacha Black
Had I become what I hated? All for an election?
I gazed at the broken body of my opposition, on the floor beneath me. A trickled of red oozed from his whimpering mouth. I smiled.
“I win, Franklin. Fair and square.”
Tugging at my leg drew my attention away from the floored politician. Golden locks and porcelain skin were frowning at me.
“You’re a bully, Mister. A mean old bully.”
“No. No.” I said frantically shaking my head, “You don’t understand little girl, he’s a cheater.”
“Didn’t your mummy ever tell you? Two wrongs don’t make a right, Mister.”
***
and new to a submission from me Keith’s prompt was a photo you can find by clicking his name:
The Accidental Volunteer By Sacha Black
“And it has to be gold?” I asked scratching my head.
The boat maker and wizard nodded in unison.
“If it’s not gold the magic won’t hold, you would be at sea totally exposed to her dark magic,” the wizard said taking the model from the boat maker and using his wand to make it levitate in between us, “I know the gold is expensive. But I mean she really is utterly insane Gilbert. If I were you I would just stick with the gold to be safe.”
I took a couple of steps back and rubbed my forehead.
“Right…uh…ok.”
I could feel a rising knot of panic in my chest.
“I mean I’m not sure I am the one for this job really, surely there is someone better equipped?”
I hadn’t meant to volunteer for this mission in the first place. I was arguing with my first mate in the back of the council meeting and the queen took my angry hand waving as an offer to captain this mission.
The wizard and boat maker both glared at me.
“Right… no, no. You’re right of course… I volunteered didn’t I?! Which means I have to do it.”
An anchor of dread sank in my stomach. I was captaining this mission and there’s nothing I can do about it.
Rachel says
Very good prompts. I should try doing these more often.
Sacha Black says
I really love doing them especially because they don’t take very long. And I feel like I’m practicing my writing skills ?. I’m getting nervous for NaNo – I still haven’t decided what to do :s
Rachel says
It’s definitely a great writing outlet.
Yeah… I still have to do my outline. But that’s okay–we still have half a month!
Sacha Black says
I wish half a month felt like a long time! It feels obscenely short I think I will need to lower my target! Boo
Rachel says
I know what you mean. March is usually a slow month, but I can’t believe we’re already halfway through it.
Sacha Black says
Yeah and I have a ton on too. Which is not helping my prep for NaNo!
Rachel says
Something will come to you soon enough.
Norah says
That’s an interesting collection there of three very different stories and three very different outcomes: a happy ending, a lesson to be learned, and a resignation to one’s ‘destiny’. The different number of words makes the style quite different too, but you have managed to tell the whole story in each. Well done! (I see I’ve overused the word ‘different’, but it will just have to stay for now!)
Sacha Black says
Thank you so much for your kind words Norah 🙂 I couldn’t absorb them earlier when I was at work, and when I came to look for your comment I looked at the wrong post! So now I have read your comment properly it makes sense, and I am so grateful that you take the time to read my stories. It means the world to me, and I am looking forward to reading more of Marnie. 🙂
Norah says
Thanks Sacha,
Reading thoroughly and fitting in all the other things we “have” to do and “want” to do is a juggling act, isn’t it. I appreciate that you read my comment and replied. I always enjoy the conversations on our blogs. 🙂
Sacha Black says
It really is hard. Sometimes harder than writing the blogs. There are so many other wonderful blogs im trying to keep up with and it is a challenge and a half! I do love our conversations too ?
Norah says
I agree. It is a difficult act to balance. I’m trying to figure out a way that works all round, but I’m not discovering yet. I’m just trying to make sure nothing gets totally neglected. 🙂
Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist says
A fellow challenge addict. I’m here from the ranch and enjoyed your 99 word flash. I also enjoyed your other two as well. Getting a story down to twenty words is a real feat.
Sacha Black says
Hi Irene, lovely to meet you 🙂 thank you so much for saying you enjoyed my flash piece, HA! Esther’s challenge this week is even harder, a story in just 10 words! You should have a go 🙂
Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist says
Sacha I’m glad to meet you, a fellow flasher, also. I will definitely look at it in the future when I have a few less commitments. That’s if I can resist the temptation. 🙂