I’ve been asked for a more difficult Challenge this time, while at the same time I know many of you would prefer not to be *too* challenged. So I’ve given you a range of different activities you could do below, all based on the same prompts, and it’s up to you whether you do one or some or all of them. I’ve determined the judging criteria in advance too, so it will enable the judge to assess all your entries equally no matter what you decide to do. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Second Campaigner Challenge (of Fourth Campaign)
Prompt 3:
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| From Rach Writes |
* Write a poem/flash fiction piece (in less than 200 words) about the water pear *without* using the words “pear”, “spoon”, or “droplet”. --- CHECK!
For added difficulty/challenge:
* Write in a genre that is not your own --- CHECK!
*****
Breaking Out
Years of practice were about to pay off. She trembled with anticipation as she focused her energy. To Hell with what her parents thought, she knew she could do it. What was the point of countless hours of studying spells if she never used magic?
Yesterday was her eighteenth birthday. She received many gifts, but not the one thing she wanted most—independence. She was sick of living in her parents’ shadows, confined by their rules. They may have saved Melpomene before, but the Elders were going to have to trust the next generation sooner or later.
She’d show them. Nobody had dared bring forth a new dragon in a hundred years; the last attempt had been disastrous.
Centering herself, she felt power course through her body. She was ready. Using her grandmother’s antique wand and the ripened fruit from the counter, she began to spin the dragon’s egg.
From nature’s sweet
A dragon we’ll complete
Heat spread through her and sweat dripped down her spine. So close, she kept pushing. Spinning, spinning, spinning. As the darkness took over, she saw a green arm pop out. A smile spread across her face as she slipped away.
*****
I am not too proud to admit it… that was hard! And I only did one of the options. I’m looking forward to visiting the other entries (I never look until I’ve written my own, because I don’t want to be influenced) and hope you will, too.
If you like my piece, consider voting for me (#106) here. I’d also appreciate feedback in the comments. Thanks.
27 comments:
Just "liked" it. You did a good job. :)
Thanks, Linda! I was shaking pushing "Publish" so your comment allowed me to breathe again. Funny how hard it still is for me to let a piece go. ;-)
Yes, ma'am! I "liked" it too! I am really impressed. I'm very intrigued and proud of you. You are such a good writer and, I believe, getting better with time! Great job!! And good luck.
Miss chatting with you. Hope you are doing well.
Oooo! Loved the magic take... I love your writing--you know how to keep the flow and create a moment. Very nice. "liked" ;)
I thought you did great, Tia. Nice entry!
Melissa Maygrove #14
The fact that there are about half the number of entries for this challenge from last time is a sign that it was a lot harder! I certainly found it tough.
I really liked this, it was a different take on the picture than most. I'd love to know what happens next :-)
Good job. :) I like how you incorporated the water pear and made it something magical. I love magic. I made it into a magic healing cure that didn't work.
I liked it.
Nice take on the prompt, and I thought it very nicely written.
Guess what? You've made it to the second round of judging. Congratulations! :)
Kate, Thanks! I miss chatting, too. I still need to read the rest of your riveting series about your courtship. ;-)
Morgan, Thanks! I was trying something different. I had fun with it.
Thanks, Melissa.
Sarah, I know. Rachael really gave us a doozy this time, but I enjoyed it. I studied that picture forever. :-)
Clarbojahn, Magical healing... we were on the same wavelength. I'll have to check yours out!
S.P., Thanks!
David, You made my Saturday. Yeah!
I have a lot of entry ready to do. Should be fun!
Oh love this! You know I have a soft spot for this kind of genre. (; And congratulations on making it to the second round of judging, much deserved!
This was a good fun entry, very creative take on the picture. I never would have thought of a dragon's egg!
You have such lovely writing and the story flowed so well together! Not to mention that I love pieces about dragons. You definitely get a "like" from me. :) I'm #36
UM....THAT WAS AWESOME! So creative, Tia...I want more, ASAP. I hope you win this one. I'm voting for you for sure.
Hi, Tia - When you have a moment, please come by and pick up your award http://www.muchneededadvice.com/2012/03/10/i-have-a-what-an-award/ ;)
Very nicely done. I was sweating with her towards the end.
Elise, Knowing how well you craft these kind of stories, I really appreciate your comment. Thanks!
Nick, Thanks. Who knows where these ideas come from? It's what makes us creative types, right?
Alynza, Thanks. I'm blushing.
Jessica, Thanks. This means a lot to me coming from you. You craft a pretty mean story (and lots of flash fiction) yourself!
Sabrina, Will do! Thanks!
Alana, Thanks. I appreciate you stopping by and reading it, my friend.
Wow, great job Tia. I really want to read more.
Procrastinators unite! :-)
You're only the second person I've seen take on the prompt about the water pear, and I love your creative take on it - especially making that little splash of green a dragon arm! And you quickly establish your character's personality in such a smooth way.
Nice job Tia! I enjoyed all the magice!
Thanks, Jessica & Jocelyn!
That sounds like the kind of story I'd enjoy, what with magic and dragons and a teen searching for independence!
Really enjoyed reading this and I would love to read more!
Thanks, C.M. This was my first ever magic piece. Fun!
Thanks, Rachel. I love writing about teens and their desire/search for independence. It probably helps that I have a 12 year old/sixth grade daughter!
Stacey, I just might have to write more on this. I like the character already.
Wow! I would so read more of this. Great job, Tia! :)
Thanks so much, Carrie!
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