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A break in the Flash Fiction routine: #Flash4Storms #WATWB #FFRODEO

Usually at this time on a Tuesday evening (my time) I am posting a flash fiction response to the prompt by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. But not tonight, and for good reason.

The usual weekly Carrot Ranch flash fiction prompt is on hold during the month of October, replaced by the Flash Fiction Rodeo which kicks off today. There are many prizes for both writers and readers. Check out the post for details of how you can win.

My contest runs first with a prompt about childhood ambitions. It will go live at the Ranch, and again here, on Thursday. I do hope you will join in.

You may have read my contribution to the We Are The World Blogfest with the story I posted on the weekend, #WATWB The Teacher Helping Hurricane Harvey’s Youngest Victims – And How You Can Help / A Mighty Girl | A Mighty Girl The story tells of  a teacher from Texas who created the online Hurricane Harvey Book Club. The Club involves children recording videos of themselves reading books to share with children who, as a result of the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, have no access to books. Hundreds of videos were uploaded to Facebook, and the Club is also raising money to help restock classrooms devastated by the storm.

Flash for storms

Hurricane Harvey was just the first. More was yet to come with Irma and Maria following close behind. Fellow Blogger and Rough Writer at the Carrot Ranch Sarah Brentyn, who blogs at Lemon Shark has extended a helping hand to those in need with her own flash fiction challenge #Flash4Storms.

For each flash fiction response to her prompt “Help”, Sarah will donate $1 to hurricane relief. Check out Sarah’s post to find out how you can join in and lend a helping hand.  Let Sarah know in the comments that I sent you, and I’ll add another dollar to Sarah’s donation.

Here’s my response to Sarah’s challenge for a story of 50 words or less on the theme ‘Help’.

Kindness repaid

He was proud, never asking for or accepting help. If he couldn’t do it, it wasn’t worth doing. He’d always be first to help others though. Never too much trouble, there was little he couldn’t do. But, one day, when his world came tumbling down, they eagerly repaid his generosity.

Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.

Comments

34 responses to “A break in the Flash Fiction routine: #Flash4Storms #WATWB #FFRODEO”

  1. Bobby Chase Avatar

    Thank you for beingg you

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Update on the #Flash4Storms Hurricane Relief | Lemon Shark Avatar

    […] huge shout-out to Norah Colvin who offered to match my donation for each of her readers’ entries and has also made a generous donation. If you hopped over from Norah’s, you raised […]

    Like

  3. robbiesinspiration Avatar

    A lovely entry for this charitable endevour, Norah.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thanks, Robbie. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Hugh's Views and News Avatar

    Good luck with the competition, Norah. I saw all the details over at Charli’s. I was also asked to be a judge by Sherri Matthews when she holds her flash competition. I’m looking forward to reading all the entries.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thanks, Hugh. It’s going to be fun. I’m very excited. I’ve already received 30 entries for this first competition. I saw that you are judging with Sherri. That will be fun too. Are you going to join in any of the contests? With your writing skills, it would be a cinch!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hugh's Views and News Avatar

        As a judge, I wasn’t sure if I could join in any of the competitions, Norah? I don’t want to go upsetting anybody at The Ranch. Are they open to everyone regardless of whether we’re judging?

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          I can’t see why not. You’re only judging one contest. The rest should be open to all. I would have thought so. Some judges, at least three (not judging this one) have already submitted. Go for it if you wish. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Hugh's Views and News Avatar

            In which case, there’s nothing to stop me. Thanks, Norah. 😎

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Norah Avatar

              I’m waiting! 🙂

              Liked by 1 person

            2. Norah Avatar

              Got it! Thanks! 🙂

              Liked by 1 person

  5. […] Colvin has offered to match my donation for each of her readers’ entries. If you’ve hopped over from Norah’s, please mention her name in the comments to double the […]

    Like

  6. Annecdotist Avatar

    Well done, Norah, for getting your act together with the “alternative” flash (I’ve yet to manage the transition to Lemon Shark but you’ve inspired me). Can be hard to ask for help but a lot can be learnt from having to accept it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thanks, Anne. I was feeling a bit snowed under myself, and felt I’d already overshared for the week with the #WATWB post, but when Charli did I thought – okay, I can do it too. Every little bit helps, I guess.

      Like

  7. dgkaye Avatar

    Beautiful Norah. So Thursday you’ll be posting your challenge? And is it only a flash fiction, not flash nonfiction? 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      There will be opportunities for flash nonfiction. The response could easily be a mix of memoir, nonfiction, and fiction, any or all. I am so looking forward to your response, and whatever you can make of my prompt! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. dgkaye Avatar

        Yay thanks Norah 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          It’s posted now, Debby. I hope it makes sense to you. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  8. D. Wallace Peach Avatar

    Awesome, Norah! Wonderful story about the power of community. I saw that you are matching too. Yay! You go, girl!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thanks, Diana. I’m looking forward to lending a helping hand.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Flash Fiction Prompt for Hurricane Relief #Flash4Storms | Lemon Shark Avatar

    […] Colvin has offered to match my donation for each of her readers’ entries. If you’ve hopped over from Norah’s, please mention her name in the comments to double […]

    Like

  10. Ally Bean Avatar

    I came here via #Flash4Storms, but see that we both are part of #WATWB. This little corner of the blogosphere never ceases to amaze me. So many of us run in the same circles! That being said, your flash fiction story here is wonderful and I like any idea that gets books to kids. Nice to find another blogging kindred spirit.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thanks for popping over to read and comment, Ally. Isn’t it wonderful to belong to such a positive and supportive blogging community. So lovely to meet you. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Emerald Barnes Avatar

    Thanks for sharing and being part of the WATWB!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      My pleasure. It’s great to be a part of something so positive.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Sarah Brentyn Avatar

    Norah. This is amazing… Much gratitude and love for your generosity. What a lovely gesture. 💕💕💕 Thank you. Let’s do some good!

    Looking forward to your Rodeo and the others that follow. Fantastic post. And I love your flash. So much in so few words. (I know some people like this.) Beautiful.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thanks, Sarah. I’m looking forward to doing a little bit to help out.
      I’m pleased you enjoyed the flash. I know quite a few people like that as well. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sarah Brentyn Avatar

        🙂 You are wonderful! ❤ Thank you, again.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          You are the wonderful instigator! 🙂

          Like

    1. Norah Avatar

      They are, aren’t they. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Joe Owens Avatar

    Norah I am going to jump in on this. I am readying for a mission trip to Belize in December and ahead of the trip we collected about 200 children’s books to be purposed as Christmas gifts this year. I have a stockpile of children’s books that I could send to the affected area if we can work out the details.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      What a generous offer, Joe. I’m sure there are many schools in those hard-hit areas that would really appreciate a gift of books. Well done.

      Liked by 1 person

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