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.
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.
Pingback: Update on the #Flash4Storms Hurricane Relief | Lemon Shark
A lovely entry for this charitable endevour, Norah.
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Thanks, Robbie. 🙂
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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.
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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!
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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?
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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. 🙂
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In which case, there’s nothing to stop me. Thanks, Norah. 😎
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Exactly!
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I’m waiting! 🙂
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Got it! Thanks! 🙂
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Pingback: Great Idea For Writers To Help Those Affected By The Recent Hurricanes. Get Involved! – LisaReynoldsMusic
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.
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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.
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Beautiful Norah. So Thursday you’ll be posting your challenge? And is it only a flash fiction, not flash nonfiction? 🙂
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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! 🙂
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Yay thanks Norah 🙂
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It’s posted now, Debby. I hope it makes sense to you. 🙂
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Awesome, Norah! Wonderful story about the power of community. I saw that you are matching too. Yay! You go, girl!
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Thanks, Diana. I’m looking forward to lending a helping hand.
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Pingback: Flash Fiction Prompt for Hurricane Relief #Flash4Storms | Lemon Shark
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.
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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. 🙂
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Thanks for sharing and being part of the WATWB!
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My pleasure. It’s great to be a part of something so positive.
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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.
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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. 🙂
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🙂 You are wonderful! ❤ Thank you, again.
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You are the wonderful instigator! 🙂
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What a wonderful idea!
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They are, aren’t they. 🙂
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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.
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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.
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