I recently entered the Sue Vincent Classic Rodeo at the Carrot Ranch and was both surprised and delighted for my entry to be awarded first prize. You can read about other place getters here and all entries here.
The competition asked for 99-words stories with a beginning, middle and end to be written in response to this photo of Sue’s.
Here is my winning entry. I hope you enjoy it.
Seeking Peace
They stopped on a verge overlooking the valley.
“It’s beautiful, Dad. And so big. You said it was small.”
“Not small in size, son. Small in mind.”
“What’s that mean?”
“Folks round here didn’t want your mum and me getting married. They threatened to keep us apart. Cruel words were spoken. We left and never returned.”
“Why’re we coming back?”
“Your mother asked us — to make peace. Before it’s too late.”
“Like it is for her?” His voice trembled.
“Yeah.” He rubbed the boy’s head.
“Will we?”
“We’ll know soon enough.”
He inched the car towards the village.
***
Here is what the judges said about it.
“This author nailed a response to a photo challenge with the opening line, taking the reader from photo to story with an economy of words. This is a smart strategy when you only have 99 words or 99 syllables. We step out of the image into the lives of a father and son. The dialog is clear, sharp, and tells the story of loss and hopeful redemption. The judges appreciated a place not small in size but small in mind. That single concept conveys much. A well-crafted story with emotion and purpose takes ownership of the photo.”
What do you think? Do you agree?
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your comments. Please share your thoughts.
Norah Colvin 
Congratulations! It’s so moving.
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Thank you. 🙂
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Congratulations, Norah! Really well deserved! Sue always was able to surprise with her challenges. I was so shocked, reading about her passing away, just some minutes ago. Now, every photo challenge will remember me on her. Michael
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There is much that’s special about Sue that we will always remember and keep in our hearts. Thanks for your comments, Michael.
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enjoyed my first reading and then my second, congrats Norah! Well deserved 🙂
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Thank you so much, Kate. I’m doubly honoured.
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Congratulations, Norah! I love the judges comments — and they are spot on. Your one sentence is very powerful!
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Thank you so much, Patricia. I really appreciate your encouragement.
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Lovely story, Norah. Congratulation, again, on your win! 🎉
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Thank you so much, Sarah. 💖
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Congratulations, Norah!!! – a fabulous read!
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Thank you, Robin. Appreciated. 🙂
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Congratualtions! You definitely deserved to win. It is a superb story in so few words.
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Thank you so much, Darlene. I really appreciate your support.
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Yes, a HUGE congrats!!
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A great story! Wonderful, Norah.
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Thank you so much, Bette. 💖
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congrats for a job well done, Norah!
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Thank you so much, Jim.
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Congratulations, Norah. A lovely story.
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Thank you so much, Kate. 🙂
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A great story, Norah. I was delighted to see you as the winner.
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Thank you so much, Robbie. 🙂
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Of course I agree. Loved the story and delighted to find out it was yours.
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Thank you so much, Anne. I appreciate your encouragement and support.
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Super read. You’ve become a real talent at super short flash, norah.
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Thank you so much, Geoff. Maybe I was fortunate that you and some of the others writers were judging rather than entering. 😉
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Congratulations again, Norah. We need those reminders from others that someone likes what we write.
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Thank you, Pete. We do. And this one couldn’t have come at a better time. 🙂
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how deep is that valley how deep are your words … lovely Norah. Congratulations!
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Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Susan. 🙂
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👏🏻👏🏻 I would have given you first as well! You fit a lot in a little space.
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Thank you so much, Chelsea. I would have chosen your poem. 🙂
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I thought the poem would get honorable mention; the story, not at all.
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Then you were pleasantly surprised like I was. 🙂
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Solid story, Norah!
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Thank you, Becky. 🙂
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it is a well-deserved win. I think your words do great justice to sue’s photo.
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Thank you so much, Beth. I appreciate your kind words.
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Congratulations, Norah! Very enjoyable read!
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Thank you, Miriam. 🙂
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Well done.
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Thank you, June. 🙂
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