Norah Colvin

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Tag: Carrot Ranch flash fiction

  • Going batty over flying-foxes

    Going batty over flying-foxes

    According to the Australian Museum, Australia is home to over 90 species of bat with almost a third found in Queensland. The species with which I am most familiar are the black flying-foxes, grey-headed flying-foxes and little red flying-foxes which have taken up residence in trees about a kilometre from my home. The diet of many of the species earned them the name “fruit bat”.

    black flying foxes, grey-headed flying foxes, little red flying foxes

    While the bats rarely pose a health risk to humans, they can send neighbours a little batty with their noisy, smelly and messy behaviour. And it’s not only their neighbours who are affected. The bats can fly up to 50 kilometres a night in search of food. They frequent our fig tree, interrupting our evenings with their incessant screeching and squawking and leaving their sticky calling cards for Hub to remove in the morning.

    However, as all flying foxes enjoy the full protection of the law, it can be near impossible to move them away from peopled areas. It may even be that bats are attracted to these areas because of the planting we do. If we offer them a backyard filled with their favourite food, why wouldn’t they wish to visit?

    The reason I’m going a little batty this week is in response to the Carrot Ranch flash fiction prompt in which Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a bat. You can use an association to the winged, cave-dwelling critter, or you can explore the word for other meanings. Bonus points for including a bat cave. Go where the prompt leads.

    Though I love our nocturnal visitors and am constantly in awe of the numbers roosting in full sun through the heat of our summers and am entranced by their almost-silent departure flight overhead as each day changes to night, others I know consider them more of a bother.

    My response is more a BOTS (based on a true situation) description than fiction, so there’s not a bat cave in sight. I hope you like it.

    flying foxes hanging in trees

    Flight of the Fruit Bats

    All day they hang upside-down like blackened fruit left too long in the hot sun. Only an occasional stretch shows them capable of independent movement. Passers-by sometimes stop to wonder and photograph. Other keen observers travel greater distances to marvel at the spectacle.

    Locals grow to abide their noisy, smelly presence and accommodate their daily activities.

    Every evening at dusk, the colony flaps and stretches, then rises in unison like a cloud of dust shaken into the darkening sky. High above, their silent wings carry them away for night-time foraging. Others screech and squawk their joy in closer feasts.

    Thank you blog post

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  • Carrot Ranch Round the World Tour, Pennsylvania, USA | Jules in Flashy Fiction

    Carrot Ranch Round the World Tour, Pennsylvania, USA | Jules in Flashy Fiction

    And now for the next stop on the Congress of Rough Writers Tour Around the World. We are with Jules Paige from Pennsylvania, USA.

    Jules has a unique ability to respond to a number of prompts and challenges in one. She even did six in one blow! What a feat. Read on to learn more about Jules and her writing process.

    Meanwhile Back at the Ranch….brought to you from JulesPaige – because “words are like Jewels on a Page” Jules from Pennsylvania, USA Writes for “The Congress of Rough Writers Flash Fiction Anthology Vol 1 World Tour.

    I was going to write about my first piece for Carrot Ranch until one of my unnamed characters did some forest bathing. I was struck by a comment from our Lead Buckaroo on my piece entitled ‘The Rescue’ that I wrote in February 2018. Charli says: “A lovely escape and a fine mashup, Jules. I’m impressed at the depths you go to mine language, prompts and even comments. That’s literary art!”.

    I’m drawn to what I call ‘mashing prompts’. One, two, five… sometimes I get carried away. But I managed to stuff The Rescue? a whole whopping 99 words with two prompts from one writing site, a photo prompt from another, the Unicorn prompt from Carrot Ranch as well as a quote from another piece I wrote that someone else liked as well as a comment I posted on another friends site.

    That’s six inspirations woven into one very short piece of fiction.

    Continue reader: Carrot Ranch Round the World Tour, Pennsylvania, USA | Jules in Flashy Fiction

    Pop over to the Carrot Ranch, too, to see what the Lead Buckaroo has to say about one of the “bright jewels of the Buckaroo Nation.”

  • Everything Susan: Rough Writer Tour Around the World

    Everything Susan: Rough Writer Tour Around the World

    From autumn in Australia, we fly to spring in Orillia, Ontario to visit with Rough Writer Susan Zutautas on the next leg of the World Tour. Susan tells us about her beautiful location and the place of flash fiction in her writing process.

     

    Continue reading: Everything Susan: Rough Writer Tour Around the World

    Also – just in – The anthology won a silver in the Literary Titan Book Awards April 2018. How exciting is that!
  • Counting on fingers

    Counting on fingers

    This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about fingers that fly. Think about the different ways we use our fingers and what happens when we add speed. Go where the prompt leads.

    I thought about the use young children make of their fingers when counting. It may increase their speed and ease of calculation in the beginning, but continued use tends to slow them down.

    I also thought about magicians, and how the speed of their fingers amazes us with tricks and sleight of hand.

    Combining both thoughts brought me to the mathemagician Arthur Benjamin who never ceases to astound with his calculations.

    A performance of mathematic by Arthur Benjamin TED talk

    Are you a math whiz, solving complicated problems and making calculations with large numbers effortlessly, or do you still need to count on your fingers at times?

    I don’t think I was ever what would be considered a maths whiz, but I did have my confidence in maths taught out of me. Sadly, I think this happens to far too many.

    Many children who have been provided experiences with number and engaged in discussions about number from a young age develop strong understandings and are able to calculate with little effort, arriving at answers almost intuitively. While it can be good to help them develop metacognition by asking them to explain how they knew, or how they worked it out, sometimes they don’t know how—they just know.

    While some children need to be taught methods of working out answers, requiring maths intuitive thinkers to use the same working can cause them to second-guess themselves and to lose confidence by breaking what they know down into steps that only cause confusion.

    I was interested to hear Arthur Benjamin’s plan for improving maths education when he is made “Czar of Mathematics”.

    Arthur Benjamin Czar of Mathematics

    His suggestions relate more to high school than primary, but probability and statistics still have their place in the early years, as I’ve shown with many readilearn resources.

    For my response to Charli’s prompt, I’ve considered what may occur if a child’s intuition with maths is neither appreciated nor encouraged.

    Counting on fingers
    Everyone said she had a way with numbers. Even when still in nappies she was counting effortlessly to large numbers in multiples of twos, fives and tens as well as ones. The parents didn’t dare think they’d bred a genius, an outlier. They wished for an ordinary child who fitted in, unnoticed, like them.  They strove to inhibit her talent and discourage her enthusiasm. She tried to hide her ability by delaying responses with finger actions resembling calculation aids. But they slowed her none and flew too fast, earning her the nickname “Flying fingers” and ridicule instead of appreciation. 

    Thank you blog post

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  • Stop 7: Noosaville Australia: Congress of Rough Writers Round the World Tour: A Book Review with a Difference

    Stop 7: Noosaville Australia: Congress of Rough Writers Round the World Tour: A Book Review with a Difference

    The next stop on the Rough Writers Tour around the World is with fellow Aussie Irene Waters. Pop over to see how writing flash fiction contributes to Irene’s memoir writing.

    Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist's avatarReflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist)

    tour-around-the-world

    May 21st 2014 I wrote my first flash in Charli’s 99 word flash fiction prompt. Little did I know that Charli’s vision of a site that would make literary arts available to all would see me join the ranks of the Congress of Rough Writers, participating in a writing rodeo both as contestant and leader of one of the competitions and writing a monthly post on memoir. The biggest achievement has been the publishing of  Anthology 1, but more about that in a minute.

    I had found Charli’s site via a Bite Size Memoir prompt  and found that as a memoir writer, writing fiction didn’t come easily, at first. Indeed, this very first flash was a BOTS, that is it was based on a true story that occurred when my father had gone to Sydney to teach for 3 months and my mother, brother and I were left in our…

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  • Of dreams and nightmares

    Of dreams and nightmares

    This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story using the theme “follow your dreams.” Bonus points for throwing a badge into the tale. Go where the prompt leads.

    The prompt led me back to Marnie, a character about whom I have written a number of flash stories, as I try to figure out who she is and what her world is like. We know that she was both neglected and abused at home and bullied at school. One special teacher Miss R has been her confidante and champion over the years, instilling in Marnie an inkling of self-worth and giving her the will to survive. This story takes us to her graduation day.

    Of dreams and nightmares

    Marnie snuck into the back row. The ceremony was underway. “Follow your dream” and “What is your dream?” were displayed on the large screen above the stage. As each graduating student took the microphone to share their dreams for the future, images of past achievements were projected onto the screen. Marnie should have been there too: but what could she share? Who would listen or even care? Only Miss R. Marnie craned her neck for a farewell glimpse, then left as quietly as she had entered. Once she had escaped her nightmare, perhaps then she could begin to dream.

    You can read more of Marnie’s story here.

    Thank you blog post

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  • Can you have your carrot cake and eat it too?

    Can you have your carrot cake and eat it too?

    Charli Mills flash fiction prompt "Carrot cake"

    This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about carrot cake. It can be classic or unusual. Why is there cake? How does it feature in the story. Go where the prompt leads.

    Carrot cake is great for a celebration, and with Easter just around the corner, I decided to combine the two. I hope you like it.

    A carrot cake for Easter

    “What will we cook today?” asked Mum.

    “Carrot cake!” chimed the twins.

    “But you don’t like carrot cake.”

    “Carrot cake. Carrot cake.”

    “Why?”

    “Well, it’s going to be–“

    “Easter soon, and we want–“

    “to give the Easter Bunny–“

    “a surprise–”

    “present.”

    The twins smiled at each other.

    “Okay,” smiled Mum. “Carrot cake it is.”

    “Yay!”

    “First, we need the carrots.”

    The children raced ahead to the veggie patch.

    “What–“

    “happened?”

    Their eyes opened wide. The carrot patch was devastated; not one carrot left.

    “Carrot cake’s off,” said Mum. “That old rabbit can’t have carrot cake and eat them too.”

    bunny eating carrot public domain picture

    Thank you blog post

    Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback, please share your thoughts; and if you can help me with the following two questions, that would be wonderful.

    1. How should I punctuate the twins’ dialogue to show that they are finishing each other sentences? Have I done it correctly? If not, how should I have shown it? I checked my style guide and online and couldn’t find an explanation.
    2. Word counted the em dashes I have used to punctuate the interruptions, but I haven’t. Should I have? Most punctuation is not counted as words.

    Thanks for your advice.

  • Jump on board the Congress of Rough Writers Round the World Tour

    Jump on board the Congress of Rough Writers Round the World Tour

    Do you remember the moment you fell in love–the moment the passion ignited, and you knew life would never be the same again?

    I remember the moment my love affair with flash fiction began. Like many love affairs, it took me by surprise, lifting me up with its power to seduce, challenge and excite in a whirlpool of emotions.

    That moment occurred exactly four years and one week ago when, on 12 March 2014, I published my response to the first flash fiction prompt posted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Charli challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less) write the aftermath of an avalanche of any kind from any perspective.

    Flash fiction was new to me. I’d written short stories, children stories, poetry, songs, and educational books and resources, but never flash fiction. However, I do love a challenge and had been anticipating having a go at flash fiction after Charli’s announcement a few months prior.

    This is my response, my first ever attempt at flash fiction:

    Avalanche

    The trickle began; imperceptible, unheeded and ignored.

    Needing more attention, the volume swelled and quickened pace.

    Still no attention was forthcoming so the surge became more urgent and incessant in its plea.

    “Slow down! Stop me!”

    To no avail.

    The avalanche engulfed her.

    Heat flashed through her body, from feet straight to her head.

    Heart pounding loudly, “Let me out of here!” it pled.

    With reverberations magnified in each and every cell,

    the heady swirl became too much –

    she trembling choked. “I’m dying?”

    But no:

    B-r-e-a-t-h-e   s-l-o-w.

    B-r-e-a-t-h-e   d-e-e-p.

    R-e-l-a-x.

    S-o-o-t-h-e.

    B-r-e-a-t-h-e . . .

    The panic abates.

    I was just one of five to respond to that first prompt. Four of those writers, including me of course, are still regular visitors to the Carrot Ranch, are members of the Congress of Rough Writers, and are contributors to the Congress of Rough Writers Flash Fiction Anthology Vol 1. That’s pretty awesome, I think.

    Carrot Ranch Anthology with 5 star review

    Watch the trailer here:

    Over the years, the number of Congress members has grown to thirty-two and the number of participants in the Flash Fiction challenges swells to more than fifty some weeks.

    from little things big things grow

    What an amazing achievement: from small things, big things grow. Charli’s vision has not wavered from the outset. She held to her path through all manner of life’s storms. Battered but not beaten, she persisted when lesser mortals would have caved. She continues to welcome, encourage and support all writers with her vision to make literary arts accessible to all. With the publication of this anthology, a digital compilation of entries in the inaugural Flash Fiction Rodeo now in production, and Anthology Vol 2 in the pipeline, she shows what is possible through vision, determination and growth mindset.

    During the four years I have been participating in Charli’s challenges, I have learned a lot, not only about writing, but about life. The warmth and encouragement of the community of writers that have gathered around Charli is uplifting. The synergy and combined effect of all our stories, written and shared in a safe environment, raises us up together to walk on each other’s shoulders.

    In 2015, I wrote this about what I had learned from writing flash fiction. The learning continues with my own “yet’ mindset.

    Carrot Ranch anthology a brilliant idea

    About the Anthology

    Thirty writers began with 99 words and forged literary feats. Vol. 1 explores the literary art of flash fiction, beginning with the earliest compilations at Carrot Ranch and later pieces based on a new flash fiction prompt. This is not your typical anthology. It continues with longer stories extended from the original 99-word format and essays on how flash fiction supports memoir writing. Based on the experiences at Carrot Ranch, the concluding section of Vol. 1 offers tips to other groups interested in using the flash fiction format to build a literary community.

    Charli Mills, Series Editor, Publisher & Lead Buckaroo
    Sarah Brentyn, Editor & Contributor

    The Congress of the Rough Writers (contributors):

    Anthony Amore, Rhode Island, USA; Georgia Bell, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Sacha Black, England, UK; Sarah Brentyn, USA; Norah Colvin, Brisbane, Qld, AU; Pete Fanning, Virginia, USA; C. Jai Ferry, Midwest, USA; Rebecca Glaessner, Melbourne, Vic, AU; Anne Goodwin, England, UK; Luccia Gray, Spain; Urszula Humienik, Poland; Ruchira Khanna, California, USA; Larry LaForge, Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Geoff Le Pard, Dulwich South London, UK; Jeanne Belisle Lombardo, Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Sherri Matthews, Somerset, UK; Allison Mills, Houghton, Michigan, USA; Charli Mills, Hancock, Michigan, USA; Paula Moyer, Lauderdale, Minnesota, USA; JulesPaige, Pennsylvania, USA; Amber Prince, North Texas, USA; Lisa Reiter, UK; Ann Edall-Robson, Airdrie, Alberta, Canada; Christina Rose, Oregon, USA; Roger Shipp, Virginia, USA; Kate Spencer, British Columbia, Canada; Sarah Unsicker, St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Irene Waters, Noosaville, Qld, AU; Sarrah J. Woods, Charleston, West Virginia, USA; Susan Zutautas, Orillia, Ontario, Canada.

    From the back cover:

    Witness great feats of literary art from daring writers around the world: stories crafted in 99 words.

    Flash fiction is a literary prompt, form, and tool that unites writers in wordplay. This creative craft hones a writer’s skills to write tight stories and explore longer works. It’s literary art in thoughtful bites, and the collective stories in this anthology provide an entertaining read for busy modern readers.

    Writers approach the prompts for their 99-word flash with creative diversity. Each of the twelve chapters in Part One features quick, thought-provoking flash fiction. Later sections include responses to a new flash fiction prompt, extended stories from the original 99-word format, and essays from memoir writers working in flash fiction. A final section includes tips on how to use flash fiction in classrooms, book clubs, and writers groups.

    CarrotRanch.com is an online literary community where writers can practice craft the way musicians jam. Vol. 1 includes the earliest writings by these global literary artists at Carrot Ranch. Just as Buffalo Bill Cody once showcased the world’s most daring riding, this anthology highlights the best literary feats from The Congress of Rough Writers.

    The Congress of Rough Writers Anthology Vol 1

    In case you haven’t got yours yet, here’s where to purchase

    The Congress of the Rough Writers Flash Fiction Anthology Vol. 1 is available through distribution in 17 countries worldwide. Buy direct from our Print on Demand distributor at Book Baby.

    Preferred Seller:

    The-Congress-of-Rough-Writers

    Also available from:

    Amazon Global Digital
    Amazon Global Print

    Be sure to check out other stops on the Congress of Rough Writers Tour Around the World.

    We have already visited

    Sherri Matthews UK

    Luccia Gray in Spain

    Sacha Black in the UK

    Ann Edall-Robson in Canada

    Anne Goodwin in the UK

    Geoff Le Pard in the UK

    Next week we will visit Irene Waters, another Australian. (You’ve travelled so far, we want you to make the most of your journey!)

    The tour continues through April and into May. Be sure to not miss a stop along the way.

     

    Thank you blog post

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

  • Real Memoir Imaginary Flash And Not Your Typical Anthology

    Real Memoir Imaginary Flash And Not Your Typical Anthology

    Welcome to Sherri Matthew’s Summerhouse in the UK: this week’s stop on the Rough Writers Tour Around the World.
    Sherri discusses the role that flash fiction plays in her memoir writing in both an entertaining and informative way.
    After you read Sherri’s post, pack your bags and get ready to travel. Next stop will be with me: from the UK in the north to sunny Queensland in the south. See you then!

    Sherri Matthews's avatarA View From My Summerhouse

    Summerhouse in Spring (c) Sherri Matthews

    When I moved house last October, I said goodbye to my Summerhouse.  That is, to the wood and nails of it.  To the little wooden house painted blue , strung with pretty bunting and lights which no longer belongs to me.

    My Summerhouse wasn’t just my writing space; over the years, it was home to a nest of bumble bees in the ground below, several spiders and their cobwebs spun in dusty corners, and a hedgehog who took up residence at the back.

    I miss it, but I smile through my wistful nostalgia when I look at the photos, because I know that it is the virtual essence of the Summerhouse that remains.

    My Summerhouse is imaginary now, a virtual meeting place, but it is no less real, filled with you, my lovely people.  A community created by the footprints you leave with…

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  • Can you think of five reasons for writing flash fiction? Sacha Black can!

    Can you think of five reasons for writing flash fiction? Sacha Black can!

     

    This week the Rough Writers Tour Around the World stops off in the UK with Sacha Black, YA sci-fi writer.

    Pop over to Sacha’s blog to find out how to harness the power of writing flash fiction to hone writing skills.

    Sacha also tells you how to purchase the Congress of Rough Writers Anthology Volume 1.

    Here is a list of March Tour dates:

    Carrot Ranch Rough Writers March Tour Dates

    Each one is bound to hold interesting insights into the writer’s process. Make sure you don’t miss any!