Monday's Minute Challenge

What is Monday's Minute Challenge?

A quick writing challenge (and contest) to help get your creative juices flowing for the new week.

Rules & Prizes:

1. Only the writing prompt entries--not the journal prompts--will be entered into the contest.
2. If there are over 5 entries, the panel of judges will select a 2nd and 1st place. However, if there is under 5 entries, the panel of judges will select only one winner.
3. The 2nd place winner will receive a badge for their blog, and the 1st place winner will receive a badge, as well as a free ebook of my YA novel, PURPLE MOON.
4. The winner will be chosen based on the judges's preferences, as well as the following questions: Does this entry capture my attention immediately? Does it make me want to continue reading? Is the writing clear? They will also take into consideration the writer's voice and style--not necessarily technical issues, such as grammar, punctuation, etc. 
5. The same person cannot win first place two weeks in a row. 
6. If the winner has already read PURPLE MOON, the ebook will be rewarded to the second place winner.
7. This is only for fun and to stretch your writing muscles--not necessarily to be taken too seriously. =)

Last Week's Winner(s)...

Since there were 5 entries for the writing prompt category, there will only be two winners (see the rules above). 

Just so you know, the judge panel had a very difficult time making their decisions this week. Thanks to all who participated! The entries that the judges thought was the most intriguing (based on rule #4) is ... 

Second place winner: 

“I never thought I’d find you here.” “Well, sir, that makes two of us.” Isaac snorts at my curt reply and sits down beside the prison gate. Through the bars, I can almost trace Lord Velnias’ insignia embroidered on the back his tunic. “Why are you down here?” I ask, “Velnias denies visitors for every prisoner.” “My lord’s rule applies to murderers, thieves, and debtors. I recall you are neither these nor their alternative.” Isaac reaches into his pocket and pulls out a loaf of bread. He breaks it in half and shares it with me. I finger the flaking crust and breathe its heavenly scent before carefully tearing off a large chunk. “If my suspicions are correct on where you acquired this bread, you might be my neighbor in this rotting hell.” Isaac ignores my quip and continues to eat his piece in silence. I do the same and try to block the clang of steel against steel. Velnias’ soldiers have been sparring and preforming drills all afternoon. “Will you watch the battle like everyone else?” I ask Isaac. He turns and looks me in the eye, “Yes, but I’m bringing a…friend.” I turn towards the small cell window and bring my knees to my chest. Guilt builds like a sandstorm and starts to bury my insides. I’ll never be able to undo what I already told Velnias. I’m a traitor. I’m a traitor. I’m a- The obnoxious squeal of rusting iron drowns out my remorse. I feel something land at my feet and look towards the front of my cell. Isaac is fastening a burlap cloak and positioning its hood so his face is obscured. A key dangles from the rope around his waist. “Put yours on quickly and follow me,” he says, “We have to leave before Chef Bastian realizes Lord Velnias do not chill his best wine in a cellar, off the prison.”

Congratulations, Angela! Send me an email at christiswrite (at) gmail (dot) com so I can have your badge sent to you. =)

First place winner: 

"I never thought I would find you here."I whipped around at his voice, keeping my hands hidden behind my back, fingers gripping desperately to the coiled rope. A sharp wind tugged at my long braid and lace skirts. "I thought you were afraid of heights?" he stated knowingly, stepping closer. In response I retreated back, flinching when I bumped into the cold metal rail. It was the only thing between me and the twelve-story drop from the tower to the foggy tangle of branches below. I tried to smooth my breath, begged my shaking legs to steady. I was terrified of heights. My whole being rebelled against where I was, what I was planning to do.But sometimes you have to face a fear in order to escape something even more dangerous….

Congratulations, Joni! You should receive an email from me today with your prizes. If you don't hear from me, feel free to send me an email. =)

Thanks so much to everyone who participated!

How to Submit:

You may submit your challenge response in the comments section below. (If you would like to make it even more challenging, set a timer for 60 seconds and see how much writing you can get done in that amount of time.) Your response should range between 1 - 3 paragraphs.

You can also post your challenge response on your blog, and then create your own challenge for your readers! However, make sure that you link back to this post and use the image above. If you are participating on your blog, be sure to submit your link in the comments and I will add it to the list of participants at the end of this post.

Today's Challenge Is...

Choose at least one:

• Journal topic: If all of your fears were gone just for one day, what would you do within that 24-hour period?
• Writing prompt contest: Every minute that passed was one minute closer to my worst nightmare.

Participants: 

Are you participating on your blog? If so, make sure that you have linked to this blog, and included the above picture. Submit your post's link and I will be sure to add it to this list!

• TW Wright
• Elisabeth Sullivan
• Julia
• Mary B