Monday, May 12, 2014

Monday's Minute Challenge: Writing Prompt Contest for Teens & Up


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


  1. The entry must be between 150 - 300 words. Otherwise, your entry will not be accepted. (In order to see how many words your entry is, write it in Microsoft Word, or you can copy and paste it here.)
  2. The deadline for the contest will be the following Friday. 
  3. You do not have to be a teen to enter the contest.
  4. The same person cannot win first place two weeks in a row. (Some exceptions may apply.)
  5. If there is at least 5 entries, the panel of judges will select a 2nd and 1st place. If there is at least 10 entries, the judges will select a 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place. However, if there is under 5 entries, the panel of judges will only select one winner.
  6. If there are at least 10 entries, there will be a few Honorable Recognitions, which are the next highest winners. They will receive a badge, as well as 3 points.
  7. The winners will receive a badge for their blog, as well as extra points (see the point system below).
  8. 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. 
  9. If you have entered at least 3 contests and have yet to place, send me an email and I will be happy to give you a critique of your last entry, which will include tips and suggestions.
  10. This is only for fun and to stretch your writing muscles--not necessarily to be taken too seriously. =)


Prizes:

More prizes to come!
  • 30 points: You will be able to create your own prompt that will be used in Monday's Minute Challenge!
  • 40 points: You will receive a critique based on your current week's entry.
  • 50 points: You will receive a free blog critique and helpful suggestions.
  • 70 points: You will receive an 700 word critique on your novel, short story, article, etc.
  • 80 points: You can help judge one of the contests!
  • 90 points: You will receive two weeks free in my Write Now Mentoring Program!
  • 100 points: You will receive a free ebook of PURPLE MOON. =)
  • 150 points: You will receive a personalized handmade notepad. 
Earning Points:
  • 20 points: If you sign up for a month of my Write Now Mentoring Program!
  • 5 points: If you post a review of Purple Moon on Amazon and/or Goodreads. (Let me know in the comments if you do!)
  • 5 points: If you join the Purple Moon Publicity Group on Facebook. (You will have the chance to participate in monthly giveaways!)
  • 3 points: If you cast your vote! (See the end of this post.)
  • 3 points: If you post your entry on your blog, linking back to this post
  • 2 points: If you post a tweet about Monday's Minute Challenge, with hashtag #MondaysMinute (You may tweet more than once in a week, however the points will only count for one tweet.)
  • 2 points: If you follow this blog via Google Friend Connect. (Let me know in the comments if you do!)
  • 2 points: If you "like" my Facebook page. (Let me know in the comments if you do!)
  • 2 points: If you follow my Twitter account(Let me know in the comments if you do!)
  • 2 points: Become a "fan" of me on Goodreads. (Let me know in the comments if you do!)
  • 2 points: Follow me on Pinterest. (Let me know in the comments if you do!)
  • 10 points: If you win 1st place in the writing prompt contest.
  • 7 points: If you win 2nd place in the writing prompt contest.
  • 5 points: If you win 3rd place in the writing prompt contest.
  • 3 points: You receive an Honorable Recognition. 
Points Tracker:
  • TW Wright: 101
  • Mary B: 71
  • Elisabeth: 59
  • Angela: 13
  • Funto: 9
  • Benj. Evans: 30
  • S. Brightly: 22
  • Jacqueline: 59
  • Rebekah B: 41
  • Anna: 32
  • His Princess: 58
  • Tara T: 61
  • Evan: 10
  • Rcubed: 60
  • Sarah: 79
  • Jillian: 10
  • Brooke: 12
  • Kaley: 2
  • Karina: 23
  • Kaira Anne: 49
  • Katheline: 16
  • Kendra: 9
  • Lottie Le: 6
  • CeCe: 10
  • Katie: 10
  • Marsh: 20
*Points are updated every Monday.
*When you request to use your points for a prize, the points you use will be taken away from your total. In other words, when you reach 30 points, you can claim the prize for 30 points--but it will cost you all of your points. Or you can continue to try and earn points so you can claim a bigger prize.

 


If you have entered at least 3 contests and have yet to win, please send me an email and I will be happy to give you a critique of your last entry and offer suggestions.

The judge panel chooses these winners based on a point system (not to be confused with the point system mentioned above!) 

Thanks so much to everyone who voted! It helps the judge panel tremendously.

We were very impressed this week at how far all of you have come since the beginning. All of the entries were incredible, and it was very hard to judge! So please don't discouraged if you have yet to place (or haven't in a few weeks). The competition has become very tough, but the judges still think every one of your entries are impressive. So keep it up! =)

Since there were two entries that had the same amount of points for 3rd place, we have decided that they both deserved to place. 

(Keep in mind that the judges are not aware of which entry belongs to which participant until after the judging is complete.)

The entries that the judges thought was the most intriguing (based on rule #4) is ... 


Third place winner (tie): 
I lifted my lantern up to my face, peering into the forest that had overgrown onto the shoreline. I told myself that this was risky business. I’d told myself that I would never come back here again…yet here I was. I scoffed, sitting down on the boat’s small wooden seats. The water nudged the boat’s side gently, creating an everlasting rocking motion. I clenched my fists, standing up. The boat tottered unsteadily, but I caught my balance. How could I be such a fool? Did I actually believe that they would come? I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. The cool night’s mist spread across my face, relieving my angry notions. Once again I grabbed the lantern, hoping that my suspicions were wrong. Maybe they would come. Maybe they would prove me wrong, and show that they could be trustworthy and worthwhile people to be with. I looked at the water beneath me, staring at my reflection in the midst of the eerie light casting down from my lantern. Peering past my face, I gazed down at the fish that had gathered together in a tight group. A slight breeze picked up; my lantern’s flame flickered as all the fish scattered abruptly. A howling sound came from the shore. My eyes darted around; everything was becoming more terrifying as the seconds ticked by. I looked back towards the fish again, or where they used to be. A dark shape formed in the depths of the water. My boat was met with a hard shove; I fell with a shriek to the ground, watering seeping through the cracks in the side. My lantern fell overboard, everything was black. Giving in to the presence from the water, my boat splintered. Water was everywhere. It engulfed me completely. 
Congratulations, Katie! Click here for your badge. =)


Third
 place winner (tie): 
Ellie stared back at her reflection, wondering, watching, and waiting for Bethany to return. After waiting for three minutes as was agreed, Ellie did the secret code they’d worked on. Nothing happened. She looked around, baffled that nothing happened, considering how many times she and Bethany had snuck out to see each other. After eight minutes of waiting and watching, she got tired of waiting and started rowing herself back to the shore. As soon as she was half way there, she saw a boat heading towards her. "Oh finally, I was starting to think you forgot it was tonight.” Ellie said with a small reassured laugh. The laugh was abruptly caught in her throat when she saw who was rowing the boat. She caught her breath upon seeing that long lost face once again. Benjamin. Suddenly, unbidden images of the fire and ash her parents went into to save everyone else, including Benjamin, who had started the fire that had killed her family. She’d told herself she would never go back again ... yet there she was, missing, wanting, crying for the lost loved ones that had once been hers, but were now taken, all because of that cruel, heartless monster. “No, never again!” Ellie shouted her thoughts with such passion and enmity that with a rush of adrenaline that she rowed faster than ever before to get to that miserable wretch who had once been her beloved brother. He was so surprised when the small rowboat crashed into his that he toppled out backwards. Ellie was so mad she hardly even realized it, until she was pulled out herself. Ellie, not knowing how to swim, clung to the boat for dear life. Something grasped her leg and yanked it downwards until her whole body was underneath the surface.
Congratulations, Anna! Click here for your badge. =)


Second place winner: 




I'd told myself I would never come back here again ... yet here I am. I kneel by my sister's grave, the tears don't come. It would be a relief if they could—if this wrenching ache could subside. 

1997-2013

All that remains of my best friend is buried beneath those terrible words. 

I wish I could rewrite the tombstone, to tell the story—to tell the things that really mattered. But then, there are no words that could describe the vibrance, the life, the kindness. 

But all that remains is the cold stone. 1997-2013

A dandelion pokes its shining head through the soil around the tombstone. Somehow this seems more fitting than the brilliant roses I hold. Cheerful and understated, and, according to the man who killed her, a weed.

I suppose I've forgiven him—over and over again. Every time I let go of the anger, it comes back to haunt me again.

They say 'forgive and forget,' but I can't forget, only forgive.

A tear breaks loose of the invisible binding, trickling down my cheek and onto the stone. 

She was so much more than the words on the tombstone.

1997-2013
Congratulations, Kaira! Click here for your badge. =)


First place winner: 




If I'd have stopped to let myself think about it, I would have realized that my running through the dark woods on this balmy summer night was absolutely crazy. We were heading towards the old swimming lake- a place that no one around our piece of earth had visited for over twenty-odd years. The tragic story surrounding that body of water had grown and changed over the years, but the moral remained the same: Stay away from that lake. Always.

But my son had burst into the kitchen insisting that someone over that way needed our help. I wasn't at all inclined to believe him at first, knowing as I did the way his vivid imagination worked. But his gulping breaths, wide eyes and panicked tone quickly convinced me that even if there really was no one there, he definitely believed there was. So against my better judgment, I followed him.

"Almost there, Mama." His boyish voice sounded strangely protective, as if he somehow sensed the nausea that was creeping up on me as we neared our destination. It was the only thing keeping me from demanding he tell me how he knew the way here so well. Surely he hadn't been sneaking-

The bobbing light over the waters snapped my thought in two, and my breath caught sharply as I came to a stop on the shore. The small silhouette of a young girl was illuminated by the lantern she held, and she looked up calmly as we approached.

"See, there she is!" Josiah was still breathless. 

My mouth went dry. The girl... she looked just like... like... 

"Rachel?" I whispered weakly. Josiah caught my hand as I stumbled backwards.

It couldn't be her.
Congratulations, S. Brightly! Click here for your badge. =)


Honorable Recognitions

These winners will receive a badge, as well as 3 extra points:
  1. Kendra
  2. His Princess
  3. Angela
Congratulations! Click here for your badge. =)

Thanks so much to everyone who participated!




  • Submit your response in the comments below. 
  • Your response should range between 150 - 300 words. 
  • The deadline for the contest will be this Friday. 
  • Let me know which prompt you have chosen.
  • If you'd rather not submit your post in the comments, you may email it to me instead.


Remember:

1) Your response should range between 150 - 300 words, otherwise it will not be accepted. (Copy and paste your entry here to count the words, or you could write it on Microsoft Word.)
2) The deadline for the contest is this Friday.

Choose at least one:

Note: You can always combine the prompts into one entry.
  • Write a passage continuing your entry from last week week (or whichever week you'd prefer). If you can, try to continue it using one of the following prompts.
  • Write a passage using these items: guitar, whistle, and clock. 
  • Write a passage based on this picture
  • Write a passage using this phrase: I always knew this day would come--I just didn't expect for it to get here so soon. 
Cast Your Vote!

We're going to try something new at Monday's Minute Challenge.

Since choosing the winners is such a time-consuming process for the judges, and since you already read each others responses, we have decided to give you the opportunity to take part in the judging process. =)

Here's how it works:
  • You can vote for 3 entries per week, but you may not vote for yourself.
  • You can only click "submit" once per week, so be sure to wait until you have selected your top 3 entries before casting your vote.
  • Please do not vote until at least 7 entries have been submitted. (If you do before then, your vote will not count.)
  • Only the participants of Monday's Minute Challenge may vote.
  • Voting will only take place from Monday - Thursday.
  • We will choose the 3 people with the highest amount of votes, then select another 3 or 4 that we think deserve to win as well.
  • From those 6 or 7 entries, we will then select the winners (including the Honorable Recognitions.)

You will also receive 3 points for voting. So when you are done, please post a comment below saying that you have casted your vote.  

To vote, please enter the names of the 1 - 3 writers you are voting for below (or click here instead):

Current Judge Panel:


♡ ♡ ♡


Would you like to start a Purple Moon party?!

If you get together with at least four of your friends to read my book, let me know and we can put together a Purple Moon party! 

Pin It!
For this party, I will . . .
  • Send you a free autographed book for you or your friend
  • Email you a free PDF which will instruct you on how to throw a Purple Moon party by providing certain snacks, coffee, and chocolate. It will also include fun activities you can do with your friends at the party, such as creating a prediction of how you think the rest of the series will go, creating your own dream school or coffee shop, instructions on how to make a Luna Bonita Latte and a sleeping mask, etc.!
  • ​I will also be willing to chat with you girls via Skype! In this session, we will discuss the Reader's Group Guide which can be found in the back of the book. You will then have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Interested? Email me at christiswrite (at) gmail (dot) com. =)

post signature

79 comments:

  1. Wow! I can't believe I got second place. *faints.

    I did the picture and sentence prompt.

    I always knew this day would come—I just didn't expect for it to get here so soon.
    His stare focused on my forehead like a target, even though the blindfold blocked everything but a muted sliver of light.

    “What did you do to her?” the little hitch in his voice gave away his grief. I suppose family love is something I'll never understand. It's a weakness though. I can use it.

    The icy blade touched my throat, I didn't know whether it bled or not.

    “I did nothing to her.” I replied, trying to keep my head up, like a real princess would; not like the imposter I am. “I don't even know what they did to her.”

    “They. Who is they?” the prince moved in closer, hanging on my every word, the blade pushed further.

    “Why should I tell you?” I asked, “Your sister does not matter to me.”

    I can't see anything, but the blade shakes against my skin.
    “If you don't tell me I'll kill you.” He tries to sound threatening.

    I keep my voice measured and cold, “You won't kill me.”

    “What makes you think I won't? My sister is gone, and you, you pretended to be her.”

    He's got morals, he's good. He won't kill me unless there's no other way—or unless he knew who killed his sister. I know how revenge can make people do terrible things.

    I wriggled my hands free of the ropes and clutched my hidden knife.

    “Your sister's gone.” I whispered, as I thrust the knife into his heart. “And so will you.”

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    Replies
    1. Whoa! AMAZING!!!

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    2. This. Is. Awesome. So intense, so gripping, so absolutely amazing. NICE JOB!

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    3. Did you really *faint*? i love this story,AWESOME STORY!

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    4. No, I didn't, but I was surprised.

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    5. Good because that would have been bad what if someone saw you.

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  2. Here's mine, it's 279 words and is using all three prompts.

    I closed the book I'd just finished reading and curled up on my bed, wishing angrily that my little brother, Treavon would stop playing his guitar. The clock on the wall told me that it was almost 9:00, blessedly, my brother's bedtime. He was obsessed with band. Just as he was beginning to play a hideous song called "The Whistle and it's Chicken" which made no sense whatsoever, the clock struck nine and I had peace-for a minute. I looked up at my large mirror hanging above my dresser and did a double take. There was someone in that mirror, and it wasn't me. I glanced behind me, but didn't see anyone. Cautiously I approached the mirror, curiosity getting the better of me. The mirror showed a girl wearing a long white dress, she had long, dark brown hair, her hands were tied to a tree behind her and she was blindfolded. She was talking to someone, I craned my neck but couldn't see him or her, "I always knew this day would come--I just didn't expect for it to get here so soon." she was saying mournfully.
    "What do you mean?" asked a man.
    "I knew that the day would come when Sinoal would betray us." grief and anger filled her voice. I dropped my book, how could I change this? I was watching the book I'd just read come to life in my bedroom mirror, and I knew that the girl would die. In the book, Sinoal had been the hero, but now I knew that he was evil. "Don't die!" I screamed at the mirror and sank to the floor sobbing. Could I rewrite the book?

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    Replies
    1. I like the concept behind this story. Good Job! :)

      HP

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    2. O my word i want a mirror like that so i can see people from different worlds, their like aliens my favorite.

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    3. This is so interesting, Kendra!! =) Great job with it!!!! =)

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    4. That is a really, really nice premise for the story. Nice job. :)

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  3. This is my story! I used the picture and the sentence. 299 words!

    Vikings! The cry echoed through my small town. I always knew this day would come, I just didn’t expect for it to get here so soon. My heart began to race, this can’t be happening! Not on my wedding day! My town had a small cave full of food in case of a Viking attack. I ran toward the cave ignoring the screams from behind me that were abruptly cut off. Once inside the cave I quickly found my fiancé and my family.
    “Erin!” my mother whimpered, “its Elaina she’s not here! What if she’s…” mother trailed off starting to sob.
    I gasped. Elaina was my only sibling. “I’m going to find her,” I declared and ran off before anyone could protest.
    I ran around a corner colliding with a huge Viking man. I let out a blood curling scream as he grabbed me by the arm.
    “Hey! Where do you think you’re going?” the man questioned dragging me to a large group of Vikings at the edge of my town. Two of the men grabbed me and I tried to fight back, but they were too strong and managed to blindfold me and tie my arms behind a tree.
    I fought against the tree but I couldn’t get free.
    A while later I heard a new voice call “I found one other girl lurking around the town.”
    “Let me go!” screamed a voice.
    “Elaina!” I cried “Please let her go! Keep me, but let her go!”
    “We need you, but her we could do without. Kill her!” the man commanded with a laugh. I heard a sharp scream from Elaina and then she fell silent.
    I began to sob. “No not my sister.”
    “Now,” stated a man. “Tell us where the others are or you will die too!”

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    Replies
    1. So intense! And sad. :( I want to know what happens!

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    2. Her poor sister, i know somebody named Elaina she will so sad that she died.

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    3. This is really good, Emily!! I really want to know more!! =D

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    4. So sad that her sister died. :'}

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  4. A scream pierced the air as I watched the girl get thrown against the tree, her hands getting tied roughly behind her back. A moment of guilt flashed through my heart. I could’ve prevented this from happening.
    “Catch!” My head whipped towards the voice as a knife darted towards me, the handle aimed near my chest. I ducked, my hand shooting out to catch it. A sigh of relief escaped from my mouth as I grasped the smooth surface. I raised the weapon with a questioning gesture.
    “Guard the girl, make sure she doesn’t escape.” My master’s voice commanded as he disappeared with his men, leaving me alone with her.
    “Be a gentleman and take off this blindfold.” I jumped back; surprised that she spoke. I mustn’t let my soft side take over.
    “Why would I do that?”
    Her eyebrows rose above the fabric. “I know your voice. You’re the boy that abandoned me while I was being captured.”
    I clenched my fists. “I never abandoned you. I wasn’t going to help you in the first place.”
    “You were wavering in your decision.” She pointed out. It was true. “There’s some good in you.”
    I spat on the ground. “If I helped you, I would’ve been the one abandoned by my friends.”
    “Friends?”
    I stayed silent.
    “You seem more like their slave.”
    I gritted my teeth. It wasn’t her job to point out the obvious.
    “You don’t have to be treated like an outcast.”
    Would she just shut up?
    “I know someone who can help you.”
    “No one can help me!” I screamed.
    “Let me go and I’ll show you.”
    I looked behind me. Once I started, there would be no turning back. I would be abandoned. Taking a deep breath I sliced the ropes around her wrists.
    “Let’s go.”

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    Replies
    1. I used the picture prompt, and used exactly 300 words :)

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    2. Love the emotions you convey.

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    3. Poor abandoned boy child, i did not know that it was gentlemanly to take of a blindfold. Me, i would have left her:)

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    4. Wow! I love that, Katie! Great job:)

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    5. Great job!! Really enjoyed that Katie!! =)

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    6. Thank you everyone. Your comments mean a lot :)

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  5. AMAZING!!!! One of your best works!!! I want to know what happens!!!!

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  6. There under the spreading maple tree
    So wide as hands in a pillory
    Yet much more free
    Grew a bunch of bluet flowers
    Nestling in a group of thirty-three

    A titmouse blew his beak-mouthed whistle
    To call a friend who sat in barbed brown thistle
    Far off in a tower of white another sound was heard
    Not quite a mile from the young blue bird
    Faint the peal, soft the seal, another hour on the bell clock

    Not so faint, and much more harsh wast the knell
    To a group of lads in a nearby room
    Their music interrupted by the sound of the bell
    For a time they stopped and waited
    Once, twice, a pause, then thrice until at last it abated

    Then once again they struck a tune
    On fiddle, mandolin, and banjo
    Wafting upon the wind and out the window
    Across the street and down the walk
    Through an open door where walked a man

    The man though tall, kept himself exact
    His manner fluid and his gait intact
    Around his back was strapped a case
    A plastic box of a classy taste
    He went up the street to the sound’s home

    Up the blocky stairs he bounded
    Into the room where the music resounded
    Deftly quick, he opened the lid
    He slid the steel bar
    And pulled out a strung guitar

    Though the birds may whistle
    And the bell will peal
    I don’t know a sweeter sound, near or far
    Than the deep smooth chords
    Of a well-played guitar

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    Replies
    1. Good idea to use the prompt in a poem.

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    2. Good idea. Beautiful job too!

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    3. Thanks! I did a poem because I like writing poetry and the prompts were quite sensory.

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  7. This computer thinks i"m a robot.

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  8. Maybe i am a robot who knows.

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    Replies
    1. If you are a robot, I would like to know. Keep me updated. :P

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  9. Here's my entry. Congrats to the winners!:)
    http://www.foreverchanged13.blogspot.com/2014/05/monday-minutes-challenge_13.html
    In Christ,
    Sarah

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    Replies
    1. Now I want to know what it is she's going to tell. Great job!

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    2. Yup. I loved this. Awesome job! You're killing me with the suspense :)

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    3. So, so good! I really want to know what the big secret is.... why must you leave everyone hanging?!?

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  10. Here is my entry.
    http://mary.burroughstribe.com/2014/05/13/mondays-minutes-10/

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  11. Here's my entry:
    http://indonesiaaroundme.blogspot.com/2014/05/mondays-minutes-challenge_13.html
    Hope ya'll like it =)

    TW Wright
    ravensandwriting.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Oooh, I want to know what happens next! Good job. :)

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  12. http://rebekah.burroughstribe.com/2014/05/13/mmc-10/

    Love all y'all's entries. :)

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  13. The Russian PianistMay 14, 2014 at 2:41 PM

    Thanks for hosting this contest! I learned about your website from the "Go Teen Writers" blog. I have a few of questions about the contest. 1) For the prompt sentence, do I have to use it word for word, or can I deviate slightly? My entry is written in third person and I want to replace the em dash with a period. Is this alright? 2) Is there any specific place where the prompt sentence must go in the entry? 3) Is there any disadvantage to sending you our entry via e-mail versus posting it in the comments?

    Thanks so much!
    -The Russian Pianist

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    Replies
    1. Hey Russian Pianist! =) I can't answer all of your questions, but I do know that the prompt can go ANYWHERE in your entry, and you may send it to Tessa. =) Hope this helps!! =)

      TW Wright
      ravensandwriting.blogspot.com

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    2. Hi! Once I changed a word in the prompt (I was writing in a different person view) and I still placed. I'm guessing that would be okay; you could always send her an email.
      For the disadvantages... If you post it in the comments, people can comment on it. Praise it and tell you things you did well. Also, if they really like your

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    3. Oops. *entry, they can vote for it. (To see how voting works, just look at what Tessa posted in the rules.)

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    4. The Russian PianistMay 15, 2014 at 2:01 PM

      Thanks TW and Katie! I think I'll be brave and post my entry online. Here goes...

      She caressed the hand in her lap, running her fingers up and down each of the blue, wizened veins. The hand was as worn as her own, but the way it hung limp stretched them apart like a rubber band. Each day, as his blue eyes wandered, vacant, and her eyes begged a coherent response, the gap grew.
      When she had woken up the first time, she had wriggled her hand under the blankets in bed to find his—it was gone. It was only then that she had remembered. She didn’t cry; she never did, even when she was young. Still, a sharp little scalpel dug into her heart until she worried that it might poke out on the other side. She set the table for two before remembering. Sometimes she talked as if he was there. Habit, she supposed. Or maybe she didn’t want to let go.
      When will it break? Perhaps it already had. Perhaps the moment when he had stared at her, rubbing his eyes, and asked “Who are you?” was the breaking point. Ever since the diagnosis, she always knew this day would come. *I just didn’t expect for it to get here so soon.*
      Her cell phone rang. She reached into the correct pocket of her sweater at first try. Too many phone calls recently—the caregivers, the doctors, the kids…the adoption agency? She frowned at the caller ID. Since his move, she hadn’t returned any of their calls. She didn’t want to. Guilt prickled inside her chest. One lost sheep. How many sermons had he preached on that parable? The concept had always fascinated him, but particularly as of late. *“We’re not that old, Katherine.”* Her index finger hovered over the red icon, hesitated, then pushed the green one instead.

      -The Russian Pianist

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    5. The Russian PianistMay 15, 2014 at 2:05 PM

      By the way, my entry is 297 words. I obviously used only the written prompt.

      -The Russian Pianist

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    6. I love it!! I'm glad you posted it online :)

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    7. I love it, too!! Good job!! =)

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    8. Really good! I love it! (I really love your name, too, by the way.Russian Pianist? Awesome. :D)

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    9. 1) For the prompt sentence, do I have to use it word for word, or can I deviate slightly? Yes, that's fine! You can change it to third person also, if you'd like.

      2) Is there any specific place where the prompt sentence must go in the entry? Anywhere is fine. =)

      3) Is there any disadvantage to sending you our entry via e-mail versus posting it in the comments? As TW mentioned, one disadvantage is not having others read your entry and comment on it. Also, you won't be able to receive any votes from the others. (Although this doesn't mean you wouldn't have a chance to win.)

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  14. Okay, so...mine is really bad, but here's the link :-)

    http://randomrantsrcubed.blogspot.com/p/monday-minute-challenges.html

    Enjoy!

    ~Rcubed~

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  15. I voted!! Good job everyone!! =)

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  16. I voted, it gets harder every week. Great job!

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  17. I tried to vote. Not sure it went through, but I tried.

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  18. I voted!! Everyone's entries were so awesome :)

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  19. Mine is soo late, but here it is, using the sentence and object prompts. :) 299 words.

    The church bells rang in time with the dull thudding of my heart. I took a deep breath and pasted a smile on my face. It was time. I always knew this day would come- I just didn't expect for it to get here so soon.

    The sweet strums of the guitar serenaded me as I walked softly to the door, tapping on it gently. "Are you ready, Jess? It's starting."

    No answer.

    I frowned and looked at the clock hanging on the wall. Quarter to five. My sister would be expected to be walking down the aisle in a little over two minutes. "Jess?" I didn't wait this time but pushed the door open, stepping into the bright room. To my surprise, she was sitting in a chair with her back toward me, her shoulders slumped as she stared out the window. She made no move to turn her head as I came in.

    A warning whistle sounded dimly in my mind, but I ignored it. I had never been very close to Jess, but knew her well enough to know she didn't second-guess her decisions. She thought them through too carefully beforehand to do that. I made my voice cheerful. "Your prince is waiting, sister. Time to go."

    "I can't." Her voice was thick with tears, and she turned toward me a face that scarcely had more color than her white dress. "Mira-"

    I drew to her side, putting my hand on her shoulder in what I hoped was a comforting way. "Jess, you've thought this through. You love him."

    She shook her head desperately. "Mira, there's something you need to know. Something I haven't told you-" A sharp grimace lined her face as she fell forward, her eyes closing as she crumpled to the ground.

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    Replies
    1. How exciting! I bet she was already married. :) Love it S. Brightly.

      HP

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    2. What happens next? I bet HP is right. Good job sister.

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    3. I bet HP and CeCe are right Love it

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  20. I'm using the object prompt and it's 191 words.

    I sighed as I looked up at the clock. It was 3:40. Jackson was supposed to be here over an hour ago. I was bored. I hit a few strings on my guitar, just to find that the volume on the amp was up way too high. I reached over and turned it down. Maybe I should have stuck to acoustic instead of electric. All of a sudden I heard someone whistle. I looked up hopefully as my brother stepped into the garage.

    "Seriously, Lyric? You're still trying to do this?"

    "Yes," I mumbled. "And by the way, you don't have to call me that."

    "Okay, MELODY," he said. "He didn't show up, did he?"

    "No," I said. "And I don't understand why. We've been trying to do this for so long."

    "Maybe," he said, "he just doesn't want to be in your band."

    "Why not?" I said. "And why wouldn't he just tell me?"

    He opened his mouth to say something. We were interrupted by a car honking and then a loud screech. I dropped my guitar and we both went running out of the garage. What was that?

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