Monday, May 19, 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: 110
  • Mary B: 77
  • Elisabeth: 59
  • Angela: 13
  • Funto: 9
  • Benj. Evans: 37
  • S. Brightly: 29
  • Jacqueline: 59
  • Rebekah B: 47
  • Anna: 32
  • His Princess: 58
  • Tara T: 61
  • Evan: 10
  • Rcubed: 66
  • Sarah: 91
  • Jillian: 10
  • Brooke: 12
  • Kaley: 2
  • Karina: 23
  • Kaira Anne: 59
  • Katheline: 16
  • Kendra: 15
  • Russian Pianist: 5
  • Lottie Le: 6
  • CeCe: 10
  • Katie: 16
  • 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 2nd 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: 

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. 
Congratulations, Russian Pianist! Click here for your badge. =)


Second place winner (tie): 

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.
Congratulations, S. Brightly! Click here for your badge. =)

Second place winner (tie): 

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
Congratulations, Benj. Evans! Click here for your badge. =)


First place winner: 





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.”
Congratulations, Kaira! Click here for your badge. =)


Honorable Recognitions

These winners will receive a badge, as well as 3 extra points:
  1. Katie
  2. Kendra
  3. Sarah
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.
  • (Optional) 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: cereal box, handcuffs, and camera. 
  • Write a passage based on this picture
  • Write a passage using this phrase: What (s)he said next could have the power to change my life forever. 
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:


post signature

71 comments:

  1. Congratulations to all this weeks winners :) You all did a great job!

    Here is my story. I used the picture prompt and 297 words

    I ran ignoring my captors cry behind me. The wind swept against my face as I ran faster and farther. After twenty years of my life all I knew was rejection and hurt, but now I was finally leaving that behind me. I veered off into a dark forest and kept running. After a while I came to a small river winding on for as far as I could see. The river was covered with a layer of mist and I sat down in the branch of a tree to rest my weary legs. Suddenly a violent gust of wind arose and knocked me from the sturdy branch into the water. I screamed in shock as cold water entered my mouth and engulfed my body. I wished that I had learned to swim. I tried to feel for the bottom of the river, but I felt only slimy water plants grip my legs. Just when I thought I couldn’t hold my breath anymore strong arms pushed me down deeper into the water. I fought them, but I was losing my strength. At the very last second I managed to kick the person and loosen their grip. I swam to the surface and took a deep breath. I saw that the person was a girl around fifteen.

    “I was so close,” she hissed.

    “You were trying to kill me?”

    “I have been all your life,” she whispered. “Whenever you thought someone was following you or the shadows were moving it was me. I was born to kill you.”

    Shivers ran up my spine. “Why me I am nothing more than a worthless slave!”

    “You are more important than you think,” she whispered. I was hit me in the head from behind. I blacked out and was taken away.

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  2. Here's my entry! I used the picture prompt. Thanks for all the encouraging comments last week!

    I swung my leg over the rough bark of the tree branch besides me, the moss placed upon it tickling my palms. A small pond lay in front of me, a view that I had grown to adore. The cool mist over the pond shimmered with the sun’s radiance from above. The tips of my dress slid across the rippled waves, the dirt from the tree rubbing across my clean fabric. I sighed, staring into the sparkling glimmer that reflected into my eyes. It was so… peaceful.
    “Excuse me?” My heart skipped a beat; I twirled around, looking at the eyes of a young boy. I stared, my fingers clutching my dress, turning the smooth folds into wrinkles. My mind raced inside. What is he doing here? How did he find this place? Who is he?
    He had an unnerving sense about him. Nodding, he leaned against the tree upon which I was sitting. He offered a polite smile.
    He’s calm. I observed. Too calm. Gathering all the courage I could muster, I managed to stammer out an answer to his greeting. “Is… Um… There anything I could… Well… Help you with?”
    He gave another smile, the tips of his teeth protruding amidst his lips. They were perfectly white; yet another unnatural aspect of him.
    My muscles tensed up as he moved towards me, leaning in. Small shivers raced up and down my back. The gorgeous glitter over the water had disappeared and was replaced by a dark, looming fog.
    “Get out.” He whispered menacingly.
    I needed no further prodding. I scrambled to my feet, sprinting through the overgrown underbrush.


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  5. Thank you for the Honorable recognition, and congratulations winners! Here's mine, it's 260 words and is using the picture and the dialog prompt.

    What she said next could have the power to change my life forever. "Please, find it, please." she begged me, wrestling against the bonds that held her. She'd waited, waited as long as anyone could remember. Her hands were raw and red, from struggling against the invisible handcuffs that held her. "Who are you anyway?" I asked. Everyone called her the water nymph. Her voice was sad, "My name is Rilla," she said, "my mother was Nadia, and my father, Calder. You must find the goblet, or-" she broke off suddenly then continued in a whisper, "or all of the water nymphs will die." her tears flowed into the stream. My voice surprised me, "So, you are a water nymph? That's not just legend?"
    She nodded wordlessly.
    "And all of the water nymphs are under the same spell you are?"
    She looked up and said one word that said so much, "Yes."
    My mind was whirling, I was to be sent on a quest to save all the water nymphs. Oh, and by the way, I'd probably die in the process. One note, carried by the wind, or maybe the river, reached my ears, many voices saying the same thing, "Please." Any good hero would have gone on the quest-one life to save many-but I turned my back. It haunts me to this day, because the day after I left her, she was gone. If I could have redone it, I would have, I would have redone it a million times over, but now I can't.

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    Replies
    1. What an imaginative way to use the prompts! Good job. :)

      HP

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    2. I really liked that, Kendra, good job!! =)

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  6. Here is my entry: I used the picture prompt.

    ‘If I can’t see him, he can’t see me.’
    Replaying that childish notion in my head, I maneuvered through cattails and tree limbs. Pond goop collected on the hem of my dress and I was slowly being eaten alive by mosquitos. “Shoo, pesky little buggers.” Keeping in mind that someone else was on this lake, I slowly swatted at the fattest mosquito I’ve ever seen. My hand made contact with its plump thorax and it hit the water with a plop.
    “I know you’re here.” The voice was a gentle whisper, reserved for coaxing a nervous horse out of its stall or a scared puppy to your bed during a thunderstorm. I lowered myself onto an extended tree limb and sat there. Shrouded by a dense fog, he wouldn’t be able to see me. “You must be real scared if you sunk your own boat.” He said.
    It sunk? That’s really great. I clenched my right hand into a fist and surrendered to the famous McGregor frustration that was building up inside me. Hoping he thought it was the jump of a really obese bull frog into the water, I pounded the tree’s base. Suddenly, I heard a cracking, followed by a splash. Brackish pond water enveloped me and, flailing, I reached for shore. Instead, I felt a huge hand grip mine. “Hey, I’ve got you! It’s okay. Just stand up! It’s not even knee-deep over here.” Oh…right. I stood, a lily pad perched on my head like a hat. It obscured my view of the laughing stranger. ‘If I can’t see him, he can’t see me.’ ‘If I can’t see him, he can’t see me. Just stop, Catherine. Of course he can see you. And what a sight you must be!’

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    1. Good job. Such a funny ending!

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    2. Jacqueline PepperMay 21, 2014 at 9:14 AM

      Haha that's great! I love her personality!

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    3. That's real fun, Angela!! Very creative!! =) LOL

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  7. Thank you! Here's my entry:
    http://www.foreverchanged13.blogspot.com/2014/05/monday-minute-challenge.html
    In Christ,
    Sarah

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    Replies
    1. I want to know what happens next! Great job.

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    2. I think you did really well, Sarah. :)

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    3. Hmmmm, I already don't like that horrid woman. Very intriguing, Sarah. :)

      HP

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  8. Thank you so much for the first place! Loved the other entries.

    I almost envied her, so at home in the water. I moved closer carefully, I was no match for her. If she chose to unleash the river, my fire would do no good.
    "Nixie," I called.
    She turned around, her red-brown hair flowing down her back. So beautiful; My little sister had grown up.
    "Enya!" she cried.
    "Nixie, I'm sorry. So sorry."
    "But why did you come? After all these years?" Nixie walked towards me, her face showing the hurt I'd given her.
    "I was so wrong."
    She stood there, at the edge of the lake, tears trickling down her face.
    I'd been ten, Nixie seven. She'd terrified me with her watery powers—the only water fairy in a family of fire fairies. I'd forced her to run away, but now I'd come to find her.
    I moved closer, almost to the edge of the lake. I trembled at the close proximity with the water but forced myself to keep moving forward.
    "Enya?" "Please, I'll understand if you can't forgive me."
    The water swirled around Nixie, climbing around her with the heartache and confusion in her face. Then she released the wave, which splashed onto the shore, barely missing me.
    She ran onto the land, and threw her arms around me. "Enya, I'm coming home."

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  9. Here is mine (early this week!), off of the sentence prompt, about 295 words. Just a note: The words in the single quotes are supposed to be thoughts, I just don't know how to do italics.


    What she said next could have had the power to change my life forever. But she didn't say anything. Her blue eyes stared blankly out the window, refusing to meet mine. Refusing to meet anybody's.

    My throat closed. 'Where did you go, Summer? Why can't you come back to me?'

    Why couldn't I get her to come back? I'd tried so hard to be the perfect sister, as she had been, the kind of sister I knew she deserved. But I'd fallen short. Tossing a rock to the other side of the Grand Canyon kind of short. Except it was my sister who had plunged into the chasm. Why couldn't it have been me? If it was me in her place, and she in mine, Summer could have saved me. She would have found a solution, would have pulled me out and set me on high ground with plenty of strength to spare. But I was just about out, and she no closer to the surface than she'd been six months ago.

    Life was so unfair. Take out the strong one and leave the weak one helpless to do anything. Almost a two-birds-one-stone kind of philosophy. Summer was dying, and so too was I.

    Smart.

    'What do you want me to say? You win?' I didn't even know who I was asking anymore- or what. Where did the blame for all of this fall? On whose shoulders rested the responsibility? Where could I go to scream and rage at the unfairness of it all, to sign a petition banning this death before death, to find the reset button that would make all of this okay again?

    I lifted my eyes heavenward, pleading with God for a rescue I was no longer sure would come.

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    Replies
    1. A.W.E.S.O.M.E! I really like it, S. Brightly. :)

      HP

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    2. Awesome entry, S. Brightly!! =) Good job!! =)

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    3. I Love it S. Brightly Good job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  10. Congrats winners!! Fantastic entries!! =)

    Here is my entry:
    http://indonesiaaroundme.blogspot.com/2014/05/mondays-minutes-challenge_21.html

    Hope ya'll enjoy! =)

    TW Wright
    ravensandwriting.blogspot.com

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  11. Jacqueline PepperMay 21, 2014 at 9:07 AM

    I used the picture prompt!

    Alana peered from behind the tree into the mist. She knew her father could be angry, but what harm could come from watching them go down the river? Her father said they were barbarians, heathens, but from what Alana had seen they seemed no more barbaric than her own people. The prow of their small rowboat cut through the mists, propelled by the rowing of the two young boys. The other three occupants were men. The one in the front was surely the chief. There was no mistaking his proud bearing, even if he did not wear the decorative ornaments most leaders did.
    Crack! Alana gasped and looked behind her, but saw nothing. It must have just been a squirrel. She turned back to look at the boat and saw the three men holding readied bows, all pointed at her. Alana’s eyes widened and she held her breath. An arrow hissed through the air, and flew right beside Alana’s head. “Aah!” came the scream from behind her. She turned around and saw a large, armed man in a black cloak with the chief’s arrow sticking out of his shoulder. Alana jerked away as his hand grasped at her skirt. She darted around him and began running for the safety of the castle, but turned and mouthed to the chief, “Thank you. I am in your debt.” He simply nodded.

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  12. Jacqueline PepperMay 21, 2014 at 9:18 AM

    Hey it says the voting poll is closed. Is that right?

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    1. it's because there aren't enough entries yet, or there are and Tessa hasn't opened it yet =)

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    2. Jacqueline PepperMay 21, 2014 at 2:58 PM

      Okay! I thought I counted 8 entries, but I may have miscounted.

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  13. Using the picture prompt and it's 167 words.

    I walked down to the water and climbed up onto the branch, looking over the river as it shimmered in the sunlight. I longed to go into the water. It was more beautiful than anything I had ever seen. As I sat on the branch, the wind blowing on my face, listening to the ripples of the water, my mind began to wander. I heard a rustling in the trees behind me, but paid no attention to it. Then I felt a shove from behind and was chilled by the water as I fell into it. Reaching over and grabbing the branch behind me, I pulled myself out, gasping from the shock. I lifted my head and looked straight in front of me, recognizing him by his brown hair. He reached out his hand and pulled me out of the water. I looked him in the eye, finally finding my voice. "Luke, why would you do that?"

    He reached out, grabbed my hand, and started running.

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    Replies
    1. I love this! Why is he running with her?

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  14. Here's mine! A little bit scary and freaky, but it was interesting for me to brainstorm this :-)

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

    ~Rcubed~

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  15. Here's my entry. Congrats to all the winners!

    mmc-52114.html

    Hope you enjoy!

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  16. Here is my entry:
    http://mary.burroughstribe.com/2014/05/22/mondays-minutes-really-late/

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  17. Here is my entry. It is 300 words and I used the sentence and the object prompts. I continued the story about John's death. You can find the other two here: http://iamhisprincess4everblessings.blogspot.com/2014/04/my-writing-award-2242014.html and http://iamhisprincess4everblessings.blogspot.com/2014/05/honorable-recognition-41414.html

    A year and a half had passed since John’s death. Jenny and I were moving on with our life making the most of it without him. They say time heals all wounds and it is true. Jenny was in school now and a star student at that. And I, too, was busy with my job and housework. One day progressed pretty much like another until that all changed in one afternoon. I was in the kitchen tidying up from breakfast and just as I was putting the cereal box in the cupboard, the door bell rang. I opened the door to find a police officer on my porch; his left hand resting on his hip right above a shiny pair of handcuffs. My heart skipped a beat and my worried thoughts flew to Jenny.
    “Can I help you, Officer?” I asked a bit nervously.
    “Mrs. Harris?” I nodded.
    “I’ll need to speak with you, Ma’am.” He motioned with his hand to the living room and I dumbly stepped out of way to let him pass. He strode inside and took a seat on the couch, pulling out a photograph that looked as if it had been taken with a very outdated camera and handed it to me.
    “Have you ever seen this man before?”he asked. I stared at the photo dumbfounded, wondering why he was asking if I had ever seen John before.
    “Yes, he was my husband.”
    “Where is he now?” Would it be untactful to say the graveyard?
    “He died two years ago. Why?”
    “Ma’am, we have reason to believe your husband is still alive.” I sank into the chair behind me hoping this wasn’t just a cruel prank.
    “Alive?” I managed to choke out.
    What he said next could have the power to change my life forever.


    HP

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    Replies
    1. :O *gasping in shock*
      Please tell me her husband didn't cruelly fake his own death! Now I really want to know what happens. Great job!!!

      Delete
    2. Thank you, ladies! :)

      S. Brightly: (: I'll have to see if I can continue it next week.

      HP

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    3. Oh my goodness! I hope you'll be able to continue it! I want to see what happens next :)

      Delete
  18. I voted but I'm not sure it went through. :/

    HP

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  19. I'm using the object prompt, and it is 179 words long.

    I looked over at my brother. He was looking at the back of a cereal box. "Hey look," he said."There's a photography contest! We should enter as a team."

    "Good idea," I replied. "What theme of picture should we do?"

    "Did you really need to ask that?" he said, smiling at me. He picked up his handcuffs. I smiled back. I knew then that he wanted to do "escape from jail" pictures. I picked up my camera that was next to me and started thinking of places we could take pictures. We could take some at the park, and some in our alley. We could also do some in the back yard. And most definitely in the basement.

    "Have you thought of any places we could take pictures?" he said, interrupting my thoughts.

    "Yes," I said, "but we need props."

    "Don't worry," he replied. "I'll take care of that."

    I smiled and got up to clear my dish. I knew this was going to be one of those fun brother and sister things that we always did together.

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  20. I tried voting... But it said, "Respond counted, you already respond." I didn't vote before... But anyway, I tried.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I used the picture prompt :) and my entry is 201 words long

    It’s daylight, Eva. You can’t hide in the darkness anymore, and you know it. Yet still I see you, creeping along the riverbank, waiting to do what you have come here to do. You have come here with a purpose. Only you and I know what that is.
    Even in the darkness, when you thought you were alone, I was here. And now, as daylight approaches, still I am here. I am waiting for the right moment to tell you. You would not listen to me before.
    I understand. I hurt you. But you are blaming yourself for the hurt. You’re telling yourself there’s something wrong with you. That is why you are here—standing before this flood that will consume you if you let it. I know because I’ve been here too. Like you, I’ve doubted whether my life was worth living. But someone stopped me before it was too late. Someone told me the words I needed to hear: “I love you and you are worth it.”
    I want to be that person.
    I can’t let you do this, Eva. I love you too much.
    And deep inside, somewhere in your lonely heart, I think you love me too.

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  22. The Russian PianistMay 22, 2014 at 8:36 PM

    I used the sentence prompt, and my entry is exactly 300 words.

    She saw him at once. Which meant that he had seen her long before. Pinning her gaze to his uniform, she refused to let his eyes find hers, though the brazen medal resting at eye-level taunted her as it glinted in the light. She flicked her gaze to the fraying ribbon that it dangled from. Red like blood. She chewed the inside of her mouth until its rancid taste filled her cheek. What he said next could have the power to change her life forever.
    “Who are you?” His voice reminded her of the teenage boys who practiced after her team. She had almost expected it to crack, he looked so young. She could handle this.
    Letting her wide eyes settle into his—as if she didn’t know who he was—she nodded her head eagerly until her pigtails bobbed. “I’m a gymnast,” she prattled. “I started seven years ago, and I’m competitive. My coach says I’m very talented.” She cast her eyes to the pavement as if struck by sudden shyness.
    “Tell me,” he tilted his head sideways, “where is your gymnastics school?”
    He had fallen for the trick. Or he was playing along, acting stupid to make to let down her guard. More likely, the latter. But she couldn’t be sure. “You know the school that way?” She extended her arm to full length and pointed. Dots of black sharpened in the vapid irises. He knows. Time to prove that she wasn’t stupid. “It’s on the busy street.”
    “Which street would that be?” The black points didn’t recede into the swirling abyss of blue. Good.
    She hitched her shoulders into a dramatic shrug. “I don’t know…I’m bad at remembering street names.”
    He showed his teeth for the first time in a crooked smile. “And bad at acting too?”

    -The Russian Pianist

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  23. I tried to vote, but I don't think it went through :/

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