Thursday, July 3, 2014

Winner #55WordChallenge: Week Seventeen

 Once again, sorry for the delay. There is going to be no contest this week, sorry. We will return next week with new prompts, and hopefully a clearer mind.


Honorable Mention: rashatayaket

Out the window, I could see airplane streaks in the sky as people flew out of the city searching for tropical getaways and quiet retreats. But not me. I would never leave the city. The hustle of city life ran through my veins like water in a faucet. Everything outside the city seemed horrifyingly still.

Overachiever:

 Scorching heat emanates from the pavement. Even the sun seems to pity the land below, unknowing how to handle the heat it brings forth.
To top it all, water begins to run short.
It's summer, an exceptionally hot summer, and all everyone wants is to get away to a sea breeze.
 
Winner: Miranda Kate
 
 

The skies had been busy today, so many aircraft; so many people trying to get out. The news had shown the fights at the docks over boats - they had been brutal. I turned on the tap; there was still running water; there was still time. I wasn’t going anywhere yet. Let them come.


54 Words



 

Thursday, June 26, 2014

#55WordChallenge: Week Seventeen

For those that are uninitiated, the 55 Word Challenge is a contest to write a story in 55 words or less. Not an easy task, but fun and I have been blown away by some of the entries. See for yourself, past contests can be found here. The challenge begins at noon Eastern time every Wednesday and ends at noon the following Tuesday. Winners will be posted Wednesday. The story is based on one of three photo prompts. My only request is no porn. I don't want to hear graphic details. If it is erotic, make it titillating, not obscene. I know that can be done and done well. 

 I am no longer requiring that the story be posted in the comment section below, although you can if you choose. Instead, post the story in your blog, then post a link in the comment section, along with your twitter handle or email address, so I can contact you if you are the winner. Again, if you don't have a blog, feel free to post in the comment section. On Wednesdays I will post the new prompt and announce the winners on Thursdays.

 
And what does the winner get? How about a badge, right sidebar,) which can proudly be displayed on your blog or website? There are 3, a Winners badge, an Honorable Mention and an Overachiever badge. To be eligible for the Overachiever Badge, you need to use all 3 prompts. And here we go...



Photo Prompts:


City
City


Running Water
Running Water
Getaway
Getaway

Winner #55WordChallenge: Week Sixteen

Sorry again for the delay in announcing the winners. I think I am going to change it so that I announce the winners on Thursdays. That seems easiest for me right now. So anyway... without any further ado...


Honorable Mention: Maryann Holloway


Jill and Cody have been alone for two years. Cody’s father, Paul never could hold a job and was always looking for an easy way to grab some scratch. Paul has been doing time since before Cody was born. With his father’s absence, Jill planned to set her son on a clean path through life.


Overachiever: Rasha Tayaket

That woman looked at my child like it was her own. True she had given birth to the boy, but he was mine to raise and love. The boy’s father was in chains. And the woman will come to understand that I am the child’s only hope to a better path in life.


Winner: Morrighan Muse

As he walked the lonely path, the young man remembered her.  With every clink and clang of the chains, he remembered the way she looked at him, held him and told him that no matter what happened, she would always love him. And as he made his way home, he prayed that she still did.

Congratulations everyone! Look for the new prompt shortly.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

winner: #55WordChallenge Week Fifteen

   Week 15 Winners, at least I hope I have the right week. Our regular judge is still having a few internet issues so you get me this week, @fetterslopez, bwahaahaahaa.  Which, unfortunately for me, means my ever-so-wonderful story is out of the running, but with the number of entries I had plenty to choose from. The rundown of winners are as follows… Drum roll please?

Our honorable mention is



Tushar pedaled through the night as the cycling finalist to cross inter-state boundaries.  Exhilaration set in, not when he crossed the finish line at dawn break, but when he spotted the lone red telephone booth and placed the first call to his expecting wife.

“Congrats!” said Richa "It’s a girl

“I've truly won!” gushed Tushar.


@itsumac


Overachiever mention badge goes to


After the fight he rode off on his bicycle in the dark. He pedaled on brooding all night, reliving every hurtful word as he went.

The sun rose before him its beauty melting away his resentment. He saw a phone booth ahead and coasted to a stop.

“Lilly? I'm sorry. Can you come get me?”


 Boyd Miles (I couldn't find a way to contact Boyd or a twitter handle)



Coming in at the top of the heap. The winner. Numerouno.


She stopped short, her quick pace halted by the brilliant flash of red caught in the corner of her eye, memories long buried flooding back. A phone booth. A summer abroad. A kiss that left her breathless. A perfect moment of happiness. Surroundings faded to gray around her as she felt the pain once more.

@tilley_girl


Thanks to everyone who participated, hope you come back next week.




Wednesday, June 18, 2014

#55WordChallenge: Week Sixteen

For those that are uninitiated, the 55 Word Challenge is a contest to write a story in 55 words or less. Not an easy task, but fun and I have been blown away by some of the entries. See for yourself, past contests can be found here. The challenge begins at noon Eastern time every Wednesday and ends at noon the following Tuesday. Winners will be posted Wednesday. The story is based on one of three photo prompts. My only request is no porn. I don't want to hear graphic details. If it is erotic, make it titillating, not obscene. I know that can be done and done well. 

 I am no longer requiring that the story be posted in the comment section below, although you can if you choose. Instead, post the story in your blog, then post a link in the comment section, along with your twitter handle or email address, so I can contact you if you are the winner. Again, if you don't have a blog, feel free to post in the comment section. On Wednesdays I will post the winning stories in the blog post. 

And what does the winner get? How about a badge, right sidebar,) which can proudly be displayed on your blog or website? There are 3, a Winners badge, an Honorable Mention and an Overachiever badge. To be eligible for the Overachiever Badge, you need to use all 3 prompts. And here we go...



Photo Prompts:


Woman and Child

Man In Chains

Path

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Winner: #55WordChallenge Week Fourteen

Sorry for the delay. Internet will be coming to the Hollar house again one of these days... just not soon enough to suit me. But I finally got a chance to read... and only 3 entries for week fourteen, so not that hard of a decision either. Here we go.

Honorable Mention:  @NadaNightStar

The night shifted to grey, no sun to be seen, no warmth to be felt. Footsteps echoed on the wooden planks of an old, abandoned house. 

“Lila! Where did you run off to this time?” a man rasped though he looked young.

At the broken down window, the descendent of Bastet stood wise and proud.
 
 
Overachiever: @mishmhem
 
Thought and Memory

Sheriff Eagan tensed as the stranger rode into town, a raven perched on his shoulder.

“Can I help you Mister?”

The man tipped his hat, revealing a missing eye. “I’m looking for the cat that ate my memory.”

It was the last time Sheriff Eagan read Norse mythology before going to bed.

54 words
 
 
 
"Look into my eyes," he said.

"Trust me," he said.

"I'm not like the man in the hat."

Cautious I landed feet from where he purred.

My wings fluttered in nervous anticipation. Above my brothers flew toward the Moonlight. I hopped closer.

The single black feather wafted downward. Silence interrupted only by a faint...meow.

55words

 

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

#55WordChallenge: Week Fifteen

For those that are uninitiated, the 55 Word Challenge is a contest to write a story in 55 words or less. Not an easy task, but fun and I have been blown away by some of the entries. See for yourself, past contests can be found here. The challenge begins at noon Eastern time every Wednesday and ends at noon the following Tuesday. Winners will be posted Wednesday. The story is based on one of three photo prompts. My only request is no porn. I don't want to hear graphic details. If it is erotic, make it titillating, not obscene. I know that can be done and done well. 

 I am no longer requiring that the story be posted in the comment section below, although you can if you choose. Instead, post the story in your blog, then post a link in the comment section, along with your twitter handle or email address, so I can contact you if you are the winner. Again, if you don't have a blog, feel free to post in the comment section. On Wednesdays I will post the winning stories in the blog post. 

And what does the winner get? How about a badge, right sidebar,) which can proudly be displayed on your blog or website? There are 3, a Winners badge, an Honorable Mention and an Overachiever badge. To be eligible for the Overachiever Badge, you need to use all 3 prompts. And here we go...



Photo Prompts:


Telephone Booth

Sunrise

Night Cyclist

Thursday, June 5, 2014

#55WordChallenge: Week Fourteen

For those that are uninitiated, the 55 Word Challenge is a contest to write a story in 55 words or less. Not an easy task, but fun and I have been blown away by some of the entries. See for yourself, past contests can be found here. The challenge begins at noon Eastern time every Wednesday and ends at noon the following Tuesday. Winners will be posted Wednesday. The story is based on one of three photo prompts. My only request is no porn. I don't want to hear graphic details. If it is erotic, make it titillating, not obscene. I know that can be done and done well. 

 I am no longer requiring that the story be posted in the comment section below, although you can if you choose. Instead, post the story in your blog, then post a link in the comment section, along with your twitter handle or email address, so I can contact you if you are the winner. Again, if you don't have a blog, feel free to post in the comment section. On Wednesdays I will post the winning stories in the blog post. 

And what does the winner get? How about a badge, right sidebar,) which can proudly be displayed on your blog or website? There are 3, a Winners badge, an Honorable Mention and an Overachiever badge. To be eligible for the Overachiever Badge, you need to use all 3 prompts. And here we go...


Photo Prompts:


Cat

Bird

Man

Winner #55WordChallenge: Week Thirteen



 Sorry I am late. Again. My internet problems continue. Some great entries! My decision wasn't easy, but here goes...

Honorable Mention: @tilley_girl

Wispy fluffs of white nestled among the fading yellow glory that heralded summer to generation after generation of children. A slender figure walked slowly into the field of dandelions gone to seed, bending over to pluck a perfect downy sphere. Pursing lips blew softly, sending wishes and memories into the sky, scattering with the seeds.


Overachiever: @PurpleQueenNL

 Maya rolled in the meadow and blew at every dandelion she saw, sending the seeds flying, creating a blizzard of summer mist. She watched her son rushing through it, trying to catch each one, his laughter filling her heart, and making it feel like it might burst like a watermelon. Today was a good day.

Winner: @AdamIckes

I lost track of him somewhere along the way. In the overgrown field I think. But that was the plan all along wasn’t it? Drag him out here under the guise of picking watermelons and go home without him. Not very humane, but I can’t afford to feed him any longer. It’s better this way.

Congratulations everyone! Week Fourteen will be coming up shortly!

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

#55WordChallenge: Week Thirteen

For those that are uninitiated, the 55 Word Challenge is a contest to write a story in 55 words or less. Not an easy task, but fun and I have been blown away by some of the entries. See for yourself, past contests can be found here. The challenge begins at noon Eastern time every Wednesday and ends at noon the following Tuesday. Winners will be posted Wednesday. The story is based on one of three photo prompts. My only request is no porn. I don't want to hear graphic details. If it is erotic, make it titillating, not obscene. I know that can be done and done well. 

 I am no longer requiring that the story be posted in the comment section below, although you can if you choose. Instead, post the story in your blog, then post a link in the comment section, along with your twitter handle or email address, so I can contact you if you are the winner. Again, if you don't have a blog, feel free to post in the comment section. On Wednesdays I will post the winning stories in the blog post. 

And what does the winner get? How about a badge, right sidebar,) which can proudly be displayed on your blog or website? There are 3, a Winners badge, an Honorable Mention and an Overachiever badge. To be eligible for the Overachiever Badge, you need to use all 3 prompts. And here we go...



Photo Prompts:




Winner #55WordChallenge: Week Twelve

 Sorry for the delay. I have had some internet issues lately and am working through them. It involves me having to go to the library for access, which isn't fun and last Wednesday I wasn't able to make it. Here are the winners and thank you for your patience!
 
Honorable Mention:
@HeatherMRandall 

 She pressed against the barrier, her blue eyes fixed on the string of saliva dangling from the cat’s teeth.

She knew this tiger once, fed it raw cut beef daily before marrying and moving away. 

Love doesn’t always last. Sometime the Tiger wins.

The stripes sauntered over with a rattling roar that welcomed her home. 



Overachiever:
 @mishmhem

 Plans for the afterlife

They sat together, sixty years of marriage had not dimmed their understanding.

“When I die,”Author asked. “Will you remember me?”

“When you cross that bridge,” Gina replied. “Will you wait for me?”

“Of course,” Author assured her.

As she was about to smile, he added, “Someone has to fight off the tigers for me.”

(54 words sans title)
@mishmhem




Winner:
@needanidplease

Fifty years ago she moved into the house next door, her dark hair flying in the wind, her eyes brimming with sadness. He scaled tall iron bridges to bring her happiness. Today, He caresses her thinning gray hair with his trembling hand, not knowing if there is a tomorrow. Alone, he howls like a tiger.

Pratibha
@needanidplease

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

#55WordChallenge Week 12

For those that are uninitiated, the 55 Word Challenge is a contest to write a story in 55 words or less. Not an easy task, but fun and I have been blown away by some of the entries. See for yourself, past contests can be found here. The challenge begins at noon Eastern time every Wednesday and ends at noon the following Tuesday. Winners will be posted Wednesday. The story is based on one of three photo prompts. My only request is no porn. I don't want to hear graphic details. If it is erotic, make it titillating, not obscene. I know that can be done and done well. 

 I am no longer requiring that the story be posted in the comment section below, although you can if you choose. Instead, post the story in your blog, then post a link in the comment section, along with your twitter handle or email address, so I can contact you if you are the winner. Again, if you don't have a blog, feel free to post in the comment section. On Wednesdays I will post the winning stories in the blog post. 

And what does the winner get? How about a badge, right sidebar,) which can proudly be displayed on your blog or website? There are 3, a Winners badge, an Honorable Mention and an Overachiever badge. To be eligible for the Overachiever Badge, you need to use all 3 prompts. And here we go...


Photo Prompts:


People In A Park

Old Chain Bridge

Roaring Tiger

Winner #55WordChallenge: Week Eleven



Tough decision this week. All the stories were wonderful, but there is one that I liked just a wee bit more. So after much debating, here is my decision...




Honorable Mention: @NadaNightStar


The earth is old. It knows all our stories, our laughs and worries. It has seen and felt children playing and others crying. It has laughed with them and wept with them.



Their stories will always be etched in its dirt and trees, to be carried and remembered for all eternity.




Overachiever: @mishmhem

Injustice

Ethan stood at his crying wall, bemoaning the injustice of it all. He had only left his toy truck out a short while and now a tree had grown up through it.

It was so unfair.

“Perhaps,” the low rumbling voice of the wall surprised him. “You shouldn’t have left your toys out so long.”

@mishmhem
55 words

 
Winner: @PurpleQueenNL

Thomas listened to the wall, but it refused to talk. He was going to have to ask the trees; they’d help, they’d tell him where those mean boys from next door had hidden his truck. He’d seen those boys kick their roots and break their branches - they were nasty; the trees wouldn’t cover for them.


55 Words

Ok, grab your badges and be looking for the new challenge to be along shortly.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

#55WordChallenge Week Eleven: Tears Of The Innocent


For those that are uninitiated, the 55 Word Challenge is a contest to write a story in 55 words or less. Not an easy task, but fun and I have been blown away by some of the entries. See for yourself, past contests can be found here. The challenge begins at noon Eastern time every Wednesday and ends at noon the following Tuesday. Winners will be posted Wednesday. The story is based on one of three photo prompts. My only request is no porn. I don't want to hear graphic details. If it is erotic, make it titillating, not obscene. I know that can be done and done well. 

 I am no longer requiring that the story be posted in the comment section below, although you can if you choose. Instead, post the story in your blog, then post a link in the comment section, along with your twitter handle or email address, so I can contact you if you are the winner. Again, if you don't have a blog, feel free to post in the comment section. On Wednesdays I will post the winning stories in the blog post. 

And what does the winner get? How about a badge, right sidebar,) which can proudly be displayed on your blog or website? There are 3, a Winners badge, an Honorable Mention and an Overachiever badge. To be eligible for the Overachiever Badge, you need to use all 3 prompts. And here we go...


Photo Prompts:


Sad Child
Sad Child





Haunted Garden
Haunted Garden







WInner 55 Word Challenge: Week 10



This wasn't an easy decision, there were a lot of great entries.

Honorable Mention:
Penkisspaper: I literally laughed out loud. Very cute. And now I want bacon.

‘Say there, Rex. Have you heard the one about the chicken who crossed the road?’
‘No Porky, I haven’t. Have you heard the one about the farmer who desperately needed to restock his family’s empty freezer in time for their visiting friends who were looking forward to a pork roast on Sunday?’
‘Everyone’s a comedian…’


Overachiever:
@bookwormattack: The last line put a smile on my face.

Raindrops fell around Will as he took Elsie in his arms, the mud squelching under his boots. She tipped her head back, and her baby blues seemed to glow with happiness.

Her voice was all he heard over the din of barnyard animals surrounding them. "Well, cowboy? Are you gonna kiss me or not?"

54 words
@bookwormattack


 Winner:

@mishmhem: I loved this! Beautifully written.


Under your skin
“You can go anywhere in the world, but until you live there, until you get the dirt under your nails, it will never be home. “

I think my mom was talking about farming. Me, I got a mad bath from a car passing me in the rain last night. The city is now home.

55 words (not including title)
@mishmhem


Congratulations! I am behind on awarding prizes from last week but I will try to get to it and today's prize, later today. I am having an incredibly hellish week. Please bear with me.