February 4: Flash Fiction Challenge – Finding Your Prince Charming

The Carrot Ranch Prompt, this week:

February 4, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that features a substitution. How might a character or situation be impacted by a stand-in? Bonus points for fairy tale elements. Go where the prompt leads.

Finding Your Prince Charming
 
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful Princess, awaiting her Prince Charming.
 After reading the Find Your Prince self-help book, she tried the Sleeping Beauty, the Snow White, and even the Cinderella. 
 Nothing.
 Eventually, she decided to use her long hair as she attempted the Rapunzel.
 Sitting in her tower, with her golden plait fluttering out of the window, she felt a tug.
 “Yes! Finally, my Prince is coming!”
 More pulling followed by the grunt of her beloved-to-be as he hoisted himself up.
 Alas, no Prince, just the toothless Palace window cleaner!
 No happily ever after, just yet! 

The Sue Vincent Rodeo Classic with The Carrot Ranch

Sue Vincent is one of those special bloggers that inspires people all over the world. Readers have long been galvanized by her posts about mythology, about ancient ruins and medieval churches, and her daily #midnighthaiku. Even more have participated in and grown as a result of her #writephoto prompts. In addition to posting her prompts, Sue has tirelessly supported other bloggers by sharing others’ responses to her 19,000 and counting followers.

Recently, Sue has been faced with a new and difficult challenge: lung cancer. You can follow her blog to find out more directly from her. The Covid pandemic has served not only to pose a specific threat to a person with a severe respiratory illness, but it has caused loss of human connection through self-imposed quarantine.

Now it’s time for Sue to receive something back from the community she’s been a cornerstone of for a decade. Let’s bring the Rodeo into Sue’s house through her computer, and let’s come together with hearts full of joy. Join us for the Sue Vincent Rodeo Classic at the Carrot Ranch – a contest, parade, and celebration all in one!
There are many ways to participate. One is to visit the prompt image, “Hidden”, at the Carrot Ranch. The prompt image and entry form will go live on Monday, February 1st, 2021. Enter a flash or a poem by Friday, February 19th, 2021, and you could win either $100 or a copy of one of Sue’s books. The form will allow you to give a small donation for Sue and her family, and a link can be found on the contest page. The winning entries will be announced at the Carrot Ranch on March 22nd, 2021.

If you’re not ready to rodeo, there’s always the “Parade”. Reblog one of Sue’s posts from any of her sites (Daily Echo or France and Vincent) with a comment about why you found it special. Follow her blogs. Read one of her books, then leave reviews where you can. Several people are already gearing up for the parade – so feel free to check out other people’s blogs for suggestions.

Also, go ahead and reblog, tweet, Facebook, or somehow otherwise share the contest! 99 word literary art is a fantastic way to celebrate a blogging hero and very deserving person.

Saddle up, everyone! It’s time for a Carrot Ranch Rodeo like none ever held before. The Sue Vincent Rodeo Classic begins on Monday, February 1st, and it’ll be a TUFF prompt to fit within 99 words. 
See you at the Ranch, buckaroos!

On a personal note, I have known Sue for most of my blogging life, around six years. We met a few years back, too, at the Annual Bloggers Bash.

What a lovely lady.

Sue has been a great support, and champion of my own blog and writing over that time, and a huge inspiration to me, too. I was devastated to hear of her diagnosis, but her positivity, and attitude towards the whole situation has been amazing.

Please, if you can, try and join in, in some way. Come on, Peeps, let’s pay it forward!

Bitmoji Image

January 21: Flash Fiction Challenge – Well, Someone Saw The Light…

Charli’s Carrot Ranch flash fiction prompt.

January 21, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that rephrases “light at the end of the tunnel.” Think of how the cliche replacement communicates a hopeful ending and aligns with your character or story. Go where the prompt leads!

Well, Someone Saw The Light…

“That’s it, babe, we’re nearly there!”

Becky took one look at her boyfriend, Jake, standing there at the other end, camera poised.

Dear God, if only she was able to get up, she’d have grabbed the camera, flung it in the bin and clouted him, one, before getting on with the job in hand.

Another wave of pain.

“Yes, babe! Nearly at the finish line. Come on, one more push and-”

She pushed, she delivered, she smiled, as her prize was handed to her. 

Another grin as she saw Jake sprawled on the floor.

Silly git fainted, didn’t he.

January 14: Flash Fiction Challenge – World Book Drag

Charli’s Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge:

January 14, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about dressing up. It can be a child or another character. Be playful or go where the prompt leads!

World Book Drag

“But I don’t wanna!”

Little feed stomp, but I’ll be damned if my hard work won’t be worn today.

World Book Day.

The bane of every parent’s life.

I’ve been planning this costume since last year, after seeing the spectacular costume Jenny Harris-Smythe’s mother made for her daughter last year.

She was dining off her win for months!

So, I’m sorry, but today you WILL be wearing this, because I say so.

I don’t care if you think you look silly, and no, you can’t be Captain America! Ready-made costumes. Pah!

The prize will be mine!

Sorry, yes, yours…

January 7 Flash Fiction Challenge – Home School – More Than Academics

Charali’s Carrot Ranch 99-word flash fiction prompt:

January 7, 2021 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the contrasting prompts butterfly and stones. The two can be used in any way in your story. Go where the prompt leads!

Home School – More Than Academics

“More school, at home, again?” Megan wailed. “I hate it when you teach me, mum!”

Pushing the computer aside, I turned to her.

“Tell you what, today, we’ll do some learning, my way.”

 I found some flat stones we’d collected at the beach a couple of years ago and got the paint out.

“Today, we learn about random acts of kindness.”

We painted all sorts on the stones; hearts, butterflies, flowers; and then in the afternoon, we took a walk and placed the colourful stones in random places.

“There, we can still put a smile on someone’s face, sweetheart.”

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