One thing I think I will try to do more of (probably I’ve said/thought this before, so forgive me) this year is writing challenges. Sometimes in my skepticism I think these are awesome practice for the writer but does someone else want to read this? Well of course silly! People probably want to see, read, experience what you can do with a smattering of words. We like stories right!? So here’s a 99-word flash fiction challenge from Carrot Ranch Literary Community. I however discovered this challenge (and blog) thanks to Ritu at But I Smile Anyway. So thank you both. Here we go.
Instructions are, watch this gif about a day in the life of a park bench. Pick a time frame to write 99 words (no more, no less) about. The title is the time i picked.
17:00
Pidgey, Pinky, Plump, Pokey, plus many extras today, the gang was all there. Will she forget their names one day soon? Will she fade like the light and become one of the birds no one tries to remember?
Pokey, the old one wandered off like they do, drawing her attention to the bouquet in the trash bin at the end of the bench. Were they old news, pitched because they’d served their purpose?
No, it is an old woman especially who knows heartache. Her brain might be collapsing in on itself but she still knows well what life is.
There you have it, 99 words no more no less. I’ll be putting this up per the instructions over on Charli’s blog. Go check it out and see what others have come up with. And don’t forget to visit Ritu’s blog as well, both links are near the top of this post.
Thoughts?
I have been responding to the Carrot Ranch challenges regularly for almost three years now. They are fun and addictive even. It is I think a very good exercise to have an exact word count. In my case I know I wouldn’t write much at all without this weekly challenge.
The really fun part is seeing how many different stories come out of one prompt. (I notice you and I both wrote about the pigeon lady)
Hats off to you, your commitment & dedication! No doubt these challenges are important & I can see exciting. It seems like a great way to hone one’s writing skills. I would like to learn how to pack a punch in a little space. Maybe 2020 will be the year I take on writing challenges!
It is also very interesting to see what other people think, see and feel for any given prompt. I would like to experience more of that, seeing through other people. Yes that is fun that we both wrote about the pigeon woman :). What drew you to her, to that time, 17:00?
Thank you for your visit and comment.
Hi Elpy!
Welcome to Carrot Ranch! Not only do I like to write, but I also enjoy reading and discussing. I like where you took this timeframe, naming the pigeons. It reminds me that we want to be known, especially as we age. Great message in your last line!
Thank you very much for your visit and especially for putting this prompt together. I’m glad to have found you through Ritu and look forward to your future posts.
I am so happy to hear that my message was conveyed in such a short piece. I really appreciate your feedback. 😀