November 2, 2017, Carrot Ranch prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story of a chair on a porch. Why is it there, and what might it mean? Think about using it as a prop or the main thrust of your story. Respond by November 7, 2017, to be included in the compilation (published November 8). Rules are here. All writers are welcome!
The Carrot Ranch weekly challenges are the perfect vehicle for me to try out mini-scenes for my book. I promised sneaks peeks into The Meadow Fairy, book 2 in The Heart Stone Chronicles and here is a 99-word tidbit. This is an introduction to my villain, Zane Holloway.
Zane leaned back in his chair. He popped a handful of sunflower seeds into one side of his mouth while spitting out the shells with the other. Zane had much to mull over, and the porch offered no judgments.
The government warning said using Neonicotinoids in the seed treatments for the wheat crop was the reason the bees were dying. It was nonsense, and it rankled against his understanding of how insecticides worked.
He was a farmer, and the Feds didn’t know how to grow wheat. He ripped up the notice and let the scraps blow in the wind.
Colleen M. Chesebro is a Michigan Poet who loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly syllabic poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com where participants learn how to write traditional and current forms of syllabic poetry. A published author, Colleen is also an editor of “Word Weaving, a Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse, also found on wordcraftpoetry.com. Colleen’s mission is to bring the craft of writing syllabic poetry to anyone who thinks they can’t be a poet.
Recently, she created the Double Ennead, a 99-syllable poetry form for the Carrot Ranch literary community at carrotranch.com. Colleen’s poetry has appeared in various anthologies and journals including “Hedgerow-a journal of small poems,” and “Poetry Treasures1 & 2” a collection of poetry from the poet/author guests of Robbie Cheadle on the “Treasuring Poetry” blog series on “Writing to be Read."
Colleen published “Word Craft: Prose & Poetry, The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry,” which illustrates how to write various syllabic poetry forms used in her Tanka Tuesday challenges; and a collection of poetry, flash fiction, and short stories called, “Fairies, Myths & Magic: A Summer Celebration,” dedicated to the Summer Solstice. She contributed a short story called “The Changeling,” in the “Ghostly Rites Anthology 2020,” published by Plaisted Publishing House.
Find Colleen at Word Craft: Prose & Poetry at wordcraftpoetry.com.
Thank you! I hope everyone gets the feeling that he’s the bad guy but yet it’s really the chemical companies and the hunger for money that is at fault! The story is coming along nicely. Wait till you see what Abby has up her sleeve! 😀 <3
Whoa! Great villain! The action you set up and how it relates to the notice, his profession and his ideas is well crafted in 99 words. The sunflower seeds is a great choice for a farmer, too. Sharp writing, Colleen!
I know what you mean. When I share a flash fiction like this about one of my characters, I use the reactions and responses to help me guage if it’s coming thru.
We’re Listed in the TOP TEN Poetry Blogs at RankedBlogs.com! Thank You for your support.
Vote for Word Craft: Prose & Poetry at Top Ranked Blogs
Colleen M. Chesebro—Prose Metrist
Crafting Syllabic Poetry is my Ikigari 💜
One day, I stumbled across the Japanese word Ikigari. After some research, I discovered iki means life. In Japanese, Gai means worth or value. When these words combine, they form the definition of ikigari, which is life’s worth. It’s often translated or interpreted as a reason for getting up in the morning. So, yes, writing syllabic poetry is my ikigari.
I also believe writing syllabic poetry strengthens our writing skills. When we create poetry, we gain command of language; cultivate a healthy vocabulary, master literary devices such as metaphor, simile, alliteration, hyperbole, and allegory. We learn to work in imagery. We connect with our ikigari.
When I’m not writing poetry or crafting short stories, you’ll find me digging in my garden, or playing with my two unicorn cats, Chloe & Sophie. I live in East Lansing, Michigan with my husband—my soul mate. Most days you can find me writing poetry on wordcraftpoetry.com. 💜
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here:
Cookie Policy
Industry Standards Checklist for a Professionally Published Book: ibpa-online.org
Disclaimer: My book review posts contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I earn a small commission to fund my reading habit if you use the links on my book reviews to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me supplied in books that I can review. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. Thank you.
This website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
I love it! Colleen!!!
Oh, thanks, Ritu! I couldn’t imagine him and then suddenly there he was! ❤️
😀
Cool
I couldn’t imagine him… finally I saw him! 😀
Good take, Colleen!
Thanks, Erika. I struggled with how this guy would act. It came to me in a flash. Hugs, my friend. <3
That’s when the channel is open. You start somewhere and everything else just flows!
Exactly. I love when that happens. <3
😊
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️
Nice! You said a lot in 99 words. Looking forward to reading your book.
Thank you! I hope everyone gets the feeling that he’s the bad guy but yet it’s really the chemical companies and the hunger for money that is at fault! The story is coming along nicely. Wait till you see what Abby has up her sleeve! 😀 <3
❤❤❤
Whoa! Great villain! The action you set up and how it relates to the notice, his profession and his ideas is well crafted in 99 words. The sunflower seeds is a great choice for a farmer, too. Sharp writing, Colleen!
OH, Charli. Thank you so much. Sometimes I don’t have a clue if it sounds good or not. These challenges are the best. I’m loving them. <3
I know what you mean. When I share a flash fiction like this about one of my characters, I use the reactions and responses to help me guage if it’s coming thru.
That’s what I was hoping for. Thanks, Charli. You guys are the best. 😀
Pingback: Of Porches & Chairs « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
A great piece with a very important message.
Thanks, Robbie. ❤️