#WEP/IWSG December 2019 challenge - RIBBONS AND CANDLES. SIGN UP AND POST NOW!!!!

Now, the IWSG and the WEP team have been busy this past month.

The IWSG held a competition, open to all, for the best prompt to kick off 2019 in February. They graciously offered a prize. The WEP team chose an entry by Toinette Thomas, 28 DAYS. Part of her prize was a guest post in the IWSG's Newsletter.

There was also an in-house competition between the IWSG admin to come up with the best prompt for December 2019. The winner was Tyrean Martinson. The WEP team liked her suggestion, FOOTPRINTS.

All our  prompts and badges and blurbs for 2019 are found above in our Pages - Challenges 2019. We're all ready to go again for a fabulous year with a fabulous team of participants!

Now, let's get RIBBONS AND CANDLES underway! Please post as soon as you possibly can!

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We'd Love It If You'd Tweet One Of These:

The WEP/IWSG December Challenge Ribbons or Candles - @DeniseCCovey @TheIWSG https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/12/wepiwsg-december-2019-challenge-ribbons.html#WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

The WEP/IWSG December Challenge Ribbons or Candles Which is for you? - @DeniseCCovey @TheIWSG https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/12/wepiwsg-december-2019-challenge-ribbons.html#WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

Join @DeniseCCovey @TheIWSG for the Latest FF Challenge of Ribbons or Candles. https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/12/wepiwsg-december-2019-challenge-ribbons.html#WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

What comes to mind with Ribbons and Candles? Tell @DeniseCCovey @TheIWSG in this month’s challenge and you may be our next winner! https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/12/wepiwsg-december-2019-challenge-ribbons.html#WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction


What do Ribbons or Candles say to you? Write about it and join December’s challenge. @DeniseCCovey @TheIWSG https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/12/wepiwsg-december-2019-challenge-ribbons.html#WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

#WEPFF WINNERS' POST for DÉJÀ VU OR VOODOO the October Halloween Challenge. Announcing the IWSG February Prompt Competition!

Hello everyone!

We're a little late but it's still Halloween! Even a well oiled machine has a few gremlins around the haunting season! But here goes:

I’m thrilled to announce the winners for the WEP/IWSG collaboration for the DÉJÀ VU OR VOODOO October Halloween Challenge.

Before the unveiling though, I want to take a few moments to say Thank You! As you know, this was my last challenge in an administrative capacity. I am off on a new and exciting personal challenge, but I wanted to let you all know how much the WEP has meant to me.

Denise and the Friday Romance Writer’s taught me so much about writing, helped me to hone my skills, and gave me a real love for flash fiction. Then I was blown away when Denise asked me to help co-host her new WEP – Write…Edit…Publish challenges. I will be forever grateful to her for inviting me.

I jumped at the opportunity, and I know I’ll miss it. Especially as it continues to transform and reshape to fit the current needs of the community, but always offering novice and skilled writers an opportunity to share and learn. How many of you have said ‘I’ve never written flash fiction, but now I’m hooked?’ It’s an unparalleled opportunity, and I’m sure many of you are as surprised as I am with the writing that’s been inspired by its creative prompts.

What better way to get the writing chops for submitting to magazines and other writing contests! I hope you’ll continue to take advantage of this unique writing community to expand your skills and your imagination! I know I will!

Thank you, everyone, for making that possible!

Okay, I’ll move onto the crux of the post - the winners!

 

DÉJÀ VU OR VOODOO was proved an exciting opportunity for many to explore their horror chops, and for others to explore the feelings of deep emotional angst, haunting grief, or a Halloween response to adultery ending in murder. Some entries produced chills, some had a touch of humor, and others touched the heart with understanding and empathy. Here’s a tease for each…

Desk 49 - DL Is it true love or a voodoo spell?

Roland Yeomans - DL  Hell means saying goodbye to the love of your life.

Sally - DL  When no one understands your needs, not even you.

DG Hudson - DL  Can that which is lost in space really be found?

Kalpana - DL  Do our devices have too much influence?

Jemima Pett - DL  When dreams become a reality.

Pat Hatt - DL  When visions of missed opportunities happen, check the sent file!

Orlin - DL  It’s Rhyme Time for cats testing out their voodoo.

Toi Thomas- DL  Children should not be allowed to play with dolls, not on Halloween.

Tanya Miranda - DL Sometimes that imaginary friend isn’t as imaginary as you think.

Dixie Jo Jarchow - DL  Chickens or no chickens, beware what you wish for.

Roland Clarke - DL  Standing runes, urban legends, and the lady in white.

Hilary - DL  Memoires of fun and the stories that still need to be told.

Operation Awesome - DL The many views on Voodoo and writing.

Michelle Wallace - DL Was it the prayers that saved them or something darker?

Deborah Drucker - DL  Can a stolen child be saved?

Jamie Lightcap Dorner - DL  Voodoo instead of divorce court…

The Real Cie - DL  When body shaming be sure you know your victims connections.

Alex J. Cavanaugh - DL  A likeness in safe hands.

J Lenni Dorner - DL  Observation without interference and a tree.

Rebecca M. Douglass - DL  Expectations and mannequins.

Christopher Scott - DL  Electricity brings about a resurrection.

Adura Ojo - DL  “The body does what the body does.”

Joey Lynn Resciniti - DL  A real incident of déjà vu.

Susan Swiderski - DL  This ghost loves to travel.

dolorah - DL  Loki is up to his old tricks, but it adds excitement to the wedding.

Jemi Fraser - DL  A murderer finds flaws in his work.

Damyanti - DL When grief blackens the soul.

Michael Di Gesu - DL  An adventure to an Haitian Voodoo ritual.

Robert Jones - DL  A widow looking for her next victim.

After extensive reading, the team compiled a shortlist, or rather a long list. This was soooo difficult. There were another 7 writers on the list, but we cut it down to those with the most recommendations. Thus we bring you: 

Sally
Kalpanaa
Hilary
Susan
Jemi
Toi
Dixie

The shortlist was outsourced to writer and editor, Nick Wilford, who is part of the Insecure Writers Support Group (IWSG) admin. Nick kindly read each entry on the shortlist,  and chose 3 winners. 

So (((drum roll)))...here we go...

THE WINNER OF THE

2018 WEP OCTOBER CHALLENGE DÉJÀ VU OR VOODOO

is

Congratulations Kalpanaa!

 Why Leap? 

Is a that tale gave us all pause to considering the ramifications of the internet and our habits there. As Roland said, it was fiendishly clever!

Please link the badge to your story and post it on your blog!

An Amazon Gift Card of $10 will be winging your way shortly.

****************

THE RUNNER UP OF THE

2018 WEP OCTOBER CHALLENGE DÉJÀ VU OR VOODOO

Congratulations Jemi!

Deja Vu

Your story was chillingly brilliant!

Please link the badge to your story and post it on your blog!

****************

THE ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD FOR THE

2018 WEP OCTOBER CHALLENGE DÉJÀ VU OR VOODOO

goes to 

Congratulations Susan!

 Deja Boo!

This haunting tale of love and loss gave us insight into your wicked sense of humor and showcased your writing talent!

Please link the badge to your story and post it on your blog!

***

Hi! L.G. here!

Once again we will also be thanking one of you who took the time to read through all of the wonderful entries and to comment on them. This is vital to the success of the WEP community. It's our chance to offer one another support and, when desired, critique that can help us all grow as writers.

I'd like to take the time to acknowledge Elephant's Child for reading through and commenting on every entry. While she did not submit a story this time around, she still supported this writing community of ours with her thoughtful responses. We value that kind of dedication.

There were several who qualified for this award, but alas, we can only give it to one deserving individual.

The random pick winner is--Michelle Wallace! Michelle, please accept the badge on behalf of all the great commenters and display it on your blog!

****************


IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! 
WEP/IWSG COMPETITION!

BREAKING NEWS!

WEP and IWSG are holding a contest for the February WEP theme!

Rules: Submit your idea for a WEP February theme by November 12 to admin@insecurewriterssupportgroup.com. Nothing U.S. culturally bound. Should have wide appeal.

Prize: Feature in the December newsletter for the winner. And, of course, the winning theme will be the official February WEP theme and accompanied by a stunning badge!

Deadline: November 12. Winner announced in the November newsletter on November 28.

****************

And don't forget to start to prepare for the DECEMBER challenge! It's much broader than a Christmas story! Give us ribbons - a race? Or candles - a tomb?

We'd love if you'd Tweet this post or share to Facebook or your favorite social media site.

#WEPFF Déjà Vu or Voodoo Winners announced. @DeniseCCovey @YolandaRenee @theIWSG

http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/11/wepff-winners-post-for-deja-vu-or.html #amwriting #flashfiction

Come congratulate, first place winner  Kalpanaa #WEPFF Déjà Vu Or Voodoo Challenge @DeniseCCovey @YolandaRenee @theIWSG

http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/11/wepff-winners-post-for-deja-vu-or.html #amwriting #flashfiction

The #WEPFF writers are all winners! @DeniseCCovey @YolandaRenee @theIWSG

http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/11/wepff-winners-post-for-deja-vu-or.html #amwriting #flashfiction

When you take the challenge for a spin you too could win! @DeniseCCovey @YolandaRenee @theIWSG

http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/11/wepff-winners-post-for-deja-vu-or.html #amwriting #flashfiction

Saying a final farewell the fifth pumpkin in the bunch! 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, ALL!

Welcome to #WEPFF - Write...Edit...Publish October Challenge - Deja Vu or Voodoo

Welcome writers! Are you ready for a spooky challenge?

OCTOBER is the month for screams and chills, ghosts and ghoulies, mystery and fear, and this month’s prompt is DÉJÀ VU OR VOODOO!.

Most WEP-ers go with horror for October but what if it isn’t your bag? No problem. Just interpret these prompts without a smidgen of anything extra-sensory. Amaze us with a romance or adventure flash without a drop of gore!

Lots of things can happen on Halloween or in October that doesn’t resemble horror…

A nightmare comes to life. A not-so-pleasant experience repeated after years. A vague memory that ends up being something more ominous. A house of horrors revisited with fearsome results. If you don’t scare us, impress us….

The Halloween challenge has proven to be a favorite, so get those stories churning.

If you need some inspiration give these stories a read: 10 Creepy Stories to Tell After Dark then make up your own “urban legend!”

Our August challenge was the first month that we welcomed the writers from the IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group) and it was impressive. In case you missed the announcement, The WEP team have a GUEST POST on the IWSG website on August 6 that explains everything. Here is the link:

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/2018/08/writing-together-with-wep-and-iswg.html

I hope we’ve tweaked your curiosity and ambition. We’d love to read your story so please, Sign up now.

Please remember to add WEP to your post title, so it's easily spotted. 

We like to have all participants on the blogroll, please have a quick scan and tell us if your blog is missing and email Renee if it's not there! yolandarenee@hotmail.com 

XXX

IF YOU WANT TO SHARE THE CHALLENGE ON YOUR BLOG, COPY THIS SCRIPT:

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The WEP/IWSG October Challenge Déjà Vu or Voodoo - @YolandaRenee @DeniseCCovey @TheIWSG https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/10/welcome-to-wepff-writeeditpublish.html #ff #WEPFF

Déjà Vu or Voodoo? October’s Challenge @YolandaRenee & @DeniseCCovey @TheIWSG https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/10/welcome-to-wepff-writeeditpublish.html #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

Join @YolandaRenee @DeniseCCovey & the team @TheIWSG for the Latest FF Challenge Déjà Vu or Voodoo https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/10/welcome-to-wepff-writeeditpublish.html #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

The WEP/IWSG October Challenge Déjà vu or Voodoo. Which is for you? - @YolandaRenee @DeniseCCovey @TheIWSG https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/10/welcome-to-wepff-writeeditpublish.html #amwriting #ff #WEPFF  

This isn’t Déjà vu or some Voodoo but with October’s Challenge some can come from you. Which will it be? @YolandaRenee & @DeniseCCovey @TheIWSG https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/10/welcome-to-wepff-writeeditpublish.html #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

Join @YolandaRenee @DeniseCCovey @TheIWSG for the Latest FF Challenge Déjà vu or Voodoo. https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/10/welcome-to-wepff-writeeditpublish.html #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

What comes to mind with Voodoo or Déjà vu? Tell @YolandaRenee @DeniseCCovey @TheIWSG in this month’s challenge and you may be our next winner! https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/10/welcome-to-wepff-writeeditpublish.html #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

Ever have a run in with Déjà vu or Voodoo? Write about it and join October’s challenge. @YolandaRenee @DeniseCCovey @TheIWSG https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/10/welcome-to-wepff-writeeditpublish.html #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

The fifth pumpkin is kind of grumpy. This is the last time she’ll be hosting, although, never say never. I am off to other adventures, which I hope means more books. We’ll see, but other challenges await. 

Thank you, everyone, for your support!

Especially Denise, for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity. I know that the WEP and the IWSG collaboration will prove a great success for everyone!

And WELCOME, Laura, I know you’ll have a blast being part of this unique writing group.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

#GuestPost #Augustchallenge #winner, Tanya Miranda on being STUCK IN THE STORY

Hi! Denise here!


A huge congratulations to Tanya Miranda who won the WEP/IWSG Inaugural August challenge, A CHANGE OF HEART. 

Her winning flash fiction was described by editor/judge Nick Wilford:  "Tanya's flash made the biggest impact on me and posed a profound question that makes us all ponder as humans." If you haven't had the pleasure of reading Tanya's entry, GO HERE.

All WEP/IWSG winners are asked to write a guest post. Tanya is sharing a very personal experience regarding being:

STUCK IN THE STORY

Thank you to the WEP team for selecting my story as the winner for the August Challenge, and for having me here today. I was taken entirely by surprise at the win, which ended my summer on a tremendous high note. Today, I’m going to talk about a moment when I hit a wall while working on a project, and what happened that helped me overcome this obstacle.

A few years ago, I completed my romance novel A Selfish Moment. It was technically done, but I had that sneaky little gut feeling that something was missing, something important. I didn't know what it was.

The story had a great ending. My beta readers raved. My editor and I went through the rounds smoothly. I was ready to start the publishing process, but this uneasy feeling was like a pesky woodpecker that would not stop pecking! There was something about the ending that wasn’t right, and my gut was telling me so.

A thousand self-doubting questions filled my head. I lost a lot of sleep. I couldn’t proceed with publishing until I addressed this nagging sensation. Out of pure frustration, I put this project on hold. I was miserable, being so close to the finish line.

For the next few weeks, I read tons and worked on other unrelated projects. I watched movies and read books on writing. I forced myself to forget about it for the moment and move onto newer things since my efforts to “finish” my book were proving to be futile.

Then, a novel-based movie came out that caught my attention. I LOVE reading the book (or series) before watching the movie adaptation and comparing. Yup, I’m that annoying person in the theater that whispers, “that’s not how it happened in the book.”

I devoured the trilogy in a couple of days and loved it. The movie was good too, but not as good as the book. Then, one night, as I was lying in bed and comparing book to movie, I had an AHA moment. I figured out what was wrong with the ending to my novel.

The ending to that story had a format that stung—a story BEYOND the end of the story. It’s not a new revolutionary format, but nothing I had experienced at the time stood out the way that did. I wrote the last chapter of my novel in a couple of hours, and I slept soundly for the first time in weeks.

And, I learned a lot in dealing with a "difficult" or "stuck" manuscript. These bullet points can work for any project.

1 – Trust your gut.

It was illogical for me to doubt the story as it was, especially since I got so much positive feedback, but I was not budging. My mom claims I have always been stubborn, and this time it worked for me. Listen to your gut; it knows you better than you know yourself!

2 – If you’re stuck, step away.

When you’re stuck, and I mean really stuck, like I-will-burn-my-story-if-I-read-it-one-more-time stuck, sometimes you just need a serious break. Go bike riding. Work on your next project. Take up art. Read loads of books and short stories in different genres. Try reading and writing poetry. Clean your mental pallet and give your mind a break.

3 – Sometimes you have to stop trying.

At the time I had that AHA moment, I wasn’t trying to fix the issue. I didn’t even know what the problem was let alone how to address it. I had re-read my book a dozen times looking for errors, to the point of resentment. I was at a loss, and I almost gave up. Luckily, my break recharged my brain and opened it up to new ways of thinking. New ideas can come from anywhere, so be open and ready.

I hope my experience helps anyone who is stuck on a story and feels hopeless. It's a horrible feeling, being unable to pass the finish line, but I think it's one of those experiences that are good for the writer's soul.

---

After decades in I.T. building software for the e-commerce industry, Tanya Miranda finally gave in to her lifelong love of writing. She writes stories and poetry in many genres and posts some of her pieces on her blog for the world to read.

Visit her at http://www.tanyamiranda.com to read her flash fiction and poetry, and don't forget to sign up to get a free copy of her fantasy novel, The Box Of Souls.

She's still super giddy about winning the August Challenge and has been spotted breaking into a happy dance in the streets of North Bergen, New Jersey. Her children have begged her to stop to no avail.

Thanks Tanya!

BREAKING NEWS!

As most of you would have picked up from our posts, Yolanda Renee, Denise's right-hand woman and co-host extraordinaire, is retiring from the WEP team after the October challenge which she is co-ordinating. Florence has been giving Yolanda a hard time. She had to evacuate her condo in South Carolina. It was lovely that Yolanda was out of danger, but we all know the disruptions weather can cause, but like a true author, Yolanda used the time to write her horror story for the next challenge!

So, to ensure the ongoing success of the WEP/IWSG partnership, we needed a new addition to the team. LG Keltner was chosen. She's been an enthusiastic participant for a long time and has talent which will enhance our success.  

Hey folks, Renee, here: just stopped in to welcome Laura, the new co-host. Yes, Hurricane Florence did tragically impact North Carolina where it made landfall and has hit South Carolina, my new home, with ongoing flooding. We were lucky. We evacuated. Thanks, everyone, for your concern, and you, Denise for your lovely words. You're right, I worked on my October Challenge, in fact, I wrote two short stories. But that's not why I'm here, today.

I'm here to welcome Laura. The newest member of the WEP Team. When Denise told me she'd chosen Laura. I immediately said, "She's a perfect choice." I've known Laura since 2008 when I first joined the IWSG, and I was always impressed by her skill. She's an incredibly talented writer, blogger, and publisher. As a natural storyteller, I've no doubt that she'll add depth, creativity, and expert editing skills to the WEP. While she's your go-to girl in all things science fiction, she's just as prolific in the other genres. But more importantly, she's a great blogging friend.

WELCOME, Laura! I'm thrilled that you'll be a part of the WEP family! I’m genuinely honored that you’ll be considered my replacement. A compliment in itself!

A quick word from L.G.:
Hello everyone! I'm looking forward to being a part of this fantastic team and reading some excellent submissions in the upcoming challenges. I'm honored to have been asked to come aboard, and I hope to contribute all I can to the success of this group.


Not long to the next exciting challenge for the WEP/IWSG 'writing together' partnership. Please consider joining us for the eagerly-anticipated October challenge. GO HERE to gather ideas for how you might like to approach this challenge, but really, there is complete freedom to write it your way.

                           And Laura!

We'd love if you'd Tweet this post or share to Facebook or your favorite social media site.

Come join the August 2018 Challenge winner, Tanya Miranda, for Stuck in the Story @DeniseCCovey @YolandaRenee @theIWSG https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/09/guestpost-augustchallenge-winner-tanya.html #amwriting #flashfiction

Tips from Tanya Miranda for when stuck in your story @DeniseCCovey @YolandaRenee @theIWSG  https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/09/guestpost-augustchallenge-winner-tanya.html #amwriting #flashfiction

See our latest winner as she stops by for a guest post, Stuck in the Story, and some breaking news @DeniseCCovey @YolandaRenee @theIWSG https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/09/guestpost-augustchallenge-winner-tanya.html #amwriting #flashfiction