#WEPFF WINNERS' POST for RIBBONS and CANDLES the December Challenge.

Hello all!

We're thrilled to announce the winners for the WEP/IWSG collaboration for the RIBBONS and CANDLES Challenge, our final challenge of the year. Thank you for posting at this busy time of year.

It's been rather hectic here at WEP as we read/discuss/choose our picks for the shortlist. As we extended the posting time, it's allowed us to read more at our leisure as we do all those things we do during the holiday season.

For me, it means finishing teaching for the year. Moving up from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast and preparing for an influx of visitors. How about you? What does the holiday season mean to you?

One of you will be happy to receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card, while another three will have a lovely badge to show off on your blog. No, I can actually count. One of you who went into the draw for Best Commenter will receive a badge. WEP cannot operate without your comments, so thank you for stepping up and reading each other's posts. It enriches the experience.

Just a note: Every time we open a challenge, we give some guidelines. Today we'll look at No 5.

5. Leave a COMMENT on the WEP website or C-Box when you post your entry. We then add your DirectLink (DL) 

Okay, let's move onto the crux of the post - the winners!

RIBBONS and CANDLES was treated with aplomb. We had some horror, some romance, some joyful family experiences -- some fun!

Roland Yeomans – A hotel room, a glowing tree, a glowy beverage, and a cast of super-intriguing characters, and one of them with a Luger.

D. G. Hudson – A kidnapped son gets back together with his father in the outer reaches of space, and a little boy gets told the story of Christmas traditions and their origins on Terra, the first home of humanity.

Pat Hatt – A fertility ribbon and an infertility candle and kids trapped in a different plane – a creepy story of sibling rivalry taken to extremes.

Pat Garcia -  Dementia, love and loss on Christmas Day, one yellow ribbon and a blown out candle.

Susan Swiderski – A grandmother won’t throw away the faded purple ribbon in her Bible, even though her grandchild has made her a brand new glittery bookmark for Christmas. Why?

Toi Thomas – A blazing tree, a lone dancer and her supreme sacrifice, a magical festival in a different world.

C. Lee Mackenzie – A grieving, suddenly widowed matriarch has some unexpected help with the decorations as her sons find to their surprise when they get home for Christmas.

Tyrean Martinson – A bereaved daughter, dealing with grief over Christmas season, finds comfort in the arms of an old schoolmate and hope in an advent wreath.

Michelle Wallace -  Two different candles burn in two different rooms across the world and symbolise a powerful story of haves and have-nots.

Dixie Jarchow – A dying teenager tries to make a difference  and leave a mark by going to an eighth grade party…

Roland C Clarke -  Two policewomen dig for clues in a long ago cold case, a 19^th century hit-and-run or…was it a cold-blooded murder?

Jemima Pett -  A celebration with ribbons and candles goes horribly wrong, with heart-wrenching consequences.

Yolanda Renee -  A date with Lucifer can only end in an unexpected outcome…and a hilarious punchline!

Jemi Fraser – A nervous protagonist, a double proposal by candlelight, lasagne and a tea towel make for a terrific surprise ending and a great story to tell the grandkids down the years.

Rebecca M Douglass – Three children go into a cave with unknown dangers for a daring rescue, and one of them must use her powers to lead them back to safety again.

Bernadette Braganza – Global warming and plastic waste wreak havoc on Santa’s homebase and a young man reaches back to a childhood memory for inspiration to create trains from waste.

J Lenni Dorner – A proactive elder takes a somewhat unorthodox route to avoid going into a care home…

Lisa Buie Collard – A young woman visits a church and lights a candle of love and hope.

Kalpana – A budding romance across two different cultures celebrating Christmas in their unique ways.

Without further ado, here is our shortlist which we sent to Nick:

Jemima Pett

Michelle Wallace

Bernadette Braganza

Susan Swiderski

C Lee McKenzie

So (((drum roll)))

THE WINNER OF THE

2018 WEP DECEMBER CHALLENGE RIBBONS and CANDLES

is

Congratulations  Michelle!

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 DECEMBER CHALLENGE RIBBONS and CANDLES

is

Congratulations Jemima!

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

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

THE ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD FOR THE

2018 WEP DECEMBER CHALLENGE RIBBONS and CANDLES

goes to 

Congratulations Bernadette!

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.

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

The random pick winner from those who commented most is Jemi Fraser! Jemi, please accept the badge on behalf of all the great commenters and display it on your blog!

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


IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! 
WEP/IWSG COMPETITION WINNER WAS OUR VERY OWN TOINETTE THOMAS WITH HER PROMPT, 28 DAYS!

As part of her prize, Toi  featured in the December IWSG newsletter. I hope you caught it!

The winning theme will be the official February WEP theme and accompanied by a stunning badge designed by WEP team member, Olga Godim!

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

And don't forget we kick off next FEBRUARY with Toi's 28 Days. Start planning now! Check out ideas from the WEP 2019 Challenges Page in our menu.

Thank you all!
Have the very best holiday season.
And to those who celebrate Christmas,
a Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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

#WEPFF Ribbons and Candles Winners announced. @DeniseCCovey @theIWSG
https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/12/wepff-winners-post-for-ribbons-and.html #amwriting #flashfiction

Come congratulate our first place winner. #WEPFF Ribbons and Candles Challenge @DeniseCCovey @theIWSG
https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/12/wepff-winners-post-for-ribbons-and.html #amwriting #flashfiction

The #WEPFF writers are all winners! @DeniseCCovey @theIWSG
https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/12/wepff-winners-post-for-ribbons-and.html #amwriting #flashfiction

When you take the challenge for a spin you too could win! @DeniseCCovey @theIWSG https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/12/wepff-winners-post-for-ribbons-and.html #amwriting #flashfiction

#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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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. 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!