April 2020 has been an eye-opening month with
physical/social distancing becoming the norm. And with the daily count of the
dead leading the news, we had hope that going on with the WEP April Challenge
-- Antique Vase -- would give all of us a break from the horror. We were right,
well sort of. Some of us have been personally touched by the virus and death.
So, finding an exercise to take us away from the horror for a while proved
beneficial. The entries reflect that need.
Thank you, everyone, for your amazing tales, they
were filled with hope, humor, love, life lessons, but especially the creativity
that continues to amaze and inspire us.
It's always a delight to welcome new writers to WEP. New writers add an excitement as we eagerly anticipate a new writing style and approach to the prompt. This month we welcome Sanhita and Zaguzan/Karuna. Both presented wonderful entries and one made the shortlist! Thank you all for making them welcome in your comments!
It's always a delight to welcome new writers to WEP. New writers add an excitement as we eagerly anticipate a new writing style and approach to the prompt. This month we welcome Sanhita and Zaguzan/Karuna. Both presented wonderful entries and one made the shortlist! Thank you all for making them welcome in your comments!
Compiled by Elephant's Child, here's a summary and link to all those inspiring stories for your reading pleasure:
Zaguzan:
Flash fiction. We follow the vase through four of its owners and rejoice that
it has found a home where it is appreciated and valued. For now. Who can tell
where it will go next...?
Jemi
Fraser: Flash fiction. Even rich snobs love (and indulge) their
grandchildren. And it is incredible how fast a heart-felt apology can change
people's attitudes.
Toi
Thomas: Flash fiction. The voice of the vase tells her own story,
reflecting on generational change and reminds us that inanimate objects deserve
respect.
Sanhita
Mukherjee: Flash fiction: An intriguing look at the vase's history,
geography, and mythology. So the vase returns home, a traveler, returning to
its roots, slipping effortlessly between the POV of the vase, the employee who
cares for it, its long-ago makers...
Anstice
Brown: Flash fiction. A light-hearted piece reminding us that antiques were
once new (and may not have been valued) and just how fast things can change.
Team
Netherworld: Flash fiction. A vase and a wise man provide the impetus to
ensure that a love story is finally recognized and allowed to fruit.
Rebecca
Douglass: Flash fiction. Librarians should always be respected. A
surprisingly light-hearted reminder of that truth - despite the incineration of
yet another who didn't listen.
Elephant's
Child: Flash fiction: Two scenarios. Two people dead. Their lawyers claim
that he/she snapped. Did they?
Roland
Clarke: Flash fiction: A continuation of Sparkle Anwyl's story - which also
crosses WEP challenges and reveals a little more of her unique mindset, as she
continues to investigate mayhem and mystery.
Christopher
Scott: Flash fiction. A very descriptive take on a Coming of Age ceremony,
in a culture which begs for further exploration.
J
Lenni Dorner: Flash fiction. A powerful indictment of the treatment of so
many indigenous peoples which blurs the lines between fiction, history, and
current affairs.
Sally
Stackhouse: Flash fiction and the poetry of the vase. A loved object is
sacrificed for the benefit of the family, that object haunts the dreams of a
descendant and is finally, triumphantly brought home.
Dixie
Jo Jarchow: Flash fiction. A poignant slice of family difficulties/estrangements
finishing on a hopeful note.
Nilanjana
Bose: Non-fiction. It crosses WEP challenges, countries, history, cultures,
and artistic genres in rich and inviting prose - ensuring that there are links
and rabbit holes to ensure that each visit uncovers new treasures.
Hilary
Melton-Butcher: Flash fiction: A lighter (and unexpected) side to
archaeology (and archaeologists.
Olga
Godim: Flash fiction: A continuation of Monette's story. It might have been
'small magic,' but it more than got the job done.
L.G.
Keltner: Flash Fiction. Clever aunt Margaret had a secret. A secret she
carried to her grave - and one that Donna will maintain.
Jemima
Pett: Flash fiction. Some vases should be left well alone. Elsie and Tom
escaped. Will you?
Pat
Garcia: Flash fiction. A continuation of Zelda and Bruno's love story.
Sweeter than hot chocolate, stronger than cognac, with an undercurrent of
mystery.
Kalpana: Poetry. A reminder
that antique objects/people still have life left in them still have desires,
longings, and passion. Rather than locked away and protected, it calls for us
to respect their need to 'just be.'
Susan
Rouchard: Flash fiction. A futuristic tale of the fight for survival
(perhaps on this earth and perhaps on a new one) where the humans are assisted
by 'little blue men.' Effort, hope, and gratitude are richly entwined and
expressed.
Donna Hanton: Flash fiction.
A continuation of Lisa and Pierce's story. The tension in their relationship
continues and is explored with a little back story - and then a cliff-hanger to
keep us wanting more.
Denise
Covey: Flash fiction. A tale jam-packed with history, with warmth, with
color, with loss and overflowing with love.
Yolanda
Renée: Flash fiction: A curious (but well-meaning sister) wreaks havoc.
Expensive havoc. Can she be forgiven?
Renée:
Flash fiction: Some vases should remain sealed. Permanently.
As
usual, we had a difficult time deciding our shortlists, but it quickly became
apparent that everyone had a favorite: We sent this list to Nick:
~*~
Thank you, everyone! It is refreshing to see all the
lovely comments on each post. And please know that the team reads your comments, always taking them into consideration when forming the shortlist. They are
more important than you may think. Besides informing our decisions, it feeds
the writer. Feedback is not a simple thing. It means the world to the writer.
OUR WINNERS:
Nick commented:
"As always it was a tough choice, but it’s also an honor to read
and judge these great entries."
THE WINNER
OF APRIL'S 2020 CHALLENGE
ANTIQUE
VASE is:
Congratulations, J. Lenni!
Nick wrote, "I had to put this first because the level of empathy created for the suffering of the narrator is exceptional. Powerful, and moving."
Nick wrote, "I had to put this first because the level of empathy created for the suffering of the narrator is exceptional. Powerful, and moving."
Congratulations J. Lenni! Please link the badge to your story, Lenape Antique Vase, and post it on your blog.
In addition, you've won a critique of your first three chapters or 10,000 words from Christine Rains, and a guest post here at WEP.
We'll also look forward to your Guest Post here at WEP.
We'll also look forward to your Guest Post here at WEP.
Details will be emailed to you shortly.
Congratulations, on such an evocative entry!
~*~
THE
RUNNER-UP OF APRIL'S 2020 CHALLENGE ANTIQUE VASE is:
Congratulations, Donna!
Nick wrote, "Some great character observation here, and I just loved the ending."
We're all looking forward to the next installment!
Please link the badge to your story,
The Sneeze, and post it on your blog.
Nick wrote, "Some great character observation here, and I just loved the ending."
We're all looking forward to the next installment!
Please link the badge to your story,
The Sneeze, and post it on your blog.
THE
ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD FOR APRIL’S
ANTIQUE VASE is:
Congratulations, Hilary!
Nick wrote, "A fun tale with a very good sense of humor, injects some lightness into the proceedings."
We all appreciated the humor of your story. Laughter is a much-needed sentiment right now. Thank you!
Please link the badge to your story, Ancient Vase,
and post it on your blog.
Nick wrote, "A fun tale with a very good sense of humor, injects some lightness into the proceedings."
We all appreciated the humor of your story. Laughter is a much-needed sentiment right now. Thank you!
Please link the badge to your story, Ancient Vase,
and post it on your blog.
COMMENTER'S AWARD:
Thank you for showing respect and
encouragement to all the enthusiastic writers who penned a post for the
February challenge!
There was the usual Word Press/Blogger
incompatibility, but less than usual. Personally, a direct connection worked
better than the Linky in some cases.
Always watch the C-Box and
the website comment thread to catch up on any commenting problems and fixes.
Thanks to those who commented on the site when you couldn't comment on a post.
Those who read 20 and over,
(allowing some leeway for the difficult commenting situation), by the cutoff
date of Wednesday, April 22.
Pat
Garcia
Jemi
Fraser
Zaguzan
Toi
Thomas
Rebecca
Douglass
Roland
Clarke
Donna
Hanton
&
the
WEP team
The Random selector chose
Roland Clarke for the winner. Congratulations, on winning AGAIN! We
appreciate your dedication to the WEP and for understanding the importance of
feedback to all writers. Roland! Please display the badge on your blog
with a link to the WEP
website.
Congratulations, Roland!
Remember our earlier
discussion about comments and their importance?
I'd like to announce an award based on those
comments. The number of them and the appreciation found in them for the writer
was specifically why this award, the People's Choice Award is being awarded to Nilanjana
Bose.
She wanted to pull out of the challenge completely,
but we talked her into posting. She did not want comments because she could not
respond to them. But again, we intervened, and you complied with our request by
commenting on the WEP page or the C-Box. They were spectacular, and all of that was quickly
noticed by Sue, better known as Elephant's Child.
Sue had stepped in to help us with this post and
immediately suggested that Nila, because of her amazing imagery, be allowed to
qualify for the awards this time. To avoid taking away the opportunities for all other entrants, we decided to award The People's Choice Award. An
infrequent but excellent tool that will allow us to give a special award when
called for.
Based on your comments, you agreed. As Roland Clarke
wrote: "I love the way the piece is informative, rich with imagery and
language, plus she returns to my favorite artist."
Toi Thomas wrote: "She always presents her
pieces with a subtle dramatic flare that almost makes you forget that you are
learning something."
Olga wrote: "I love Nila's piece. From abstract
to Vincent's painted flowers in flash fiction - such a fascinating
exploratory narrative."
And I think we all found the same as Sue described:
-- "Elegant, informative and with a myriad of rabbit holes I will be
exploring at length later."
Nila is an individual who I've found to be authentic.
Beautiful on all levels, honest, fair, and wise beyond most, but it's her
writing that always strikes a chord. A true reflection of the individual whose pen achieves gold every time.
So it is with great pleasure that we give this award to
Nilanjana Bose for her inspiring historical piece titled The Grasshopper. The Pigeon.
The Bulldog.
Congratulations
Nila!
Your
writing is always exemplary
and
we're thrilled to be able to award your creativity.
******
Here's
our prompt for June. So get those thinking caps on. The announcement will be
posted on June 1st in the thinking-caps post.
And
the Sign--up Link Post goes live on June 17th.
Until
then, say safe and stay well!
Renée for...
And Sue!
Thank you, Sue, for stepping in and doing a beautiful job with the blurbs, helping to monitor the posts and report problems, and helping us choose the winners. But especially for recognizing Nila's entry as superb and deserving of recognition while disqualifying your own winning entry!
We'd love
for you to Tweet this post or share it to Facebook
or your favorite social
media site.
#WEPFF ANTIQUE
VASE winners announced @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee @LGKeltner @OlgaGodim https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2020/04/winners-post-april-challenge-antique.html #amwriting #flashfiction #wepwinners
10 years of
writing excellence WEP APRIL winners @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee @LGKeltner @OlgaGodim https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2020/04/winners-post-april-challenge-antique.html#amwriting #flashfiction #wepwinners
Come congratulate
our April winners. #WEPFF ANTIQUE VASE Challenge @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee
@OlgaGodim @LGKeltner #amwriting #flashfiction #wepwinners
https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2020/04/winners-post-april-challenge-antique.html
The #WEPFF
writers had some fantastic entries! WEP winners announced! @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee
@OlgaGodim @LGKeltner
https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2020/04/winners-post-april-challenge-antique.html
#WEPFF ANTIQUE
VASE winners all @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee @OlgaGodim @LGKeltner #amwriting
#flashfiction #wepwinners
https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2020/04/winners-post-april-challenge-antique.html
10 years of
writing excellence, WEP Winners! @LGKeltner @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee @OlgaGodim
#amwriting #flashfiction #wepwinners https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2020/04/winners-post-april-challenge-antique.html
Thank you, everyone, for your patience with all my errors this go around. And boy were there plenty of them! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all the winners, your entries were thought provoking, inspiring, and humorous!
Thanks Yolanda, for running this challenge. It did have its challenges but you overcame like the pro you are. Your first time running the show after quite a break. I'm humbled by your support and the team support and Elephant's Child who stepped in and helped out so much, especially writing the blurbs.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the winners, JLenni, Donna and Hilary and to all the writers! Your entries were once again exemplary and hard to choose between. So much quality reading to return to!
Looking forward to June and Urban Nightmare. Thinking of what to write is a nightmare, but a delicious one!
Thank you, Denise, for your patience. Thank you, Sue, for your priceless help! Thank you, writers, for you continued support and participation!
DeleteJune will definitely be a fun one!
But a special shout-out for all the winners!
Thank you so much! And congrats to all my fellow winners.
ReplyDeleteJ Lenni, thank you for a unique entry that won raves from everyone!
DeleteAs always huge congratulations to the winners - and to all the participants.
ReplyDeleteAnd applause to the WEP team too. I always suspected that there was a LOT of behind the scenes work to maintain the WEP space as its supportive and encouraging self and I was right.
LOL, Sue, a lot of behind the scenes for sure. Thank you for picking up and stepping in and especially for your insight and advice! As I said, priceless!
DeleteI am moved beyond words. Please know that your support, prayers and well wishes have meant the world to me during these past weeks. Heartfelt thanks for them and for the award.
ReplyDeleteI hope to return and catch up with each and every one of you as soon as I straighten myself out. Many congratulations to all the winners.
You're are more than deserving, Nila. After reading your work, then all the responses, People's Choice was more than appropriate!
DeleteYou definitely deserved the recognition. I hope you're taking care of yourself and look forward to reading more of your wonderful writing in the future!
DeleteWholehearted agreement with both Renee and Laura.
DeleteHigh time your prowess with the pen was acknowledged again. Keep safe and well. I hope you're coming to terms with your loss.
DeleteHave finally been round to read everyone's work. Absolutely stellar bunch of entries, all. Superbly creative and such a wide range! So pleased with where this prompt has gone.
DeleteHi Everyone,
ReplyDeleteFirst, congratulations to all the WEP Winners. I am indeed happy and look forward to writing with you in tthe next challenge.
@Nila- I wanted to comment on your post but couldn't. Denise told me you had disengaged it for the challenge for personal reasons. I wanted to tell you though that I was bedazzled by your piece. I have long been convince that you are a historical writer that goes into the deep like Irving Stone, but your submitted April submission confirmed what I thought. It was an awesome submission and I wish you all the best Shalom aleichem, Pat G
Thank you, Pat! Your thoughtful comments on all posts mean so much to all the writers!
DeleteThank you, Pat. Value the feedback.
DeleteCongratulations to J. Lenni, Donna, Hilary, Roland and Nila.
ReplyDeleteWell done to the rest of the participants too-I enjoyed each and every entry.
A big thank you to the WEP team. I'm looking forward to June's challenge!
Thank you, Anstice! June will indeed be a fun challenge!
DeleteCongrats to J. Lenni and all the winners! All the stories were so well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine! Your gift to J Lenni is much appreciated, as is your support for the WEP!
DeleteWell done everybody and my best wishes and hugs to everybody. x
ReplyDeleteYou too, Sally. Your piece was well received!
DeleteThank you everyone for being amused by my chamber pot ... and congratulations to the winners - J Lenni and Donna in particular, as too Nila - her writing is always so powerful ... while her posts are just amazing. Also to Roland ... always a thorough commenter. Take care and I'll be over to your posts in a day or so ... stay safe - Hilary
ReplyDeleteWe loved it, Hilary! Congratulations!
DeleteCongrats to the winners! It was an amazing challenge, despite all the real-life challenges we are all facing today.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Olga. May your days be blessed with health! May all our days be blessed!
DeleteCongratulations to all the winners! The stories this time around were all wonderful to read!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laura! Your comment counting is no small feat! And it is so very appreciated! I'm yours for whatever task you wish to assign!
DeleteThank you to the WEP team for shortlisting me and Nick for the kind words! Congratulations to the other winners, to all the entrants in fact, for such high-calibre writing given what is going on in real life.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Donna! I hope you don't mind my calling your post The Sneeze, but it was perfect, as was your writing!
DeleteGreat choices!!! Congrats to all the winners - spectacular writing once again :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jemi. I know April was as crazy a month for you as for any of us! We appreciate your continued support!
DeleteCongratulations to all the 'writing' winners - I loved commentating on your pieces and all the others. Reading all the posts and writing appropriate comments is another interesting challenge, and mentally rewarding - and many thanks to whatever gave me that award, again. I love the 'again' badge, Olga - heading off to add it, again. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe again was a brilliant touch to the Champion Commentator badge wasn't it? Congratulations Roland - and I echo your thanks to Olga.
DeleteYes, a brilliant touch on the badge, which I've now added to my site. Thanks WEP Random Selector.
DeleteYour win is well deserved! Your thoughtful words on all the posts shows your commitment and appreciation of great writing!
DeleteThanks Yolanda. Only thoughtful as their writing showed great thought. I suspect I'm not alone in thinking about my 'Urban Nightmare' already.
DeleteAs I started my Challenge reading with Nila's wonderful piece, I'm making my final comment to say, " Congratulations, Nila - you deserve the People's Choice Award not just for your 'amazing imagery' and wonderful entry, but for your perseverance and your staunch support of WEP. You are one of the mainstays who keep us inspired. Please, stay safe, sensible, and successful.
DeleteRoland, your support is beyond words. You've so much going on this month, yet there you were, now a mainstay yourself to WEP, commenting, encouraging, offering words of praise. Your second round of Commenter badge was well deserved. We tried to think of a way to make it different. Olga came up with 'again'.
DeleteThank you everyone for this delightful challenge.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to J.Lenni, Donna, Hilary and Roland for their fun, hopeful and powerful contributions.
Once again I am disappointed at not making the short-list though I commented on ALL entries by the cut off date , and I am still not included in the list of commentators. Can someone please tell me openly what I do wrong, it would be very helpful.
Thank you , however for all the encouraging critiques, comments and praise for those of you who read my story. See you in June.
Comment/reply below, Susan.
DeleteThere seems to be a blogger/wordpress error and messages get lost - mine just disappeared from here. You also appear here as Susan B and on my Wordpress site as 'susanrouchard'. Last Challenge, I visited every post and commented, but failed to make the list. This time, I revisited a few Blogger sites and had to re-post my comment on one as there my original comment had disappeared - yet I was being notified of other comments. Weird - a cyber-glitch, I fear.
ReplyDeleteDownload the best HD and Ultra HD Wallpapers for free from wallpaperaholic . Use them as wallpapers for your mobile or desktop screens. so visit the site now-https://wallpaperaholic.blogspot.com .
DeleteRoland is probably right. Several regular participants comment under more than one identity (the WP/Blogger thing I think) which adds an additional level of complexity to comment counting.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Nila for the People's Choice Award. Well deserved.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Much appreciated.
DeleteSusan B and susanrouchard are one and the same, me. The photo is also the same. And I check that my comment has been taken with a follow up email too. I also checked in on this blog as soon as I had finished commenting to give info, but my comment , taken on 22nd has now disappeared. Also my reply to Nila’s story, here. Pat, I gave my comment on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteThanks Roland for taking the time to reply and offer an explanation. On the Wordpress blogs I comment with my Wordpress account, directly on the app , on the Bloggers with my google account, through Ecosia. Last year I tried to use Safari at first, but could not. So with my blog both on Blogger and Wordpress I can cover pretty much the whole field.
Hoping that by June the situation will have improved somewhat. Take care, Happy 1st of May.
Susan this is disappointing for you. I’m sorry for the glitches. It’s past my bedtime but I will look into your comments tomorrow. You did make the original cut but not the final cut with the shortlist. If you want I can reread and give you feedback tomorrow.
DeleteIt’s always difficult. So many stellar entries. And reading is so subjective.
We all value your contributions Susan.
Hello Susan. I've been in contact with Laura, our comment counter for April. I'm sorry, but human error is responsible for your missing out on acknowledgement this month.
DeleteThank you for reading all the entries but some of your comments have definitely disappeared as did your comment on the previous post. We can only wonder at the disparity between WP and Blogger re comments and people moderating comments, using multiple names to comment (not in your case). It makes it a very difficult task.
Download the best HD and Ultra HD Wallpapers for free from wallpaperaholic . Use them as wallpapers for your mobile or desktop screens. so visit the site now-https://wallpaperaholic.blogspot.com .
DeleteI don't envy you the counting problem, Sue (EC). I've noted how my photo changes on different sites as does my name. Susan, yours is one of the easier ones to spot, and yet the Wordpress/Blogger/Google/whatever interactions attempts to chew up comments, links, identities, etc.
ReplyDeleteI always wondered how Jeff Goldblum's character in 'Independence Day' managed to hack into the aliens' computers. Even more so now when our computer technology struggles to communicate even in 2020.
Thanks Roland for your input while the team except for Elephant’s Child has been off piste.
Delete