#WEP OCTOBER CHALLENGE #WINNER'S #GUESTPOST – ELEPHANT'S CHILD AND SELF-EXPOSURE #AMWRITING

Hello everyone! Renée here! 

Elephant's Child, the winner of the October Challenge The Scream, won with her story Un.... Her tagline: Sometimes no one will hear your scream.

 

As our judge, Nick Wilford said: "The rhythm really hammers home the oppressive feel and air of inevitability, but fortunately this is leavened by having a hopeful ending. Very thought provoking."

Today EC is addressing self-exposure. So take it away, Sue!

 SELF-EXPOSURE

I write occasionally. I read every day. I am much more comfortable describing myself as a reader than I am a writer.

What do I read? I refuse to be limited by genre or defined by target groups. Instead, I read for education, comfort, and escape – and am sometimes lucky enough to find them all in the same work.

While I am a greedy reader, I am not uncritical. Writing to strike a chord with me and find a home in my head and heart has to be authentic. Real for the moment (while I am reading), and/or honest for all time. This means that memoirs, autobiographies, diaries, and letters make regular appearances in my towering to be read lists. It does not mean that I avoid fiction. Neil Gaiman (one of my favorite authors) summed it up for me.

‘Fiction is the lie that tells the truth.

We all have an obligation to daydream. We have an obligation to imagine. It is easy to pretend that nobody can change anything, that society is huge, and the individual is less than nothing.

But the truth is individuals make the future, and they do it by imagining that things can be different.’

My latest WEP post was and is certainly real, an ongoing part of me that I rarely display. I was in at least two minds about submitting it, and having done so, felt exposed and vulnerable.

Not a comfortable place. So I thought about it. And thought some more.

That thinking brought me to a place where I realized that all writers expose themselves, or at least some of themselves, in every piece they create. As an aside, I do not think that art and the artist who created it can be separated. Each piece exposes their backgrounds, their personal values, their beliefs, their hopes, their dreams, and their fears. Some of it is conscious, and I suspect some of it isn’t. And by exposing themselves this way, they make themselves vulnerable. Vulnerable to being criticized, dismissed, or not understood.

Do my musings make sense to you? And do you agree?

Writers have long been my heroes, and I thank them for their courage and the gift of trust they bestow on their readers.

And I thank WEP, both the administrators and the contributors, for making this a safe place for writers to stretch their wings and to hopefully soar.

~~*~~

Our award-winning author, Elephant's Child is from Canberra, Australia

She says she is in the process of reinventing herself. Even though she keeps busy with gardening, reading, birds, blogging, and swimming.

You can learn a lot more on her blog. Just follow the link https://myjustsostory.blogspot.com/

Photo by: Photo by Alysha Rosly on Unsplash

~~***~~

Thank you so much for your guest post, Sue. How about you, readers? How do you feel about self-exposure? How much of you, is in your writing?

We'd love for you to tweet this post or share it to Facebook or your favorite social media site.

#WEPTHESCREAM #WEPwinner #guestpost SELF-EXPOSURE https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2021/11/wep-october-challenge-winners-guestpost.html @DeniseCCovey, @YolandaRenee, @LGKeltner, @OlgaGodim #amwriting #writingchalleng

#WEPTHESCREAM #WEPwinner Uh…. #guestpost SELF-EXPOSURE https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2021/11/wep-october-challenge-winners-guestpost.html @DeniseCCovey, @YolandaRenee, @LGKeltner, @OlgaGodim #amwriting #writingchallenge

#WEPTHESCREAM #WEPwinner Uh… #guestpost Self-Exposure https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2021/11/wep-october-challenge-winners-guestpost.html @DeniseCCovey, @YolandaRenee, @LGKeltner, @OlgaGodim #amwriting #writingchallenge

~~***~~

Our next challenge will be here before we know it! We hope many of you will consider joining us for our December challenge. Narcissus! We'll be posting early, anytime between December 1st and the 15th.

Thanks, Sue!

See you all there!

#WEP/IWSG...The December Challenge is Open! #FOOTPRINTS

Hello writers! Laura here! The December challenge, FOOTPRINTS, is now open, and we're looking forward to reading your entries! Thank you to Tyrean Martinson from the IWSG for coming up with this month's prompt!


Before we get started, the WEP team would like to give a shout out to two of our regular participants. Roland Clarke and Rebecca M. Douglass will both have stories appearing in the latest IWSG anthology Voyagers: The Third Ghost. Congratulations to both of you! Read more HERE. 

Now on to the challenge!

How to sign up:

Add your name to the list with your Direct Link! Direct link only! So there's no confusion, add your WRITER NAME (not the name of the prompt, please), your email, and your URL that leads directly to your entry.

Prizes:

Nick Wilford continues as judge for the WEP contest.

And we continue with our CRITIQUE prize for December. We've approached several editors/published authors/critiquers to line them up to reward you for your efforts! The writer of the winning entry will be the lucky recipient of a critique. Check out the list in our sidebar to which more editors will be added as and when confirmed.

Our critiquer for December is J.L. Campbell. She's offering a critique of the first three chapters to the lucky winner. Refer to previous post for more details.

We still need someone to count the comments for the Best Commenter badge. 

If you'd like to volunteer, please let us know in the comments below! Comment counting will cease at midnight on Friday, December 20th NY time, which gives you a week to read/comment. Remember, you need to make an effort to read and comment on as many entries as you can to be in the running for ANY of the prizes! When you've finished reading, it would be helpful if you left a comment on the sign up post to tell us you're done. PLEASE everyone, make sure comments are allowed on your blog. And most importantly, make sure you read the updated CRITIQUE PAGE  before commenting.

If you'd like to help in this or a later challenge, or for any other query you might have this month, please email : cc or leave a comment below.

Now let's get started:

Don't forget to share the Challenge

Here is the HTML:

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We'd love if you'd Tweet one of these:

Come and add your footprint to the December challenge - @TheIWSG @DeniseCCovey https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/12/wepiwsgthe-december-challenge-is-open.html #amwriting #flashfiction #WEPFF

Are you ready to leave your footprint on our December challenge? @TheIWSG @DeniseCCovey https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/12/wepiwsgthe-december-challenge-is-open.html #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

Join @TheIWSG @DeniseCCovey and add your direct link to the December challenge https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/12/wepiwsgthe-december-challenge-is-open.html #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

The December challenge is now open. Come leave your footprint today. @TheIWSG @DeniseCCovey https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/12/wepiwsgthe-december-challenge-is-open.html #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

#WEP/IWSG...The October Challenge Is Now Open! #HORRIBLE HARVEST

Hello writers! The October Challenge is now open. A few reminders about the new format of postings...

L.G. Keltner will count the comments for the Best Commenter badge. Comment counting will cease at midnight on Friday, November 1st NY time, which gives you over a week to read/comment. When you've finished reading, it would be helpful if you left a comment on the sign up post to tell us you're done. PLEASE everyone, make sure comments are allowed on your blog. And most importantly, make sure you read the updated CRITIQUE PAGE  before commenting.

If you'd like to help in this or a later challenge, or for any other query you might have this month, please email : nilabose306b@gmail.com or leave a comment below.

Denise is travelling to research her settings – so excited for her! We wish her safe travels and an enjoyable trip. And of course, much productive writing!

Signing up:

Add your name to the list with your Direct Link! Direct link only! So there's no confusion, add your WRITER NAME (not the name of the prompt, please), your email, and your URL that leads directly to your entry.

Prizes:

Nick Wilford continues as judge for the WEP contest.

And we continue with our CRITIQUE prize for October. We've approached several editors/published authors/critiquers to line them up to reward you for your efforts! The writer of the winning entry will be the lucky recipient of a critique. Check out the list in our sidebar to which more editors will be added as and when confirmed.

Our critiquer for August is Kyra Lennon. She's offering a First Chapter critique to the lucky winner. Refer to previous post for more details regarding Kyra.

However, that’s not all. There are Amazon Gift Cards totalling USD 60 for all the lucky winners of this Challenge. Gift Cards worth USD 30,  USD 20, and USD 10 are waiting to be won. So…come join in!

Now let's get started:

Don't forget to share the Challenge

Here is the HTML:

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<script type="text/javascript" src="https://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=821964"></script>

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We'd love if you'd Tweet one of these:

The sign up is open for WEP 2019 October Challenge Horrible Harvest - @TheIWSG @DeniseCCovey https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/10/wepiwsgthe-october-challenge-is-now.html  #amwriting #flashfiction #WEPFF 

The October Challenge sign up is here. Add your link. @TheIWSG @DeniseCCovey https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/10/wepiwsgthe-october-challenge-is-now.html  #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

Join @TheIWSG @DeniseCCovey and add your direct link to the October challenge https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/10/wepiwsgthe-october-challenge-is-now.html  #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

Don't forget to add your direct link to the challenge within the next 3 days. @TheIWSG @DeniseCCovey https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/10/wepiwsgthe-october-challenge-is-now.html #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

Nilanjana

For Denise, Laura and Olga

#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!

If you want to share the linky, here's the code...

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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!