# OCTOBER WINNER'S POST - READ ABOUT WRITER"S BLOCK & HOW BERNADETTE TACKLES IT

Nila here again! 

I know I've said this before, but it bears repeating, like all good things - what a crop of superlative writing the October HORRIBLE HARVEST prompt produced! Picking winners out of so many is always extremely hard, but this time Bernadette was a rare unanimous choice by the WEP team.

Judge Nick Wilford said:

"This wasn't the only story with an eco theme, but it treats the subject in such a stark and sobering way that it nudges into first place for me. Amazing to pack something so powerful into so few words."

If you haven't already, please visit the previous post to read all about the winners and other news.

It is our pleasure to share with you a guest post from Bernadette. As well as winning the critique prize from Kyra Lennon, Bernadette writes a guest post for WEP and the IWSG newsletter which will be out soon.

Here's what Bernadette does to tackle writer's block:

5 Ways to Get Rid of Writer's Block

You've probably already heard about the good ol' writer's block. The fact that there are so many articles on the topic acknowledges that it's a widespread phenomenon (Yes, even copywriters who already have a topic and character limit get stumped on where to get started). So then, it's just natural that a writer who's creating something marvellous from scratch gets stuck now and then.

Here are a few of the tips that work for me:

1. Read what others have done

Make a note of what you want to write about and do a quick Google search on it. It’s a great way of finding inspiration

Warning: This method is also quite a time killer so be sure that you have a way of keeping yourself from going down the rabbit hole.

2.  Listen to music (or do whatever helps you think)

Listening to music helps me think. I usually enjoy rock, blues & pop and they inspire me in different ways. Try using a random line from the song you're listening to as a prompt. It may lead nowhere but believe me, it's fun. Alternatively, if music doesn’t work for you, try something else that helps you think. It could be anything from bouncing ideas off a friend to taking your dog for a walk.

3. Dream

Imagine if you were living in your WIP's world. You could probably bump into one of your characters on your way to work or have one of them plotting a sinister plan right behind you. This is a great way to understand how to move on ahead (almost like looking at a 3D model of a human organ to understand it better). Just bear in mind that this method has the same limitations as point one.

4. Wait

Sometimes the answer to a problem is to just let it be. Do something else that you enjoy or need to get done. It's a better way of staying productive instead of staring blankly at a screen/page. You’ll also end-up spending your time in a much better way.

5. Write about it!

Let your writer's block work for you. If your block is not letting you write, just use it as an inspiration and write a tale about how it's affecting you or ways to combat it. I just did.


Thank you, Bernadette, for these creative ways to get over writer's block, my favourite's gotta be 4! Let the writing find me instead of the other way round! 

Join us for the final 2019 prompt in December as we round up another landmark and creative year at Write...Edit...Publish...

Check out ideas from the WEP 2019 Challenges Page for the next prompt ..or not. Go with your own if you like...

More details in Laura's post on December 1st. In which she introduces the prompts and the directions we take in 2020...See you there!

Till then, happy and blockless writing! 

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

The WEP 2019 October Challenge Horrible Harvest Winner's Post - @TheIWSG @DeniseCCovey  https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/11/october-winners-post-read-about-writers.html #amwriting #flashfiction #WEPFF

How unblocked are you? October Challenge Winner's Post @TheIWSG @DeniseCCovey  https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/11/october-winners-post-read-about-writers.html #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

Join @TheIWSG @DeniseCCovey for the Winner's Post Horrible Harvest  https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/11/october-winners-post-read-about-writers.html 
#WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

What has the winner harvested? Join @TheIWSG @DeniseCCovey for the winner's post https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/11/october-winners-post-read-about-writers.html  #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

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#AUGUST WEP WINNER'S POST - RED WHEELBARROW - READ ABOUT KALPANAA AND HER COTTAGE IN THE HIMALAYAS!!

The WEP team would like to emphasize once again what a treasure trove of excellent writing the August RED WHEELBARROW prompt was. Picking three out of so many is always difficult, but this time at least we were all unanimous that the outright winner was Kalpanaa. Judge Nick Wilford said:

"An intriguing story that works, I think, because of the questions it raises - sometimes it's good to leave the reader guessing. A hint of the supernatural and a portrait of a strained family dynamic that allows us to empathize with Kelly."

If you haven't already, please visit the previous post to read all about the winners and other news.

It is our pleasure to share with you a guest post from Kalpanaa. As well as winning the critique prize from Chrys Fey, Kalpanaa writes a guest post for WEP and the IWSG newsletter which will be out soon.

Here's Kalpanaa's post:

A WRITER FIRST

Are you a writer first and a _______ second? With the blank representing whatever career or money earning occupation you fill your days with that keeps you from your writing but pays your bills?

Some of us don’t have the luxury to just write, others don’t want to be dictated to about what to write, which means that like me, you’re a writer/teacher or a writer/something else. It isn’t exactly an ideal solution because teaching is a job that needs horrible amounts of keeping of records. Since I wrote the story for the Red Wheelbarrow WEP prompt, I've written a couple of blog posts but the bulk of my writing has been lesson plans, lesson reflections, emails and WhatsApp messages.


I consoled myself with these lines from the  book we are reading for the IWSG Book Club. It’s Betsy Lerner’s The Forest for the Trees: An editor’s advice to writers. Betsy writes, “I believe there is still enormous value in a piece of writing that goes no farther than the one person for whom it was intended, that no combination of written words is more eloquent than those exchanged between lovers and friends, or along the pale blue lines of private diaries, where people take communion with themselves.’


Those lines took the edge off my not-writing-anguish.  I’m striving to change my circumstances so that I have more time to write things other than lesson plans.  But my WIP weeps copious tears at this sop – that all writing (even lesson reflections) is writing. There is an urgency to my figuring out my life so that I can work remotely and not at a desk for eight hours. So that I can live, for most of the month, in my cottage in the Himalayas.


That cottage is not a distant dream but a five-and-a-half-hour train journey to a station called Kathgodam where butterflies are the size of small birds, fluttering from blossom to blossom with the bluest sky as a backdrop and the scent of fresh air wafting down the green hills.

Winding up the hills to the writing cottage

After another hour  up a  winding around many disorienting hills, over bridges spanning exuberant aquamarine rivers hurtling over rocks, a couple of spring-fed lakes with forests on their shores we stop at a market town. I buy eggs, fruit, vegetables and wine before we drive up the last twenty minutes leaving behind the lakes, the hill houses and the paragliding stations.


The garden is asleep under the sun, a new rose has opened her petals. Ingredients are put into the bread-maker, a cup of tea is brewed and I plant myself on the porch with my laptop. Distractions are gentle, the song of a starling, a moonrise, an eventful sky, a bunch of visiting monkeys snacking on blossoms. They don’t count as distractions but as opportunities to stop and stare, to think about what I’ve written and to inspire me to get back to work so that I can reach my word count before wine o’clock. Can’t allow myself that glass of red otherwise.

View from the porch

Writing at the cottage is my plan for the future. In the meantime I sneak in a couple of paragraphs here and there like someone having an affair with writing. I can’t wait for the day when I’m married to my novel.


How do you write? Are you married to your writing or having an affair with it?

Check out ideas from the WEP 2019 Challenges Page for the next prompt. It doesn't have to be horror. October is always our most popular month and we'll have special prizes!!

Also please check out Denise's guest post at the IWSG website. She's talking about, you guessed it, WRITING TO PROMPTS.

FOR THE WEP TEAM!

#WEPff Winner Pat Hatt Talks About the New

Hi! L.G. here!

The WEP team would love to offer Pat Hatt a hearty congratulations for winning the WEP/IWSG June Challenge, Caged Bird. We offer all winners a chance to write a guest post of their choosing. As you'll see, Pat has been here before.

STOP PRESS! WEP is coming up with more prizes which will be announced  in the August 1st post, but we're running with one of the new prizes for the winner of this challenge. As our current winner is such a funny guy, we thought we'd have some fun ourselves and trial it with him. So ... as well as writing a guest post for WEP if you win the challenge, you're invited to write a 200-word post for our partners, the IWSG.  You can look at it as twice the work or twice the fun and opportunities to be noticed.

To win, Pat wrote a philosophical flash about all the ways we humans willingly cage ourselves  through greed and the daily grind of civilized existence. Our judge Nick Wilford said:"This was unexpected - deep and thought-provoking, and I loved the twist of having the viewpoint from the caged bird. Bleak, but not without that Pat Hatt humour!"

Pat has written a fun guest post about the new.

Third Time’s The…New!

Geez, one might say the WEP runners (can you run without running?) are trying to trip me up by making me post a third time. Yeah, they are making me. They showed up on my doorstep with a pull my finger gun. How rude. Thinking I can’t post about something new for a third time.

Was that meant to inspire me? Oh, did that. Was it meant for me to give advice? Whoops! Did that too. Maybe I should call it a day and say 140 characters was my limit. That still counts as new, right? Why would one call a day anything but a day? That makes little sense, huh? Much like my rambling at the moment. Moment’s past though. Your brain is now safe. Or maybe not.

Did you catch where I am going yet? No? Put that ball glove on, or maybe an oven mitt if you don’t have one, and stick your hand up. You will.

New! It’s the latest thing from the 1800s, or before. I’m too lazy to look it up. If dinosaurs could talk there would be way too many zeroes at the end anyway. Who needs that math?

People strive for it. People go for it. People try to fix what works and not what doesn’t. All for the sake of new. The latter they may call new and improved, which isn’t a real thing. It can’t be new and improved. It is either new or it is improved. But the cat has done that. No repeats.

And guess what? All that work on new and you are missing out on the true new. But how can you be missing out if you are writing something that is new? Easy. You are striving too hard to be new when anything and everything can be compared to something before it. Even if you invented teleportation, which would be amazing, it is still travel. A new way of travel, but it is still travel. Everything, no matter how extravagant, can be boiled back to what has been. I even kind of repeated myself but in a new way. Get it yet? No? Let’s follow the yellow brick font. Or black font. Close enough.

You are the new. Yep. You can be brand spanking new. (PSA – Do not spank. You could go to jail.) Well things aren’t new in general; you can make them new. Each of us can be set in our ways, our mindset, etc. But when you look at something through another perspective, think of how to do things ten ways instead of one, or just look at the words you type and make fun of them, you open your mind up to a new way of thinking. This could also bring on new avenues to write.

How was that for new? Did I make any more sense then the first two times? No? Crap. Maybe I should stick to thinking like a bird in a cage.

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Thanks Pat! You have inspired us with the 'new'!

So join us here at WEP (Write...Edit...Publish). Write lots. Improve. Be kind above all else. It’s the path that matters.

If you'd like to write for us here at WEP , you are most welcome. We are open to flash fiction, non-fiction, poetry, photo essays, art...

Our August prompt is Red Wheelbarrow. That should bring forth some interesting entries. Lots of possibilities to explore!

Come back on August 1st ready to put your thinking caps on! You'll have time to gather your ideas for posting between August 21 - 23.

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

The #WEPFF Caged Bird Challenge Winner Guest Post- New with Pat Hatt! @DeniseCCovey @theIWSG https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/07/wepff-winner-pat-hatt-talks-about-new.html

#WEPFF June Challenge winner writes of new! @DeniseCCovey @theIWSG https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/07/wepff-winner-pat-hatt-talks-about-new.html #amwriting #flashfiction

A WEP Guest post by Pat Hatt – New @DeniseCCovey @theIWSG https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/07/wepff-winner-pat-hatt-talks-about-new.html #WEPFF

#APRIL #WEP/IWSG CHALLENGE SIGN UP -- JEWEL BOX.

Hello all! It's April! Time for our next WEP/IWSG challenge. We'd love to have you join us. Go HERE for ideas for Jewel Box. They're guides only. You're welcome to your own take on it!

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PLEASE SHARE ON TWITTER!

The WEP 2019 April Challenge 28 Jewel Box - @TheIWSG @DeniseCCovey https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/03/april-wepiwsg-challenge-sign-up-jewel.html #amwriting #flashfiction #WEPFF 

What comes to mind with Jewel Box? April's Challenge @TheIWSG @DeniseCCovey https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/03/april-wepiwsg-challenge-sign-up-jewel.html #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

Join @TheIWSG @DeniseCCovey for the Latest FF Challenge Jewel Box https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/03/april-wepiwsg-challenge-sign-up-jewel.html #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

What is in your Jewel Box? Join @TheIWSG @DeniseCCovey for 2019's second challenge https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2019/03/april-wepiwsg-challenge-sign-up-jewel.html #WEPFF #amwriting #flashfiction

#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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!