What Am I & Story-writing Contest

Don’t get your hopes up TOO HIGH. This is not the Summer Writing Contest, but maybe you might like the “pre-pre” for practice? Once a month (or every other month), I’m going to offer a mini-story writing contest (1,000 words or less) in response to an image and a prompt (that goes with the image).

Here’s the thing. It is a real contest because I will be offering a prize to the winner. The prize being a $10 digital gift card to Amazon. It’s part of my new Newsletter email format. The survey had over half of respondants asking for story-writing prompts, so I thought I’d make it monthly or every other month. The story prompts will be posted on a Tuesday near the beginning of the month, along with the WHAT AM I game. The stories are due the last day of the month.

I also have a Bible verse of the month (another request). So, with no further ado, here is April’s first newsletter, copied and pasted.

Guess this mystery object for a chance to win book 8 of the Circle C Adventures series, More Tales from the Circle C Ranch . . . or the ever-popular gold/fool’s gold combo (especially for Goldtown readers, but Circle C fans can choose it too). Giveaway runs Tuesday, April 7 – Tuesday, April 14 @ 5pm CT. Winner will be notified by email and also published in the next’s What Am I newsletter. U.S. mailing addresses.

👇🏼Scroll down to see the new story prompt contest!

But first . . . March’s mystery object was a dandelion (or dandilion fluff). Emma H. was the winner (entry #152 out of 174 correct guesses, random.org), and 194 total entries this month. Thanks for playing! Emma chose the Circle C writing journal for her prize.

JENNY GRANT BOOK NEWS

This is not the official LOGO for the new Jenny Grant books, but it’s one I suggested (along with the series name). Did you know that “suggesting” is all an author can do (at least an author who is with a traditional publishing company, where they pay all the expenses and send me royalties twice a year). So far, my wonderful publisher, Kregel Publications, has taken about 95% of my suggestions for covers, book titles, and series titles. When they haven’t taken my suggestions, they have come up with something even better!

Anyway, I finished Book Two. *drum roll, please!* I have titled it The Narrow Escape, and I’m over the moon about how God blessed me with getting it finished. (Stay tuned. As soon as I receive permission to post the first chapter of the new book, you will be the FIRST TO KNOW!)

This book was hanging over my head like a meteor about to fall (or in Jenny Grant’s words, like a “widow-maker” branch ready to break off and fall on me. So, this Bible verse of the month came to me, and I’m praising God for blessing me by helping me finish it about two months before it is due (on June 1)

🎵 If you would like to memorize the verse using music, click on the image. (They reversed honour and glory, but other than that, it’s great.) This is how I learned it years ago. (Kind of like learning the books of the Bible to music. It just sticks!)

MONTHLY MYSTERY STORY PROMPT

Over half of the responses on the survey wanted story-writing prompts, so here goes! Starting this month (April), every month I will post an image that includes a mystery-type prompt. Here are the rules. (I will also give a prize each month to the winner.)

1. I need TEN entries to host the mini-writing contests. Contest open to ages 18 and under. If there are not ten stories for my judge to read, I will let you know in the next newsletter.
2. Prize: One winner receives a $10-digital gift card to Amazon, to spend however you and your parents choose.
3. Reply to this email with your short story of 1,000 words or less. Or send your story to CircleCBooks@gmail.com.
4. Include your first name and age, plus your email address. You may enter ONE story each month.
5. Choose the Goldtown prompt or the Circle C prompt. (Note: for older writers, if Andi looks too young in the image, you are free to have the story revolve around her as an older character.) However . . .
6. Your story must follow (and answer in some way) the prompt/image.
7. The deadine to enter is the last day of each month (April 30 this month).
8. Winner will be announced in the next newsletter, along with a link to the winning story. Plus, all entries will be posted each month at that same link.

APRIL MYSTERY-STORY PROMPTS

Write a short story of 1,000 words or less that has to do with the image and the mystery prompt. Have fun!

CIRCLE C MYSTERY PROMPT

She recognized the rider–and that was what frighened her most.

GOLDTOWN MYSTERY PROMPT

“So it’s true! It’s really true!”

I can’t wait to read your stories! Winners and entries will be posted on the blog or on the Circle C website. I haven’t decided which (yet).