Saying Goodbye

Hello, All!

I was very enthused by the responses I got about the Short Story Contest! One person couldn't comment so she sent me an e-mail instead, and I enjoyed that. So thank you!
      I did want to say, that although you have 3 1/2 months to work on your story, feel free to send it any time you want between now and then. And, you'll have to allow a little longer than that before I post any stories, so that way my family can read them. I can't wait to read them!
      February 14th is the deadline, end of contest. It seems so far away, but it will creep up really fast! I also was a little surprised to see it ended on Valentine's Day; no, it wasn't planned. Yes, I'm okay with that. :)


     Anyhow, I've been working on a story for another contest called the Five Glass Slippers. It ends December 31st, and I haven't even sent it in yet (hence the I've Been Working). I'm hurrying, but really, the truth is, I didn't want it to end.
     Eventually every one of them has to, of course. You can't keep up the story forever. Go ahead, make a series out of it. But let's face it. That ends too.
     One of my favorite series is the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer. Brilliant series. That was what really got my little brother to like reading. I've read the series twice. I couldn't wait for more to come out!
      And that's when my sister delivered the devastating news. Eoin Colfer had written the last book already. It was the only one we didn't own. I still haven't read it. I've been putting it off a little bit. "Oh yeah, I got this book and this book and this book to read."
      The truth? I don't want to say goodbye. I love the twelve-year-old genius that grows up to be a mess. I love his sidekick-but-not-really elf friend who has the awesome red hair and crew cut. I love his bodyguard and bodyguard's sister. I don't want to see them leave.
*small spoiler alert!!*
      I've already seen one of the characters leave (because honestly, all the authors with these amazing books WILL KILL A FAVORITE CHARACTER) and it was sad. It's funny in a way, because when I watched that character leave, I later learned that I gave the same reaction as the rest of my family who had read the books.
      "WHAT ON nooooo he didn't leave! He's coming back at the end of this book. Of course he...has...to..." and then we finish the book and it's
      "Oh...he really IS gone. I..."
      
      Truer words have never been said. (And excuse the mistype. Wasn't me. :p)

Sometime or other, I'm going to set down my pen, close the book, and say, "Goodbye." It's going to be hard. I'm not going to like it. But hey, there's nothing I can do about it.

 So it will be with my 'Beauty and the Beast' retelling. I want to see their lives lived out, but really, I can only see so far and know that the rest of the way, although I won't see it, they will live Happily Ever After.
      Let's remember that when you're saying goodbye. You saw them this far, you'll see no more. But they'll live Happily Ever After. And then you'll know: You've done your job. And well done.

     Unless you're that kind of ridiculous person who lets your favorite character die.
 And the next one and the next one and the next one until there's NO ONE LEFT except the main characters.
Really, Suzanne Collins?

See you on the other side of the wardrobe.
-The Writer

Submit a Short Story!

     In the event that you all wanted a short story about a scene I drew, I decided that y'all could submit short stories instead! I brought the idea up and got 4 yeses! So here are the rules :)

1. You have write anywheres between 100-2000 words. You could go for 5000, but don't feel pressured!

2. You have to write about the scene I've drawn. It can be anything, but whatever you see about this scene that creates words, put it in! Mention the girl; the mysterious bag; the location (seriously, what's she doing up the mountains on that path?); the hand; and did you notice her ears?

and most importantly

3. Have fun.

The Deadline: A few of y'all were uncertain if y'all would have time to write a story. So, firstly, I hope the scene has given you an idea so you know what to write instead of meandering over an idea for the story.
Secondly, I decided that since you weren't sure you'd have time, I'm going to give you 3 1/2 months to write a short story. If you really are hard-pressed for time, I can give you longer. Just let me know!

After some consideration, I decided to have a winner! I will have my family read the stories and judge which ones they like best. The winner shall receive a choice of

A survival bracelet -any color; it can be one color, two colors, or multi-colored
This is just an example, of course. Mine are a little more colorful...

A duck tape wallet -mustache, purple, LSU or Saints football, owl- so much more! look here for reference. and keep scrolling, there's lots)
This isn't mine, I just saw it and it was pretty much what mine looks like, minus the trees and birds... ;)

or

a lanyard! Basically, a knitted lanyard with a ring for your keys. It's round, like rope, and multi-colored yarn, but I can do any color you like.
 
Ha ha it's a pretty weird winners choice, but it's what I make. :)

The winner's story will go up first, and everyone else's will go up one at a time afterwards. The swag you get for it will be mentioned at the end of every story!
Okay, so remember, you have 3 1/2 months to work on your story. Whenever you're done, email it to thewriterofponderings@gmail.com with the subject as Short Story Submission. Don't forget to add your name so I know who it's from!

I think that's it! If you have an questions about the contest, feel free to ask and I'll reply as soon as I can! :)

Here's the picture for you to write about:

click to enlarge

I tried scanning it, but it kept cutting out the weird/mysterious arm...I had added a tree in front of that wall where the arm disappears, but it doesn't mean anything. I just felt like telling you.

Savo'lass a lalaith, and Happy Writing!

-The Writer