My Typical Freestyle Challenge (Saturday Writing Essential)

I doubt anyone has noticed, but my presence on Gather has been somewhat limited over the past two weeks. That’s because I’ve been sick and have had to take a few somewhat strange shortcuts. My friend April has read me the comments, I’ve dictated my responses, and she typed them.

This, obviously, has diluted what I’d normally say and has kept me from responding to other challenges/prompts. But…

I’m back and (almost) ready to do battle. This week, because my mind still isn’t quite ready to stress you out, I’m going to give you the freedom to write whatever you want.

Well, as much as I can ever let you do what you want. I have had many writers tell me that they need some kind of guidelines and just don’t feel comfortable with an offer to write “anything.”

Because April has been so helpful to me these past few days, I thought it would be fun to explore the idea of helping others.

This Week’s Challenge:

Using prose or poetry, write something (fiction, nonfiction, or essay) about someone helping another person to do that person’s job. This can be about you helping someone or another person helping you. The kicker is that the helper should not be expecting to be recognized for his/her help.

Ideas:

You’re moving and all your friends pitch in to help. This might violate the challenge a bit because we all know the helpers are expecting to get beer and pizza out of it.

You’re rushing to cover a breaking news story and you break down midway between Zebulon Beta and Betelgeuse Four. Someone (or something) comes to your aid.

This challenge brings up the concept of the boy (girl) scout helping the little old lady (man) across the street.

Guide dogs help; write something about one such dog that goes beyond the call of duty.

Write something to put the parable of the Good Samaritan in our time or even in the future.

Watch Out For:

Not much other than your submission must have something to do with one person (being) helping another without expecting a reward.

Recap:

Normally, when I receive a paucity of responses I tell you that you’ll see the same challenge in the future. This time, though, the challenge was strange enough that I’ll give you a pass on it. The responses we did receive were very well done and the writers would appreciate you taking the time to read their work.

(Saturday Writing Essential) Snow Cloud  by Deborah Anderson

Chamber of Echoes (Saturday Writing Essential. 5/19/12)  by Pam Brittain

Essin and the Nisse ~ for Saturday Writing Essential  by JOHN BECK

Sharing Snow Balls (Saturday Writing Essential)  by Len Maxwell

Time Machine: Ch. 6: (Professor Glaxba Detained) : SATWE : (Prompt : Sci-Fi/Fantasy).  By William Dotani

Weekly reminder: Don't forget to recommend an article that you like (to learn why, read Ann Marcaida's article Attract More Writers and Artists to Gather!). Also, try to place a comment on at least one article and say more than you liked the piece. Tell the author what worked and what needs work.

The Rules:

• Put this challenge statement at the beginning or end of your submission so readers will know what you’re supposed to do.

Challenge: Using prose or poetry, write something (fiction, nonfiction, or essay) about someone helping another person to do that person’s job. This can be about you helping someone or another person helping you. The kicker is that the helper should not be expecting to be recognized for his/her help.

• There is a limit of three submissions from each member per day. If you’re extremely prolific, spread out your work and post only three submissions per day.
• Post to Gather Writing Essential.
• Tag your submission with SatWE.
• Include (Saturday Writing Essential) as part of your title.
• I ask that you make your submission(s) by next Friday afternoon.

Good Writing!