pixabay image compilation
The Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Rodeo has announced the results of Challenge #3. I loved this prompt and the opportunity to write a little fantasy.
Challenge #3: Create a piece of flash fiction (200 -300 words) including a Septolet or two as the spell or charm that helps your character out of a bind (or go where the prompt leads you). The Septolet is a poem consisting of seven lines containing fourteen words with a break in between the two parts. Both parts deal with the same thought and create a picture.
Love Undenied
Smoke swirled, dappling the forest floor with blotted sunlight. Feathery wisps spun, wove, and coalesced into the skeletal body of a man, ribs and muscles sculpted beneath skin the pallor of death. His face was my lover’s but hawkish, black eyes smoldering, malevolence darkening the hollows of his skull, a beakish shadow for his nose. A cowl of smoke, a cloak, undulated as if windblown, yet the air lay still. In his hand, a staff of black fire blazed.
“Why am I summoned?” His voice ribboned around me.
“To set you free.” I held the amulet in an outstretched arm as if its magic might shield me.
His predatory eyes tightened. “To send me to my death.”
“You are already dead, my love, as am I.” He winced at my words. At the truth or the endearment? “This is an enchantment that binds you to the mortal world.”
He stepped near, a hair’s breadth from the soulstone trembling in my hand. I held my ground. His eyes burned, yet in the flare of light, I beheld the reflection of my feathers, whole and downy to his charred pinions. He longed for my wings. “You may have them,” I whispered.
“No!” he roared.
I met his fire with love in equal measure, amulet extended and pulsing, light peeling away the smoky tendrils binding him. I spoke the grimoire’s spell.
Life and death
Cycles
Undenied
Fear imprisons
In flightless chains
*
Love unfurls
Eternal wings
I thrust the soulstone to his chest. Fear slashed its talons, meant to shred flesh from my face, rip feathers from my wings and claim them, but I was no more in this physical world than he. And when he saw that my love was unconquerable, he surrendered to the magic, and his white wings bloomed.
***
To read Deborah Lee’s winning submission, runners-up, and judges’ favorites click here: Carrot Ranch
Myths of the Mirror 
Hi! I’m an aspiring writer and followed you because I like your posts. Please check out my blog as well, I’m new to wordpress. https://savagestyledotblog.wordpress.com/
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Hello, Vish. I found your comment in spam. I’m so sorry for the late reply. Welcome to the world of blogging. I’ll be over to visit soon. 🙂
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Now I know that the strongest spell sounds like a Septolet 😉 Beautiful piece, Diana.
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Thanks, Inese. I didn’t know what a septolet was until this competition. It was a fun part of the challenge – incorporating poetry into the fiction. I hope you’re ready for the holidays. Stay warm and enjoy. ❤
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❤
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I liked your evocative image. Beautifully done. These short pieces are fun.
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Thanks, Sheron. I’ll announce next year’s Carrot Ranch competition on the blog so you can join in (hint hint). It’s been challenging and a lot of fun. 🙂
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Once again, you have not disappointed! Great piece, and great prompt too 🙂
I love to try my hand at these once in a while too, they’re great to stir up our imagination.
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They’re so much fun, Sophie, and easy on readers too since they’re so short! Lol. Carrot Ranch has weekly prompts all year round, but there are others everywhere on WP. If you take any on, post them. I’d love to read. Have a wonderful day. ❤
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Thanks and you too, Diana! I’ll keep an eye out for them 🙂
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simply divine!
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Thank you. 🙂 You’re so sweet to stop by and read. I hope you have a lovely week.
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I am following your posts from 1 year ,they were amazing
They were quite creative and rich
I would like to do guest blogging for your blog
See my
http://shivashishspeaks.wordpress.com/
U can respond on my email address
shivasheesh2098@gmail.com
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Thanks so much for the sweet comment and the interest in doing a guest blog. I’ll send an email. 🙂
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Outstanding, Diana. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks so much, Suzanne. I’ve been having fun with these flash fiction stories/challenges. Of course, my regular writing is taking the hit – but so worth it. ❤
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About two weeks ago my internet was down for four and a half days and I’m just now getting caught up. I thought it might be a satellite problem. It finally straightened out completely. 🙂 — Suzanne
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That would drive me crazy, Suzanne, though I’d catch up on my reading! I’m glad it’s up and running again. 😀
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You can create such a powerful scene in so few words, Diana – captivating.
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Thanks, Teri. I’ve been having so much fun with these prompts, and fallen angels have been on my mind. It’s nice to let it play out a bit. Happy Writing!
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Wonderful! And… how long have you been blogging? It must take you all day to read and answer your posts. :))
Hope you catch up on my story and give me some feedback when you have a chance, too! Xx
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I’ve been blogging about 5 years, and yes, every time I post it takes me about 12 hours to respond to comments and return every visits. But I love this WP community, so it’s all fun. 😀
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Congrats! S2
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I suspect, Diana, that’s why you have such a loyal blog following: You put care into your blogging, and — more importantly — actually seem to enjoy it. I know too many authors who don’t seem to understand that their blogs will never work as a marketing tool if they don’t set aside real time to blog — to write worthwhile posts, to engage in the WP community — instead of simply using it as a de facto business card, cold and impersonal.
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I started with a “blog as business card,” Sean, and my 1st whole year I had 7 visits. Ha ha ha. I was sooooo clueless. The 2nd year wasn’t much better. Then the light bulb went off. Social media is supposed to be… SOCIAL. Duh. What a difference that made. I truly feel as though I have friends around the world, some that I hope to meet in person someday. Now the problem is balancing blogging fun with writing fun. Thanks for the sweet visit! And have a great week. 🙂
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Sean this is true. I am not an author, I love books, I love reading. And I never thought I would meet interesting authors through blogging, and here I am and we all are. But what you just wrote is the truth about some authors, that I may wish your little note will shake their foundations. There are many of them who show no interests in people, and it makes us feels more cold towards them than they do to us. But yes, like you mentioned, their writings and books has no power to be read and move around the world – to my honesty, I will be true here, many of them think since they have become authors, they believe they are just or have become too big, and their books will be sold because it is out on the shelves, but durrr, their behaviors are too cold like you mentioned, and it is just too bad for them, these kind of authors we don’t need them, they need us! But DIANA is the BEST so far and in the blogging world she is the TOP AUTHOR who keeps her fans going, she loves reading about us and she loves everything we write about her posts. She is ONE of a KIND! WELL DONE to her! She is a real author, she goes out to meet with us. It is like we are all teenagers and we are hanging out together, isn’t that fantastic?
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You are so kind, Juli. And you make me laugh. I’m simply having fun with my online friends, and perhaps that what shows. I hope someday I reach those tops, but in a way, it doesn’t really matter. What’s important to me is making every moment count along the way. Have a marvelous day, my dear friend. ❤
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Diana… You have outdone yourself, my friend. I cringed when I read the guidelines for the poetry part. Groan, that’s like math… I was curious to see what you would do, even though I knew it would be great. Yet you far exceeded my already high expectations. Positively glorious. Hugs on the wing!
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Thanks for the wonderful comment, Teagan. I like the challenge of these things. They’re like puzzles. 🙂 Hope you have an awesome weekend. Hugs!
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Puzzles become art in your hands, my friend. 🙂
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😀
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I like this
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Thanks! I hadn’t heard of septolets before and it seemed perfect for a little fantasy. 🙂
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Welcome my friend
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I love your writing…. Great work
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Thanks so much for stopping by to read. I had a lot of fun with these challenges and enjoy sharing them. Happy Writing!
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Having recently finished Melding of Aeris, I had to resist the urge to transplant characters here.
As always Diana, I love your writing. Whether 300 words, or an epic Trilogy.
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Thanks so much for the wonderful comment, Gabe. 😀 I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the book *grinning*. These challenges were fun, and I got to insert some fantasy into a few of them. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend. 😀
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You too Diana!
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This is lovely, Diana. Extra kudos for getting in so much emotion in so few words. 🙂
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it. These challenges were fun and forced us to write in different genres too. This one, of course, called for a bit of fantasy. Happy Weekend. 😀
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This is truly captivating, Diana! Wishing you a beautiful day! 🙂
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Thanks for reading, Natalie. I really enjoy writing flash fiction from prompts and these were all so unusual. Have a lovely day and happy writing!
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Love this, Diana! So much relayed in so few words, and I love the septolet (never heard of that before 🙂 ). Well done! This could be the seed of your next book 😀
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I hadn’t heard of a septolet either, Julie. And I have been fascinated with fallen angels lately – a story in there somewhere? Thanks for reading :-). Now get cooking! Happy Thanksgiving.
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This is so good, Diana. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Thanks so much, Jennie. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving too! 🙂 ❤
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Best to you, Diana!
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A lovely story. I was reminded in some way of the film, Jacob’s Ladder.
What we often see as demons demons are angels trying to set us free.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob%27s_Ladder_(film)
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I haven’t seen the movie, Robert, and now I want to. I have another piece coming up in December that is even more along those lines. I’ve been intrigued by the concept of fallen angels lately and was exploring that fascination a bit here. Thanks so much for reading. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
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I think you’ll like the movie. It’s deeply spiritual.
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This is a brilliant piece of flash fiction, Diana. I love the way you use language, it is truly a gift. I’ve read some of the other Carrot Ranch pieces, what a wonderful collection of talented writers! Thanks so much for sharing your outstanding piece and the others also. 😀
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Thanks for the lovely comment, Lana. One of the fun things about writing to prompts with a group is seeing all the different responses. It was a blast to do and is fun to share. Have a great Thanksgiving. 🙂
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They are a lot of fun, Diana, but they are also difficult to do! Well, that’s my opinion, anyway 😀 You do an excellent job with them. Have a great Thanksgiving also, Diana!
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The power of love! Great story, Diana. I admire your talent to produce such engaging flash fiction.
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Thanks, Khaya. I wish I could whip off novels with as much fun as I do these pieces. 😀 Thanks for the visit and have a lovely day/evening.
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Sorry septolet. 😊
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I didn’t even notice. My brain is amazing at fixing typos. 🙂
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A fabulous example of the healing power of love. I had never read a septulet till today. 🌼
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It’s an interesting form, Brigid. I wasn’t familiar with it either, and my tendency with poetry is to be much wordier! Thanks for reading my flight of fantasy here. Have a lovely day. ❤
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You too Diana and a Happy Thanksgiving.
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A wonderful story. The descriptions in the first paragraph grip the attention; excellent dialogue and fascinating finale
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Thanks, Derrick. Fantasy is right up my alley, so this one was extra fun. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😀 Have a lovely day!
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What an imagination! And such skill with using words to share it with us. Terrific piece of flash fiction. Happy thanksgiving!🦃
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Thanks, Molly. I loved making the image too to go along with it. My scary guy ❤ Have a great Thanksgiving yourself. Best to you and yours. Hugs.
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Yes, the image is fantastic. Isn’t it fun to play with photos? I use a lot of free pictures from Pixabay, too, and then go crazy with them using Picmonkey. Hugs!
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Diana, I always know I’m in for a treat when I see one of your short pieces…Love Undenied was wonderful! Sumptuous language, I loved savouring the words, fantastic imagery the scene came to life for me in my imagination and it’s beautifully poignant. I would dread trying to incorporate a poem..you so so seamlessly and it shines.
‘Love Unfurls
Eternal Wings’ Wow!
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Thanks for the wonderful comment, Annika. I’ve enjoyed these challenges, reading the different takes on the prompts, and posting my submissions. All fun. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one. 😀 Have a wonderful day!
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Beautiful entry Diana. And this didn’t win? 🙂 I’m off to check out the other posts. ❤
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Didn’t win. But that’s just fine. The writing “puzzles” were a blast, and I got 7 posts out of it, too. Next one is memoir, Debby. You entered, right? I hope you’ll post your piece after the announcement. 😀 Happy Writing!
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Thanks Diana. And Yes, I did enter the memoir one, which I thought was #3, lol. I’m so confused. And yes, win or lose, I’ll be sharing it on my blog after they’re announced. 🙂 xx
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Powerful flash fiction, Diana! I really felt drawn into the moment. Great use of the septolet, too. Thank you for riding the Rodeo at Carrot Ranch!
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Thanks for reading, Charli. I loved participating and now sharing the results. I’m already looking forward to next year. 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving.
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Me, too! And Happy Thanksgiving!
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Great short and the poem unleashes its magic spell! 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving! xo
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Thank you, Bette. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Happy Thanksgiving. ❤
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Fear and love in a cascade of discarnate emotion … Absolutely brilliant, Diana ❤
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Thanks so much, Tina. I’m tickled that you enjoyed the little flash piece. I’ve been having a ball with these competitions. 🙂 Have a wonderful day, my friend.
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❤
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Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
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Wonderful story Diana. Very engaging and dark at the beginning, then a beautiful poem and ending later. Kudos!
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Thanks, Brad. That was the hope, so I’m glad the magic worked. 🙂 I love the way these prompts produce so many different stories. It’s a pleasure to participate.
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You have a gift for writing and storytelling.
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❤
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Challenge beautiful met, Diana. Well done! And happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. 🙂
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Thanks, Steven. These have been fun, though I struggle with the word count constraints. Good practice. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving as well, my friend. 🙂
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Your flash fictions are always such an entertaining read! Happy Thanksgiving Diana!
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Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Kathryn. No doubt you’re cook up a feast! Thanks for stopping by to read my little foray into fantasy. 🙂
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You pack a lot of fantasy (and a touch of creepy) into so few words. Nice take on the challenge. D.
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Great comment, Van. Yes, some creepy in there too! I made the image yesterday, and that was also fun and creepy. Ha ha. Thanks for the visit. 🙂
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That looks like a lot of fun to do. Great writing!
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I’m certain Carrot Ranch will do it again next year, and I’ll post about it, so more can join in. Thanks for stopping by to read, Anneli. So glad you enjoyed my little fantasy flash. 🙂
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Surrendering to love and becoming transfigured…. Wonderful idea and written with such skill.
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Thanks, Bernadette. He doesn’t surrender easily but he does. I’m so glad you enjoyed the short read. The prompt was great fun. 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving. ❤
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Oh, I’m crazy about this one, Diana. Fantastic!
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Ha ha. Thanks, my friend. The prompt was really fun and fit perfecting into the fantasy genre. Happy Thanksgiving, Mary. 😀
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Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. 🙂
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING! ♥
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Same to you, Billy Ray. Thanks for stopping by to read. 🙂
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Beautiful piece, Diana! Thank you for sharing.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
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Thanks so much for reading, Jill. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!
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That is wholly spectacular, Diana. So powerful and vivid. Your word choices in themselves are poetry.
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Thanks for the wonderful comment, Mae. The prompt was really fun and my recent fascination with fallen angel things is getting to the page. 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!
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Wishing you a happy turkey day, too! 🙂
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Wow amazing
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Thanks, Lynn. I love doing these little flash pieces and the competition made it all the more fun. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Love it
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Diane this is an amazing write! You r killed this challenge ! :). Nice work.
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Thanks, Holly. I enjoyed going with the fantastical on this one. Couldn’t resist, actually. Ha ha. I’m glad you liked it. Happy Poeting and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. ❤
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Same to you Diane! :). ❤
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I love the last sentence! And the dynamic expressed, the power of love prevailing over that of the “black fire.” Very nicely done.
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Thanks, Andy. I had a lot of fun with the challenges and am amazed by the variety of responses. So much imagination out there! I hope you’re doing well and have something planned for Thanksgiving. Stay warm and healthy, my friend. ❤
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Love this!
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Thanks so much for the comment. I’ve been fascinated by the whole concept of fallen angels lately and it was fun to get something on “paper.” Have a wonderful week and holiday season. 🙂
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This is absolutely beautiful. I look forward to reading more of your work.
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Thank you, Brooke. This is my go-to genre, so it was total fun. I participated in most of the Carrot Ranch competitions, so more to come. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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I like your theme and it’s so beautifully composed ❤
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Thanks, Pauline. Just some fun. I’ve been playing with the idea of fallen angels lately. For some reason. It was fun to let this one fly. 🙂 Have a wonderful week and Happy Holidays.
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I love this, Diana. Brilliant entry.
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Thanks, Robbie. Until this competition, I hadn’t written from verbal prompts, only photos, and I liked the stretch. As always, reading all the different responses is the best part. Imagination at work. ❤
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Your responses have been inspiring, Diana.
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Love conquers all….Beautifully written Diane I really enjoyed this 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by to read, Carol. It was fun going with a fantasy response and just as fun creating the image yesterday. 🙂 Have a wonderful week. 🙂
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You are welcome Diane I really loved it! I wish I was that good…x
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🙂 ❤
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I do love your words, Diana. This is fantastic. ❤ This was a tough challenge.
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Thanks, Sarah. It was fun to see the wide variety of responses to the challenge rules. I loved the addition of the grimore. Now I have to wait a week for the next one to be announced! Happy Thanksgiving. 🙂
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