Final Crusade Challange--Show Not Tell

Rachael Harrie's platform building Crusade has been amazing and I'm sad to see it come to an end. I made many new blogger friends and will continue to visit all their fantastical blogs. There are many talanted people out there doing wonderful things!

The final challange is here and this is what we have to do.

Show Not Tell Crusader Challenge: In 300 words or less, write a passage (it can be an excerpt from your WIP, flash fiction, a poem, or any other writing) that shows (rather than tells) the following:

You're scared and hungry
It's dusk
You think someone is following you


And just for fun, see if you can involve all five senses AND include these random words: shimmer, saccadic, substance, and salt.

Phew! I know crazy, right? I'm always up for a good challange though, so here goes it.

The Hunted Doe


I know where I will hide if I can only get there. Thin branches whip across my cold face as I run faster through dense brush. Everything is a blur and the distant ocean breeze rustles my fur.

The crunch of dead leaves is getting louder behind me sending my heart thundering.

Acid churns in my empty stomach, but I refuse to acknowledge it. All I can think about is being caught if something is really following me—hunting me.

The setting sun shimmers off the ocean in a distance, an ocean I hope to see again if I survive the next couple of minutes. But I need the safety of the forest now. I continue to run as salt in the thick air burns my parched throat. I swallow, but it doesn’t help ease the fire.

I knew leaving the forest at dusk was dangerous, but I had to take the chance of getting to the lush grass next to the sand dunes. It’s a good substance, but I never got to taste its sweetness today.

The low grunting is getting further away and I slow down. My hooves sink into the soft earth. The saccadic movement in my eye stops and my hiding spot comes into focus.

My ears move to the sound of loud footsteps to my right. My body twists and I leap off the ground as I bolt toward the thickest part of the brush—my hiding spot.

I push through it going further away from the hunter. He won’t get me today. My heart slows and my lips find dry grass. It will have to do.

I can try again when the sun shines bright. I need to eat more for the growing baby in my belly.

Second Crusade Challange

Rachael Harrie has got a fantastical challenge this week for us Crusaders. If you haven't heard of the Crusade click on my badge on the sidebar for information. If you're looking to participate in a blogfest visit Rachel's blog for a list of what is going on in Bloggerville.

Also, there has been a new blog started called Write Hope. There are some stellar things to bid on (Holy STELLAR things) with proceeds benefiting the victims of Japan.
Gander on over and take a peek.
The Crusade Challenge:

Write a flash fiction story (in any format) in 100 words or less, excluding the title. Begin the story with the words, “The goldfish bowl teetered” These four words will be included in the word count.

Everyone is very welcome to take part, though only Crusaders will be eligible for the prizes. Entries over 100 words will not be considered. Entries will be judged on various criteria, including originality, word count, and entertainment value.

Here is my entry at 100 words (and my very first flash fiction story ever).

Midnight Dreams

The goldfish bowl teetered on the edge of the flimsy nightstand and crashed to the floor.


I didn’t think. Only react.

The goldfish slithered through my fingers. I scooped it into a glass breathing a sigh of relief.

I turned to the bobcat. Orange fur shined in the moonlight. He rubbed against my leg purring. “Stop shape shifting in the house. My pet is not your dinner!”

John jumped on the bed, fur disappeared and his lip quivered. “Can I have you for dinner instead?”

I slid between the blankets. He nibbled and licked at my ear. “Yes, oh yes.”

The First Crusade Challange

Welcome new followers and fellow Crusaders (click on my crusade badge for more info on the fantastical Rach). I’m excited to follow so many great blogs, and I look forward to getting to know you better. But I have some confessions about me that you should know about. Please don't let this deter you from stalking following me.

Here goes...

I run like a rabbit when Glee is on, and Mr. Schuester is the coolest thing since Edward from Twilight (It is only because he sparkles like a tiara)! Mr. Shue also inspires me to make up silly lyrics to songs and sing them while house cleaning. Katy Perry and Mr. Clean eat your heart out.

Now, Edward, only inspires me to never have 80's hair again. Higher hair is not cooler. We have Mike Posner for cooler!

I still think New Kids On the Block is bad ass, and I would totally blade it to the stage to touch Joey Mac….just sayin.

I’m jealous of Days of Our Lives and their bloviate story lines. I want to write plot lines where my character dies only to wake up in a coffin alive. Then a "Stefano Dimera,"  makes a look alike of the “dead character,” having them infiltrate the good guys.  Although, EJ’s British accent does make me swoon over my TV.

Anyways, I wouldn’t say I’m an angel, but I consider myself a nice person.  I’m a worshiper of chocolate and anything coffee. But my most favorite thing in the world is my family!

*walking out of the confessional now* I didn't swear on a Bible, and one thing might not be true. Can you guess?

A shout out to group 9 and their fuliguline awesomeness!

PS Crusaders I BEG you to lose the word verification for comments. It would save lots of time and I so want to have time to visit all blogs :) There is even a spam button if you use blogger *bats eyeslashes* Pretty please.

The Crusades

Rachel Harrie is on a Crusade to connect writerly folks.
Join the Crusade by Feb 12! That is today, so blog on over to see her.