After exploring options for developing the Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction on Wednesdays (beginning March 5), I’ve refined two points. First, I’m clarifying that this is a “challenge,” meaning that any writer can participate. Second, there will not be a link option in the body of the hosting post.

These two changes alter the rules of play. Here is what to expect:

1. Flash Fiction at Carrot Ranch begins Wednesday March 5.
2. New challenge issued each Wednesday at noon (PST).
3. Response is to be 99 words. Exactly. No more. No less.
4. Response is to include the challenge prompt of the week.
5. Post your response on your blog before the following Wednesday and share your link in the comments section of the challenge that you are responding to.
6. If you don’t have a blog, you may post your entry in the comments as long as it is business-rated, meaning don’t post anything directly on my blog that you wouldn’t want your boss to read. Your blog, your business.
7. Create community among writers–read and comment as your time permits, keeping it fun-spirited.
8. When the next challenge is issued, I will post the response links to the previous challenge.

At this point, I feel like the new buckaroo on the ranch, and I have no idea if the other buckaroos will want to play cards with me. That’s okay. We can start slow. The point is for the challenge to be engaging to writers, including me. I’m inspired by other creatives and want to meet people who are tackling the same writing issues as me.

If this grows into something bigger, I’m considering making the challenge a contest. Top three responses would be highlighted and one monthly winner selected from the top responses to receive food. That’s right, I said food. Fun, foodie, organic stuff that I have access to on the ranch. No, not carrots from my garden, but prizes from vendors in the natural food industry.

But for now, mark your calendar for March 5 and stop back next week for a final reminder. This buckaroo looks forward to meeting you and reading your responses!