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Rodeo #3: Travel with a Twist

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By Sherri Matthews

In July, I had the good fortune to spend a week’s holiday with my husband on the Italian Amalfi Coast. I say good fortune, because hubby won it, thanks to a random prize draw. We couldn’t believe it. Who wins those things anyway? Surely it’s a scam? But I can report back that it’s no scam because I’ve got the pics to prove it. [READ MORE…]

Welcome to Travel With A Twist, the third contest at Rodeo 2018.  Packed and ready for the off? Then let’s ride. But first, just like any essential safety demonstrations, a few simple rules before take-off:

  1. Entry must be 99 words, no more, no less (not including the title).
  2. Use the form below to enter, including your name (judging is blind).  All entries will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive an acknowledgment by email, contact us at wordsforpeople@gmail.com.
  3. You may enter as many times as you wish, but all entries must be received no later than 11:59 pm (EST) October 24, 2018.
  4. You may post a “challenge” in the comments if you don’t want to enter the contest, but don’t use the form to enter the contest. Only contest entries will be published.
  5. Contest winner, second and third place entries are announced here and at my blog, A View From My Summerhouse, on November 30.

JUDGES (read full bios at SPONSORS)

Waiting by the palm tree/bus-stop/tent to read your entries are the judges:

Sherri Matthews

Mike Matthews: An avid reader, Mike is a keen observer of life and writings, my fellow traveller, sound-boarder and proof-reader. Mike has also demonstrated insightful and patient editing skills since his wife (me) embarked upon the writing of her memoir, most aptly deployed when she’s threatened to shred the entire thing.

Hugh Roberts:  Author, blogger and friend, I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting Hugh in person several times at the Annual Blogger’s Bash in London. Hugh writes sizzling short stories with deliciously devious flair, many of which are published in his debut collection, ‘Glimpses’. His second volume follows in the New Year.   Hugh also won first place in Norah Colvin’s, ‘When I Grow Up’ competition in last year’s Rodeo.  You can catch up with Hugh at his blog, ‘Hugh’s Views & News.

And here’s our criteria for the winning entries:

    1. Any genre accepted, but the story must clearly be travel related.
    2. Journey anywhere you like near or far, on any mode of transport (or not), but make us emotional. We might cheer, wince; laugh or cry. Doesn’t matter, we can take it (we’ve got travel insurance).
    3. Wherever you go, there must be a twist in the tale, something we never saw coming. Don’t know about you, but I usually end up taking all the wrong things when I pack for a holiday. Layers are the key, I’ve learned. Just like the layers in your flash, that perfect item you almost didn’t pack, but decided to at the last minute… that’s what we’re looking for when we rummage through your bags.

Thank you for entering! The contest is now closed. Winners announced November 30, 2018, at Carrot Ranch and at Sherri’s blog, A View From My Summerhouse.

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155 Comments

  1. robbiesinspiration says:
    October 17, 2018 at 12:12 am

    A great idea, Sherri. I am looking forward to this one.

    Liked by 5 people

  2. Charli Mills says:
    October 17, 2018 at 12:16 am

    Another terrific rodeo contest! Thank you, Sherri!

    Just to let contestants know, I’ll be off-grid at a lightkeeper’s cottage along the wild shores of Lake Superior until Saturday afternoon. I’ll check in Wednesday afternoon before I head out. It’s a shared gift from one of my Veteran Spouses friends and I’m joining her to take time to work on my manuscripts.

    If you email wordsforpeople@gmail.com in regards to the Rodeo, I’ll reply Saturday (Oct. 20) evening. Sherri will be holding down the Ranch fort here!

    Have a great contest!

    Liked by 6 people

  3. floridaborne says:
    October 17, 2018 at 1:34 am

    I wrote about one of the best, and almost-worst, “vacations” of my life.

    Liked by 7 people

  4. Annecdotist says:
    October 17, 2018 at 2:57 am

    Great prompt, Sherri. I’ve lots of travelling mishaps to consider. And my latest blog post is about literary prizes
    https://annegoodwin.weebly.com/1/post/2018/10/not-all-may-have-prizes-but-how-does-funding-play-a-part-in-who-enters-the-race.html

    Liked by 6 people

  5. D. Avery @shiftnshake says:
    October 17, 2018 at 6:46 am

    “It’s dang quiet aroun’ here.”
    “Ever’one’s off travelin’. Even Shorty.”
    “I thought Shorty was jist doin’ some light house keepin’. You know, corralin’ dust.”
    “No, Kid, she’s at a lighthouse keeper’s cottage.”
    “Oh. Is a light house like one of those tiny homes?”
    “A lighthouse. You know, with a beacon.”
    “Bacon?! Shorty’s off cookin’ up bacon in a small dirty house?”
    “No Kid! A lighthouse with a beacon up in the tower ta warn ships off the rocks.”
    “That so Shorty kin have the rocks ta hersef? Hey, Pal there’s not a lot of ships out here.”
    “‘Cept bullship.”

    Liked by 11 people

  6. Rodeo #3: Travel with a Twist – Hugh's Views & News says:
    October 17, 2018 at 7:39 am

    […] via Rodeo #3: Travel with a Twist […]

    Liked by 3 people

  7. f 10.17 An Envisioned Excursion / CR Rodeo #3 Travel with a Twist ad | Jules in Flashy Fiction says:
    October 17, 2018 at 9:15 am

    […] Carrot Ranch Rodeo #3 Travel with a Twist By Sherri Matthews […]

    Liked by 2 people

  8. Jules says:
    October 17, 2018 at 9:19 am

    Sherri, here’s my ad for your Rodeo:

    An Envisioned Excursion CR Rodeo ad

    You don’t have to buy a chocolate bar to get a ticket to
    travel to the next Carrot Ranch Rodeo contest…
    You don’t even have to dress to the nines, you can
    stay in your jammies.

    Remember to take a few things in your Grandmother’s
    Suitcase – remember that game? You’ll need your Ether
    Passport, maybe some humor, or even a grimace of a
    memory of when you ended up somewhere you never
    intended.

    Buckle up for safety if you join Mrs. Kramden when
    Ralph suggests; “To the moon, Alice!” Or engage
    the Force in the Millennium Falcon. Ride on!

    ©JP/dh

    Liked by 9 people

  9. Sherri Matthews says:
    October 17, 2018 at 2:34 pm

    Reblogged this on A View From My Summerhouse and commented:
    Hello again, dear friends! We’ve reached the midway point at the Rodeo which means it’s time to pack your bags and flash a holiday tale with a twist. My contest, Rodeo #3: Travel With A Twist, is up and running at the Rodeo until 11:59 EST October 24. As before, all details below and the winner, second and third places will be announced at Carrot Ranch and the Summerhouse on 30 November. Bon Voyage!

    Liked by 5 people

  10. dgkaye says:
    October 17, 2018 at 3:07 pm

    Sounds like fun. I’m on it!. ❤ xx

    Liked by 5 people

  11. D. Avery @shiftnshake says:
    October 17, 2018 at 6:54 pm

    Reblogged this on ShiftnShake and commented:
    Hit the road, take to the trail- travel along with the third Flash Fiction Rodeo Contest, Travel with a Twist.

    Liked by 7 people

  12. tracikenworth says:
    October 17, 2018 at 7:54 pm

    Reblogged this on Where Genres Collide.

    Liked by 5 people

  13. calmkate says:
    October 18, 2018 at 2:31 am

    ah definitely a favourite topic of mine … can’t wait to pack my rucksack 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

  14. Norah says:
    October 18, 2018 at 6:52 am

    Great contest, Sherri. I think we’ll all be jumping on board. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

  15. Norah says:
    October 18, 2018 at 6:55 am

    Reblogged this on Norah Colvin and commented:
    Saddle up and get ready to ride with Sherri Matthews for Contest #3 at the Carrot Ranch. Sherri’s looking for some twisty travel tales. Don’t tie yourself in a knot over this one. Just write. It’ll work itself out in the end.

    Liked by 3 people

  16. Ritu says:
    October 18, 2018 at 4:44 pm

    Wonderful Sherri!
    Entered!!

    Liked by 3 people

  17. reading journeys says:
    October 18, 2018 at 7:35 pm

    Hi Sherri,
    And my entry is in.
    It is fiction and it was a challenge for me :
    I was stumped by the twists and turns until I thought of turning the “What Ifs” into “What if NOT” .
    I also changed the POV — a subliminal thought from reading the TUFF Rodeo blogs!
    That opened up more ideas.

    The Rodeo is turning into a great experience for me to write fiction!
    Thanks!
    Saifun

    Liked by 7 people

    • Sherri Matthews says:
      October 19, 2018 at 9:06 am

      Hi Saifun! Got your entry, thank you, and have emailed! I love how these contests – and Charli’s weekly flash fiction prompts – challenge us. Writing FF has been a revelation for me too, a memoir writer. I’ve shared here a few times that it’s only because I started writing FF here that I dared to enter the world of fiction. I don’t do fiction!!!!! So I applaud you for taking up the challenge. How wonderful that reading the Rodeo TUFF entries has inspired you to push into your creativity…I know Charli will be thrilled to know that 🙂 I’m chomping at the bit to read your entry and your ‘what if not’ twist and change of POV 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    • D. Avery @shiftnshake says:
      October 20, 2018 at 8:29 am

      Saifun, I enjoyed reading your insights here on FF. It has helped you as a writer but also interesting that it has made you a more mindful reader. Hmm.

      Liked by 2 people

    • Charli Mills says:
      October 22, 2018 at 7:40 pm

      Saifun, your explorations into fiction bring me much happiness! I’m s delighted to see that you have picked up tools with which to craft fiction.

      Liked by 2 people

  18. susansleggs says:
    October 19, 2018 at 9:26 am

    Hope I get a confirmation on my travel submission….haven’t on the previous two weeks. I can’t imagine all the work going on in the background.

    Liked by 4 people

  19. D. Avery @shiftnshake says:
    October 20, 2018 at 8:34 am

    Long Strange Trip Upriver

    “Hey Kid. Heard D. Avery’s river trip’s finally over.”
    “Yep, ‘cept it took way longer ‘an she planned.”
    “Heck, she didn’t know what she was gittin’ into. Never listens no how.”
    “True enough Pal. Weren’t prepared but says she learned a lot and would do it agin.”
    “Wunner if she saw any piranhas or snakes. They say that river is full of ‘em.”
    “Way she tells it seems like she was her own worst enemy; greatest challenge was navigatin’.”
    “Ya mean she didn’t know what she was doin’.”
    “Yep. But she made it, got her book on ta Amazon.”

    Shame on these two! I’ll try to rein them in.
    I am coming up blank on a twisted travel tale. So far.

    Liked by 7 people

  20. Marje @ Kyrosmagica says:
    October 20, 2018 at 8:58 am

    I’ve entered. Taken a funny travel route…

    Liked by 4 people

  21. Debbie Harris says:
    October 21, 2018 at 12:08 am

    Great idea! I’ve just submitted my first story 🙂 Thanks very much for the opportunity.

    Liked by 3 people

  22. Liz H says:
    October 21, 2018 at 12:44 am

    Just dropped mine into the form. Quite a challenging journey, but feel well-stretched and ready to sleep tonight!

    Liked by 4 people

  23. Tenderloin – Let Me Tell You the Story of… says:
    October 21, 2018 at 9:18 am

    […] was written for the Carrot Ranch Rodeo 2018!  Thanks to Liz who pointed out that these contests are available for everyone to […]

    Liked by 2 people

  24. Jules says:
    October 22, 2018 at 11:14 am

    Just because Sherri asked… I’ve submitted another entry 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

  25. dgkaye says:
    October 22, 2018 at 12:19 pm

    Just submitted by form! Woohoo! 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

  26. floatinggold says:
    October 23, 2018 at 9:04 am

    I just can’t wait to read all the entries for each contest.
    Somehow, I found it really difficult to fit my travel into 99 words.
    These challenges are phenomenal, though.
    Practice makes perfect, no?

    Liked by 5 people

  27. Molly Stevens - Shallow Reflections says:
    October 24, 2018 at 7:27 am

    Oops! I planned to enter but thought I had until 11:59 tonight (10/24). Maybe it was meant to close at 11:59 on 10/23?

    Liked by 5 people

  28. faithanncolburn says:
    October 24, 2018 at 12:03 pm

    I also planned to enter and thought I had until 11:59 tonight.

    Liked by 5 people

  29. The long way home – One day at a time… says:
    December 4, 2018 at 12:58 pm

    […] “In exactly 99 words, write about “Travel with a Twist”” – a prompt for this week’s CW piece. [Source: CarrotRanch] […]

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Flash Fiction 99 Word Rodeo Contest Challenge - Travel with a Twist says:
    December 4, 2018 at 1:44 pm

    […] Source: Rodeo #3: Travel with a Twist « Carrot Ranch Literary Community […]

    Liked by 1 person

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