ANN EDALL-ROBSON

Rough Writers world tour

2/19/2018

29 Comments

 
Today is Family Day here in Alberta, Canada. A day designated to spend with our loved ones doing some kind of activity or simply enjoying the company of each other.

​Along with my immediate family, I am happy to be spending some time with my extended family at the Carrot Ranch. I am the third of fourteen international bloggers participating in the Rough Writer Tour Around the World, as we introduce ourselves and The Congress of the Rough Writers Flash Fiction Anthology Vol 1. 


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My first attempt at the 99-words - no more, no less - Carrot Ranch flash fiction was egged on by the prompt from Lead Buckeroo, Charli Mills. I remember thinking this can’t be done. Not only did I need to pare away a lot, and I do mean a lot, of that story to reach the anticipated word count, there was a timeline to get it done. Arrrg! I managed, and so the addiction to the 99-word story was born. 
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I couldn’t wait to read the prompt for the next week and I soon learned, after a few weeks of participating, that the prompt would also take my mind to the thousands of pictures I have taken.  Pairing my writing with my other love, photography became part of the weekly challenge for me.

The weeks turned into years, and I am still at it, although sometimes I have weeks when the brain and time do not meld. Thus, the 99-word prompt sits staring at me as the deadline rears its ugly head and gallops on without me. What I do love is the moments when the words just flow; and, how over the years it has become easy to often write my story with 99-word accuracy in the first draft. 
Not knowing what I was getting into when I submitted my first piece to the Carrot Ranch, I have discovered over the years it continues to open my eyes to the wordsmith world, giving me further license to tighten my stories, remove unneeded words, and more importantly expand those 99-words into something more as is seen in the five stories found in the Anthology's Part 3: Expanded Flash. It is the section of the Anthology where 99-words became the fuel for my story, Crimson Sunset.

The Carrot Ranch has also given me the opportunity to experience the diversity of all of the other writers, from all over the world, who wander in through the gate to leave their thoughts, encouragement and of course, their stories.
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My first visit to the Ranch took place shortly after the launch of Moon Rising: An Eclectic Collection of Works. It was an 'in limbo' time for me while I pondered the need to continue writing as I had been, short stories and poetry or dive into the world of novel writing. The latter eventually won out, and not only did I start one manuscript, I soon found I had three irons in the fire with other ideas flying around the brain wheel. The Quiet Spirits was the novel that got to the finish line first. The others are still under the banner of WIP and have now been joined by the sequel to The Quiet Spirits. In between, I continue to blog, write a monthly newsletter and have published the first of my Backyard Series - Birds in my Canadian Backyard.

​Life is grand!
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Being involved with the Rough Writer Tour Around the World, encouraged me to take a trip back in time, though my 99-word archives. I couldn’t remember what my first submission was to the Carrot Ranch, and what I found made me smile, nod my head and whisper, “Damn straight!”

I found it interesting how my first post at the Ranch has so much more meaning with the completion of The Congress of the Rough Writers Flash Fiction Anthology Vol. 1.  The words I wrote, titled Ivor Oaks, fits the concept of the Carrot Ranch and Charli Mills’ vision to a tee. The prompt on that day in April 2015 - write a story about nurturing a neighbourly relationship.

Not once, did I imagine my early days of writing 99-words would eventually resonate with life at the Ranch, but they have. They are the epitome of what has happened over the years, driven by Charli’s dream for the Carrot Ranch to “provides words for people: stories to read, encouragement to practice craft and a commitment to creating community through literary art.” 

​I leave you with Ivor Oaks . . .
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Ivor Oaks​

The old schoolhouse located at the edge of the hamlet of Ivor Oaks was surrounded by oak trees and grain fields.

The windows in the building had been boarded up to protect the flawless six-square glass frames. The walls were solid and the roof had the look of a well loved patchwork quilt. The light from the open door revealed the smooth, well worn, original wooden floor. 

Restoration funds had been procured. At the project’s completion, the Ivor Oaks Art and Cultural Retreat would be nurtured into a sanctuary for artisans to gather together to create and inspire.
Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life
"Capturing moments others may never get to experience."
29 Comments
Charli Mills
2/19/2018 11:09:02 am

Happy Family Day! What an appropriate day for our larger writing family to visit. Ann, you have such a gift for writing nostalgia in a meaningful way, connecting heritage and place to the here and now. Your portfolio is growing at an impressive rate! "The Quiet Spirits" is next in line for my reading after Terry Tempest Williams (I think you are her sort of writer). Thank you for hosting the tour in Canada, today!

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Ann Edall-Robson link
2/19/2018 07:29:06 pm

Thank you, Charli for bringing us all together for this wonderful way to discuss the Anthology and intorduce ourselves, as well.
Thank you for your kind words about my writing process. I look forward to your response after reading The Quiet Spirits.

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D. Avery link
2/19/2018 11:46:59 am

I truly enjoyed this reminisce. How very fitting that it is Family Day. This Rough Writers World Tour has given me the sense of being a kid at the family gathering, hearing the old stories, seeing everyone marvel at the wonderful spread. My Anthology arrives tomorrow (hopefully) and I can't wait to dig in.

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Ann Edall-Robson link
2/19/2018 07:11:59 pm

You will enjoy the Anthology, and I can easily say so from first hand experience of reading it in ebook form. I look forward to my hardcopy arriving to add to my shelf. Thank you for stopping by.

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Annecdotist link
2/20/2018 01:23:30 am

Lovely to read your account of becoming addicted to flash fiction and I look forward to reading your longer story in the book.

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Ann Edall-Robson link
2/20/2018 07:19:49 am

For me, writing flash fiction is only a step to where the words really wants to go.

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Jules link
2/20/2018 05:53:50 am

Happy Family Day!

How wonderful that serendipity seems to flow from your pen to the Ranch and back. One of these days it would be lovely to have a writers retreat and meet some of the wonderful 'artists' that ride hard while having fun.

Like you ... I didn't know what I was getting involved with when I wondered yonder on to Carrot Ranch. Prompts seem to come and go - but I always make time for at least one entry at the ranch :)

Hugs, Jules

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Ann Edall-Robson link
2/20/2018 07:23:55 am

I agree, Jules, a retreat with the caliber of wordsmiths that entertain us at the Ranch would be wonderful event.

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Charli Mills
2/21/2018 10:12:38 am

My dream had been to build up toward having retreats and workshops on Elmira Pond in the Sandpoint area. Now I'm reverse engineering the dream and setting up workshops where I have Rough Writer Family. One retreat idea is Copper Harbor on the Keweenaw or even Isle Royale. The other is to do an annual retreat on a New Zealand cruise.

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geoff le pard link
2/20/2018 03:37:24 pm

it's grand to visit other rough writers and see how they began; this place is a dangerous addiction, isn't it? One I am happy to admit to:'My name if Geoff and I've been flashing at the carrots for three years...

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Ann Edall-Robson link
2/20/2018 05:33:27 pm

LOLOL Geoff. I couldn't agree more with you on the addiction part. Thanks for stopping by.

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Charli Mills
2/21/2018 10:13:42 am

Flashing carrots! :-D

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Norah Colvin link
2/20/2018 05:35:32 pm

Hi Ann, I always marvelled at your 99-word stories and the way you paired them with your photographs. I think I missed Ivor Oaks at the time, so thanks for sharing it again. The cottage looks perfect for a meeting of artisans - a place for the creative juices to flow.
A family day! We've always had family days of our own but how wonderful to have a special one set aside for all. We are indeed a family at the Ranch. I enjoyed sitting alongside you and hearing the story of how you joined us. Congratulations on your contribution to the Anthology. I am honoured to be a part of it with you.

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Ann Edall-Robson link
2/20/2018 07:00:06 pm

Why thank you, Norah. The Ranch has become a group of far-away neighbours for me. I get to hear their voice every week through their writing, and they are missed when they have other plans that take them away for awhile.

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Jennie Fitzkee link
2/20/2018 07:29:43 pm

A pleasure to read your journey of flash fiction and the Carrot Ranch. Thank you!

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Ann Edall-Robson link
2/20/2018 10:13:25 pm

Thank you for stopping by, Jennie.

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Sue Spitulnik
2/21/2018 06:07:20 am

Nice to get to know you Ann. I've had a lot of bug bites I didn't care for or stick with, but the Carrot Ranch has the most wonderful venom. I'm hooked. It's a pleasure to be among the professionals.

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Ann Edall-Robson link
2/21/2018 07:25:37 am

There is something about the Ranch that snags you into its inviting arms. I'm happy you stopped by. It's always a pleasure to meet other Ranch hands.

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Susan Zutautas link
2/21/2018 10:14:09 am

I had to go back 4 years and see what the first flash was that I wrote as my memory isn't quite that good :) It's a pleasure being part of the World Tour with you Anne.

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Ann Edall-Robson link
2/21/2018 07:36:32 pm

It was an eye opener to go back in time to the beginning of my days at the Ranch. But so much fun, too. I look forward to seeing you on Tour, Susan.

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Pamela link
2/21/2018 02:08:26 pm

I enjoyed reading about your discovery of the pleasure of writing a story in 99 words. I also love the challenge of flash fiction. I will spend some time checking out your stories through Carrot Ranch!

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Ann Edall-Robson link
2/21/2018 07:39:24 pm

Thanks Pamela. If you would like to see my 99-Word stories complete with pictures I have paired with them, you can find them at http://www.annedallrobson.com/99-words.

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Irene Waters link
2/24/2018 04:46:02 pm

Lovely to read your memories of your start at the ranch Ann. I agree - it is a good place to be and take up the challenge of 99 words.

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Ann Edall-Robson link
2/24/2018 05:14:39 pm

The Ranch is certainly a place to start a writing career, but very importantly, grow a writing career. The same, I think, can be said for other writing challenge groups. They are a place to hone your skills.

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Sherri Matthews link
2/26/2018 06:09:22 am

'Damn Straight' is right! Goodness Anne, your first flash fiction was positively prophetic! Love the photo too, like you, I find writing 'to' photos is a great way to find inspiration. So much enjoying our Round The World Book Tour and getting to know my fellow Rough Writers better. Flashing side by side all this time has created a most wonderful community :-)

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Ann Edall-Robson link
2/26/2018 07:59:06 am

Hi Sherri. I too am enjoying the Tour. It is a great addition to Monday's and as you say, a wonderful way to meet and get to know the Rough Writers. The Ranch has become home to many. I'm looking forward to your Tour date. Thanks for stopping by.

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Sherri Matthews link
2/27/2018 09:01:11 am

Thanks Anne! So glad to belong to such a wonderful community.

Sarah Brentyn link
4/14/2018 01:21:36 pm

So nice to read your process (and progress) here, Ann. Love your flash and thrilled you wrote an expanded story for the anthology. A lovely addiction (I wrote ‘addition’ but autocorrect changed it to ‘addiction’ and, you know, I’m leaving it). 😄

Sorry to arrive so late to your stop on the World Tour but am happy to read your contribution. Hope you’re doing well.

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Ann Edall-Robson link
4/15/2018 07:38:18 pm

Thank you for stopping by, Sarah. I am loving the Tour and the opportunitity to meet and get to know everyone. I think addiction is a good discription for writing, expanding and publishing words. Take Care.

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