Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Campaign Challenge

Okay here is the first challenge for all you Platform Builder Campaigners.  The assignment is to write a piece of flash fiction of 200 words or less.  It must begin with the words "The door swung open" and for an extra challenge end with the words, "the door swung shut" and keep it to 200 words exactly.   Hop on over to Rachael Harrie to get more info.  Here's my entry.  Hope you like it.

The door swung open before I was ready.  I had to calm down, had to focus.  I was shaking not from the cold, from my nerves.  I'd been waiting for this all my life.  Here and now I could prove who I was, show the world what I was made of.  Time slowed.  A million thoughts raced through my head as my coach pushed me to the ice.  All those hours of training came down to these 4 minutes.  My stomach twisted.    
     
     I glided to my starting pose, inhaled and waited for my music.  It seemed like forever.  Then the silky smooth strains of the violin began.  I was no longer afraid.  I felt strong as I skated over the glass-like surface of the ice.  I felt free.  I loved the feeling of the cool breeze tugging at my hair and the smell of the ice... it's cold and moist... and inexplicable.  It's the smell of freedom.  As I soared into the air my mind was clear and happy.  I didn't care what the world thought of me.  I knew who I was.  That's what mattered.  My music stopped.  I bowed and skated off and the rink door swung shut.  


Kathy

Check out all the great entries over at Rach Writes and don't forget to vote for your favorites. If you like mine, I'm number 236.  :)

28 comments:

  1. That was a sweet piece. An original subject too. Well done.

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  2. Beautiful reflection ... you've captured the thoughts/emotions before a solo performance ... enjoyable !
    My entry is no.#59

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  3. performing is suh an exhilirating feeling!
    wonderfulness =)

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  4. This is the 2nd (in succession)I've read that I relate to on a personal level.

    Very well done - made me want to get on the ice right now!

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  5. Enjoyed this one. Thanks for sharing it Kathy.

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  6. I've always admired skating, and know a good friend who would really appreciate this. You described it so well, like watching a real event!

    Great job, Kathy! :)

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  7. Hi,

    Nice change from dramatic stuff to personal angst before a dramatic performance! Lovely piece. ;)

    best
    F

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  8. Sarah- Thanks. Even though I'm a skater and coach I don't often write about it so this was a lot of fun for me.

    MISH- Thanks it's so scary to put yourself out there, kind of like writing!

    Tara Tyler- It is for some but for others it makes them want to cry!

    Tara- Wow that's cool. Yeah for skaters! :)

    Stacy- Thanks for stopping by.

    David- That's so nice, I'm blushing! lol

    Francine- Thanks. Personal fears can be just as scary as horror! :)

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  9. Your story was passionate, exhilarating, and complete. Nice work! I particularly liked your description of the smell of the ice. Living in North Idaho, I know exactly what you mean, even though I don't ice skate. ;-)

    Also, thanks for visiting my blog and commenting on my story.

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  10. I totally got that fluttery feeling! I used to act, and there is nothing like the moment before you go on stage. Fun! Thanks for visiting my blog...I'm now a follower on yours :)

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  11. Excellent. I really liked this. I'm heading over right now to "like" it.

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  12. I love watching skating during the Olympics, and this made me feel like I was the one there skating.

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  13. LOVED the subject you chose and how you handled it!

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  14. Loved this! Nothing better than just abandoning yourself to the music.

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  15. Really enjoyed this one. Nice to have a contemporary story! I think you set the scene well, and kept it simple with the character. good stuff!

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  16. I would love to be able to skate like that! That was really nicely done. Mine is #72

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  17. Great job pulling in the senses, Kathy. Nice piece. Led me to a peaceful place...

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  18. That is a great challenge. It would have been fun to participate If only I had known about it earlier. I guess it's too late now. Going to vote at least.

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  19. I liked this one a lot (love the imagery)! And your blog as well! I'm excited to be a new follower!
    (http://pensuasion.blogspot.com/)

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  20. If felt so good to be inside this skater. Thank you!

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  21. Great job! Loved how the nervousness turned to confidence in herself.

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  22. New follower and fellow campaigner! REally nice piece! The imagery and voice were great!

    Mine is #346. Would love for you to read it!

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  23. CONGRATULATIONS! You have been shortlisted as one of the top 5 to move on to stage two. There will be a semi-final (stage three) and a final (stage four).

    I judged this round and found your piece to be exceptional! Congrats!

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  24. Absolutely beautiful. I connected with your character right away - felt nervous with her and then the music relaxed me as we skated on the ice :-)

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  25. Thanks so much everyone for all the great comments! You guys are awesome!!!

    Melissa- Wow thanks! I'm so excited. :)

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  26. Oh I like this, Kathy! I can really feel the ice. I've always wished I could ice skate. I have so many songs that I'd ice skate too... lol. It must be exhilerating! :)

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  27. Beautifully written. Loved this piece.

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