Winner's Circle: Prompted #5

INTRODUCTION

Prompted: #5 is a wrap.

You can read about the rules, the prompt, etc. right HERE, if you're not already familiar.

This challenge was the first in which I allowed multiple entries and a few writers took advantage of that by submitting more than one entry.

When the deadline arrived, there were a total of 24 entries from 18 writers. Interestingly, all of the winners were from single-entry poets. Maybe that means nothing, but I think it underscores that as writers, it is always important for us to focus on quality over quantity. That said, some of those double-entry poets came very close to placing in the Winner's Circle.

Like last time, I ended up declaring a tie for 3rd Place. Honestly, I would prefer not to do this, because I don't want to diminish the achievement of placing in the Top 3. However, if it comes down to a literal coin flip, I think it is better to simply recognize both entries.

There are two return winners this month and two newcomers. If you haven't already skipped ahead, I'll get on with the reveal.

THE WINNERS

Of the 24 challenge entries, I present to you the triumphant poets:

1st Place: $20.00 - "To Float" by Mackenzie Davis

2nd Place: $15.00 - "Dancing the Cosmos" by Shaun Walters

3rd Place (tied): $10.00 - "Chasing the Sun" by Lisa VanGalen

3rd Place (tied): $10.00 - "Destinations" by Lamar Wiggins

Congratulations to you all!

CONCLUSION

One thing that has become apparent is that these challenges are wholly inadequate for properly recognizing the talent of the participants. At times, it is absolutely nerve-wracking trying to choose one entry over another.

I appreciate everyone who takes part in these humble prompts. Some are obviously digging deep to present quality work and their efforts serve to elevate the competition. Sure, I'm presenting the prizes, but it is the participating writers who make these challenges what they are.

Stay tuned for Prompted: #6. I will post it before the end of the month; probably in a day or two. As a heads-up, we'll be shifting away from poetry again. So, get ready to shift gears into prose mode.

Thank you again to everyone who submitted, read, shared, and otherwise took part in making Prompted: #5 a success. It is greatly appreciated.

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Please read the remaining entries. There are some real gems among them.

In the order they were received:

1. "Open Road" by Christy Muson
2. "The Field of Rhyme" by D.J. Reddall
3. "A Benediction" by M.A. Mehan
4. "Navigating to Unknown Shores" by Kelli Sheckler-Amsden
5. "Quietude" by Shirley Belk
6. "Tranquil" by Cathy Holmes
7. "Because Randy Asked Me To" by Kelli Sheckler-Amsden
8. "I Still Feel Small, Standing by the Ocean" by Novel Allen
9. "Adrift" by Matthew Fromm
10. "Reckoning" by Christy Munson
11. "Guided" by Kayleigh Fraser
12. "Andromeda's Tale" by M. A. Mehan
13. "The Exchange" by Kendall Defoe
14. "Moments!" by Novel Allen
15. "A Special Nowhere" by D. J. Reddall
16. "Wanderer Wondering in the Word Cloud" by Mike Singleton
17. "Overthinking" by Anna
18. "Dusk" by Kendall Defoe
19. "One-Way Getaway" by Real Poetic
20. "Without a Compass" by Paul Stewart

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You can find my previous Writer's Challenges below. There is a treasure trove of poetry and fiction awaiting your discovery.

Prompted: #1

Prompted: #2

Prompted #3

Prompted #4

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Finally, I invite you to read my article, "The Power of Prompts", to get a few of my thoughts on writing with prompts and how that can help writers to expand our boundaries and improve our skills.