My friend Colleen Chesebro urged me to hop on to this writing challenge submission where we have to find a current news story, submit the link and story line and create a story with a theme pertaining to the news item. They are looking for 100 submissions to make into an anthology and my story was accepted! If you are interested in submitting, I’ve included the link at the bottom of the post in case you’d like to check it out.
What Do We Tell The Children?
Inspired by: ‘The Children at the Trump Rallies’, New York Times
by D.G. Kaye
“Quick, Dave, switch the channel,” Molly shouted to her husband as they both scrambled for the remote control.
The president appeared on TV once again, spewing his bombastic vitriol against the innocent victims fleeing their countries in desperation for a better life.
Little Billy slid in with his slippery socks and a disheartening stare. Only five years old, yet, his mind a giant sponge filled with curiosity and a heart just as big, abundant with compassion.
“Dave, how long can we keep our son hidden from this prejudice?”
“Mamma, I feel sad,” Billy lamented. “I don’t know why the bigger kids at school are picking on my friends. What did they do? They’re too scared to play with me at school in the playground.”
“I knew this day would come, Dave.” Molly’s heart sank in despair.
Dave lifted his son onto his lap. “Billy, sometimes other kids forget to be kind. Remember, kindness is in everybody’s hearts. Why don’t we call your friend Abduhl to come play? We’ll show him our kindness by giving him a hug.”
Temporary damage control.
Rules & How To Submit
The rules are simple:
- 180 words max
- please include a title for your story (not included in the word count)
- your story should be inspired by a current piece of news and have a strong theme, relating to that news
- please include the title of the news story that inspired your submission, and the publication that it appeared in, or website you read it on etc. (also not included in the word count) – where possible, please include a link to the story
- entry fee is free, like most of the news we read nowadays
- anyone can submit – all ages, from anywhere in the world are welcome
- 1 entry per person, per anthology
- no profanity please – all the writing challenges are shared with children
- your news-inspired tales will be published on this page
- every time we receive 100 stories, we’ll publish them in a book
- profits made through anthology sales will be donated to charity
- by submitting, you accept the terms and conditions
- when anthologies are published, you will be involved in the book launch process
- submit your story by filling in the comments form below or email me
- include a short biography (40 words max) for use in the published book – if you don’t supply a bio, we will be unable to publish your story
- include 1 link (optional) to your website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter etc.
Source: News Writing Challenge – Story Themes & Writer’s Block
DGKayewriter.com 
Hi Debby, Hard to accomplish in so few words…I think you’ve nailed it! Good one. I love writing 6/50/100 word stories as they are such a challenge and tone your prose up a treat. You might like to run a competition for a 50 word story.(LinkedIn did one years ago and it was very popular.) I gave away one of my books as a prize in one once. You could certainly do the same with one of yours?! I’m such a busy-body…..Hugs. xx
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Hi Joy. Oh, what a great idea. I’m bookmarking your idea for the new year as my calendar is full for the rest of the year, but great food for thought. ❤ xx
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Brilliant Debby.. my best friend at school Samira and her family welcomed me into their home, included me in their faith but always respected my own. Children are being brainwashed into hating by these politicians and the media and it is abominable.
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Yes they are Sally. This idea came to mind when I read this article and got me wondering how on earth parents shield their children from these atrocities. As the last line states – only temporary damage was controlled in that instance. Let us pray for today! ❤ xxxx
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Not surprised at all Debby that this entry was accepted, wonderfully written Debby.. ❤ The world I think is watching and waiting.
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Thank you Sue. Indeed the world is watching!!!!! Please keep your vibration high that the blue wave wins over evil today! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Sounds a good challenge!
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Hop on Stevie. There’s still room! And now I’m working on a story for your monthly too! ❤
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Hi Debby, Good news. Many thanks. I shall look forward to it in the New Year. You can offer one of your and my books as prizes.
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Thank you Joy for your generosity. I should think when I plan it I will need some assistance from another judge. Tag your it! Lol ❤
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Consider me tagged, Debby. Thank you.
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❤
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Very poignant and heartfelt, Debby.
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Thanks so much Robbie ❤
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A great story, Debby and so topical.
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Thank you Darlene 🙂 x
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Congratulations, Debby, a great story written very well in such a short word count. I love it.
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Thanks so much for the kudos Adele ❤
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I’m so proud of you Sis! ❤
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Thanks bunches Sis for all the encouragement! ❤ xxx
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I love the story you wrote! Congratulations on being accepted. These kinds of contests are so helpful for writers, giving us a chance to reach a broader audience as well as honing our skills. 🙂
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Thanks bunches Kate. You are so right, I’ve been honing up my flash fiction and poetry challenge skills this year, encouraging me to give things like this a stab. We are always learning. 🙂 x
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Great little story, Deb! It really makes one think about how it must feel from a child’s perspective. Thanks for sharing it and the contest details. 180 words isn’t easy to tell a story but you nailed it!
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Thanks Lis. I’m glad I could convey the child’s mind through these limited words. A year ago I wouldn’t have hopped on to such challenge but I’m getting some flash fiction experience under my belt with more challenges this year so I thought I’d dive in. 🙂
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This is excellent, Debby. I flinched along with the parents. May kindness prevail!! And— CONGRATS!
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Thanks bunches Pam! ❤
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Wow! So few words, yet it packs a punch, Debby. Well done on writing a great piece of flash fiction and for getting it accepted.
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Thank you so much Hugh. ❤
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Congratulations, Debby! I love the story it’s sweet and poignant and yet it imparts a message that’s all too real. Children are not born with prejudice they learn to either be bigots and bullies or good, kind people from their parents. ❤ xo
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Absolutely Vashti – we are a product of our environments. Let’s hope that big blue wave changes more than just who runs the House. ❤ xxx
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Sweet story, Debby. Wish it happened more often. 😦 Here’s hoping for a better future.
On a side note, thanks for alerting us to this challenge. Checked out the site. Great opportunity to pen a quick flash and raise money for charity. Win-win!
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Thanks so much Sarah. And glad you checked it out. Can I expect to see an entry from you? Lol 🙂 xx
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I’ll see what I can do. 🙂 I’m sure I can whip something up with all that’s happening in the news…
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LOL 🙂 No kidding!
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Well done, Debby. You’ve written a great story about an issue that so many parents grapple with. Your message of sharing kindness, especially on World Kindness Day, is so important. We need to give the world a hug and treasure it with care.
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Amen to that Norah. I’m glad the message rang loud and clear to you. 🙂
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