Fall Writing Frenzy Entry: Low Hanging Fruit by Donna L Martin

I have decided to enter the #FallWritingFrenzy contest, run by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez and Lydia Lukidis. I had to choose one of their picture prompts and write a flash fiction piece totaling no more than 200 words. Here is my entry. Please let me know what you think. Winners will be chosen by next month and some of the prizes include critiques and other goodies! Here it is…

LOW HANGING FRUIT

by Donna L Martin

Maytia threw the stones again. He knew better than to hope the future was so easily changed with a flick of a wrist. The gods had spoken.

The elders culled the chosen people every seven years like low hanging fruit, until only the strongest remained.

Storing the stones in a pouch low on his body, Maytia headed toward the hills where he’d have a better view. His mother’s voice floated on the wind.

“It’s your time.”

“I know, Meenu, but I don’t have to like it.”

“How dare you disrespect the elders! It’s our way, Maytia. The only chance to ensure the chosen people carry on!”

“But Meenu, must someone die so others may live?”

It was useless arguing with her. All she’d ever known was the elders’ words. Now it’s his turn to be pitted against an ancient ritual. He’d felt their energy all evening, like lightning bolts skittering across his skin. Maytia could almost taste the fear on the wind from those hunting him.

They had no idea what he was capable of. Even Maytia didn’t know himself, but he had no time to toss the stones again. They were here.

*****************

About The Author:

Donna L Martin wanted to create her own stories after her older sister taught her to read when she was four years old. One year later, Donna got her first library card from her hometown library. The first book she checked out on her own was a Webster’s Dictionary (children’s edition), which she read from cover to cover! After that, every summer her goal was to read more than one hundred books during her library’s annual summer reading program. By the time she was eleven, Donna entered her essay “Why I Love America” in her library’s annual writing contest and won first place!

After graduating second in her high school class, Donna developed her skills set over the next thirty years through a variety of careers including everything from insurance sales, radio advertising, and banking, to retail management and managing multi-million-dollar credit lines for Whirlpool Corporation’s own construction finance department. In 2002, Donna added yet another career to her resume. She became the Program Director/Center Manager of her school’s martial arts afterschool program where she worked with children every day and shared her stories with them in her free time. She holds the rank of 4 Star 4th Degree Black Belt and Senior Certified Taekwondo Instructor.

During the week, Donna teaches age-appropriate self-defense and life skills like integrity, responsibility, and self-control. At night and on the weekends, she writes picture books, historical fiction chapter books, young adult fantasy, and inspirational essays. Donna is a member of the Society of Children Book Writers and Illustrators, Children’s Book Insider, and Alliance of Independent Authors. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach, and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

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Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

Donna L

Hybrid award winning author; aspiring sketch artist; and 4th Degree Senior Certified Taekwondo Instructor. Host of BOOK NOOK REVIEWS. Member of SCBWI. Mom to fabulous son and adventurer delving into the tricky world of indie-publishing.

7 thoughts on “Fall Writing Frenzy Entry: Low Hanging Fruit by Donna L Martin

  • October 2, 2022 at 4:24 pm
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    Which I could find out what happens! Great cliffhanger! I also loved how he was casting the stones to read his future. Great story!

    Reply
    • October 2, 2022 at 5:53 pm
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      Hi and welcome to our blog! I’m glad you enjoyed the flash fiction.

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Reply
    • October 2, 2022 at 5:54 pm
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      Hi and welcome to our blog! I’ve got more of the story running through my head…just need to find the time to write it down…;-)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Reply
  • October 2, 2022 at 9:00 pm
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    Good luck Maytia (and Donna!).

    Reply
    • October 2, 2022 at 9:12 pm
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      Hi Wendy and welcome to our blog! I’ll have to share Maytia’s fate at a later date…?

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Reply
  • October 9, 2022 at 4:05 pm
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    Traditions are good sometimes, but other times, not so much. They can outlive their usefulness and maybe it’s time for the young to have their say…before they’re dead! Good premise, I’d love to read more.

    @mowrex (Twitter)

    Reply

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