TDWC 2024 Badge
TDWC 2024 Badge

Saturday was the last day for entries in the 2024 Thursday Doors Writing Challenge (with the possible exception of one entry, delayed by injury, which may still appear. Three people offered a creative entry on Saturday, bringing the total number of creative entries to 54.

Of the 54 entries, we have:

  • 29 Poems
  • 22 Short stories
  • 1 Bit of non-fiction
  • 1 Piece described as Prosetry
  • 1 Collection of works of fabric art

As with the Writing Challenges from 2021, 2022 and 2023, this year’s challenge will remain available for your reading pleasure as long as No Facilities is a blog.

I want to thank everyone—the people who who gave us the images for inspiration (including Teagan for the greatbadge, the creative people who spun stories, poems and works of art around those images and you—the people following the participants as they shared their doors and creative talents.

As of her last update, Cee was still in the hospital, but improving. She could still use our good wishes and prayers for a rapid and uncomplicated recovery.

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

78 responses to “That Was Fun”

  1. these pics are great. Thx

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m glad you like them!

      Liked by 2 people

  2. It was a fun challenge. Thanks for putting it together, Dan. I do hope Cee will be feeling better soon.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Darlene, and thanks for supporting the challenge.

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Thank you Dan for a great challenge! Thanks to the great photos submitted and the excellent creative pieces all by this great ThursdayDoors community.

    Love the wonderful photos of the critters. The chipmunk has quite a feast of safflower seeds there…!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I am very happy with the response to the writing challenge, Suzette. It’s amazing to me what doors can inspire.

      My wife got a photo last night of the chipmunk trying to eat from the container of safflower seeds. We bought them because Cardinals like them, but I guess chipmunks like them, too.

      Liked by 2 people

  4. An entire bunny walkway!
    ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Four of them showed up this morning for breakfast. At one point there were seven in the yard. I guess the word is out that this place is bunny-friendly.

      Liked by 3 people

  5. That’s a good number of entries for the challenge

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It was our best year, Brian. They are all good reads.

      Liked by 2 people

  6. What a contrast between your care for the furry and feathered among us and the ways in which we drive. That’s very sad about the Trooper. The flag at half-mast is always sobering. I think it doesn’t matter how many cardinals we spot; each one is a moment of awe. What splendid fellows!

    As for the Challenge, it was great. My muse has pigged out on pie and is limp on her fainting couch.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. The driver who hit and killed the trooper, reportedly was under the influence (they didn’t say what) and did not have a valid license. It’s more than sad.

      Seeing the cardinals is always a treat. They seem to be getting comfortable here. We bought the safflower seed for them, but we didn’t expect the chipmunks to go crazy over it. It’s like crack to them.

      Your muse spurred you onto the number one contributor spot, and I enjoyed every one of your contributions. Let her enjoy the pie.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. I totally agree: more than sad.

        Chipmunks on crack! What a terrifying thought!

        Liked by 3 people

  7. Looks like everyone showed up for a meal!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. They do seem to like the buffet.

      Liked by 3 people

  8. Mr. Cardinal’s name is “Red.”

    Liked by 2 people

  9. Murphy's Law Avatar
    Murphy’s Law

    Amazing responses to the writing challenge this year Dan, both in the doors that were sent in and the stories/poems they ignited. Creativity abounds here!

    You may need to construct some Bunny Bungalows to house all your long-eared dinner guests. Of course, the squirrels aren’t far behind are they? A Squirrel Chalet would be nice! Maybe some Chipmunk Cabins to keep everyone happy.

    Sending my prayers for Cee to have a speedy and uneventful recovery. A stay in the hospital is never a fun time.

    Always sad to see Old Glory at half staff. Prayers also to State Police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier and his family. Another tragic loss of life.

    Ginger🦋

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Apparently, we have constructed Bunny Bungalows, Ginger. They are living under my workshop, the back porch and (I think) the front porch. I thought I built those structures for us humans, but what did I know.

      I am overwhelmed by the response to the writing challenge. I was worries no one would support it when it began. Next year with be the 5th annual challenge. It’s amazing.

      I am hoping to build a few birdhouses. We’ve joked about a squirrel house. Apparently, they are more complex–you need a separate room for the male once the female is pregnant.

      Prayers will be appreciated for Cee and the family of the trooper. I wish we could get these idiot drivers off the road.

      I hope you have a wonderful week.

      Like

  10. Thank you so much for the challenge! It pushes me to write, and I get lots of good stuff to read. Win/Win!

    Your chipmunk is SO CUTE! Just when I think nature can’t get cuter than a bunny, she says, “Here, hold my chipmunk.” Squeeeeee!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for bringing Steffie and her crew of lovely agents to the writing challenge, as well as Holly and the cats. I am thrilled by the response. I am amazed that you produced 31 stories in 31 days – that’s Writing Ninja status for sure.

      Yesterday, my wife caught the chipmunk trying to climb into the little bucket of safflower seeds. I’ll share that later in the week.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Looking forward to the chipmunk pic! Such a cutie!

        Liked by 1 person

  11. It was a great event, Dan and you deserve a well done as do all the participants. Today’s photos were terrific. 😁

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks John. It was fun, and the creative output is amazing.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Holy moly, Marian! Writing Ninja for sure! Your stories were so much fun to read. Major kudos to you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. She’s my hero, Lois.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. That first image ! Are you planning a crooked door Thursday ? Happy Monday.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nope. That’s our badge for this challenge, John. The deep inside Teagan’s imagination and much appreciated as the banner we worked under.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. love the badge. Thank you for the update on Cee. Sending healing thoughts her way. I’m happy I managed one entry, Dan. It’s a great writing prompt!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Cheryl. You contributed on both ends of the challenge, and I appreciate your support.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. We all appreciate your dedication to bringing bloggers together, Dan.

        Liked by 1 person

  15. I’ve read most of the entries and every one of them have been really good! I have a few left to read and am sure they’re going to be good as well. Well done everyone!

    I love your Mr. Cardinal!! To have one in your yard is wonderful. I get excited by them because as you know we don’t have them out here in the west. Those bunny ears in the sun light are pretty awesome too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We’ve had cardinals off and on for years, but they seem more comfortable being here this year. To see them in the yard with other birds, as well as squirrels and bunnies is amazing. They are soooo pretty.

      The bunny ears are a favorite sight.

      I appreciate your reading the entries and supplying the door image a couple of them used.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Look at those gorgeous cardinal pics! Fabulous. Have a great Monday, Dan.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you! Mr. Cardinal takes a bow.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Excellent – adorable doors!

      Like

      1. Thanks Dan !

        Like

  17. Good vibes being sent to Cee through you. Glad you enjoyed the participation to this challenge.

    Wonderful shots, of course. Hungry beasties!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks!

      The are a hungry little mob.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. I did mean to have a go, Dan, but the month got away from me. I’ve really enjoyed the entries I’ve seen. Very best wishes for Cee’s recovery. What a year for her! 🙄❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Jo.

      Months have a way of getting away from us. It happens. I do hope things work out well for Cee.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Gwen M. Plano Avatar
    Gwen M. Plano

    Wonderful photos, Dan. I’ve not seen one Cardinal since we moved to Arizona, and I miss them. So beautiful. Bravo for the success of the Challenge! 🌞

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Gwen. Mr Cardinal is always a welcome sight. Sorry they don’t get out your way.

      Like

  20. Congrats on the success of the challenge! That’s pretty amazing. Love the photos, but the crows are my favorites this week!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Jan. There were so many great entries. I’m glad I don’t have to choose a winner, or anything like that. The crows really make their presence known, in the air and on the ground. We’re happy to have them. they are beautiful in flight up close.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Thanks so much for hosting the challenge, Dan. It was a terrific success! (Although now I’m concerned about who was injured and how badly. Sending healing vibes to that person.) Congratulations to everyone how stepped up and took the challenge.
    Your shot of the crow flying toward the roof is splendid. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Teagan, and thank you so much for your support. The injury isn’t serious, but it interfered with this particular project. The crows are so amazing in flight. We’ve always had them flying around here, but they’ve only recently started dropping in for a snack. Everyone is welcome.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I hope they don’t interfere with Snoopy and the other small birds. Crows are cool and fascinating, but I’ve seen one go psycho once…

        Liked by 1 person

        1. We had a crow sitting next to a baby chipmunk. Both were eating bird seed and peanuts. I think the crow could have eaten the chipmunk, but they were all getting along.

          Like

  22. So sorry to hear about the trooper, ill be praying 🙏
    Great pics, I haven’t seen chipmunks here, but they do have prairie dogs! Dave said the squirrels here are bizarre, with fox-like ears. But I haven’t seen one yet.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks. I’ve never seen a prairie dog. I bet they’re kinda cute. Hopefully, you’ll snag a picture of one.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hey! I just did the research and they ARE chipmunks! 🐿️

      Liked by 1 person

      1. But I did finally see the squirrel and Dave looked it up and it’s an Abert squirrel.

        Liked by 1 person

  23. I love the bird and bunny posts but saddened to hear about the state trooper.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Liz. It was very sad, and a senseless tragedy. We’ve heard the driver was DUI and didn’t have a license.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. You’re welcome, Dan. I don’t know that the US in general has seen much improvement in DUI accident fatalities.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I don’t know, but this is so sad.

          Liked by 1 person

  24. Thanks for leaving the entries up, I still haven’t read them all. You have very talented followers, Dan.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. There are some gems out there.

      Like

  25. Thanks again Dan!
    I heard about the state trooper on the news–too many careless drivers out there, sadly. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Love the bunnies and the birds!

    Liked by 1 person

  27. The cardinal photos are so intensely red. Nice capture. I’d mention the chipmunk photo as being wonderful, but I’m currently trying to rid our yard of the little punks so it seems wrong to say anything nice about one.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. They can be annoying, but they are cute.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Hi Dan. Read earlier about Cee’s health and was glad to hear that her health is improving. I will keep her in my prayers and hopefully, she will spring back to good health. As far as the TDWC is concerned sorry that I couldn’t write more. Lately, I’m sort of unemployed, most of my writing clients have gone, so was busy looking for some and working on whatever work I could find. Additionally, I am writing more travel blogs trying to build my website and bring more readers. Lovely images as always. :) Take Care.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for your kind wishes and prayers, for Cee, Sharukh. I hope things go well for you.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Hi Dan, this year’s challenge was the best of them all. The entries just keep getting better.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Robbie. I was thrilled at the response this year. I didn’t think it was possible to top last year, but we did. Next year is the 5th version. I was amazed when I was able to bring it back for a second year.

      Like

      1. Isn’t it great. I am already looking forward to next year.

        Liked by 1 person

  30. Are the stories available on your blog or are you publishing them in a book? You have such amazing results with your challenges. It’s inspiring! :) I’m praying for our triplet, Cee.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The stories are all still independent and published on the creator’s blogs. I just gather the links and bundle them into this table.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. That’s cool. I guess I missed the table. :)

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Drop down the Thursday Doors menu and choose 2024 writing challenge. It opens that page

          Like

Add your thoughts or join the discussion. One relevant link is OK, more require moderation.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Trending