Love of Writing discussion

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” ~ Leo Tolstoy

Use one or more Prompts:

*You were always the quiet one, but later you become a life-changing leader.

*Your character was abusive or a drug addict, but his or her life was transformed for the better.

*Changing the world through random acts of kindness

Voting will take place between May 28, 2023 to May 31st. Winners will be posted in this thread on June 1st. A survey will be posted to vote or you can message me here at Goodreads.

Challenge Guidelines

Genre: Fantasy, Thriller, Sci-Fi, Mystery, Crime, Comedy, Romance, or a mixture (BASICALLY, anything but erotica)

Purpose -
Some fiction writers are looking to win a short story contest, keeping in touch with making deadlines, and/or simply sharpening the skill of writing fiction. The main purpose of this contest is to sharpen plot and character skills, collect your own short stories, receive good feedback, make a good connection with other writers, and take a short break from your current novel to get a fresh view when you return to it.

Rules and Directions -
* Type in English - a minimum of 750 words; a maximum of 1,000 words; no erotica, no profanity.

* Post your title, by line, and word count total in the first line of your story posting.

* Writers are responsible for their own copyright. Authors keep all rights. PRIVACY POLICY IS ENFORCED. COPYRIGHTS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS BELONG TO INDIVIDUAL AUTHORS. THIS CONTEST DOES NOT GRANT ANY PERSON THE RIGHT OR LICENSE TO COPY OR USE OTHER STORIES. EACH STORY IS PROTECTED BY THE COPYRIGHT OF THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR.

* ONE entry per person, must be the writer's original work, a final revision, and a new piece of writing. Please do not delete and repost since this becomes confusing to the readers. Try to post your final revision.

Judging: The story will be judged on creativity, proper grammar, good punctuation, and overall good quality for story.

Voting: Please vote for first, second, and third place. You are not allowed to vote for yourself. If posting this month, you MUST vote, in order for your story to remain eligible.

HOW ANIMALS HAVE CHANGED THE WORLD
By Mirta Oliva

I know, I know... The May story theme was to be “Changing the world through (human) random acts of kindness.” And there are millions of stories that could be and have been written on the subject but when I saw the prompts a thought entered my mind: to pay homage to the animals of the world for all the benefits we derive from them and all the good deeds they perform for humankind in their noble ways.

About thirteen years ago I wrote and published a children’s book described as “an endearing story about a family of Origami-style paper birds and their struggles to survive amidst an unknown environment...” Once the text and paintings were finished, I thought it would be nice to add two pages at the end:

A. THE IMPORTANT ROLES ANIMALS PLAY IN HELPING HUMANKIND

1. The roles animals have played in helping humankind, other than providing a source of food for most people, merit the continued effort of parents, relatives, teachers, etc. of guiding children toward loving and respecting all irrational creatures for their huge contribution to our wellbeing, including wild animals. The latter also play an important role in maintaining nature’s balance thus having the right to live within their native environment.

2. It is encouraging to see a growing love for pets or animals in general as shown by caring owners, trainers, veterinarian, and benefactors, as well as worldwide zoos that protect and propagate the animal species. Also, many protection groups greatly contribute to keep a constant watch on animal abuse—from breeding conditions to their final path toward the food chain. Other organizations and individuals provide welfare and sanctuaries for defenseless creatures, plus numerous volunteers help to introduce various breeds at schools, TV shows, and homes for the seniors and others, delivering knowledge and entertainment to all.

B. SPECIAL THANKS AND DEDICATION – To all living irrational beings from the air, earth, and the seas that provide an excellent food source for themselves and humankind.

The above, reason enough to be thankful, brings to light other innumerable ones that should make us think kindly of those creatures. The list is infinite but a few come to mind, such as,

1. The help, company and love provided to children, adults and seniors—most of the time—by domestic animals such as cats, dogs, birds, and many other pets.
2. Companion animals plus trained working dogs, monkeys, etc. that lovingly and skillfully assist people with disabilities, as guides or in other multiple chores.
3. Humanely use of different species for medical purposes.
4. Interaction with animals at zoos or aquariums—both educational and entertaining.
5. Professionally-trained search and rescue, airport security and detection dogs; seals that detect bombs, etc. at sea; these and many more assist in preventing harm to humans plus help with investigative work.
6. Innumerable use of animal byproducts—from birds to whales to cows—for other than food—such as leather, oils, wool, feathers, vitamins, medicines and so forth.
7. All kinds of services provided by animals used as beasts of burden including horses, donkeys, bulls, elephants and sled dogs, to name a few.
8. And for multiple other reasons.

The above is only a synopsis as to how animals have changed the world throughout the years via--their known and unknown good deeds toward humankind.

I can identify with #1 on the list as my dogs have given so much (I have spoiled them in return) and I they have taught me how to be a better person. Enjoyed your story.

Mirta wrote: "HOW ANIMALS HAVE CHANGED THE WORLD
By Mirta Oliva

I know, I know... The May story theme was to be “Changing the world through (human) random acts of kindness.” And there are millions of stories th..."

Thank you, Terry. As an adult, I was able to have a dog... so I first had Oliver, the beagle, who brought joy, companionship, security (yes, security) and lived just as the next one, 15-1/2 years. I was inconsolable for many days since he took ill suddenly. Then, after thinking I did not want to go through it again, I was told about this 1-1/2 years old Pomeranian being kept in a yard... And it was love at first sight. Brandy, typical of small dogs, wanted to be loved most of the time and he was a great companion as well. But Oliver always wanted to love me more and when I often traveled for business I had to prepare my travel bags hiding in my bedroom since he became very sad when he knew I'd be leaving him again (in the loving care of my mother). To recap, they love you not for food, they love you just because... And I still miss them both.

Mirta wrote: "HOW ANIMALS HAVE CHANGED THE WORLD
By Mirta Oliva

I know, I know... The May story theme was to be “Changing the world through (human) random acts of kindness.” And there are millions of stories th..."

Mirta, you made a strong point about animals changing our world. I totally agree that the world would be a miserable place without animals to give us love, to help the handicapped, and to help carry physical loads. Thank you for reminding us about them.

Thank you Glenda. Despite the efforts by individuals and organizations , cruelty to animals in its various forms continues to be perpetrated by some. In recent times, the social media has enlightened the public with professional and individual videos showing animal behaviors previously ignored by many, how they have feelings, can love for the sake of loving and suffer when we do or when they are abused. Only when the people of the world understand all the goodness animals bring perhaps there will be less cruelty toward them.