Back on January 27th, 2007, I, Deputy MaryAnne Coltrane issued a challenge to my cousin, Brian Coltrane, to write a story within 30 days or else face an extended jail sentence. Now, granted the extended jail sentence turned into the writer’s gallows, turned into banishment into oblivion turned into 20 lashes with a wet noodle, but the dire consequence was the same. No story, no passing go. Go straight to jail.
As an additional challenge, I opened it up for anyone to write a story within 30 days and submit it as “bail” if for some reason Brian failed to complete a story.
As the days passed and Brian dinked around and basically said “Yeah, I’ll start on a story….eventually…” I decided to up the ante and put my neck on the chopping block. Err…well, okay, put myself up as going to jail too if he didn’t write a story. I also retained the services of a volunteer jailer, who was willing to carry out the orders to arrest Brian, and in addition, arrest me.
Well, talk about motivation! Brian finally started on a story with about 10 days left to complete it. In the meantime, folks contributed towards the bail.
I love it when the town rallies to a cause. Khee!
I’m happy to announce that not only did Brian complete a story, seven postings of bail were made as well. One author went so far as to make two postings of bail! Read on to see what came about from the Bail Bond Challenge……
Gears, Grits and Guts
Brian Coltrane
Racing at the local dirt track in Hazzard is anything but a Sunday drive for Bo and Luke.
Fly
Sarah Stodola
As Luke prepares for a performance for the Texas Crisis Charity concert he receives some surprise visitors.
Coming Home
LostSheep3
Bo Duke has been away from the farm for five years. Who says you can’t go home again?
Against the Grain
Chet Duke
A routine traffic stop lands Rosco in some trouble, but he gets help from an unsuspecting source.
Be My Valentine
Jax
Its Valentine’s Day and the boys are up a creek without a paddle. What will they do for the ladies in their life on this special day?
Little Tears
Chet Duke
Chet Dukes young daughter makes a new friend at school, who hides a terrible secret.
Just Say Cheese
Fang B. Strate
Val Strate’s faithful companion, Fang, and Harry, the Hazzard Courthouse’s resident cheese thief, help Bandit foil a bank robbery.
Calliope Dean & The Purple Cricket
Daney Duke
Bo and Luke offer to assist their detective cousin on a case. Cletus has a surprise for the Sheriff’s Department. How will Boss pick Miss Lulu up from a trip when his car is at Cooter’s Garage and the parts aren’t ready?