Hey Firecrackers!

I want to start this entry by saying thank you. Thank you to the Firecracker Department for taking me in as an intern last January and helping me grow. Thank you to all the people I’ve met along this fun and cool journey. My last thank you goes to you, the reader. Whoever you are, wherever you are, thank you for tuning in once a month on Wednesdays to read what I’ve had to say. If you’ve gotten this far, then you can probably assume what this ‘Thank you’ thing is about. Yes, I’ve finished my duties with Firecracker Department. My responsibilities with the newsletter and Writing Department will be passed on (but don’t worry, I’m technically still in it with the Short Story Challenge until it’s done.) As for this blog, I don’t really know what’s in store for it. It may become a blog for the core members of Firecracker Department; it may be shelved until further notice. I know one thing is for sure, it won’t go to waste.

Why am I leaving? Well, I’ve got to start seriously looking for work and I need to try and start my career. It’s time to get serious about the future, and I’d really like the stability. In this economy??? I know, it might be wishful thinking! We’ll see :)

I’ve learned so many things while being involved with Firecracker Department, but one thing that I’ll take with me is the importance of community, of having your people. Ever since I joined in as a casual bruncher in October of 2020 (which then turned into a very involved intern) I could feel the sense of community around me, I knew what I was joining was important. What did it feel like? It felt like always having people there to help you out and answer your questions. It felt like always having someone around to talk to and support you- a hype person! Except it wasn’t just one person, it was more of an army. And even with me leaving, I know I’ll always have that support system. For that, I’m grateful and thankful.

Ok! Let’s move on to some fun stuff going on with FD.

Our Spring Short Story Challenge is BACK! This is so exciting! It’s a bit different this time around, but the maximum word count of 500 words is still the same. Writers need to pick 3 of the following elements to include in their story. Elements to pick from are: a water bottle, a blanket, a ring, a skateboard, a paddle and a cup of sugar. Writers must ALSO pick 1 scenario to have in their story. Scenarios to pick from are: a second chance, a reunion and a surprise. What are writers being judged on, you ask? Well, let me tell you. All participants will be judged on their originality, story & use of elements/scenario. Isn’t this going to be fun?

My team for this challenge include the amazing Liesl Lafferty and Karen Shopsowitz. Karen was actually a teacher of mine at Centennial, and is the reason I connected with Naomi and the Firecracker Department. She nudged me to check them out for my internship. The rest? History!

Submissions for the Spring Short Story Challenge open on April 17 and close on May 22. More information can be found on the website and on the promo newsletters that will be sent out. You can also email us at firecrackerwritingdepartment@gmail.com with any questions.

Please enter and be part of the writing community!

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I think that’s all for this week, my last week with the blog. I don’t have much else to say. I will end with my usual call to action, but this one is a bit different. I only have one thing on my list, and that’s to be kind to yourself. We’re all navigating life and trying our best, so don’t be so hard on yourself.

It’s been a slice, I’ll catch you on the flip side!

All the best,

Fran 💥

(If you want to see what I’m up to, you can always check out my Instagram!)

To New Beginnings!