January’s #Guest Storyteller — Dale Rogerson

Dale

From office worker to caterer to … writer?

Since she could remember, Dale has been an avid reader, a lover of the written word. She finally decided to try her hand at writing, feeling there was a story inside of her.  A blog was born, but, would she find an audience?

Sarah says: Well, I think the answer to that is a resounding “yes”. Her blog A Delectable Life is aptly named, with the words delightful and pleasing describing it best. She never moans and always looks at life in a positive way, which is hugely inspiring in a world full of negative reportage.  As for her creative writing, it seems my suggestion that she try writing a 100-word story for Friday Fictioneers has resulted in her contributions there becoming part of her weekly routine. So seeing as she is now addicted to the art of flash fiction, I thought who better to kick off the New Year as my guest storyteller?

Thank you, Dale, for being a champ and accepting my invitation … and now I’ll shut up and let you get on with your tale.

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The Trek

The Trek

She was given very specific instructions:   Walk for one kilometre from the start point, direction north-west, until she reached the edge of the woods.  There she would find a small path, barely discernible, to the right of the blue, flat rock.  She was to take the path, taking care not disturb anything.

Petrified, heart pounding, she moved forward, branches pulling her hair, scratching her face and arms.  The ground seemed to want to suck her in but still she plowed forward, determined to reach her goal.

This was her once-in-a-lifetime chance to get exactly what she wanted, what she deserved!  She must keep on.  “I can so do this,” she whispered to herself, courage and confidence growing with each step.

Finally, she glimpsed the orange light in the clearing.  She was almost there!

As she struggled forward, thoughts began creeping in.  “Why was she here?    What did she want?  What was the purpose of this trek?”

She finally burst through into the clearing to find him standing there.

“You made it!” he cried. “You’ve earned my love and adoration, and we can be together forever!”

She tilted her head and looked at him.  “Funny thing happened to me on my way to you,” she replied.  “I came to the realisation that YOU have not earned ME.  I am strong enough to make my own decisions.  All this time, I thought I had to be worthy of you, when in reality, I had to be worthy of me.  For this, I must thank you.  I have discovered my own strength and I couldn’t have done it without you.”

With that, she turned around and walked back into the woods, ready to take on the world on her terms and hers alone.

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You can find the links to previous guest storyteller posts at 

Author: Sarah Potter Writes

Sarah is a British eccentric who writes offbeat fiction, haiku and tanka poetry. When stuck for words, she sketches or paints instead. She's into nature conservation, sustainability, gardening, dogs, natural health, and reading. Her sociability is something that happens in short bursts with long breathing spaces in between.

62 thoughts on “January’s #Guest Storyteller — Dale Rogerson”

  1. Thank you Sarah! Yes, it is “your fault” that I’ve gotten the Friday Fictioneers bug and have improved my writing skills. I am honoured that you chose me to guest write (and am still shaking over it!)

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  2. Reblogged this on A Delectable Life and commented:
    I was honoured and petrified to be asked to be Sarah Potter’s guest story teller for January.

    It is thanks to her that I joined Friday Fictioneers and have hopefully improved my skills since my first story last March. Stumped on what to write, I took her suggestion to use a picture as a prompt. It helped, that’s for sure! Hope you enjoy!

    Liked by 2 people

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  5. Dale (and thanks to Sarah! 🙂 ), I am happy you used your work path to create a unique and wonderful book. This is so inspiring! The catering business would have so many experiences you can put “into play” in characters and setting! Hugs, Robin

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      1. I think your story was wonderful and I misread the post, thought this was the end of a book, the final chapter. It makes sense now, not as tired as the first time I read the story. I agree, no one should have to go all the way to anyone and “lose” themselves on another. Men do this, too. Going halfway is the best way to begin, continue and finish a journey with someone; a true partner for life. Nicely written with suspense and intrigue throughout, Dale.

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you Kelly and Sarah! To think I was afraid it would be a sad attempt at a reverse-fairy tale! These comments are sure giving me a boost!
        All the best to you as well in the new year as well, Kelly!!

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  7. Well, of course she would ask you to guest star on this mighty blog of hers, Dale, you’re a fab writer and always manage to come up with some great twist! This one was most enjoyable! Congrats on finally getting some recognition for your creativity in writing and also for owning this “challenge.”

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    1. My apologies for not responding to your comment earlier, but somehow I missed it and it as it got filed away in “pending moderation” without showing up in my drop down menu. I’m thrilled that Dale took up this challenge, and I’m sure that she’s positively glowing with pleasure at yours and everyone else’s wonderful feedback:-)

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    2. A great compliment for Dale from someone who is a great wordsmith himself! (PS Dave, I mean the Cambridge Dictionary definition of “wordsmith”, which means someone skilled and fluent with the use of words, and not the Urban dictionary definition which means a master of bullshit!).

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  12. Hi Dale! It’s great to meet you ‘properly’ through your wonderful story. I felt that I was on that walk through the woods with you and I loved the twist. He did her a great favour in the end, even though that wasn’t what he intended! Great to know that you are enjoying writing flash, Sarah, you are such a wonderful encourager! I look forward to reading more of your blog Dale. Thank you both for a great guest post! 🙂

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    1. Hi Sherri!
      Nice to meet you too!
      So happy you were there on that walk with her and yes, he did indeed do her a great service!
      Yes, Sarah has been a wonderful encourager. Lucky me!

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    2. Ah, the joys of Blogland. I’d no idea that you two lovely people didn’t know of each other’s blogs and am thrilled to have brought you together. I know you’ll love each other’s blogs and get along famously. Thank you, dearest Sherri, for your sweet words to Dale and to me 🙂 xxxxx

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      1. 😀 Smiles all ’round! And make that Happy New Year to you, Cybele (such a pretty name – better than calling you a mouse!)

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  14. Pingback: Advent Calendar – Day 19 | A Dalectable Life

  15. Dear Sarah (and Dale)

    I see that I liked this story but didn’t comment? Shame on me. This story is so Dale. I love her revelation at the end of the trail. Wow, this has been almost three years ago. Time for a chat soon?

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. Dear Rochelle and Sarah,

      It was many moons ago indeed!
      I was being a little selfish in directing people here 😉
      Definitely must have a Holiday Chat!!

      Lotsa love,

      Dale

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      3. Of course it wasn’t “selfish” of you directing people here, Dale. It’s a wonderful story and I was so proud of you taking up the challenge and being my star guest storyteller for that month 🙂 A holiday chat sounds grand x

        Liked by 1 person

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