NoQuWriCo 2026 Bulletin #3 November 6th

10,000 Words

We get back our meet as we measure—

We cannot do wrong and feel right,

Nor can we give pain and gain pleasure,

For justice avenges each slight.

Nobility, Alice Cary

The human hands that held back the jungle were the Guard. The Clockkeepers hand picked them for their bravery and unerring willingness to throw themselves into dangerous situations. They did as they were told, and occasionally, they didn't come back.

Prompt: Be strong and courageous! Have a character show bravery.

Mostly, though, a routine patrol was simple and safe. Even an archivist could tag along if they waved a thick, perfect envelope and promised to keep quiet. Which you had, of course. The Guard weren't much on talking, but seeing remnants of Before was worth a thousand words.

Qummunity Challenge: Do some word wars with an accountability buddy today. (Don't have one yet? Check out the Sprints, Crawls, and Word Wars group.)

Your group tromped heavily through the beaten paths that wound around the village. "Snakes run from footsteps." Every now and then, you could've sworn you saw bits of bright blue-green tucked beneath the vegetation. Corroded copper. The realization was electricity in your veins. Vents, the breath of Before, now choked to stillness.

Dare: Attempt to write 500 words in 5 minutes to defeat the monsters in the bushes.

You all turned on a new trail, marked by withering brown chunks of vine against glossy green darkness. This was where you were really heading. A startled growl came from the shadows. "Stay in the middle," A Guard told you. Danger was a chill down your spine that ignored the muggy heat of midday. Copper-headed spears hissed through the air, and the rainforest grew still for a moment. "Alright, let's keep moving."

Question: What emotions do you want to showcase through your writing?