Category: Writing Challenges
Challenges from the Bonanza Brand Forums.
If at First You Don’t Succeed; or, A Lesson in the Cartwright Way (by JC)
Summary: There are a few simple rules for growing up Cartwright: 1. Never underestimate your father. 2. Don’t forget the first rule.
Rating: K Word Count: 1195
Treachery on the River (by SydneyFate)
Summary: Adam Cartwright faces danger on the Mississippi River.
Rating: PG Word Count: 2,229
First Drive (by Puchi Ann)
Summary: There’s a first time for everything and everyone.
Rating:K+/T Word Count: 12,449
End Game (by AC1830)
Summary: A prisoner who escapes from the Nevada State Prison in Carson City has not only freedom but also vengeance on his mind. Little does he know that someone from his past is shadowing him, bringing full circle some unfinished business between them.
Rated: T Word Count: 10,050
A Little Lesson in Engineering And Physics (by CareBear)
Prequel. Adam and Little Joe bond over a simple engineering and physics concept. When Joe later tries to apply the concept on a large scale, he reaps chaos for all three brothers. Written for the Chaps & Spurs 2025 Third Quarter Challenge.
Rating PG Word Count 7438
A Stop at The Shady Villa (by JC)
Summary: After a nearly fatal case of mistaken identity in Kiowa Flats, Joe and Hoss continue their quest for Texas Longhorn breeding stock, inadvertently stumbling across a potential goldmine (What Happened Next after “The Gunmen”). Written for the Chaps & Spurs 2025 Third Quarter Challenge*.
Rating: K+ Word Count: 2974
Remember Me, Remember You (by BluewindFarm)
Summary: The unimaginable is never easy.
Rating: G (845 words)
The Shadow Man (by AC1830)
Summary: A tragedy leads a man of the shadows on a vengeful and bloody path which eventually ensnares Adam. Written for the 2025 2nd quarter Chaps and Spurs Challenge.
Rating: PG, Word Count 7016
Where the Cards Fell (by Sydney Fate)
Summary: Adam Cartwright and Black Bear deal out justice in Carson City. This story was written for the Chaps & Spurs 2025 2nd Quarter Challenge.
Rating: K+ Word Count: 2192
Adam’s Journal — She Walks in Beauty (by JC)
Summary: Adam’s version of events surrounding the unforgettable Ragan Miller. Written for the 2025 Pernell Roberts Birthday Literary Challenge.
Rating: T Word Count 574
Adam’s Journal – A Rose for Lotta (by Pat D in PA)
SUMMARY: Adam’s journal entry for the day involving Lotta Crabtree’s role in snaring a Cartwright in Virginia City at the behest of Alpheus Troy. Written for the 2025 “Pernell Roberts’ Birthday Week” activities.
RATING: K/G
WORD COUNT: 1,901 words
A Lesson in Art Appreciation (by DJK)
Summary: Little Joe and his friends just wanted to see the new painting in The Red Dog saloon before the ladies of the town could have it destroyed, and all they needed was a watertight plan.
Rating: T/PG 13 Word count: 4,414
The Hero of the Charles (by Pat D in PA)
Summary: When Adam finds himself short of cash, fate and his college buddy come up with an ingenious way to fatten his wallet. Written for the Second Quarter 2025 Chaps and Spurs Challenge.
Wordcount: 3,533
In a Spirit of Enterprise (by Tavia42)
Summary: Little Joe should have known he couldn’t get anything past Hop Sing. This story was written for the 2025 2nd Quarter Chaps and Spurs Challenge.
Rating: G | Word Count: 889
The Arroyo (by Lillian Montane)
Summary: Little Joe is having a rough go of it. Things get worse when a fired ranch hand decides Joe owes him. Will life get better for the youngest Cartwright?
Written as a response to 2nd quarter chaps and spurs challenge.
Word count: 15,015
Rated: T
Bird Hunt (by BettyHT)
Chiaroscuro – Between Dark and Light (by Wrangler)
Just A…. (by freyakendra)
When the Big Man Falls (by DJK)
Fear on the Horizon (by No1ButJoe)
Not Forgotten (by BettyHT)
The Third Son (by Wrangler)
A Change of Direction (by Dodo)
Witches Coven (by Rona)
Happy Birthday, Hoss! (by DJK)
Wet Bottom, Warm Heart (by McFair_58)
Not Guilty: Part One, Justice Denied (by BettyHT)
The Burden of Guilt (by CareBear)
Phoenix Trilogy #1 – Phoenix Chained (by the Tahoe Ladies)
Responsibility (by Inca / aka Tye)
Tall Tales and Taller Truths (by freyakendra)
Choices (by Doolittle)
A Decision in Ohio (By Missjudy)
A Rare Courtship (by Tavia42)
Blood is Thicker Than Water (by Terri)