Category: Writing Challenges
Challenges from the Bonanza Brand Forums.
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
Psycho (by wx4rmk)
Summary: A short story written for a Cowboy Lingo challenge and the Pinecone Challenge on Brand (had to use Psycho as title). It was inspired by a similar real event.
Rating: G, Word Count 500
A Journey Changed (by AC1830)
Summary: A missing WHN scene at the end of A Journey Remembered.
Rating: G, Word Count: 745
Catamount (by SydneyFate)
Summary: The Cartwrights’ new friend, Black Bear, encounters a wild cat, and they catch the tail end of the adventure.
This story was written for the Chaps & Spurs 2025 1st Quarter Challenge.”
Rating: T (2,350 words)
Seven to One (by LillianMontane)
Summary: The only one not captured, Joe must figure out how to rescue his brothers from a gang of outlaws who invade their home.
Rating: T 9,647 words)
Just a Prank (by DJK)
It was just a boy’s prank, so why did it cause such a rift between brothers. This story was written for the Chaps and Spurs 2025 First Quater challenge.
Rating: K+ word count: 5279
How Sweet the Moonlight (by Pat D in PA)
Summary: The vastness of the heavens speak to the poetry in a young man’s soul, offering comfort during the lonely times. Created for the First Quarter 2025 Chaps and Spurs Challenge. My deep gratitude for Cheaux’s willingness to beta read; the story is better because of it. (1,462 words)
Justice Served (by BluewindFarm)
Summary: What was the real reason behind Adam leaving the Ponderosa? He claimed Justice.
Rating: Teens, due to western-themed violence. (29,265 Words)
