PF&HTs Treasure Hunt Kickoff!

There’s something that sets October apart from the other months of the year. I’m not really sure if it’s the brilliant colors overtaking the last remaining images of summer, the unexpected chill that cloaks a person the minute they step out of their house, the smoky scent of burning wood as fireplaces are suddenly resurrected from their slumber, the spicy taste of pumpkin pie fresh from the oven and smothered in vanilla ice cream, or the sound of the wind whispering through the trees in their various stages of undress as they gradually slip into their winter attire.

Honestly, it could be any of these five senses that distinguish this time of year; but for me it’s the “idea” that as the cold sets in, the pace of my life starts to slow down. Though the moments are rare, at times I can be found snuggled up on the couch with a good read and cup of steaming chai tea. I use those treasured moments to energize myself and to feed the fickle muse that dictates my writing life ~ it’s pure heaven on earth even if for just a short time.

With this idea in mind, we’ve put together a fun contest that will allow our readers to take a few minutes of downtime for themselves. Sounds like bliss, doesn’t it?

PF&HTs Treasure Hunt!

Today we kick off the Petit Fours and Hot Tamale’ Treasure Hunt! What kind of treasure, you ask. Well, since the PF&HTs ARE writers, the first type of treasure you’ll encounter is various short stories sprinkled throughout the month. October will be filled with sporadic veins filled with gold, but you’ll have to work to find them. There will also be a treasure trove at the end of the hunt. You’ll need to find the answers to each of the questions asked at the end of the various short stories to be illegible to win this cache.

What do you have to do?

Locate the PF&HTs Treasure Hunt pumpkins on the sidebar. Each time a new short story will be posted, a link will be made available to the location in this area. Click on the link, search for the PF&HTs pumpkins at that site, then enjoy the read. Don’t forget to record your answer at the end of the story. Hoard the answers (keep them to yourselves) and on October 31st, we’ll post our final “clue” and an e-mail address to send your answers to. Once we reach the deadline, we will draw from the participating treasure hunters for the final prize.

We’ve worked hard to bring you a little bit of FREE entertainment in this very hectic time. If your life is anything like ours, you have many irons blazing away in the fire of life. This little step away from reality may be just the ticket that will help refuel your coffers. We hope you enjoy our efforts.

(Hint – clue #1 is now posted and this is a very special treat. Not only is this a story from our very own Nicki Salcedo, but it is a later chapter from the story that recently won the 2009 Unpublished Single Title Maggie Award. You don't want to miss out on this! Check the sidebar often because future links may not be advertised in the daily posts.)