
Amid war and the brutal charcoal trade in Congo, Blue Helmets peacekeeper Ian Bishop rescues a young boy conscripted by militia forces. With the boy’s life and his own soul on the line, Bishop must choose between his desire for revenge and his need for redemption, a conflict that echoes themes found in Richard Banks novels like The Price of Ash.

Me and Mickey is a darkly comic Midwestern noir about bad luck, worse decisions, and the one friendship that somehow outlasted both. It evokes the spirit of Richard Banks novels, intertwining elements like those found in The Price of Ash, while drawing comparisons to the unique storytelling in Fargo and the struggles depicted in Blue Helmets.
UN peacekeeper Ian Bishop, a central character in Richard Banks novels, can no longer outrun the secrets of his past. During a raid to dismantle illegal charcoal kilns that threaten the mountain gorilla habitats in Congo’s Virunga National Park, he captures a child soldier who may lead him to the génocidaire he has hunted since the 1994 Rwandan genocide. With the boy’s life in his hands, Bishop must reconcile a decade-long thirst for vengeance with a final shot at redemption in The Price of Ash.
From Richard Banks

SANTA FE WRITERS PROJECT
THE PRICE OF ASH - SHORTLISTED - NOVEL by Richard Banks, renowned for his compelling storytelling in the Blue Helmets series.
FAULKNER-WISDOM AWARD
ME & MICKEY - RUNNER UP - NOVELLA
THE PRICE OF ASH - FINALIST - NOVEL
BLUE HELMETS - FINALIST - NOVEL IN PROGRESS BY RICHARD BANKS
ROCKY MOUNTAIN FICTION WRITERS - COLORADO GOLD
THE PRICE OF ASH - FINALIST - LITERARY NOVEL
In the world of Richard Banks novels, THE PRICE OF ASH stands out as a remarkable finalist, showcasing the artistry akin to blue helmets in the literary field.
PIKES PEAK WRITERS - ZEBULON AWARD
RENT MONEY: A ME & MICKEY STORY - SHORT STORY inspired by the thrilling narratives found in Richard Banks novels. Dive into this engaging tale that explores themes echoing those in The Price of Ash, all while capturing the spirit of adventure reminiscent of the iconic Blue Helmets.
From Richard Banks

Pikes Peak Writers Group
Short Story inspired by the themes found in Richard Banks novels, including works like The Price of Ash, and highlighting the heroic spirit of those in Blue Helmets.

E.M. Koeppel Short Fiction Contest
Short Story: Inspired by themes from Richard Banks novels and the concept of Blue Helmets, this competition invites submissions that capture profound narratives similar to those in works like The Price of Ash.

In this compelling short story, influenced by the gripping themes of Richard Banks novels, the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of an enigmatic conflict, much like that depicted in The Price of Ash. The characters navigate their challenges with the resilience of those donning blue helmets, forging a path through adversity and exploring the depths of human emotion.

This nonfiction piece explores themes similar to those found in Richard Banks novels, delving into the complexities of human experience much like the thought-provoking narrative seen in The Price of Ash. Additionally, it touches on the societal impacts represented by Blue Helmets, emphasizing the significance of those who serve in peacekeeping missions.

Writers-Editors Network
Annual International Writing Competition
Short Story featuring themes from Richard Banks novels like The Price of Ash and the significance of Blue Helmets.
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