Donna Hole

SNOWFEST

2012-02-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

Thursday, February 2, 2011

My story for roh Morgan's Snowfest blog hop. (my Insecure Writers Support Group post is here.)

December Retreat

The cold stillness amplified every sound that wasn’t there. If he stayed still enough, Brodie was sure he'd hear something of his ghostly follower; but stopping left him vulnerable to the freezing temperatures. He poled forward a few more feet, and stopped again as that slooshing echo sounded from all sides of the forest around him.

After several minutes, the only sounds louder than Brodie's breathing were the cracking of the snow under his weight. It hadn't snowed in over a week, but the unnatural freeze had endured. Brodie brushed the fog off his tinted goggles, sidestepped and slowly turned to survey the surroundings. Again, the only sound was the breaking ice, his rapid breathing, and a slight whistling as the breeze assaulted his ears.

He strained to hear the drip of a melting icicle, a drift of falling snow, the rustle of a waking squirrel in a lofty nest. Peering at his backtrail, Brodie stepped backwards, shaking his feet to reposition the snowshoes and not caring about the increased noise. If his stalker thought he was on the move, perhaps the person, or beast, would reveal themselves. Brodie's skin crawled with the sense of being watched, but nothing besides himself moved.

“Damn,” he whispered, hurrying to turn as cautiously as possible.

He was sure his stalker was a coyote or a wolf – the stinking, dead raccoon strapped to his back must surely be attracting the appetites of any denizens that still prowled these woods – but he couldn't believe he'd been out here eight months and still hadn't encountered a single other human. It'd been two months since he saw any game not caught in his traps too. He shifted the weight of the coon to give his injured right shoulder a brief respite, then trudged in a semblance of a sprint towards the cabin 300 yards across the clearing.

A feeling of being chased overwhelmed him at the steps, and instead of stopping to slip out of the snowshoes, he stamped his way up the four steps and raced the last few feet to the front door. Fumbling with the door knob, he kept his eyes turned towards the treeline, sure that any moment he'd spy a shadowy figure or demonic eyes lurking just out of visual range.

The door suddenly opened and he crashed inside with a yelp of pain and surprise as he landed heavily on his throbbing shoulder.

“Shut it quickly Mary,” he rasped, rolling to his feet to help his wife with the heavy metal door.

The barely audible thud and beep, beep, beep as the alarm was reset calmed Brodie's taut nerves as he leaned against the door to catch his breath. Laughing at his own paranoia, he stared at the 10 inch monitor that served as a window and watched the perimeter camera perform a sweep of the front porch, then continue on its panoramic journey to reveal the emptiness between the house and the forest.

“What's out there?” Mary asked from behind him.

"Nothing,” he answered, still focused on the monitor.

The view cycled three times before Brodie was finally convinced that nothing followed him back to the cabin. Suddenly the weight of the coon was too much, and his knees buckled. He steadied himself in a crouch and slowly pulled his right arm out of the back packs strap. He sat on the floor as the burden was deftly removed, and began unlacing his snowshoes. Mary gagged as she drug the pack across the floor and into the kitchenette to the left.

“How long's this been dead,” she inquired as she patted the waterproof canvas.

“Not that long,” Brodie answered, hauling himself upright as he unzipped his parka and let it slide off his shoulders and onto the floor. “Need to get it skinned and soaking.”

“I'll do it,” she said, but didn't open the flap. She kept her face averted, messy brown hair hiding her eyes.

Brodie bit back angry words as he crossed to the wood stove in the far corner of the designated living room. Long ago he'd taught her with his fists not to question him. That life seemed so long ago to him. He hadn't hit her in months, hadn't even cussed her or raised his voice. Something had changed within him after secluding them in these woods; and now he couldn't believe he'd ever been that angry, hateful man. He hoped she'd forget in time.

“I slid down a hole,” he answered her unasked questions.

She looked up immediately, her face scrunched up with worry.

Brodie rolled his shoulders, wincing as the right one burned in pain. “Wrenched my arm trying to hold onto a tree. My side and arm is bruised too. Nothing to worry about.”
She started around the counter, but he waived her off before she made it to the table.

“That coon needs more attention than I. I'm just cold, tired and sore; nothing a hot bath won't cure.”

“I'll heat some water,” Mary stated. She hadn't stopped at the table, and when her soft fingers touched his frozen ears he was glad she'd ignored his command. Her gentle touch sent shivers down his back and warmed his heart.

That old habit of only showing how tough he was had asserted itself before he could stop it.

“The sun was out today; the tank will have hot water.” He kissed the top of her head as she started to unbutton his shirt. “No,” he whispered, pushing her hands away. “The coon, honey. I skinned it, but soon it will be inedible. Don't want to waste my effort today.”
Mary nodded and returned to the kitchen, humming a tune under her breath.

Brodie sneezed, and wiped his nose on his arm. As he looked up, he thought he saw movement in the door monitor. He glanced at Mary; her back was to him as she ran cold water in the sink to wash the coon. He hurried silently back to the door and taped the arrow key on the console to turn the camera back to the forest area he thought he saw movement.

Whatever followed him home was gone now. Or hiding. He bent down and picked up his shoes as he heard a grunt of effort from Mary. He didn't want to worry her. He sneezed again, and decided to trust the steel walls to protect them while he was in the bath.

His great grandfather had built the cabin to protect his family in case of a nuclear attack. And Brodie wasn't convinced there was an actual threat out there in the snow crusted woods. It could just be his imagination playing tricks. As long as the doors remained sealed, they'd be safe from whatever the post December world could throw at them.

Brodie glanced at Mary as he headed towards the bedroom at the rear of the house. She looking at a spot in the wall that should have a window, her hand absently caressing her belly.

The one thing he hadn't figured into their 2012 plan was baby.

***

Insecure Writers Support Group squirrel

2012-02-01T07:50:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Yay; I get to date things 2/1/12! Not sounding fantastic? Then, maybe you don't write the date 20 times a day (exaggeration; some). I had troubles with the date all through January. No clue why, just did. I'm hoping writing 2/--/12 will be easier. The video below is just for me, so if you're not into music while you read then just don't click on it. Might help you see where I'm comiing from if you play it though . .

Just be grateful it wasn't Flight of the Bumblebee :)

I got this weird sh## going on right now where I'm too busy and too bored both. Busy with lots and lots of ideas; bored with having to deal with them all, all the time, all at once. I'm overstimulated. I can't seem to do anything unless there is noise in the room; but noise distracts me in a way it never did before.

Hense, the *squirrel* reference, courtesy of Hope Roberson; a new blogger I recently became acquainted with. You ever just have one of those days – weeks, months. Hope captures it perfectly for me with her SQUIRREL post. Enjoy the laugh. Maybe you'll even commiserate, as I did. I think she has this voodoo thing going on where she infected me . .

Ok, so this may not turn out to be the IWSG post I was planning on for today. I've been collecting links for a SHOUT OUTS post, but again, I got distracted by several things in the blogs. Rusty Webb (Blutonian Death Egg) says it best in his posts dated 1/23 and 1/27. You saw his book trailers post too yesterday (1/30) right?

I don't get around the blogs as much as I'd like to. Distractions like the day job, my own writing projects, reading on the rare occasion, reviews/critiques for fellow authors, watching the favorite TV series, interracting with the family and few friends I've managed to maintain, scoping out new publishing opportunities, and playing solitaire, leaves me precious few moments in the day to actually enjoy all the things in life that spark my interest.

Speaking of; Justified is coming on so I must abandon ya'll for Raylan Givens (played by Timothy Olyphant) and Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins).

Really hard to show you what I like about this program. Its actually the snappy dialogue. I know; today's viewer wants action, and more action. And believe me, this show has that and more. But, I love the characters, and the dialogue, and I'm not opposed to the "vigilante" style killing prevelant in the series. Raylan draws his gun; somebody dies. And I like that his childhood best friend is his current arch nemisis. Elmore Leonard knows his western hero type, even in the modern world. No doubt about it. One of my friends at work has graciously decided to purchase the paper books so I can read and discuss them with her.

Oh, guess ya noticed I'm back to finish this. My mind is stuck on roh Morgan's (Musing of a Moonlight Writer) Snowfest tomorrow (2/2). I've been thinking about it for days, cycling several different scenarios through my write brain. Suddenly this first line hit me in a flash, and I have this complete concept all mapped out. I'm hoping its as good on paper (screen) as it is in my head.

This is my first line: "The cold stillness amplified every sound that wasn’t there."

When I'm finished here, I 'll find it and finish the story. I've a feeling its going to be a romance - hopefully a romantic thriller. I've never written more that 400 words with a romantic theme, so the thought of up to 1200 words is intimidating, and I'm hoping to develop the to at least 3000 words for a short story worthy of publication in Short Story America. Eeeep! This is the influence of Romantic Friday Writers . .

In hopes of keeping this post short (yep; if you've been around a while you'll note this is short for me) and in honor of Melissa Sugar's (Have You Heard) Get Fired Up blogfest from 1/20 to 2/29. "What do you have to do? Help a new, struggling or undiscovered blogger."

This falls perfectly with the Insecure Writers Support Group theme that our host Alex J Cavanaugh is hoping to foster (I believe so, anyway).

Ah, finally; this is where I started. The concept of keeping it short :) As I mentioned earlier, I have a long, long list of shout out links for posts that have inspired me over the last few weeks. But, I'm only going to link to some new people, and save the actual Shout Outs posts for a few days. Sorry to those blogger's I'm postponing right now. Rest assured I'll make the post, just as I'll be soon posting my reviews Treasures of Carmelidrium (Nancy R Williams) and Slipstream (due out in 5/2012) by Michael Offut. (Mike sent me an ARC)

Here, I'll just say you should read both novels. They are iteresting, fast paced, unique storylines, and, have great world building concepts. Highly entertainings.

Did I digress? Its late, I'm tired.

Hope Roberson is a new acquaintance of course.

New blogger friend Maggie reviews an old favorite book on writing. She also has a cool write-up on listening to your characters.

Have you met Barbara JeanByrem? Awesome new blogger to me.

Hayley N Jones (Writing, Reading and Waffling)

And finally, let me introduce you to one of my ftf crit partners Chris Parmenter.

Welcome to the blogger world new friends :)

AN HONEST LIE INTERVIEWED

2012-01-30T00:54:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 30, 2012

Oh my, how did I miss this; Simon Kewin (Spellmaking), a contributor of Write1Sub1 interviewed my all time favorite publisher Debrin Case of Open Heart Publishing's short story publication An Honest Lie. Since my short story Scent is published in AHL, Vol 3, you'd think I should have come up with the idea to interview Debrin. *face palm*

Well, go read Simon's awesome interview with a publisher you'd like to get to know.

Submissions for An Honest Lie Vol 4, Petulant Parable are open until 3/15/12.

Vol 2 winner: William Walton

Vol 1 winner: Eric W. Trant. Eric's debut novel OUT OF THE GREAT BLACK NOTHING is now available for sale through Open Heart Publishing. You can read Eric's author interview by An Honest Lie's Jr. Editor here.

See ya'll on Wednesday for Insecure Writers Support Group.

RFW #30

2012-01-27T00:24:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 27, 2012

I got my idea for this weeks Romantic Friday Writers concept over a week ago, but didn't write it early because I wanted to see if I could integrate the 3WW words into the excerpt. I've been successful in the past in combining blogfest prompts; but not this time. I think I managed it before because the three words were the priority, and I worked a second plot theme around them.

This time however, I already had a plot concept in mind for Learning To Dance After Its Over, and I just couldn't work all three words into the theme. Bubble was the only one I could get, and that's probably 'cuz it fit the setting anyway. But, the prompt author Jules Preston also advises us to "consider setting, music and dance" in the writing. Well, there is no music or dancing in my excerpt. Not even a metaphorical implication.

Have you ever failed at a specific writing concept, but was still pretty proud of the end result?

My interpretation of this week's RFW prompt is "moving on"; which is probably why I couldn't find a way to expand on the last posting of New Years Resolutions with a followup in the girl's perspective. I really wanted to write an alternate perspective. The "Learning To Dance" prompt has been up at the RFW site for about 4 weeks, and I think I started writing the below excerpt in my head the moment I saw it.

You ever have a story concept pretty much take over your writing life; so much that you had to push everything aside and work on it so it would quit nagging at you?

Brenda came fully formed with an entire future history. Like: flash, there it all is. No wonder it took me nearly a month to write her brief 394 word delimma. I'm titling this WILL THE KIDS BE THERE.
* * *

Memories flowed like digital ripples across the electronic photo album. Brenda sighed as a heart breaking picture of her two brunette daughters froze in a perpetual hug against their father.

“Was that a yes,” her new boyfriend Dale asked from the nearly forgotten cell phone against her ear.

“I’m still thinking,” Brenda answered.

Her tongue felt thick with indecision, and she soothed her conscious with an awkward sip of wine. A white bubble expanded across her computer screen, then popped and started to grow again. Her left hand clutched the stem of her glass, her right hand hovered near the mouse. Giving in to the urge to check her e-mail again, Brenda let the phone slide from the nook between her head and shoulder, catching it in her right hand.

“Hang on,” she loudly advised Dale as she set the wineglass on the desk and scooted the roller chair closer to the monitor.

She transferred the cell to her other hand, placed it against her ear again, and shook the mouse. Instantly the screen showed her inbox. No new messages.

“Uhm,” she groaned, so frustrated she slammed both fists into the keyboard.

“Brenda –“

“Oh, sorry,” she said, again too loudly as she realized the tiny cell phone was attached to her hand. She sat up and brought the device back to her ear. “I’m just, just not –“

“Will the kids be there?”

“What?”

“Your girls. It’s ok, you know. If you want to bring them. I’d, I’d love to meet them. Dawn and Breanne, right?”

Brenda made all sorts of horrible faces, and was glad she couldn’t see herself in a mirror to verify the intended effect. Dale sounded both hesitant and pleading and she didn’t want to know if he hoped to meet her kids or not. She’d been brutally honest on the dating site’s profile, despite the helpful advice against certain disclosures. Brenda was still bitter, even after two years of divorce, and wasn’t convinced online dating was the right solution for her.

But neither was pining for a life that had clearly ended.

Dale seemed courteous enough on their two previous dates. She wasn’t used to a man that listened and smiled.

Brenda clicked the refresh, but there was still no reply e-mail confirming George was picking up his kids this weekend. She’d have to make a decision soon.

* * *
My normal disclaimer after an RFW excerpt is that this is an original writing specifically for this prompt, and while all critique is acceptable, it may not be developed past this prompt. HOWEVER, this time I might just use Brenda and her situation in a longer piece. So your critiquing feedback is doubly encouraged.

I'll apologize in advance for the lame ending. My preferred ending went to at least 500 words, which would be well over word limit for this challenge. Feel free to tell me where you think this scene should go/end. We're just having fun, ya know. I enjoy shared story concepts.

And if you don't feel like offering comments on the excerpt, perhaps you'd tell me what you think of online dating, or what your dating experiences have been (on-or-off line), or even what you consider the biggest obstacles to today's dating are.

And did I remember to supply you with the linky to other RFW #30 posts that are bound to more accurately follow the prompt concept? Remember, RFW is open to all writers, and you do not have to join the club to post your own submission. This weeks linky closes on 1/29 for judging purposes. Feb 3's challenge is "The Perfect 9.5"

Thanks for hanging out a while :)

SHORT STORY WRITING TIPS

2012-01-25T01:01:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, Jan 25, 2012

As part of my own 2012 goals, I've decided to focus more on my short stories than on novel writing. I still plan to revise/edit my women's fiction trilogy, but I have two novella's and several shorts I'd like to complete and query.

I wasn't able to participate in Jamie Gold's short story pitch contest, simply b/c all my short stories are out on submission (yay) or not completed yet. So I missed out on a great opportunity.

However, the advice she posted on why you should write short stories has excellent tips for those considering testing their skills at short stories, or even for those like me who need a little extra incentive or refresher on the benefits.

Of course, it helps to read short stories occassionally to realize how engaging they can be. Who doesn't like to have some reading material available for that 15 minute wait in the grocery/bank/whatever line, waiting for the bus/subway, the commute to work, break/lunch time, or sitting on the potty. E-book readers/aps are great for never being without a quick read for whatever you need filler time for not being BORED. But, you can always keep a paper book in the glove compartment or door pouch.,

Some of my favorite short story publications are: Bewildering Stories, Short Story America, eFiction Magazine, Narrative Magazine, An Honest Lie, Beneath Ceasless Skies, Clarks World, Glimmer Train, Smoke Long Quarterly. You could also visit duotrop.com to search for short story publishers. I typed in "short story publications" in a search engine and came up with this list, as well as a host of others.

I've also found that writing flash fiction can kick start a short story or novella idea. Two places with prompts I use for this purpose are Three Word Wednesday (3WW) and Romantic Friday Writers (RFW). 3WW has a new three word prompt every week and RFW is now posting bi monthly. Neither site required consistent participation or that you post on the exact day; just sign up on the linky with your direct link after you have written/posted, and enjoy the other participants entries.

This week's 3WW words are: bubble, lumber, wreck
RFW theme for 1/27: Learning to Dance When Its Over

6 SIMPLE WAYS TO REBOOT YOUR WRITING

2012-01-22T17:51:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 22, 2012

From Writer Digest author Brian A Klems:

"What about you? Was 2011 the year of great and generous writing? Or was your work already trudging toward the winter blahs? Has this been the year when your day job and your family and your pets and the neighbors have demanded too much of your time and sidetracked you from your creative dreams? Or have you been faithfully putting in the time but … well … writing has become just another daily chore? Have you lost your passion?

It’s time to ring out the old writing year and plan for how to build on the past year’s success. And to do that, you may find that you need to refresh your writing routine."

My writing attitude resembles those questions lately. And some others the article asks: How much does creative writing really mean to you; why do you even bother; does last year’s writing schedule still work with your life; is it time for a hardware/software upgrade; utilize professional development opportunities; is your support network in place . . .

I liked Mr. Klems' ideas (some are even tax deductible), and thought you might also need a "reboot" to your routin. And if not, maybe you can get a bit of kudos/encouragement as you read the full article.

I found it helpful. Hope you do too.

GIVEAWAY AT STU'S PLACE

2012-01-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Still can't get used to writing 2012 - can you?

I'm always up for a free book; especially something a little outside my comfortable reading box AND is a paper book. You know, that whole "I didn't have to pay for it to try it". . .

Stuart says that Court Of Dreams (published by Pink Narcissus Press) is his "comic fantasy take on faeries (or possibly fairies, depending on your taste in spelling) in which Thomas Greene learns that attracting the attention of the faerie courts is not always a good thing. Comes complete with a cast of forgetful fairy assaisins, figments of the imagination, vengeful princesses, and not particularly nightmarish nightmare hunts.

Comedy is not usually my thing, but I've bought three of Stuarts urban fantasies, and have found them amusing. I am also highly entertained by his witty snippits he posts on his blog. Stu is quite a character himself.

Stu is hosting an awesome giveaway thru Sunday, Jan 22. Hurry hurry to get your name entered. There are two easy ways to enter - he is giving away two paper books. I'll let Stu give you the details:

To celebrate, I'm giving away a couple of copies. I'm doing one in the traditional way, which is to select someone randomly, but with additional chances of winning if you help me to let the world know about the novel so you get an extra chance if you do either of the following:

Mention Court of Dreams' release on your blog or Facebook
Put the rather lovely cover somewhere on your blog
Mention this giveaway with a link back here

Those are all fairly easy to do, so there's really no reason not to. Just let me know in the comments if you did. Getting the second copy will take slightly more creativity. In the novel, my faerie huntsman Grave has a coat, the pockets of which seem to contain anything and everything. I'd like you to suggest something that might conceivably have ended up in there. The more outlandish the better. The strangest, silliest, most inventive suggestion in the comments wins (this is entirely arbitrary on my part). For inspiration, you could try looking at the Deja Vu Blogfest bit I did, which features Grave hunting through his pockets through much of it.

I read the Deja Vu excerpt, and I assure you that you'll want to read the book. I left my guess for what is in Grave's pocket. Go on; give it a guess, or at least comment on the post for one entry.

Stuart Sharp is a writer, ghostwriter and historian based in East Yorkshire. Having dabbled in urban fantasy, he currently writes comic fantasy.

HAVE YOU HEARD

2012-01-18T19:35:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Hey everyone *waves*

I'm having a bit of blogger problems - mostly in visiting in other blogs, but sometimes in getting to my own too. Rebooting both computers doesn't seem to have cured all the problems, so I'm blaming Blogger. Mostly.

I've been absent for one cuz there's all these neat series premiers that have started airing over the last couple weeks; and being out in MY Room with no cable - and having to run an expensive space heater - hasn't inspired me to hang out there in the evenings after work. (Yes Dezzy, I'm totally looking forward to The Walking Dead again.) Now that I have my netbook back I may be better about blogging and watching my shows at the same time. We'll see . .

The other thing is some of the blogs I frequent have stopped allowing me to view a specific post, and I can't comment. I get this big white screen when I click on the post or comment box. I can usually read the blog post but . . Well, its frustrating. And half the time blogger is telling me my certificate of authenticity has expired so I can't even access my own blog. But when I can cruise the Verse, I am reading your posts.

Anyway, in case I'm spotty in showing up, I wanted to leave ya'll with a link to Melissa Sugar's (Have You Heard) blog and hope you can find your way to the contest she's hosting from Jan 29 thru Feb 28. Its a combination pay it forward/blogger support with lots of big prizes for participation (including a Kindle Fire). This contest is in celebration of her attaining 100 followers, and she'd like to support other bloggers in attaining their following milestones. Go show Sugar your support :)

Has anyone outside of Oz (or the UK in general) changed to the new blogger? Is anyone else having problems with accessing comments or accessing links to specific blog posts? I think I'll get my Son to back up my blog, and then try the New Look and see if my problems resolve themselves. Or get worse, as some of my Aussie friends have reported. Changing my g-mail didn't create any new issues, but didn't resolve any for me either.

I'll be catching up as I can. In the mean time, perhaps I'll be catching up on some reading. See ya 'round . .

RFW #29

2012-01-12T23:01:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 13, 2012

(posting a couple hours early cuz I don't feel like sitting up that late to add my direct link to the site)

I hadn't realized it was Friday the 13th until I typed the date. Perhaps I would have written something more sinister for this edition of Romantic Friday Writers if I'd known. Too bad. But this week's theme of New Years Resolutions was difficult enough.

I'm not big on goal setting, or resolutions, in my personal life, so I have a hard time identifying with them. I tried to post something from one of my WIPs, but none of those have any resolutions in them either - New Years or otherwise. Certainly not anything romantic.

But I managed to come up with 398 words that might eventually get around to romance. I'm titling this Corona Date for lack of imagination.
* * *
Josh stared at the blank word document for several minutes before resorting to another drink of his Corona. He decided beer and Creative Writing homework didn’t mix well, but as he was three quarters through his second bottle, carrying on was the only logical thing to do. He took a second gulp, wiped his mouth, then set the nearly finished Corona out of sight on the shelf above the monitor.

“Ok,” he stated to the white square in the middle of the screen.

He flexed his fingers, popped each knuckle individually, then hovered his hands over the keyboard. When nothing presented itself again, he looked over at his homework notes.

"Write an essay on your New Years resolutions and how you intend to fulfill them.”

Josh grunted at the notion of resolutions. He hadn’t made any since eighth grade, when his parents divorced and his dad left with all the funding for Josh’s sports dreams. No amount of commitment to practice sessions, weight training, and better grades could make up for the lack of money for training camps and his own equipment. Now nearing his second year at community college, and nowhere near an Associates Degree, he wondered if there was anything he was willing to commit to.

His computer bleeped with a Face Book chat message.

“Hey Betty Jo,” he tapped, saying it aloud with the slow, sexy drawl that always made her giggle.

“What’s up,” was her immediate reply.

“Homework,” he sent, reaching automatically for the Corona.

“Wanna do something?”

Hell yeah, Josh thought, stopping his fingers before they could send the message. He didn’t want to miss another homework assignment, but Betty Jo was the first girl he’d wanted to get to know for more than a quick lay. He hadn’t thought she was all that pretty the first few times they’d hung out together, but her vivacious personality had grown on him. Surrounded by their mutual friends who were already paired off, the two had naturally gravitated to each other, but hadn’t yet dated.

“Wait,” he typed in the comment box. She was a patient soul – one of the things that attracted him - so he knew she would.

Fifteen minutes later he had a list of resolutions for dating Betty Jo, the ultimate goal making her his steady girlfriend.

“Meet me at Tucker’s Bar,” he sent, then nearly floated out his bedroom door.
* * *

Well, can't nail them all with perfection, right? For some readable romance writing, be sure to visit RFW #29 here and browse the links. And perhaps you'll be inspired to post your own 400 word romance themed New Years Resolutions excerpt. You don't have to join the club to post or be eligible for the coveted RFW featured writer.

Challenge #30: Learning To Dance, Jan 27

As always, this excerpt is open to any and all feedback/critique. Be warned this is an original writing specific to the RFW theme, and may not be developed further.

Have a good weekend ya'll.

UPGRADES

2012-01-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 10, 2011

Believe me when I say "forced changes" I mean arm twisting, kicking and screaming, two year old tantrum type. No, I'm not embarrassed about the fit. Still some foot stomping going on here . .

You know my netbook has been giving me troubles since November? Well, I finally broke down and bought the back-up discs, saved what I could of my documents, and wiped the little sucker. I lost a few games I'll have to buy again, but in the long run, it was the right thing to do. Except . .

Wiping and reinstalling didn't fix the problem with the internet. So I returned to Best Buy and was told it was defective and would be sent out for repair or replacement. Take about 3 weeks. THREE WEEKS! My writing/blogging life is OVER . .

Nah; just time for major changes.

My son also wiped the desktop computer out there in the spare room - the one that is supposed to be my office. The Bug had bogged down with some crazy toolbars and weird crap before we kicked him off it (and built him his own computer in his room). The Son also installed Windows 7, totally without my consent. I can't imagine what's wrong with XP. I'm used to it. He left me Internet Explorer (I would have killed him if he only installed Modzilla and he knows it), but now it's been updated from IE8 to 10. More changes to get used to.

I'm dealing with all this pretty well for someone with a head cold who can't even consol herself with a glass of wine cuz it makes my head worse. Not to mention I've been relegated to practically Siberia; no TV, no comfy easy chair, cold, uncarpeted tile floor. Did I mention no wine?

The final blow? Microsoft works 8.5. Yep, that's the program I've used for the last about 8 years. I've ignored all the complaints from crit partners to upgrade to Word, or any other newer program. But when I loaded up my disc that came with one computer or another, it advised it was a SE version, and if I wanted to PURCHASE the software, I wouldn't have to put up with all the internet advertising in the side bar of all my documents. My heart hit a thud. This was a brand new, unopened disc!

Then I received some feedback on a short story, and I couldn't read the all important comments with the works program. So, I uninstalled it, and downloaded a free 60 day trial version of Word 2010. That should hold me til my tax refund comes back and I can purchase the actual program. For both computers, when I get my netbook back. Bright, shiny, new. Its still under warranty, so it shouldn't cost me my entire tax refund to get it back. Those hidden fees can sneak up on ya though.

So, 2012 is kicking my butt into the 21st century. And moving me into my "office".

It cleaned up pretty nice, and I have my books unpacked - well, at least the boxes that were stacked in the room. It needs some carpet, a coat of paint, some pictures. A TV (I need the white noise). I've even given thought to putting my Eliptical machine out here for exercise breaks. Uh huh. The bed isn't for me to sleep in if I do get on that damned machine; this room serves as a guest room too. Its too long and narrow to be practical (8'w x 15'l), but its now mine. Only took me five months to move in. Whatcha' think? (Oh, its not that dark in here; my cell phone hasn't been upgraded and I had to take the pic's with it.)

The plus side? Besides my own personal space:
- went from a 10" screen to 22 inches. Wow, you guys look bigger now and take less time to load
- went from a mini-mini key board to full size
- I can read and crit anything you send me for beta reading/crits; and can get better feedback myself
- I can LOL at you without explaining myself
- no crying cat
- speakers, two of them; Stereo

My Son happened to download all his awesome music when he was moving my stuff off his portable hard drive and onto this desk top. I've been listening to Apocalyptica all day (yesterday, I guess). All I needed was a glass or two of wine and I'd be so content.

So tell me, what changes or surprises has 2012 brought to you so far . .

INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP (4)

2012-01-04T02:01:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Oh, this is the first Wednesday of the month and time for the Insecure Writers Support Group? Hmmm. Have you ever been a day behind?

Yeah, I mentioned this over the weekend; but it was a long weekend.

I didn't put my trash out yesterday cuz I forgot it was Tuesday; first work day of the week is Monday, right? And is it really 2012? Are you sure? The last date I wrote at the day job was 2011.

So what does all that have to do with supporting writers? Probably nothing. Except, we all get a bit fuddled about where/when we are when we spend an extended time in our own worlds. You do, don't you?

I've just enjoyed two four day weekends from the day job, and prior to that, I had 11 days off over Thanksgiving. Usually I'm antsy with too much time off my "real" life, but not this time. I pretty much pushed away from the internet, opened some languishing short stories, and immersed myself. Coming up for a reality check was not an option.

The Bug went to his dad's. The one older kid left in the house has income so I ignored his stomach. I was in a zone, and loving it. I polished up three short stories over the last two weeks, got critiques back on two, and SUBMITTED them to three separate publications: Short Story America, Variations on a Theme (Literary Lab) and An Honest Lie Vol 4, Petulant Parables. I'm not sure AHL4 was ready to submit as I'm still waiting on some feedback; but ya know how it is when you're on a roll. Or, ego trip.

My goal for this year, 2012, is to have four (4) short story publications. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all three of these were accepted? Then I'd only have to write/edit/revise/polish one story over the next few months for publication. Hey, nothing wrong with recycling some old story concepts, right? Milo and his Write1Sub1 crowd would approve I'm sure.

My encouragement for insecure writers this month is "just do it." Take a risk; either with a flash fiction, short story, novella, or novel; pull the thing out of moth balls, and send it to the place that is making you the most nervous. Is it to critiquer's for some feedback? Or an agent/publisher you've been cultivating?

Now, I realize my optimism right now is the product of a contact high. I've had two successful short story publications in two years; and I've just sent three more out into the bad old world of traditional publishing after receiving some critical and encouraging feedback.

Notice I use Critical and Encouraging in the same sentence. Feedback makes me a better writer. I doubt I would have my two publications without the help of my ftf writers group, and the various online crit partners that have taken the risk and given honest feedback.

And I also use the dreaded "traditional" publishing. You know; query an agent/editor/publisher and hope they publish your current favorite work. Yeah, I'm that kind of egoist that needs the establishment seal of approval. And I'm pretty sure two of the three submissions I've just sent out will be rejected; the other is iffy b/c I didn't meet word count, and may have missed a point in the overall theme.

But, I took the risk, and I'm optimistic. I know; not a usual attitude for me. I'm more of a "the glass is half empty" type. (Especially if it's wine, as I'm sure I drank the top half when no one was looking.) Its a new year, perhaps the Last year; so maybe its time to let all those old fears slough off. Embrace the new adventure that is 2012; whatever that means to you and your writing.

PS to all my inde-pubbed friends: Not knocking the concept. I know a lot of highly successful authors that have skipped the traditional methods and it was totally the best decision they could have made. They took the risk, and it paid off. Proving that "it can happen" (Angels In The Outfield)

I'm just excited that I got motivated enough to pull something out of mothballs (and in one instance create something totally new) and decide to attempt a dream come true. What about you; what are you taking a risk on this year?

Below is a video of the song "I Ain't Happy" better know as Clint Eastwood. You may not think this fits my optimism theme for ISW, but it really does. The song is about acceptance; about being satisfied with where you're at in life. So what if I get rejected; its so much better than sitting with my thumb up my bum out of fear. And what better band to depict the dream concept than a "virtual" band that doesn't exist and has never appeared in person anywhere. Read about the Gorillaz here if you're interested in how nothing can become something.

And read other ISW group contributors by clicking on the links here. Thanks Alex for hosting the site.

INTERVIEW WITH DAVIN MALASARN and a GIVE AWAY

2012-01-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

January 2, 2012

Today I have the pleasure of hosting Davin/Domey Malasarn, co-host and founder of The Literary Lab, and author of the short story collection Wild Grass and Other Stories. Davin's short stories and flash fiction have earned multiple awards, including two Pushcart Prize nominations and the PEN Center USA Emerging Voices Fellowship.

Davin has also agreed to give one lucky commenter a FREE copy of his short story collection. No strings attached; no forms to fill out or blogs to follow, just leave a comment with your e-mail address and you are entered for the give away.

I’m a bit confused about what name to call you. I remember you changing your writing name from Davin to Domey after you obtained your Doctorate, in order to mesh your writing/professional personae’s. Yet you recently published your Wild Grass collection under Davin. Can you elaborate on the name change incentive, and who you’d prefer your readers/fans to address their comments?

In Thai culture, everyone has a real name and a familiar name that your intimate friends call you. My real name is Davin Rosario Hufflepuff Malasarn (minus the two middle names) and my familar name is Domey. At one point, when I was blogging under the name Davin and applying for jobs as a scientist, I got worried that, if any potential employers searched for me in the internet, all they would find were fiction references.

So, as a safety I changed my profile name to Domey. It still felt like me since so many people in my personal life call me by that name and I was getting to the point where I was starting to feel that same level of closeness with some people online. Very shortly afterwards, though, I got a job working as a writer and left my research lab life. I felt comfortable again with using Davin. I was proud of my collection, and I wanted to publish it under my real name.

As for what to call me, what usually seems to happen is that people prefer one name over another. I answer to both. Just don't call me Peanut Butter. I hate it when people call me Peanut Butter.

Yet you named the dog Peanut; and I'm sure there has to be a story behind that. I promise not to make any jokes about the Hufflepuff name either :) About that professional degree; wow, a doctorate takes a lot of years of dedication. What is your field of study? What career do you hope to obtain - or are in now professionally - and how does that relate/conflict with your writing?

I got my degrees in biochemistry and biology, always studying organisms like bacteria and algae--little specks that can only be seen under a microscope. A lot of people call these things primitive, but they can be quite sophisticated. (Or am I just a nerd?) What I'm fascinated by is how big of an impact they have on the environment. People always ask me if I've cured cancer yet. No, I haven't.

I pursued science because I was interested in seeking out some sort of truth. I wanted answers. I thought I would become a professor and run my own lab, but over time my enthusiasm for that career path waned. Last year, when I finally admitted to myself that I needed a change, I felt really lost for several months. I didn't know what I wanted to do, and I didn't know if my very narrow focus area would qualify me for any other type of job. On a whim I looked into becoming a scientific writer. I met with the man who would become my boss, and, after a short interview, he gave me a job. That was in April, and I'm still doing it now. I love it!

Science and writing--fictional writing--fit hand in hand quite well. The science made me a more organized writer, and the writing made me a more creative scientist. Both science and writing also depend a lot on logic, clarity, and explanations, so my education has helped me develop those skills. I know it's not entirely accurate to say that fiction writing is honest writing. But to me it often feels that way, and science has taught me how to be honest.

Well said Davin. I love your enthusiasm for writing. Which reminds me, while you were getting your degree, you were also editor of a prestigious e-zine. Can you talk about your involvement with Smoke Long Quarterly, and how you became an editor?

I owe a lot to SmokeLong Quarterly. Before I ever really knew what I was doing, I posted a story called "God In Frogs," which is in the collection, up on an online review site called Zoetrope. Without my knowing, a woman named Kathy Fish (an editor at SmokeLong at the time) saw my story and started telling other people about it. I was shocked to see that it was the third highest rated story on the site after that first month. So, Kathy helped me to become visible.

When I posted my story "I'm Waiting For My Dogs To Die," also in the collection, SmokeLong asked me if they could publish it. I was hesitant because I was worried the piece wasn't good enough. It felt too personal and rough. But they assured me that it had heart. So, they took it, and at the end of that year, they nominated the story for a Pushcart Prize.

Later, the founding editor, Dave Clapper asked me if I would join the staff. I did that for a couple of years, but eventually had to back out because I just didn't have enough time for it. The SmokeLong Group is amazing though. They really have a good thing going there. And, I often include some line about fish in my stories in honor of Kathy.

Waiting For My Dogs To Die was one of the most moving stories in the collection. Alright, how about an easy question to start us on the writing portion of this interview. Are you a plotter or a pantster?

Pantster. I've tried to start with a plot or a story, but whenever I do that I lose interest fast. I have to explore randomly as I write. I have to just get the mess down on a page before I can clearly see the fullness of my original inspiration. The only thing that has changed recently, though, is that I revise more as I go along. Maybe that's bad. I'm not sure yet.

Now, the Wild Grass short story collection is not your first fiction publication. What other stories have you published and where can they be bought/read?

I put together Wild Grass so that I could compile all of the stories that I thought were strong. I've heard from a bunch of people that my individual short pieces were too short, so I figured this way people could get more of my writing at once if they were interested. I do have short stories published here and there that people can read, though. A couple of my online pieces can be found at SmokeLong Quarterly and Ekleksographia.

I'm going to interupt this interview for a moment to post my own review, of Wild Grass and hope it encourages you to leave a comment to be entered into the give away:

The most appealing aspect to these stories is the strong voice. Or should I say perspective. The first person POV was so clear and vivid in Sacred Bodies and Shattered that I was sure these had to be personal stories that the athor was sharing. However, the voice is as strong in Obaachan (a female Japanese-American), Waiting For My Dogs To Die (an older, married American man), Moon Boys (a fourteen year old boy), and A Boy In The Sky (age three or four). Even the two 2nd person writings pulled me in, as if I wasn't just peeking into the character's head, but actually living inside their skin. And the 3rd person POV stories were so close they may as well be written in 1st. This just shows how vivid, how realistic the author voice is.

All the stories were about life; sometimes its unfair, sometimes it passes you by, sometimes its so tragic you ache with jealousy and longing. Even the couple stories that had endings that could be considered "complete" left room for reader interpretation on the specific meaning. My favorite, Red Man, Blue Man has such an interpretive ending. I like short stories that show a moment, or an emotional theme, as a glimpse in the character's life without drawing any conclusions about the events. These story make me think about life in general, leaving me to contemplate what the true meaning could be for me.

Because of the contemplation factor, I did not read the collection in one sitting. Some of the stories were so moving I did not want to go directly into another setting, another character. I needed time to mull over the story, let its implications wash through my soul.

I have read this anthology a few times over the last couple months. I'll be sitting around, thinking of nothing (or maybe what's for dinner) and a line from one of the stories will flash through my thoughts; or perhaps I'll be out somewhere and see someone or smell something that reminds me of one of the stories/characters, and before I know it, I'm picking up the Kindle and browsing through to find the one that keeps tickling my brain. And of course, I can't read just one, now that I've finished all 17 . .

Yep, definitely an anthology to be read with a glass of wine and lots of time for contemplation. I would give this collection more than 5 stars, but that option isn't available yet.

Ok, I know all my readers are anxious to know; how did Wild Grass come about? Would you tell us about your publication process; how you came up with the Title; what is the overall theme of the publication; how you determined which stories to include (are all your short stories included; and do you have projects you didn’t feel fit the theme?)

Sometimes I wonder if I made two dumb mistakes when I decided to publish my collection. Calling the book Wild Grass might be one of those mistakes. I mean, grass? Of all the things I could have come up with, was grass really the most exciting one? But when I sat there with my collection in front of me, thinking of which story best represented me and what cover image I wanted to use, that story was the one that kept surfacing.

I have a strong emotional attachment to it because it was inspired by my grandmother and because it was a story that taught me a lot. It was the first time I felt successful in describing the supernatural. It was the first story I wrote that had an ending that truly satisfied me. And it was the first time I listened to myself: many of my friends told me the piece didn't work, but I submitted it to literary journals anyway and, as a result, I got paid for my writing for the first time in my life. (So, always listen to your gut!)

To go back to how it started, I actually had been thinking of self publishing for a very long time. That was why I started the Literary Lab blog. Then, I was bombarded by people telling me that self publishing equaled death. So I was paralyzed for a few years, afraid to make the wrong move while also not wanting to follow traditional routes.

Finally, I took the leap, thanks to some fellow writers who really inspired me, like F. P. Adriani and Michelle Davidson Argyle. I knew self-publishing wasn't perfect, but I admired the people who did it. I wanted to be among their ranks.

These aren't all of my stories. I wanted to put together a collection that displayed my work from different angles without being redundant. I wanted to take my readers around the world.

(By the way, the other mistake I may have made was using "The Burning Girl" as the first story. I wonder if it's too inaccessible for people. It's the story of a mysterious experience, but I think the mystery might be too frustrating for some people's taste.)

I don't consider anything about the Wild Grass collection, since it is one of my favorite short story books. The stories for Wild Grass are scattered across the globe. How extensively have you traveled, and has any of your own personal experiences with other cultures influenced your writings?

In the end, the thing I am always trying to do is get to the bottom of what it means to be an emotional being, human or otherwise. That is the truth I'm always seeking. I want to know why we feel. I go about trying to understand that by looking around the world and identifying what's different and what's the same. I've been very lucky in that I've gotten to travel a lot.

My parents are from Thailand, and so I spent a lot of time staying with my farming relatives there. I took a long trip exploring mineral mines and the Amazon in Brazil while I was in graduate school. I lived in Paris for six months as part of a research fellowship. I've also taken a lot of other vacations. In all of those places I saw happiness and sadness, and I love that sense of being just one small part of a much bigger world. I try to capture that as best I can.

I honestly believe you did all you set out to do Davin. These are not the sentiments of your average scientist; but my social worker heart applauds your search.

As a long time follower of The Literary Lab, I know you are involved in the writing of a novel of epic proportions. Can you tell us about the novel’s origins, influences, and your writing process?

My first attempt at a novel resulted in this strange story about a nudist, a traffic jam, and a magic swimming pool. My second attempt was a love story that involved a barber and a witch. My third novel, Rooster, was definitely the first book I wrote that ever got to a presentable state. It was based loosely on my father and uncle and their relationship in Thailand. That thing took me over eight years to finish, and, really, by the time I was done I realized I was a better writer than the book showed. Still, I let some people read it, and I shopped it around. In the end, I didn't publish it, and for the most part I'm glad I didn't. There are some sections in it I really like, but it's not ready yet.

Rooster came about because I equated writing about "me" to writing about Thai culture. I know better now, and my current project feels more multidimensional. It's based on a woman who can live forever. It may sound totally bizarre, but I think what makes it work is that it's still about me, even though I'm not a woman who can live forever. Yet.

Well, you're the scientist, you'd know things about living forever, if not as a woman. Yet (lol). I've mentioned the Literary Lab blog several times, as it is a large part of you personae as an author, and how I "met" you. I'm curious about how you met your blog partners? What chemistry do you feel has kept you three together for so long.

Michelle Davidson Argyle (Lady Glamis) was and is so good about finding other writers on the internet. When I started Literary Lab, I think she must have been one of my first commentors, if not THE first. I went to her blog, The Innocent Flower, and really liked what she had to say. (I still remember the first post I read of hers; it was about purple prose.) Then, I read one of her short stories and also admired her writing. We slowly became friends, and since I always love being part of a team, I finally came out and asked her if she would want to be part of a collaboration. I'm sure I had some roundabout way of asking her, since I was worried she'd say no. But she agreed, and that's how it got started.

As for Scott GF Bailey (Six Words for a Hat), I think what won me over was his Latin. He doesn't do it so much anymore, but he used to include a lot of Latin in his posts...stuff I never managed to decipher. I also admired how strong his writing was and how passionate he was about literature. So I asked him too, after Michelle said yes.

I guess I had a sense that the three of us would get along. We're all passionate about writing. We're passionate about classical writing. At the same time we're different enough to keep things interesting. I don't think Scott will ever want to self-publish for example. Michelle has a really broad range of what she likes to write. We all approach stories differently without stepping on each others' toes. I think that's important.

Not long ago I saw read on of the Lab posts that wondered if the blog was still worth maintaining. How successful do you feel The Literary Lab blog has been, and where do you see the future of the blog?

When I started the blog, I decided I would mark its success by how many people visited it and found the content useful. That goal was probably useful to me in the beginning because people did start to notice the blog. My definition of success has definitely evolved, though. Now what I appreciate are the long discussions and debates that sometimes go on there. I love it when people post excerpts of their own writing to make a point. And, occasionally, there are these long and random comment threads where everyone is acting zany, and that always makes my day.

For me, now, the future of the blog is hazy. I think the audience has matured a lot, and for the most part people aren't looking to learn how to write anymore. They know that. They can do that. We've all grown together. When I post now, I just try to be sincere, supportive, and interesting. That's ambiguous, I know, and I think Scott's okay with the am biguity along with me.

Here's what Michelle has to say: For me, personally, The Literary Lab has been an important part of my career because it's a place that allows me to explore and love my literary side in a place where other people love literary fiction, as well. As for the future, I'd like to see us keep up the anthologies and posts - even if they slow down a bit. I want the Lit Lab to always be a place where those who love literary fiction can hang out and learn and discuss. You don't see a lot of that in the kind of atmosphere we've created. To me, that's a huge success!

A final question Domey: How do you juggle it all, and when exactly do you sleep?
Ha! Well, I'm pretty good about sleeping. It's the social life that I tend to neglect. That's why I need a puppy.

Donna, you're awesome, and thank you very much for interviewing me and taking the time to read my book. I really appreciate it!

Thanks Davin, for stopping by and sharing your insights, writing processes, and humor with us today. The pleasure has been all mine.

And don't forget Readers, to leave a comment and your e-mail if you like to be entered in the give away.

RFW: TIES THAT BIND

2011-12-30T00:10:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 30, 2011

This is not only the last post for me of the year, it is the last post for the Romantic Friday Writers club. When I joined RFW, I didn't expect it to become a regular writing prompt. More of an experiment to see if I could write in true romance. I pat myself on the back for these short fiction pieces; but I doubt I could sustain the romantic feel through a full novel length story. Its been fun stretching my writing comfort zone, and I've met some fantastic writers through the club

If you're ever in the mood for a writing adventure, or in need of a prompt to kick start your muse, pop over and view what the next/current challenge is and post your theme base romance excerpt. You don't have to join to post, and it doesn't have to be a new writing; it could be something languishing in your shelved pile, or something you're so pleased with in a current WIP you want to share.

Challenge #28 is titled Ties That Bind, and the link will be open from 12/28 thru 1/3/12 (Ozzie time; which makes it about 1/1 US/Canada time). The challenge is to write a flash fiction pieces in 400 words or less that follows the theme of ties that bind, but must also have an overall romance feel. Post your excerpt to your blog, then link the post directly here.

My excerpt is 381 words, and titled Blood Bond
* * *
They were 12 years old when Justin and Jayna exchanged blood vows the first time.

Jayna was the brave one, slicing the thick flesh below their thumbs. Justin tied their wrists together with a silk ribbon, and said an arcane ritual as they clasped bloody palms. Jayna wasn’t sure if the tingling all through her skin was the result of the words, or the kiss they shared to seal the bond. Her first kiss.

Justin and his peculiar family moved within two years of their ritual. He reminded her of a miniature Dracula in training; except he ate school lunches and snacks the same as she. A pale, anemic boy with long, slick black hair and dark brooding eyes, he’d admitted he was adopted, and had never lived in any one place for more than three years. He had tales of exotic places in romanticized country estates.

Jayna was kissed by other boys in the years after Justin moved away. But none made her skin tingle, or her heart pound just so, or made her dream of far away places and simple adventures.

Justin sent her letters she occasionally answered over the years. They were full of new adventures by the sea, or in remote mountain lodges, or cities both small and large. Jayna kept the letters in a cedar wood chest, and read them often when she felt lonely or out of place. He signed every one with X’s and O’s, and she took guilty pleasure that he never mentioned a girlfriend.

Jayna was in her third year of college when New Years Eve when she realized the magic had left her life when the letters stopped. The sun had sunk into the sea, the moon a glimmering silhouette on a Cancun sea, and she whispered his name in aching memory.

Justin left no footprints in the sand as he appeared behind her.

“Finally,” she heard him say, so soft she thought at first it was only in her mind.

Taller, older, paler than she’d last seen him; she instantly felt the tingling when he tied the ribbon around her wrist and bent to kiss her. No words passed his lips as his smile revealed gleaming white fangs, and it was Justin who braved the first bite of their bonding.
* * *
As always, this is an original writing and is open to any and all critique. Be warned that it is written specifically for RFW and unlikely be developed further.

Challenge #29 will open 1/13 and the theme is New Year's Resolutions

TECH, Tech, tech

2011-12-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

My netbook and I aren't getting along. I think it hates me

I can't always post a comment on the blogs I read, or send an e-mail without editing several drafts

It's alright though; I have a techy cure. I'm gonna wipe that piece of sh... with a backup disc. This sucker's goin' down

Stick around; I know people. I got access to superpowers (3 geek sons) . .

Be warned Google everything. I will be here for RFW's Ties That Bind on 12/30; and on Jan 2 I'll be hosting an awesome interview with Literary Lab's founder Davin Malasarn (don't forget the third anthology Variations on a theme submissions close 12/31); and I'm posting my encouragement for Alex Cavanaugh's monthly Insecure Writers Support Group on Wednesday, Jan 4. Well, the encouragment message is totally interpretive; I'm in a mood, you understand . .

ADVENT GHOSTS

2011-12-24T19:51:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas everyone.

Every year on Christmas Eve, Loren Eaton hosts the Advent Ghost:

" . .a kind of virtual huddle around the Christmas Eve hearth, and we'd like you to join us. The details? Here they are:

1.) If you want to contribute, email ISawLightningFall [at] gmail [dot] com.
2.) Write a spooky piece of flash fiction exactly 100-words long -- no more, no less. Note that you don't have to write a ghost story, per se. Any genre is fine, but your final result should aim to raise gooseflesh on the back of the reader's neck.
3.) Post your story to your blog on December 24th and email the link to me. Hosting can be arranged for those who don't have their own blogs."

Oops, I sorta forgot today is Christmas Eve. Here's my late entry:
* * *

The twinkling of colored lights beckoned the company through the dense foliage. Blue and green, red and yellow; they flashed distracting images on the night vision goggles.

“Damn,” Sergeant Nicholas mouthed as he tore off the goggles and tucked them in a deep pocket on his thigh.

Corporal Rudy grinned and aimed the infra-red light at the garishly lit house, then counted off five warm bodies all snug in their beds. Sarg Nick nodded and waived the other eight conspirators forward.

They dug in the loot bag for gas masks, adjusting straps as they crept towards the long nights work.

* * *
Loren Eaton is hosting the list with all the Advent Ghost participants on his blog. Check them out, if you're not afraid of a Christmas ghost . .

As always at this time of year, my heart goes out to those unable to be home with their loved ones.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 21, 2011 and into the new year

I think I've already checked out of the blogs for the holidays. I have no posts, except this one, and I've debated not posting it. Not really in the holiday spirit. I've got some writing projects I want to finish before the year ends so I'm visiting sporatically and not thinking of a post of my own. So I'll post this, and go off on my blog holiday, and hope everyone has exciting end of year celebrations, happy times with friends and family, and all the joy and love expected of this season.
I'm an agnostic. I neither believe nor disbelieve in a one God or one true religion. I believe in spirituality; Karma, if you will. I believe that if I am a good person, and treat my fellow man how I would wish to be treated by them (regardless of their treatment of me) then I've accomplished my purpose in this life.

I don't know what the after-life holds for me, or even if it exists. I know only how I love my family and friends today, in this life. I do the best I can. Questions of my soul's worth, and if there is a Heaven and/or Hell, will have to wait until I've completed this journey.

I also do not pray to the god Capitalism. I don't spend money in December that I don't have just cuz its Christmas season. I buy my kids gifts whenever they tell me they need/want something. I don't tell them "I'm sorry, your birthday has passed, and you have 10 months to Christmas before I can buy you another gift." If my finances can accomodate their "I want" then the object is purchased. (I treat my friends and family the same, buying gifts because it pleases me not b/c I'm ordered to.)

As horrible as it sounds, December is just another month for me. But I sure love the New Year, and all the good feelings a new beginning entails.

For those of you who treasure this holiday: Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Bless you all for sharing this blogger experience with me for the last year. Here's hoping for another year of Friendship, networking, and occasional bumps in the blogverse . .

(Please take my sense of humor in the spirit of frivolity it is meant.)

Have a happy holiday everyone. I'll be back on Christmas Eve to post for Loren Eaton's shared story concept Advent Ghost :
1.) If you want to contribute, email ISawLightningFall [at] gmail [dot] com. (this is sorta the linky to say I'll join the fun.)

2.) Write a spooky piece of flash fiction exactly 100-words long -- no more, no less. Note that you don't have to write a ghost story, per se. Any genre is fine, but your final result should aim to raise gooseflesh on the back of the reader's neck.
3.) Post your story to your blog on December 24th and email the link to me. Hosting can be arranged for those who don't have their own blogs.

. . and on December 30 for Romantic Friday Writer's theme Ties That Bind.

Please join me in posting for either or both . .

Other than those - see ya'll in 2012.

JULIE DAO's 400 Giveaway

2011-12-19T22:27:00.000-08:00

Monday, December 19, 2011

Just popping in to announce an awesome book giveaway at Julie Dao's blog. OMG if you're into YA and time travel, or romance and travel, or any other time travel, you'll flip for any one or more of her several books up gor grabs between now and Jan 8.

Go check it out here.

DeJa Vu Blogfest

2011-12-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 16, 2011

I had about four re-posts I wanted to put up for DL Hammons Déjà vu blogfest, but finally settled on this one from May 2010 - mostly because the video was as empowering to me when I reviewed the post as it was on the date I crafted it.

As usual, this post is a bit long, so I'm not posting all the blogfest rules and criteria. You can read them here if you don't already know them, and can sign up on the linky if it sounds interesting to you.

This was not on the original post, but I’ve broken the video down into three segments by the minutes: 0-5:50 of fear of success/greatest work behind me; 5:50 - 10:13 where does creativity come from/disembodied genius; and the last on showing up with your muse. Perhaps one or more of those sections will appeal to you if you do not have the time to watch the whole video. I also cleaned it up a little and took out a few lines to shorten it (just a bit).

* * *
Originally titled: ON SHOWING UP
Thursday, May 13, 2010

The other day I was visiting Christine H (The Writers Hole), who shared this video by Elizabeth Gilbert, best selling author of Eat, Pray, Love. Don't be daunted by the length of the video. Sit down, relax, and be prepared to be validated and inspired. If you don't have the time to watch the whole vid, scroll down to my own notes.

Yes; I’m afraid success, and failure, and that the one novel concept is all I have in me. Sometimes the fear of one time success is more intimidating than the fear of absolute failure. My family has such high hopes that as soon as I sell the first novel, I’ll be able to quit my day job and write for a living, and soon be a millionaire because of it.

Elizabeth's hecklers may have a point about creativity and suffering being ultimately linked. Alcoholism and addiction seem synonymous with success, and the fear of never living up to the last work of art.

I worry constantly that if my trilogy, which I've devoted so much of my soul to, ever sells, it will be the only viable work I'll ever produce. Suppose at some point I have to come to terms with the concept "my greatest success is behind me."

Elizabeth says to get over that intimidating thought construct she had to "Create a distance between me and my expectations of my writing since that freakish success." Her way of doing that was to come up with a new way of thinking about creativity, and that search led her to Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. Back then, people did not "believe creativity came from human beings...creativity was a devine attendant spirit that came to human beings from some distant and unknowable source."

To paraphrase:

Greeks: Socraties believed he had a Daemon, who spoke wisdom to him from afar.

Romans: Genius - didn’t think they (the Daemon's) were clever; but magical, divine entity living in the walls like Dobby the house elf. Artists are protected from narcissism if successful, and not your fault if you fail. During the renaissance, this idea changed, and the creative process was returned to the individual. The pressure of being a genius instead of channeling genius was too immense, and has been killing off creativity ever since.

The question becomes how to relate to our muses without losing our minds; knowing that if we don’t write it down immediately we will lose the thought, and it will seek out another writer more ready to act on the creativity. Sometimes, the muse does not show up at an opportune moment, and “we fall into a pit of dispair” and you have to tell this entity essentially: I did my part, the best I can, now its your turn to show up and do your part.

So much of her speech was empowering to me, but what I took away to use in my own writer's slump is:

(paraphrased) If you imagine that the most extraordinary aspects of your being did not come from you, but were on loan through you, it changes how you feel about your writing. And: "Don’t be afraid, don’t be daunted. Just do your job, continue to show up for your piece of it. "

"Ole to you for having the sheer human love and stubbornness to keep showing up."

After writing this, and letting it sit a couple days, I stumbled upon Terry Towry's post regarding his renewed interest in his current WIP, and I thought his musings clearly reflected the message Elizabeth Gilbert was trying to impart. He says of his finished first novel: “while I'm fairly proud of how it turned out, there was not one moment during the actual writing period that I considered fun.” A sentiment I can totally get on board with for my own first novel.

Terry confesses that a few days ago he opened his novel again, and suddenly found a new love for the writing. He doesn’t state a reason for the change of heart, but I’m going to offer my own revelation, and maybe it will fit his also. Perhaps like me, he is afflicted with a Daemon instead of a genius. Or maybe putting a little emotional distance from the work and getting constructive feedback from the writer community was exactly what his muse ordered.

Roni over at Fiction Groupie also reports on the fickleness of her muse. He shows up on his own time, stays however long he feels, and disappears without so much as a next time appointment. Apparently in the last week, however, he’s been rather chatty, and once he kicked Internal Editor’s a$$ out of the way, she’s managed to add a phenomenal 12k words to her current WIP.

I wonder if I’ve hit that mark in the last 6 months?

How about you; are you happy with your progress? Do you blame your muse for not showing up for his/her part when the writing is difficult?

TRIFECTA at AHL

2011-12-14T13:09:00.000-08:00

December 14, 2011

Imagine my surprise when I logged onto Open Heart Publishing's Jr Editor's site and discovered a "blue light special" on all volumes of An Honest Lie. The e-book versions. *face palm* I didn't even know the e-books were available.

Here's the details:

"All E-books are only $3.00 each, but if you desire to purchase the “Trifecta” (all three e-books) from your author’s voting portal, that author earns 250 points towards the goal of winning the contest. Think about Christmas gifts!"

Here is the sales link for you!

Or - if you really want to show me some lurve, purchase your individual volumes, or the Trifecta, at my personal voting/purchasing portal link here.

Because I have a story published in Vol 3, Justifiable Hypocrisy, I don't feel comfortable in writing a review. However, I did write reviews for Vol 1 and Vol 2; and you will find the same high quality of interesting, chilling, humorous, and fantastical story concepts as in the first two. Perhaps reading the stories in the three differently themed An Honest Lie Volumes will give you inspiration to submit to Vol 4, Petulant Parable.

And don't forget DL Hammons Deja Vu blogfest on Friday. If you haven't signed up yet, there is still time to comb through your old posts and give a well loved topic another shot at exposure.

A DEAD GOD, INDE CHICK’S, and GHOST WRITER

2011-12-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 12, 2011

As the end of the year nears, I’m trying to catch up on some neglected reading. The three e-books I am reviewing below are from differing genre’s, but all have one quality in common: excellent storytelling. Bear with me while I try to do justice to the reviews.

First is Rusty Webb’s novelette A Dead God’s Wrath. The genre is a bit difficult to pin down - not sure if you’d call it a western due to the turn of the century setting, or a historical mystery, or perhaps steam punk.

The setting is beautifully woven into the narrative, and I infer early 1900 era by several vivid descriptions: “the new, yet already obsolete gas lights, “the once muddy ground was expertly paved with cobblestone”, police instead of lawmen, “waves of progress”. The unfolding mystery is as expertly drawn as the setting.

Thomas “Tom” O’Brien, our MC, is a simple man who owns a small business in town with his partner Nathaniel. One night the O’Malley brothers - the local loan sharks - arrive at Tom’s house with Nate and his wife in towe. They force Nate to confess he has borrowed money against the business, and as a object lesson to Thomas, the brothers kill Nate and kidnap Tom’s lady love, Mary, to assure he returns with the repayment money by dawn.

“Recall what I asked you to do should something horrible happen?” Mary reminds out reluctant hero just before she is carted off.

And thus starts Thomas’ adventure. As the story progresses, he meets a mystery man Charles- a colored man with facial scars that tell their own tale - who uses strange gadgets to guide Thomas through the paths he must undertake to barter the release of his lady love.

With each paragraph, a bit more of the mystery is filled in, until finally Thomas must come to his own decisions about the past the Mary and Charles has shared, the true reasoning for the murder and kidnapping, and what he will choose to believe about his own future.

I wouldn’t consider this novelette action packed, nor would I call it a sweet tale of innocence lost. But to say the mixture isn't a perfect blend of both action/naivete might be an understatement. No matter the usual genre you read in, if you like short stories that draw you into a world and leave you breathless for the next scene, then you’ll definitely love A Dead God’s Wrath. It is just different enough to satisfy any reader’s interest.

A note on the artwork: Rusty includes a number of his sketches of the characters and the setting as a bonus at the end of this novelette. He is also the artist for the cover of A Dead God’s Wrath. If you stop by his blog to visit, please encourage him to continue to develop his artwork, and to include it in his writings.

Purchasing link

About the author: Aspiring author with a closet full of manuscripts that will most likely never go anywhere. Here's to dreams!
* * *

I don’t think I can write a review for Indie Chicks that is more compelling than the product description:

This exciting anthology contains stories from twenty-five women from different parts of the world. Their ages differ, as do their backgrounds and locations, but one thing they all have in common is a spirit of independence and a determination to not only succeed, but prevail. Whether their struggles are to maintain balance between motherhood and career, escape from an abusive relationship, or to step out in faith and pursue a dream, all of these women have forged their own path.

As women, one of our most powerful "gifts" is the ability to encourage one another. This book is an effort to encourage women across the world. These twenty-five women share stories that will make you laugh, inspire you, and maybe even make you cry. Their hope is that these stories will inspire YOUR independent spirit and allow you to live the life you were meant to live.

In addition, each woman has included a “sneak peek” into one of her own novels.

All proceeds from this book will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation which fights breast cancer - a disease all too close to home for many of us. Our prayers and best wishes are with those who are struggling with this terrible and devastating disease. Buy a book for yourself and “gift” one to the important women in your life. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you for your support.

I’m not entirely sure what I expected when I opened this e-book. Tear-jerker type personal stories of the author’s journey towards publication, and excerpts from memoir’s and girl-power oriented novels. Neither are exactly my style.

I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of uplifting testimonials (barely a tear shed, though I assure you all tears were appropriate) and stories of strength and commitment to the fine art of writing. These women amazed me, not only with their writing journeys, but also with their choice of excerpts.

The genre’s encompass romance (including paranormal), contemporary fiction, fantasy, historical, mystery, suspense, and YA. I’m not going to tell you I read every excerpt - and I’m not talking a few paragraphs or a chapter for an excerpt; these excerpts are anywhere from three to six chapters). Some of the genre’s did not appeal to me as a reader. Not due to the quality of writing; these are all awesome writers who know how to craft a well developed, well written story concept. If you are a consistent reader/writer, then you know that not all stories appeal to all readers, regardless of the Author’s writing skills.

Several of the excerpts left me “high and dry”; gasping for breath as I turned the page and - there was no more. After a few of those cliffhanger experiences, I had to STOP myself from reading through several of the longer offerings so that I didn’t feel I’d already read the novel - regardless of where it ended. (I had to close my eyes sometimes to NOT read on as I thumbed to the next Chick.)

I skimmed through many of the actual excerpts to get to the author introductions - getting sidetracked frequently by the engaging published works. I can honestly say I’ve found myself at least ten new authors to indulge in at my leisure. And, I don’t have to put them on a TBR list. They are all right there, in my Kindle, in this handy compilation, waiting for me browse not only the stories and author bio’s, but complete with links to the actual novels. Need I say I’m in reader heaven . .

This was a marvelous concept. These Indie Chicks are all successful not only in their personal lives, but also with their writing careers. They all put the lie to the myth that inde-pubbed authors are disgruntled writers who have lost faith in the publishing industry. I think they exemplify what the writing dream is all about.

And not just for women. I think the personal stories would mimic and appeal to many male authors out there who are struggling with the same issues of day job, family, and publication aspirations.

I highly recommend this e-book to anyone who appreciates meeting interesting authors, and getting trial samples of reading material. I will be surprised if you do not find several somethings in this collection to pique you interest.

Purchasing link
Edited by Cheryl Shireman (Cyber Witch Press)
See a complete expose on The Chicks by Anne R Allen here

* * *
Author /blogger Anne R Allen is one of the Indie Chicks published in the above collection. Ghost Writers In The Sky is not showcased however.

This story is best described as a classic “whodunnit” with a touch of the grittier “hard boiled” American version of detective stories - minus the on stage violence. Perhaps, chick lit meets the cozy?

I’m not normally a fan of mystery novels - cozy or hard boiled - because the plots are usually so convoluted I feel I need to take notes to keep track of all the clues to determine which were mentioned and which were “dropped in” conveniently at the climax/resolution. I didn’t feel that sense of loss in Anne’s novel however.

As an example (and not a spoiler): our heroine Ms. Camilla Randall (Dr Manners) is given a key to an essential character’s red Ferrari to get her from a crime scene to a safe area. She gets out of the car, pushes the button to lock the vehicle, and drops the key in her purse. A perfectly natural act, one so routine it is forgettable. Later, at a point of misdirection, the key is in the purse, exactly where it needs to be. There are many such expertly integrated plot points throughout the “puzzle”. Essential objects are moved about in such subtle, routine manner you forget you notice, until the point you need to remember.

I won't mention the Fendi shoe - you'll just have to discover that one on your own (LOL).

I never once had to flip back through pages to see if the clue was previously mentioned (and believe me, with an e-book, page flipping is no easy maneuver). The reader is drawn into the mystery, not lead or deceived. The misdirection is successfully accomplished, and in the end, I was doing a "Duh, of course."

I especially loved the voice of the MC, Dr Manners. Whitty, intelligent, fashionable. The story plot was a bit over dramatic, but still completely believable. The type of scenario I could see escalating out of proportion to the circumstances in my everyday life.

I did a lot of giggling, outright laughing, and head nodding in agreement, and eye-candy type drooling while reading Ghost Writers In The Sky. The characters were vividly portrayed, the dialogue so real I wanted to check gossip magazines for the fictional celebrities, the humor and action blended perfectly.

If you’re looking for pure entertainment with a nostalgic feel, and a game of follow the clues, you’ll love this novel as much as I did.

Purchasing link

About the author: I’m the author of five comic mysteries debuting in 2011 with two publishers: Popcorn Press and Mark Williams international Digital Publishing. FOOD OF LOVE, originally published in the UK in 2003 by Babash-Ryan, made its US debut in September 2011. THE BEST REVENGE, also first published by Babash Ryan, (2005) will be relaunched by Popcorn in December. My titles with MWiDP include: THE GATSBY GAME (October 2011) GHOSTWRITERS IN THE SKY (October 2011) AND SHERWOOD, LIMITED (December 2011.) These titles will be available in paper from Popcorn Press in 2012. I’m also working on a self-help guide for writers with PAY IT FORWARD author Catherine Ryan Hyde. I’m on the faculty of the Central Coast Writers Conference and live near beautiful San Luis Obispo—the town Oprah called “the happiest town on earth.”

PRACTICALLY FREE; MICHELLE DAVIDSON ARGYLE

2011-12-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Y'all know Michelle Davidson Argyle right? Lady Glamis of The Innocent Flower; one third of the Literary Lab; author of the published works Cinders, Monarch, and True Colors. Represented by Rhemalda Publishing. See this post for details, but Michelle is graciously reducing the price on all her publications to $0.99 through the month of December.

About the author (from B&N purchasing site):
"Michelle has been writing since a very young age. She graduated from Utah Valley University with a BA in English/Creative Writing in the winter of 2002. To date, she has completed five novels. Bonded will be released Fall 2012 by Rhemalda Publishing.

If she’s not writing, she’s playing with her daughter and husband or taking pictures. If it’s winter, she’s wishing it was summer. She currently resides in the Rocky Mountains.

Michelle is an avid blogger and currently runs her own blog, The Innocent Flower, as well as The Literary Lab, which she co-authors with the amazing Scott G.F. Bailey and Davin Malasarn. She is also an editor/publisher of “The Literary Lab Presents …” series of anthologies, an annual non-profit publication that donates all proceeds to charity."

You can find Michelle at her author site or her blogs:
http://www.michelledavidsonargyle.com/
http://www.theinnocentflower.blogspot.com/
http://www.literarylab.blogspot.com/

Cinders on Kindle and Smashwords (all formats):
Ebook Description: Cinderella's happily-ever-after isn't turning out the way she expected. With her fairy godmother imprisoned in the castle and a mysterious stranger haunting her dreams, Cinderella is on her own to discover true love untainted by magic.

See my review here.

Monarch on Kindle and Nook

Product Description:
Nick’s life as a CIA spy should be fulfilling, but it has only given him unhappiness — a wife who committed suicide and two daughters who resent everything he has become. Now, stuck in the Amazon on the last mission of his career, he must track down Matheus Ferreira, a drug lord and terrorist the U.S. has tried to bring down for years. If he succeeds, he’ll have the chance to start his life over again.

Just when he’s on the brink of catching Ferreira, he’s framed for a murder that turns his world upside down. His only chance of survival lies in West Virginia where Lilian Love, a woman from his past, owns the secluded Monarch Inn. He’s safe, but not for long …

True Colors: Kindle, Nook, and Smashwords (all formats)
Product Description:

In this short story collection, Michelle Davidson Argyle shares sixteen of her literary pieces written during 1999 - 2011. In the title story, "True Colors," the main character fights her vibrant personality against the true darkness lurking within her. The story builds until a row of six dead birds stop her in her tracks. In the opening story, "Thread," (also published in the 2011 collection, Stories for Sendai), a married couple's reaction to the Sendai earthquake and tsunami on March 11th, 2011 reveals their own earth-shattering issues and what must be done to solve them.

The lizard on the cover represents the story, "The Threshold," about a young boy with an intense physical attraction to a girl he's not supposed to touch. True Colors is a collection of quiet stories exploring the hidden, but often overlooked colors we try to hide every day. Sometimes they shouldn't be hidden at all.

Also included are several poems and one prose poem picked as the staff choice award in New Mexico's Literary journal, Scribendi (2002).

Michelle (Lady Glam) says: Happy reading! This sale is to show my appreciation to all of you, my readers. You guys are made of awesome! So if you've been dying to read any of my books, but you haven't had the money to get them, this is pretty cheap. If you still can't afford my books, I'm doing a giveaway in my newsletter.

PETULANT PARABLE

2011-12-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 9, 2011

LOOKIE, looky; Open Heart Publishing has announced they are accepting submissions for its Fourth annual volume of the short story anthology An Honest Lie. Next years theme: Petulant Parable.

I gotta admit, this one stumped me for several heartbeats. Petulant? Parable? Two words that don't inspire me to creativity. More like, a spitting contest. Come on, say it out loud without spitting. If you do, you're probably not saying it right.

Say it with all the venom and sarcasm the word conjures . .

Not sure what a Petulant Parable would look like? Me neither. So I did what any literary genius should do and I looked the words up for a dictionary definition.

PETULANT (according to Mirriam - Webster Dictionary online):
1. insolent or rude in speech or behavior;
2. characterized by temporary or capricious ill humor; peevish;

PARABLE: (I didn't like the Merriam-Webster definition) according to Wikipedia a parable is "a succinct story, in prose or verse, which illustrates one or more instructive principles, or lessons, or (sometimes) a normative principle. It differs from a fable in that fables use animals, plants, inanimate objects, and forces of nature as characters, while parables generally feature human characters. It is a type of analogy."
So, what does all that mean when it comes to submitting to AHL4? Still, no real clue. But you have until March 15 to figure it out.

From the puslisher's site:

We are accepting submissions in the areas of fiction, well written misadventures from real life, and blatant lies that are fun and entertaining..

We’re looking for …
… the ironies in life
… the serendipity of it all
… the epitome of adventure
… the power of imperviousness
… the pull of naivety
… the view from a different angle
… the mix of mood, moment, and movement
… the wretched truth
… a clever lie
… the humor inside
… the mockery of it all

We’re looking for the perspective. The subject is up to you.

(Please keep it clean. No political commentaries, testimonials, religious manifestos, or poetry)
***
If you purchased any of the Vol 1, Vol 2, or Vol 3, you'll know how widely open to interpretation the themes can be.

Speaking of interpretation of themes . .

The Literary Lab Presents is still accepting submissions for Variations on a Theme until December 31. There are two separate stories to read for you to write your submission on, so log onto the site soon if you have not already and start percollating an idea. (The stories are seriously short and won't take more than a few minutes to read. I waited all the way to a couple weeks ago before reading, and got my story idea nearly as soon as I finished.)

Good luck on your writing concepts . .

In case you're interested; here's some inspiration for my own concepts for both of these similar writings:

Shine Down: Simple Kind Of Man . . embeded disabled

Shine Down: 45 . . embeded disabled

INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP (4)

2011-12-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

So, uhm; I'm having a bit of a positivity problem right now.

I have a lot of good things to be sincerely grateful for but . . well; you know, those everyday things just sometimes overwhelm.

So, I'm gonna do something I don't normally like to do for this months Insecure Writers Support Group; I'll take instead of give. My whines and complaints have nothing to do with writing or the blogging community, and I'm hoping y'all give me a pass on this episode while I partake of your support, enthusiasm, and accomplishments.

I will, however, leave you with this song as I blog hop around, and hope it speaks to you as much as it has to me over this last couple weeks. Sometimes, all you can do is go on and get to the next phase of existence . .

Remember; the host (Alex J Cavanaugh) doesn't expect you to visit all 226 participants, that is his job. What he DOES hope is that aside from visiting your regular favorites, you might click on 3-5 participants that are new to you and ~perhaps~ find a new blogger to follow; or at least brighten some new person's day with your support, encouragement, or commiseration. This is a social networking event, afterall . .

SANTA STUFF

2011-12-06T17:40:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Hmm, I had this scheduled for 9am this morning. I wonder why it didn't post . .
I had two Christmas type posts to announce today. I promised two people. I remember that much, at least.

I remember Laura from Daily DoDo and Loralie (Apathy's Hero) are having the Secret Santafest from now til 12/12. Well, not quite a blogfest . . more of service. Laura explains it best:

Here’s how it’s going to work…

1. Though it’s not mandatory – I’d love it if you were a follower here / at Lori’s
2. Sign up on my linky-list by the 12th December – this will ask for name, blog address and email address – these are necessary for the whole thing to work, but don’t worry – we won’t pass your email on – just the blog address! The list will close promptly and we busy elves will get to it....
3. On the 13th December you will be emailed the Blog address of the person YOU are creating a gift for (just so you know - it isn't a direct pairing - just because you're creating for them doesn't mean that they're the same person creating for you!)
4. Email us your gift by the 19th December... us busy elves will start digitally boxing your presents.
5. On Christmas morning, every single person who signed up will receive their special bloggy gift.

Soud fun? Did to me, so I've already signed up. Go here for further details, and the e-mail address to send your "gifts" to.

Perhaps someone in the comments will tell me where that other Santa type blogfest thingy is . .

........dhole

TURN A CLICHE'D PHRASE BLOGFEST

2011-12-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

Monday, December 5, 2011

blogfest link

Madeleine Maddocks is giving us writers an opportunity to "Turn the cliché on its head, using irony and satire. Make it the subject of a Flash Fiction piece, a Poem or a Limerick.

Liberally sprinkle your entries with well placed clichés or make them the twist to your tale.

Make it the twist on the punch line to your story. Or make it a witty observation: e.g. Rachel's Holiday by Marion Keyes (1997) He kept touching his hair, which, as well as being dyed to within an inch of its life, was blow dried flicked and rigid with spray.

You may choose whichever idiom you like, such as 'The cat that got the cream'; 'As cool as a cucumber'; 'As good as gold', 'Kick the bucket'. Max 400 words for Flash Fiction.

* * *
My entry: Spinning In His Grave
word count: 395

After the echoes of the scream died, the inside of Murphy’s Tavern was silent as a crypt. Darcey Danbee tread as quiet as a church mouse to the still swinging saloon doors. Standing on tip toes, he peered between the crack, squinting his bad eye for a better view of the woman who had screamed like a banshee only seconds before.

White as a ghost, widow Donaldo babbled like a baboon to a group of onlookers who clucked and strutted around like roosters in a henhouse.

“Wha’cher lookin’ at,” a voice as gritty as sandpaper said over Darcey’s shoulder.

Darcey nearly jumped out his skin, his heart pounding like a jackhammer as he looked up at the young whipper-snapper. “Crimey Sean, don’t sneak up on a man like that. You nearly gave me a heart attack.”

Sean grinned like a Cheshire cat and licked foam as white as cream from his lips. He still had his pint of ale in one hand as he nodded towards the street.

“Don’t know squat about it. You hear that banshee screech?”

“Went through me like nails on a chalkboard.” Sean took a noisy gulp, draining his glass to the dregs, then motioned for Darcey to precede him into the street.

Darcey slid through the hanging doors like a hot knife through butter, Sean close on his heels.

“I swear he was standing there as plain as the nose on my face,” widow Donaldo was saying in a cracked voice.

“We give ’em a darned fine wake,” Duncan Walsh consoled the widow. He was a tall drink of water, blond and blue eyed, built like an ox. A good sort, if a few bricks short of a load. “No reason fer ’em to be up walkin’ ’round. Right Mr. Darcey?”

Darcey scratched his grizzled chin, moving his fingers into his curly brown locks. Small and wiley as a leprechaun, people tended to consult him on superstitious matters. He’d earned a fair coin with predictions and remedies. Some even were true.

“Old Seamus didn’t attend,” Darcey drawled knowingly. “Perhaps that’s got him spinning in his grave.”

“What should we do,” widow Donaldo whinned, wringing her fingers together.

Darcey barely gave his wise answer a moment's thought. “Have another wake,” he advised.

“Of course,” the men all agreed in unison as they spun on their heels and hightailed it to Murphy’s Tavern.
* * *
Are you laughing? I hope so; I'm not very good at humor. Please do visit the other participants of this blogfest for more fun with clichéd phrases (and to vote for your favorite post).

This is an original writing and as such is open to any and all critique. Keep in mind it was created specifically for this blogfest and may not be developed further.

And don't forget: The monthly Insecure Writers Support Group scheduled for Wednesday, Dec 7 this month. Remember; the host (Alex J Cavanaugh) doesn't expect you to visit all 226 participants, that is his job. What he DOES hope is that aside from visiting your regular favorites, you might click on 3-5 participants that are new to you and ~perhaps~ find a new blogger to follow; or at least brighten some new person's day with your support, encouragement, or commiseration. This is a social networking event, afterall . .

BLOGFEST TOMORROW

2011-12-04T11:57:00.000-08:00

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Hey ya'll; ready to get yer blogfest on? Want to try something uniquely different; something you could write in a New York Minute? Well, Madeleine Maddocks (Scribble and Edit) has just the quick fix.

What say you? Care to write a 400 word flash fiction piece so full of clichés it'll make an agent/editor/publisher's stomach curl? Toss their cookies? Maybe even kick the bucket?

Details of the blogfest are here. My entry took less than an hour write, and you know, I'm slower than a seven year itch when it comes to writing (even flash). So slap a muzzle on that inner editor and give a fella blogger some lurve by entering your favorite clichés.

Hope to see ya tomorrow. Happy Sunday all.

ROMANTIC FRIDAY WRITERS

2011-12-02T04:08:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 2, 2011

Yeah; I'm still having computer problems. But I've been anticipating the Romantic Friday Writers post for about 3 weeks now; so I'm braving the text resizing issue to post. And comment. Oh Yeah; I've been around tonight and sometimes I can post, sometimes not. Fun, fun, huh?

Anyway, below is my RFW post to the picture prompt

Word count: 598

Title: Christmas Cottage

The square looking, gray SUV trundled up the recently plowed driveway. It skid a couple times, but Mathilde was sure the driver was competent, as the vehicle never veered more than a few inches between the snow banks. The headlights grew brighter the closer the SUV came, and she willed the wooden limb that took place of her arm to lift and shield her eyes.

The branch didn’t move, and neither did her frozen zipper lips as she sighed. She swiveled the icy head to her right to look at her husband George, who had somehow managed to turn his black button mouth into a frown. The red and blue scarf that circled his neck joint stood out in stiff attention in the freezing temperatures, and the black top hat sat at an angle he would have disapproved of in his corporeal life.

“Oh dear,” Mathilde mumbled as she edged her snowy head to look down the lane to the approaching vehicle.

It had grown closer to the arch that she and her long deceased husband stood vigil over on this frozen Christmas Eve. How she wished she could fluff the plastic flower in her own hat, and smoothe the yellow neckerchief that tied under her chin. She felt naked without her favorite purple, front pocketed apron; the one she stuffed her hands into when she was nervous; as she was now. She had such high hopes for this family. They would stay.

She was sure.
The car doors all opened at once, and Mathilde cringed a bit at the sudden “clunk” in the silence. A squirrel in the Elm across from the arch squeaked a protest in his hybernation.

"Oh wow,” the petite mother exclaimed as she slid out on the sidewalk side. “Its lovelier than I ever imagined.”

A tall man in a light brown coat stepped out of the drivers side and looked up at the snow encrusted cottage. “Looks like a Christmas card your sister sent us a couple years ago.”

“Creepy,” a young boy of about 10 years said as he jumped out of the passenger side behind the man. He was wearing a blue thermal suit, the hood pulled low over his forehead.

"It looks like a gingerbread house with white frosting,” said a young girl who climbed out of the vehicle on the opposite passenger side.

Mathilde could see nothing but the child's pink clad leggings and galoshes for a moment. Then the girl stepped around the door, and her mother closed it and sidestepped away. Mathilde got her first look at the girl child she’d visualized for an eternity.

As Mathilde felt trickles of snow melt around her inhabited body, the family raced up the shoveled walk, and as if by psychic connection, they all took positions in the snow-covered lawn to create snow-angels. They laughed, and danced with each other, and threw snowballs, and just as the kids started to whine about the cold and a desire for hot chocolate and popcorn, the man and woman came together in a bulky, awkward embrace.

“I love you, Mrs Jacobs.”

“I love you too Malcom Jacobs.”

“This is gonna work babe; you’ll see,” the handsome man said to his wife.

“Maybe,” she said skeptically.

“Five weeks in Paradise,” he answered, his arms swinging wide to encompass the surroundings. “No cell phones, no e-mails; just us and nature. What could be more perfect than this?”

“Don’t scare them off,” Mathilde told George as she witnessed his essence flowing out of the snow body.

“No Dear,” he promised.
* * *
All critique is welcome and encouraged. This is an original posting for RFW and as such, unlikely to be developed beyond this writing prompt. I thank the blog administrators for the opportunity to post to this auspicious occasion. This blog hop is open to all writing genre's; and you can post your link until Sunday, 12/4; Aussie time :)

Have a good weekend guys . .

PS: Urhm yeah, I'm an Elvis fan. Aren't you?

THE WORLDS OF ROLAND YOEMANS

2011-12-01T01:05:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 1, 2011

If you haven’t visited the blog of inde-Author Roland Yoemans now is your opportunity. In just under two short years, Roland has acquired over 900 followers. In the last year, he has gone from seeking traditional publication, to e-publishing about 14 of the urban fantasy novels he has written over the last 20 years.

Roland has a unique prose style and a distinctive voice. Even without including any of his myriad characters that populate his fictional world, I’m sure I’d recognize that voice in any anonymous writing.

I have read and reviewed a few of his books: Bear With Two Shadows; Rites of Passage; Adrift in the Time Passage; and Love Like Death. When I told Roland I would be reviewing the last two I’ve read - French Quarter Nocturne and The Legend of Victor Standish - he sent a LOL e-mail with his anticipation of how I will make a review of these two novels new and interesting. I admit it is becoming a bit of a challenge as all his novels use the same heroes and villains; the ultimate, common villian being DayStar - the self proclaimed Satan, by any of his well known names.

Other commonalities with Roland’s Byronic hero’s - Hibbs, former Texas Ranger Captain Samuel McCord, Blake Adamson, and finally the street gypsy Victor Standish - is they are all orphans, and carry some blood relationship to The Turquoise Woman, aka Estanatlehi (as well as many other names). With that relationship in mind, you could count the mirror shade apache Elu, though his status as hero or villain is not entirely defined.

The other thing Rolands hero’s have in common is their belief that they are unworthy of life. While all despise the human race (two leggeds) and consider them beyond redemption, still theses hero’s fight for human preservation in much the same way environmentalists fight for the protection of the animal kingdom. Well, except these champions do not feel the human race worth saving . .

I know Roland; that’s probably not the sentiment you’re attempting within humanity’s savior’s, but as I read their internalizations, I get the impression they have merely accepted their role as the defender of abused and raped women and children, and without the depravities of humanity, they would have no reason for existence . .

They are also all self taught in the arts of acupuncture, parkour, Houdini type escape, philosophy, politics and history, through many hours spent in books, or with abusive master’s who taught them through pain and deprivation.

And the villains in Roland’s world, all of which were at least fleetingly introduced in Hibbs’ debut publication; the evil Daystar/Sennacheeribe; the Ningyo Maija - sister to Capt. Sam’s estranged wife Meilori and wannabe lover of the Sidhe Fallen (one of Blake‘s lover’s, and the worst perpetrator of atrocities against his life); R’lyeh, Soyoko queen and sometimes ally of Capt. Sam; so many other heroic historical figures revealed to be monstrous undead that flit in and out of action-dialogue or transition scenes.

Despite the consistency of characters that people Roland’s world, the unique turn of witty similes, metaphores, descriptive terms that are Roland’s trademark as an author, and the single minded overall story plot - the defeat of DayStar - Each story does have a unique plot of it’s own.

- Hibbs story . . introduced a multiple number of characters with future story plots to be continued in other books/series.
- Rites . . introduced Capt Sam to Meilori, set the stage for their epic romance, and established Sam’s credentials as a hero through stories of his bravery/cowardice by verbal accounts told from friends and enemies.

- Love . . showed that there is a cost for true love, and it comes at the price of pain and sacrifice. As the symbolic Son of Man, the orphan Blake Adamson must first prove his worthiness for love by sacrificing his life for the two immortal beings who have cleaved his heart.

- Path . . continues Blakes story of divided love; and also explores Blake’s growing sexuality and the ever present questions of whether God actually exists, and Blake’s doubt that he is actually alive and not having some psychotic dream as his body lies dying in a Louisiana orphanage.

- French Quarter Nocturne tells an alternate story of the aftermath of the hurricane Katrina in 2005, and how Capt. Sam bullied, bribed, threatened and tricked the American government into cleaning up the city and giving much needed food, shelter, medical supplies, and protection to the New Orleans survivors. With the help of the Soyoko R’yleh, Sam blazes through the civic center with his colts, meting out justice to the perpetrators of rape and murder against the helpless women and children.

But of course all of Sams efforts at offering salvation to the frightened and abandoned survivors creates almost more problems than they solve. The deal with R’yleh unleashes hordes of hungry Soyoko upon the ravaged city and they are not sticking to the dead for a meal as their queen promised; the purloined assistance from the President, Govenor of Louisiana, and Mayor of New Orleans has backfired as mob-like factions of the undead swoop into the city for the promised financial gains; the spirits of the dead linger, feeding the dark hungers of the Amal and other undead that feed off human misery; and to top it all, DayStar stirs the public authorities to seek his arrestt in the opes of stopping his meddling in long term plans now come to fruition in the “calm” after the storm.

And what would a Roland Yoemans novel be without the romance? I won’t spoil chapter 10’s charm with an account of Sam and Meilori’s heart wrenching dance; but I will leave you with this awesome quote:

“Love is not a shy beast to be caught but a rare moment to be treasured. It burns within each cell, a living seed of hope. Its rays invisible to most, seen only by the searching heart . .”

This alone deserves a five star rating, IMO.

- The Legend of Victor Standish . . Is the story of 13 year old Victor Standish, a legend in his own mind; self taught in the arts of history, philosophy, mysticism, and the popular Parkour moves. His weapon of choice is the ball bearing; his target the elusive acupuncture points that cause paralysis and blindness.

For seven years Victor has traveled city to city, on rare occasions accompanied by his mother on the bus rides, bus usually he is alone. He has learned to live by his wits, and is always sure his next encounter will be the one that results in his death. New Orleans - just prior to the advent of Katrina - proves no different for the street smart orphan; until he meets Capt Samuel McCord. Victor has heard the legends of Capt. Sams valor, and magic, and is witness to the former in their first meeting. An awesome display of power . .

The mystical walk to Meilori’s at sundown is also one of the finer points of intrigue in this novel. Use of this power is not without cost to Sam, and the loved ones he is sworn to protect. Each life saving act Samuel performs on behalf of Victor, his newfound ghoul friend Alice, and the revenant priest Renfield and his nun wife Magda results in even more danger and sure death for them.

The novel progresses from one near death scene to another; rife with the poetic action dialogue and self sacrifice I’ve come to expect from each of Roland’s novels. In order to save his hero from distraction in the prophesied events of hurricane Katrina - and hints of a much larger, more devastating plot set in motion by DayStar, Victor must be killed. Sams friends (especially the mirror bound Elu) agree that Victor should go to his death willingly; and he is attempting to fulfill his promise when he meets and falls in love with the hungry ghoul Alice Wentworth.

Victor sums up his dilemma thus: “After years of scuffling alone on the streets, I had finally found a friend. A creepy friend to be sure. But a friend.” Victor and Alice consistently fight against the frenemies arrayed against Samuel, until finally, the Lady Death arrives at the jazz club Meilori’s to collect Victor in person (so to speak).

* * *

Whatever else there is to say about the world of Roland Yoemans, it is filled with passion and romance. If you have a heart for romance, and crave otherworldly action where the lovers must prove their worthiness for love through self sacrifice and tragic deeds, you will definitely love the poetic prose of author Roland Yoemans.

Visit Rolands blog (Writing in the Crosshairs) for purchasing links and more information about his Kindle novels, and for details on his Win a Kindle Fire contest.

. . FOR A POST'S SAKE

2011-11-28T22:11:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 28, 2011

A post for the sake of changing up the post . .

Not that I don't have topics to post on; or promises to keep with reviews . .

But my computer is acting up since I lost my internet - didn't return 100% after I replaced the modem - and typing any form of text document has become a real chore. This resizing problem every time a document auto-saves is worse than frustrating. And you notice how I'm consciously monitoring my language to keep it a nice moderate PG.

Well; don't let this attempt at a post fool ya into thinking my problems are over. In these few lines I've had to tell blogger 3 times I don't want to leave this page, and fought the resizing from 100%, to 180% , all the way down to 20%. Yep, my word processor and e-mail have been bitten by the same issue.

Nope - its not a virus. Just something seriously freaky error that makes it difficult to make any form of text document.

I'm working on things; slowly. (hehehe I've been at 80% document size for the last couple paragraphs. Does that meand I'm typing fast enough for it not to auto save?) Everything is slower in Orland . .

I'm sorry if you're missing my comments; I can lurk as long as I don't try to comment, and can read e-mails as long as I don't try to reply. I work on word documents until I'm ready to toss the NetBook out the nearest closed window.

I'll be posting my reviews and blogfest excerpts as "fast" as I can.

Please forgive me as I harness technology. Move along; nothing to see here yet . .

(as the text box grows to 125 and immediately shifts until it settles on 40)

Got any fix ideas you care to share in comments?

'CUZ YOU WROTE IT . .

2011-11-26T01:30:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 26, 2011

We’ve all heard it right? The family member(s) that say “Oh yeah; I loved your story" when they finish the first or tenth rough draft.

And the author US says, with a bright expectant smile; “Yeah? What did you like?”

“Well, everything.”

And author US asks for a more specific review. “Anything stand out in your mind? I mean, like, what exactly did you like?”

“Oh, everything. I liked that you wrote it. You’ve been at it for how many years? And gosh, your efforts have paid off. Really great novel. So, when do you start collecting royalties?”

And author US wants to ask “Do you know who the main character is?” But the ego says, “Let it go Dude; walk away.”

I don’t know about you, but that answer sucks for me. I don’t want my friends and loved ones to like it cuz I wrote it. I want them to like it cuz it’s fucking good. Or, to dislike it cuz it sucks.

Well; my sister called the other day, just to say she got the book An Honest Lie, Vol 3 in the mail.

“OK,” I say. “I got mine on Tuesday.”

“I think I got mine on Wednesday,” she says. “Why didn’t you call to say you got it?”

And I’m thinking, why?

Then she says, “I read your story. I like it.”

"Thanks,” I reply. “Did you read any others?”

“Oh yes. I read Mike From The Mail Room too. Really good story. Hey, your’s was as good as that one.” She says that last like she's surprised I measure up . .

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” she answers.

By now I’m totally excited, even though its my sister telling me my story is good. When I told her the publication was out, she went right over and bought the book, even though I told her I'd send her a copy of the anthology for free. I haven’t sent her any of my unpublished writings in several years. I didn't ever want to hear that "I liked it cuz you wrote it" phrase again.

“So, did you read any others besides mine and Mailroom Mike,” I ask again.

“No; but I’m gonna read The Santa Fix next. I like the sound of that one, and its almost Christmas ya know.”

“Yep. Actually, that’s next on my list too. I also read my friends’ stories, (Stephanie M Loree) Skin Script and (Eric W. Trant) Melvin Gee’s Short Trip To Hell -”

“OK,” she interrupted. “I’ll read those when I get around to it. I’ll read the whole book, but I’m reading in the order the stories interest me, not the order they are indexed. ”

“Good, that’s how you should read an anthology.”

“But I read your’s first and I thought it was really good. So I knew the other authors would be interesting. That other one was really good too. I liked him, I’d read more of his stories. And I glanced at the titles, and first few sentences whhile thumbing through to find your story, and I think these are excellent writers. Hey, I went to the online links in the book. Did you know Vol 1 had 4000 submissions, and vol 2 had 5000?”

“Yeah, I read that too,” I said. I’m blown away she looked it up.

“Well, I think that’s great that you got in when so many author’s submitted and they only accepted 10 new authors.”

“I don’t know how many submitted to this anthology,” I acknowledge.

“Still, I think you’re awesome. We always knew you were a good writer.”

“Thanks,” I say. My heart is brimming. My sister loves my writing; and has something to compare it to that she likes also.

"By the way; what's with the cover? It's disturbing and compelling both."

"I know huh."

(I didn't have an answer for my sister - or any others that have asked - at the time of this conversation, but did query the publisher Debrin Case, "one of those enigmas, who runs between the fine line of genius and crazy at the same time." Mr. Case consented for me to publish this comment: "The artist will be explaining some of the cover in her upcoming interview, however there is a major part of the whole "An Honest Lie" format that involves personal interpretation and involvement and I am very happy to see what sorts of questions are generated by the cover and themes. As such I never give a definitive answer about such matter but feel free to make up whatever interpretation you desire.")

“Well, I gotta go,” she says. She never talks long; and that’s ok with me because I don’t hear well on a phone and she knows this.

“Uhm, before you hang up; did you like the ending of Scent?” I'm worried about this, b/c it wasn’t what I had originally written. The SrEditor and I had a long discussion regarding this revised ending.

“Yeah. I knew its was *spoiler*. Was I supposed to figure it out before he did?”

“Yep. I left a couple set up clues early in the story." I’m laughing and crying a bit.
“It fit where I thought it should go.”

“Cool. And did you get *spoiler*?”

“Oh totally. When you said it was a Werewolf story, I didn’t expect that. But I got it. I liked it.”
***

Forgive me for being a bit sappy, but my sister liked my story; and she thought the anthology was full of good authors. Her only complaint was that it is soft copy and not hard back.

But you know, this conversation got me thinking. I wonder if maybe our "friends and family" members aren't just as worried about their feelings as readers regarding our writings as we, as authors, are. I mean; do they worry they like the story only because we wrote it and they will be the only one's who think it is good? Do they feel vindicated in their opinion of our writing once a complete stranger has also publically declared their positive feedback?

Purely rhetorical questions; as I'm too self conscious to ask my own supportive systems for answers . .

But as far as first reviews go, I'm glad my sister was the first in my day life circles to like not only my short story Scent, but the also the anthology itself.

Here is an official excerpt from the publishing site - in case you were tempted to purchase your own soft copy. Or you could wait until early 2012 when the Kindle edition is available . .

Near the gates, he undressed and shifted, and was about ready to seek an entrance when he heard the clump of goat hooves. It sounded muffled, slightly odd, but Reggie decided the cement was distorting the sound. It felt good to be stalking hoofed prey, and Reggie took his time following the clumping sounds. Once he located the stomach rumbling noise, he tracked it from behind a hedge. When he could stand the sounds no longer, he leaped over the greenery, fangs and claws extended for a quick slash across where the neck should be.

What he landed on was a young girl wearing pink platforms and a matching pink skirt. Reggie was as startled as the girl, and tried to stop his attack mid-leap. He managed to close his jaws as his face connected with her chest, but the swipe of his paw left a deep bloody slash from shoulder to hip.

She screamed and kicked her heals against the ground, and the semblance of dying prey hit Reggie’s wolf senses with renewed strength. An efficient bite to her neck stopped her screams. Reggie sat back on his haunches for a moment, licking her blood from his lips and wondering what he should do now.
Scent, Donna Hole, Open Heart Publishing; Copyright 2011

**P.S: I was absent a week due to my modem dying (the funeral involved my 13 year old Bug looking for a hammer to bash out his frustrations on the object of his defunct desires). I'm still having some internet/blogger problems; apparently a NetBook doesn't like being detached from the internet any more than I did. So please excuse me while still try to accomplish a comment here and there . .

Why yes, I did steal this from Roland Yoemans. His post on queries and mine on family feedback seem to go together - and I love the song. Thanks Roland (he knows I always expect a moving song when I visit his blog). And I'll be showcasing his next week; so please do stop by again . .

THREE WORD WEDNESDAY

2011-11-19T01:06:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Uhm, I'm not sure the date cuz I haven't been to my day job in a few days - sta-cation, ya know. But its Saturday when I'm finally posting, and I had meant to write and post this on Friday, as I should have had the time . .

But its also my payday; a shopping day for groceries and other household items. And bills. So frustrating; most my bills are paid on-line, and I'm having internet problems. And the bill sites also seem to be having system outages as they are all down just now. Yeah; go paperless . .

Anyway; I'm late to this (by my own timetable) b/c I went shopping, and there was the latest DVD releases of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2; and Pirates of the Carribean, On Stranger Tides. So, I bought them; and spent a lot of family time this evening watching TV. With no computer attachments.

Yeah; my Bug looked at me strangely all evening.

So, back to Three Word Wednesday (3WW). This is a writing prompt of three randomly chosen words that post on Wednesday (about 12:01a). No hard and fast rules to post on Wednesday, you have a week to come up with a flash fiction/Haiku/poem/etc that uses the words. You post your exact link to the 3WW writing, then blog hop the other persons on the link.

Since the ending of both the Romantic Friday Writers and Rule of Three events; I've been at a writing loss to create something new at least once a week. 3WW has been a writing staple for me for some time, so I'm happy to get back into it.

Below is my rendition for this weeks prompts: impetus, solace, vindication. Vindication was actually the hard word for me this week. This is an original writing for this prompt; and open to any and all critique/feedback. Keep in mind it is unlikely to be developed past this flash fiction excerpt.
***
Cut!

Sasha sat on the uncomfortably small toilet with her shopping bags cluttering the cramped space between her feet. Her large, canvas purse was in the middle of the disarray, right where she could keep her eye on it as she chatted on her cell phone and kept an eye on her watch.

“God, not that again Mom. Will you ever give up.”

Sasha adjusted the oversized bra and girdle that contained the bulk beneath the polyester running suit. It was hot and itchy; more confining than the retro pink hightops that weighted her feet.

“I know; its been ages. Its time for me to move on. Whatever I’m doing isn’t working.”

The last few restroom patrons had left a good three minutes ago, and while Sasha was pretty sure she was alone, there was no way to see outside the stall without opening the door. Or peeking under the gray partition.

“Ok, see you soon.”

She folded the phone, leaned forward, and was about to drop it in the purse when a face peeked under the stall.

“Shit,” she exclaimed, frozen for an instant as she took in every detail of the face and shoulders she could see.

A bright yellow Steelers sweatshirt; complete with a hood that covered a head with brown curls peeping out the top and sides; chocolate brown, round eyes with lashes a Cover Girl model might envy; light dash of freckles on a small, upturned nose; a wide mouth with thin, unpainted , curvy lips. Caucasian. Young; maybe 15. Boy? Girl? Impossible to tell.

The face disappeared with a high-pitched giggle; the purse disappeared with barely a nudge of crinkling paper.

Sasha launched herself off the toilet seat with the impetus of a slow burning missile shedding it entrapments as it launched out of the hanger. She had carefully arranged the six packages so there was an uninhibited path once the purse was snatched; but hadn’t counted on the bulky padding to catch on the paper holder, or the door bolt not to instantly slide under her fumbling fingers.

“Shit,” she screamed again, finally releasing the stall lock.

That high pitched giggle echoed as the heavy door to the public bathroom swooshed closed.

“Not this time Sucker,” Sasha vowed as she yanked it open and dashed through; knocking over a well dressed Mom and her twins.

She caught a glimpse of the suspect’s yellow shoulder rounding the corner, heading into the main mall. Gripping the cell phone tightly in her left hand, Sasha sprinted for the entrance, grateful she’d talked her Lieutenant into the high tops instead of the platforms he thought made her an authentic mark.

She ran, the padding shifting and bouncing around her slender body. Sasha was a college triathlon winner; a bit of fluff wasn’t about to stop her from performing her duty.

In the main mall she hollered “Police, outtta my way. Duck. Move. Police,” as she ran as fast as the crowds would allow. She didn’t stop to apologize to those she accidentally knocked over, leaped over, or purposefully shoved aside. She had a bead on the yellow and wasn’t deviating her course for nothing.

Then the young perp stopped as a wave of pedestrians converged at the Hickory Farms concession.

“No you don’t,” Sasha mumbled, opening the phone as she tugged and pulled off the disguise padding. The suspect also made a slow show of stripping off the bright yellow, too obvious sweatshirt.

Sasha pressed the speed dial key that rang to the surveillance team. “At the Hickory Farms concession; in front of Sears. Caucacian, maybe 15, curly brown hair. Dark blue shirt, baggy jeans and . .”

“You’re kidding?” Came the response. “You just described every kid in the mall.”

Sasha panted as she answered. “Heading towards Khols; not many people here. Come on, chase me.”

She ran, keeping the curly head in sight as it dashed up the less crowded corridor. Not that it was empty at three in the afternoon on a Saturday. She heard snatches of Hmong, Spanish, Hindu and Arabic. She dodged strollers, lovers, and gawkers and at an unexpected junction, she lost sight of her kid with her purse.

“Over here,” she heard in English just as she came to a panting stop.

A door to her left was swinging shut. She gawked in a 360 circle; and seeing no one who could be attached to the voice, she followed it anyways into the dark recesses of the mall offices. By now her muscles were starting to ache, and her breath came in jagged gasps. She crashed through a double set of doors, and saw her quarry standing amongst five other similarly dressed youths.

“Vindication,” she panted, coming to a limping stop in front of the gangsters.

She tucked the cell in her sports bra and pulled her revolver from the utility belt on her waist.

“Cut!” Shouted the director.

Celia Nunez, aka Det. Third Grade Sasha Moore on the TV drama Outcasts, sagged to her knees, the rubber gun bouncing a few feet away as a multitude of feet clattered forward. Someone patted sweat from her face, another pushed a bottle of water at her. Whoops and shouts sounded from the gang of youths.

“You’re limping,” Ted, the director, said just behind her ear.

“Yeah, well, it’s what, the 49th take on the same run? Give me a break.”

He kissed her cheek, then stood up and addressed the crew. “That’s a wrap. We start again at 5am tomorrow.”

“Was it OK this time,” she asked as he helped her to her feet.

“Well, your gun was supposed to be out already before you entered.”

Sasha ducked her chin and mumbled a curse.

“Forget it; there are other takes I can edit in.”

"Oh baby, not tonight," she pleaded. It was already after 9pm, and he'd left at 4am that morning for set up. "No, one more take; I can get it right,” she started.

He waived off her offer and pushed her towards a waiting assistant. “See that Ms. Celia gets home to a bubble bath," he ordered the prim, nervous looking girl.

Another new aid to get used to, Celia thought as the girl led her to the solace of a waiting limo.
* * *
What ya think? Really?

Oh, and yes; I was in a public bathroom with a kid peeking under the door when I came up with this idea. Like, a two year old, not a gangsta punk . .

And don't forget - if you haven't already - to vote for Round 2's WRiTE Club contestants. Enter your comment at DL's site to vote.

Have a great weekend y'all.

THE WILD GRASS Review

2011-11-16T17:47:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Today is Davin Malasarn’s birthday; so it seems the perfect day to write the review for his short story collection The Wild Grass. This is Domey’s first published anthology; I don’t think he’s put ALL his short stories into this one, so I’m hoping there will be another anthology soon.
You can visit Davin at his website, (where you can read more reviews and excerpts) or at The Literary Lab.

Wild Grass is not a book you want to read with a light heart. They are not meant to be quick entertainment to ease the reader over a rough spot in the day. Like a cherished book of poetry, the stories are probably best read with a glass of wine and a few hours in a favorite chair with a warm snuggie while you contemplate the meaning of life.

The most appealing aspect to these stories is the strong voice. Or should I say perspective. The first person POV was so clear and vivid in Sacred Bodies and Shattered that I was sure these had to be personal stories that the athor was sharing. However, the voice is as strong in Obaachan (a female Japanese-American), Waiting For My Dogs To Die (an older, married American man), Moon Boys (a fourteen year old boy), and A Boy In The Sky (age three or four). Even the two 2nd person writings pulled me in, as if I wasn't just peeking into the character's head, but actually living inside their skin. And the 3rd person POV stories were so close they may as well be written in 1st. This just shows how vivid, how realistic the author voice is.

All the stories were about life; sometimes its unfair, sometimes it passes you by, sometimes its so tragic you ache with jealousy and longing. Even the couple stories that had endings that could be considered "complete" left room for reader interpretation on the specific meaning. My favorite, Red Man, Blue Man has such an interpretive ending. I like short stories that show a moment, or an emotional theme, as a glimpse in the character's life without drawing any conclusions about the events. These story make me think about life in general, leaving me to contemplate what the true meaning could be for me.

Because of the contemplation factor, I did not read the collection in one sitting. Some of the stories were so moving I did not want to go directly into another setting, another character. I needed time to mull over the story, let its implications wash through my soul.

I have read this anthology a few times over the last couple months. I'll be sitting around, thinking of nothing (or maybe what's for dinner) and a line from one of the stories will flash through my thoughts; or perhaps I'll be out somewhere and see someone or smell something that reminds me of one of the stories/characters, and before I know it, I'm picking up the Kindle and browsing through to find the one that keeps tickling my brain. And of course, I can't read just one, now that I've finished all 17 . .

Yep, definitely an anthology to be read with a glass of wine and lots of time for contemplation.

I would give this collection more than 5 stars, but that option isn't available yet.

Click on the purchasing link to get your copy in either print or e-book.

About the author:

Davin Malasarn has lived throughout California as well as in Paris, France. His stories have been nominated for two Pushcart Prizes. He was a finalist in Glimmer Train's Very Short Fiction Contest and 1st Runner-Up in Opium Magazine's 500-word Memoir Contest. In 2008, Davin was awarded the PEN Center USA Emerging Voices Fellowship. He blogs at The Literary Lab with Michelle Davidson Argyle and Scott G.F. Bailey.

And don't forget to submit your entry for Variations On A Theme, the third short story anthology published by The Literary Lab.

I LOVE THE NOUGHTIES BLOGFEST

2011-11-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 14, 2011

David Black of Dave Wrote This is hosting the I Love the Noughties blogfest.

For those of you who haven't met Dave, he is hails from London, United Kingdom and has an impressive profile: David Black is an actor, writer and one quarter of Mr Carruthers Presents. His Acting CV is here and he is represented by Nelson Browne Management. He has also written for Behind The Bike Shed, TWK and has a couple of interesting writing projects on the horizon..." An interesting blogger worth visiting, whether or not you sign up for the blogfest.

For this blogfest we are to: "Choose one thing from each year from 2000 to 2009, be it a film, a TV show, a radio show, a particular episode of a TV or radio show, a piece of theatre, a book, a comic, a song, an album, a gig, a piece of artwork, something online or something else entirely, and then tell us what you love about it."

Wow, I didn't realize how many wonderful movies, music and books came out in each of these years, so picking only one for each year was impossible. And long . . I didn't realize how involved this blogfest would be, but since I signed up and I hate to cop out entirely, I decided to do more of a summary of the decade and things I liked. Sorry Dave . .

BOOKS: I read a lot of Stephen King from 2000 to 2004 as he was finishing up the long awaited Dark Tower series. I was happy to see him producing other works too as it seemed the accident that nearly took his life also robbed him of his creative outlet. The world would be a lesser place without his unique voice.

My two favorite Terry's (Terry Brooks and Terry Goodkind) were also entertaining me with new releases in my favorite series': The Shannara line, and a new one starting with Running With The Demon for Brooks; and The Sword of Truth series by Goodkind. Then was this new author JK Rowling and her MG/YA Harry Potter series. I started reading HP just to see what all the fuss was about in the news, and managed to finish the first two novels just as the third was hitting bookstores. The other YA I liked - although its not exactly YA, was Christopher Poulini's Herritage series: Eragon, Eldest and Brisinger. I hear rumors there is supposed to be a fourth . . .

MUSIC: My love for country music started somewhere about 1995 as country music was getting a bit more rock into its beat - and I discovered line dancing. But as the new millenium rolled over, and my kids were discovering their own style of music - decidely not country - I had to start listening to what they liked. At first, it was more to know WHAT they were listening to; but I started liking a lot of their favorites too. Who knew I could ever like Insane Clowne Posse (ICP), Eminem, System of a Down, Rob Zombie. Weird stuff.

I also rediscovered my love for heavy metal through some newer groups: God Smack, Linkin Park, Nickelback, Slayer, Sublime. Lucky me, they also like the same oldies I do: AC/DC, Guns' N Roses, Ozzy, Metallica . .

MOVIES: Can't have a list of movie events without topping it with Lord Of The Rings, The Matrix, The X-men, Spiderman,Transformers, Star Wars, and of course, the ongoing Harry Potter saga (which leaves entirely too much of the storyline out, in my opinion). Beyond those awesome, long awaited series events, the list of movies that blew me away awesome story lines, acting, special effects, etc; would go on for several pages.

But I'll leave you with just one video. I loved all the songs in the movie so much I bought the soundtrack, and it is still one of my favorite CD's to write to.

Others participating in this blogfest listed below:

STRING BRIDGE AMAZON CHART RUSH

2011-11-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 11, 2011

Today is THE day to help Jessica Bell's debut, STRING BRIDGE, hit the bestseller list on Amazon, and receive the all-original soundtrack, Melody Hill: On the Other Side, written and performed by the author herself, for free!

All you have to do is purchase the book today (paperback, or eBook), November 11th, and then email the receipt to:
jessica.carmen.bell(at)gmail(dot)com

She will then email you a link to download the album at no extra cost!

To purchase the paperback:

Amazon USA

To purchase the eBook:

Amazon USA
Amazon UK

To listen to samples of the soundtrack, visit iTunes.

If you are not familiar with String Bridge, check out the book trailer:

Rave Reviews for String Bridge:

“Jessica Bell’s STRING BRIDGE strummed the fret of my
veins, thrummed my blood into a mad rush, played me taut until the final page, yet with echoes still reverberating. A rhythmic debut with metrical tones of heavied dark, fleeting prisms of light, and finally, a burst of joy—just as with any good song, my hopeful heartbeat kept tempo with Bell’s narrative.” ~ Kathryn Magendie, author of Sweetie and Publishing Editor of Rose & Thorn Journal

“Poet and musician Jessica Bell's debut novel String Bridge is a rich exploration of desire, guilt, and the difficult balancing act of the modern woman. The writing is lyrical throughout, seamlessly integrating setting, character and plot in a musical structure that allows the reader to identify with Melody's growing insecurity as her world begins to unravel … String Bridge is a powerful debut from a promising writer, full of music, metaphor, and just a hint of magic.” ~ Magdalena Ball, author of RepulsionThrust and Sleep Before Evening

“Jessica Bell is a brilliant writer of great skill and depth. She doesn't pull back from the difficult scenes, from conflict, pain, intensity. She puts it all out there, no holds barred, no holding back. She knows how to craft a scene, how to develop character, how to create suspense. This is an absolutely brilliant debut novel. I look forward to reading her next novel, and next and next.” ~ Karen Jones Gowen, author of Farm Girl, Uncut Diamonds and House of Diamonds

Connect with Jessica:

String Bridge: http://www.stringbridge.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jessica_bell
Website: http://www.jessicacbell.com/
Blog: http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.jessica.bell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MsBessieBell
Publisher: http://www.luckypress.com/

Please TWEET and/or FACEBOOK this post using #StringBridge!

THE SHINY NEW *#$

2011-11-10T02:49:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Ok, so I'm reading through this novel, adding my critique comments; but my mind isn't totally on the story. Why?

Well; I've surfed the blogs here and there on day job and crit breaks and seen what's out there - even if I haven't commented. (BTW; I did finally vote for the Ren3 finalist, but I'm unhappy I had to chose only one. I'd buy all six novels if I saw them in a bookstore . .)

There are several events I want to participate in - yes all in my community events or listed in my right side bar. But I'm behind in my critiquing b/c I joined too many events in October, had my own publishing excitement, had to write a submission for my ftf crit group, checked out loads of blogs and several blog tours . . and now I'm giving a lot of heavy thought to just chucking it all and reading some books.

I got tons of those sitting around in the Kindle or physical bookshelves waiting to be read . .

So; back to the crit . . I'm reading along and the scene involves *** and I'm intrigued and engaged enough not to add any red or blue comments. But the segment sticks in my mind, apparently; because not long after I read ### which is totally unrelated. Except to my muse . .

So I open a blank works document and work on ### which eventually brings me to $$$ and that sorta ties into *** . . Well, that sucks, because its over word count for the WRiTE Club excerpt thats been on my mind for a couple weeks. OH, wait; is that where this is going? How did I get there from the ms I've been reading for over a month?

"But, don't you like ***" Muse asks.

Nevermind; the problem now is I have this shiny new idea that has nothing to do with anything I've been working on lately but looks sort of . . . Damn.

Tell me you've never encountered the problem?

You're working on this one thing, and some rude *#$ just pushes everything else aside in your WRiTE brain; and next thing you know you've started a new project. And haven't a clue where its going, or where it came from, but if you don't drop everything and write it out as it comes to you in bits and pieces you're sure you'll lose it forever.

Except . . you'll see the full blown idea on the NY best sellers list under some other author's name; one that had the time to develop that shiny new *#$ when it breezed your way for 30 seconds and all you did was write down the bare basics that looked like "Once upone a time . ." and then you went back to whatever it was you were working on at the time . .

Tally ho writer friends; how many works in progress do you have that are from one sentence to 1000 words or less?

Adult content in the below video - cuz I just needed this while I'm submitting to contests and short story publications and reading for others . .

Seriously tame for ICP - if you've ever listenend to their stuff . .

RULE OF 3 VOTING

2011-11-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 7, 2011

For those of you who visited me through October, you will know I participated in the month long writing extravaganza called the Rule of Three blogfest - which is also a contest. There were about 65 participants, with four co-host/judges.

The judges have compiled a short list of six finalists who they felt captured the essence of the shared world Renaissance. I didn't make the short list (or the long list); so I won't waste your valuable time posting my entries. I loved the shared world challenge, and honestly forgot the event was a contest with prizes. I didn't envy the judges (Damyanti Biswas, JC Martin, Stuart Nager, Lisa Vooght) the task of choosing just a few excellent writings for the long list; and then to have to whittle it down further to just six.

However, for the final judging, they have cordially invited the blogger community to visit each of the six finalists and then to return to the Renaissance blog site to cast a vote for the best written short story. The hosts do request that you cast your vote for the best written story, not just for your favorite blogger/author.

Even if you haven't heard of the Rule of Three blogfest/contest, please consider this your invitation to assist four weary judges, and every other participant in the event, in coming to a decision on the winner of the Ren3 extravaganza. Cast your vote by Friday, November 11; prize winners to be announced Monday, Nov 14.

And if you like what you see of the current writings, and regret that you could not participate yourself this year, check out the May 2012 Renaissance revisited post and add your name to the list of potential writers. It is not a locked in lindy list, just a tentative interest comment.

Thanks in advance to everyone who shows their support by voting.

INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP (3)

2011-11-02T01:01:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Hello All;

Wow, another month has come and gone, and its time again for the Insecure Writers Support Group. My inspiration this month came from an unexpected source; an offline critique partner who asked me a bunch of questions about the benefits I've received from a writing blog. Ahem; I went on for hours . .

But honestly, the answers to his questions may have done me more good than my friend; so many thanks go out to him for allowing me this opportunity to post portions of our conversation. This inspirational guru shall henceforth be known as Prospective Blogger (PB) and I, of course, shall be ME . .

PB: How did you get started blogging? Why did you start?

ME: I got started by frequenting an agent blog (Nathan Bransford), at our face-to-face group leader's recommendation. I lurked (meaning read but didn't comment, even as annonymous) for a few months. I enjoyed the blog topics, but what really hooked me into it was the other bloggers/commenters that frequented the site. Its was quite a social gathering. After clicking on quite a few of my favorite commenter's links, and reading their blogs, I got tired of signing my name after each Annonymous comment I made, and got a lot of help from the people there in creating my own blog (thank you again Anne R Allen).

PB: Does it (blogging) scare you?

ME: Yes; big time. First, because I'm really not all that social - I can be crass and unacceptable, and I don't like offending people. Blogging is like standing in a crowded room and trying to have a conversation with everyone at once. In person, you can see the faces of the people "listening" to you. In bloggerland you cannot. You never know who is reading your content. But my rule is I never say anything that I'd be ashamed to have broadcast on live TV.

Secondly, EVERYTHING you put on your blog is considered published material. So you want to be careful how much of your WiP you publish. IT COULD BE STOLEN, or you may not be able to get a project published in the commercial market b/c it has been "electronically" published. Those scenarios are rarely a problem, however. There are very few - if any - original story ideas out there and someone else's version of Your concept won't look exactly like your's. I've heard rumors that if an agent/small publisher likes your query/partial, they may visit your blog/web site looking for writing samples; but also to get a feel for you as a person.

I've been blogging a couple years now, and I still get nervous about some of my posts, especially if I have an unpopular opinion on a current topic. Most bloggers are courteous, and encourage differing opinions; and there have been times when others have thanked me for stating their own opinions that they were too scared to post on their own. So I do still get scared, but taking a risk is good for me.

PB: Do you feel pressure to keep adding fresh content?

ME: Yeah I do; but that's on me, not the community. The more followers I gain, the more I want to please them with something fresh and new. And, I hate seeing the same post on my blog for too many days at a time. I rarely have more than two posts a week though. Some people update their posts every day, other's only a couple times a month (or less).

I'm not just keeping the content fresh for other bloggers though; I'm ensuring that if an agent/publisher that I've queried stops by, they see I'm actively involved in networking - self promoting. And I think a stagnant blog hurts sales on published works; especially self-published. I keep in mind that all those bloggers are also potential readers/buyers for my publications and if I disappear for long lengths of time; they will forget me. Blogging is first and foremost a social media, but it is also an essential marketing tool.

UPDATED: Since I wrote the above response, I've seen several posts regarding the purpose of a blog; and yeah, some differ from my opinion of garnering prospective readers and the hope that a queried agent/publisher might see what kind of writer/person I am. These bloggers have valid points to consider, and I encourage you to visit:

- Ann R Allen hosts editor Ruth Harris with a Reality Check on the published author;
- Bryan Russell aka Ink (Alchemy of Writing) expresses the reasonable and unreasonable expectations of blogging
- VR Bartowski part one and part two
- Adam Hein's signal-to-noise post - just so you twitter folks don't feel left out

PB: Does it put you in contact with new people interested in writing? Published authors? Editors?

ME: Definitely; all of the above. It really is true that non-writers do not fully understand writers. Blogging has given me a place/people to talk to about my frustrations and triumphs in my writing in general. People at work shake their head at me (and at home too) when I talk about a character/scene I'm trying to get just perfect. "You talk about your made up characters like they are real people," THEY say. To me, those characters and their plots are real.

Who else but another writer can understand the difficulties of writing a scene or POV when the character stubbornly refuses to allow the story to go off in that direction? Who else but another writer understands that sometimes you have to have a sit down conversation with your character as if you were talking to a rebellious child? The cool thing about interracting with other writers is they have also had similar issues, and you can compare notes/tips/or just plain rant your heart out. On your Blog :) And nobody will think you crazy . .

I've met a lot of published authors - both inde and agented - and being able to read about their writing/publishing journey gives me incentive to keep writing because I know it does happen to everyday people like myself. People I feel I know better than those I interact with on a daily basis in my off-line life. Sometimes it takes years to get published, sometimes the story is picked up right away. And there are a lot of accessible agents/editors/publishers who maintain a blog. They give good advice and resources about writing in general, and about the publishing industry.

Following an agent/publisher blog does not guarantee you will be represented by them; but you get to know how agents think, and what they are looking for. I've followed some for a while before I either queried (reading their blogs helps with that little bit of personalization) or decided they were not the agent for me. Blogging with these highly sought after individuals takes some of the scaryness out of querying them.

PB: Does it serve to motivate or inspire your writing life?

ME: I only had the one story concept. Once I wrote my women's fiction trilogy (and been rejected by three prestigeous publishing houses), I was at a loss as to what to write next. It was like I had the one story to tell, and once it was written, I was done being a writer. Joining the blogfests has inspired several shiny new ideas. Some of those flash fiction diddies have inspired complete short story or novel ideas. The Cyborg fairy tale and the Eros and Chris story are both the products of blogfests. The blogs have also inspired me to attempt writing in different genre's. I never would have attempted a twisted fairy tale, or a fantasy/sci-fi concept without the encouragement of other bloggers or the shared story ideas. I don't believe I'd still be writing if I hadn't become involved in blogging. I certainly would have given up on revising/querying the trilogy a couple years ago.

PB: Has it helped you become the published author that you now are? If so, in what ways?

ME: My short story Scent (An Honest Lie Vol 3; Open Heart Publishing, Oct 2011) never would have happened without the blogs. I met Eric W Trant (one of the most inspirational writers I've met online) through a blogfest. I liked his bold tone and attitude right away. We exchanged critiques on a few occasions, and I really liked his writing. Eventually one of his short stories was picked up by An Honest Lie, and he advertised the publication on his blog. I bought the anthology solely to read his story. I liked it, but I also enjoyed the other authors. The next year he published a story in Vol II, and I bought that book also, hoping I'd enjoy it as much as I did the first anthology. I did. When the publication was accepting submissions for Vol 3, I jumped right on it - with lots of encouragement from Eric. And, my short story is now available for sale . .

The other short story I have published in Bewildering Stories also came about because I had interacted with bloggers who had this e-zine on a resource or published list. I read quite a few of the back issues before deciding my story Two Minutes In Tomorrow would fit their publishing criteria.

But I'd have to say, the biggest help blogging has been to me in getting published is by giving me confidence. Confidence in myself as a writer, and also in my ability to recognize "good" writing techniques in others. I've offered critiques to several writers online - some of them I've worked with all the way through getting agents or accepted directly by small publishers. That gives me confidence in my own writing ability that I do actually know how to craft a story. If other writers - published or not - read my feedback and suggestions and say "yeah, I didn't see that" or "I didn't think of it that way", then I know I can also do that with my own writing. Sometimes I've given feedback to another writer on a technique or phrasing, and went back to my own writings to see if perhaps I was making the same mistake; or perhaps something in their character/setting/story line helped me over a stuck point in my own project.

PB: I want to put my words out into the world but when it comes to the idea of a "writing blog" I guess I struggle with what I would say on it. Any advice or even just the first thing that pops into your head to say about it would be great!

ME: (This answer has been modified; just a smidge.) How much you post, or what content you put up is up to you. Your blog truly is what you make of it. As VR says, post what appeals to you, but also what you think might appeal to other readers. Much of the links I post here is for my info - what better place to put info/inspiration that tweaks my interest - and if I like it, I'm hoping it will be interesting to others as well.

Now that I think of it, a good place to start your lurker/blogger experience is with The Insecure Writers Group, where you will find a very long list of participants in the blog hop. The ISW is a monthly event where bloggers can disclose their writing/blogging fears, frustrations, accomplishments, etc; and gain encouragement or congratulations from other bloggers. This event happens on the first Wednesday of every month, so you may have to scroll down a few posts on some people's blogs if you're slow at visiting (as I am). Just click on some random names so you can get a feel for a variety of bloggers and what they post about.

Thanks awesome critique partner/potential blogging buddy for allowing me to post your, and a lot of my, blogging/writing fears.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN: I'M FOR SALE!!!!

2011-10-31T19:12:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween everyone :)

I spent the month of October participating in on-line writing events, and spent this weekend doing critiques that I committed to well over a month ago and barely worked on. I finished one crit yesterday, am halfway through another, and plan to start the last one next week.

All that is to say I'm flaking on all the varied events taking place today because I haven't budgeted my time well over this month.

I have my Insecure Writers Support Group post scheduled for Wednesday, and aside from that I'll be working on crits for some awesome writers.

PS: I'm having some problems playing/viewing video's on my computer. From U-tube, already posted video's on my blog, from your blogs . . . I don't know if there is some cookie, or link, or pop-up, or program, or whatever that I could have deleted/turned off, but this is SERIOUSLY getting annoying :(

OMG OMG OMG OMG . . .

I checked my e-mails just before posting this (you know how it is when you have a habit: go to google, click g-mail before remembering that's not what you're there for . .) and this is what I found

YEP; I'M FOR SALE.

Or, at least the print version of An Honest Lie Vol 3: Justifiable Hypocracy is. But my short story Scent is in this PUBLICATION and it is available for sale NOW.

Wow, what better day to have such a spooky collection of authors and short stories debut :)

Ya wanna give me a belated birthday present (Oct 11)? CLICK HERE or on the AHL3 cover in the side bar to purchase your copy, and toss 500 votes at me for a book contract. Even if you're not ready to purchase, you can still vote for me as your favorite author :)

More details to come later. I'm way to excited right now to write coherently.

But maybe; I'll be more generous in my critiques to those other two writers tonight. Maybe . .

ROMANTIC FRIDAY WRITERS: HAUNTING

2011-10-28T02:20:00.000-07:00

My final Renaissance epcerpt is here; and my blog tour stop with Elliot Grace is here.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Dear Denise and Francine;

Thank you for the invitation to participate in your special Haunting post for Friday Night Writers. (Note that this is the link to the new RFW site.) I've posted the invitation to all my friends to crash the party; and hopefully we'll have lots of bloggers who would like to get in on the fun :) I know ya'll don't normally allow paranormal, fantasy, or YA genre's; but since it is halloween, I see you've opened to just about any and all genre's, as long as the romance factor is present. Thank you for opening this one challenge to all authors.

My excerpt is not as bloody as I had originally reported - funny how romance and murder just don't go together as well as I'd anticipated. At least not in a pure romance scenario. Yet, I'm hoping my 389 word excerpt meets the challenge criteria. Perhaps it will inspire others not of a romance writing bent to supply their own 400 word experiment for the Halloween celebration..

Here's hoping you enjoy Wendy and Kevin's twisted version of a romantic date . . .

Wendy shook the perceived blood off her hands, then brushed the front of her dress to dislodge any gore residue.

“I suppose you have an excuse why this one wasn’t your fault either,” she asked Kevin.

Kevin dug his toes in the earth, oblivious to the fact that there was no impression in the dirt.

Wendy sighed and planted a hand on her hip. Even dead, he was still too cute to be angry at for long. Probably why she was in this mess to begin with. She tugged on her ethereal sleeves to be sure he couldn’t see the slash marks on her wrists, sauntered forward a few paces, and stood close enough to kiss. On level ground they were nearly the same height, Kevin only a couple inches taller.

She blinked her long lashes, quite an accomplishment since she’d passed over.

Kevin smiled sheepishly, shrugging ghostly shoulders. “I’m sorry Baby; but he wasn’t right for her. When I entered him, he had all these thoughts of getting into her pants, then dashing off to the frat party and his real girlfriend.” He glanced at the mutilated bodies of the lovers, then turned his back to look out at the carnival lights.

“Ah honey; it doesn’t matter if the couple loves each other as we do. It only matters that they look good together.” Wendy floated closer to Kevin, letting her essence mingle with his. As ghosts, they couldn’t physically touch, but sometimes if the emotions were strong enough, they could mesh for a time, and the loneliness would ease.

Kevin was solid more often than she, and Wendy feared that some day he would realize his love was stronger than her’s. She’d killed herself to join him after his execution for the murder of her family. She doubted she would have killed for him; but was pleased with herself for at least taking her own life when her arrest was imminent. Now they were together, looking for warm bodies to inhabit, however briefly.

“No, they gotta be in love,” Kevin replied. “Otherwise, they destroy each other; like we did. I just want to touch you, one last time before I move on.”

“I do too,” Wendy lied.

She’d loved him in life, and that love followed in death. She would never allow him to move on without her.
* *

You like? Go read more excerpts here. Attach your own link too; its open til 10/30.

........dhole

A CHARMING TOUR STOP

2011-10-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 27, 2011

If you're looking for my final Ren3 post click here.

This is a repost from Monday, June 20, 2011, but with a few updates as I participate in Elliot Grace's A CHARMING TOUR. Please click here for a list of the sites Elliot has already visited on his month long blog tour. The tour finishes up on Saturday the 29th with a trip to Meilori's (Roland Yoemans, Writing in the Crosshairs); lets hope our charming author leaves Melori's safe and undead. (We're all counting on you Capt. Sam . .)

Shortly after blogger/author Elliot Grace announced the release date of he novel South Of Charm, I sent Mr Grace an email requesting an interview. The thing that intrigues me about Elliot is the voice of his blog, and from reading the minimal excerpts he’d posted, I knew that same voice would manifest throughout his novel. Elliot's response was courteous and in-depth:

EL: Thanks so much for your invitation. I couldn't think of a better way to spend an evening than with friends who share the unique passion of storytelling. For only those of us who are urged by our muse to battle on, to finish the story regardless of repercussions, can understand the beauty of typing that last word, of looking at oneself in the mirror and being able to say, "It's done."

ME: I agree. One of my first questions to Elliot regarded his decision to write in the middle grade (MG) genre. This was before I read the novel, and I didn't feel the content was MG. I’d like to take a moment for a review before revealing his response.

Expecting a heartfelt, fluffy type novel of a kids lazy summer spent playing baseball, I was a bit surprised that the Author voice in this was nostalgic; that of a man looking back on the moment his comfortable life was shattered by a seemingly innocent object.

The story is narrated by two simultaneous perspectives; ten year old Danny Kauffman’s memories are told through first POV, while his mother’s intimate thoughts are disclosed in a close third. Both perspectives are richly detailed with thoughts, emotions, and the impact the events have on each POV characters relationships to each other, the family members, and most importantly, their mental health.

The subject matter of South Of Charm is a powerfully written, coming of age in a dysfunctional family drama. A family stricken by the mother's sudden onset of a serious mental health disorder. The beginning starts slow, but is necessary for the pacing and tension building. The characters, the traumatic events, and the culture of the 1980’s drew me in, made it impossible to put the novel down. It is written with sincere passion, sensitivity, and most encouraging of all, without a morality message. In the end, I believe every reader will be affected with their own deeply personal meaning from the Danny’s story.

All that seriousness aside, there were enough moments of laughter and contentment, and the sheer joy of a boy and his obsession with a baseball to round out the story content. The characters are well drawn; the setting of Berlin, Ohio is vividly portrayed by integrating the local culture, products, and news of the era; and I loved the use of sports, holidays, and the weather to move the story and timeline forward. An excellent read for anyone who enjoys family drama’s, literary fiction, MG, YA, and school sports. But not so much for those who like Wheaties . .

That said, lets get back to the questions . .

ME: What was your incentive to write in MG?

EL: When not writing, and during those few moments of peace, I'm a fan of the written word. For as long as memory serves, those who find me out and about, will normally see a book cradled under my arm. And from a list of my favorite stories, three titles come to mind that later inspired the story of "Charm." "Boys Life," by Robert McCammon, "Fade," by Robert Cormier, and Stephen King's "Stand by Me," (originally titled The Body before getting snatched up by Hollywood:) Long story short, each one wrapped its arms around me and offered a magical embrace. Three coming of age novels involving boys on the cusp of puberty, each drama captivating, and yet very unique from one another. Many writers spend their nights entangled in mystery, for others it's the passion of romance. When I write, my stories are seen through the eyes of our youth, a few years short of adulthood, yet mature enough to realize that the phrase, "Happily Ever After" can only be used in fairy tales.

ME: I can certainly see those influences in the story, as well as John Grisham’s A Painted House. Your book will sit with those on my shelf. Most of my next question “How did you develop your MC and plot ideas?” has been answered above, but I'd appreciate further disclosure.

EL: While I'm unable to fully support the notion of "writing what you know," Danny Kaufman is proof positive that every once in a while, staying close to home can breathe life into words on a page. Ten year old Kaufman has a problem. His mother, whom he adores, is slowly succumbing to the throes of paranoid schizophrenia. As her moods change like the seasonal temperatures in New England, his struggle to maintain some form of emotional balance, drives himself to the foreboding edge of depression. And while Danny is challenged a great deal more than I ever was, the idea of a ten year old watching a parent struggle through a battle of the mind, was one I stole from my own childhood. Some of Danny's scars are salted with a few grains of my own past, but just enough to keep the boy's feet on the ground :)

ME: Thank you for sharing some of your own personal story with us El. On a lighter note, how long did it take from initial draft to the finished product for you decided South Of Charm was ready to query?

EL: I started writing "Charm," under a different title at the time, about a year before the birth of my first son. Then a baby with severe colic, eventually caused me to put the manuscript aside for quieter days. Days turned into years. A decade later, with my career path spiraling downhill, I awoke one night to a deafening rainstorm pounding on the roof. And I thought of my story, still waiting for me. I went to the office, fired up my Dell, and awakened Danny Kaufman. I completed "Charm's" first draft two years later. It was another year before I queried, followed by three more drafts, and an editing schedule best described as ruthless. Funny thing, when the goal was finally achieved, all I really wanted to do was take a nap.

ME: I hear you with the nap. I got that way myself after the completion of my first book in my trilogy. And then there’s writing the actual query, and agent shopping. I’m curious; what was your query process?

EL: My query experience most likely ran the same gauntlet of rejections as any other starving artist. The break came by way of a chance meeting. While visiting with several writers at a local book signing, I met David Wiesenberg, senior editor of The Wooster Book Company. A ten minute conversation led to an email request for a partial read, which eventually paved the way to publication. A bit different from the norm, but with positive results nonetheless.

The Wooster Book Company is a local (Ohio) indie publishing house known for offering lesser known writers a fighting chance. Kind of a high risk, high reward mind set. For the most part, they offer vanity contracts to those desperate for publication. Then sometimes, when approached with an idea they truly believe in, they draw up an offer similar to the deal I signed, very little up front, with potential high rewards if Oprah were to drop by. For me personally, working with David more than made up for missing out on that power agent everyone dreams of. A one time "pencil pusher," or so he says, from Simon & Schuster, his years in the book industry armed the man with the kind of knowledge envied by kings. The overall experience was like training for a karate tournament with Mr. Miaggi. Truly something I'll never forget.

ME: Ah, in person social networking that paid off. Gotta love that! Now that the publishing dream has come true, has your life changed? What is next?

EL -Considering how the initial release was restrained to the local store shelves, sales have been slow but steady. David swears by this technique, calling it, "built for the long haul." I can only nod at this, but he knows best, after all.

* *As it's been several months since this original post, I asked Mr. Grace again what has changed in his personal or work life, and his answer was:

I'm frequently asked by co-workers on the status of my employment, and whether or not I'm planning on turning in my resignation anytime soon. The reality is, (and for those of you fellow storytellers, this is old news,) the writing business is not only brutal, but in some ways, more competitive than your average gridiron standoff or Indy car race. For every great story currently displayed on a Wal-Mart shelf, there's one next to it that some will consider a more enjoyable read. And so, with all those award-winning titles floating about, earning the kind of respect that enables one to make an honest living by penning one's stories, can be a life-long dream that is never achieved. Of course, following this explanation, my co-workers normally answer with a smirk, and the remark, "No really, when are you quitting?" * *
-As for what's next, I've been doodling with an outline for a YA drama, once again from my own back yard, this one about a young lady. This girl's begging for life, and I'm itching to climb back on the saddle. It's been a while :)
-I'm not fond of sequels, but adore the idea of past characters making cameos in new projects. Therefore don't be surprised if Danny Kaufman pops in to say "hi" on occasion.
-On the subject of publication, I think my future projects may reflect on "Charm's" success. I wouldn't be opposed to working with an agent, once had one in fact. (We parted ways under mutual differences, and on good terms.) That being said, I'd be more than willing to work with David once again if the opportunity were to present itself. A simple conversation at a book signing led to publication the first time around. Who knows what may lie ahead?

ME: Sounds exciting. I’m sure you’ll write the young lady’s story as effectively as you did Danny’s, though I doubt baseball will be as prominent a feature :) Knowing how hectic your home life is, I’m interested in how your success has affected your family. Can you talk about your family support during your writing process? Were there times you knew you should give up the dream and focus solely on supporting your family?

EL: Throughout the writing of "Charm," my family remained as supportive as they could. However, when you're eight years old and Dad refuses to leave the office to drive you to the pool, patience wavers. Along with my three kids, my wife and I are licensed foster parents. At any time there could be as many as six or seven children living under my roof. And while their stories can breathe inspiration into the most crippling case of writer's block, balancing one's day job, coaching youth sporting events, along with penning something worthy of signing my name next to, while spreading fatherly advice to a half dozen youngsters can at times be overwhelming. Turning a child away in order to gain an extra hour of writing however, is out of the question. These kids are our future. They show up on my doorstep with a garbage bag full of ratty clothes, and a story. Chapters upon chapters of gloom. Our goal is to add the turning point, and if lucky, an exciting climax.

...and some day, when the kids are gone and time is a'plenty, you'll find me in front of a computer, drumming away :)

* * New question: if you wouldn't mind givng an update on the progress/working title/brief synopsis or character profile (arc) of the new novel, and what changes to the writing experience publication has had on the development of this second novel. (Things like: changes in plotting/editing techniques; influence of the publisher/editor; or for that matter, is Wooster expecting to publish your next novel and if you have garnered an advance/book contract for future publications, are you looking for an agent or are you happy with your status at Wooster; how is the promotions/public appearances affecting your confidence/work/family . .).
-Both of my new projects have come to a grinding halt, what with another season of youth basketball looming. (Priorities, right? ;) Until early March, I'll be restrained to late hours during the week, and early mornings on the weekends for work on "The Fellas," and "Derby Wayne," both of which I'm just antsy about.
- In regards to the development process, I've managed to remain consistent with not only "Charm's" voice, but also in the plotting style that I found most comfortable back then. Not to say that I didn't take to heart some of the emails received from those who read "Charm" and offered a paragraph or two of constructive criticism. Both stories will feature an older mc, (YA,) with a faster, more appropriate pace for that type of audience.
- And while Wooster Books has gained knowledge of both projects, I've yet to sign up for a second go around. (Signing a contract, while it does make for an exciting evening, must never be approached in haste, for you just never know what other possibilities lie in wait ;) **

Thanks again, Donna. You've been a wonderful host.

ME: The pleasure has been all mine Elliot. Congratulations on your debut publication, South Of Charm, and good luck with the book signing and future writings.

And what's a tour without prizes along the way...

At month's end, I'll (Mr. Elliot Grace) be giving away signed copies of my book, "South of Charm," two $25.00 gift cards from Barnes & Noble, and upon it's highly anticipated release, Stephen King's new thriller, "11/22/63," due out on November 8th.

and to win...
-All my current followers have already earned themselves 1 point.
-Any new followers I meet along the way will be awarded 1 point.
-All who comment on any of my blog stops in October will earn 2 points.
-Anyone who leaves reviews for "South of Charm" on either Amazon or GoodReads will earn 5 points.
-At months end, my most behaved foster child for that particular day will be choosing the winners, (trust me, that's a win/win for the entire family ;)
* *in regards to this statement, Elliot has revised to: My three children have relinquished the duty of drawing the names to our teenage foster girl that many of you know simply as "The Girl," from several of my earlier posts. Considering that the final stop in my tour will be from my own digs, featuring an update on what exactly has happened to this young lady since first visiting our home on a weekend stay back in '09, everyone has agreed that it's only proper if she were to draw the winners.

You can purchase your printed and Kindle versions of South Of Charm through Wooster or at Amazon.

Aside from this blog tour, you can read other reviews by visiting Dawn Embers at Reading By Dawn and Jennifer at Serendipity's Library. For a slightly different interview, read Suzy Turner's Q&A. While all the tour interviews have been excellent, if you only have time for a couple stops, I'd recommend Olivia J. Herrell (That Rebel With A Blog) and Anne Gallagher (Piedmont Writer); both of which brought tears to my eyes.

OK; that's a wrap. Hope ya'll enjoyed Elliot as much as I have :)

Rule of Three part 4

2011-10-26T00:44:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

ITS THE END; and I'm not really ready for this. I know, I had three week's warning to wrap it up, but I've enjoyed this Rule Of Three writing extravaganza so much, and I'm just starting to get a feel for my various characters and their history. In other words, the story concept is just starting to reveal itself for me. But now, I have to post the end.

If this is your first visit to Renaissance, you can read installment one, two and three by clicking on the links.

But since I'm having troubles tying it all into a neat conclusion, it's not likely a satisfactory ending, for you as a reader or me as the author. *curses*

Of the one or more prompts for us to choose from for the closing installment:
1. The misfortune is resolved/accepted.

2. Relationships mend/ are torn asunder.
3. The final event becomes another secret for generations to come.
4. There is a new arrival in town.

I think I integrated all four; but I've focused on 1 and 2. You be the judge . .

THE HEART OF RENAISSANCE:

Cherish winged her way north along the Targe, and when the trade route turned west towards the Shiavona Desert, she angled north-east, skirting her home forest of the Culdees. As long as she’d been in Renaissance, Cherish could not traverse the boundaries of the Shiavona, reach the mouth of the Epsalon River, discover an end to the Assart Forrest, or reach the Roundeli.

This time, however, she felt her wings making progress towards the Roundeli, A great concussion knocked her backwards, rolling end over end until she landed into a squirrels nest. The squirrel male chittered and scolded until Cherish dissolved into her most ethereal form - a gust of cold winter air to remind the furry rodent of his more important chores.

The pull of her life-mate’s energy catapulted Cherish through a rift in time-space; as if his presence demanded her immediate attention. It’d been so in the land of Eire since her betrothal to the Earth Elemental Jeremy mac Lir, lasting through many ages of marriage.

And now he was here. She enchanted a rain cloud and rode its fury in her tall, lythe, faerie form; cloaking herself in leafy greens and the pastel blues of the sky. On her arrival, she interrupted what looked like a heated discussion between Jeremy and Tawney

“Darling,” Jeremy chirruped in his lightest tone.

“Mother,” Tawny stated tensely.

“Mother?” Cherish repeated.

“So you admit it,” Jeremy thundered, shaking the snow clad trees with his unrestrained anger. “You conceived a child not of my lineage. The witch Maya was correct after all.”

"No, Sire,” Tawny interjected, her form glittering with the confused elements. “I was born of this world, and the dreams and sorrows of Cherish’s conflicted sleep.

“The mystics predicted I would have a child not of your creation, but not of your loins” Cherish said, her mind deep in the past. “So this is what they meant.”

Tawny’s fair hand graced her lips. “Your creation? Sire, are you the God these people worship as their creator?”

“God? No,” Jeremy smirked. “Well, perhaps to these fledgling beings. I banished the entire 333 village on a whim during a war. I never gave a thought to where they ended up; I just didn’t want them to return to cause me any more problems. But I admired their courage in battle, so did not destroy them outright. Curious; this is where they ended up?”

“As did I, at your whim,” Cherish reminded her life-mate. She drew the elements of air and wind to her, preparing for an all out battle.

“Oh that,” Jeremy answered with a flick of his wrist. Instantly the weather tamed; snow melted from the trees and nearby hills. Cherry blossoms bloomed from saplings that had not been there moments before.

Cherish inhaled the scents of home, her righteous anger at his callous treatment sinking within a deluge of haunting memories.

“Our best seer’s unraveled Maya’s glamour days ago; but by then I was deep into the cups. When my senses returned, and I realized you would never abandon me for a tryst with a mere mortal. Maya is . . Gone.”

He waived a ringed finger at Cherish, and her feet propelled her to his side. But her eyes strayed to Tawny, who was slowly dissolving to her owl form.

“Come with us,” Cherish pleaded.

“Yes,” Jeremy agreed. “We shall celebrate the arrival of my first heir. All will love you.”

“But what of Renaissance," Tawny hooted, her heart torn between her parents, and the land that she had nurtured for ages.

593 words
All three main characters used

Visit a linky to the other 68 participants here; and don't forget to help me thank the hosts: Damyanti Biswas (Amloki Blogs), Born Storyteller Stuart Nager (Tale Spinning), Lisa Vooght (Flash Fiction), and JC Martin (Fighter Writer). Check out the list of prizes while you're making the rounds.

* * On a side note, I'm posting different events three days in a row: Wed, Thurs, Fri. I may not get to everyone's blog postings until this weekend.* *

HABITAT, HAUNTING, HOORAH!, AND HELP

2011-10-24T22:16:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 24, 2011

*heah heh hah* Lets see if I can pull this all together . .

HABITAT:

The month long Rule of Three writing extravaganza that posts each Wednesday through October. With this blogfest participants were given a setting, Renaissance, a few geographic locations, a population, and a 500-600 word count to create a continuing serial using three main characters, and a secret. (Click here for the linky tool and story parameters.) We're quickly approaching the last installment of the story prompts, to be posted on Oct 26. This week's prompts to choose from are:

1. The misfortune is resolved/accepted.
2. Relationships mend/ are torn asunder.
3. The final event becomes another secret for generations to come.
4. There is a new arrival in town.

If you feel like catching up on my first three installments so you are caught up for Wednesday's post, here are episodes One, Two, and Three. Hopefully you'll come back to read my final effort :)

HAUNTING:

The Friday Night Writers aka Romantic Friday Writers invite all willing participants to submit a 300-400 word excerpt that involves . . a Haunting. You do not have to be a member of the club to submit your link, but it does have to meet the word limit, involve a romance, and be posted between Wednesday October 26 and Friday the 28th (I think the link is opent until midnight Saturday).

How do you enter your story?

•Click here to go to the Romantic Friday Writers' website.
•Submit your direct story link to the linky (linky will go up Wednesday 26 this week)
•Tweet using #RFWer to tell the twitterverse you've posted (optional) or post on facebook etc...
•Find some time over the Halloween weekend to read other stories. What better way to spend the weekend while you suck on trick or treat candies?
•If you're a member, (I am!) your story is automatically up for Featured Writer, Runner Up or an Encouragement Award. If you're not a member, you're welcome to join - it's free! Remember, you don't have to be a member to post this week or any week!

See L'Aussie Denise's Haunting post or Francine Howarth's blog for questions or updates. I've already asked Denise if I can write a really bloody excerpt and she agreed it would be OK this once, as long as there is romance involved. OH YEAH; it will be dripping romance . .

Ah, but between the mystery of Renaissance and the murder of Haunting is a HOORAH! because I get to host South of Charm author Elliot Grace in the last steps of his Charming Tour.

A busy three days this week.

But don't stop to take a breather yet; the HELP portion of this post exhibits next Wednesday Nov 3, as the monthly Insecure Writers Support Group, hosted by Ninja Capt. Alex J. Cavanaugh, where author/bloggers are encouraged to post their fears, concerns, and/or triumphs regarding their writing journey. No matter if you are new blogger, published author, or anywhere in between, you're bound to find something useful during this blog hop. If you don't plan to post, please hop around and receive the benefits of other's experiences.

So have fun writing, reading, and blog hopping over the next couple weeks :)

See ya'll around the blogs . .

BLOGFEST and ROMANTIC FRIDAY WRITERS

2011-10-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 21, 2011

If you're looking for my third installment of Rule of Three extravaganza, click here.

I've been surfing the blogs, reading Rule of Three blogfest episodes; enjoying the heck out of the stories I've been following. I haven't been able to read all the participants - I have a tendency to get lost in browsing a blog when I encounter a new one, so it can take a while to read the relevant posts.

Anyway - there in my community events calendar is a link for Carrie Butler's Casting Call blogfest, starting Monday 10/24 and running thru Thursday 10/28. Pretty button, huh? Making a long blog surfing story short, I ran across this, and while its not my kind of blogfest, I realize it is for a lot of my artzy type friends. The juice from Carrie:

All you'll need to do is write one post (the week of the 24th) featuring a few characters from your book or WIP, using some kind of visual aid. Here's some possible ways to participate:

•Photo montage - Grab photos online, and post them with small descriptions of your characters. Let's be safe/smart about this. Don't take copyrighted photos without permission, provide attribution on photos with a Creative Commons license, etc. Basically, give credit, where credit is due. I'm sure most of you do that with your posts, anyway. :)
•Book trailer - You've seen them online, right? This is the perfect excuse to try one of your own!
•Paintings/Drawings/Doodles on Napkins - C'mon, we won't make fun of your art skills. It's all for fun. :)

I know quite a few of you out there that would love to showcase your characters in one or more of these inventive ways. Now's your chance.

* * *

The second half of this is dedicated to the Romantic Friday Writers club. I know, I haven't posted on a prompt in a while . .

This weeks prompt is WHISPERS:
Who is whispering about who?
Or this all about whispered endearments?
Maybe a whispered comment has set alarm bells ringing for a hero or heroine... Perhaps, one or other is reluctant to commit fully to something started by him/her. But...
Then again a whispered comment could have driven them apart and one or other seeking a way back...
Of course, an ethereal whisper may have stirred something within...

My entry may not be considered quite a whisper; it is murmured voices not meant to be overheard. This is an excerpt from the first book of my women's fiction trilogy, Not Her Mothers Fate. The scene has been cut WAY down to embody just the romance elements. I'll not give a lot of background, but; Amy is the MC and this is her POV; and she is listening in on her boyfriend Robert and his best friend Cal, who she is starting to fall in love with. Cal is talking about his own lover, Sheena; a fashion model who spends more time in Los Angeles than anywhere else . .

(word count: 370)

Murmured conversation woke Amy, and when she reached for Robert, the bed was empty. She hastily pulled on a robe, and cracked the bedroom door. It wasn’t the first time Cal had arrived in the middle of the night to confer with his adopted brother, and she knew instinctively that her presence was unwanted. So she listened instead from the secrecy of her bedroom.

“Don’t be stupid Bro,” she heard Robert advise Cal.

“I don’t know Dude. I’m not cut out for city life. Scares me a little. Know who I am here. Got contacts, a reputation. Wouldn’t know how to start all over, be nobody.”

“That you’d never be. You’re special. Week after you get there, you’ll have everybody beggin’ for your services.”

Cal laughed, a sound that tickled Amy clear to her soul. Amy recalled Robert’s laughter as he told her what Cal said about the trip to LA; that most of Sheena’s modeling friends had slipped Cal agent cards, personal phone numbers, and not too discreet propositions.

“Do you love her,” Robert asked seriously.

“I think so,” Cal answered, the weariness seeping back into his voice.

“Fuck,” Robert said.

Cal chuckled softly. “I know. Sheena’s beautiful, sexy, every man’s dream lover. And oh God, can she -”

“Don’t want to know Bro,” Robert interrupted, and Amy muffled a giggle at Robert’s embarrassment. “But, if she’s pregnant; wow.”

“Yeah, wow,” Cal answered, suitably awed.

There was silence for a while, broken by the pop-hiss of an opening can of beer.

“You’re meant for bigger things than this hick town, Cal. Maybe this is opportunity knocking. Fame, fortune, a beautiful girl. Story book dream come true.”

“You’re one to talk,” Cal said wistfully.

“Don’t I know it,” Robert agreed. “Amy’s home spun glory. Surpasses all my wildest fantasies.”

“You look good in love.”

“Feel good in love,” Robert replied, sending a ripple of excitement through Amy’s eavesdropping.

“I wish, wish I’d,” Cal broke off, choked by his emotions.

Minutes ticked silently by, uninterrupted. Not even the clock dared intrude on Cal’s agony.

Cal drew a deep breath, audible even from her hiding place down the hall. “Wish I had a girl as simple and lovely as Amy.”

* * *

Well, there it is. I'm playing hookie from writing life tonight. If I'm reading for you, Sorry . . I haven't read very many of the Rule of 3 blogfest entries; I'll read all the RFW excerpts late tomorrow; and as for my homework for writers group tomorrow - well, I suppose I better get out of bed earlier than usual for a Saturday. This is feeling like bad credit debt; the further behind I get, the less likely I am to cath up :(

I'll try not to drink too much tonight with my day friends; but I seriously need a break.

See ya'll later; hope you are having a great weekend :)

RULE OF 3 BLOGFEST (3)

2011-10-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Here we are already at the third prompt for the Rule of Thee blogfest event. This week we ar to Choose ONE OR MORE from the following:

The impending misfortune foreshadowed in the 1st prompt comes to pass, but one or more characters laugh at it.
Betrayal is in the air.
Relationships unravel or strengthen.
A long-kept secret is revealed.

If this is your first time reading my Ren3 episodes, read Part one and Part two first so the below segment makes sense to you.
* * *
TAWNY

The being known as Tawny floated formless through the Kastanes. The dark caverns, long abandoned by the organized miners of the current age, posed a challenge to Tawny’s ethereal powers. She wanted light and beauty, but she didn’t want to alter the natural geology. She waited, infusing herself deep within a schist caused during one of Cherish’s earth shattering depressions. Tawny sang to the elements of magma, and berylliummanipulating time and pressure until a faint sheen of crystal and emerald hovered just below the surface of the lava rock. The timing would have to be perfect if her chosen human family was to stumble upon the rare lode.

A disturbance that caused the earth to quake and the seas to protest startled the peace that surrounded Tawny. Her sudden flinch at the devastating powers that invaded her world created flaws in the emeralds she was creating. In her distress, Tawny withdrew into Heriot’s Pass, a central point where she could feel the whole of the mountains that circled Renaissance to the east and north. Only a few knew that there was nothing beyond the boundaries of Renaissance; that it was a realm cut off from the universe. Truly a place out of nowhere.

There, in the Roundeli Mountains that rebuffed all her magics to enter, was the source of the cataclysmic disturbance. With a screech between curiosity and outrage, Tawny formed herself into a warm wind, and roared through the trees, slashing through time and space in her rush to discover the new phenomenon in her world.

Tawny arrived at the focal point to find an immortal being she recognized immediately as Jeremy mac Lir. Cherish’s dreams were filled with this being; both in heartbreak and love. Tawny was birthed during Cherish’s memories of courtship, of years spent at honeymoon in the mortal and faerie kingdoms. She held herself back, unwilling to reveal herself before she’d had a chance to study the man who’d banished her mother.

He must have sensed her presence, as he immediately stood from his kneeling position, his penetrating blue eyes searching the atmosphere, his pert nose sniffing the air.

“Show yourself, wretched spirit,” he ordered, lightening bolts of restrained power electrifying the air.

Tawny could not withstand the powerful demand, but was able to choose the form she manifest. She shifted into her preferred owl, flitting nervously about Jeremy’s head, cooing urgently to calm his obvious anger. She sensed his emotions torn between anger and curiosity, but she also felt a deep sorrow that bordered on shame.

He laughed, a sound that sent shivvers through her feathers and brightened the forest around them.

“Tell me, my darling little one, where is my heart’s desire? For I feel in you the presence of my love, though I do not know how this could be. You are not of my creation; though this world exists by my hand.

Tawny could not resist his enchantment, though he revealed a secret unknown to her. As he petted her, lavished on her a sense of wonder and pride, she transformed to her human form; a slender girl with reddish hair that flowed to her knees and hid her nudity.

“My mother comes for you, My Lord Prince,” Tawny answered, relishing the shock she sensed from Cherish’s jailer.
***
Very rough, I know.

549 words
prompts used: The impending misfortune foreshadowed in the 1st prompt comes to pass, but one or more characters laugh at it (Jeremy laughs at himself). And, a secret is revealed (Cherish is Tawny's mother; you could probably count that Jeremy created the Renaissance realm).
Character 3: Tawny

Go here for a list of participants, the other three hosts, and world building criteria.

PAY IT FORWARD BLOGFEST

2011-10-15T00:36:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 14, 2011

Hehehe; I guess we're lucky this blogfest didn't take place on Friday Oct 13 . .

There I've been over the last few weeks, staring at this blogfest on my events calendar, wondering who I'll showcase for my three Pay It Forward blogfest - blogs. The scoop from Alex (b/c that's where I first saw this announcement and not cuz I think any less of Matt):

Pay it Forward! October 14, 2011 The idea is to introduce all of us to everyone else. We want this to be easy - meet and follow as many other bloggers as you like. In your post, we would like you to please list, describe, and link to three blogs that you enjoy reading and know that others would enjoy as well.

Now, if you're like me, you' ve joined this blogfest because you follow Alex J Cavanaugh and/or Matthew McNish (Rush). Do you like one of our hosts better than the other? Please, DON'T answer that here. I only ask to emphasize my delimma: who to choose for the "three blogs that you enjoy reading and know that others would enjoy as well." Do I need say I'm going to leave a whole lot of people out of my "pay it forward" post?|

Rather than post links to a plethora of blogs that I, and most likely you, follow and comment on consistently, I'm going to take the "something new" premise and name a few blogs that are a bit out of my regular blogging cycle. Some of these you may know, but I met all of them through a little known site called Come In Character.

Come In Character is a site where characters and authors have a chance to hang loose, divulge grievances, explore new aspects of character/plot/writing development, and generally release themselves from the pressures of the story concept. The site is dedicated to Characters, but of course, there is plenty of opportunity for Authors to discuss WITH their characters plot concepts, character reuirements, and author needs and frustrations. Ususally though, characters talk to other characters about their authors; or about their fantasies.

But; I met a few authors I like there (in no particular order of importance -ok, maybe alphabetical):

Betsy Dornbusch (Sex Scenes at Starbucks); Author of Sentinel. Her Demon characters drew me in, and when I learned she was the creator of some of my favorite characters, I had to follow her blog. I'm sure you'll love her too . .

Michelle Gregory (Beautiful Chaos): Author of Eldala (inde-pub). A romantic fantasy novel, focus on romance. Where a kiss with the high general is more important than the enemy the mage/king defeats with his enchanted sword. I fell in love with the characters, and their respective storylines, and followed the Author because I enjoyed her voice so much.

Christine Hardy (The Writers Hole); Author of (OMG; I know the title, why can't I think of it, and it is NOT posted on her blog!) . . Well, I remember Capt Faldur, and that silly girl Maryena. A high fantasy novel I'd like to see turned into an Epic Fantasy. Like Betsy's Demons; Christine's Hanorja characters will draw you in, make you care, fall in love. But the world building is what really clinches the experience.

David Jace (In the Margins); David writes about demons in the modern world. I guess you'd call him and urban fantasy writer. I've visited his web site, clicked on the links to his character profiles, and read his blog whenever he posts. He's a Junior High english teacher, and active in NaNo for school aged kids, and I was impressed with last year's youth effort.

Laura Martone (Laura's Simple Pleasures and her travel blog at American Nomad), author of Ruby Hollow. A contemporary writer, with a slightly doomsday/survivalist motif. Laura and her husband Dan divide their time living in New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Norther Michigan. If you've attended film festivals in LA or The Big Easy, you've probably met this talented, exuberent couple.

Elaine "still writing" Smith (Wordsmithing); Author of Near Edgeware, a YA urban fantasy. Elaine (and Christine) have some awesome writing posts that make me think - differently.

Ana Pino, Author of Maelstrom, an urban fantasy about a rockband with a red headed djinn lead singer, a zombie drummer, fairy keyboardist, demon incubus and a vampire on guitar, and an all too overwhelmed pure human as a manager. Oh, the troubles these characters get into; and then ther is the challenge issued by Thor - who is not at all nice in this novel. . . Ann actually introduced me to one of my other favorite weekly sites Three Word Wednesday.

Yeah, yeah; I know this is a day late (by a few minutes). But when I got home from work and started adding all the links, some excitement broke out next door in the form of a house fire - and it took me several hours to get back on the blogs. And before you ask; my house and grounds are untouched, the neighbors all got out of the house unscathed; but the house is a total loss. But, like all good writers, once I knew the danger was passed, I used the activity to come up with a story idea, and spent some time working out some details, and making a list of questions to ask of my volunteer fire fighter friends, the fireman my writers group leader is married to, and my own brother who is a former fireman and who actually has a story he isn't sure how to write up floating around in his head.

Its OK, you can call me an opportunist. Not poperazzi quality; but I do have a few scruples when it comes to professionals doing their job . .

I'll be visiting as many blogs as I can this weekend. I hope you enjoy the blogs I've spotlighted in my Pay It Forward entry, and to all those blogs I did not mention here, I hope I have your understanding and forgiveness.

........dhole

PAY IT FORWARD blogfest

2011-10-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

My entry for the pay it forward blogfest is not completed yet. Sorry; haven't been feeling well the last couple days so I'm running behind. It will be up later today.

Thanks for your patience.

........dhole

RULE OF THREE part 2

2011-10-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Oh boy, are you excited? Its time to post the second prompt for the Rule of Three blogfest. I signed up after reading the write-up on Damyanti's blog, so I consistently link back there. You can also find the prompts at her three co-hosts blogs: Stuart Nager, JC Martin, and Lisa Vooght. Visit any of the host blogs for updates and details, or to find the participants link.

Find my first blogfest entry by clicking here for Cherish. I've updated it to include the prompt I used and the word count.

This week, we are to choose one or more from the following:

Someone is killed or almost killed.
One of the characters is revealed to be not who he or she is.
A relationship becomes complicated.
A character lies to another on an important matter.

My prompt: Someone is almost killed
Word count: 599
Character #2: Jeremy

“Cherish,” Lord Jeremy mac Lir screamed into the wailing winds of the Roundeli Mountains.

For a moment he imagined he heard the return call of his banished life-mate. He felt his traitorous emotions reaching through time and distance to touch her.

The echo of his shout broke a snow heavy branch from a pine tree miles away, the crackling of its destruction causing him to remember his last conversation with Cherish.

“You stand accused of dallying with a mortal,” he’d declared in full view of his court.

Cherish had laughed, shaking the tiny bells woven through her auburn hair. “And who would accuse me, My Lord? The charlatan that styles herself a witch in for the mortal king.”

She pointed a dainty finger to his dark haired advisor, Maya, who was still wrapped in her black cassock; a costume she wore in her travels.

Jeremy frowned. “You deny it?”

“Why should I lend defense or cry pardon to Maya’s misgotten schemes. Long have I known her desire for loins, my love. Perhaps it is you own guilty conscience that betrays you now.”

The ladies of the court tittered their agreement, and Cherish lifted her pastel skirts to leave as if the matter were settled in her favor.

“I will prove it,” Mays hissed from beneath her cowl.

She scurried towards the gilded fountain in the center of the garden courtyard, beckoned for both Jeremy and Cherish to draw close, and uttered some words in a tongue not familiar to the Danann peoples.

Jeremy eased closer, gathering his magic like an emerald cloak. He distrusted Maya’s otherworld sorcery, but had been intrigued with her knowledge, and she had not misled him with any of her predictions. The water in the fountains basin swirled and clouded as Maya’s harsh whispers stirred it. With a final word and open-handed gesture, the waters stilled, became as reflective as a mirror.

In the reflection, Jeremy saw an unkempt, blond man with the scars and hairy markings of a mortal, lying in a field of daisies. As his eyes opened, a smile split his tangled beard, and an auburn haired woman slid into view. Jeremy gasped, so did Cherish. Beneath the tresses that undulated and swirled with the rhythm of the woman’s shoulders, a strawberry birthmark could barely be discerned.

Jeremy erupted in instant rage, the fountain collapsing out of existence. He turned blazing golden eyes on his life-mate, his hands thrusting towards her tender white throat.

“She lies,” Cherish screamed, her own magic coming to her defense.

“You see with your own eyes,” Maya rasped from beside the hole where the fountain once stood.

Jeremy and Cherish circled each other, faierie magics crackling uselessly in the air between them. Then Cherish fell backwards into the hole, as if pushed by an unseen hand. Her defenses crumbled, and Jeremy lunged again for Cherish’s delicate neck. She recovered quickly, her screams of terror or anger fueling her power, tearing gauges in his face and neck. Unable to get at Cherish physically, Jeremy lashed at the soil, his hands and magics tearing at the fabric that separated the Outer Worlds.

A cavernous rift appeared beneath Cherish, and Jeremy focused all the might of his will onto Cherish’s bubble of protection. The protection withheld his assault, but her body succumbed to the pressure, and slipped gracelessly through the rift.

Jeremy shivered as he recalled himself to the present. He intended to scour the realm of Renaissance until he confronted his former life-mate. He was unsure of her innocence, but existence without her had become unbearable.

REPOST: MAN IN THE CINDER CLOUDS, by Rick Daly

2011-10-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 10, 2011

This is a re-post from Monday, August 8, 2011; as a birthday present to Author Rick Daly. Happy Birthday Rick:

Did ya'll notice it's only about ~~5 months~~ (2 months) to Christmas? Started your shopping yet? Seen any good re-runs of the same old seasonal episodes? Well, let me help you get a jump start on the holidays with a new take on the origins of Santa Claus with blogger/author Rick Daley's indy-pubbed MG chapter book The Man In The Cinder Clouds (web page here).

BOOK BLURB:

The freezing temperature is the only thing cool about Jason’s trip to the North Pole, but things heat up when his father discovers a book buried deep in the ice. This is no ordinary book, mind you. For starters, it was written by an Elf. And if that’s not enough, the book proves the existence of Kris Kringle—you know, Santa Claus.

Born human but abandoned as a baby, Kris is rescued by Elfs and grows up among them…but he doesn’t really fit in. Kris embarks on a quest to find his true family among the humans by delivering presents on Christmas day. But there’s a catch: the High Council of Elfs is convinced humans are wicked at heart, and Kris can’t return to his Elfin home unless he can prove otherwise.

His journey takes him all the way to the legendary Great Northern Glen, and from there to the town of Oldenton, where he finds two orphans who are about to lose everything they have to a greedy uncle. With only days before Christmas, Kris must try to help the kids, deliver his presents, find his family, and prove that human virtue does exist…even in the most unexpected of human hearts.

MY REVIEW:

This is a story within a story. Ten year old Jason has accompanied his father to the North Pole to collect ice core samples, where the excavation team rescues a magical book that is thousands of years old. The book, narrated by an unknown omniscient author, tells the story of the half-elf Kris Kringle, and his mission to prove to the Elf Elders of the Great Woodland Glen that human virtue does exist.

The quest leads Kris and a band of loyal elves to the Great Northern Glen, near the human village of Oldenton, the only place Kris has been authorized to make limited human contact. If he fails in his mission or breaks any of the multitude of rules, Kris and all the elves that traveled with him will be banished forever, not just from their home in Woodland Glen, but from all Elven Glens.

I read each chapter anxiously waiting how author Rick Daley would integrate all the elements that make up the well known Santa Claus myth. Through a blend of magic, coincidence, innate abilities, hard work, and dedication to a dream, The Man In The Cinder Clouds fulfills his destiny as the most loved Christmas character in history.

Kris is a jolly, good natured character, even before his hair turned white and his middle became as round as a fat-bottomed faerie. The orphan children he rescues, 16 year old Aaron and his eight year old sister Alice, are heartwarming, unselfish, engaging personalities. And while the story premise itself is not original, Rick’s version of the origins of Santa Claus and the adventure of the first Christmas Kris Kringle officiated is uniquely portrayed.

A final appealing aspect of this story is the subtle moral imperative to children that doing the right thing is its own reward. The Man In The Cinder Clouds is a highly entertaining, middle grade chapter book that also encourages children to be aware of others around them. The final lesson is expertly drawn by bringing the story back to the present, and the decision that Jason alone must act upon.

This is a story I can feel good about reading to my grandchildren, and I’m sure my own adult daughter will find it as entertaining and charming to read with her young ones as I did.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rick Daley has been writing professionally for over 15 years. His experience includes marketing copy for print and web, press releases, business proposals, training and technical manuals, and whitepapers. His essays, ranging from family life during the holidays to his first skydiving experience, have been featured in The Columbus Dispatch.

An experienced public speaker with a background in music and theater, Rick has also authored and delivered numerous training seminars and workshops.

Rick lives in Lewis Center, Ohio with his wife and two sons (and a neurotic schnauzer). He enjoys cooking, playing guitar and bass, running, and yoga. (He dislikes talking about himself in the third person also.)

Rick is an active member of the writing community. He is the founder of the popular blog site The Public Query Slush Pile, where authors can post their queries or synopsis and get feedback from other authors; and the critxchange site, where authors can post a request for beta readers and/or critique partners on writings from full novels, to short stories, to specific chapters.

If you haven't had the opportunity to check out Rick's writing blog (My Daley Rant), then you're missing out on some fabulous creative non-fiction tales of everyday life at the Daley household. I'm a long-time follower of Rick's unique humor, but I think what really draws me time and again are his excerpts involving the lengths a parent will go to maintain a bit of magic in childhood: Elves post back in December 2009 (and check out Sand Art: Kris Kringle at the beach); the Tooth Fairy in November, 2009; and this delightful gem on the chase, capture, and release of a baby bunny.

Why am I linking to specific posts, you're asking? They capture some of the magic that Rick writes within The Man In The Cinder Clouds story. You'll be impressed by the author; but you'll adore the book.

Check out what other reviewers had to say about The Man In The Cinder Clouds here, and at both Amazon.com and Goodreads.

Purchase sites:
Amazon (Print and Kindle)
Barnes an Noble
Set up a Kindle Ap

STILL READING BLOGFEST ENTRIES

2011-10-07T21:50:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 7, 2011

The second prompt for the Rule of Three blogfest is up. I only linked to Damyanti's blog, but she has the links to the other three hosts, and you can find the link to the original post in my side bar (click on the picture).

My apologies to all the #R3 posts I have missed reading so far. There are a lot of us - over 60 I think - and I entered two popular blogfests on the same date. I've spent the last three days trying to visit as many posts as possible from both the Rule of Three and the Writers Support Group.

Hopefully I'll be able to catch up on the R3 posts during the 2nd prompt round.

As for theWriters Support Group; I'm still visiting posts, but if I missed your's, it's not for lack of interest. I'll be spending this weekend working on my R3 post for Wednesday, the 12th, and also finishing two readings for fellow bloggers. Sorry, it is time to move on . . .

And don't forget the Pay It Forward blogfest next Friday on Oct 14.

Have a great weekend everyone

INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP (2)

2011-10-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

If you're looking for the Rule of Three blogfest post it is here.

I am sorry to be posting my Insecure Writers Support Group excerpt so late. I did not realize it was scheduled for 10p instead of 10a and I am just now getting around to noticing.

This month, I'd like share a story about inspiration - or the lack of, to be more precise - and find out where others find inspiration when all the usual tools have failed.

Are you a plotter? A pantster? Or something in between.

I'm a pantster by nature but sometimes, a story just needs some extensive research to make the plot - uhm, appear.

Take my Cyborg Fairytale as an example. I had an inspiration, and some character names, and a basic twist on the Sleeping Beauty story. I have two chapters, some awesome character plot, forward progress towards the story plot, great character development, interesting world building.

I've researched both online and through knowledgeable geeks, and know the difference between a cyborg, android, and robot. I know the technological and mechanical make up; what materials go into their construction, what basic form each should be molded into depending on intended functionality, how the core programming and logic rhythms will drive motivation and movements. To what extent AI will be used in each being's makeup.

What all my research hasn't garnered me is a PLOT. Why do they need to rescue the princess? Why incentive does the cyborg have to get the human's assistance. Once they wake the sleeping castle, how does that benefit/save the world? What does the nemisis want; what is his purpose? Most importantly; why is this ten story building still standing after the nuclear anhiliation 300 years ago?

See what happens when you have an awesome story premise (a futuristic take on sleeping beauty), engaging characters, intriguing technology, and nowhere to go with the story.

Man . . .

So I sought out an unconventional resource - my 22 year old son Paul who spends all his time holed up in his room. On the internet. Researching weird stuff. Nuclear holocausts, military defenses, progress in space technology, the planet X. He's a treasure trove of technological trivia. Much easier to access than a Google search because I don't have to be specific in my requests. Ya think my posts ramble? You've never ask just the right question to get the loner kid to open up on the subject matter of his choosing.

Never mind, you'd get lost in the conversation. I got lost. I would have pulled out a note pad to keep up, but he would have left. I had to play it his way . . And it worked. Inspiration in the most unusual manner.

How about you? Have you ever had to resort to extraordinary methods to inspire yourself?

To add to this; I've visited our host Alex's blog, and he has a request that each of us (about 168ish) take it upon ourselves to visit as many new blogs as we can, so no group member gets left out for comments. This is an overwhelming task that Alex has taken upon himself, and I admire the spirit behind this support group phenomenom. I will visit as many as I can, by way of paying it forward, and I also happen to enjoy reading other bloggers experiences. So how about it; will you help the blog host out by visiting a few participants that you do not already follow?

Thanks for stopping by, for reading, and for doing your part in support of fellow writers :)

RULE OF 3 BLOGFEST (1)

2011-10-05T01:05:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

If you're looking for the WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP posting, it is here.

I'll not clutter up this posting with the rules/requirements of the Rule Of 3 event. If you are a participant you already know the story criteria and have gotten here through your own portal; if not click on the link to find out more. However, the week 1 prompts are:

There is an argument
There is fear of an impending misfortune
There is a humorous circumstance
Someone might fall in love

Choose one and write a 500-600 word story. My excerpt is entitled

CHERISH:

Many a wanderer had passed through the timeless town of Renaissance. Some came with specific purpose; to mine the precious ores the industrial age required for progress, or work the lumber mill that fed the housing industry that sustained the economy after the great depression. The great Shiavona Desert to the west guaranteed an outlet for the towns worst miscreants; those that arrived by devious methods or intents.

It was the hunt for one of these miscreants that lulled Cherish from her cottage in the dying Culdees Forrest. Silently winging her way north along the Targe Road in owl form, Cherish flew low to the ground, picking out the vibrations in the warm updrafts that alerted her to locations of choice prey. Her twilight prey was not food, however. In her human guise, she’d sensed a flux in the time continuum that surrounded Renaissance, and knew some immortal being had entered her realm.

The being had a familiar, masculine feel. It felt like Jeremy, her life mate; the man who had trapped her within this realm eons ago.

For centuries Cherish had floundered within the confines of her banishment. She tested her limits of her prison with enchantments and physical assaults, until the world around her was as bleak as her soul. When all around her was as barren as her heart, Cherish burrowed into a hollow, wrapped herself within the molten earth, and slept.

As she slept she dreamed of happier times in her Fey homeland; the birds and flowers, trees and furred animals. She dreamed of meadows and mountains; cooling steams in the summer, the excitement of raging rivers, and the contentment of fish in a hilltop lake. As she dreamed, her spirit walked the domains she created, and with her always the glowing tendril of an elemental presence followed. When Cherish became anxious or lonely, the ethereal presence transformed into a female owl, whooing and flitting about with gossip of new births, battles for territory, sultry affairs and tragic ends. After many walks through the limitations of Cherish’s prison; exploring the wonders and sites of irreparable damage, Cherish learned that her owl protégé was unique to its species, and lacked a name.

Cherish named the infant being Tawny, and took the child’s owl form whenever they were together. As the ages passed, Tawny spent less time with Cherish, and would disappear for decades at a time as she tended her own affairs in the realm of Renaissance. Unlike Cherish, Tawny was not confined to a linear universe, and so Cherish never knew when Tawny would materialize, or what tales she would disclose of her time/space adventures, or even how old she would be. One day Tawny might be ancient beyond Cherish’s perceived maturity, the next no more than a fledgling too young to leave the nest.

It’d been 333 years since Cherish had last seen Tawny. Cherish may have dismissed the minor disturbance in the ether as the impending return of her elemental companion; except she’d grown so lonely Cherish was attuned to every minor change in the natural forces; and this change did not have Tawny’s unique signature. So she roused herself from her forced solitude to seek the enticing presence of her lost lover.

Cherish did not stop her near invisible flight at the crossroads of the Targis, Kris and Villein routes at the center of Renaissance; instead she focused her binocular sight on the mirage of the Rondelei Mountains; an area which, no matter how many years of steady flight she attempted, always seemed to be just beyond reality.
* * *
Any and all feedback is welcome on this writing; but understand that this is written expressly for the Rule of 3 event, and while there will be three more excerpts in the serial, it is merely an exercise in writing to a specific theme, and not intended for publication elsewhere. If you are entertained and enticed to read next week's submission, I am satisfied :)

Also; be warned I have a day job, and it may take me two or three days to get around to all or most of the participants. This first posting co-incides with the INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP, so I will probably be late posting late on comments to that event as well.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving your valuable comments.

SHOUTOUTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

2011-10-03T03:14:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 3, 2011

Hey ya'll, how's it going?

I haven't been blogging much the past month - had a lot to do what with the move, revisions for Scent (nope still no release date for An Honest Lie Vol 3 except Fall 2011), Lynette Labelle's writing class, starting a beta read, and just plain procrastinating. But I can't stay gone from the internet for long, even if its just lurking on some friends. And I've also been preparing for a couple blogger events happening in October; I'll report on those in Announcements at the end of this post.

If you've ever stopped by just looking for blogger events to participate in, then you'll note that my community events calendar is pretty bare. This is a product of my lack of blogging, not my disinterest in upcoming events. So please, if you know of a blogfest, contest, blog tour, or any other relevant event that is not listed, leave me a comment with a link or address, or even e-mail me with the link/details (my e-mail is on my profile) and I'll add it wheter or not I intend to participate. Author/blogger promotions is just one of my ways of paying it forward.

If you're in a hurry to get to the announcements; I'll give the short-cut links without explanations:

The Rule of Three blogfest event here;
A Charming Endeavour (Elliot Grace; South of Charming) blog tour schedule here;
Alex J. Cavanaugh's Writer's Support Group link here;
Roland E Yoemans newest contest guidelines here.

First some shoutouts to bloggers who captured my attention as I flitted willy-nilly through my blogroll . .

I wasn't the only one who moved during September, though it was just my house, not my blog. Breakthrough author/blogger Stephen Tremp has a new site here, in case you were wondering why he suddenly seems to have been sucked through a wormhole; and Dafeenah (Hidden Treasures) has new digs here. Her first post hosted inde author and fellow Platform Campaigner Alberta Ross, author of The Sefuty Chronicles. Alberta is planning on writing the story structure for her fourth novel in the series during NaNo, and is already anxious to get started. You may still be able to some bling with Alberta's blog tour contest.

Returning bloggers: DL Hammons; Jon Paul; Margo Bensen . .

Jeremy Bates (author of White Lies, release date 5/2012) hosted guest author/editor Sarah Billington on the subject of Do Inde Authors Really Need Editors. What resonated most for me in her post was the assertion: "Writers can’t see this stuff in their own work. I know I sure can’t. They’re stuck in their head, in the way their character thinks. They need fresh eyes with new perspectives to make them see a different side of the book, to see a new direction they never would have considered taking which would make the book explode with brilliance. Without an editor you don’t get that opportunity." This sums up my own myopic vision when re-reading my own works. I see what it should say. I get the movie version in my head. Does this every happen to you?

Roni Loren’s (Fiction Groupie) guest post at Janice Hardy's (The Other Side of the Story) compromise for Pantsters vs. Plotters was both entertaining and informative. Roni's debute novel CRASH INTO YOU is due to release January 2012 by Berkley Heat/Penguin.

Jeffrey Beesler (World of the Scribe) offered an old lesson in presenting backstory, and added his own unique take; J.B.Chicoine had an equally informative lesson on how to format scene headers; and the deeply brilliant co-moderator of The Literary Lab, Scott gf Bailey (Six Words for a Hat), wrote up a really good story structure plan, and compared it to Lydia Davis short story collection. His question: does a short story ending need to have a resolution?

Oh, while I'm discussing The Litary Lab, I'll also report they have posted their next short story anthology contest Variations on a Theme. "Stories can be written in any genre and can be up to 3,000 words long. We do, however, prefer short stories as opposed to poems or visual artwork. The contest is open until December 31, 2011 at midnight PST. Paste your stories in the body of an e-mail to LiteraryLab@gmail.com.

OK, so I did some more digging (you didn't expect I could make a post with lots of links and not research as I'm writing; right?) and found this August post on Anthologies that explains a little more about the story content.  The prior two anthologies, Genre Wars and Notes From Underground, have been quite successful, and feature some of the blogosphere's most talented writers. I expect no less from the authors accepted into the Variations publication.
Of course I have no favorite blog posting, but if I were to pick one, it'd probly be Raquel Byrnes anti-hero post on why bad boys are appealing in romance, fantasy and mysteries. Yum; bad boys and anti-hero's; what's not to lurve?

Flyby readings:

Erica Woolridge (Elevator Musings) gave me a laugh with her Censorship post; and I enjoy everything Eric W Trant (fellow AHL3 author) writes on his infrequent posts. Another fellow AHL3 author Stephanie Loree gives is a list of Kindle downloads that is practically a steal; and Jon Mac (Mythik Imagination) also has some cool e-book recommendations. Christopher Ledbetter (Oracle and the Muse) has announced his first short story publication. And Elaine AM Smith describes the meaning of Alien as it pertains to your main character. Interesting. I'm sure you too will relate to Trisha's (Word 'N Stuff) Thick Skin post, especially if you are sending your work out for critiquing from fellow bloggers or other writer's help sites. On the subject of querying, Jodi Henry (Turning the Page) just posted on breaking the #1 Rule of querying.  I'll finish with Tara (Feel Of Something New) post on should Agents respond to every query. Tara makes valid points both ways.

Finally, the announcements:

As you know, Bob; I'm participating in the Rule Of Three blogfest event that begins on Wednesday, October 5. I link to Damyanti (Amlokiblogs) because she is the blogger I first became aware of this event through. There are actually three other hosts for this weekly, month long event however: Fighter Writer JC Martin; Flash Fiction writer Lisa Vooght; and Born Storyteller, Stuart Nager. Visit Stuarts Rule of  Three Writing Prompts and Ammendments for some indepth details. I'll post the basics of the first prompt below, and also advise that today (10/3) is the last day to sign up for the event. The guidelines for the first writing prompt are:

You must use at least one of the following prompts:
There is an argument
There is fear of an impending misfortune
There is a humorous circumstance
Someone might fall in love

Stuart has graciously posted examples of what the introductory post COULD look like with Prissy's story and Jewel's story. Stuart was also instrumental in developing several video trailers for the shared story town of Renaissance, but I like the 4th video trailer best:

Overall writing guidelines:
1. Your overall story can be in any genre, time period, or style you choose.
2. You must have three characters (Rule of Three), but the relation between them is up to you.
3. Every Wednesday or Thursday (48 Hour Window), post a narrative fiction: story, poem, song lyric, play, monologue, soliloquy– any style you choose to work in.
4. Each Friday you will be given a broad writing prompt that will escalate the inner happenings of your story.
5.  Choose one of your characters to showcase that given week as the main protagonist for that posting. Of course, you can weave in your other characters as you see fit, but the main action/conflict or point of view should be the showcased character of the week.
6. In the fourth week, give us your tour de force, a culmination of the story that will make us weep, weak at the knees, jump for joy, whatever…and know a writer’s job was done well.
7.  Each post should be between 500-600 words. Please try to keep to the limit. Thank you. Narrative Poetry should be at least 20 lines.

The setting for Renaissance:

Renaissance is an outpost town in the middle of nowhere, but many routes pass through or beside it. The Targe, Kris and Villein are the largest routes, but not the only ones. The Schiavona Desert is encroaching on one side (to the West), a once-lush forest, the Culdees, lies to the East and South. A large river, the Espadon, runs through the forest of Assart in the North, but it is not close to the town. The Roundeli Mountains are to the North, far, far away, and when you look towards them you don’t know if they are an illusion or real. Closer by are the smaller hill chains, the Main Gauche and the Minor Gauche, that fed the mining, creating caverns (the Kastanes) and passages underground. One particular passage is known as Heriot’s Pass.

The town has had a number of identities throughout its history: A trading post; a mining town; a ghost town until it was rediscovered; a thriving community; the scene of a number of great battles; the scene of one great tragedy (that led to its Ghost Town standing); a town of great joys and celebrations, and so much more.

At this point in time, there is a general population of 333. A mixture of a community. It boasts families that have lived there for generations upon generations, but they are in the minority, and are not in positions of power. There are traders who have come back here, at the end of their many travails, to settle in. The new families and power-players have taken this as a last refuge for themselves, hoping to rebuild lives torn apart on the way here.

Everyone has a secret. Welcome to Renaissance. Enjoy your stay.

Remember, today 10/3 is your deadline to add your link for this month long, weekly writing extravaganza.

My next, but no less important, announcement is that is is time once again for the monthly Writers Support Group posting, hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh on the 1st Wednesday of every month. This month's posting falls on October 5; which coincides with the Blogfest of 3 event. Yeah, I'll be posting for both events. There is this handy blog post scheduling device that allows me to pre-write my posts each event. The posts will schedule for different times on the same date, and have links to the other posting.

If you've been around the blogs long, you'll know that sometimes sh**tuff happens b/c not every blogger follows the same blogs as everyone else, and events have a tendency to co-exist. Gracious hosts understand conflicting schedules (and the hosts of both these events are pretty understanding and both have a 48 hour posting window). So, no worries if you've committed to one and decided you want to participate in the other too. Social networking is the key to author/blogger success, after all.

On point; Alex and Matthew McNish have collaborated on the Pay It Forward Blogfest on 10/14. Not a Wednesday, thank the blogger fates . .

Another October event I'm pleased to be a part of is Author Elliot Grace's, A Charming Endeavour blog tour. I will not be hosting El until 10/27, but I am so excited about his tour (it was my idea :) you know along with several other person's encouragement) I can't wait to read all the posts for this debute author. Oh, and did I mention the tour starts today, at Karen G. Jones (Coming Down The Mountain), and ends at Melori's (Roland Yomans, Writing in the Crosshairs) on 10/29?

DISCLAIMER: Blogger isn't loving on me right now. This post took hours longer than it should have becauase my internet wanted to take 5-10 minutes to load up each linked page. So if a link doesn't work, or you notice spelling/grammer errors in this post - well, I didn't check it out or proof it before posting. If blogger wanted me to post a "clean" writing it should have cooperated. As it is, I need to get to a short night's sleep and go to work . . today.

See ya'll around in many events this month . .

............dhole

This is cuz Tara put it in my head . .

WAITING ON INSPIRATION

2011-09-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Yep, you read that right - waiting on inspiration.

I've been circling the blogs, reading some very interesting posts, but still . .

Maybe I'll go read a book.

What do you do when you don't want to start a project, or write on a WIP? Or write a post?

WHAT I DID . . BLOGFEST

2011-09-23T01:06:00.000-07:00

Friday, September 23, 2011

Hey, hey; the long awaited What I Did On My Summer (Vacation) blogfest, hosted by the scrumptuous Michael DiGesu (In Time) is finally here.

Unlike our engergetic host, I did not take a vacation over the summer. *go ahead and shed a tear or two on my behalf* But I did get a lot of stuff done.

By June 23rd, my Bug had left to go to his dad's for the summer. Yipee! I'd been looking forward to this for months. It had been a long, long time since I was alone in the house for any length of time. I kicked the red head out, and the oldest Paul was to be gone by the end of the month. Well, Paul got a job, so he got a reprieve to stay a while longer. The first weekend Bug was gone, and Paul had to work, I did . .

Nothing. Watched what I wanted to on TV, played computer games, blogged. Blogged a lot. Caught up with a lot of old friends. Wow, how blogs change over time.

After my first week of chatterless quiet, I actually got a lot of writing done. Most was for the Romantic Friday Writers, but there were other blogfests, and two or three book reviews. Book reviews means I actually sat down and read a book - an activity I miss having the time for. And I saw a couple excellent movies and went out with my friends. I know, hard to believe I have some day-life friends, lol.

But I also wrote on some of my own projects - and seriously, that felt good. Must be why I took such a long, torturous journey through the revision of my short story Scent, which will be published in An Honest Lie Vol 3; Justifiably Hypocrisy in Fall 2011. You wouldn't believe how long it took for that "light bulb" moment to happen and I finally got it right.

All that round about back story evolved into a novella I may try to pretty up and submit. Hmm, one more project to collect . .

I enjoyed all the new writings over the summer. Between weekly postings for RFW, two shiny new ideas, progress on the Cyborg story, and the revision for Scent, I'm excited for October and the month long Rule Of Three event. It will be good for me to write with a specific purpose again; and on a project I already know has a beginning, middle and end.

Well, that was my summer, and a little beyond. What did you do with your summer (vacation)? I'm sure Michael would love for you to sign up on his link and tell all . .

WORST MOVIES EVER BLOGFEST

2011-09-20T22:45:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

I'll take you back to yesterday, and my missing WORST MOVIES EVER BLOGFEST post. I'll be getting around the blogs tomorrow. So here are a few of my dissappointments, in no real order . .

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (1978): Please; bouncing red vegies with no arms, legs, or mouth terrorize a town. Even as a B-movie spoof it sucked the big red one.

IT (1990): Clows don't scare me - not even in this Stephen King flop. Just lousy all the way around. What really pissed me off is the book completely scared me. Really, really.

Ace Ventura; Pet Detective (1994): Worst movie in the ever to take a first date to. I can't believe I married the guy; eventually.

Space Balls(1987): If the video doesn't disgust you my friends, I may never go to the movies with you . .

Eragon (2006): Not so much that the movie was "bad" but it rushed through the action so fast it forgot there was an actual story plot. Again, another set of novels I totally loved, and was almost upset to see an end to. I hesitate to show the trailer - it is exciting. But, that's what makes this movie such a dissappointment: see the trailer and you've seen about all that is interesting in the movie. All done.

They Live (1988): This had a great concept; aliens from outer space are living in disguise among us, putting up signs with subliminal messages all over the world in plain sight, and have taken over our political system. Really no plot there, lol. And even for 1988 the graphics could have been better: monsters were depicted by imposing x-ray photos over the character's face; and the subliminal messages were

300 (2007): An epic movie, full of sexy men in gladiator skirts, waving their swords - and making long ass speeches. When blood was finally spilled, the producer felt compelled to show, in slo-mo, each drop as it was spilled, spread, and splattered. In my book, nothing ruins an excellent blood and gore movie quicker than slow motion.

Not surprising, all the embedding for the battle scenes has been "disabled by request." You can watch the two minutes I choose to depict my dissappointment here.

I hope everyone enjoyed the blogfest. If you still want to see more of these disclosures, visit Alex's blog for the link list.

And don't forget Michael DiGesu's (In Time) WHAT I DID . . blogfest this Friday, 9/23.

OH LOOK; South of Charming's author Elliot Grace has finally announced the start of his October blogtour, aptly named A CHARMING ENDEAVOR. Check it out.

Good night all . .

FORGOT BLOGFEST

2011-09-19T05:56:00.000-07:00

Monday September 19, 2011

Sorry Alex; I've been working on revisions all this weekend and didn't get a chance to make a post for the WORST MOVIES EVER blogfest. I'll post mine later this evening and catch up on everyone's posts tomorrow.

Have a good Monday.

RFW: BOUQUET

2011-09-16T01:02:00.000-07:00

Friday, September 16, 2011

This is post #19 of the Romantic Friday Writers challenges. This week's challenge is Bouquet. There are flowers; but who sent the bouquet, who is it for, and what is the occasion? My excerpt is 399 words.

This is an original writing for RFW, and is open to critique.

THE BOUQUET:

Jack pulled a cigarette from the pack in his shirt pocket and lodged it between his lips. It wasn’t his brand but the price was what he thought a pack should cost so it would be his brand until the price changed and something else became his brand.

“You can’t smoke that in here,” the hospice nurse of the day advised.

“My house,” he replied, though he had no intention of lighting the thing indoors.

The nurse gave him a professional scowl, then exchanged the empty IV bag for a full one.

Jack swiveled in the old green recliner/rocker to look out the bedroom window. This nurse had a methodical routine that she refused to change to accommodate Jack’s morning time with his wife. After the IV exchange she would replace the full urine bag with an empty. In 60 years of marriage Jack had never watched his wife’s ablutions, and he refused to witness even the semblance the catheter and sponge bath revealed.

Jack watched a bright orange hummingbird that hovered at the feeder a few feet outside the closed window. He licked the end of the cigarette and switched it to the other side of his mouth, then got up and pushed the sheer lavender panels aside so his wife would have a clear view of the yard. Back when they shared this room, the window was an average size; but since she’d taken ill he’d expanded it to a large picture window.

His reach was shorter than it was even two years ago, and he nearly knocked over the vase of wildflowers when his boney hip nudged the glass topped, round table.

“Those flowers are wilting,” the day nurse said from the end of the hospital bed.

“So,” he gruffed while righting the bouquet.

Purple-blue Beardtongue, pink Checkerbloom and Wood Rose, white Skullcap still sporting its leafy green stems; and a single yellow Buttercup as the center piece to remind her of his timeless love. He’d called her Buttercup before he knew her name, and still thought of her as the most beautiful wall flower at the dance. Why the other sailors at the USO ignored this beautiful bloom he’d never know, and didn’t care, but his dime-a-dance courtship paid off.

“So,” the day nurse stated flatly. “You should pick more.”

Jack plucked the cigarette from his mouth and wondered where his derby and keys were.
***

Ok, cheating a little: when I saw the topic for this weeks Romantic Friday writers I instantly thought of this old Travis Tritt song. I have been in love with this old codger for many years, even before the first time I saw the video. When I dreamed of romance as a young girl, this is what I had in mind, even if I didn't know it . .

Next week's challenge: Blue Moon

I HAZ STUFS I IS DOING

2011-09-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday, September 11, 2011

I did not post on the tragic events of 9/11, but I've seen many worthy posts on the subject pop up in my blog roll today. I'm looking forward to reading all the posts, and my only excuse at this lack is:

Uhhhhmmm; I'm bizzzy. Really . .

Day job - need I say more?

Lynette Labelle's Hook, Line and Sinker writers class. Began 9/6 and runs thru September. Too much homework Lynette :) But I've learned so much about my own writing style in the first two lessons that I'm completely hooked. Why didn't I expect to have to work at this class? But really; I like the direction Lynette focusses my writing mind. Unfortunately, I'm so far behind I think I'll have to drop the class, and re-take it another date.

There are still boxes everywhere from the move. Only been here two weeks, but the house fits us so well I feel like we've always lived here. We still haven't addressed how we'll use the bonus room, but it is so nice to have it. Right now it just houses the boxes of books that I've packed around for years. Hmm, gotta get another bookcase . .

An old crit partner from like, a year ago (he allowed me to send him indepth feedback on three complete re-writes), sent me the 8th revision and asked if I would like to read and comment. Comment, not critique (you'd understand this more if you've ever received a critique from me) and by the end of the first chapter, all I wanted to do was say where I was drawn in and what I liked. Yeah, I'm gonna enjoy this reading. (Shhh; don't tell the author I should be paying him for the priveledge.)

I think I have two more beta reads on the way? I have reminders saved somewhere in my list of e-mails I have yet to return. No really, they don't go into spam, I'm just very lousy at responding timely . . .

I finished the requested revisions on my short story Scent, which will be included in Open Heart Publishing's short story anthology An Honest Lie Vol 3, Justifiable Hypocrisy, in Fall 2011 (which is looking like a November release date, but I think the publisher is hoping for sooner). Following the SrEditor's critiques, a lot of backstory was added and the ending completely re-written, which both clarified the perspective and changed the story just a tad. Yesterday we (Sr.Ed) talked again about the new direction of the revision, and some re-ordering of the time-lines, and . . Well, you get the picture. Round two of revisions begin - TODAY. As soon as I finish this post.

Did you see that awesome event The Insecure Writers Support Group hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh? Wow, I'm amazed at the awesome posts that I was able to visit. The blogverse really is a community of support and encouragement. I haven't been about to visit as many posts as I'd like, but I'm sure I'll be checking out a few more over the next week. It will come in handy that I was able to add the link to my own post (still patting self on back). The support group posts the first Wednesday of every month (starting with this month) so if you want to join, sign up on the link (at Alex's or several other blogs) and post your own writing fears, doubts, encouragement, blogger support on October 5. And if you miss it, no worries, it'll happen again next month.

Speaking of groups, I found another worthy event to join through the month of October. The Rule of Three Blogfest/Challenge; hosted by Damyanti Biswas (Amlokiblogs), Stuart Nager (Tale Spinning and Born Storyteller), Lisa Vooght (Flash Fiction), and JC Martin (Fighter Writer). Here, watch the video trailer for the event (created by Stuart) and I'm sure you'll be as eager as I am to participate, and then go here to read the indepth details and to sign up. I look forward to writing with you.

And of course, since I joined late, I have yet to write my 1st Challenge post. Next week; next week . .

Finally, I have insider info that debut author Elliot Grace is planning a blog tour through the month of October, and he's consented to allow me to host him. More details on the tour schedule and contest to come.

So you tell me: what are your plans for the rest of September and through October? Are you joining National Novel Writer Month (NaNoWriMo) in November?

INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP day

2011-09-06T23:26:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

This is the first Wednesday posting for The Insecure Writers Support Group, hosted by Alex J Cavanaugh.

"Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!"

See the link above for the specific details and to join the blog hop.
* * *

My joining this group late fits into my own insecurities about "joining" groups in general. Usually I advertise on my community events area, but I dropped the proverbial ball on this one because I just didn't have the time to check it out. I try to join the events I link to and this one slipped by me. Sorry Alex.

But I haven't been blogging much lately, and so I miss deadlines and events. I've joined several long term social groups over the last two years, and I eventually drop out because I can't consistently post, or write excerpts. I've missed out on other short term events due to committment phobia.

What if I forget? What if I can't think of a post? What if its taken the wrong way? What if . .

I suppose its a form of procrastination, this fear of letting the group down. I've had a couple bad experiences with groups, both ftf and online, but I've never been a social being. Something for me to work on, because I enjoy meeting new people, and participating in social and writing events.

One of the blessings of actually joining groups though, is the support and sense of belonging. I've noticed this same fear of committment, of letting down the group, that seems so totally unique to myself, has been expressed in other blogs I've followed; and that gives me the courage to stretch myself outside my comfort zone.

I know I am not alone in my fears.

This is the support I receive from every person who has offered me encouragement in the past when I have posted on the subject, or has posted their own insecurities on their blogs for me to feel conntected to.

You are not alone either.

That is the support and encouragement I offer to those with similar insecurities.
* * *
Thanks for sharing with me today folks. I'll visit as many posts as I can, but the day job keeps me occupied until after 5p California time, so it may take a couple days.

Ha; pat me on the back! This is the first time I've ever been able to post a linky list I didn't create. I feel so special :)

FRIENDS, FOLLOWERS and FOOD

2011-09-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 3, 2011

While I was offline due to a lack of internet connection, a lot of friends stopped by to offer encouragement, knowing it would be a while for me to respond. Now that's what I call true blogger friendship. Thanks everyone.

And who would turn down opportunities to make even more friends and followers. There are two events (that I know of right now) with just that sentiment in mind.

Karen Jones Gowen (Coming Down The Mountain) is hosting her second annual Labor Day Weekend Bar-b-que, and she is inviting EVERYONE to participate. No links to sign up on; just stop by her blog; comment on the post by telling a bit about yourself and your blog (don't forget to share what food you brought to the BBQ); and click on at least three new people and comment on/follow their blogs. If you're not already following Karen G, she'd love make some new friends also.

I make a pretty good potato salad - boiled potato cubes, spiced with miracle whip and celery salt, diced celery and sweet pickles, black olives; and topped with paprika and boiled egg slices - so I'll be bringing that to the party. See ya there . .

UPDATED: Speaking of food, I found a post at Anne Gallagher (Piedmont Writer) spreading the word from Pedigree: Write a Post, Help a Dog. For every blog that participates and post a link at The Eagle's Ariel Perspective, by midnight EDT on September 3 (that's tonight, sorry). Here's how you can help:

Simply spread the word about Write a Post, Help a Dog 2011 and once again Pedigree will donate 20 pounds of food for each blogger's post. Here's all you need to include in your post:

The Write a Post, Help a Dog program is aimed at raising awareness and food for the more than four million dogs that wind up in shelters and breed rescues each year.
For each blog post mentioning the Pedigree Foundation from now until midnight ET on September 3, Pedigree will donate 20 pounds of its new dry Pedigree recipe food for dogs -- its best recipe ever -- to a shelter, because every dog deserves leading nutrition.
The Pedigree Foundation -- a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit organization is committed to helping dogs by providing grants to shelters and rescues and encouraging dog adoption. This year the Foundation has already raised more than $376,570 against its goal of $1.5 million to carry out its work to fund grants that not only help shelters operate, but to further shelter innovations.

Visit The Eagle and/or Anne for more details.
Rachel Harrie (Rach Writes) is also hosting her third Platform Building Campaigne, which began 8/22 and will run thru October 31. The cut-off to sign up was 8/31; but don't worry if you didn't make the lists as she will host this awesome blogger even again in February thru April. You can still browse through the lists to make connections with blogger authors who write in your genre(s). And Rachel's posts during the Campaigne's are informative with shoutouts, events and publishing insights. Check out Rachel, and the 480 Campaigner's . .

I'm not a Campaigner this time - I participated in the 2nd Crusade - but my good friend Roland Yoemans is, and he has graciously extended his Reviewer Contest to October 1 (Roland's birthday BTW) so his new followers have an opportunity to write a review of any of his published novels to be entered into the contest to win one of three autographed books by Stephen King, Dean Koontz or Laurell K Hamilton. How cool is that?

Now I'm off to enjoy Karen's BBQ. But, I've had this song stuck in my head for days, so I'm sharing it with you in hopes I can listen to something else at the party . .

Have a fabulous, fun filled weekend folks :)

MOVING HOUSE

2011-08-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Hey guys; a wonderful thing has haappened for me over this last week. I'm moving to a 3 bedroom house. We discovered the rental accidentally a week ago, talked to the landlord, set a date for move in (tomorrow, the 26th), talked with my present landlord, he agreed to let me go with only a weeks notice AND return my deposit, and now the day is here.

Whew.

So we're all packed up, waiting to pick up the Uhaul tomorrow (thumb twiddling is not our favorite activity), and have all the utilities and expenses transfered. The phone will be on tomorrow (yay); the internet won't be available until MONDAY. (insert favorite cursing)

In a way that is good for me; I finally got an e-mail from AHL3's editor with her suggested revisions for my short story Scent. Man oh man, talk about a bleeding red mess. But I'm finally over the shock and I really need to get cracking on the revisions. So having no internet forces me to work on the story and get it back to her by Monday the 29th.

Of course, with no internet I'll have to hijack a wifi connection somewhere. This will be difficult b/c I don't hang at Star Bucks - and there is none in my little burgh of the flatlands. And, I'll have no communications with the blogger world (gasps). I'm not sure how I'll survive - let alone how my son will exist with no X-box live . .

Have a good weekend ya'll, and send me good vibes on the revision.

STAR TREK BLOGFEST

2011-08-22T03:57:00.000-07:00

I'm coming up for blogger air to attend Elle Garrat's STAR TREK BLOGFEST. Communications Officer Donna Hole reporting in on my top five favorite Star Trek characters, and why I like them.

Well, I'm shorting the effort this blogfest deserves due to other committments that I am behind on . . And blogger is being a spatz and not letting me load up some pictures and links.

Obviously I'm a fan of Lt Nyota Uhura. Swahili; exotic; wore the shortest skirt imaginable - even for the 60's. "Uhura" comes from the Swahili word uhuru, meaning "freedom". If you've watched any of the original three seasons of Star Trek, you'll note that Lt Uhura is the only female officer on the bridge, and the only African American in the series. Although series writer/creator Gene Roddenberry retained her from his first series The Lieutenant to round out his multi-racial concept of the Star Trek crew, Nichelle Nichols didn't feel her role as Communications Officer an active enough role, and she would have quit the series except for the encouragement of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr for her to continue as a role model for African American children.

And because of this encouragement; she is the longest lasting "red shirt" in the entire series - which includes later movies. If you're not a Trekkie, you won't realize the value of this recognition.

Perhaps being the longest living "red shirt" would have been the end of Lt Uhura's claim to fame for me, if it wasn't for one of my other favorite Star Trek TNG (The Next Generation) character Guinan, played by a favorite actress Whoopi Goldberg. Guinan acts as the social conscious of the crew, and is later portrayed as a member of the Q Continuim, an omnipotent race of God-like individuals who can manipulate time, space, matter and energy.

I'm a former coctail waitress turne social worker. Need I say more about what appeals to me in Guinan's character?

Which also leads me to Counselor Deanna Troi (played by actress Marina Sirtis), of Star Trek TNG. Initially slated for the character Tasha Yar, Marina Sirtis' role as Deanna Troi was written out of the first four beginning episodes of TNG. Eventually her value to the ships crew and as ambassador/communicator was recognized, and she sits at the left of the captain on the bridge.

My final girl power Star Trek favorite is Tasha Yar, played by actress Denise Cosby. Hand picked by Capt Picard to join his crew, Natasha is eventually assigned to The USS Enterprise-D as Chief Security Officer. She has a long, proactive career on the Enterprise and is a valued member who, while not a red shirt, suffers a senseless death that the producers apparantly cannot reconcile with the fans, and two other scenarios are eventually created. Despite Lt Yar's combat experience, I think I'll always remember her for her sexual relationship with Data; the ultimate mechanical toy.

But despite my "girl power" proclivities, no other character tickles my Star Trek intrigue like Capt. Jean Luc Picaard, played by acclaimed actor Patrick Stewart. A gracious host/ambassador to all manner of alien life forms; The man in charge, a competent and understanding leader; diverse in his education; compassionate in his dealings with civilians, diplomats, underlings, and equals; completely unmarriageable due to his dedication to the core mission of Star Fleet.

What's not to like?

Long live the Picard . . .

Donna Hole

SNOWFEST

Insecure Writers Support Group *squirrel*

AN HONEST LIE INTERVIEWED

RFW #30

SHORT STORY WRITING TIPS

6 SIMPLE WAYS TO REBOOT YOUR WRITING

GIVEAWAY AT STU'S PLACE

HAVE YOU HEARD

RFW #29

UPGRADES

INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP (4)

INTERVIEW WITH DAVIN MALASARN and a GIVE AWAY

RFW: TIES THAT BIND

TECH, Tech, tech

ADVENT GHOSTS

MERRY CHRISTMAS

JULIE DAO's 400 Giveaway

DeJa Vu Blogfest

TRIFECTA at AHL

A DEAD GOD, INDE CHICK’S, and GHOST WRITER

PRACTICALLY FREE; MICHELLE DAVIDSON ARGYLE

PETULANT PARABLE

INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP (4)

SANTA STUFF

TURN A CLICHE'D PHRASE BLOGFEST

BLOGFEST TOMORROW

ROMANTIC FRIDAY WRITERS

THE WORLDS OF ROLAND YOEMANS

. . FOR A POST'S SAKE

'CUZ YOU WROTE IT . .

THREE WORD WEDNESDAY

THE WILD GRASS Review

I LOVE THE NOUGHTIES BLOGFEST

STRING BRIDGE AMAZON CHART RUSH

THE SHINY NEW *#$

RULE OF 3 VOTING

INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP (3)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN: I'M FOR SALE!!!!

ROMANTIC FRIDAY WRITERS: HAUNTING

A CHARMING TOUR STOP

Rule of Three part 4

HABITAT, HAUNTING, HOORAH!, AND HELP

BLOGFEST and ROMANTIC FRIDAY WRITERS

RULE OF 3 BLOGFEST (3)

PAY IT FORWARD BLOGFEST

PAY IT FORWARD blogfest

RULE OF THREE part 2

REPOST: MAN IN THE CINDER CLOUDS, by Rick Daly

STILL READING BLOGFEST ENTRIES

INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP (2)

RULE OF 3 BLOGFEST (1)

SHOUTOUTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

WAITING ON INSPIRATION

WHAT I DID . . BLOGFEST

WORST MOVIES EVER BLOGFEST

FORGOT BLOGFEST

RFW: BOUQUET

I HAZ STUFS I IS DOING

INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP day

FRIENDS, FOLLOWERS and FOOD

MOVING HOUSE

STAR TREK BLOGFEST

Insecure Writers Support Group squirrel