Want to submit a story somewhere?

Hey everyone- Its the end of January already! Wow what a month. I'm going to take this moment to show you some challenging markets.


 Before I do- here is what I have to say about submitting a story to a magazine- I have very specific preferences to those I choose to submit to, and those I tell other people about. Lets put it this way- If I'm not willing to submit a piece for them- I wouldn't dare suggest someone else should.


 There are bad places to submit your work- here is what I look for


A credible magazine- Like writers digest. They are well known, not on the preditors list, and they try to help new writers.


 I also look for markets that don't request you send them a payment, usually anyway. There are things I submit to- to help others like submitting to a charity cause- obviously this is okay if you have to pay for a book your work is accepted in- as long as you research and make sure they are not just taking you on a run around.


 I do not require a magazine has to pay me- because exposure is payment- but I don't count out the ones who do pay(Bonus)

With that said- you know I do alot of research on this kind of thing, so with out further ramblings of my corks, I give you open submissions-


 The first line literary Journal  
This one is a challenge because they provide you with a first line for each of their publications. You can't change the line- it has to be used in order to submit and they have very specific reading times for submissions.
This also pays you if your work is accepted. (Bonus!)


 Reading writers
The deadline here is May 15th. 
 This also pays you if your work is accepted (Bonus!)


 L. Ron Hubbard
Science fiction, unpublished authors wanted!
This also pays you if your work is accepted. (Bonus!)


The Pedestal magazine
Now is the time to submit: Poetry and fiction
This also pays you if your work is accepted. (Bonus!)


 Alright there you have what I know, now go check out guidelines, check out the magazines, and start writing!
Don't be afraid- If you want something- go for it. Just please please please be sure to follow their rules.

 

No fear Blogfest entry

Dominic @ Writes of Passage is graciously hosting the No fear Blogfest today.

 Have I ever told you all how much I love blogfests? I really really LOVE them!

 Anywho- The rules:

"Post a passage in which your MC (or your favourite fictional character) shows their bravery. It might be in the face of physical danger, or peer pressure or personal sacrifice. It might be epic bravery or bravery that goes unnoticed by anyone but us, your devoted readers." 

Here is my entry from my WIP Beyond Words: brief descript,  Shray and Luke have just traveled through a dictionary back to Shray's world were Jeffrey is waiting oh so impatiently...

“I'll go. I've been wanting to for a long time,” Luke replied. He sat beside her on the couch, brushing his arm against hers. Shray opened the dictionary attempting to concentrate on the pages as her skin seemed to come alive at the small touch. She grabbed Luke's hand before she lost the courage and found the word home. She ran her fingertips lightly over it and blinked. She found herself sitting in the middle of her living room, no couch. It was dark. She could here a slow breath come out, but it didn't belong to her. She looked around for Luke but couldn't see him.

“Finally...” a voice said drawing out the word.

Shray's heart stopped with that one word. She was not alone and it wasn't Luke's voice. Her blood iced over and her eyes frantically searched the room until she spotted movement on her right. Jeffrey sat at the computer. Shray didn't move a single muscle, she was frozen in place. Fear overwhelmed her body.

“I have been waiting so long for this moment.” Jeffrey's voice was laced with menace. Every word crawled over her skin promising cruelty. Shray didn't blink. She refused to take her eyes from him for even a second.

“I got out a few months ago. The first place I came was here. To my surprise there was no Shray. Did you think you could hide from me? What have you been up to my little whore?” His anger took over the whole room. Every single small breath Shray managed was laced with his cruel intentions and memories. Her mouth refused to open in answer. She was damned either way. Shray knew he wouldn't believe her, the words would come out and it would be nothing to him. Jeffrey would be livid if she didn't say exactly the right thing.

“Shray, I'm waiting for an answer,” Jeffrey snarled and brought himself right up to her face in one swift movement. Shray flinched, closing her eyes and instantly regret it. He wanted her fear, craved it. Every part of her wished this was a horrible nightmare. Tears stung at the corner of her eyes. She clutched the book finding a small form of comfort. She felt the change in the air and awaited the blow she knew would precede her actions.

She didn't have long to wait before his fist collided brutally with her left cheek. White hot pain burst from his welcoming and flooded her eye and jaw.

“I expect an answer,” Jeffrey said.

“I had...” tears sprang down her cheeks as she attempted words. Her whole body shook.

“You had what my dear?”

“Errands.” That was all she could muster as she chocked down her sobs and attempted to breath. She knew he enjoyed seeing her this way. She was below him, a mere woman.

“I see. What's this?” Jeffrey grabbed the book from Shray's hands and her eyes flew open. Pain rushed into her left eye and she felt the pressure of her swelling face.

“Williams dictionary. Wonderful darling. I knew I'd get it eventually. You see, it's the only reason I pretended to be with you for so long. I had to wait around for that piss-ant to die. My grandfather gave him this book. I may not posses his powers, but when I'm done with his greatest treasure it will all be mine.”

Shray stared at him. His grandfather gave William the book? He knew about it? Jeffrey’s eyes locked with hers.

“Don't you dare look at me that way! You kept this from me on purpose, you whore!” Jeffrey’s foot came up faster than Shray could react and collided with her chin. Blinding pain shot out all over her face. She felt her body fall back, her head met the wall. Then nothing, empty black space.

Coffee mug blogfest entry

I am  participating in a blogfest. You all know how much I love blogfests.

Erica and Christy are gracious hosts this time around with their Hot coffee mug blogfest. Click here to read/see the entries.


 The rules:

"Simply post a picture of your very favoritest mug. The one you'd choose to drink from every time if it never needed to spend any time in the dishwasher.  The one you secretly eye whenever your significant other, mother, brother, best friend, [insert other] grabs it from the cupboard and you hold yourself back from snatching it out of their hand and shouting, "Give it back!  It's mine.  All mine!"

Or just one you like almost that much.

You don't have to share anything about the mug, but if you'd like to share the story behind it, well, that would just be an added bonus.  Most of my mugs hold a special significance.  I usually buy one while taking a vacation and have started a collection."

Here is my mug, I'm sure I don't need to explain to anyone who reads my blog why. But for those just passing through, it is the only fairy coffee mug I own. Fairies are my favorite thing- second to pens.

Word to the Writer: "Evaluation"

Here is step four in my series. I am posting it this Wednesday because tomorrow is my blogfest post. I hope you all don't mind.


 By now you are probably very sick of reading your own work. Here is where you can break away. After you have fixed simple errors, plot holes, and sentence structures, its the perfect time to submit to Beta readers or a critique group.


 There are Pros and Cons to letting other people read your work.

 Pros:

•  Another set of eyes gives you a fresh take on your writing.
• They have differnce in opinions so you get a broad range to work with.
• They can help you fix errors that you missed because you are too close to your work.
• Others can give you new inspiration and ideas to work with.

Cons:

•  You get alot of feed back inside a critique group that you have to decide either to change or keep.(remember to use your own judgment based off your story idea.)
• They will tell you negative as well as positive if they are a good partner
• People are finicky creatures and sometimes only see their side, or their opinion.
• If you chose someone who doesn't understand the writing process you might get bad advice

Remember: they will tell you what they think as a reader.


How do you know if a beta reader or critique partner is any good?
 A good partner will tell you both the good and the bad of the piece.
 If the person says "its great i love it just the way it is" get a second opinion.
If the person says "I hate it you should stop writing" get another opinion




 Keep in mind not every one will love or hate your work, we all come with individual opinions- you are not looking for Justification- you are looking for ways to better your piece.


 After you have some critiques to work with then start revising again. During this process you do not need to take every single suggestion. Its important that you understand where your story is going, and if something is unclear you need to make sure you want to clear it up or keep it unclear.


 After you have revised, submit again, or submit as many times as you think you need.


 One good place I have been using since 2006 is www.critiquecircle.com
check it out if you are so inclined.

My final step comes next week titled " Metamorphosis"

Color me busy!

Hey everyone,


 Well to start I haven't been around in comments due to college classes, I'm really sorry to those I didn't get to yesterday on the music blogfest. Please forgive me. 


 Currently I'm a whirlwind of a person, my Creative nonfiction class has me doing things that takes up so much of my time, I'm drained. Then I'm reading Chaucer in middle English, which takes a lot of time and practice with research. And in 19th century lit I'm currently bogged down with William Blake. My time is coming in very small spurts and I'm up til 2am working on homework pretty much nightly.
 Should I even mention kid stuff? LOL But I love this, I love what I am doing and my whole heart is going into all of it.
 I have preposts set up for blogfests I am participating in and my series posts, but I'm going to take at least one day out of the week and try and get around to everyone's blogs. So if you do not see me as often, life is why. I have to keep up school and kids before I set a single typed word to anything online. Being a good parental figure and student, sometimes its not what its cracked up to be.

Please note there will be no posts on the weekends for about three weeks as I start a weekend class this Saturday on the history of rock and roll.


 Anyway, I will come by- just please be patient with me. Thanks so much for coming and reading what I have to say!

Top ten Countdown Entry (music)

Alex is graciously hosting an easy Top ten music countdown blogfest. Click here to see the other participants


The rules:
"Music moves us. It inspires us! Now, tell the world YOUR ten favorite songs of all time. The Song, the band – why does it move you?"




 10) "I love Rock and Roll" by Joan Jett. I love this song because it is wonderful to dance to, I know all the words, and it makes me feel good to hear her sing. It has a great dancing beat.


9) "Rag Doll" By Aerosmith. Again this has a wonderful dancing beat to it and his voice is sexy in this one.


8) "Keep Holding On" by Avril Lavigne. I connect this song with my children, we sing it together.


7) "Haunted" By Evenescense. I enjoy this song because she has a powerful voice and her lyrics are haunting :)


6) "I kissed A Girl" By Katy Perry. I enjoy this song because I relate to the lyrics, special in my early twenties and experimenting.


5) "Bad Romance" by Lady GaGa. This song has a wonderful dancing beat and her songs are usually unique which makes me enjoy them


4) "Thriller" by Michael Jackson. I have fond memories with this song of me and my best friend in third grade dancing and singing to it in her bedroom.


3) "Smile" by Uncle Cracker. This song reminds me of my Manly man <3


2) "Masochism Tango" by Tom Leher. I enjoy this because it is funny, and funny songs are at the heart of my music love. (If you haven't heard it, look it up on you tube)


 and my number one song is


 "Hubba Hubba Zoot Zoot" By Caramba. This song is made entirey of nonesense words, the band got together and thought it would be fun to have all made up words in a song, and I adore it. here is the you tube video for it-

Significant Other Blogfest Entry

I have relinquished this post to my Manly man for the S.O. blogfest hosted by DL Hammons and Talli Roland. Click here  For the other entries.



 Q:
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when your significant other says "Can I read something to you?"

Many Man's Answer:

"Please don't let it be boring, so I don't hurt her feelings"

Q:
Do you have a memory about your significant other and writing that you think is funny, sad, unhappy ect...?

Manly Man's Answer:

"The morning that she found out she had won a short story in a publication and got her first paid poem published all on the same morning"

Q:
How do you feel about pens?


 Manly Man's Answer:

"They write what is there to feel? Unless you are obsessed like someone I know."

Q:
Whats the best part about having a writer for a significant other?

Manly Man's Answer:

"Knowing every thing you do has a chance of being immortalized forever in literature."

Q:
What advice would you give someone who wants to date a writer?

Manly Man's Answer:

"Be ready for them to suddenly jump up mid conversation grab a note book and start scribbling while muttering what a good Idea."

Word to the writer: "Listen"

After I have completed the polish and shine I read the entire piece of writing out loud. You heard me, out loud, to myself, to friends, or family. Depends on who might be there. This might sound ridicules, but truthfully it does help. When I read mine aloud it helps me find errors like sentence structure mistakes and shows me if something sounds awkward or perhaps I put words in backwards.


See your ears are trained for this already, so mistakes can be easily heard. When I first did this, I thought it was silly, but the more I managed to read even my academic papers aloud, the more errors I could find on my own and fix immediately.


As you read aloud fix problems in the process and do not be afraid to start over rereading from the beginning. Your ears will do the helping of what your eyes might pass over and brain automatically fixes. Make sure to listen to yourself closely.


This can also help you find plot holes within your story. It can help you find misplaced words and allow you to hear how dialogue is spoken.

 If you would like more information on this please look at this site: Edit documents by reading aloud


Next weeks word to the writer is "Evaluation"

I have updated my blogfests page again

Book review: The Treasures of Carmelidrium

Hey everyone 
Before I get started I just wanted to mention this:

 I found out from Bru over at Pitch Slapped that there is an anthology looking for submissions called 100 stories for Queensland. All proceeds go to the flood victims. They are looking for uplifting stories 500-1000 words.
 Here is the link to their guidelines: http://100storiesforqueensland.submishmash.com/Submit

 And now for my review of  The Treasures of Carmelidrium By N.R. Williams.


Summary of the book: "When a hooded man steps in front of her car, Missie is thrust through a portal into a medieval world where she encounters monsters and mythical creatures. Here, her flute has magical powers to heal and destroy and to empower "The Treasures of Carmelidrium." She is romanced by a prince and hunted by the villain. Will she find her way home? Does she want to?"

I found Williams book to hold a very special magical value. She has created a new world based off our own, which the reader can connect to, and added in a few humorous similes and metaphors to make the reader smile. I found myself laughing when the leading female character, Michelle, was transported to a magical world. her car crashed into a tree and the author gave a rather fun description of the car from the leading males, Healden, perspective, "Dirt flew up and concealed its paws, the yellow eyes never blinked even when clumps of earth hit them." (Chapter 2)

As I read further into the book I found myself willed to keep reading by Michelle's misadventures, the villains attempts at seduction, and the dialogue that helped portray each character as individuals.


Williams did a wonderful job at creating a book that gives us woman vs herself, woman vs man, man vs man, and added in some wonderful displays of magic that creatively followed the leading characters through out the book.


The author has great follow through in her plot and her characters are well rounded with quirks, some witty dialogue, and romance intertwined. I think my favorite part of this book is that Williams captured a leading female character that I could easily connect to who portrayed bravery, love, and confusion making her well round and jump off the pages.


The author also had multiple points of view, while I am not particularly fond of more then two separate points of view, I do think Williams pulls it off well.


The first few chapters are slow going, but after that the tension builds up and the pages need to be flipped.

Buy the Book

Whats your writing style blogfest entry

Shallee @ Life, the universe, and writing  is holding her blogfest today! Click on her link to check out all the entrants.

 The rules:
"On Tuesday, January 18th, blog about ANY part of your writing process-- how you create characters, how you plot your novel, how you organize your rewrites, your whole writing process from start to finish, anything. Even if you're a complete pantser, tell us your pantsing process. Do you write chronologically? Jump around? Edit as you go, or just dump it all on the page? Let us know!"

Here is my writing process:

I dump it all on the page- no kidding. an idea gets stuck in my head and the first thing I do is write the idea down. I then leave the note book alone.
 See I have this problem- I cannot just jump right into typing, I have to hand write the story first.
 After the idea is written down I store it in my head for a day, or a few hours, or possibly two days just pulling more and more into the idea until I have an outline in my head of where I want it to go.
 I write the outline out, then start writing the story. I write until I have completed every structured point of the outline.
 Then I go back and add in descriptions, quirks, more dialogue, and what not. Then I do a self edit.
After I self edit I send it to my critique group for editing. Then I rewrite until I think it shines.


I use this same process for my Academic papers as well. Always hand written first, then outline, then finalizing. I think it is easier when I can physically see a structure to write from.

What Are The Treasures of Carmelidrium?

Today I have the great pleasure of hosting N.R. Williams on my blog with her new book 
The Treasures of Carmelidrium

BUY HER BOOK click here

I have been following this lovely lady for quite sometime now and I am most proud to announce she is having her first book published and is working hard to attain her goals.

About N. R. Williams

N. R. Williams lives in Colorado, U.S.A. with her husband. She is delighted to have two three year old grandchildren, cousins. She’s a long time member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and has been privileged to attend conferences and workshops. Since her formative years, she’s been inventing fantastical stories and since she could spell she’s been writing them down. While she majored in art in college, she didn’t make a living at it. Now, she uses her skills of observation to create fantastical worlds, interesting characters and stories that touch the heart.

 Here she is for your reading pleasure!

What Are The Treasures of Carmelidrium?

I want to thank Summer for hosting me on my blog book tour. I appreciate your kindness and all your effort Summer.

What are “The Treasures of Carmelidrium,” and how the heck do you pronounce that?

Good question, I’m here to answer.

Approximately 1400 years before my story opens there was an emperor who ruled my alternate world. He used black magic to extend his life and to control others. During this time the elves arrived from another place, which was our world, through a doorway and created “The Treasures of Carmelidrium,” to help defeat the evil emperor.

The “Treasures,” are beautifully crafted. They are a necklace, a ring, a garland, a sword and a scepter. A king’s treasures. Each has a sapphire in the shape of a half moon surrounded by a circle of diamonds. The sword has elfin runes along the blade. But the scepter is the most powerful weapon of all and has a crystal ball cut with multiple facets. Each has the ability to enhance the wearer with special powers.

When Prince Carmel arrives he falls in love with Princess Lysandra who has a beautiful voice that is endued with the magic of healing, literally. The elves crafted the “Treasures,” to be empowered by Lysandra’s song and so, Prince Carmel defeats the evil emperor and ushers in a time of peace called, Carmel-i-drium.

This is the stuff of legend to my characters when my story opens. No one has seen “The Treasures of Carmelidrium,” for hundreds of years. No one has the gift of healing with their music. Black magic is outlawed for good reason. Thus the story opens with my heroine, a modern American college student who has the gift of healing with her flute. She doesn’t know this until she experiences it in Gil-Lael, the name of this world. Her attitude in the beginning is, “you’ve got to be kidding me.” But over time, she can’t deny that the special something she always knew was missing from her music is alive in Gil-Lael whenever she plays the flute.

If you have questions please leave them in the comment section, I’ll be dropping in all day to answer them. Thanks for coming by to read my post.

N. R. Williams (Nancy)

This authors next stop on her blog tour is:

Jan. 18…Tuesday. Interview with an elf:  Patricia Stolkey at Chiseled in Rock, http://chiseledinrock.blogspot.com/

(For her full schedule please check her blog at http://nrwilliams.blogspot.com/)

Contest:

N.R. is  giving away 3 e-books to any one who leaves a comment with their email address. She is  not requiring anyone to follow her.

Drawing and announcement is on her blog http://nrwilliams.blogspot.com/ Feb. 1, 2011

Awards

I have received quite a few awards in the past few months, Honestly I have been busy with things and can't quite remember who gave me one  of them, but today I will do my best to pass them on. I'm never very good at these awards, so I'm sorry if I botch up your rules.

This award was a fun one, I love the cup and the saying on it. I will pass this one on to those I know are working hard on their writing: But I can't remember exactly who gave it to me, I'm sorry for that.


Michael @ In time...   (I know he is writing away!)

 Alex @ Alexjcavanaugh  (Who told me recently he was writing a sequel)

Draven @ Another slightly scary story  (Who as far as I can tell is always writing)

 Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow  (Who has carefully been revising short stories)

I Have received this smile award from two bloggers: Jules andTalei

I will pass this one on to three bloggers:

 Elana @ You're Write. Except when you're rong

Old Kitty @ Ten lives and second chances

Carol @ Under the tiki hut

This award I have also received from two bloggers:  Angelina Rain  and  Tony Benson

Rules on this one:


Link back to the person who gave it to you.
Give 7 facts about yourself.
Award 15 great bloggers you've recently discovered.
Contact them and tell them about the award.

7 facts:

 I drink tea more than anything else.
 I love candles
 I rub my feet together when I sleep
 I like kid games
 I play chess really well
 I bark at people for fun
 When I was young I wished my name was Rose


I'm not going to pass this to 15 bloggers, I will 5 though:
 The Eagle's Aerial Perspective
Demitria Lunetta
Margo Kelly
The Quintessentially Questionable Query
erica and christy

Thank you everyone for the very lovely awards. I will post them at the bottom of my page. Have a wonderful day everyone!

Friday Updates

I decided not to do the top ten this week because I've had a lot to do getting ready for this coming semester which starts next Tuesday, so my comments will be coming in short, I'm sorry, I hope you all will forgive me, but like always I will do the best I can to get to everyone and read posts on my down time.


 This semester I am taking:
 Chaucer for a Literature class
19th century Literature
Creative non-fiction
History of Rock and Roll

 Don't those sound wonderful? My schedule will be fuller this time around, but I'm excited about them.
 On Monday I will be posting about a new author: N.R. Williams. She will have a guest post on my blog with a contest for her blog book tour for her new release. I will also post up my review of her book next week.

Quick question: would it benefit a few people if I had one single post dedicated to how to participate/ do blogfests? I have had a few people question it, and if enough people want to here my take on the doing, then I will post an entry on it. Also If anyone who knows how to participate I'd be more than willing for you to leave a description in the comments of the "how to participate in a blogfest", I've been having a rough time explaining it I think. 


 Have a great Friday!

Word to the writer: "Shine"

Redundant Quotes:

"And there's the Victoria Memorial, built as a memorial to Victoria."
David Dimbleby

"With half the race gone, there is half the race still to go."
Murray Walker

"Trapped, like a trap in a trap."
Dorothy Parker






Whether I help with class papers or fellow writers works, I always look for redundant words as a second step.


 Redundancy- (www.dictionary.com)  - repetition of the same word
 - a repetition of the same, thing, part, amount, or even action, or phrases.


 Writers often talk about the use of the same word over and over again, but a story or essay can also have the same repetitive action or phrase.


 Here are my own rules I follow in every paper or story I write.


 1) How many times have I used the same word in one sentence?


 2) How many times have I used the same word or phrase or action in one paragraph?


 3) How many times have I used the same words, phrases, or actions in the entire piece?


 answers:


 1) if more than once, take it out or replace with a different word.

2) take it out or replace with a different word.


 3) Just a rough check usually works here, but it depends on the action, word, or phrase. If I have started every paragraph or most of them with the same word- then it needs changed. use your own judgment.


 I do the same with actions and phrases. If I write "She kicked the ball." in one paragraph- then I do not want to reuse that same action unless it means something to the story.

 advice for redundant words, phrases, or actions:

 Use a thesaurus to find different words with close to the same meanings like   www.thesaurus.com

If you would like even further information on this topic look here http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/concise.htm


Ultimately, You are the writer, you are the one who has to choose what to take out, what to repeat, and what should be done about the words you have put on the page.

Next Thursdays word to the writer is "Listen"

What is scary?

How about two small children and science fair projects! That my bloggie friends is scary. This year I helped my 6 year old complete her project called "Hot Ice" Wow what a trick! Believe it or not baking soda + Vinegar makes a very overflowing combo.

 How do I apply this to writing? well simple: experience makes a writer just as much as anything else. Perhaps one day this will be found in a book or short story or even a poem!

I can see it now...The hero attempting to make Sodium acetate trihydrate in the middle of a battle, or perhaps s/he is curious what can happen with baking soda and vinegar? Or maybe s/he wants to get even with some? 
(Enter evil laugh here.)  ahem...sorry my imagination runs away with me sometimes.

Around the blogs

Have you missed any of these?

Rachel Morgan wrote a great post with Simile and metaphor practice. If you want to help yourself describe something better, take a look at her exercise.


 Shannon at wringing out words posted some great revision advice. check out her post on Polish and shine


Cristin at accidents and incidents has some very helpful revising advice. I'm new to her blog, but I thought this post helpful for the revising process. check out her post revising by color


From Roland I found a great post on query letters. He shows the map in this post Map the way to a winning query


PK has a pretty interesting take on dialogue with examples in her post:  Dialogues do's and don'ts


I recently found a new blog hosted by Draven Ames. his blog makes you think about many things and I like it for this reason, read his poem Quarter Lap I promise you will not be disappointed.


Nathan Bransford had a great post on Comments for blogs. check out what he had to say Here


Emily has a great guest blogging she needs help with on Goobers- basically writing blunders that people are willing to share. I think it sounds like a terrific idea so go check her post out Here  

20 rejections for 2011

First- I want to reach 20 rejections in 2011. Once I have hit this mark I will make my collage. I'm not sure what all I am going to do with it yet, perhaps I will find a place on my wall to remind myself what I have gone through to get where I am.


Second- I am going to have at least three new stories written.


Third- I am going to keep doing movie nights with my children.


 Fourth- I plan to complete my Bachelors in English and start towards my Masters degree.


 Fifth- Continue doing open mic nights.


 Of course this is not all of my goals, but it is a start on big ones I wish to accomplish. I have a lot of little ones that I know I can meet because I do them every year. What is one goal you wish to accomplish? Please tell me in the comments I'm curious to know.

What happens when....

What happens when a clicking becomes a bad sign? How does a birthday turn into an inspection? Where can you find old pictures? And why is the phone ringing at 7am?


 Well I will tell you the answers my friends, because it all happened last week.


 I know I have been sparse on comments in the last week. But don't fret, I'll tell you a story.


 It all started the morning of my birthday.


 January 5th I awoke smiling because my manly man wished me a happy birthday. Soon the phone rang with texts of happy birthdays. I hopped on blogger to find out my blogfest had reached a fire like rampage with so many commentors and participants. I couldn't ask for a better morning until I drove to my apartment to check on things.


 I walked through the door and instantly knew I heard something off. I put my shoes by the door and followed a beeping sound to my bedroom. I knew it was the computer and immediately sat down at the small desk to rectify the problem. There was a black screen. Guess the computer needed to be restarted. I pushed the off button, then clicked it back on and a horrible clicking sound came from inside the hard drive. The black screen booted up, then nothing. It couldn't read my files.


 I took a deep breath and called my computer friend.

 "My computer is clicking and wont turn on right." I told her.

 "Turn it off and bring it straight over"


 I loaded up my unhappy computer and drove over to my friends house. After I dropped it off the phone rang.

 "Hello?"


 "Is this Summer Ross?" said the voice on the phone.


 "Yes"


 "I see you are only signed up for 9 credit hours, you must have 12 credits to receive your grants."

 I immediately knew one of my classes had been canceled, but which one and would I be able to sign up for a new one so close to semester starting?

 "I realize I need 12 credits, I'll take a look as soon as I can." I said.


 "Well Ma'am, your money will be on hold until we can verify, so be sure to do it soon."


 Oh crap! Fine I'll have to get online somehow tonight and fix this problem. Good thing Manly man has internet access or I might have been in hot water. I hung up the phone, checked my mailbox, and drove to manly man's house.


After I pulled up into the driveway and grabbed my mail, I noticed a small white envelope with my apartment's landlord address on it. Curious I opened it as I moved from the car. A clean crisp white sheet of paper had the word "Inspection" typed in bold letters on the middle of the page. I read further on the line and the date was set up for Jan 13th! Yikes, this put a whole new spin on my day.

 I knew some how I had to add in deep cleaning to my list of things I must do before next week. I had to shampoo carpets, do laundry, wash walls, take down all my Christmas stuff, and (dreadfully) clean my bedroom! Alright I can handle all this, easy peasy.


 Manly man's house was warm when I walked through the door. I shuffled my coat off and onto the couch then loaded up his computer. I found a new class to sign up for and quickly added it to my registration for the college. The phone rang again. This time it was my Friend with my computer.


 "Do you want the good news or the bad?" She asked.


 "Good first."

 "Alright, your computer will run off your C drive, I do not have to reformat."

 "Okay what is the bad?"

 "Well, what all did you have on the D drive?"


 "A few things why?" My gut dropped.

 "The D drive is completely shot and I have tried everything to access it. Its fried, everything on it is pretty much lost."


 "But all my pictures were on that drive!"

 "How many?"


 "All of them, clear back to 2007 when my girls had their dance recital, Christmas. Pictures from 2008 and 2009." The burden of loss quickened my words and tore through my heart. Is there a way to get them from somewhere else, maybe myspace or facebook. I cooed myself into a belief that I would get them back. I had to, those were pictures of my babies, years worth.


Before I ever ate a single piece of birthday cake I had managed to score a shampooer for my carpets, fixed my online classes so I get my grants, and find out that my D drive had become so old the gear messed up and had sketched a few pretty patterns onto my drive making it unreadable.


Did you know, you can't copy your own pictures off Myspace and facebook? I just found out. But alas I am able to go through my old e-mails, where every picture I have ever sent is saved in folders in my e-mail.


 Thus your answers and the reasons made known why I have been sparse on comments. I now have my computer back as of yesterday night. I'm still searching out ways to get pictures, and have my house deep cleaned. Whew- that's a lot of work! Happy Sunday every one, next week will hopefully have better repercussions.


On a more positive note, I have decided to use one of my new journals for memories. I'm starting it with as far back as I can remember, about the age of 3 or 4. So far I have four pages written with four different memories dating back to 1985.

Blogfests

Hello everyone,


 I'd like you to take notice of my page tabs near the top of my blog: they include the home page, publications, rejections, and Blogfests.


 What I hope you will zero in on is the blogfests tab. I will do my best to keep an updated list on this tab. They are all linked to the host site. There are many great ones coming up real soon. I'd hate to see any of you miss them. Blogfests are such a great opportunity to spread your writing wings and really make yourself write.


 So click on the tab and sign up for the ones you are interested. Check back often because the list will consistently be changing!

Top ten

Here is my top ten gifts from Christmas.... But after you check out pictures, be sure to go to Elana's blog to check out her Vlog post on me and my story...it is very creepy and well done!

10 Tinker bell Toothbrush holder

 9 Tinker bell light switch cover

 8 Fairy journal

 7 Pen for my new desk

 6 My car finally paid off

 5 Hand made/painted stained glass fairy

 4 Hand made tea pottery by manly man

 3 A picture of Kayla (my youngest)

 2 A picture of Jasmyne (My oldest)

 1 and my number one christmas present is having both of my girls with me for christmas

Enjoy your Friday!

Word to the writer "Polish"

Before I get to this series, I have to say something~ ALL OF YOU rock my world! The blogfest yesterday was Fantastic. So many great new lines! So many participated. Thank you all so Fairy much for sharing this experience with me.

Ahem...now back to today's post :)

Yes you might have heard of some of these, but perhaps not all of them, and definitely not my take on them.

When I critique someones story or paper there is always a first step-
 I start with words.


 Sometimes it is difficult to get to the idea of someones writing whether it be an English essay or a  story from a fellow writer. Words clutter pages, sometimes too many words, sometimes not enough.
 Usually too many. So the first thing I do is look for these 9 words in their entire piece:
 was, it, then, and, that, feel, got, very, and just.


 These words are on my top nine scratch out list. Here is what I know about these words from countless English classes and critique groups.


Was -  use this word sparingly. If "was" is used too often, it defeats the purpose. Scratch "was" out wherever you can. Often sentences can be reworded to eliminate "was" and then you will have a stronger sentence. There is only one use I have found that this word is used satisfactory with - metaphors. If you have used a metaphor and "was" is included, then keep it. If you would like more detail on this word check out one of my previous posts for ideas: Action packed


It - This word is used best as a reference word, referring back to an idea or object. This word should also be used sparingly. Watch how many times you use it and really examine if the word "it" is needed to convey your idea or thoughts. Take "it" out where you cannot justify the use.


Then - Many times writers and students use "then" as a transition word. Problem is sometimes it is a filler word and is weak with its meaning. This word should be cut out when "then" refers to time, location, or list characteristics. Basically if you have started a sentence with "Then" and the sentence can stand alone without the word in it, take it out. (further information at the bottom of the page)


And - The biggest issue I have seen with this word is starting a sentence with "And." Starting a sentence with "and" is a common mistake in early writing stages. Put two sentences together if you must use "And", but most often just cut it out if your sentence begins with "and" then replace it with a different word if you need to.

That - This word is a filler word. Use with cation. Most of the time you can easily cut this word from the sentence without having to reword. "That" is unneeded in writing and I know we as writers can come up with something better if we need to in order to make or work show through better.


Feel - Many fiction writers know this word is not a good word to use to describe a feeling. It tells instead of shows. Take out any "feel" or "felt" words from your writing and instead describe what is being felt to improve your writing.


Got - This word is nondescript. It shows nothing and tells nothing. Take it out- it serves no purpose in writing.


Very - simply take it out unless you have an extreme circumstance that the word is strictly needed. Its a modifier for other words, but isn't really a value. (further information at the bottom of this page)


Just - This word is nine time out ten unneeded. "Just" is a filler word, take it out and move forward.


In our normal everyday lives we talk with these words, but that does not mean we should use them in our writing. If you have dialogue where a character talks using these words, okay leave them, but ultimately they botch up what you are writing instead of making it look good or giving something to what you have written.


If you would like more to look at on words to avoid, take a look at this site for further information: www.tameri.com


Tune in next Thursday for the second installment of this series called "Shine" where I will discuss more word usage and action usage.

New creations Blogfest Entry

I am 29 yrs old today!!!

Welcome everyone to my New creations blogfest. I can't wait to read everyone's 2 sentences! Thank you all so very much for participating!


 My rules are simple, one sentence is your favorite last line from one story last year.


 and one brand new sentence to start something new.

The list of everyone who joined is at the top of this post, just click and go read.

 Here are mine:


 My favorite last line from one of my short stories is from a ghost story I wrote...

"The breeze ruffled Alise’s hair and she walked back into the truly empty apartment knowing the shadow that had tormented her all these years was gone."

and my brand new starting sentence for a new story for this year is: 

"He kissed her shoulder and the familiar pop in her back told her it was time to leave before feathers sprang up one by one."

Word to the writer "Series" and blogfest

First- don't forget my New creation blogfest is tomorrow, I can't wait to see your 2 sentences! Sign up at the top of my blogposts

I'm not all wise and knowing, but I have strolled around the block of writing and classes a time or two. So I'm starting this series as "word to the writer" because every essay, short story, poem, or novel starts with a word.


Starting on Thursday I will post my first installment of this series. I'm going to give advise on how to improve your writing. 

Sure there are lots of people out there telling you how to write...but I'm not telling you how to write, I'm going to give you ideas, encourage the best part of your writing to come through, and give you a general idea of where to start revising your project. 

Some of these steps you may know, some of the steps you might not have thought about previously, and some of them you might find inspiration in.


 But no matter which way you look at it, if you do each step, you will be that much closer to a more appealing story. No I am not saying if you do these steps you will be published, but I am saying it will improve your writing.


 Now with that said, look for my first post in this series called "Polish" on Thursday.

2 blogfest entries!!

My first blogfest entry is the Show me yours blogfest 
I tried to keep both entries short so it will be easy to get through.
Here is a piece from one of my NaNo projects.

I don't have a title yet, its a fantasy piece.

Jude snuck through the window to the small cottage. The charm sat in a clear container on the mahogany table. There were other materials with it, but he only sought the charm. The simple white square with a silver heart dangling in its middle protected any who wore it from danger. He had to have it. With the charm around his neck he could break into any bank, any house, or even walk underwater as long as the piece hung around his neck. Since his trade involved regular break-ins, the charm would pretty much guarantee he succeeded. Oh how jealous the other traders would be if he had it. Everything he ever wanted would be at his finger tips, the prestige of his trade, the money, and the women. Only one person could take the opportunity away from him: Astra, the witch hogging the charm for herself. Funny thing about witches, stealing from them tends to have side effects.

Before his hand touched the precious jewelry, Astra’s laughter rang through out the entire room. He froze. His heart hammered at his rib cage. All he needed to do was snag the piece and run. He reached forward as quick as he could, the cool metal slinked along his fingers. He clutched into his fist and turned to run.

“Silly boy, you must earn the charm. I can’t allow you to steal it.” More laughter surrounded Jude and then Astra floated in front of him. Her raven black ringlets hung in the air. Her eyes sparkled green. A smile clung to her garnet lips.

Jude’s hand tingled where the charm sat snug in his palm. An itching followed slinking on the surface of his skin and circling its way up his arm until his whole body itched the itch no one could scratch. Jude scratched with his other hand everywhere he could reach. Suddenly it stopped and his body floated before the witch. The charm dropped to the floor right through his hand. Jude watched as if it happened in slow motion. Instantly the witch had the necklace dangling from her fingertip.

“There is a price to pay for this trinket young man. I can see in your heart all that you desire. Let us see how far you will go to have such a wondrous gift.” The charm disappeared. The itch returned to Judes flesh and all he could think was to scratch it and make it go away. His scrapped his skin so hard it bled and then there was nothing to scratch. His hand went through himself. The itching stopped. Jude looked down at his bloodied arms and he saw the floor through them. Panic hit him, had the witch killed him? Was he now a ghost? Where was his body?

 My second entry:


Elana has given a great challenge that I have every intention of meeting in her  100 words for $100 blogfest

The rules: Post between Jan1st and 31st one 100 word sentence(can stray either way 5 words) only using one semicolon if needed. I think I used one comma instead, so hopefully that does not disqualify me.

 Coming in at 99 words is my sentence:

With time and practice I learned how to kiss without leaving a huge mess, to enjoy a sunset with someone I truly care about watching the blues and purples collide in clouds before the end of a summer day and to pretend that if I did not acknowledge something bad it was less likely to exist directly but found a way of haunting me in the end showing me how to deal with the world in a better way encouraging better relationships with my family and friends and ultimately securing my fate as a writer with experiences to use.

No kiss blogfest entry

This is my entry for the No Kiss Blogfest
read my entry then go check out the others.

Its in chapter 4 of my WIP Beyond Words. Yes I have these things called Works in Progress that are not short stories. (Smiley face)


 Okay so here is my two main characters Luke and Shray. They just got into a fight and have only been around each other for two days.

 On with the no kissing!


 ****

Shray sucked in a deep breath and jumped as the screen door slammed shut. She couldn't sit there and take it, no she'd done that for to long before, she wasn't going to let it happen this time. She didn't need a man in her life and after Luke's reaction, Shray was almost certain he knew how she could get home. Shray threw herself up from the couch and stomped out after Luke, she found him in the stall saddling Blaze.

“Luke, I'm in no mood for these games. I realize I'm only staying with you out of your good will. If you just helped me, even tried, I might get out of your busy lonely life a lot sooner,” Shray said. She was attempting to make the effort to be polite, but she wasn't sure it was working. He wasn't even looking at her.

Luke's shoulders hunched slightly and he turned to face her. He no longer looked angry. His eyes were sad and held something Shray was unsure of, an unfamiliar fire twinkled in their depths.

“Who said I wanted you to go?” He took the step that stood between them and instantly had her face in his hands. Her pulse rocketing to an unthinkable level. Shray closed her eyes and tried to cower away. And then she felt his hot breath barely over her lips. Her heart stuttered in anticipation, then nothing. Shray opened her eyes, Luke let her go, huffed and walked away.