Three Words #23

One of my favorite writing games is something I call three words. I post three words and encourage you to write a flash fiction piece containing those three words. If you would like to challenge me – post three words for me and next week I will post a piece of flash fiction using your words. Enjoy!

Three Words

• Petal
• Breeze
• Page

Flash Fiction

Using the three words: Keyboard, Loaf, and Cloud (from last week)

The cloud drifted through the sky like a whimsical bunny hopping through the forest...

I blinked and looked down at the my fingers where they rested on the keyboard, then back up at the screen. Did I really just write that? A whimsical bunny? Really?

In frustration I attack the backspace key and obliterate the offending sentence. Now where was I?

The hill rose out of the mountain like a loaf of bread.

Okay I stink at similes.

Prompt Tuesday #23

Every Tuesday I post a writing prompt and my response. It gives me a chance to exercise my writing muscles outside of my WIP, and hopefully inspire you to write. So enjoy my flash fiction piece and post your own in the comments!

Prompt

Source: The Writer's Idea Book first prompt on page 238

Write a scene in which a character receives very disappointing news. Rather than show the disappointment, she does something else, perhaps focuses on refinishing an old chair. Suggest her emotional state through her actions.

Response

Sara opened the letter. Her eyes darted back and forth as the consumed the message on the page. Rejected again, she thought.

She looked down at the floor. A grimy, greasy streak of who knows what ran the whole length of the kitchen. Sara discarded the letter and torn envelope on the counter and moved to the sink. Bending over she removed the bucket and soap. Three caps fulls of the brown goey soap dripped slowly into the bottom of the bucket. Sara stared at the mass of ooze for a moment.

What was I doing? she thought to herself, then spotted the streak again. Oh yeah.

Sara filled the bucket with water. She did not turn the faucet on all the way. Instead she selected a level somewhere between a trickle and a pour and watched as the water level started to rise slowly. Absently she moved the bucket back and forth on its perch. The water swished to and fro as a film of bubbles started to form.

Turning off the water, Sara moved the bucket from the sink to the floor.

"Mop." She said to herself and pulled the mop from its hiding place between the wall and the fridge.

The mop plunged into the hot soapy water. Sara pulled it out and let the water drip from the ends, like tears falling from dozens of eyes. Taking the white strands in her free hand she wrung them out. Squeezing, twisting, turning until they were almost dry. She put the mop to the floor and sighed. Returning the mop to the bucket she repeated the process.

Once again the mop hit the floor. Once again she sighed. I can't clean the floor with a dry mop! she scolded herself.

When she wet the mop again she did not bother to wring it out and just slapped it onto the floor. A puddle of clean water spread across the floor, becoming cloudier as it picked up dirt.

After staring at the murky puddle for a while, Sara got to work. She moved the mop over the floor until it shined.

Never Compromise when it comes to Your Self

I would like to take a little time to talk about something that I feel very strongly about. Not changing yourself to please other people, especially when it comes to your writing.

In the writing webverse I have heard lots of advice on what to do, or not to do, to increase your chances of being published. Now, I must point out that I do not write to get published. I write for me. And I would like to believe that to some extent, all writers write for themselves in some way.

If you are writing a specific piece with a mind toward publication there may be some standards you should hold yourself to. But remember these two points:

1. The publishing world is always shifting and changing. So what is standard now may be a big mistake in the future.
2. Many authors (and their work) have broken the rules and become very successful. It may be hard, but it is possible.

But even someone writing for publication should take time to write something, however small, that feels right to them. No matter what the publishing industry is looking for.

If you love to write the type of thing that breaks some convention or other - write it. Don't worry about what others think. Don't shape yourself or your writing just to please others. If you betray yourself, you betray your writing and your story.

Now, I should point out that if you have a flaw in your writing. Like you use the same sentence structure over, and over, and over (like I do), this is something you should change. But changing your voice just because someone else does not like it - bad!

So if it feels natural for you to write in third person omniscient - but the publishing world has put out a ban on that point of view - do it anyway. You may not be published but you will remain true to yourself.

*Sigh* Okay, I got that off my chest and I feel much better. I am very interested in hearing your thoughts on this subject.

Special Post: I took the Plunge

I did it! It took a lot of self-pep-talking and quite a lot of nerve. But I did it. I submitted my novel, Shadowed Stones, to Shadow Mountain. I have kind of been plastering the news all over the place - but I can't help it. I just fulfilled a childhood dream and I am like happy and nervous and stunned and excited all at once.

I want to thanks my critique partners: Jennie, Terron, Christina, Roseanne, and Alexander who are helping me continue to improve my novel and my writing.

A special thanks to Jennie for getting me writing again.

And another special thanks to Roseanne for giving me the push to get my novel out there.

Since I am basking in the happiness of achievement - I would love to hear from all of you about your achievements. Nothing makes a day like today better like hearing of others success.

When I have an Opinion

Warning: Long Post and a Chance of Ranting Ahead

Everyone has an opinion, some people even have two or three. *shifty eyes*

Writers and Authors are subjected to the opinions of others when it comes to our writing. Some people will love our work. Some will hate it. And others will only think it so-so. When I was younger - and first exercising my writing talents - I rarely received feedback from others. Most of my writing was done for myself and not shared with others. Now that I am writing again, and a member of the webverse of writers and involved in a critique group, I am getting a lot of feedback.

Maybe I am sick in some way - but I do love to hear what other people think about my writing. Even if they do not like it so well. Of course I do feel a little dejected when I get negative feedback - but it is so helpful in helping me become a better writer I often over come it quickly. One thing that helps me is that I always keep it in the forefront of my mind that any feedback I get, is the givers opinion. And I am a firm believer that we are all entitled to out own opinion. (Especially me.)

However, even when I do receive negative feedback it is always delivered nicely. Since the feedback comes from friends, family, and my excellent critique partners. Some are not so gentle in delivering their opinions. In fact, some people are very gruff and rude. I have also noticed that these same people often become very defensive and argumentative when you give them negative feedback. So I would like to talk about how we can give feedback to and receive it from such people.

Here is where the rant starts. I have a pet peeve. When people tell me my opinion is wrong. If it is my opinion cannot be wrong because it is how I think or feel about something. Now if I make a statement of fact that is, indeed incorrect, then I am wrong. But if I say something like, 'I don't like the color pink.' - it cannot be wrong. Because I really don't like the color pink. So, if you are ever faced with someone who rejects your suggestions as wrong when they are just your opinion. Ignore them. You are perfectly welcome to have whatever opinion you want. And if they don't want to benefit by taking that into consideration, it is their loss. Not yours. Okay, ranting over.

If you ever encounter someone who is overly harsh in their critique of you work, get a second opinion. One person quite often can be wrong. Five or six people saying something is off, are more likely to be correct. So if one person says your writing is drivel and three people say it is good but need polish - go with the other three. (On another note if they all say your writing is drivel. Keep writing. If you love doing it, it is worth doing.) Also, if you find yourself of tender feelings you may want to consider no longer getting feedback from said individual. Overly harsh feedback is not going to be helpful to you.

Have you ever given feedback to someone and have them argue each point with you? Sometimes this can make you feel like you are not a good critiquer or that you are not being much help. And although both of those things may be true, I suggest to you take the time to look for a pattern. Also, get a second opinion from someone else whose work you have critiqued. You may need to adjust your style to be more helpful - but don't try to please everyone. But, you may only need to adjust your style for that one person. There is no point in giving them your opinion if they don't appreciate it.

I hope none of you ever give up on writing or critiquing just because one person dislikes it. There will always be someone out their that does not like your work. There is no way to avoid it. So keep writing.

The Mighty Pen #22

The Mighty Pen flash fiction contest is a just for fun writing contest (inspired by my wonderful husband). I post the beginning of a story – and you post an end! I will choose a winner and several honorable mentions. The contest is open until Saturday night and the winner is announced on Sunday where I feature them on my blog. Check out past winners on the tab above.

Note: This is a family friendly blog – so please keep it PG rated. Thanks!

The Beginning

Suddenly, you turn around and…

Three Words #22

One of my favorite writing games is something I call three words. I post three words and encourage you to write a flash fiction piece containing those three words. If you would like to challenge me – post three words for me and next week I will post a piece of flash fiction using your words. Enjoy!

Three Words

• Keyboard
• Loaf
• Cloud

Flash Fiction

Using the three words: Heaven, Record and Sponge (from Sarah)

Alice looked up at the gold letters hung above the large white door. Path to Heaven, Records and Scheduling. Today was her first day on the job and she was nervous.

"Well, best to get it over with quickly," she said to herself. Taking a deep breath, Alice opened the door and entered the hall of records.

She was greeted by a white haired woman. "You Alice?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"I'm Sister Agnus," the old woman replied. "Follow me, I will give the tour. I notice you did not bring anything to take notes with."

Alice looked down at her empty hands. She knew she had forgotten something. "Don't worry," she told Sister Agnus, "I soak up knowledge like a sponge."

"Very well. Lets get started." Agnus lead Alice through an arch way and into room filled with bookshelves. "This is the records room."

Alice stared around in wonder as she tried to keep up with Agnus who was moving quickly to a small desk set off in the corner.

"Sit," Agnus ordered. Alice sat.

"Your job is to look through here." Agnus tapped a round mirror set in the desk. "Record all the names you hear during the ordinances. You will find the forms in the top drawer. When a form is full put it in the out basket. Someone from scheduling will collect the forms daily."

Alice wanted to linger and look through the mirror, to watch the people on earth faithfully performing work for their dead. But Agnus pulled her on to finish the tour.

Prompt Tuesday #22

Every Tuesday I post a writing prompt and my response. It gives me a chance to exercise my writing muscles outside of my WIP, and hopefully inspire you to write. So enjoy my flash fiction piece and post your own in the comments!

Prompt

Source: The Writer's Idea Book second prompt on page 174

Begin a story in which the first-person narrator is at work. She’ll use jargon and slang to describe what she’s doing.

Response

I drum my fingers gently on the keyboard. Why isn't this working! The if logic is sound, the loop correct. No missing semi colons. So why does it not compile. I stare blankly at the red line and error message. Great. I go back through the class, line by line. Scrutinizing every character in my search for the issue. Ah! Not a missing semi colon - a missing curly brace. Triumphantly I enter the curly brace. Suddenly the red covering the screen disappears. I let out a shout of glee. The others around me look up, annoyed by my outburst. I ignore them and return to work.

I hit the play button and watch as the output logs spew a series of messages. Once the jar gets deployed and the server comes up the browser window pops up on my screen.

I click the button.

Nothing happens.

I click the button, again.

Still nothing happens. I scream in frustration and bang my forehead on my desk. After a moment in which I try to control the urge to throw my computer across the room, I look back up at the screen. There in red letters on the output display are the words: Null Pointer Exception. Reluctantly, I return to the trouble class. I begin reading over the offending function, mumbling to myself as I go.

In a moment of weakness my eyes drift down to the clock on the task bar. A sense of relief flows over me. It's time to go. I will worry about this on Monday.

Belated Award

I admit this post is shamefully late. Please forgive me. I also beg your allowance as this is going to be a quick post.

The winner of last weeks might pen award is...

WilyBCool

Honorable Mentions:

• Best use of mythology: Sarah Pearson

Original Post

Shadowed Stones Query Letter

So I just had a break through on the query letter for Shadowed Stones. At least it feels like a break through to me. Here is what I have so far:

---

Fate has set Lyni on a course that will bring her face to face with her darkest fear - the lose of her human will.

Lyni's father takes her to the hall of his master - the dark wizard Feldon. There Feldon learns of her powerful magical abilities by invading her mind. Desperate to control her Feldon slowly begins to wear down her resistance. Eventually Lyni succumbs. Unable to resist his commands Feldon uses Lyni as a weapon in his campaign for power. Until Lyni breaks free of his control and flees.

Lyni remains hidden and save for many years. Then Garren, the second son of the King, finds her. Together they embark on a quest to bring and end to Feldon's reign. Lyni must overcome her own self doubt and fear if she is ever to be free of Feldon's shadow.

---

What do you think? Too dramatic? Would you read it? Please feel free to be brutally honest with me.

TGIF

I have had one crazy week - but the good news is I survived. The even better news is that next week is only a three day work week with a four day weekend - thanks to the US Thanksgiving holiday. I love holidays.

So... lets just skip over my goals for today. Long story short - no progress.

Instead let's talk about Krista M who gave me a wonderful award on her blog.

And as such I get to pass it along. Yea! I love passing on awards :)

And the winners are....

1. J.A. Beard at J.A. Beard's Unnecessary Musings
2. Cristina at Once Upon a Time
3. Donna at Weaving a Tale or Two
4. Mindy at Writer, Writer, Pants on Fire
5. Kathleen at Writing, Reading and Life

Congrats!

The Mighty Pen #21

The Mighty Pen flash fiction contest is a just for fun writing contest (inspired by my wonderful husband). I post the beginning of a story – and you post an end! I will choose a winner and several honorable mentions. The contest is open until Saturday night and the winner is announced on Sunday where I feature them on my blog. Check out past winners on the tab above.

Note: This is a family friendly blog – so please keep it PG rated. Thanks!

The Beginning

Nothing. The box was completely open. This was the worst thing that could have happened. Now…

Three Words #21

One of my favorite writing games is something I call three words. I post three words and encourage you to write a flash fiction piece containing those three words. If you would like to challenge me – post three words for me and next week I will post a piece of flash fiction using your words. Enjoy!

Three Words

• Silence
• Hope
• Danger

Flash Fiction

Using the three words: Branch, Olive, and Swing (from last week)

Julie plopped another black olive into her mouth. Chewing happily she danced back over to the swing and jumped onto it.

She stepped back until only her toes touched the ground. Then with a squeal of glee she lifted her feet and swung forward. The branch from which the swing hung groaned in protest.

Special Post: Readers Survey

So, I discussion I had with my husband about my WIP got me thinking about the difference between advice I get from writers - and advice I get from readers.

That sparked an idea for a blog post discussing the subject. So today on my lunch break I spun up a Readers Survey. (Note: If you want to learn how to make your own - check out Jason Morrison's post on creating surveys for your blog.).

I have added a tab above for the Readers Survey - if you are interested please feel free to take it - and give me feedback on it. This is my very first survey :)

Thanks!

P.S. I will be coming out of my hermit hole soon. I have plans to catch up on blogging (and commenting) this weekend. Sigh, the respite was quite refreshing.

Prompt Tuesday #21

Every Tuesday I post a writing prompt and my response. It gives me a chance to exercise my writing muscles outside of my WIP, and hopefully inspire you to write. So enjoy my flash fiction piece and post your own in the comments!

Prompt

Source: The Writer's Idea Book third prompt on page 117.

Create a metaphor for regret, a physical object that embodies the feeling or allows you to explore the feeling in a fresh way. Begin with a metaphorical statement: “Regret is…” and move from there.

Response

Regret is a swirling whirlpool. Around and around the thoughts and feelings take. If I succumb to them they drag me down. Down to the depths of sorrow. If I fight them, they grow. More and more regrets make me move slower and slower. I can't escape, I can't break free. If only I could go back and make it right. Regret presses on me, pulls me down.

The from the edge, the calm waters of the sea, a rope is thrown to me. A life line of safety. A path to peace. I catch hold of the rope and for a while the regrets flow pass me. I am not strong enough to withstand the tide. My thoughts keep turning and returning. Rewinding events and reliving them. It takes my own effort to drag myself out of the whirlpool, out of the pit. Using the rope to guide me I finally find freedom.

I take a few steps, make a few mistakes. And I am in the whirlpool again.

Building the Emotional Bridge

In Part 1 of this series I discussed the various types of connections I make with characters. In Part 2 I discussed the difference between the reader/character connection and writer/character connection. In this third and final part I will discuss what a writer can do to build the bridge and invite the reader to cross it.

Showing Character

I must admit that both in reading and real life - I try to save making a judgment about a person until I get a chance to see what kind of person they are. Often when I am reading I withhold my contempt for the antagonist until I am shown why I should hate them. The same hold true with heroes.

For example, in The Black Cauldron there is a character that is set up to be a semi-antagonist to the hero. Even though the characters entrance shows him to be rude and arrogant - I gave him the benefit of the doubt. It was not until his true character is revealed (he abandons his comrades in their time of need - twice) - that I finally decide he is worth of my contempt.

On the other hand - Taran the hero of The Black Cauldron does not fully when my loyalty and admiration until he shows just how brave and self sacrificing he is.

Simply listing characteristics of a character does not create an emotional connection. The reader must see the actions of the character whether good or bad in order to form an opinion about them.

Proxy Connection

Another way I come to be attached to a character is through other characters reactions. Going back to The Black Cauldron - part of the reason I love Taran so much is because his friends love and admire him. Their loyalty and friendship to him helps me form the same attachment. It most often helps if I have already made an emotional connection with one of these other characters. In The Black Cauldron Gurgi could easily be my favorite character - and so I tend to feel the same towards other characters as he does. Especially when they are first introduced.

Kindred Spirits

Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables speaks of kindred spirits - two people who are almost instantly connected through some shared experience or goal. It is easiest for me to connect with a character if I can identify with something they have experienced.

In The Black Cauldron I identify with Taran because I to have experienced the struggle of trying to find where I belong. On the same token, I can form a negative connection with a character if I see them doing something hurtful that has been done for me. Like when characters belittle Taran, tease him or make fun of him. Because I have been on the receiving end of such things I instantly feel negative emotions to characters who dish it out.

In short, emotional connections make the story have more depth for the reader. These connections start with the writer having a connection with the character then building the bridge and inviting the reader to cross it. Showing the reader how a character behaves, how others feel about them, and what they have experienced in life - will help the reader cross that bridge.

Why I Love the Outline Stage of Writing

First, a quick (late) update on my goals. I am behind on TOI - but it is not a bad thing. I will explain why later in this post.

I am also behind on review the notes from my critiquers. However, since most of my critique partners are doing NaNoWriMo - and thus our meetings are suspended - I am complete caught up on my critiquing :)

Reading is going okay. I am currently re-reading Writing the Short Story - it is a great book and actually sparked the change in TOI. I have not decided what my other book will be for this month.

Now onto why I love outlining. Currently I am in the process of outlining TOI, my current WIP. Technically I already have an outline - so I am really re-outlining. So allow me to tell you a story. I was reading above mentioned book which has several gems of knowledge in it. Bickham talks about the story question and how it drives the plot of a story. That got me thinking about TOI's story questions was and - BAM! - I got this great idea for a first line. Then - BAM! - all the pieces started to fall into place for the plot. It was then that I realized that I need to change the outline for TOI.

Also, in my original outline I jumped around with view point characters. I am however re-evaluating that decision. The plan now is to map out the events of the story - then decide which POV to tell each scene from.

There are three reasons why I love the outlining phase of writing. First, the discovery. Stumbling on a brilliant scene that solves the problems you have been trying to work out. Change one simple world building decision that makes all the pieces come together like a puzzle - oh it is so exciting!

Second, organizing. I like order. I like making order out of chaos. So, when I have a plethora of disconnected flashes and ideas that I pull together to make a cohesive whole I get a sense of accomplishment.

And last but not least, flexibility. I love how pliable the story is in the outlining stage. I can change my mind about something at the snap of my fingers and then launch into a while new phase of discovery and organization.

So in short. I am really enjoying where I am in writing TOI. It feels great!

How are things going with your goals? What is your favorite phase of the writing process and why?

The Mighty Pen #20

The Mighty Pen flash fiction contest is a just for fun writing contest (inspired by my wonderful husband). I post the beginning of a story – and you post an end! I will choose a winner and several honorable mentions. The contest is open until Saturday night and the winner is announced on Sunday where I feature them on my blog. Check out past winners on the tab above.

Note: This is a family friendly blog – so please keep it PG rated. Thanks!

The Beginning

“Why?” The pleading little eyes looked up at me.

I sighed. “Because, that is the way things are.”

“Why?” came the question again.

Three Words #20

One of my favorite writing games is something I call three words. I post three words and encourage you to write a flash fiction piece containing those three words. If you would like to challenge me – post three words for me and next week I will post a piece of flash fiction using your words. Enjoy!

Three Words

• Branch
• Olive
• Swing

Flash Fiction

Using the three words: Vortex, Brown, and Home (from last week)

The gold, brown, and cream colors swirled around in the small vortex. Ariana watched them shift and blend until they faded to a deep black.

"Home," she whispered to the rippling pool.

The pool suddenly became still and reflected back her own reflection. Then, appearing as if from the depths of the water below, her reflection was replaced with the scene of a sitting room. Her mother sat in her rocking chair as always. Ariana's three sisters sitting around her working on needle work. Their lips moved as if in the midst of a happy conversation, though the sounds of it did not reach Ariana's ears. They laughed and smiled, enjoying each others company.

"Enough!" Ariana said, waving her hand over the pool. The image disappeared, replaced by the every turning hues of the vortex.

Prompt Tuesday #20

Every Tuesday I post a writing prompt and my response. It gives me a chance to exercise my writing muscles outside of my WIP, and hopefully inspire you to write. So enjoy my flash fiction piece and post your own in the comments!

Prompt

Source: The Writer's Idea Book inspired by the last prompt on page 47./p>

Write a piece from the perspective of a tree.

Response

I stretch my long branches slightly and they groan in protest. The sunlight on my leaves feels invigorating after the long rains. I feel strong and alive. The damp soil around my roots is full of worms, shifting around in the dirt. A bird, whose nest is in my lower branches, wakes and calls to her mate. Ants, like a tiny threads, run up my trunk. Today is a good day.

Reader/Character vs Writer/Character

In Part 1 of this series I discussed my labels for emotional connections. The connections are the different ways we can connection with a character. Next I would like to touch on the differences between the Reader/Character connection and the Writer/Character connection and why I feel the distinction is necessary.

First, let me describe what I see as the Writer/Character connection. As writers we all feel some kind of emotional connection with our characters. This is what brings the character alive for us, and makes us want to tell their story.

Writer/Character

The Writer/Character is where everything starts. The more emotionally connected we are to our characters the more they will come to life on the page. If you have a character in your story that you really don’t feel anything for – they are just kind of there taking up space – they will be cardboard characters. So it is important to take the time to invent something about each character that sparks your interest and allows you to make a connection.

Reader/Character

In contrast, the Reader/Character connection is the connection that one makes with a character when they are reading another’s work. This is what keeps us invested in the story, keeps us turning the pages. On some level we have an interest in what happens to this character.

When I make emotional connections with the characters in stories I am reading – they seem more real to me. And the whole story seems more tangible, more intense. When I first read The Chronicles of Prydain in college, it was because my roommate suggested them to me. I can’t believe I got that far without reading them. Anyway, at one point in the story a character I cared very much about got wounded in a battle. I was so worried about what would happen to the character – that I stormed out of my room – found my roommate – and told that if he died I would never forgive her.

I continued reading. Then when I found out that said character was fine, I was so relieved. I rushed out, found my roommate and gave her I hug. I told her it was okay – the character was fine after all. That is how emotionally invested in the story that the tone of what was going on effected my whole day. Is it any wonder these are some of my favorite books?

Keeping them Separate

So why is it important to separate the Writer/Character connection from the Reader/Character connection? Well first of all – as much as we would like too – writers cannot control the feelings and reactions of their readers. Every person has a different set of experiences and opinions and thus we all respond to things in a different way.

As I mentioned in Part 1, when I was reading The Peasant Queen, I had a (color/connection) with the antagonist King Gregory. I was rooting for him. I wanted to see him abandon his evil ways and win the girls heart. But, after being repeatedly hit over the head with how terrible King Gregory was – I finally relented and settled into being disappointed that he was not the character I wanted him to be.

I do not like it when a writer tries to force me to feel something about a character. I don’t like having my strings pulled like a puppet. In my writing, I try to present my characters in a way that will allow the reader to form their own opinions. Of course, they will always be colored with my personal feelings about the character. But it is okay as long as you leave the door open for the reader to make their own decision.

So, in the next part of this series I will talk about how a writer can build the bridge to an emotional connection with a character, and invite the reader to cross it.

Announcing this weeks Mighty Pen Winner

It is time once again for me to announce the winner of this weeks Mighty Pen winner.

Sarah Pearson

Congrats Sarah!

Blog Templates

I have mentioned that I looked into creating a custom template for Blogger. It was not as easy as I first thought and I did not have the time to better figure it out. But I thought I would share with you what I learned.

Two notes:

First, create a test blog. You need this for two reasons. A: You cannot upload a new template and view it without it being published to your blog. B: If you do have an issue, you won't mess up your actual blog.
Second, I am a web developer and know a fair bit of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. Creating a custom template involves all three of these. But don't be discouraged. Give it a try.

Here are some tutorials and sites that I found helpful:

The Web Designers Guide to Blogger Templates
Template of Doom
Tutorials on Blogger Template Design
Cheats Guide to Customising Blogger
How to Host your Template Images

I also used Gimp extensively.

My biggest suggestion would be to design your blog layout, where you want things to be and what images you want, first. Then after the design is done start building the template.

There are also some good resources for free blogger templates. Make sure you check them out as well. At the very least they may be inspiring. You can also download them and peak under the hood to see how something works.

Ultimately I decided to go with a customization of built in blogger template. But it was fun to play around with making custom templates.

Goals Update and Awards

First, a quick update on my goals. Everything is going good. I have not made much forward movement on TOI but I am not discouraged. Not a detailed update but I don't have much to report his week :)

Now, onto the award. I have received another blog award from the loverly Melissa. Thank you Melissa. I also received the same award from the stunning Ashley. Thank you Ashley :)

It is now my honor to pass this award onto 15 wonderful bloggers.

1. Heidi at Then She Writes
2. Tirzah at A Clever Whatever
3. Julie at Musings from the Slush Pile
4. Lisa from A Paranormal Point of View
5. Laura from Read, Write....Rocking Chair
6. Rebecca at Rebecca Kiel Pages
7. Being the Writer
8. Ara at The Rookie Scrivener
9. Ciara from at Somebody Has to Say It
10. A.E. Marling at The Importance of the Impossible
11. Christine at The Writer Coaster
12. Marion from Visions and Revisions
13. Jody at Jody Hedlund
14. R.C. Lewis at Crossing the Helix
15. MB at Key Storkes and Word Counts

I also received the Versatile Blogger award from the wonderful Ellie at Path to Happiness. Since I just received this award last week I am going to sit on passing it on for now. But thank you Ellie!

The Mighty Pen #19

The Mighty Pen flash fiction contest is a just for fun writing contest (inspired by my wonderful husband). I post the beginning of a story – and you post an end! I will choose a winner and several honorable mentions. The contest is open until Saturday night and the winner is announced on Sunday where I feature them on my blog. Check out past winners on the tab above.

Note: This is a family friendly blog – so please keep it PG rated. Thanks!

The Beginning

Icy cold fingers closed around her mouth, blocking the scream creeping up from inner depths. A dark voice whispered in her ear, “don’t move…”

Three Words #19

One of my favorite writing games is something I call three words. I post three words and encourage you to write a flash fiction piece containing those three words. If you would like to challenge me – post three words for me and next week I will post a piece of flash fiction using your words. Enjoy!

Three Words

• Vortex
• Brown
• Home

Flash Fiction

Using the three words: touche, Nazi, and supercilious (from Krista M)

"Your argument is supercilious," Anne declared.

"Yet valid," Mark countered. "If you were not such a Feme-Nazi, you would see that."

Anne considered him for a moment. "Touche." She leaned back in her chair. "But you must concede that anything short of three kinds of chocolate cannot be called 'death-by-chocolate.'"

Mark smiled. "On the contrary. If it is the right chocolate it takes only one."

p.s. Krista M, you almost stumped me. Could not think of anything else!

Prompt Tuesday #19

Every Tuesday I post a writing prompt and my response. It gives me a chance to exercise my writing muscles outside of my WIP, and hopefully inspire you to write. So enjoy my flash fiction piece and post your own in the comments!

Prompt

Source:

#224 - Spin a tale using this quick plot: little brother gets hold of a valuable CD

Response

"Where is it, Josh!"

My heart is beating fast. I tear around my little brothers room looking every where. My little brother, Josh, just sits there and looks at me.

"Where is it!" I scream again. Still, Josh is silent.

I take three deep breaths and let the calm wash over me. I face him at his level and try to speak calmly.

"Do you know where the shinny round thing is? The one you took from my room?"

Josh nods. I sigh in relief.

"Where is it?"

Josh points to the door of his room. I pick him up off the bed and take his little hand.

"Show me." I urge him.

He leads me out into the hall. Then down the stairs into the living room. And right up to the main access port for our smart homes computer.

A pit forms in my stomach.

"Where is it, Josh."

Josh smiles and slaps his hands against the drive port.

I scream.

I jam my finger at the eject button, fear coursing through me. No. The house computer was networked to every electronic device in the house, and in the whole city. If the virus I had been working with for my data security class had gotten into the main frame, disaster.

The tray hissed open. There it sat. In the tray. The dark blue label - 'Virus 62134' - staring back at me.

Stunned, I reach out my hand to take it. I flip the CD over in my hand and notice a very large crack running along the shinning surface.

The air trapped in my lungs escapes in one long breath and I sink to the floor.

"It's okay, Josh. It's broken." I show him the CD. "No worries."

The lights flicked once, and then went out.