The Mighty Pen #48

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 Sunday night and the winner is announce on Monday 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

"Check again," he said in a harsh voice...

Three Words #48

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

• White
• Light
• Pillow

Flash Fiction

Using the three words: Gray, Box, and Table (from last week.)

Sera ran her fingers along the gold on black designs covering the box. "You are sure it will work," she said in a husky voice.

The man sitting across the table from her hesitated. Sera brought her left hand out from under the table - revealing her blaster. The man cleared his throat. "Sure? No. Confident, yes."

Sera narrowed her eyes and her left hand twitched. The man jerked away as far as the chair would let him. "My sources assure me it is the best.

Sera flipped up the gold latch on the box and lifted the lid. Inside was a single vile of gray liquid.

"How much?" she asked.

Prompt Tuesday #49

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: Writing.com

"'I Like you crazy,' he said."

Response

"I like you crazy," he said, flashing that smirk he called a smile at her. "You're more fun this way."

Sera pressed her teeth down on her tongue pressed her palms into her sides. "I am not crazy."

Jed laughed. Sera fixed her gaze on the blank grey wall in front of her. She tried hard not to count the number of items within an arms reach that she could use as a weapon. Focus.

Slowly, the sound of Jed's laughed died down. Sera hazard a glance in his direction. When their eyes met he took a step backwards.

"Sorry," he said in a soft voice. One of his hands twitched towards his blaster.

Her vision flashed red then black, then red again and cleared. She stood with the broken leg of a metal chair in her hand. She had the jagged edge pressed up against Jed's neck as she held him against the wall with her free arm.

Sera shook her head, trying to banish the pulsing that pounded through hit.

"Sera," Jed pleaded.

She looked up into his eyes and for the first time she found them staring back at her - in fear. She took one step back. And then another, and another. Then she fled.

The Mighty Pen #47

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 Sunday night and the winner is announce on Monday 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

She slammed the door in my face...

Three Words #47

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

• Gray
• Box
• Table

Flash Fiction

Using the three words: Yellow, Ledge, and Tree (from last week.)

I slowly stepped back from the edge and leaned my back against the rough bark of the tree.

"It is not that far down," Corin insisted. "Just a few leaps and we will be at the bottom."

I cracked my eyes open and looked at him, his blue eyes flashing below his yellow hair.

"Then you go. I will wait here."

Prompt Tuesday #48

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: Writing.com

"What if fairytales began 'Twice Below a Place' instead of 'once upon a time'?"

Response

Twice below a place filled with fairy dust, a princess was born. The first was a real princess, the daughter of a king and queen and heir to their thrones and fortunes. The second was the daughter of a farmer and his wife.

The first was named Glacia, she was born on the first day of the corn harvest just as the evening fell. The queen had been travelling from her summer home near the sea to her winter home when her pains began. The party stopped under the branches of a fairy tree and the little princes was born.

Seven days later, at dusk on the last day of the corn harvest, Cornilia was born. Her mother was walking from the fields to her home and stop to rest under the tree. There Cornilia was born.

These two girls grew up much as one would expect. Glacia learned how to be graceful and rule a kingdom. Cornilia learned to sew and care for a home and family.

For her sixteenth year, Glacia went on a journey to visit every village in the land. This was a tradition in the royal family to allow a chance for each of their subjects to view the future ruler of the land. When Glacia arrived in Cornilia's village they discovered something amazing. They looked as if they could be sisters. Both had golden hair, though no other in their family had ever had the same. And their eyes sparkled in the sunlight.

The two girls decided that they must find out why it was that they were so much the same. So they set out on a quest to find the answers. Together the girls grilled both their parents and were led to the fairy tree in the fields. One night, some time later they both stood before the tree. Together the bushed its bark with their hands. In the fading light of day the fairy tree split in two revealing a door.

From the door emerged the fairy queen. "My daughters who are mine," she said, "you have returned at last. Sixteen years ago I blessed both of you at birth in hopes that you some day would return. I have no heir to take my place and seek a princess to rule in fairy land. Will either of you take this responsibility and come with me to fairy land?"

The girls looked at each other and then both spoke at once. "Yes." Then together they walked through the door and were never heard of more.

Wisdom from a Writer's Conference: POV

The next class I attending at the LDStoryMakers conferences was:

Mechanics of POV by Clint Johnson

What I learned:

Point of view - including person, tense, character, and narrator - is a tool to be used in telling your story. It is more than just a preference or style. It is part of the mechanics of how the story works. Changing even one aspect of POV changes the whole story.

We as writers need to use the powerful tool of POV and pay closer attention to its selection.

How I Plan to Apply it:

I always use 3rd person, past tense (something that Clint Johnson also prefers). I probably will not change that. But I will be more aware of the strengths of these two tools when I use them. I will also more closely examine the selection of my view point character. And I will explore the use of other persons and tenses if the story warrants it. I was specifically intrigued about the complexity that selecting a narrator separate from the POV character can add to a story and plan to explore that option.

Side Note: I took this class because of all the hype lately about first person and present tense. I wondered if the vibe I was getting about having to use one of these two tools in order to be successful was true. I was relieved that I did not have to change my ways to fit into the current writing world. On further pondering I realized that we should never do something because it is (queue Esme Squallor voice) "in."

The Mighty Pen #46

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 Sunday night and the winner is announce on Monday 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

First one light went out, and then another, and then another...

Three Words #46

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

• Yellow
• Ledge
• Tree

Flash Fiction

Using the three words: Green, Star, and Length (from last week.)

Seri carefully measured out the length of green twine. Then, sitting at her desk, she pulled out the design board. She began whispering a rhythmic chant. When she could feel the magic humming through her bones, she started winding the twine around the pins in the design board until the formed a single, eight point star.

Prompt Tuesday #47

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: Writing.com

"You find a dry branch in the snow that turns into a magic wand in your hands."

Response

The dragon come at you. Without thinking you throw your hand out, searching for anything to use as a weapon.

Your fingers close around the dry, rough bark of a tree branch. In desperation you swing your arm around. A spray of colorful sparks explodes from the tip of the branch.

The dragon howls in anger and turns to run.

Wisdom From a Writers Conference: Practice

The first class I attending at the LDStoryMakers conferences was:

How to Practice: An Exercise in Rendering Talent Irrelevant by Howard Tayler

What I learned:

Talent is only the starting point. Being talented or gifted does not mean you will be successful or even be exceptional. It is only through practice and hard work that we can turn our talent into greatness.

How I Plan to Apply it:

Write. When I left for the conference I was working on a project that I was really excited about. However, every time I sat down to work on it I would get out a sentence or two, maybe a paragraph, and then I would get stuck.

The members for my writers group that carpooled to the conference with me helped me realize something - if you aren't writing you aren't practicing and you can't get better.

So I am shelving my project and moving onto another. I feel a little nervous because this is the second project I have shelved this year. But on the other hand, I held on to my first novel way to long. I think finding something that I can actually keep working on is the key.

Thoughts on a Writing Conference from a Newbie

So. Last weekend I attended the LDStoryMakers writing conference. It was my very first writing conference - ever!

In a word I Loved It! - okay three words.

Over the next few Mondays I will be sharing some of my impressions from the conference. Today I would just like to share a few thoughts about the conference in general - see through the eyes of a newbie.

1. If you like to write and you can - attend a conference.
I loved going to the writing conference. I learned so much. Met a few people (As an introvert I was overwhelmed by all the people so did not break out of my shell very much). And generally had a great time.

2. It is exhausting.
Since I live a mere 1.5 hour drive from where the conference was held I carpooled down and back both days with a group of ladies from my writers group. It was two very long days!

3. Your first time - go with friends.
If you can go with friends your first time - I would. Especially if you are an introvert. It is less intimidating.

4. Choose your sessions wisely.
I went into the conference with one goal - to learn things that would help my writing. So I looked over the offered classes and tried to pick ones on subjects I was weak in. I also went to a few fun ones just because I wanted to.

5. Take good notes.
Take lots and lots of notes. I got so much information thrown at me that there is no way I could have kept all of that in my head.

6. Be prepared to be inspired.
I got an idea for a new writing project in the middle of one of my classes. It was a good thing I had paper and a pencil near by so I could jot down my ideas. Then on the drive home I bounced them off my writers group buddies. Sigh, so wonderful.

Have you ever been to a writing conference? What did you think?

The Mighty Pen #45

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 Sunday night and the winner is announce on Monday 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

"It all started last week..."

Three Words #45

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

• Green
• Star
• Length

Flash Fiction

Using the three words: Blue, Frame, and Loop (from last week.)

I took the brush and dipped it in the blue paint. Without really paying attention I looped the brush along the unfinished frame. The result looked more like blue splotches then blue swirls.

Nanny Marsel looked over my shoulder. She clicked her tongue and shook her head. "You really should pay attention to your painting, deary. Sloppy work reflects a sloppy mind."

Prompt Tuesday #46

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: Writing.com

"A new store in the mall attracts some unwanted guests."

Response

The door chime sounded. I sighed. Open five minutes and already our first customer.

The tall lanky man with scraggly gray hair approached the counter. He looked around the store and then leaned closer to me.

"I hear you have," he paused and looked around again, "rock candy."

I closed my eyes so that he could not see them roll. "Yes, we have seven flavors. They include cherry, grape, lime, and strawberry. Over there." I pointed to the back of the store.

The man sauntered off down a different aisle and started working his way over to the rock candy display.

The door chime sounded again.

This time it was a large woman dipped in pink. A broad pointed hat perched a top her head.

She waddled over to me. "Do you have any...boxed chocolates?"

I nodded and pointed to the glass display case I was leaning on. She smiled without looking down. "And what about cookie mixes."

I pointed to the display behind her. She turned, and then whirled back around. "Oh and you would not happen to have rock candy?"

"Back of the store."

Before the pink pom-pom could waddle away the door chime sounded again. This time it was a young man with black hair and a tuxedo. Morning was a popular time for weird people to go shopping.

The pink pom-pom and the skinny magician dude looked each up and down and sneered.

Just then the old man came up to the counter with his arms full of rock candy. I glanced over at the display to see that he had completely cleaned us out.

"It's mine. All mine. I want it, I want it," he repeated over and over.

I started counting the packages of rock candy while the three customers erupted into an argument. Each of them pulled out a long slender stick and pointed it at one of the others.

Who did these people think they were? Characters from Harry Potter?

I sighed and reached under the counter to press the security call button. It was going to be a long day.

I Love Telling People they are Winners :)

It's time for me to announce the winner of The Mighty Pen award. Yea! I love telling people they are winners! Well... actually I was supposed to announce it yesterday but did not get around to it :)

Summer Ross

I loved Summer's entry! She was able to capture an entire story in just one short blurb. And honestly - who doesn't have a sibling that wants them to disappear! Or that they want to disappear! If you don't know what I am talking about check out her entry. And don't forget to stop by her blog.

The Mighty Pen #44

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 Sunday night and the winner is announce on Monday 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

I felt it slip through my fingers...

Three Words #44

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

• Blue
• Frame
• Loop

Flash Fiction

Using the three words: Red, Rug, and Vast(from last week.)

The ship sailed over the vast, red sea. The winds tore at the sails, the wood howled and groaned under the force of the storm...

"Josh! How many times have I told you! Don't play with you toys on my rug!"

Prompt Tuesday #45

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: Build Creative Writing Ideas, #9

"Imagine a world in which many different alien races are acquainted with each other and all of them live on a giant space station together. What is your role on this station and how does the interaction go for you?"

Response

I stared at the pile of small white bundles that filled the center of the room. "How long as the second laundry been down?" I asked the tall slim girl standing next to me. Sali, I think her name was.

"Three days," Sali replied.

I bit my lip. The back log of work to be done was not bad considering the length of the down time.

"Alright, let's get to work. You start at that end and I'll start over here," I said.

"Should we sort by washing medium, or species?"

"Washing medium. There will be fewer piles."