Prompt Tuesday #32

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: Fifth prompt on page 114

Write a monologue in which a fictional character reveals a secret. Make it a significant one. Give urgency to the telling of the secret.

Response

"I am not what you think I am," Dominic whispered in the darkness.

"Now is not the time," Alana responded, her attention more on the sound of approaching footsteps.

"I am... I am one of the First Ones."

Alana stopped in her anxious search for their pursuer. Her breath caught in her throat. A First One. It could not be. Dominic was fighting with her to banish the last of the curses left by the First One's. He hated them almost as much as she did.

How could he have lied to her?

Dominic took her hand in his. He caught her gaze with his pleading eyes. "I have made mistakes. Mistakes that I regret more than you can imagine. I have spent the last thousand years trying to correct them."

A thousand years. He was so old. To him she must seem like such a child.

Alana pulled her hand from his and turned just as the guard who had followed them came into view.

Leadership and Writing, Part 1

Earlier this month my husband took a leadership training class. Two of the things they listed as being essential for a leader were having someone you trust completely and knowing yourself.

The very next day I read Cherie's post about Live What You Believe which struck a similar cord with me.

So, I would like to share my thoughts on trust and self as it relates to writing :)

And because I have a lot to say - I am going to make it a series.

Trust

Let's start with trust. Have you ever completely trusted someone? I am a very trusting (read: naive, sheltered, gullible) person. I trust before I distrust except in extreme circumstances.

But I can honestly say that there is only one person I trust complete. First I have to preface this by saying I trust God and Christ more than anything or anyone. But what I am talking about is a person who is in my life who is less than perfect. So who is this person I trust completely?

My husband.

Part of the reason why I trust him so much - is that he is always honest with me. Sure he teases me and pulls my leg a lot (he has fun with the whole gullible thing) - but when it really counts he gives it to me straight. No matter what.

Once I told him about a story idea and he gave me a look and said. "That a stupid idea." Okay - so to be fair he said it much nicer but that was the gist of it. I was like "Oh." But he was right. And I am glad he was honest with me so that I could stop wasting my time on a bad idea. Even better - he has helped me so much with my current WIP. His feedback (and patient listening) has helped me smooth out a lot of plotting issues.

Another reason I trust my husband so much is he respects me, and I can respect him. Through a pattern of interaction he has constantly showed me respect and never done anything that would lessen my respect for him. For example, he loves that I am writing again. And in return for his interest and support - I am showing and interest in football of all things. I am also trying very hard to support him in all his goals and hobbies.

Do you have someone you trust when it comes to your writing? How do you trust them? What do you think builds the foundation of trust between two people.

Community

Being part of a community is important with pretty much anything we do. I think it holds true for writers.

Writers need support from other writers, but being part of a writing community can also be educational and fun.

Support

Who understands writers better than other writers? The answer is no one. I admit I have friends and family that do "get me" as a writer and offer wonderful support. But I can't turn to them when my plot is laying shambles and I just need to talk to someone who understands.

Being part of a community of writers gives you somewhere to turn when you suffer from writing woes. It also gives you a fan section for celebrating your success.

Educational

I have learned so much since I have joined my local writing group and the online writing community. Most of this has come from learning about how other people write. What their process is, what they struggle with. I do not necessarily adapt everything I learn - but it still helps me grow.

You can also learn about trends, programs, tools, conferences, contest, and yourself by being part of a writing community.

Fun

What writer does not like to discuss writing? Well there may be some - but I am not one of them. I love getting together and spending time with other writers. I often disagree with their methods or opinions - but the great thing is I have found that most writers are very open and understanding. So despite our difference we can come together on the one thing we have in common, we are writers.

I would also like to mention one more thing: courage. By become part of a community you have to put yourself out there - and sometimes you will get burned. But after being burned you will heal and be stronger for it. Being part of community can help build your personal strength and courage.

How has being part of a community help you as a writer?

The Mighty Pen #31

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

The horrible sound echoed through the small town square. I shivered as the sound of the...