Three Words #28

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

• Renew
• Ash
• Bold

Flash Fiction

Using the three words: Paper, Ice, and Sun(from last week)

Ice and frost rimmed the panes of the window. Ashley scrapped away as much of the obstruction as possible and succeeded in letting a little sunlight through.

Ashley looked through the window at the sun as its yellow orb lifted over the snow covered world. Then, wrapping her shawl closer around her shoulders, she turned back to the desk.

She pulled a pen and slip of paper from their storage place and laid them on the desk. Sitting, Ashley took the pen in her hand and started the letter that would seal her fate.

Prompt Tuesday #28

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 22

Write about your need for a creative life or simply your need to write. Why do you do it? What needs are fulfilled through it? Cal your essay "Why I Write."

Response

Why I Write

Why do I write? Because it is part of who I am. But that is a vague and general type of answer - so let me go into more detail. I am a dreamer, which means I have a very active imagination. It is a blessing and a curse. I blessing because it comes in handy when I write. It also helps me in my day job which is computer programming. Being able to think creatively helps in problem solving.

So why is it a curse? Well first their are the nightmares. I have extremely vivid nightmares. And then the worry. I am by nature a worrier. So being able to imagine these really intense worst case scenarios - doesn't really help.

Writing is the outlet for my imagination. It is also an outlet for many other emotions. When I am happy I like to write about it. When I am sad I like to write about it. When I am hurt or angry - I write. Writing is very therapeutic. I have often found it helps me to release negative feelings by writing a letter. Like when I am angry at someone I write a letter... then throw it away. Or burn it. The benefit is I got the release of venting my frustration - without damaging my relationship with the person.

I write because it makes me feel happy and alive. Even if the end result is drivel that will never see the light of day again. The act of imagining a scene and then putting it on a piece of paper is thrill enough.

That is why I write.

E-Book Prices - Am I Crazy?

So I have some very specific feelings about E-Book prices. A while back I was having a discussion with my husband on the subject - and while he agreed with me on most points - there was one area where I seemed to be wrong. The actual price ranges.

So I did some research on Amazon.com about prices of hardcovers, paperbacks, and e-books. And yes, he was right and I was wrong. But I still feel that my price ranges are not bad - because after all they are what I am willing to pay.

What I am Willing to Pay

In US dollars
Hardcover: $8-$12
Paperback: $3-$8
E-Book: $1-$5

Reasoning

The more something costs to produce, and reproduce - the more it is going to cost. The cheaper it is to produce, and reproduce the lest it should cost.

Here is a comparison based on my limited knowledge and opinion:

Initial Production Cost: Hardcover = Paperback = E-Book The initial cost to get the book formatted is probably the same for all three formats.

Reproduction Cost: Hardcover > Paperback > E-Book My day job is computer programming. I happen to know that reproducing electronic files is a snap. Even given a little allowance for the controversy and licensing issues surrounding e-books right now - it is still vastly cheaper to reproduce an e-book then a paperback or hardcover.

My Point

I have seen a lot of e-books that are more than $10! Only on rare occasions will I pay more than $5. I have also seen a lot of e-books that cost more then the paperback. Why would I ever buy the e-book if the paperback is cheaper? And I love e-books.

Now comes the all important question - am I crazy? Are my expectations and the prices I am willing to pay for e-books unreasonable? What do you think?

The First Winner of 2012

Hey! It's 2012 and I get to announce the winner of my little Mighty Pen award.

Peggy Eddleman

Peggy has this great blog: Will Write for Cookies. Who doesn't love cookies? And when you combine it with writing - you really can't lose!

Don't forget to stop by the original post with her entry - because it really funny.

Happy 2012!