I'm sitting here trying to figure out what to do with today's prompt. It's not really inspiring me to do anything. That is kind of unfortunate and kind of how things tend to work for me. The one I had yesterday seemed to just gush forth, a story forming in my head as soon as I wrote it. Sometimes it's like that, I see a word or a sentence and BAM! I have an idea. Not so much today.
I thought of incorporating the 'three black birds' into a fan fic, but still inspiration has not struck. Ugh! I hate days like this but I can only assume that it happens to anyone who writes. I believe it is called writer's block. Oh well.
I guess I could write a poem, although I'm not really into poetry. I leave that for the really fancy writers, the ones that enjoy reading poetry and such. Not me though. More often than not it just goes over my head. Maybe I should try reading the dictionary again. I did that for a few weeks in high school. I stopped when it became obvious that the plot was going nowhere and the romance was dead in the water.
Well, April is poetry month. I guess I could try.
Three Black Birds
by K. Britton
Sitting on the fence watching the world go by
Dodging rocks from wicked school children
Aerial assaults by conniving cats
Granny comes by tossing bird seed and rat poison
Sees the black wings as angels of death and, well, she is slightly senile
Rainy days, cold nights, crisp afternoons, peaceful sunsets
Sitting on the fence watching the world go by
Ok, that's all I can do. Yeah I know, I'm not expecting a Pulitzer for this but it's fun and more like a free write than anything. Plus, I came up with it on the fly :) Daily prompt fulfilled.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Daily Prompts
Since I can't make myself update this blog more than I update Facebook (which really is a challenge for some reason), I've decided to update it the only way I know how: writing prompts.
I find that I really enjoy word or sentence prompts. It keeps my brain motivated and sometimes inspires me to write more than I intended. Not sure if I want to share my fan-fiction over here but I can post my prompts that I get from Twitter and various other prompting sites.
So without further delay, here is my first prompt. Please take note that my grammar and punctuation need help so if you see anything amiss, let me know. I can only grow if I know what's holding me back and work to fix it.
*
*
Story Prompt (http://thestorystarter.com/):
The rookie driver sang a song in the diner to answer the challenge.
He had been so excited when he heard about the challenge that he practically drove through the night just to get there on time. Luck was on his side when he arrived, a mere ten minutes before the contest was due to begin. It really wasn't enough time for a warm up, but he really didn't need one. He sung every song that came up on the radio and even the multiple commercial jingles that played every hour.
Just as he was signing his name on the entry form, someone called out his name. He looked behind him and recognized the face of a classmate from driving school. He couldn't quite remember his name but the face, full of freckles and a beaming gap-toothed smile, had more than left an impression. The man was quick-witted and funny as hell. He was also top in the graduating class and one of the best handlers around.
The young man held up his hand and turned back, handing his form to one of the waitresses, and then threaded his way to his former classmate. It had been so long since he had seen anyone that he knew that he almost hugged the man. Since that really wasn't appropriate in a truck stop, he just offered him a hearty hello and an enthusiastic handshake.
Man, the gods really were on his side.
It really had been a long time since he had meet anyone he knew and he found himself rattling on about his life since graduation. When he finally took a breath it was to hear the diner manager address the increasingly large crowd of participants and spectators. After listening to the rules of the contest, the young man and several others were called forward and asked to stand on the “stage”.
As the contest started, each performer took a turn at singing the challenge song. The young man felt a lightness in his heart that he hadn't known before. This was the first time in a long while that he hadn't felt alone in his new world. This was the first time that he actually felt like part of the group instead of just an outsider looking. As he stepped forward to give it his all, he felt tears gathering in his eyes. It hadn't taken him long to sing the song and yet it felt like an eternity had passed when he finished.
By the time he came off the stage, the crowd was thinning out, preparing to head back to their life on the road. He chatted with a few of the regulars, shook hands with the contestants and even got a hug from one of the older waitresses. The young man headed outside toward his home for the next two weeks. He couldn't stop himself from the goofy smile that plastered his face. Ever since he signed up for this occupation, he'd had serious concerns of whether or not this was the right thing for him. Tonight, he proved that it was not only right but the best thing for him. Tonight he discovered his new-found family and he was prepared to do anything not to lose that feeling again.
*
*
See, not much going on. It's similar to the work I do (did) on the fan-fiction side. It's not much of a story and I really don't intend for it to be. Just some of the ramblings that manage to leak from brain every now and again. Well, hope you enjoyed :)
I find that I really enjoy word or sentence prompts. It keeps my brain motivated and sometimes inspires me to write more than I intended. Not sure if I want to share my fan-fiction over here but I can post my prompts that I get from Twitter and various other prompting sites.
So without further delay, here is my first prompt. Please take note that my grammar and punctuation need help so if you see anything amiss, let me know. I can only grow if I know what's holding me back and work to fix it.
*
*
Story Prompt (http://thestorystarter.com/):
The rookie driver sang a song in the diner to answer the challenge.
He had been so excited when he heard about the challenge that he practically drove through the night just to get there on time. Luck was on his side when he arrived, a mere ten minutes before the contest was due to begin. It really wasn't enough time for a warm up, but he really didn't need one. He sung every song that came up on the radio and even the multiple commercial jingles that played every hour.
Just as he was signing his name on the entry form, someone called out his name. He looked behind him and recognized the face of a classmate from driving school. He couldn't quite remember his name but the face, full of freckles and a beaming gap-toothed smile, had more than left an impression. The man was quick-witted and funny as hell. He was also top in the graduating class and one of the best handlers around.
The young man held up his hand and turned back, handing his form to one of the waitresses, and then threaded his way to his former classmate. It had been so long since he had seen anyone that he knew that he almost hugged the man. Since that really wasn't appropriate in a truck stop, he just offered him a hearty hello and an enthusiastic handshake.
Man, the gods really were on his side.
It really had been a long time since he had meet anyone he knew and he found himself rattling on about his life since graduation. When he finally took a breath it was to hear the diner manager address the increasingly large crowd of participants and spectators. After listening to the rules of the contest, the young man and several others were called forward and asked to stand on the “stage”.
As the contest started, each performer took a turn at singing the challenge song. The young man felt a lightness in his heart that he hadn't known before. This was the first time in a long while that he hadn't felt alone in his new world. This was the first time that he actually felt like part of the group instead of just an outsider looking. As he stepped forward to give it his all, he felt tears gathering in his eyes. It hadn't taken him long to sing the song and yet it felt like an eternity had passed when he finished.
By the time he came off the stage, the crowd was thinning out, preparing to head back to their life on the road. He chatted with a few of the regulars, shook hands with the contestants and even got a hug from one of the older waitresses. The young man headed outside toward his home for the next two weeks. He couldn't stop himself from the goofy smile that plastered his face. Ever since he signed up for this occupation, he'd had serious concerns of whether or not this was the right thing for him. Tonight, he proved that it was not only right but the best thing for him. Tonight he discovered his new-found family and he was prepared to do anything not to lose that feeling again.
*
*
See, not much going on. It's similar to the work I do (did) on the fan-fiction side. It's not much of a story and I really don't intend for it to be. Just some of the ramblings that manage to leak from brain every now and again. Well, hope you enjoyed :)
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The End of a Wonderful Weekend
I just got back from the MWG Conference. I had a blast. I met so many nice people, found a bunch of new authors and bought some great books. I can say it enough, I had a fantastic time.
Did you know that authors are always working? Even if they've sold thousands of books they are still working hard to make sure that they get new book contracts. Good grief! I thought that once you're in, you're in. Nope!
I'm actually starting a new project because of things I learned at the conference. Actually, it's a whole new book. I don't know why the character's name struck me when it did or why but here he is in all of his glory. He wants me to get cracking on his character sheet so I guess I should do that. I would like to do a quick write up of the lectures I attended (which were all informative by the way). I'll have to work on that a little later.
Can't wait until next year's :)
Did you know that authors are always working? Even if they've sold thousands of books they are still working hard to make sure that they get new book contracts. Good grief! I thought that once you're in, you're in. Nope!
I'm actually starting a new project because of things I learned at the conference. Actually, it's a whole new book. I don't know why the character's name struck me when it did or why but here he is in all of his glory. He wants me to get cracking on his character sheet so I guess I should do that. I would like to do a quick write up of the lectures I attended (which were all informative by the way). I'll have to work on that a little later.
Can't wait until next year's :)
Friday, April 16, 2010
First Day
Just finished off my first day at the Missouri Writers Guild conference. I think this was a really good idea on my part to attend. I got a lot of useful information and I'm looking forward to picking up a couple of books by one of the speakers.
I also got a great opportunity to hear Dr. Thomas Applewhite,who was added at the last minute, give us some great info on guns. I had no idea at the variety available. I mean, the history alone is enough that several books have been written. I'm almost tempted to see if I can find a couple on Amazon. I can totally see them being useful in the future.
We ended our day with a movie called "Lithium Springs". I can't imagine actually paying money to see it, and neither could the producer, but I can see why it would be very little-kid friendly. I wonder if my nephew would like it? That film seemed to be more for the SpongeBob crowd anyway. Still, it was a nice way to end the evening.
Tomorrow is going to be jammed pack with sessions so I better hit the hay since I've got a 7am wake up call. Laterz :)
I also got a great opportunity to hear Dr. Thomas Applewhite,who was added at the last minute, give us some great info on guns. I had no idea at the variety available. I mean, the history alone is enough that several books have been written. I'm almost tempted to see if I can find a couple on Amazon. I can totally see them being useful in the future.
We ended our day with a movie called "Lithium Springs". I can't imagine actually paying money to see it, and neither could the producer, but I can see why it would be very little-kid friendly. I wonder if my nephew would like it? That film seemed to be more for the SpongeBob crowd anyway. Still, it was a nice way to end the evening.
Tomorrow is going to be jammed pack with sessions so I better hit the hay since I've got a 7am wake up call. Laterz :)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Reading Research
I have actually been quite busy the last few weeks with school, work, family and research. It has been my research that has taken up as much of my free time as my previous hobby, video gaming.
I read in William Tapply's, The Elements of Mystery Fiction, that you should read what other authors have done to get it right. I decided to start my research by reading some of the authors that Tapply recommended as well as add a few of my own into the mix. This isn't a review, per se, just my thoughts on what I've read so far.
First off, I picked up 'Same Time, Same Murder' by Robert J. Randisi & Christine Matthews. He is actually giving a workshop next month for the St. Louis Writer's Guild, which I'm looking forward to. I thought I would check out some of his books, which were available at the library. I picked this one up because it offered one of my favorite things in a mystery series: the detective couple.
It's actually not the first book of the series but a story behind how the two main characters met. I thought I would really enjoy it but it seems that the authors have thrown me for a loop. I wasn't sure if I was even going to be able to finish the book since it seems to be awfully confusing with the back and forth going on. An example would be the wife talking about how they first met, then going to the first meeting and then back to the present. Then the husband adds in his two cents, goes back to the same meeting and then back to present.
(I seem to have lost an entire paragraph here. This is all thanks to the 'Autosave feature' which I will will be turning off)
My next personal pick was Dean James' 'Decorated to Death'. This is actually the second book that I've read by this author. It seems to be a series but I have yet to get my hands on the first book so I can only read what's available. The main character in this series is a gay vampire that writes romance novels and biographies and just so happens to solve murder mysteries in his spare time. I really enjoyed the first book and I find myself enjoying this one as well. I haven't finished yet but I hope to by the end of the week.
My final pick was 'Holly Blues' by Susan Wittig Albert. I'm not sure how or why I picked this book. Can't even recall when I placed a hold on it. As I was checking out my books they told me it was there so I got it. I started reading around 7pm and finished around 1am. I couldn't put this book down. I stopped reading long enough to eat dinner and see my cousin off but that was it. It was really good. I figured out the mystery pretty quickly, which was a surprise since I usually don't, but it didn't stop me from finishing.
I really enjoyed the background of the characters which were varied and sometimes complex. An herb shop in a small Texas town was the back drop for the visiting ex-wife with a stalker. I liked the fact that the author actually told us a little about the main character's background and that of the people around her. It helps when you haven't read any of the previous books. I found that to be lacking another book that I read out of order (and for the life of me can't remember the name of) in which the author was going on about the main character splurging on various items and making veiled references to past assumptions about the character but unless you had read the previous books (which apparently all made reference to the main character's cheating husband and how she got his life insurance policy) you had no idea why it was such a big deal that she bought a new car or cell phones for the family.
I still enjoyed the book (which actually inspired me to start writing again) and found myself looking into writing conventions and actually joining the writer's guild. It's actually because of her (the author that I can't remember) that I'm even doing this.
Well, that's all I have time for now. I haven't started reading the recommended authors books yet and I hope to get to it some time this weekend or next week. I also picked up a few technical books as well. Grammar, fiction writing and forensic study were my books of choice. Haven't dug into any of those yet but I hope to at least get a sneak peek into one of them.
**EDIT**
My inspiration is Jill Churchill. Hopefully I can actually read some more of her books.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Using the NaNoWriMo Technique
Since I've decided I'm actually going to put a little more effort into finishing my novel, I've decided to use the tried and true method of NaNoWriMo.
The method is simple: write 1666 words per day for the month of April. Since I'm not setting up my deadline for anything more than that, I thought I would also use "Write or Die" as a handy motivator. Beyond those two things, I haven't really thought any further.
So, why do the "November" writing in April? Well, I didn't really get to participate last year. My dad passed away and I was having enough difficulty just getting to school and work. Another reason to do it this month? Well, yesterday was my birthday. I turned 38 (go me!) and I just realized that I would like to finish this book by the time I'm 40.
Other than realizing that I want to have this book finished (and possibly published), I also realized that I really don't want to teach. It's not that I don't like kids because I do, up to a point. Anyway, beyond that point is my bookstore. Yes, my bookstore. The one I've been dreaming about for years but have no real idea why I would ever want one in the "digital" economy. I don't really know but I guess owning a bookstore is possibly the same as my writing dream. It's the "dammit-I'm-doing-it-anyway" idea. Yeah, that sounds good.
Well, if I'm supposed to churn out 1600+ words today I need to get started. I have a test on Monday to study for as well as some errands to run and I want to be free and clear for my writing time.
The method is simple: write 1666 words per day for the month of April. Since I'm not setting up my deadline for anything more than that, I thought I would also use "Write or Die" as a handy motivator. Beyond those two things, I haven't really thought any further.
So, why do the "November" writing in April? Well, I didn't really get to participate last year. My dad passed away and I was having enough difficulty just getting to school and work. Another reason to do it this month? Well, yesterday was my birthday. I turned 38 (go me!) and I just realized that I would like to finish this book by the time I'm 40.
Other than realizing that I want to have this book finished (and possibly published), I also realized that I really don't want to teach. It's not that I don't like kids because I do, up to a point. Anyway, beyond that point is my bookstore. Yes, my bookstore. The one I've been dreaming about for years but have no real idea why I would ever want one in the "digital" economy. I don't really know but I guess owning a bookstore is possibly the same as my writing dream. It's the "dammit-I'm-doing-it-anyway" idea. Yeah, that sounds good.
Well, if I'm supposed to churn out 1600+ words today I need to get started. I have a test on Monday to study for as well as some errands to run and I want to be free and clear for my writing time.
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