Jackie, Blodeuedd, and I are back to working up some Flash Fiction fun. We will do flash fiction posts every two weeks, give or take due to holiday's and such. I will post my complete story here. Jackie will add the beginning and a link to her flash fiction on her Live Journal and Blodeuedd will be posting on her blog.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
((Untitled))
By: Melissa Hayden
I jumped. I didn't even hear my feet slapping the metal floor over the alarm beeping as I woke from my daydream. I starred at the lights lit on the panel before me. It was impossible, or so the few of us left had thought.
We lost many of us that were left when we returned to the dead planet our ancestors once called home. My parents were part of the many we lost when they went out in search of any long lost survivors. When the scouts did return, it was always with the same news. No sign of life.
I tapped a few buttons on the panel before me to zero in on which beacon was picking up a life force. The screen was fuzzy but there it was. Someone, or thing, on two legs walking across the sands. The dry winds blowing the cape it wore behind it and the hood from it's head. A gas mask covered their face so I couldn't tell if it was a man or woman let alone if it was human. Lieing in the sandy ground behind it was a large sphere it must have used as transportation to get here. But from where?
Drat. I was going to be in trouble for not paying attention to the monitors, but who would have thought after these long ten years someone would show up?
I left my seat spinning as I darted for the door. I had to let the others know. I jumped on the elevator that took me down the antenna building I was in. I hustled down the moving steps, their speed to slow for this news, of our spiral metal surveillance center that petruded out of the rock cliff we lived in. I crossed the threshold into the rock mountain we lived in.
"Heeme!" I saw her at the end of the rock hall as I came running. She turned to me, "Get the others! You're never going to believe this. There is someone walking toward us!"
I raced down the hall to gather the elders before Heeme could ask a question.
Panting as I hit the override on the door to enter I stepped into the room, "Geeno! Are you here? You have to come to the meeting room. Immediately!"
"I'm here child. Calm down." Geeno walked into the room drying his hands. "What..."
"There is someone outside. Walking!" I blurted.
Geeno eyed me, "Are you sure you weren't daydreaming again? Maybe all the stories we passed down to you children are too much. There is no way someone can be out there."
"No, Geeno. Sir. I mean, I was daydreaming, but there is no mistaking those alarms. I saw a humanoid walking toward us. I did." I was breathing heavy from the run and adrenaline spike.
Geeno must have seen the truth in my eyes as he picked up the pace, put on his vest, and answered, "Very well. Lets get to the meeting room and see what's going on."
"I told Heeme to find the others." And the door slid shut behind us.
I was curious what news this being could be bringing us, and from where. But how would the elders handle this new being and information? We'd been stranded here for so long.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Monday, October 6, 2014
Writing Update - September
Melissa:
And another month bites the dust. I made a huge promise last month, to get through the story I was working on. I'm slightly disappointed to say, it didn't happen. But! Only slightly. Between being sick for a few weeks and only sleeping and ending the month at a funeral, I just didn't do much. I didn't even get to do much with Flash Fiction this month. Now you know that's bad if I don't get my Flash Fictions up.
However, I did get an amazing opportunity I could NOT turn down. A brainstorming session at The Roundtable Podcast with three AMAZING!! authors - Michael R. Underwood, Janet Morris, and Chris Morris. And the amazing host Dave Robison. So I might have been fretting and panicking over the pitch I was to give. I think I rewrote the thing... I don't even know how many times. I don't think I've been that nervous and stressed over anything since high school. Really!
The session came and went so fast. It was amazing! I left the brainstorming with amazing notes and twists I can easily implement in the story to smooth the holes that were there. Sometimes you need that extra brain, or four, to help you along. I will share the link here when the podcast session goes live.
This is something I haven't taken advantage of before - the help of throwing ideas at someone to curve them. I need to do this more often and not try all on my own. I know this but haven't taken that step. I need to do this.
I did get some new words in rewrites at the beginning of the month:
With writing and deleting: 823 words
Flash Fiction: 510 words
I didn't get to the second flash fiction as life took over and I was planning for the brainstorming session.
So what does October hold? Goodness, I hope more time. lol. I want to get back to the story I want finished and to prepare for NaNo of the story I brainstormed with four amazing people. A lot to do and October doesn't seem to want to give me more hours. Bummer.
Jackie:
I can't wait to hear the podcast to see how the whole process worked! Getting the ideas to unfold enough to work with is definitely something I struggle with, so I think Melissa's recent venture would be something all writers would benefit from :)
I suppose that's kind of what's happening with me right now also, as I've delved back into the scholastic side of writing. I'm taking the intermediate prose workshop this year as well as a course that analyzes prose narrative from across the ages and different continents. I'm hoping this will help me hone my work further (and not send me off on tangents with everything cool that I read :p )
For Creative Writing, the focus is on short stories, including Flash Fictions, but also MicroFictions and Postcard Fictions, which all just fit into different word count maximums really. Between in-class work and assignments, I've actually accomplished quite a bit this month.
Here are what my totals look like:
Flash Fiction #10 824
Flash Fiction #11 440
In-class writing 1276 (includes an approximate for hand written stuff too)
1st Assignment 254
Short Story 2203
Total 4997
Heading into October, the CW class will be reading everyone's work and offering critiques. I'm definitely looking forward to getting input from my fellow writers on how to make that final short story on the list better. I have another short due for the beginning of November, so I'll be working on that as well as weekly in-class stuff and the revisions that need to be done too. I know right now I'm struggling with coming up with unique ideas and attempting to elevate my language in my work so those are the areas I'll be working to improve most over the next few months.
What does October hold for you?
And another month bites the dust. I made a huge promise last month, to get through the story I was working on. I'm slightly disappointed to say, it didn't happen. But! Only slightly. Between being sick for a few weeks and only sleeping and ending the month at a funeral, I just didn't do much. I didn't even get to do much with Flash Fiction this month. Now you know that's bad if I don't get my Flash Fictions up.
However, I did get an amazing opportunity I could NOT turn down. A brainstorming session at The Roundtable Podcast with three AMAZING!! authors - Michael R. Underwood, Janet Morris, and Chris Morris. And the amazing host Dave Robison. So I might have been fretting and panicking over the pitch I was to give. I think I rewrote the thing... I don't even know how many times. I don't think I've been that nervous and stressed over anything since high school. Really!
The session came and went so fast. It was amazing! I left the brainstorming with amazing notes and twists I can easily implement in the story to smooth the holes that were there. Sometimes you need that extra brain, or four, to help you along. I will share the link here when the podcast session goes live.
This is something I haven't taken advantage of before - the help of throwing ideas at someone to curve them. I need to do this more often and not try all on my own. I know this but haven't taken that step. I need to do this.
I did get some new words in rewrites at the beginning of the month:
With writing and deleting: 823 words
Flash Fiction: 510 words
I didn't get to the second flash fiction as life took over and I was planning for the brainstorming session.
So what does October hold? Goodness, I hope more time. lol. I want to get back to the story I want finished and to prepare for NaNo of the story I brainstormed with four amazing people. A lot to do and October doesn't seem to want to give me more hours. Bummer.
Jackie:
I can't wait to hear the podcast to see how the whole process worked! Getting the ideas to unfold enough to work with is definitely something I struggle with, so I think Melissa's recent venture would be something all writers would benefit from :)
I suppose that's kind of what's happening with me right now also, as I've delved back into the scholastic side of writing. I'm taking the intermediate prose workshop this year as well as a course that analyzes prose narrative from across the ages and different continents. I'm hoping this will help me hone my work further (and not send me off on tangents with everything cool that I read :p )
For Creative Writing, the focus is on short stories, including Flash Fictions, but also MicroFictions and Postcard Fictions, which all just fit into different word count maximums really. Between in-class work and assignments, I've actually accomplished quite a bit this month.
Here are what my totals look like:
Flash Fiction #10 824
Flash Fiction #11 440
In-class writing 1276 (includes an approximate for hand written stuff too)
1st Assignment 254
Short Story 2203
Total 4997
Heading into October, the CW class will be reading everyone's work and offering critiques. I'm definitely looking forward to getting input from my fellow writers on how to make that final short story on the list better. I have another short due for the beginning of November, so I'll be working on that as well as weekly in-class stuff and the revisions that need to be done too. I know right now I'm struggling with coming up with unique ideas and attempting to elevate my language in my work so those are the areas I'll be working to improve most over the next few months.
What does October hold for you?
Friday, September 5, 2014
Flash Fiction (10)
Jackie, Blodeuedd, and I are back to working up some Flash Fiction fun. We will do flash fiction posts every two weeks, give or take due to holiday's and such. I will post my complete story here. Jackie will add the beginning and a link to her flash fiction on her Live Journal and Blodeuedd will be posting on her blog.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
((Untitled))
By: Melissa Hayden
Gavin broke the spell of mesmerization he was under at the sight of the massive tree before him. How had he missed this beauty of color in the pitch of black the world had become? He had crossed paths with little tree folk on their pilgrimage to find a forest, or a few trees left standing to live in, told him to 'wade in the colors of life, and the doorway you seek will appear'. Never did he think this would be the view before him.
The vibrant tree before him, moments ago was deep purple, now is a brilliant red. When he paused in his traipsing through the water the colors stopped changing. But now, the red is dulling to its next shade. Gavin couldn't take his eyes from the leaves. He feared the browns and then dulling to the point of black - if it went that far. He sure hoped it didn't and took another step drawing red from the leaves.
An ornate door, appeared in the ripples of the massive trunk as his eyes trailed down the tree. It reminded him of the doors to the church the lords of the land, that's now black from the raging fires, had worshiped their one god in. Yet there was something different to the scrolled design. He could see the detail better with each step.
His thighs were chilled, and looking down he realized he was now walking up a slope toward the tree. Out of the warm water. He prayed to the gods of life and death that this would be the answer he was searching for. The way back to the way things were. He wanted to rest with his Sarah and Johnny but he needed to right the world first. That was the least he could do for the wrong he'd put into place.
The water of the river he walked through to get here had soaked him to the bone. Gavin didn't even move to wipe the tear pooling on his beard. It wasn't worth the effort. And was it a tear or the water sprays from his steps?
He would talk to the wise man of mystics and magics that lived here. He would know how to care for the world now. The statues standing to each side of the tree were faceless, but held their hands as if welcoming him, or condemning him. He wasn't sure. The trees around the Great Tree of Life had a darkness to them as they reached up to the branches and leaves of the Great Tree, like fire looking to lick at the life they possessed.
Gavin heard the crack of the wooden door opening as he plodded forward. Gavin turned to look over the great river he traveled and back to the open door. He took a deep breath with a quick prayer and walked into the dark interior. What he didn't see was the coal colored dragon hiding behind the full branches of the great tree and the darkness that settled over the tree.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
((Untitled))
By: Melissa Hayden
Gavin broke the spell of mesmerization he was under at the sight of the massive tree before him. How had he missed this beauty of color in the pitch of black the world had become? He had crossed paths with little tree folk on their pilgrimage to find a forest, or a few trees left standing to live in, told him to 'wade in the colors of life, and the doorway you seek will appear'. Never did he think this would be the view before him.
The vibrant tree before him, moments ago was deep purple, now is a brilliant red. When he paused in his traipsing through the water the colors stopped changing. But now, the red is dulling to its next shade. Gavin couldn't take his eyes from the leaves. He feared the browns and then dulling to the point of black - if it went that far. He sure hoped it didn't and took another step drawing red from the leaves.
An ornate door, appeared in the ripples of the massive trunk as his eyes trailed down the tree. It reminded him of the doors to the church the lords of the land, that's now black from the raging fires, had worshiped their one god in. Yet there was something different to the scrolled design. He could see the detail better with each step.
His thighs were chilled, and looking down he realized he was now walking up a slope toward the tree. Out of the warm water. He prayed to the gods of life and death that this would be the answer he was searching for. The way back to the way things were. He wanted to rest with his Sarah and Johnny but he needed to right the world first. That was the least he could do for the wrong he'd put into place.
The water of the river he walked through to get here had soaked him to the bone. Gavin didn't even move to wipe the tear pooling on his beard. It wasn't worth the effort. And was it a tear or the water sprays from his steps?
He would talk to the wise man of mystics and magics that lived here. He would know how to care for the world now. The statues standing to each side of the tree were faceless, but held their hands as if welcoming him, or condemning him. He wasn't sure. The trees around the Great Tree of Life had a darkness to them as they reached up to the branches and leaves of the Great Tree, like fire looking to lick at the life they possessed.
Gavin heard the crack of the wooden door opening as he plodded forward. Gavin turned to look over the great river he traveled and back to the open door. He took a deep breath with a quick prayer and walked into the dark interior. What he didn't see was the coal colored dragon hiding behind the full branches of the great tree and the darkness that settled over the tree.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Writing Update - August
Melissa:
Well, August kicked my ass.
*turns to Jackie* Can I say that here? Is it okay?
Back on track. Writing stuff. *sigh* The last month and a half have been non-stop. So much so that I don't know where August went. As I mentioned in the July update, I knew that I wouldn't find words this month with kiddo's sports schedule and readying to send kiddo back to school. And I was right. Heck, even getting the short flash fictions in was a workout that I was sweating over!
August has flown by with a speed I can't imagine. Well, they do say the older you get, the faster time goes. I guess that is starting to become true. But I really wish it would slow just a tad for me.
Yes, I did previously mention I made a few small word counts this month for Flash Fictions. There are two of them:
Flash Fiction 1: 451
Flash Fiction 2: 521
Now school is back in session. We do have games to go to twice a week but we are going to start getting on a schedule here. Kiddo has to do homework. I need to get caught up on my blog, write, and read. Oh and how can I forget I have, HAVE, to get some exercising in. Exercise will help me keep going for all I have planned. So, here's to finding a schedule in September!
Jackie:
Swear away. In fact, you might be ready to kick my ass when I kind of break a promise I'd made a mere few weeks ago....I'll get to that in a minute though. First let's talk about August.
I had big plans for August. I wanted to sit down most days and at least get something going that would give me words to report here, and get me towards a draft copy that I could start querying out in the big, scary world. Well, besides flash fictions, it didn't happen. I did, however, decorate my office finally. I have a few touches still to add, but for the most part, I now have a functional room in which to work. I want to say that's half the battle and all that but, really, it's just another mode I found to procrastinate the business of writing. I'm mentally working on changing this, truly. I just need to find a groove to get me unstuck from the idea that anything else I'm doing should come before the writing. This thinking is dragging me further away from what I really want. It won't happen if I don't do it, right?
Anyway, totals for the month look like this:
Flash 1: 573
Flash 2: 974
I probably could've written more for the second Flash but these posts are meant to be short. It kind of felt like maybe the beginning of something bigger. Perhaps I'll revisit it for NaNo?
As for September....it looks like I will be doing some classes this year, including Creative Writing (if space is still available,) so I'll definitely be working on writing. Just maybe not what I *should* be working on to finally finish up the one project. I'm not sure how this will work out in future months, especially November. I'll have a better idea in a week or two. Until then, I'll be working on keeping my head in the game and getting something down on paper.
Well, August kicked my ass.
*turns to Jackie* Can I say that here? Is it okay?
Back on track. Writing stuff. *sigh* The last month and a half have been non-stop. So much so that I don't know where August went. As I mentioned in the July update, I knew that I wouldn't find words this month with kiddo's sports schedule and readying to send kiddo back to school. And I was right. Heck, even getting the short flash fictions in was a workout that I was sweating over!
August has flown by with a speed I can't imagine. Well, they do say the older you get, the faster time goes. I guess that is starting to become true. But I really wish it would slow just a tad for me.
Yes, I did previously mention I made a few small word counts this month for Flash Fictions. There are two of them:
Flash Fiction 1: 451
Flash Fiction 2: 521
Now school is back in session. We do have games to go to twice a week but we are going to start getting on a schedule here. Kiddo has to do homework. I need to get caught up on my blog, write, and read. Oh and how can I forget I have, HAVE, to get some exercising in. Exercise will help me keep going for all I have planned. So, here's to finding a schedule in September!
Jackie:
Swear away. In fact, you might be ready to kick my ass when I kind of break a promise I'd made a mere few weeks ago....I'll get to that in a minute though. First let's talk about August.
I had big plans for August. I wanted to sit down most days and at least get something going that would give me words to report here, and get me towards a draft copy that I could start querying out in the big, scary world. Well, besides flash fictions, it didn't happen. I did, however, decorate my office finally. I have a few touches still to add, but for the most part, I now have a functional room in which to work. I want to say that's half the battle and all that but, really, it's just another mode I found to procrastinate the business of writing. I'm mentally working on changing this, truly. I just need to find a groove to get me unstuck from the idea that anything else I'm doing should come before the writing. This thinking is dragging me further away from what I really want. It won't happen if I don't do it, right?
Anyway, totals for the month look like this:
Flash 1: 573
Flash 2: 974
I probably could've written more for the second Flash but these posts are meant to be short. It kind of felt like maybe the beginning of something bigger. Perhaps I'll revisit it for NaNo?
As for September....it looks like I will be doing some classes this year, including Creative Writing (if space is still available,) so I'll definitely be working on writing. Just maybe not what I *should* be working on to finally finish up the one project. I'm not sure how this will work out in future months, especially November. I'll have a better idea in a week or two. Until then, I'll be working on keeping my head in the game and getting something down on paper.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Flash Fiction (9)
Jackie, Blodeuedd, and I are back to working up some Flash Fiction fun. We will do flash fiction posts every two weeks, give or take due to holiday's and such. I will post my complete story here. Jackie will add the beginning and a link to her flash fiction on her Live Journal and Blodeuedd will be posting on her blog.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ocean's Deep to the Stars
By: Melissa Hayden
Turning his attention to the side window he sighed. Whatever he thought he say shimmering was gone now. George turned back to watch where the spot light of the submersible combed the ocean floor. He was determined to find the lost city, positive it was here. But after five days of searching George's confidence in his research started to wan. The ancient tablet found in the ocean showed water movements of the time it was from. George had been convinced from the first moment he gazed upon the tablet, seeing the elegant script written on it, that it was from the long lost water faring people - the Atlanteans. They lived off the ocean for sustenance and power. He tracked the changes of the currents science had recorded over the last decades, and related it to what he read in the elegant script of the tablet he found. It lead him here.
It should be here.
George turned his head, cursing under his breath as he rubbed his neck from the heated cramp in his neck from the quick movement. He swore he saw steps out of the corner of his eye. The dark water was playing tricks on him along with his over excited mind.
George turned the submersive to head that direction. At this point what was the harm in checking? he thought. Looking down, he saw it. Lifting his head with disbelief he saw it stretch in front of him.
Pearl stairs shinning in the depths of the dark deep curving as it reached to a swirl of stars above. Stars? Sun didn't even reach here, how was he seeing stars? A bright light flashed and a tall person stepped to the top of the stairs. Slowly the person descended.
George was dumbfounded that a person appeared in what was space and is now walking down steps in the ocean. He's walking, not floating, and definitely not drowning. He must have pulled a muscle in his neck harder than he realized, causing sparks and flashes of light in his eyes. Maybe the oxygen level is low.
The jerk of the vessel brought him around to look at the gauges. He'd ran into the reef. He cursed, thankful his crawler didn't move fast, but feared there would still be damage. Damage he couldn't afford at this level of the ocean, or above as he'd sunk all his money into this expedition. He had to get back to the boat, but to leave this sight...
The person was closer now, having an elegance to his steps that was beyond that of the most balanced dancer he'd seen on television. Now, he could see it was a man... George squinted. The man was dressed in a toga with gold glittering around his head, waist, and arms. The shoes, if that was what they were, laced up his calves. The outfit made him look longer. Almost like he was stretched.
The man was framed with the dark ocean around him, yet he shone with brilliance. He reached the bottom of the stairwell and reached to George. Then George felt the submersive shake.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ocean's Deep to the Stars
By: Melissa Hayden
Turning his attention to the side window he sighed. Whatever he thought he say shimmering was gone now. George turned back to watch where the spot light of the submersible combed the ocean floor. He was determined to find the lost city, positive it was here. But after five days of searching George's confidence in his research started to wan. The ancient tablet found in the ocean showed water movements of the time it was from. George had been convinced from the first moment he gazed upon the tablet, seeing the elegant script written on it, that it was from the long lost water faring people - the Atlanteans. They lived off the ocean for sustenance and power. He tracked the changes of the currents science had recorded over the last decades, and related it to what he read in the elegant script of the tablet he found. It lead him here.
It should be here.
George turned his head, cursing under his breath as he rubbed his neck from the heated cramp in his neck from the quick movement. He swore he saw steps out of the corner of his eye. The dark water was playing tricks on him along with his over excited mind.
George turned the submersive to head that direction. At this point what was the harm in checking? he thought. Looking down, he saw it. Lifting his head with disbelief he saw it stretch in front of him.
Pearl stairs shinning in the depths of the dark deep curving as it reached to a swirl of stars above. Stars? Sun didn't even reach here, how was he seeing stars? A bright light flashed and a tall person stepped to the top of the stairs. Slowly the person descended.
George was dumbfounded that a person appeared in what was space and is now walking down steps in the ocean. He's walking, not floating, and definitely not drowning. He must have pulled a muscle in his neck harder than he realized, causing sparks and flashes of light in his eyes. Maybe the oxygen level is low.
The jerk of the vessel brought him around to look at the gauges. He'd ran into the reef. He cursed, thankful his crawler didn't move fast, but feared there would still be damage. Damage he couldn't afford at this level of the ocean, or above as he'd sunk all his money into this expedition. He had to get back to the boat, but to leave this sight...
The person was closer now, having an elegance to his steps that was beyond that of the most balanced dancer he'd seen on television. Now, he could see it was a man... George squinted. The man was dressed in a toga with gold glittering around his head, waist, and arms. The shoes, if that was what they were, laced up his calves. The outfit made him look longer. Almost like he was stretched.
The man was framed with the dark ocean around him, yet he shone with brilliance. He reached the bottom of the stairwell and reached to George. Then George felt the submersive shake.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Writing Update - July
Melissa:
I started the month out strong....then life took over. I worked on re-writes and felt I was making headway. I had a small section I had to enter, which then changed things in the ripple affect of events and what the characters say. But this is good! It's what was needed and wanted. Maybe even draw the two closer together that I needed to bring closer.
Also, getting further into the story I'm finding there are things I have in place in the beginning that I can tie in better or use for what I have going on later in the book. *fist pump* Yes! I love that. I can see it all falling into place and all of it is useful and used. *happy dance* This is a huge thing for me. I was always afraid that I dropped things in that would never be seen again. I'm sure there are a few, but at this point I'm happy. :)
I am even formulating the next story in my mind so there are things I need to drop in this story to explain the next one. Crazy how that happens. ;)
Words added to story (By RoTaNoWriMo which includes the formula for reading words plus added words along with Flash Fiction count):
7,664
Actual increase in number (with adding and deleting):
5,234
Flash Fiction pieces:
1st - 655 words
2nd - 894 words
So, actual words written: 6,783
As for going into August... er, um.... I'm going to have to keep on this writing break, even though it's going to eat me away inside. Kiddo has crazy hours for football practice, and family always comes first. I enjoy watching him practice, and he wants us to watch him practice. So my time will be there. What I'm hoping is once school starts I can get back on a schedule and get this story punched out to a first rough draft that I can ask for help on.
Jackie:
Like Melissa, I started out July strong...though mine was more about being in the right mindset. I had big ideas, I made notes, and seemed to be heading in the right direction...until it came time to implement these into what I already have written. And then it all fell apart.
The project was, and is, never far from my mind but I just couldn't seem to get into the rhythm I needed to keep working. I've thought a lot about why this is and have decided that because what was written was all completely pants'ed during NaNo, it isn't near where I want it to be to start, never mind simply adding into it. The whole thing needs to be stripped down and re-done. So that's how I'll be approaching it from now on. The issue could also have something to do with my reluctance to actually sit and work on it, but I'd rather it was more a result of the first scenario...
I do have some scenes that were successfully written or re-written and also have the Flash Fiction numbers to add in for the month, but the total works out to much less than even 100 words per day for the month. Because of this, I need to push myself further to make sure I sit down and write at least something...a minimum of 500 words, say....everyday most days. Otherwise, I'll be left regretting that I didn't even try.
The totals for the month look like this:
Flash 1 - 873
Flash 2 - 261
WIP - 1203
For a grand total of 2337.
The only promise I'll make for August is that I will beat July's word count, hopefully a significant increase, but, you know, summer and all that ;)
Here's hoping August is productive for everyone, at least as much as it can be while the weather is still warm and the kids are at home :)
I started the month out strong....then life took over. I worked on re-writes and felt I was making headway. I had a small section I had to enter, which then changed things in the ripple affect of events and what the characters say. But this is good! It's what was needed and wanted. Maybe even draw the two closer together that I needed to bring closer.
Also, getting further into the story I'm finding there are things I have in place in the beginning that I can tie in better or use for what I have going on later in the book. *fist pump* Yes! I love that. I can see it all falling into place and all of it is useful and used. *happy dance* This is a huge thing for me. I was always afraid that I dropped things in that would never be seen again. I'm sure there are a few, but at this point I'm happy. :)
I am even formulating the next story in my mind so there are things I need to drop in this story to explain the next one. Crazy how that happens. ;)
Words added to story (By RoTaNoWriMo which includes the formula for reading words plus added words along with Flash Fiction count):
7,664
Actual increase in number (with adding and deleting):
5,234
Flash Fiction pieces:
1st - 655 words
2nd - 894 words
So, actual words written: 6,783
As for going into August... er, um.... I'm going to have to keep on this writing break, even though it's going to eat me away inside. Kiddo has crazy hours for football practice, and family always comes first. I enjoy watching him practice, and he wants us to watch him practice. So my time will be there. What I'm hoping is once school starts I can get back on a schedule and get this story punched out to a first rough draft that I can ask for help on.
Jackie:
Like Melissa, I started out July strong...though mine was more about being in the right mindset. I had big ideas, I made notes, and seemed to be heading in the right direction...until it came time to implement these into what I already have written. And then it all fell apart.
The project was, and is, never far from my mind but I just couldn't seem to get into the rhythm I needed to keep working. I've thought a lot about why this is and have decided that because what was written was all completely pants'ed during NaNo, it isn't near where I want it to be to start, never mind simply adding into it. The whole thing needs to be stripped down and re-done. So that's how I'll be approaching it from now on. The issue could also have something to do with my reluctance to actually sit and work on it, but I'd rather it was more a result of the first scenario...
I do have some scenes that were successfully written or re-written and also have the Flash Fiction numbers to add in for the month, but the total works out to much less than even 100 words per day for the month. Because of this, I need to push myself further to make sure I sit down and write at least something...a minimum of 500 words, say....
The totals for the month look like this:
Flash 1 - 873
Flash 2 - 261
WIP - 1203
For a grand total of 2337.
The only promise I'll make for August is that I will beat July's word count, hopefully a significant increase, but, you know, summer and all that ;)
Here's hoping August is productive for everyone, at least as much as it can be while the weather is still warm and the kids are at home :)
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Flash Fiction (8)
Jackie, Blodeuedd, and I are back to working up some Flash Fiction fun. We will do flash fiction posts every two weeks, give or take due to holiday's and such. I will post my complete story here. Jackie will add the beginning and a link to her flash fiction on her Live Journal and Blodeuedd will be posting on her blog.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
(Untitled)
By: Melissa Hayden
She felt the whimper in the back of her dry throat. Her hands and feet twitched as she grazed over the ground, running as fast as they would take her. She twitched her nose as the tall grass slapped her muzzle.
She wasn't fast enough. There was a whine beside her and she tensed her muscles more, hoping they will give her more speed. The dark gray cloud descended around her. Disoriented she tried to run out, turning to get out of the blinding air. Fearing there would be a tree or rock in front of her or get caught, she dropped to the dirt - her stomach and face flat on the moist dirt.
She inhaled the moist smell of earth. It must have rained recently. She savored the smell, having missed it in that prison of tortures. The gray floated around her with a snapping and sizzling. Then it reached tentacles of smoke to her nose and mouth.
Her eyes flew open but she didn't move. Her body felt wrong. The whine was here, beside her. She held her breath. Something weighed on her legs and arms. Warmth. Fuzzy. Her sisters. Her sisters were here with her, protecting her in her new and fragile form. She reached and ran her fingers over the fur of her sisters. The girls had left the skulk to find her. And find her they did. They didn't even shun her for the form she was now forced to take. The witch had cursed her. Now she was on the run escaping the experiments of the witch. She missed having four legs.
She savored the warmth and moment of false safety as she watched the rising sun curled up with her sisters. A twig cracked. At least she kept her fox senses even in this two legged form. She turned her head, her sisters ears all perked.
She didn't want to give away her location, if she hadn't been found. But she turned as her sisters crept off her with their orange fur raised. Her long red hair caught on the bark of the tree at her back. She kept from yelping at the sharp pull on her head. She looked over the large log after she pulled her hair free as her sisters looked through the gap under it.
A person stalked out of the woods, and her eyes caught what hung at his hip. Her sisters started to growl and hiss. She patted their heads and she shushed them. They might be safe for now, but the dark gray cloud that seeped from the woods told her it was time to go.
Serry turned and crawled to the brush with her sisters.
~~~~~~~~~~
Jackie's preview:
The House on the Bluffs, an original short story by Jackie Lester
The spot by the river where the fallen tree spanned across the water was always her favourite place to read. It was especially good because, the way the huge limbs had landed, they’d created a natural nook, like the cradle of a mother’s arms, perfect for leaning against and daydreaming. Ryan planned to take full advantage of these things, having nothing better to do at the moment.
She leaned into the curve of the tree, not even worried how the small bits of bark might become uncomfortable. Ryan didn’t care at all. She just smiled at the pleasure a beautiful summer day like this can bring.
Click here to keep reading.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
(Untitled)
By: Melissa Hayden
She felt the whimper in the back of her dry throat. Her hands and feet twitched as she grazed over the ground, running as fast as they would take her. She twitched her nose as the tall grass slapped her muzzle.
She wasn't fast enough. There was a whine beside her and she tensed her muscles more, hoping they will give her more speed. The dark gray cloud descended around her. Disoriented she tried to run out, turning to get out of the blinding air. Fearing there would be a tree or rock in front of her or get caught, she dropped to the dirt - her stomach and face flat on the moist dirt.
She inhaled the moist smell of earth. It must have rained recently. She savored the smell, having missed it in that prison of tortures. The gray floated around her with a snapping and sizzling. Then it reached tentacles of smoke to her nose and mouth.
Her eyes flew open but she didn't move. Her body felt wrong. The whine was here, beside her. She held her breath. Something weighed on her legs and arms. Warmth. Fuzzy. Her sisters. Her sisters were here with her, protecting her in her new and fragile form. She reached and ran her fingers over the fur of her sisters. The girls had left the skulk to find her. And find her they did. They didn't even shun her for the form she was now forced to take. The witch had cursed her. Now she was on the run escaping the experiments of the witch. She missed having four legs.
She savored the warmth and moment of false safety as she watched the rising sun curled up with her sisters. A twig cracked. At least she kept her fox senses even in this two legged form. She turned her head, her sisters ears all perked.
She didn't want to give away her location, if she hadn't been found. But she turned as her sisters crept off her with their orange fur raised. Her long red hair caught on the bark of the tree at her back. She kept from yelping at the sharp pull on her head. She looked over the large log after she pulled her hair free as her sisters looked through the gap under it.
A person stalked out of the woods, and her eyes caught what hung at his hip. Her sisters started to growl and hiss. She patted their heads and she shushed them. They might be safe for now, but the dark gray cloud that seeped from the woods told her it was time to go.
Serry turned and crawled to the brush with her sisters.
~~~~~~~~~~
Jackie's preview:
The House on the Bluffs, an original short story by Jackie Lester
The spot by the river where the fallen tree spanned across the water was always her favourite place to read. It was especially good because, the way the huge limbs had landed, they’d created a natural nook, like the cradle of a mother’s arms, perfect for leaning against and daydreaming. Ryan planned to take full advantage of these things, having nothing better to do at the moment.
She leaned into the curve of the tree, not even worried how the small bits of bark might become uncomfortable. Ryan didn’t care at all. She just smiled at the pleasure a beautiful summer day like this can bring.
Click here to keep reading.
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