I still have yet to figure out what I'm writing for NaNo. I thought maybe one thing but now I'm leaning towards another. The other is only a thought at the moment but I like it, what I have that is.
Guess I just can't stay away from my space guys and treasure hunters. Okay, not going to use the old stand-bys I stick in Flash Fiction Friday. They're good for that exercise so there they will stay. Have a new character, a couple actually, one male, one female. Whoo! Wonder if a romance is going to bloom between them? Find out in the outline. Maybe. If I do stick with these characters they may be staying on the planet I found them wandering around on. Still, there might be treasure to be had! One can never be sure.
That's another glitch at the moment. I have no outline, but want one. I guess I can't run to the store and buy one so will have to do it from scratch. That's okay. Have no idea if this is the one I really want to do so am not going to get all excited over it just yet.
Later.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Flash Fiction Friday 3
Been sick for a couple weeks now, but I promise to get to all the stories I haven't read yet!
-------------------------
Delivery Girl
It was a dark and stormy night and I certainly, absolutely did not want to be here. Rain slashed my windshield while lightning tormented the sky above, and at the same time the wheels of my old, beat up, battered car kept refusing to grip the road. I was all over the place. I knew I shouldn't under these circumstances but I grabbed the banana sitting on the seat next to me and peeled it with jerking motions. The only supper I'd most likely be getting into my poor stomach tonight.
“Last supper, Sara,” I said out loud.
I almost lost it on the road, but heck, I'd be lucky if I lived through the next hour or so anyway, what with the task I had looming ahead of me.
The long gravel driveway reared in front of me, my headlights barely picking out the entrance that would lead me to my doom. I pulled up to the large, dilapidated old house, feeble lights giving nothing but pinpricks of illumination.
A huge sigh escaped my lips as I pulled up to the front. I glanced into my rear view mirror and was dismayed at how I looked. Mascara ringed my blue eyes and my long, straight blonde hair hung in straggles, some strands sticking to my cheeks. Reaching into the glove box I pulled out a pack of wipes and began to wash my face, then dug into my purse and found my makeup. I reapplied my mascara, eyeshadow and lipstick, ran a comb through my hair, although nothing would help the white face staring back at me.
Something caught my eye and I turned the mirror down a bit. Green skin! The necklace Mark had given me had turned my neck green! Cheap bastard! I jerked the offending jewelry off, rolled my window down and threw it out into the mud.
I opened the door and got out of my car. I slammed the door shut then walked to the back of the car to unlock the trunk. I grabbed the box of food in both arms and hauled it out. Shutting the trunk was an acrobatic feat.
The house stood there, uninviting, but what was one to expect of the habitants inside. I trudged up to it, with the rain sluicing down and plastering my hair to my skin once again. I could feel my mascara running. I knew I'd look like the undead. A shiver ran down my spine, not in a nice tingling way either, but in the way you know someone has walked on your grave.
Up the rickety steps I went, hoping I didn't fall through and break something, mainly my body appendages, since I didn't much care about the food in the box. My foot kicked the door since my hands were full. Silence greeted me.
“Mr. Connell! It's Sara, from town, with your groceries.”
If no one answered I could leave the box on the porch and hightail it back to town and at least live through this night. I heard thumping footsteps coming. A sigh escaped my lips. No such luck for me tonight.
The door opened, then all I saw was the back of Mr. Connell. I followed him reluctantly into the kitchen, more by sound than sight, as all that lite up the inside was a few candles here and there. I put the box on the table and hoped to make my retreat.
“Did you bring my whiskey?” his voice rasped at me.
“I don't know, Mr. Connell, I didn't pack it, Joe did, but I'm sure whatever you asked for he put it in.”
“It better be in there.” He began to haul items out of the box, slamming each one down on the scarred table.
I didn't want to think about what had made those deep cuts in the wood of the surface. All I wanted to think about was getting back to town alive.
“Know what they wanted to do to me?” His voice boomed as it scratched my stretched nerves.
All I could do was shake my head, even though he wasn't looking at me.
They wanted to hook some wires up to my head and scramble my brains. I know what happens when they do stuff like that. I heard about it.”
“Mr. Connell, they just wanted to do an encephalogram. That's nothing. They do it all the time.”
“That what they tell you, girl?” He looked up at me, his bloodshot eyes bore into mine. “They experiment on your brain and it gets scrambled, then they putrefy it.”
I nodded agreement. No way was I going to argue with the man, not if it got me out of there faster, even if I didn't understand the putrefy thing. The man's brain was already scrambled.
A shuffling sound brought my head around and my eyes flew to the doorway. My stomach clenched as I saw Mr. Connell's daughter coming towards us. Sally Ann, the town zombie. And her pet aardvark. She had the stupid thing on a leash.
Mr. Connell wouldn't be any help. I backed up and my eyes saw something glint on the counter. A butcher knife. I grabbed it, threw it. It landed in the middle of her forehead. She stopped, but didn't go down, only stared at me.
I couldn't get past her and her pet so I grabbed a chair and tossed it at the only window in the kitchen and forced my body to follow it. I rolled in mud a ways before I could get my feet under me, then slipped and slid towards my car.
Sara the Zombie Slayer I wasn't, but I was alive. I felt good I had survived, so good I was ready to jump Mark for the cheap guy he was.
-------------------------
Delivery Girl
It was a dark and stormy night and I certainly, absolutely did not want to be here. Rain slashed my windshield while lightning tormented the sky above, and at the same time the wheels of my old, beat up, battered car kept refusing to grip the road. I was all over the place. I knew I shouldn't under these circumstances but I grabbed the banana sitting on the seat next to me and peeled it with jerking motions. The only supper I'd most likely be getting into my poor stomach tonight.
“Last supper, Sara,” I said out loud.
I almost lost it on the road, but heck, I'd be lucky if I lived through the next hour or so anyway, what with the task I had looming ahead of me.
The long gravel driveway reared in front of me, my headlights barely picking out the entrance that would lead me to my doom. I pulled up to the large, dilapidated old house, feeble lights giving nothing but pinpricks of illumination.
A huge sigh escaped my lips as I pulled up to the front. I glanced into my rear view mirror and was dismayed at how I looked. Mascara ringed my blue eyes and my long, straight blonde hair hung in straggles, some strands sticking to my cheeks. Reaching into the glove box I pulled out a pack of wipes and began to wash my face, then dug into my purse and found my makeup. I reapplied my mascara, eyeshadow and lipstick, ran a comb through my hair, although nothing would help the white face staring back at me.
Something caught my eye and I turned the mirror down a bit. Green skin! The necklace Mark had given me had turned my neck green! Cheap bastard! I jerked the offending jewelry off, rolled my window down and threw it out into the mud.
I opened the door and got out of my car. I slammed the door shut then walked to the back of the car to unlock the trunk. I grabbed the box of food in both arms and hauled it out. Shutting the trunk was an acrobatic feat.
The house stood there, uninviting, but what was one to expect of the habitants inside. I trudged up to it, with the rain sluicing down and plastering my hair to my skin once again. I could feel my mascara running. I knew I'd look like the undead. A shiver ran down my spine, not in a nice tingling way either, but in the way you know someone has walked on your grave.
Up the rickety steps I went, hoping I didn't fall through and break something, mainly my body appendages, since I didn't much care about the food in the box. My foot kicked the door since my hands were full. Silence greeted me.
“Mr. Connell! It's Sara, from town, with your groceries.”
If no one answered I could leave the box on the porch and hightail it back to town and at least live through this night. I heard thumping footsteps coming. A sigh escaped my lips. No such luck for me tonight.
The door opened, then all I saw was the back of Mr. Connell. I followed him reluctantly into the kitchen, more by sound than sight, as all that lite up the inside was a few candles here and there. I put the box on the table and hoped to make my retreat.
“Did you bring my whiskey?” his voice rasped at me.
“I don't know, Mr. Connell, I didn't pack it, Joe did, but I'm sure whatever you asked for he put it in.”
“It better be in there.” He began to haul items out of the box, slamming each one down on the scarred table.
I didn't want to think about what had made those deep cuts in the wood of the surface. All I wanted to think about was getting back to town alive.
“Know what they wanted to do to me?” His voice boomed as it scratched my stretched nerves.
All I could do was shake my head, even though he wasn't looking at me.
They wanted to hook some wires up to my head and scramble my brains. I know what happens when they do stuff like that. I heard about it.”
“Mr. Connell, they just wanted to do an encephalogram. That's nothing. They do it all the time.”
“That what they tell you, girl?” He looked up at me, his bloodshot eyes bore into mine. “They experiment on your brain and it gets scrambled, then they putrefy it.”
I nodded agreement. No way was I going to argue with the man, not if it got me out of there faster, even if I didn't understand the putrefy thing. The man's brain was already scrambled.
A shuffling sound brought my head around and my eyes flew to the doorway. My stomach clenched as I saw Mr. Connell's daughter coming towards us. Sally Ann, the town zombie. And her pet aardvark. She had the stupid thing on a leash.
Mr. Connell wouldn't be any help. I backed up and my eyes saw something glint on the counter. A butcher knife. I grabbed it, threw it. It landed in the middle of her forehead. She stopped, but didn't go down, only stared at me.
I couldn't get past her and her pet so I grabbed a chair and tossed it at the only window in the kitchen and forced my body to follow it. I rolled in mud a ways before I could get my feet under me, then slipped and slid towards my car.
Sara the Zombie Slayer I wasn't, but I was alive. I felt good I had survived, so good I was ready to jump Mark for the cheap guy he was.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Flash Fiction Friday 2
Earth: The Map
Josh walked around the totem, inspecting each indentation and all the markings.
He looked at Aaron and shook his head. "I don't see anything."
"It has to be here," Aaron said. "The source was reliable."
"Wouldn't be the first time we were taken in."
Josh watched as Aaron searched the totem just as he'd done. Then Aaron's gaze went to the top. Aaron looked at Josh. "You don't think...?"
"Anything is possible."
"So, whose turn to do the climbing?"
"Your turn," Josh told him. "I did it last time, remember?" At least Aaron wouldn't have to climb a sheer wall like he'd done.
"Not that high," Aaron said, as he tilted his head back and looked at the large, gray bird carved out of wood situated at the top. He grabbed hold of the bottom section and began to inch his way up.
He found hand and foot holds easy enough. Josh watched as his friend pushed and prodded each area, but nothing budged to yield a secret compartment.
"How are you doing?" Josh called up to him.
Aaron glanced down and Josh could see beads of sweat forming on his face. He never passed up the chance to get in a dig whenever Aaron had to climb. The man was afraid of heights but loved roaming in space. He always told Josh that was different, yet Josh had yet to figure out that kind of reasoning.
"Got something," Aaron yelled down.
"What is it?"
Aaron held something up then grabbed one of the gray wings to catch his balance. No answer came from him as he made a slow decent down the totem. As soon as his booted feet made connection with the solid ground, Aaron leaned over and put his hands on his knees. With slow movement he held up a folded piece of paper.
Josh reached for it but before his fingers touched it a voice spoke behind him.
"Well, well. Thanks for doing the hard work."
Josh turned slowly. "Maritta, what a nice surprise."
Maritta cocked her head to one side. "You know, I can never decide which one of you is the best looking. Aaron with his dark looks or you, Josh, the fair-haired one." She shrugged one dainty shoulder. "I'll take that. Wouldn't want to cause a stir here, now would we?" A stun gun was aimed directly at Josh.
"Don't give it to her, Aaron."
"Sorry, Josh, but I don't care to be laid out flat for who knows how long. Besides, others will most likely be coming along soon and we'd have to explain what happened."
Aaron stepped forward, arm outstretched and Maritta grabbed the paper from his fingers.
Maritta walked backwards until she had enough distance between them, then she turned and disappeared down a path.
Josh swung around ready to berate his friend.
Aaron put one hand up to forestall him. "Don't worry, I know what was one it."
"And?"
"It's a map. I memorized it. Wasn't hard since I know where the coordinates end up."
Josh drew his brows down in a frown. "So where are we headed to now?"
"Caston," Aaron said with a smile.
"You're kidding, right? Do you remember the last time we were on Caston? They'll skin us alive if we return there."
Aaron shrugged. "Maybe. Maybe not."
"I think your mind has slipped a few. All the trouble we caused and the hard time we had getting off that planet, nope, I'm not going back."
"Seems to me you're slipping, my friend. Need I remind you what else awaits us in Caston?"
"It's not worth it." Josh stomped away.
Aaron let out a loud laugh. "Not worth the challenge alone? I know you better than that. You'll go to Caston and revel in the thrill of not getting caught this time."
Problem was, Aaron spoke the truth, as much as it pained Josh to admit it, even to himself. Yes, they'd go to Caston and damn the consequences.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Introspection
Why do I not write more often? That's the question I'm always asking myself. When I do write I enjoy it. It might be abhorent, okay, it generally is. Hell, I even like editing. So why do I put it off constantly? I think if I look deep down I'd find that I feel I'll never write anything being worthy of others reading, and at the very most someone actually wanting to pay for it.
::doubts::
::doubts::
If nothing more I should just do it for my own pleasure and leave it at that. Maybe there are some writers out there who don't walk around with horrible doubts in their minds, but I have to wonder how many do carry such uncertainties within their innermost thoughts.
Procrastination and doubts are my Degree. High school education is all I attained, and that was painful enough. School was not a great place for me, yet I never once thought about not finishing. Had an English teacher who didn't help, other than to put down all the students he ever had. He'd squash a dream faster than lightning. Guess I could add the Hard-Knocks-of-Life-School to my resume. That's about it.
Sounds like I'm "baring my soul" here, and "woe is me." Which makes me smile a bit. Maudlin I'm not! Truly, I'm not that kind of person. I not only like the simple things in life I really enjoy them. Not a needy person and am happy being that way!
I think I should be writing something more tangible instead of spitting out this stuff. :)
Later.
::doubts::
::doubts::
If nothing more I should just do it for my own pleasure and leave it at that. Maybe there are some writers out there who don't walk around with horrible doubts in their minds, but I have to wonder how many do carry such uncertainties within their innermost thoughts.
Procrastination and doubts are my Degree. High school education is all I attained, and that was painful enough. School was not a great place for me, yet I never once thought about not finishing. Had an English teacher who didn't help, other than to put down all the students he ever had. He'd squash a dream faster than lightning. Guess I could add the Hard-Knocks-of-Life-School to my resume. That's about it.
Sounds like I'm "baring my soul" here, and "woe is me." Which makes me smile a bit. Maudlin I'm not! Truly, I'm not that kind of person. I not only like the simple things in life I really enjoy them. Not a needy person and am happy being that way!
I think I should be writing something more tangible instead of spitting out this stuff. :)
Later.
Decisions, decisions
Took a look at _The Grona Stone_ tonight. Yeah, yeah, lousy title, I know. Sometimes, though, I kinda like it, other times I think it sucks. Right now it sits at approx. 29,300.
I knew I had a problem not long after I got into it. POV, to be exact. Didn't know what to do since a couple of the characters got split from the rest. These two are my favorite. They feel fuller to me. ::I know, rounded out -- I like fuller:: Got some good friction going on between them. There's lots of friction with all the others too, but not quite the same. Or, not coming out in the writing as well. I'm not sure. I like the others and there's lots of potential there, but I have to wonder if they need to stay somewhat in the background for this story. Guess they could have their own later if it worked out that way. Just don't know if only two can carry most of the story. 'Course then another entirely different character walked on and I liked him. Brother to one of the main characters so maybe he needs his own story too. Yikes! A series? I'm now thinking in terms of series?! Never thought I could do one of those. Hmmm, will have to think on that bag of worms.
It's been interesting so far, to say the least. The two favorite characters took me down a path I didn't see coming. They are fun so I'll forgive them for high jacking the novel.
I'm also going to have to work much harder to get more darn description in. I have white-room syndrome! I can see it yet it refuses to seep down into and through my fingers onto the keyboard. Stupid brain! Maybe the fingers are at fault. Could be they shut off any entry the brain tries to make. There's a conspiracy going on, I know it!
Guess I continue to stick with just these two for main characters and not clog up pages by going back and forth. Two POV's are enough to deal with.
I also thought they had reached their destination, but noooo, they haven't left the ship yet. Must be all that other stuff is in my head and I only thought I'd written it already.
Now I'm worried about another one I have. Probably don't have what I think written on that one either.
No wonder brain doesn't function properly, there's too much clutter in it. That alone should give me enough incentive to write more. At least it might clear up some space.
Anyway, I keep fluctuating between making this a YA or not. Keep leaning towards YA, so will most likely go that route. I think it's set where it could be written either for YA or Adult. The main characters are on the youngish side, but still on the high end of it, and I don't want to change that. Guess I'll just wait and see how it all comes out in the end.
Think I'll go curl up on my rock shelf for the night and let the mind run through those unwritten words again. The noggin needs a refresher course on those scenes. It also needs to stop getting so far ahead of my typing and trick me into thinking I've got more done that I do.
Ah, well, it was good to get some of this out.
I knew I had a problem not long after I got into it. POV, to be exact. Didn't know what to do since a couple of the characters got split from the rest. These two are my favorite. They feel fuller to me. ::I know, rounded out -- I like fuller:: Got some good friction going on between them. There's lots of friction with all the others too, but not quite the same. Or, not coming out in the writing as well. I'm not sure. I like the others and there's lots of potential there, but I have to wonder if they need to stay somewhat in the background for this story. Guess they could have their own later if it worked out that way. Just don't know if only two can carry most of the story. 'Course then another entirely different character walked on and I liked him. Brother to one of the main characters so maybe he needs his own story too. Yikes! A series? I'm now thinking in terms of series?! Never thought I could do one of those. Hmmm, will have to think on that bag of worms.
It's been interesting so far, to say the least. The two favorite characters took me down a path I didn't see coming. They are fun so I'll forgive them for high jacking the novel.
I'm also going to have to work much harder to get more darn description in. I have white-room syndrome! I can see it yet it refuses to seep down into and through my fingers onto the keyboard. Stupid brain! Maybe the fingers are at fault. Could be they shut off any entry the brain tries to make. There's a conspiracy going on, I know it!
Guess I continue to stick with just these two for main characters and not clog up pages by going back and forth. Two POV's are enough to deal with.
I also thought they had reached their destination, but noooo, they haven't left the ship yet. Must be all that other stuff is in my head and I only thought I'd written it already.
Now I'm worried about another one I have. Probably don't have what I think written on that one either.
No wonder brain doesn't function properly, there's too much clutter in it. That alone should give me enough incentive to write more. At least it might clear up some space.
Anyway, I keep fluctuating between making this a YA or not. Keep leaning towards YA, so will most likely go that route. I think it's set where it could be written either for YA or Adult. The main characters are on the youngish side, but still on the high end of it, and I don't want to change that. Guess I'll just wait and see how it all comes out in the end.
Think I'll go curl up on my rock shelf for the night and let the mind run through those unwritten words again. The noggin needs a refresher course on those scenes. It also needs to stop getting so far ahead of my typing and trick me into thinking I've got more done that I do.
Ah, well, it was good to get some of this out.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Flash Fiction Friday 1
Josh placed one boot on the first step, careful to check that the old stones didn't crumble under him. It held and he moved up next two then crossed the circular center to stand in front of the partial curved wall.
"What are we doing here?" Aaron came abreast of Josh.
"You'll see," Josh said.
One hand reached out to the aged stones, while his other hand rested on the hilt of the dagger at his side. The rough stone scraped across his palm. Josh ran his hand along the stone blocks and felt inside each niche until a slight tingle went through is fingers. The dagger in his other hand hummed. A tiny jolt shot through his fingers.
Josh pressed against the stone. It grated inwards and the block next to it slid open.
"Is that what I think it is?"
"Yes." Excitement and a feeling he couldn't describe ran through him.
"Don't touch it, Josh"
"I know the legend." His fingers wrapped around the dagger.
His other hand pulled out the knife at his side. Josh held both up and an arc of light shot from one to the other. Both blades shaped into a lightning bolt. The light between them died, but not the joy that sang in Josh's blood.
"See, Aaron, they didn't strike me dead. That means I was meant to own them."
"As long as innocent blood doesn't taint them."
"I don't intend to."
"Good intentions don't always stand," Aaron muttered.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Working on......
Too many projects it seems. My folders are going to get too plump for their own good!
Started an exercise last night. ::no, not that kind!:: Flash fiction, of which I've never done before and don't know what makes me think I can now. Three characters to go off in different directions. Yeah, baby, I can sure do that in 250 words! HA! Don't know who I'm kidding. Seems everything I start as a short wants to grow up to be big strong novel. Beginning came easy, but where to go and how to keep it to the word minimum? That's the nagging question.
And now I'm thinking of starting another flash fiction.
::bangs head on cave wall::
Did one about a week ago from an exercise, but not flash, thank you very much Muse. Still, planned on it being a short but now wants to rear its ugly head and become All-That-It-Can-Be. Not to mention its taking me down a path I've never tread before. We're suppose to stretch ourselves in our writing, yes? ::sigh:: I'm hoping to have fun with it anyway.
Fantasy and Space Opera are the niches I cling to, although what I know about space and science wouldn't fill a thimble. Last night's came out YA fantasy, yet to be finished. I got tired. Puppy got tired. We went to bed and left characters left hanging. I should be working on it now. I should have worked on it earlier today. Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda, Didn't. I still have time tonight. Just need some motivation.
Motivation, motivation where did you go
Down a road so dark I lost you
Now I can't get back home fool
Started an exercise last night. ::no, not that kind!:: Flash fiction, of which I've never done before and don't know what makes me think I can now. Three characters to go off in different directions. Yeah, baby, I can sure do that in 250 words! HA! Don't know who I'm kidding. Seems everything I start as a short wants to grow up to be big strong novel. Beginning came easy, but where to go and how to keep it to the word minimum? That's the nagging question.
And now I'm thinking of starting another flash fiction.
::bangs head on cave wall::
Did one about a week ago from an exercise, but not flash, thank you very much Muse. Still, planned on it being a short but now wants to rear its ugly head and become All-That-It-Can-Be. Not to mention its taking me down a path I've never tread before. We're suppose to stretch ourselves in our writing, yes? ::sigh:: I'm hoping to have fun with it anyway.
Fantasy and Space Opera are the niches I cling to, although what I know about space and science wouldn't fill a thimble. Last night's came out YA fantasy, yet to be finished. I got tired. Puppy got tired. We went to bed and left characters left hanging. I should be working on it now. I should have worked on it earlier today. Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda, Didn't. I still have time tonight. Just need some motivation.
Motivation, motivation where did you go
Down a road so dark I lost you
Now I can't get back home fool
Whoo Hoo!
First blog, first post!
::New::
::Shiny::
Things I like!
Oh, yeah, Welcome to my Cave! Yes, that's where I dwell. In my imagination, anyway, and I like it there. Everyone needs someplace to go, relax, refresh, get away from the mundane and all the crap that goes on in real life. Try it sometime, you may not want to leave, although you will as RL is an essential place to be, but it's easy to take mini vacations, if only in your mind.
No, I'm not crazy. Okay, some may say I am. It's a crazy world out there and one needs to sip a bit of the crazy to get by in it.
So, pull up a slab of rock and make yourself comfy, and don't mind the guano, I get to the cleaning up later.
More later.
::New::
::Shiny::
Things I like!
Oh, yeah, Welcome to my Cave! Yes, that's where I dwell. In my imagination, anyway, and I like it there. Everyone needs someplace to go, relax, refresh, get away from the mundane and all the crap that goes on in real life. Try it sometime, you may not want to leave, although you will as RL is an essential place to be, but it's easy to take mini vacations, if only in your mind.
No, I'm not crazy. Okay, some may say I am. It's a crazy world out there and one needs to sip a bit of the crazy to get by in it.
So, pull up a slab of rock and make yourself comfy, and don't mind the guano, I get to the cleaning up later.
More later.
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