[Write the Story] The Supernatural Invades the Every Day
Prompt: The Supernatural Invades the Everyday
Words: metamorphosis, rogue, shrug, salamander, sleepy, chimpanzee, enzyme, lemon, glance, merge
Story
Salamanders vs. Chimpanzees sounds like the Worst Gang War EVER, but we weren’t talking West Side Story or Happy Days. Oh no. Our sleepy little town actually went through some sort of crazy metamorphosis that changed, well, everything.
Six months ago everything was fine. I mean it. Our little hamlet had high school football, ice cream socials, and FDA-guidelines-be-darned bake sales. Then came some rogue enzyme that “awakened” our town.
“We have to do something!” The sibilance from a reptile tongue still sounded weird to me. I struggled to parse the words even when they were dropping from my newly-forked tongue.
I was roared down by a six-foot tall primate – literally half our town went Chimp. Half went reptile. It wasn’t pretty, especially when it came to resources, and avoiding the news. Both the reports and the reporters.
“I’m not talking about lemons and lemonade,” I said with a quick glance around the room – easy to do with eyes that move independently. “we need to merge forces, work together.”
The chimp shrugged. “Why not just knock heads and be done?”
“Because the fouls aren’t worth it. If we’re ognig to win State, we have to be smart. You’re strong. We’re fast and camouflage. We can win this. Then maybe we’ll be human again.”
Word Count: 213
Written: 5/7 & 10/17
[Writer Post] Greetings From Buffalo NY
Many apologies for dropping off the face of the earth this week. If you follow my social media, you know I’ve been participating in a conference for my Day Job in New York State. I have met so many awesome people and animals. I’ve seen some amazing scenery. Done a lot. Seen a lot. Totally ready to come home. This experience has been incredible, but my Inner Introvert is screaming to be my OUTER Introvert. Totally looking forward to my back wall cube next week.
Me at Niagara Falls – Terrapin Point
So, yeah, there’s been no pen review – though I’m bringing home more souvenir and promo pens and a couple of notebooks. There has been a ton of meeting people and an endless supply of food. Buffalo has treated us very, very well. This is going to be this week’s writing post, because what I have learned is amazing details for whatever Doomsday or thriller (romantic or otherwise) book I finally decide to write.
Statue of Nikola Tesla on Terrapin Point – Niagara Falls
Seriously, that’s been one of the most amazing parts of this Day Job is all the STUFF there is to learn that can benefit me as a fiction writer – no matter what time frame I want to write in. Because even if I project this into a dystopian future or just a future, these are details that are just going to add depth and color and out and out coolness. And those type of details MATTER. They matter SO MUCH. Not to mention those experts you’re trying to portray? Take a tiny step in their shoes – put on the gear (or even half) for just a minute, and I guarantee your respect for them will rise exponentially. See me in a EOD bomb suit jacket? Yeah, that weighed between 20 and 40 pounds and was just HALF THE SUIT. The panel on the sleeve that are some kind of controls? I couldn’t even reach it! And these guys dismantle BOMBS in this suit. SO MUCH RESPECT. I mean I don’t have a whole lot of dexterity to begin with, but add this suit? DUDE.
Writing something with mounted police? Some squads use Quarter Horses that are cutting horses. BRILLIANT! These are smaller, quicker, and if a suspect runs into a crowd? Why not use a smaller, more nimble horse trained to separate cows from a herd. Same concept, different herd. Never thought of it until I met a PD Quarter Horse. Then it seemed incredibly obvious.
Police Quarter Horses!
It’s a detail. And details matter. They matter so much. These details can adapted to near future or far future or historical – even alien. We’ve all heard the “write what you know” adage, but we can’t all be aliens or jump to the future, but we can take what we know and project. Just like we can take things from history and project it to the future – because as much as we don’t want it to, history repeats.
The Edward Cotter – a 100+ year old working fire boat.
So take the time to at least attempt accuracy in your details. Develop the relationships (if you can) with some of those experts to ask questions when you’re stuck. And though I can (and do) talk a mile a minute – especially when it comes to my Day Job with the stuff I can (and need to) learn, I really try to do the “Listen twice as much as you talk”.
1932 Pierce Arrow touring car built for an opera singer. Cost at the time? $14K
So right now, there’s so much stuff swirling in my head – and literature I’m bringing home that can be useful research in the future — and OH SO MANY pictures.
[Write the Story] On a Quest
Prompt: On a Quest
Words: medieval, derive, molten, oar, rhythm, ears, antique, corn, daughter, yammer
Story
“Call it a journey of discovery if you don’t want to call it a quest,” Seth continued packing. “But you’re going.”
Astrid glared at her brother as she tapped the short wooden oar against her palm. “It’s a stupid, medieval ritual. I don’t see why it’s still relevant.”
That last conversation played in Astrid’s mind as she stomped through forest and field to the hidden temple of Sif, Norse goddess of the harvest, ears of corn weighing down her pack. She still didn’t get why she was doing this except she was a Viking’s daughter, and she didn’t want to listen to her family yammer on about it anymore.
Astrid’s steps fell into a ragged rhythm as she trudged around brambles and tree trunks until she burst into a n open glade leading to a rock face.
“Safe to assume the dar, creey cave hole is the way into Sif’s temple…” She clicked on her antique flashlight and headed into the dank, tight cave. “And yay. I get to leave the harvest sacrifice and earn my reward. What kind of stupid quest is this, I ask again?”
“One that will change your life if you let it.”
Astrid whirled in the tight quarters, bruising her shin as she played the weakening beam. The voice was warm, like molten caramel, but there was no one there. She couldn’t derive the source of the sound, but she kept moving forward. She pulled the corn from her pack.
“Oh, yes, you’ll do fine.” Suddenly light sprang forth and a woman approached, reaching for the offering. “I wish someone would bring pizza. Just once. Now girl, let’s see about reclaiming the earth.”
Word Count: 278
Written: 5/4/17
[Writing Post] Stubbornness and Questions
This will come as a shock to NO ONE – but I have Journalist in my blood. I’m a WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, (especially) WHY person. It’s what drives me as a writer. It’s what gets me in trouble probably with my parents (when I was a wee one), teachers, and others along the way. I like to question. To understand. To see beyond the surface (mostly). Yes, it’s frustrating when things (like tech or math) are beyond me and try as I might I just DON’T GET IT.
Which is why I’m still talking in circles with my website hosting company for double-charging me for hosting this year. 1) Their initial chat window does not allow for screen caps or attachments, so I couldn’t provide documentation for the error their system said didn’t exist. 2) Once I COULD provide information, I still had to convince them their system was wrong and not me (No, ma’am your account was NOT double-charged according to our system, can you provide proof?) 3) Proof provided, “Oh, yes, ma’am, I see that now, we’re refunding one of the charges. So sorry for the inconvenience. Do you still have questions?
The newest acquisition. Hand-crafted resin and pewter DRAGON pen.
Stevie Ray Vaughn’s handwritten lyrics and notes. Shivers up the spine.
So, that’s part of what I’ve been doing – that and hanging on to my Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training by that same stubborn sheer will thing. Totally don’t know why I did that. Which is part of what’s thrown my writing off kilter – statistics taught by a person for whom English is at best a Second Language – maybe even tertiary. Yeah… that happened. And the pollens are trying to kill me.
BUT… We went to Austin this past weekend to the Stevie Ray Vaughn exhibit – and lunch with Renee Babcock. Also spent some time with Kat Stephens and the Famous Monsters of Filmland (or something) convention. Met Daniel Roebuck – who’s one of those character actors I LOVE. He’s been in EVERYTHING and is so versatile and warm and funny. And bought an awesome pen.
Daniel Roebuck – hard working character actor. Totally want to write stuff actors like this want to be in.
THEN hey! Last night? Last night I DID STUFF. I wrote fiction words. I worked on a pile of filing/decluttering. I ACCOMPLISHED STUFF! I didn’t do a lot of words, but they’re new words. They’re progress words. Which means even though I’m heading out of town again next week, maybe I won’t be in quite as much of a fog when I get back this time.
FORWARD PROGRESS!!!!!
[Write the Story] A Romantic Scene in an Unromantic Place
Prompt: A Romantic Scene in an Unromantic Place
Words: blacksmith, tongue, woman, spark, musical, blind, Bible, barbecue, elbow, bundle
Story
Tara shifted her bundle as she made her way down the street of the village. She dodged rambunctious children chasing and being chased by dogs and chickens. Smells of slowly roasting meant already scented the air, trumpeting the arrival of the town barbecue. She breathed deeply and smiled as she greeted the blind woman carrying a basket of fresh bread. “Good morning, Mamie!”
“Good morning, Tara, great day for a feast.”
Tara took Mamie’s elbow and guided the older woman across the square.
“Be a dear, Tara, and pick up my pot? The handle was repaired.”
“Of course, Mamie.” Tara veered off toward the blacksmith’s shop. She could hear the nearly musical tings of the hammer striking the anvil as she slipped through the door.
Sunlight streamed through the upper windows and struck the blacksmith with a golden glow on sweat-sheen muscles. Tara tried to speak, but her tongue froze.
He turned, holding a hammered gold cover for the village’s Bible. His clear blue eyes met hers and sparks flew, both between them and from the fire behind them. It had to be a sign.
“I…would you… pot…Hello.” Tara couldn’t take her eyes off him. “Barbecue! You should come!”
” Cooper. I’m new. And starving.”
Word Count: 205
Written: 4/26-27/17 – sometimes there’s a distraction. This was a “meet cute” exercise, and I need to work more on it.
[Writer Post] Times They are a Changin’
My Day Job Organization is in “Transition”. A lot of it. That’s what happens when executive leadership changes. No one knows what’s going to happen in the long run. This is also my last week of training for Lean Six Sigma Green Belt — then I have to complete my project (or find out if the transition stuff will make my project obsolete before I even do it). There’s no danger (currently) to my job, which is great because I do love it.
So there’s some “Brain Goes Ow” because of the training. And with a trip, 2 weeks home, trip, 2 weeks home (lather, rinse repeat) concentration is half shot to heck. Or more than half. I’m trying to keep everything going and getting just everything back in gear.
But it’s a struggle right now. It really is. But everything will get better. There will be an even keel again.
But for now? Brain Zombie. But hey, but hey… three day weekend coming up that should help.
Circumstances…
Due to training at work, catching up from last week’s conference, and family events… this week’s blog posts are going to be off schedule.
Just FYI.
[Write the Story] Magic Interferes with New Orleans
Prompt: Magic Interferes with New Orleans
Words: matriarch, throat, impossible, vinegar, apology, slice, microwave, raspberry, choose, snore
Story
Father Richard Leloup carefully placed the massive tome on his desk. The microwave dinged in the corner. He took out the bubbling cup of hot water and added the raspberry tea bag. He hoped it would help his scratchy throat as he opened the book. An envelope slid out. He sliced the seal and removed the page. Suddenly his tea tasted like vinegar.
Beware! Before you choose to continue this path, know the peril before you!
Magic may seem as commonplace as a snore to you now, but it wasn’t always such. There was once a time when magic seemed impossible. This, before you, is the history of magic in New Orleans. From the time it began until my end, for it is ever-growing, ever-evolving, ever-devouring the city I love. Make no mistake, magic will be the end of New Orleans for it feeds off greed, depravity, all the things that New Orleans make no apology for.
Continue your quest at your own risk. Magic has a life of its own, and it’s darker than most souls. Your soul will be at risk.
Leloup stared at the page signed by Marie Leveau, voodoo matriarch herself. He felt a shiver race down his spine and fear spike in his chest, but it was too late to turn back now. He had to find a way to use magic to defeat magic before everyone in New Orleans died. He couldn’t let that happen.
Word Count: 241
Written: 4/17/17
Note: I wrote a story for DIRTY MAGIC: NEW ORLEANS. This piece is in that universe.
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[Writer Post] From the Road
I’ve been trying to figure out what to do about the blog today – since I’m at a work conference in San Antonio. There was a train of thought at one point, but that’s totally derailed. Puns totally intended.
Discovered it takes extra-extrovertiness when you’re being all pleasant and networky with a group where you don’t know a whole lot of people – and they’re not “tribe”. But I did find out I know more people than I realized — and it’s easier if you do presentations, because then SOME conversations start with, “Oh, you spoke at that class…”
But I totally “Dude Packed” for this trip. 4 days of essentials in a carry-on and personal item. I picked up a bunch of swag, so there will be some challenge packing for the trip home.
Then totally discovered a friend – who also works for the same organization – is here at a DIFFERENT conference only a couple of hotels away. Coincidences do kind of happen.
I did do a tiny bit of writing this week. Now feeling a bit…done. But look… a post.
[Pen/Pencil Review] Shachihata Artline BLOX Mechanical Pencil – 0.5mm
This week’s pen is the other of the Christmas pens from JetPens. It’s the Shachihata Artline BLOX line. This is, I guess, technically (from the name) a pen more designed for artists, but this particular line is geared to those who love LEGOs or MegaBlocks (which means Kids of All Ages). I bought these are “stocking stuffers” for both Jimmy and myself at Christmas – one fiber tip pen and one pencil apiece. Today we’ll talk about the pencil.
This pencil is the Blox 0.5mm mechanical pencil. I bought the claimed the orange and blue. Jimmy ended up with the red and yellow. This pencil is more normal in length. It’s about 5.5″ capped or uncapped. The cap does not post. The end of the pencil is a green push in plunger. There is no eraser.
It’s triangular with interlocking knobs (like a LEGO but not) on two of the three sides. There’s tapering to the point so that there’s some nod to ergonomics. It’s not as weird and uncomfortable as it first appears, but it’s definitely NOT streamlined. It’s more comfortable than it should be and relatively light but balanced so you don’t get as fatigued as you probably should. It’s supposedly a “drawing pencil” but I don’t know how much someone would really draw with this? It’s more along the “novelty” lines because, hello, non-branded LEGOs you can write with.
The lead feeds in from the green plunger in the back end of the pencil. The led that comes with it is okay. I have just put extra because it doesn’t come with a lot of lead. It’s a decent pencil that doubles as a toy. The clip is non-existent, so snap them together or something, there’s no securing it to anything else It’s also a decent price point – less than $3 each It’s an okay pencil.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – The it comes with pretty decent lead. The mechanism works well.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – It’s neither completely uncomfortable, but it’s not comfortable either. The grip is smooth plastic, but you have to adjust your hand to keep the interlocking bits from digging.
3. Material – 1 – This is an inexpensive plastic with toy bits.
4. Overall Design – 0.5 – Physically the pen is well-made and designed to do what it’s supposed to – write smoothly and comfortably. HOWEVER, it’s also a novelty. The triangle design and interlocking bits may not suit a lot of people. The cap does not post, so could be lost, but attaching it to one of the sides is a bulky option.
5. Price Point – 1 – It’s pretty cheap. It’s $2.60 on JetPens. For a decent quality fiber point with toy accents, it’s an okay price point.
That’s 4 of 5 bronze pencils.
