Crazy Days and Fun With Links

Hey everyone, and welcome back!  I know it's been over a week since my last post, and I do apologize.  Holiday weekends always screw with my normal schedule.  I'm still getting used to the fact it’s Wednesday instead of Tuesday, and yesterday my mind was total mush.  Anyways, I've got a few cool things on the internet to share with you, and later this week I'll be forgoing another Friday Run-Down in favor of a short story I want to share with you all.

First, in my little world, I'd like to share that I've actually hit over 10,000 words in my novel!  It's a cyberpunk murder-mystery, and I love writing it.  It's one of the few pieces of work I actually fall into easily and get lost with the story.  I know I've got quite a ways to go in terms of length and editing until it’s even close to finished, but I'm glad to know I've hit that mark.  In the past I've always had trouble reaching that milestone.  I feel that once you reach that point, the story is well and started and you have a solid idea on where to go.  My other novel I'm working on, an epic fantasy-meets-steampunk is put on hold for now, but I'll be posting little short stories set in that world to get my motivation back up for it in the coming weeks.

Now, onto some fun internet finds!

First on my list is a really fun tarot card deck I found while looking on Pinterest.  It's a Zombie themed tarot deck from Quirk Books with art reminiscent of 1950's movie posters.  I love the detail on the art they showcase, and I'm sorely tempted to buy a deck just for the sake of beautiful art.  I'm not a huge zombie guy (about as much as the next nerd), but I'm a sucker for '40-'50's art.  That's one of the main reasons I fell in love with Fallout 3 and New Vegas.   But I digress.  Definitely check it out, and definitely see all of the books and gifts that Quirk Books has to offer.  I'll definitely be returning to purchase a few books for my collection in the near future.

Next up, I wanted to share Neil Gaiman's address of the graduating class of 2012 at the University of the Arts.  I wish I could credit this to a particular person or site, but I was bombarded by it on Twitter, Facebook and regular news feeds I frequent.  However, it is a fantastic speech by one of the greatest authors of our time, and he touches on how many artists feel in today's climate.  He focuses on being yourself and doing your craft for the sake of doing something you love.  I definitely felt inspired to pursue my writing much more.  If you are an artist of any sort, I HIGHLY recommend at least one viewing of his speech.

Lastly, I wanted to share a blog that I recently found and started following.  It's called Raquel Writes, and it's her personal adventures through writing.  Not only that, but she also posts current writing contests on each blog post!  Her posts are written in a very familiar tone.  Plus, she puts up a song of the day!  Most of them aren’t to my taste, but I like it as it helps set the tone she wishes to convey.  So definitely check her out!

Well, that’s all for me today.  I will see you guys and gals in a few days with some of my writing.  Until then, Godspeed and I hope you all have a great day!!!

Friday Hodge Podge

Hey everyone, and welcome back!  It's been a busy week here on the gulf coast.  Between family, work, editing and writing, it's gone fast.  So now here we are at the weekend and I realized I've been neglecting my blog.  So for today I'm gonna throw a heap of fun stuff on your plate!

First things first, I submitted my first piece of work to an anthology.  World Weaver Press is having an open submission of short stories for their ghost anthology Specter Spectacular.  I was on the fence about submitting, mostly because I was nervous about sending my work into the wide world.  Well I swallowed that fear and submitted it.  And was rejected.  My first rejection letter!  Rather than get bummed and curse at the sky for my lack of talent, I saw it as an opening.  I had tried and gotten rejected, sure, but it was an awesome moment where I got past my fears and put myself out there.  And you know what?  It really wasn't all that bad.  It was a huge stepping stone I had been procrastinating out of fear.  You'd think by now I'd be used to these sorts of things.  My mind always makes things looks better or worse than they actually are, when in reality the outcome is usually somewhere in the middle.  Either way, I'm excited to finally be on the road and starting my journey to publishing.

On that note, I submitted a bit ago to Jukepop Serials.  This is a website that will come online around September that pays homage to the serials from the '30s and '40s.  I'm really excited and nervous about this one.  It fits my writing style perfectly and I hope I'm able to contribute.

Now, onto some fun finds on the Internet...

First up on the list is a website titled "Serendipity."  This is just a random site I found trying to find inspiration for names.  It has several name generators.  Ones for titles, cities, characters, and special locations.  A great asset for any D&D group, writing exercises and inspiration, or just to waste some time on the internet.  Definitely a lot of fun!

Next up is a writer's resource of useful articles and tips called Unbridled Editor.  I found this on Twitter via John Rakestraw (@John_Rakestraw).  It's an online newspaper full of articles found and shared by others using a plethora of social networking sites.  I get e-mail updates every few days, and have never been disappointed by the amount of information provided.  I will say on the iPhone it is tricky to navigate, but on the computer it is a breeze.  If you're a writer, definitely check this out.

And last but not least, I mentioned above about Jukepop Serials and their revival of an old form of writing.  I personally enjoy writing piece by piece with tons of cliffhangers, so this is a perfect way to go about it.  Give them a look and see if you feel your writing could benefit from this exposure!

Well my friends, that's all for now.  I hope you enjoy the links and I will see you next time!  Godspeed and have a great weekend!!

If Walls Could Talk

Hello again!  So earlier this week I had a huge brain fart and put up my three things instead of doing some flash fiction for y'all.  So today, instead of some groovy Internet links, I'm gonna do a quick short story.

This one came to me when I heard the phrase "If these walls could talk."  It got me thinking, how creepy would that actually be if walls could talk about what has happened?  Yeah, it'd be cool to know some of the history of your home, but let's be honest, I wouldn't want a play-by-play of events probably better left as private.  So here it goes, and I'm giving it apt (and cheesy) title of...


When Walls Talk

Jane wiped her forehead with one dusty hand, taking a deep breath as she surveyed her living room.  After four years of storage while Jane was away for college, her belongings had collected a lot of dust and more rat feces than she cared to admit.

Jane never had much from her parents' house.  An old recliner with faded lime green upholstery sat in the corner with her plywood bookcase full of her old textbooks.  A hand-me-down couch she found at a local yard sale sat directly in front of her twenty inch monster of a television, perfectly placed on plastic storage bins until she could find a suitable entertainment center.

In the kitchen sat a folding card table and two rusty fold-out chairs, her current dining set complete with the stereotypical water rings and stains.  All along the walls were tacked up posters she had accumulated since childhood, as well as a few framed mementos.  Her favorite, prominently displayed above the television, was her bachelor's of arts degree for English.

Jane stacked the plastic bins in the corner, hunger rising in her stomach with a fierce growl.  As she made her way to the Formica-covered kitchen (that she defensively called "retro") she heard a soft rustling and what sounded like a whisper from her bedroom.

Immediately her adrenaline spiked, the world becoming slightly brighter and sharper while the booming of her heart in her ears played like a soundtrack.  Grabbing a knife from her still packed utensils, Jane tiptoed her way towards the bedroom.  Flicking on the light, she saw only her twin bed and plywood dresser.  Clothes had exploded all over the room, a habit Jane had never quite fixed from her youth.

Checking the closet and bathroom, Jane found nothing.  As the adrenaline rush faded she chuckled to herself as she shook her head, retreating to the kitchen for her forgotten snack.

-----

Hours later when Jane slept, she was jerked from her dreams by another voice.  This one was louder, more gruff, and was coming from her bathroom.  Having no window to the outside, Jane idly assumed it was thin walls.  Getting up to check to be sure, she entered the bathroom, but didn't turn on the light this time.

When he stepped in, a low masculine voice was talking in a steady stream.

"She said yes.  We're going to be married next year, after she finishes nursing school.  No, we don't have the money, but we figure a courthouse wedding with family and a small barbecue would be adequate..."

The voice continued for several minutes before it faded.  Jane was thoroughly confused and half convinced she was still asleep.  The voice had sounded close, not muffled by plaster and insulation, so it couldn't have been the neighbors.  As if on cue, a nasally voice issued from her living room.  She went that way, stepping carefully as another adrenaline rush hit her system.

Was it a trap?  Were burglars distracting her to get in so they could tie her up?  Did they want to kill her, or worse, rape her?  She had not thought to get a weapon and cursed herself silently for it.  Thoughts raced like clouds on a stormy day, trying to think of a way out of her apartment.

Cracking open the door, Jane peered out in the inky blackness, the half moon giving little light through the drawn blinds.  The voice sounded young, like hers, but after a night of drinking and dancing and too many cigarettes.

"Thank you for the ride home.  Can't risk a DUI these days, and cabs are just creepy.  Want to come in for a bit, have a night cap with me?  Oh don't worry, Todd's away on business.  Come on, we can have a bit of fun and no one needs to be any wiser..."

Jane promptly closed the door, her face red.  Were people breaking in mistakenly?  Did they think this was their home?   The sounds in the other room quickly turned to grunts and moans until they too faded.

Jane, beet red, opened the door and went into her living room, turning on every light.  No one had been there.  The door was triple locked and the only sound now was the low howling of the wind.

A chill ran down her spine as a familiar voice then echoed from her bedroom.  It was Jane, earlier that day on the phone to her mother.

"No Mom, everything is fine.  The place is actually in decent condition, if a little outdated.  The neighbors seem nice enough and the area is known as family friendly.  I promise I'll be fine!  It may not be the country like back home, but it is nice.  Yes, I start Monday.  No, I'm teaching tenth graders..."

Rushing into her room and turning on the light, Jane's own voice cut abruptly with the light, like a phone hanging up.  She looked around, now wild-eyed and fearful.  Turning on all of the lights, she examined every nook and cranny of the apartment.  Jane didn't find any electronic equipment or holes in the walls.  Nothing to indicate eavesdroppers or burglars or prank-playing neighbors.

Jane then heard a single voice, from no room in particular but loud none the less.  It was an older man, a sickly rattle present in his speech.

"If these walls could talk, they would have some interesting stories to tell."

And Jane knew, at that moment, that she was not being pranked, or burgled, or even haunted.  Her walls were telling the tale of everyone that had ever lived there.

As Jane promptly began changing her clothes as more voices began talking, overlapping in a cacophony of memories.  She ignored the tales of car accidents, sex games and children's bedtime stories as she packed a small suitcase and rushed to unlock her door.

She was going home, and to hell with this place and all her belongings.  She would get another job and live with her parents until she could find a place that didn't talk.  Jane didn't care much at that point about all the details.  She would work them out later.  All she knew is that no amount of freedom, job security or financial independence could keep her living in a talking apartment.

As she started her car and drove towards the interstate, Jane laughed as she remembered her mom's advice.

"Be careful in the city.  It's old and full of ghosts and tales better left alone.  Keep your head down, your nose clean, and come home if it gets to be too much."

Jane scoffed at the time, but now she knew her mom was right, and she was going home.

-------

Well there we have it!  Let me know what you think in the comments, and I hope you all have a great weekend!!!

Inspiration and Fun with the Internet

Hey everyone and welcome back!  Today I'd like to share few sites with some inspirational artists and some more writing tips!

First off, I'd like to show you the artwork of Jung Park.  The link leads to his personal blog where he showcases the various work he does.   A lot of it is for video games and Magic the Gathering.  He also teaches classes with Red Engine Studios on digital and video game art and posts his finished work.  He's got a really good eye for environments, especially post-apocolyptic and gritty futuristic scenes, and makes it look effortless.  Definitely check him out and follow his blog, you won't regret it.

This next one I found via Bob Vardeman's Twitter (@BobV451) yesterday.  It's called the Space Adventure Title Generator and is a lot of fun.  Set how many titles you'd like and chapter titles, and voila, instant book!  It's a lot of fun to play around with and even a great starting point for writing exercises.  Be warned, it's a really easy way to lose an hour or two.

Lastly, I'd like to show off this website I stumbled up again via Twitter a few days ago.  This one is from Grace Knight (@GraceKnight5) and is called Wattpad.  It's free to join, and it's a website where you can post your writings and help get feedback on your work.  It's a great tool to get started and help get beta readers if your family or friends aren't too keen on your brand of storytelling.  And if you do join, don't forget to read others' stories and give them feedback.  Best of all, you can take it with you on your iPhone with the free app.  Great website that I plan on using a lot in the future!!

As always, thanks for stopping by!  Godspeed and I hope you all have a great day!!

Writing Exercise - Settings As Characters

Hey everyone, and welcome back!  Today I'm going to use an exercise from a website I told you about last week, Writing Forward, and try one of my favorite tools I use when I write.

I'm a huge fan of using setting as a character, whether a main or side character.  I feel that helping any reader become attached to the surroundings helps lift the story and allow the reader to use their imagination and flesh out the story.  A lot of famous movies use the setting as a character.  The site mentioned Pandora from Avatar and the U.S.S. Enterprise from Star Trek, but also think of the house in The Grudge (Ju-On), the Moulin Rouge theater in Moulin Rouge, and even the Death Star in Star Wars.  You know the ins and outs of most of these places because the creator/director/producer/writer wanted you to know these settings, feel them, and give them a life of their own.

  Here I will do a few different types of settings for various stories.  I'll try not to bog you all down with very wordy descriptions, but I have to admit sometimes I get carried away.

#1 - Abandoned Classroom

The walls were a mustard yellow, fading into a sickly grey with age.  The simple wood desks stood in orderly rows, a few collapsed from rot and termites.  A thick layer of dust covering every inch of the space and gave the space a solemn silence.  The blackboard, once a vibrant green, sagged in the silence as if resigned, faint chalk marks barely discernible in the dim light.  Windows were covered in graffiti.  Shadows filled the room like creatures waiting to spring at anyone who dare disturb their slumber.

#2 - Casino Floor

Stepping onto the floor, one could not help but feel an almost physical slap as blinking lights, shrieking sounds and cigarette smoke assaulted all the senses.  Drunk gamblers milled about, scouting tables for an easy win, while recently married couples clung to each other obliviously.  The burgundy carpet held grooves of  faint stains from the countless visitors who paced from slot machines to tables and back to the entrance.  Vintage chandeliers lent the space a classical aura to the bustling establishment.

#3 - Boat

Sitting in the harbor, the ship bobbed to the music emanating from its speakers.  Speckled with barnacles on the hull, the topside gleamed with pride.  The captain's controls were shaded by a tapestry of sun-bleached blue.  A small trapdoor led to the inky depths of the ship, a faint smell of fish permeated the outdated but well-cared-for upholstry.

#4 - A Cubicle

Enclosed by three foam partitions, a simple metal desk was cluttered with reports and coffee-stained scraps.  The computer hummed steadily, ready and waiting.  Through the thin walls were muffled conversations and barely perceptible typing.  All along the partitions were pictures of children and a woman, as well as a few certificates, all with creased corners from constant handling. A worn chair of faux leather was tucked in haphazardly.  Thick grooves wore away the carpet around the desk.


Okay, so there we have it.  I tried to leave them short and sweet for y'all.  As always, let me know what you think, and if you try this out for yourself, let me know how it turns out for you!  As always, thank you for your time, godspeed, and I will see you later this week!!!

Friday Rundown

Hello again everyone, and welcome back!  Today is a BIG day for geeks everywhere.  Not only do we have the release of the long awaited Avengers movie, but it's also Star Wars Day!  May the Fourth Be With You!  The link above is to movietickets.com so you can snatch up your tickets before they run out.


Now, on to the three things I wanted to recommend to you all so you don't have to spend the whole weekend on Facebook.

First on my list is a blog I have recently discovered.  For all of you who don't know, I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Psychology, so anything to do with that field gets my attention.  Psyblog is a professionally moderated and posted blog with all the cool new discoveries psychologists in every field are finding.  They post about studies involving the development of babies to ergonomics to tips on how to be a great leader.  I will warn you, at the time of this posting their main page was having difficulties, so the link above leads to their latest article and you can find your way around the blog that way.  A great blog full of information about your noggin and development, I highly recommend visiting and showing your support!

Second, I'd like to recommend one of my all-time favorite quintets by one of my favorite authors.  If you've never heard of Greg Keyes (he also goes by J. Gregory Keyes), you are seriously missing out.  He studied anthropology, so in all of his novels his world-building is top notch, and the story flows perfectly.  Check out The Briar King, the first in the Kingdom of Thorn and Bone series.  It's high fantasy set in a world that seems eerily similar to Earth, and the end of the world is coming.  I don't want to get to far into it and ruin anything, but it's got mythical creatures, moral dilemma's, great character development, zombie rulers, music that can kill and maim, and so much more!  Please check him out, see what else he has, because all of his works are excellent.  The link above will take you to the Amazon site, and its also available on e-book.

Lastly, this one is gonna be purely fun.  Check out the main Star Wars website for some good nerdy fun.  They have fun e-cards you can send to friends and family, previews of new Star Wars merchandise to be released, and discounts on official merchandise for you to snag!  The rest of the website is a great repository of information on all aspects of the movies and books, as well as articles on behind-the-scenes stuff with the movies and shows.  I'm sure if you're a fan, you've visited here before, but they are constantly updating with new and cool stuff.

Well, that will do it for me today.  I hope you all have a great weekend, and check in over the next few days for another writing exercise and some more helpful links!  As always, leave a comment or e-mail me and let me know what you'd like to see on here or if you have any suggestions for a writing exercise.  Until next time, godspeed and have a great day!

Writer's Resources and A Publishing Opportunity

Welcome back everyone!  Today I'm gonna share a few links to some groovy sites that help with writer's tips and reference material.

First, however, I want to let you all know about World Weaver Press's open submission that began today!  Click here for their submissions main page and all the links to their requirements for fiction, anthologies and non-fiction.  It's going until the end of summer, so all that writing you've been doing during the winter can finally see the sun!  I know I'll be brushing up my work and submitting it.

Now, onto a few links of reference I like to use when I'm writing.

I'm a huge fan of mythology and classics, so this website is a great piece of reference.  Encyclopedia Mythica is fantastic whether you want inspiration to create your own pantheon or are using already established mythology.  It's a great tool.  This link is to their search engine, but you can go to the sidebar if you just want to browse.

This next link is for those of us who hated grammar studies but love to write.  Daily Writing Tips is a great way to learn the subtle ins and outs of the English language to improve your skills as well as increase your vocabulary.  Not only a resource for fiction writers, it also helps with business aspects and hosts book reviews.  It has a very simple layout that is easy to navigate.

Finally, this last link is for Writing Forward, a website dedicated to all types of writing.  The exact link is to fiction writing exercises that I will be using off and on in here.  They feel a bit dry, but are straightforward and useful in developing areas you feel are lacking in your writing.  And don't be afraid to check out their tips for correcting grammar or using their writing prompts to get your brain flowing towards writing your own work.

I tried to keep it short and sweet today, hope you all enjoy!  Let me know in the comments or by e-mail if you have any useful links or reference material.  I'd love to see what other writers find useful!  Until next time, godspeed and good luck!!