#WeeklyWritables ♥ Word Reveal

Well, last week was a total bust – though, I am still working on getting my video tutorial squared away. For anyone who’s just joining in, welcome to my fairly new writing challenge. Below are the guidelines for those who’d like to participate. I started this challenge for myself, primarily, to try to keep my creativity flowing more steadily. I tend to run into dry spells, where all I’m doing is nitpicking at WIPs without really writing any fresh material to get them finished. In short, I’m trying to apply more discipline to my writing, so that I’m more productive.

The #WeeklyWritables word for Thursday is: Statuesque

Every Tuesday morning I will post a random word and anyone who’d like to join in will have until Thursday to publish their work.

The rules are simple:

1. Your post must contain the random word at least once (using it for your pingback is probably the most familiar practice for anyone who’s ever done the Daily Prompts)
2. Short stories, flash fiction, poems, WIP excerpts, and real life experiences are welcome
3. Please no song lyrics, unless you wrote them yourself – there are already so many music challenges out there, I’d really like this one to be all about creative writing

That’s it! There are no restrictions on length, you can make it as long or short as you want, this is all about feeding your creative energy! Feel free to grab the badge/banner above for your posts, if you’d like. And if you do participate please don’t forget to leave a pingback so I can find your post and read it. I don’t expect this to be an overnight success, but do hope you’ll join in if/when you can!

♥ p.s. Your feedback is more than welcome! If you’d like to join this challenge, but don’t feel the time-limit is long or short enough, I’d love to hear your input!

 

#WeeklyWritables ♥ I’ve Got Your Frightening Right Here

I could give you any number of excuses on why I failed to write a creative post for my own writing challenge today, but the truth is: I was doing something frightening, rather than writing about it.

I have made my very first video tutorial!

Not without a lot of trial and error, or first finding the right “Free” screen recording software! Ugh, I had to have downloaded and sampled, then uninstalled 4 or 5 different programs before finally finding one decent enough to use. Okay, so it was more frustrating creating the video, but the frightening part will come with launching it on my blog tomorrow to see how it’s received!    **UPDATE: My greatest apologies, everyone, I have hit some technical issues with both YouTube and WordPress, so will NOT be able to launch my video tutorial as planned – HOWEVER – I am working on figuring out how I can launch it soon and will let you know! SORRY!!!**

Lookit, I don’t care if you’re just starting out or have a ton of experience, it’s always scary doing something new.

It often boils down to what exactly you’re trying to achieve and if the final outcome will be worth the frustration and anxiety. In this case, I say yes, it is! Because I wrote the post…and it was super, super long and full of screenshots and probably a lot more confusing than I wanted it to be. Mostly, refer to the super, super long part.

With a video tutorial, I’m able to show everyone how to do things step by step without any confusion in under 20 minutes and there’s that lovely pause feature so writers can follow right along with the video if they want.

Definitely, a lot clearer and concise than screenshots with a lot of verbiage. Still frightening to put it out there, put a little more of myself out there than I ever have before – but not too much. Baby steps…we introverts only take baby steps.

 

 

#WeeklyWritables ♥ Word Reveal

It’s time to reveal the word for this week’s #WeeklyWritables!

I’m on a mission this week to keep my Thursday’s submission much shorter than I’ve been doing so far. Last week’s results took me deep into my old ‘story idea’ archives and churned out a much longer excerpt than I’d been planning for, but I suppose finding inspiration and motivation to write is the whole idea of this challenge! 😀 For those interested in how it works, here are the guidelines again, followed by a screenshot of the random word.

Every Tuesday morning I will post a random word and anyone who’d like to join in will have until Thursday to publish their work.

The rules are simple:

1. Your post must contain the random word at least once (using it for your pingback is probably the most familiar practice for anyone who’s ever done the Daily Prompts)
2. Short stories, flash fiction, poems, WIP excerpts, and real life experiences are welcome
3. Please no song lyrics, unless you wrote them yourself – there are already so many music challenges out there, I’d really like this one to be all about creative writing

That’s it! There are no restrictions on length, you can make it as long or short as you want, this is all about feeding your creative energy! Feel free to grab the badge/banner above for your posts, if you’d like. And if you do participate please don’t forget to leave a pingback so I can find your post and read it. I don’t expect this to be an overnight success, but do hope you’ll join in if/when you can!

p.s. Your feedback is more than welcome! If you’d like to join this challenge, but don’t feel the time-limit is long or short enough, I’d love to hear your input!

The #WeeklyWritables word for Thursday is: Frightening

#TacoTuesday

Image Source

Welcome to week 2 of Taco Tuesday. If you’re just joining in, no worries, there’s no time limit. You can check the original post here to get the objective and start building your own delicious book taco! Now, for our next layer…

Writers Menu

Meat: Main Characters are the ‘meat’ of your story, give us one of your favorite ‘first’ meets between a leading duo (or trio+ all are welcome here!)

The door chimed open, bringing the aromas from the pier, warm ocean air, an abundance of alcohol and…candy. Arching a brow, Kazi put his pencil and sketchpad down, then left his tiny back office. He stopped short just beyond the curtain, unable to move until he’d taken in every centimeter of the curvy brunette eying his prints on the wall. She was native something, her tanned skin natural, rather than sun induced. Her ebony hair was long and looked just as silky to the touch as her partially exposed flesh. Revealed by the white sleeveless t-shirt that stopped shy of her lower back.

Deciding he’d loitered long enough, Kazi entered the main room and had to steady himself again, when she turned to face him. Her toned stomach and sexy navel was the perfect preamble to the sensual flare of her hips. Her beautiful face was nothing but exotic with higher cheekbones, further confirming his suspicions about her heritage. Eyes like pale emeralds locked onto his, a little unfocused despite the clash of fire and ice.

“You, tattoo me,” she ordered, the alcohol-induced slur did nothing to stem the damage her husky voice had on his system.

Before Kazi could utter the single word poised on the tip of his tongue, his drunk, would-be customer stumbled to the nearest bed.  She dropped her purse to the floor, then stretched along the length of it on her stomach.

Odin’s breath, she looked like a centerfold with the way her lower back dipped so deeply before the rise of an ass that defied all reason. The kind that could tempt even the sanest, most faithful man on earth. As a free agent, Kazi wasn’t in any danger of those crimes. He was, however, unyielding when it came to his own rules.

“You’re not getting a tattoo tonight, sweetheart,” he denied her.

“Yes, I am,” she insisted, as she cushioned her head on her arms and let her eyes droop closed. Long, dark lashes cast shadows along her prominent cheekbones. “I want a tramp stamp.”

Kazi grimaced, unable to hide his disappointment. “Why?”

“Does it matter? I have money, so get to inking.”

Kazi heard the bitter anger in her tone. Bad breakup? Cheating husband? He was torn between an unexpected need to defend her honor and the urge to hit someone simply for being that insurmountably stupid. Gods, he couldn’t get the smell of cotton candy out his nose!

“And what is it that you would have tattooed there?” he asked, though it wouldn’t change the outcome. She wasn’t getting a tattoo by him this night or any other she decided to stumble into his parlor drunk.

If it was a man’s name, Kazi was going to bash someone’s face in, honor and stupidity be damned.

Lifting her head, she looked at him with a murderous curve to her absolutely edible lips. “Mistletoe. So the whole world knows it can kiss my ass.”

~ Moon Tides (The Úlfrinn series)

Readers Menu

Meat: What was the most unique, hilarious or epic ‘first’ meeting of Main Characters you’ve ever read in a book?

I can’t name the most unique, because the book isn’t out yet and I don’t do spoilers – BUT – the same author brought her two Main Characters, Hal and Evie, together for the first time in an epic way in His Hostage. Anna Adler’s debut novel was my first introduction to ‘meet-by-abduction,’ rather than abduction after the fact or even an abduction that was premeditated. As a ‘wrong place at the wrong time’ kind of kidnapping, Hal and Evie’s first meet was an instant thrill that kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next!

Once again – if you’re reading this consider yourself tagged!

 

♥ Next Tuesday’s ingredients are Beans!

Beans for the writer: Details are a fat free way to fill out your story, whether real or fictitious, what was your favorite place to describe?

Beans for the reader: Which book or series had such a spellbinding knack for detail that you feel like you’ve actually been there in person? (You get extra cool points for choosing a book that has never been adapted to film.)

#TacoTuesday

Disclaimer: This post has absolutely nothing to do with food – sorry foodies!

Welcome to a new kind of blog hop, engineered by moi for anyone who wants to join in. This is for fun, creativity, mostly cuz-we-can and designed to work for both readers and writers!

Objective: Every Tuesday I will introduce a new ‘ingredient’ until we have the biggest and best tacos in town. The only things you need are your own WIPs, published works &/or favorite books you’ve read. Answer as a writer, a reader or both, it’s completely up to you. There are no rules against using a different manuscript for each week’s writer answer, but please make sure to tag them with the story’s title so your followers know which books to look out for!

Here we go…

Writers Menu

Taco Shell/Wrap: Share a moment when a supporting character played a part in keeping your protagonist held together, even if it’s in memory.

“The problem is the whole in so deep already, though,” Reyna admitted, once she’d caught her breath. “I mean, he’s everywhere! He even knows my boss, for crying aloud. There’s no place in my life where he’s not already involved.”

Serena paused and softened, giving her a sympathetic look. “You mean like me and Maddy?” she pointed out. “Do you think it was any easier for us? You’re my best friend and his sister. We all grew up together, our parents used to barbecue together. We went to the same schools, the same family outings. Even if we went out separately, the other turned up there or was friends with those who were there. Do you know how long it took for me to get up the nerve just to admit to myself how I felt about him?”

Reyna opened her mouth, then closed it. She’d never thought of it that way before, but Serena was absolutely right. Madison had already been such a huge part of every part of Serena’s life, just like Corbyn was turning out to be in Reyna’s.

“The hardest part was getting past the fear that I would lose everything I loved, everything I’d known, if we didn’t work out. You, your parents,” Serena continued. “At the very least, that nothing would ever be the same again.”

“How did you do it?” Reyna asked quietly, desperate for any kind of wisdom her friend could bestow.

“I just did,” Serena shrugged. “I knew that if I didn’t try, if I didn’t give him or myself that chance, I would regret it for the rest of my life…”

~ Hearthstone Alpha (The Úlfrinn series, #1)

Readers Menu

Taco Shell/Wrap: Which book have you read with a memorable supporting character, and why did you like them?

Margo from In The Best Interest of The Child, by Felicia Denise. I loved every moment she was on the page, because her character came across with such a genuinely supportive personality. Even though Olivia hadn’t let her in all the way with her traumatic past, Margo was still there for her, without hesitation or judgment. She brought laughter, a shoulder to cry on, advice and even a good ‘shove’ in the right direction whenever Olivia needed it. I really hope we get to see more of her in the second book. (hint-hint!) 😉

This probably goes without saying…but…

IF YOU’RE READING THIS, CONSIDER YOURSELF TAGGED!!

 

♥ If you do participate, please remember to leave a ping-back in the comments below, so I can read your post. Happy Tuesday Muses!

Acceptance

image source: pinterest

“Rochi,” she stated confidently. “I did it.”

“No,” Rochelle exhaled. “Is it up on the site now? I wanna see it!”

“Yes, but it’s not finished,” Cat admitted… “And it doesn’t matter. I have a date on Wednesday at 2:30 for coffee.”

“Shut the fuck up!” Rochelle steamed. “Already?! How the fuck?”

“I messaged a Dom and he answered, it’s really not rocket science, Chi,” Cat answered sweetly… “You just have to put yourself out there.”

“Put myself out there? Bitch, if I was anymore out there, I’d get arrested for Public Indecency! I can’t believe you! AHHGHH!”

When the phone disconnected, Cat simply set it down and opened a new word document on her laptop to start her lists. She made it as far as ‘Age play’ before her phone was ringing again.

“Yep?”

“Okay, fine I fucking love you, what’s his screenname so I can check this supposed Dom out?”

Tru Calling #WIP
A.C. Melody

“Police! Open Up!”

image source: http://www.thisis50.com

“How did we not hear any of this upstairs?” Sahara asked in awe over the loud, brassy number the redhead onstage was gyrating her hips to.
Noise was everywhere, from the din of voices at the bar, to the slot machines lining the walls on the open second level. The catcalls, whistles and creative suggestions from the audience around the stage were the loudest and most enthusiastic, of course.
“The penthouse is completely soundproof,” Berlin answered.
“Oh,” Sahara replied, before looking at him quizzically. “Why the penthouse and not the club?”
Berlin looked down at her, lust still swimming in his eyes from the scream Damascus had lured out of her diaphragm. “You really have to ask?” He countered. “What happens in Vegas, still gets reported to the Vegas P.D. I doubt they’d buy that we have a pension for horror movies and a damn good surround sound system.”

Hot Water #WIP
A.C. Melody

Okay, Lay It On Me.

Am I selfish, horrible at time management, or is this another side affect of being an introvert?

Apparently, I haven’t found that balance I talked about in previous posts between life, blogging and writing.  It takes a particular recipe, I think and I’m ashamed to admit that I just haven’t wanted to divert my attention away from my novels any more than I have to.  I currently have 3 to 4 in the works at any given time. Not that working is a bad thing and it does pay off: I got contracts for two books last month!  That’s a lot better than one book a year, let me tell ya!  Especially when they can take up to 2 years to actually publish.

In fact, I’m currently working with the cover artist for my next new release, Euphoria, and it’s the first I’ve heard from my publisher about it since signing the contract back in July of 2014!  It’s so exciting when you finally get to see what the cover of your book is going to look like, too.  Maybe I write so much to ward off the anticipation! 😉

But I’ve forgotten how important it is not to close myself off to everything else going on out there in the world, in the blogosphere.  All of the awesome, funny and touching things I’ve undoubtedly been missing out on by becoming this mad-scientist type recluse… although, a friend did just send me this epic text:

Good ol’ Poe.  Always did know how to put things in perspective, didn’t he?  The blunt poet.  Some of us are contrary by defiance and others by circumstance… kind of like the writer that forgot how to blog. Oh, yeah.  That’s me.  *sigh*  If I promise to try harder, will you believe me? lol (I wouldn’t, either).

♥ Happy Hump Day! Or what’s left of it, anyway…

 

 

New Year Makeover!

Hi! Welcome to the new blog, what do you think?

January is right around the corner and I thought “What a good time to totally jazz up the old blog!” I’m really liking it, myself. Been here since October of 2013 with the same theme, which I still have, but never really poked around too much to see what personal touches I could put in place.

Of course, for all of us still using WordPress for free, we’re already aware of the limitations on our ability to really spruce up a blog without forking out the yearly subscription cost. I’m an author not a day trader, but I was also really, really bored with the white walls, if you know what I mean! So I got nerdy and checked into it and Wallah! Turns out WP does have certain free themes that allow just enough wiggle room to put up some new wallpaper and curtains. 😉

I lucked out already having one of those themes. I really like the layout and cringed at the idea of having to shop for a new one. With the New Year looming ahead, I’ve also decided it was time to get a little more organized. I’ve updated all of those nifty pages there on the menu bar. Added quick links to my poems, since… you know, I’m not a poet.

Unfortunately, I’ve also been going through and deleting old posts regarding my unpublished works – for future publication purposes – so there’s a little bit of construction still going on. Or maybe it’s just remodeling? Redecorating! Yeah, I like that better.

Just out of curiosity, what would you change about your blog if you had complete design control? Let me know if you do make any, and I’ll be sure to come check it out!

♥ Happy Tuesday