Tag: writing

LDStorymakers Writing Conference

Alison3 Comments

 I just returned from the best weekend! I was at an amazing conference – LDStorymakers.

I learned so much – I will be sharing some things in the coming weeks- and had a great time hanging out with other crazy people that love writing!

Publication Primer Group

 This is my ‘Publication Primer’ group. It is a type of intensive critique group with a published author as a mentor. We lucked out and had two wonderful author/instructors: Renee Collins and Tyler Jolley. I had a great time meeting the other writers in my group and reading the beginnings to their stories. 

 

IMG_0340_fix

 

Yay for writing buddies! These are some of the amazing people I have met through the iwritenetwork.com chatroom. We meet in there and brainstorm, chat, or sprint (set a time limit and see how much writing/editing/whatever we can finish in that time and then check back in). It was really fun to hang out with them in person. 

It is also one of the very few pictures I took at the conference. I always think ‘Oh, I will get my picture taken with the authors that I fangirl’ and then I get there and don’t even ask for a photo while they sign my books. Maybe someday I will remember/dare pull out the camera :D.

 

One thing I always do at these conferences. . . buy books. Seriously. I saved my Christmas monies.

To give you an idea of my. . . problem (I don’t have a problem!):

This is a picture of my ‘to read’ bookcase in my room. Keep in mind that it only shows the front layer, there is another set of books behind the ones you can see. That doesn’t count the pile in the library I still need to read either, or the ebooks. *sigh*

To read

So, what do I do?

 

new shiny books

I bring home a literal bag of new (signed!) books.

They followed me home! Honest 🙂

But really, how can you resist a new book? What I need now, is time to read!

 

What books/movies/hobbies do you like to look forward to?

 

 

WonHundred Word Wednesday: “You know what they say . . .”

Alison7 Comments

Here is this week’s 100 word story, based on the prompt: “You know what they say . . .”

I am excited to see everyone’s take on this one! 🙂

WonHundred Wednesday 5_7

 

Cami hefted the extra-large cookie sheet from the industrial oven and closed the door with her hip. She placed it on the cooling rack and took a deep sniff of the aroma wafting from the cookies.

“These will be perfect.” She turned to Diane. “I can’t thank you enough for helping me with all of this. I shouldn’t have agreed to cater both events. I really owe you.”

Diane continued to knead the bread dough and chuckled. “Well, you know what they say. . .”

“I’m almost afraid to ask.”

“A friend in knead is a friend indeed.”

 

 

 Now check out what the other writers did with this one 🙂

Wendy Knight, Author: Www.Wendyknightauthor.Blogspot.Com

Kelly Martin, Author: Www.Kellymartinbooks.Blogspot.Com

Jessica Winn, The Distracted Writer:Http://Thedistractedwriter.Com/

R.K. Grow: Http://Www.Rkgtheauthor.Com/

Stephanie Worlton’s Kreating Krazy blog: Http://Stephanieworlton.Blogspot.Com/

Leah Sanders, inklings: Http://Inklings-Leahsanders.Blogspot.Com/

Laura D. Bastian Http://Www.Lauradbastian.Com/

Jaclyn Weist  http://jaclynweist.blogspot.com/

Amryn Scott Http://Wildscottkids.Wordpress.Com/

K.R. Wilburn  Http://Www.Krwilburn.Com/My-Blog.Html

Lindzee Armstrong/Lydia Winters Http://Lindzeearmstrong.Blogspot.Com

Kat!e Larson Http://Katesnovelidea.Blogspot.Com

Miranda D. Nelson Http://Www.Mirandadnelson.Blogspot.Com/

Angela Schroeder Http://Angelaschroederauthor.Blogspot.Com/

WonHundred Word Wednesday: I stared at the flames that had. . .

Alison5 Comments

Today’s 100 word story prompt is: “I stared at the flames that had. . .”

WonHundred Wednesday 4_30

 

There was a buzzing near my ear. I sat perfectly still, not wanting it to sting more than it already did. The artist leaned over me. He paused for a moment and wiped at neck with a soft cloth. I stared at the flames that had spread from my shoulder to my face. The tattoo was a breathtaking mix of yellows and reds and oranges.

I could wear a scarf. But, how would I keep the rest hidden from my bridge partners at the retirement home? Or my great-grandchildren?

If I didn’t, everyone would know Edna won that stupid bet. 

 

Now you can go check out everyone else’s story! Enjoy –

 

Wendy Knight, Author: Www.Wendyknightauthor.Blogspot.Com

Kelly Martin, Author: Www.Kellymartinbooks.Blogspot.Com

Jessica Winn, The Distracted Writer:Http://Thedistractedwriter.Com/

R.K. Grow: Http://Www.Rkgtheauthor.Com/

Stephanie Worlton’s Kreating Krazy blog: Http://Stephanieworlton.Blogspot.Com/

Leah Sanders, inklings: Http://Inklings-Leahsanders.Blogspot.Com/

Laura D. Bastian Http://Www.Lauradbastian.Com/

Jaclyn Weist  Http://Jaclynweist.Blogspot.Com

Amryn Scott Http://Wildscottkids.Wordpress.Com/

K.R. Wilburn  Http://Www.Krwilburn.Com/My-Blog.Html

Lindzee Armstrong/Lydia Winters Http://Lindzeearmstrong.Blogspot.Com

Kat!e Larson Http://Katesnovelidea.Blogspot.Com

Miranda D. Nelson Http://Www.Mirandadnelson.Blogspot.Com/

Angela Schroeder Http://Angelaschroederauthor.Blogspot.Com/

WonHundred Word Wednesday: Would you like fries with that?

Alison7 Comments

 New 100 word story – check it out and then go visit the other authors to see their take:

WonHundred Wednesday 4_23

 

Abigail hefted another shovel of dirt and continued to mutter.

 “Of course I’ll get that for you, dear, anything you want.” She twitched and shook her head.

            “I don’t mind covering the bruises and lying about being clumsy.” Another shovelful and she paused, looking furtively over her shoulder.

            Abigail dropped the shovel and wiped her hands rapidly on her legs. “But don’t think about touching my kids.”  She retrieved the shovel, returning to the rhythmic movements.

            “I made your favorite meal. Would you like fries with that?” She poured the last of the dirt into the hole, covering his face.

 

More fun: 

Wendy Knight, Author: www.wendyknightauthor.blogspot.com

Kelly Martin, Author: www.kellymartinbooks.blogspot.com

Jessica Winn, The Distracted Writer:http://thedistractedwriter.com/

R.K. Grow: http://www.rkgtheauthor.com/

Stephanie Worlton’s Kreating Krazy blog: http://stephanieworlton.blogspot.com/

Leah Sanders, inklings: http://inklings-leahsanders.blogspot.com/

Laura D. Bastian http://www.lauradbastian.com/

Jaclyn Weist  http://jaclynweist.blogspot.com

Amryn Scott http://wildscottkids.wordpress.com/

K.R. Wilburn  http://www.krwilburn.com/my-blog.html

Lindzee Armstrong/Lydia Winters http://lindzeearmstrong.blogspot.com

Kat!e Larson http://katesnovelidea.blogspot.com

Miranda D. Nelson http://www.mirandadnelson.blogspot.com/

Angela Schroeder http://angelaschroederauthor.blogspot.com/

WonHundred Word Wednesday: Today’s Horoscope

Alison6 Comments

 

100 word story for the week! 

WonHundred Wednesday 4_16

 

Normally I wouldn’t do this, I was much more—logical. But, a glance in today’s paper had me all turned around. “Today’s Horoscope: Your prized possession will end up in someone else’s hands.”

So, there I sat. The shabby circus stripes were faded and the fortuneteller’s neon sign flickered and hummed outside. Her incense choked me. She peered at me over a swirling glass prop. I knew it was fake, I’m not stupid. But . . . I needed someone else to reassure me. She slowly shook her head.

Outside, I heard my motorcycle engine start without me and I sobbed in comprehension.

 

Start your magical journey to the other authors here: 

Wendy Knight, Author: Www.Wendyknightauthor.Blogspot.Com

Kelly Martin, Author: Www.Kellymartinbooks.Blogspot.Com

Jessica Winn, the distracted writer:Http://Thedistractedwriter.Com/

R.K. Grow: Http://Www.Rkgtheauthor.Com/

Stephanie Worlton’s Kreating Krazy blog: Http://Stephanieworlton.Blogspot.Com/

Leah Sanders, inklings: Http://Inklings-Leahsanders.Blogspot.Com/

Laura D. Bastian Http://Www.Lauradbastian.Com/

Jaclyn Weist  Http://Jaclynweist.Blogspot.Com

Amryn Scott Http://Wildscottkids.Wordpress.Com/

K.R. Wilburn  Http://Www.Krwilburn.Com/My-Blog.Html

Lindzee Armstrong/Lydia Winters Http://Lindzeearmstrong.Blogspot.Com

Katie Larson Http://Katesnovelidea.Blogspot.Com

Miranda D. Nelson Http://Www.Mirandadnelson.Blogspot.Com/

WonHundred Word Wednesday: Follow your heart

Alison6 Comments

Here is our prompt for our 100 word story this week: 

WonHundred Wednesday 4_9

 

I slogged through the tropical wilds, pack held above my head and water up to my thighs. Hopefully I had everything tucked into my boots. If not, I’d be pulling leeches off of places I’d rather not think about. Mosquitoes the size of small airplanes ate away at me.

          My sister’s voice echoed in my mind. “That’s what happens when you follow your heart.”

             Ugh.

          Ahead, in the trees, there was a burst of colorful feathers as my elusive subject made her appearance. My breath caught and I stood in awe, joy spreading through me.

          “Yes. This is what happens.”

 

Now go check out all the other authors’ takes on it:

Wendy Knight, Author: www.wendyknightauthor.blogspot.com

Kelly Martin, Author: www.kellymartinbooks.blogspot.com

Jessica Winn, the distracted writer:http://thedistractedwriter.com/

R.K. Grow: http://www.rkgtheauthor.com/

Stephanie Worlton’s Kreating Krazy blog: http://stephanieworlton.blogspot.com/

Leah Sanders, inklings: http://inklings-leahsanders.blogspot.com/

Laura D. Bastian http://www.lauradbastian.com/

Jaclyn Weist  http://jaclynweist.blogspot.com

Amryn Scott http://wildscottkids.wordpress.com/

K.R. Wilburn  http://www.krwilburn.com/my-blog.html

Lindzee Armstrong/Lydia Winters http://lindzeearmstrong.blogspot.com

Katie Larson http://katesnovelidea.blogspot.com

Miranda D. Nelson http://www.mirandadnelson.blogspot.com/

WonHundred Word Wednesday: The Devil’s Name

Alison3 Comments

Here we go again! 100 word story based on the prompt: 

WonHundred Wednesday visual template4_2

 

            The devil’s name was Fred. Oh, I know his mother thought he was the best thing since jazzercise. But I knew the truth.

            I showed up to babysit and took a deep, cleansing breath. Janice was rushing out the door and cooing over the four-year-old in question. Fred looked up at me with a smirk and I could see the gears turning in his head.

            “Be a good boy for Mommy,” Janice called out as she left for her manicure. Fred still just grinned.

            I knew he already had the box of grasshoppers prepared to throw in my hair.

 

Now– on to everyone else. Enjoy! 

Wendy Knight, Author: www.wendyknightauthor.blogspot.com

Kelly Martin, Author: www.kellymartinbooks.blogspot.com

Jessica Winn, the distracted writer:http://thedistractedwriter.com/

 R.K. Grow: http://www.rkgtheauthor.com/

 Stephanie Worlton’s Kreating Krazy blog: http://stephanieworlton.blogspot.com/

 Leah Sanders, inklings: http://inklings-leahsanders.blogspot.com/

 Laura D. Bastian http://www.lauradbastian.com/

Jaclyn Weist  http://jaclynweist.blogspot.com

 Amryn Scott http://wildscottkids.wordpress.com/

 K.R. Wilburn  http://www.krwilburn.com/my-blog.html

Lindzee Armstrong/Lydia Winters http://lindzeearmstrong.blogspot.com

Kat!e Larson http://katesnovelidea.blogspot.com

Miranda Nelson http://www.mirandadnelson.blogspot.com/

New Feature! WonHundred Word Wednesday

Alison4 Comments

I am really excited about a new feature I’m going to participate in. Some author friends and I are going to do “WonHundred Word Wednesdays.”

Each week we will be given a prompt. We will write a 100 word story based on that prompt and post it.  Then we will link to the other blogs doing it too so that everyone can see what kind of range can happen — even in a small group — based on one simple idea.

WonHundred Wednesday visual template 3_26

The jostling was normal on the crowded platform and Kimi ignored it, except to brace her feet and angle her elbows out.

            Next time, I’ll make sure to catch the earlier train.

            The subway arrived and the crowd surged forward. As she moved with the herd, Kimi glanced to the right. She saw a face she knew as well as her own. Her breath caught in her throat. Shoved toward the car, she craned her neck to still see him. His eyes met hers and widened in recognition.  She choked back a sob.

            It can’t be him. He’s dead!

 

 

On to the others!–

 

Wendy Knight, Author: www.wendyknightauthor.blogspot.com

Kelly Martin, Author: www.kellymartinbooks.blogspot.com

Jessica Winn, the distracted writer:http://thedistractedwriter.com/

R.K. Grow: http://www.rkgtheauthor.com/

Stephanie Worlton’s Kreating Krazy blog: http://stephanieworlton.blogspot.com/

Leah Sanders, inklings: http://inklings-leahsanders.blogspot.com/

Laura D. Bastian:  http://www.lauradbastian.com/

Jaclyn Weist:   http://jaclynweist.blogspot.com

Amryn Scott:  http://wildscottkids.wordpress.com/

Thrift Store Romance

Alison2 Comments

Squatters shirt

What is a romantic gesture to you?

Let me tell you a story:

When I was in my early twenties, I had a favorite shirt.  It was long-sleeved, heavy cotton, and a fabulous green. 

(secret: I would much rather wear a long-sleeved t-shirt and jeans than anything else) It was from a local brewery pub that has great food. And while I don’t drink a drop, I loved the pun on the front: “Good for what Ales you.” 

Hysterical!  (secret #2: I have always been a sucker for a good pun. Totally my dad’s fault.)

Well, I had a friend that “borrowed” that shirt. And while I’m sure that friend returned it. . . eventually, it ended up disappearing. (sad face)

So now, jump ahead X amount of years. 

I came home from work, really late at night. Everything was dark and silent. (not so secret: it is never silent here)  I tiptoed through the house as to not wake the kidlings. My husband sleepily whispered hello and said that he had gotten me something. I was puzzled and went out to our living room to look in the plastic bag he told me about. 

In that bag was the very shirt I had lost all those years ago. He had seen it at the thrift store and bought it for me. (Fine. Probably not the same EXACT one, but close enough. It was the same shirt- sheesh.)

I was honestly surprised by the tears that I was immediately blinking away.

Such a romantic gesture. 

It wasn’t extravagant or expensive (5 bucks actually).

It wasn’t something that I had been hinting about wanting for a long time. (although those are nice too. . .)

It was something that my best friend saw, remembered me telling him a LONG time ago that it had been my favorite, and brought me ‘just because.’

That, is romance to me. Knowing what would make the other person happy and surprising them with it.

So, a question for you: How do you define a romantic gesture? Or what is romance to you?

I am pitifully behind on my NaNo word count

AlisonLeave a comment

I am pitifully behind on my NaNo word count, and I’m okay with that. I am pitifully behind on my NaNo word count, and I’m okay with that.

Maybe if I repeat it enough I will start to believe it.

 

Yes, this is kind of what I feel about my word count right now.
Yes, this is kind of what I feel about my word count right now.

 

In my head, the day “Saturday” means extra time to write. (Insert chuckle here) For example, last Saturday, I went to work in the morning, harvested my grapes in the afternoon, and helped a family member in the evening.

Word Count = 0

Thing is, I regret none of it.

 

Life has to happen and life needs to be enjoyed too. If you do nothing but write, soon you will have nothing to write about. Sometimes you have to experience things to understand them or to relate to what someone else may be going through.

Honestly though, if I load too much anxiety into my word count results I will start to dread NaNo and anything associated with it. Pretty soon I would hate November. (Like I have done with Christmas)

So, I have learned a few more things about myself. And really, I feel like I am learning and re-learning the same lessons over and over again. I still have two jobs, five kids, and a lot of obligations. I can, and do sometimes, use those as excuses. However, I see my friends with a lot more on their plate getting their words done (in record speed).

I will always have the life requirements and obligations, even when NaNo is done.So what I need to do is learn how to manage my time better (along with not comparing myself to others 😉 )so that I can consistently write every day. THAT is what I would like to learn from NaNo (along with finishing my current WIP): writing daily.

That would be the real prize and one that I could feel good about.

A friend recently posted a quote on Facebook. It said:

“Giving up on your goal because of one setback is like slashing your other three tires because you got a flat.”

So I have stopped slashing the tires and won’t give up on NaNo completely. However, I will be focusing on my process instead of output.

So you all hang in there too. With whatever your current goal is in life, don’t slash your tires!