Writing Prompt #88

I’m a romantic at heart.  Despite what I may say randomly in other posts, I do love a happy ending, and it’s a big part of what I write.  There’s enough negative in the world.  Not wishing my stories to only be filled with fluff, there’s usually something else going on.

My Dragon Age fanfic, on the other hand, is pure fluff.  It didn’t start off that way, but because I’m having so much fun writing it, it gets the “I can do whatever I want” treatment.  And I’ve been writing a lot of it lately, so I sort of giggled when I saw this, and decided it’s the perfect Prompt to help me escape my current state of mind:

NoTime4Romance

What do you think?  Feel inspired to join me in this week’s challenge?

Happy Writing!

Quote Monday

When I started this blog, I wanted to have a clear focus as to what I wanted it to be.  I wanted to share my journey towards becoming a professional writer, I wanted to help other writers find inspiration and useful advice, and I wanted to share a few of the things I get excited about…you know, my geek side.

I did not want this to be a platform to share political, societal, or religious ideology.  I may be frustrated at the state of things, but I always want this to be a place for creatives to escape to, so to speak, a place of positivity and encouragement for the creative path we have been called to follow.

As writers, we hold a great deal of power, and it is with that voice we can do great things!  Use them wisely. 😉

*It is in light of everything, events in my own life and those surrounding us (and in spite of my earlier comments), that this rang true:

Persevere

I wish you all the very best in both your “real” life and creative one.

xx, Rach

*Updated multiple times because, despite being a writer, I could not find the right words to express my feelings correctly…

Writing Prompt Challenge Accepted #19

If you’ve been thinking about joining in the Writing Prompt fun, don’t be shy.  Jump in and join us!

I’ve been focused on my pilot and fanfic for the past few weeks, keeping to the schedule I set for myself, but I decided to stop lollygagging and write some flash fiction as well this week.

A new follower, Rinnah of Rinnah’s Place, decided to join me last week in the challenge and I am pleased to share her lovely words.

UnderTheSea

I Let Them In

I let them in, all these people now trampling over my emotions; it was I who let them in, so I can’t blame anyone. Or can I?

They said they wanted to come in or did they?

Well, at least they asked me how I was doing. And I answered them.

You see, up till now, I had perfected the art of politeness and only engaging in superficial dialogue. It seemed to serve me and the world around me well.

I would only tell people for example that I wasn’t feeling too well when they asked me where I had been for the past couple of days. I wouldn’t tell them that my blood sugar had shot to insane levels, and I’d started to feel sick and be sick; that I had developed all the symptoms of a flu without the cold and had passed out in the hospital reception when I went to see the doctor; I wouldn’t tell them that the doctor had told me I had developed diabetic ketoacidosis and warned me to stop risking my life by not taking my insulin shots while gorging myself on sugary foods.

I would say that I had a touch of the flu and decided to rest it out. It was better than trying to explain. Moreover, it wouldn’t be letting them in.

I would only smile and say, “it’s a good day after all” when they asked me why I was so excited. I wouldn’t tell them that I had won the first prize in the competition I felt I had no chance at; I wouldn’t tell them that I could now afford to pay the deposit for a house; I wouldn’t tell them that to my knowledge no one in my family had ever owned their own house. I wouldn’t tell them I had broken the jinx.

Last week I told one of them something. By the water cooler, I let out a truth close to my heart, and today I heard two near-strangers talking about matters that came from the depths of my being.

They asked me how I was doing and for once, for some reason, I decided I would tell them.

I did, and this is what I get: My innermost thoughts splashed across the invisible pages of the office tabloids.

Thank you again, Rinnah!

~*~

I should call these stream of consciousness fics as I don’t think them through and I hardly edit.  This is one of the only times I don’t stress over every word.  It’s nice.

UnderTheSeaPlay Time

I had heard their gentle knocking for some time, but the warmth of my bed continued to lull me into that semi-conscious state of euphoric bliss. There was no knowing if five minutes had passed or five hours. I danced a fine line between the dream world and the waking one, wishing there was something more to be found there. I couldn’t grasp the thread of the pleasant dream that I had been reluctant to leave, but with the sunbeams rippling in strange patterns about my room, I knew I could no longer ignore the beginnings of a new day.

I opened the window to find my friends in a spirited mood, swimming to and fro, talking in excited tones. Something was happening beyond our peaceful shoal, and they were eager for me to join them.

My Way (HoodedFigure)The Long Walk

She had always loved the early morning; the mist that hung heavy in the air, the silence that lingered while the world still slept. Fall was upon them.  The leaves had turned their lovely shade of red and had fallen from the trees in pools of rosy splendor. She would purposefully walk amidst them just to hear the soft crunch beneath her feet. She generally awoke before everyone else – it was her time to enjoy her land, her time to enjoy the little things that most people took for granted.

Today was unlike most days. Today she walked with purpose, without paying much attention to those things that usually brought her joy. The mist went unnoticed, the silence, unheard, the crunch of the fallen leaves, ignored. Only the rhythmic beat of her heart, which had a unique sound of its own, was what she heard this morning as she walked the path of the sacrificial lamb.

ShortPrompt

One Small Step…

“Short? Short?” He exclaimed out of breath.

“I thought so.” The other replied nonchalantly.

“By no means was that a short jump. Look at my legs. You thought I could clear it?”

“You did.”

“Barely.”

“C’mon. Just one more.”

“Tell me the truth. What’s it look like?”

The other one looked over the ledge that stood between them and their exit. “It’s just a short jump.” He smirked.

“I hate you.”

TheGirlinRedThe Fourth

In the final days it was said that the horsemen would ride across the earth, bringing with them the scourges that would rid the world of the unworthy. What they didn’t say, or perhaps didn’t know, was that they were already living among us. A delusional state to be in, to be sure. How could one, otherwise, account for the degree of Pestilence, Famine, and War?

The stories had been altered over time, of course – human nature’s vanity changing details to suit their own purposes. It was their way of putting those seen as their subordinates in place, among so many other fallacies declared on the Maker’s behalf. So it was no wonder they were so taken aback when Death finally made her appearance. The unavoidable. The last truth. She stood at the center of her storm, admiring her work, without having placed her hand upon her blade.

~*~

Happy Writing, my friends!

Writing Prompt #87

I need to get back to writing some flash fiction myself.  So if you think it’s too late to write a piece based on something you’ve seen here before…think again.

Come write with me!

Here’s this week’s Writing Prompt:

UnderTheSea

I look forward to seeing your creations!

Happy Writing!

Quote of the Week

I’ve been told to lower my expectations.  They are generally fairly high.

I’ve surprised people with my vocabulary, because a person in the food service industry can’t be educated?

I’ve been playing video games since they were practically invented, and yet I still get sideways glances when I say I’m a gamer, because, you know, girls don’t play video games.  Okay.

We are all a mixture of contradictions and we should be proud of who we are.  Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise or stand in the way of your dreams.

Don'tDumbYourselfDown

This quote can also be used in regards to our writing.  Write the story you want to tell and there will be people out there that get it and admire you for putting it out into the world.

Wishing you the very best in all your endeavors!

Writing Prompt #86

While I was on hiatus, I gained some new followers.

Hi!  Welcome!  And thank you for joining me!

On Wednesdays, I like to post Writing Prompts.  I try to find images or phrases that will inspire us in our current works or help us break from routine and write something different.  Hopefully you’ll find inspiration and be willing to share what you create.

In yesterday’s post I talked about getting my portfolio together, which includes completing my sci-fi/spy screenplay, Projection.  I’ve had a lot of ideas for it, and trying to streamline them left me a little overwhelmed at one point.  As I prepare to conquer this story (Yes, I shall overcome!), I found this intriguing image:

FallingOrFlying

Are you inspired?

Happy Writing!

*Image from the video game, Infamous Second Son by Sucker Punch Productions for the PS4.

 

Goal Review

set and reach goal concept

It’s June 21st.  Can you believe it?!

We’re about midway through another year, and it’s probably time to reexamine our goals and see what needs tweaking.

For the new year I listed four things I wanted to accomplish, let’s see where I’m at…

  • I’d like to get my screenwriting portfolio in order…finally.  This, as always, will be a work in progress, but I’ve set myself up for the next 6 months with calendars on my wall for visual goal keeping.  This, unfortunately, has been tweaked a few times already, but, I am happy to report that I’ve completed the pilot and written tons of new fan fiction* (the first three chapters are up now, if you’ve been following along, here).  I’ve made notes for the rewrites, and hopefully by the end of the year, it’ll all come together.
  • I’d like to learn to sew in order to make my first cosplay outfit.  I looked into classes, but haven’t made the effort…yet.  I still have 6 months to accomplish this. 😉
  • I’d like to travel somewhere new.  I still, yes, still haven’t found a new job.  It’s getting kind of ridiculous at this point, so vacation having will have to wait.
  • I’d like to read more.  As I shamefully admitted previously, I didn’t read a single book last year.  How did that happen?  No idea.  I accepted a challenge through Goodreads to read at least 12 books this year (a modest goal) and I’m happy to say I’m nearly done with #9.  I’m ahead of schedule!

Besides finding a new job, I wanted to lose 10 lbs. I don’t have a scale, but I fit in my clothes again, so mission accomplished!  I’ve been working out regularly for the past 6 months, something I haven’t done since my 20s, so there’s that.

All creatives learn that accomplishing our goals does not come easy, nor quickly.  We have to put in a lot of time and effort to reap any reward, but if we keep persevering, we’ll get there!

Goals are meant to be changeable and attainable, so if you accomplish even a small goal, celebrate it and keep up that momentum!  If you need to make alterations, make adjustments that best fit your schedule, but keep going.  Achievements need to be recognized to keep us sane and motivated, so if you want to do a little dance or need some words of encouragement, let me know in the comments and I’ll dance with you!

Wishing you all the very best in your endeavors!  Keep your chin up!

*You may be wondering how the fanfic works into my portfolio as a screenwriter, but for those of you who have been following me for a while now know, I want a job at Bioware! 😉

Did You Miss Me?

Hi everyone!

What a couple of weeks we’ve had, right?!  Goodness.  I hope you’re all well and working harder towards your goals than ever in light of recent events.  Yet more reminders of how fragile life is and how unexpectedly things can change in the blink of an eye.

With that in mind, I’d like to kick off this week in my traditional way – with a quote.

There’s no reason not to follow your heart towards the goal you desire most.  Whatever it is, go after it!  Ignore the naysayers, and do what makes you happy.  Make the time.  Put in the effort.  Push yourself.  Dream big!

RiskForADream

Wishing you all the very best!

xx, Rach

Writing Prompt #85

I didn’t realize I had a thing for backs, I guess, until I started looking at the images I often save.  People walking away, backs turned, facial expressions obscured…I suppose maybe it has to do with how much it leaves open to interpretation.

I found this image this morning and was immediately captivated, and so, it has become today’s Writing Prompt.

My Way (HoodedFigure)

What do you think?  Are you inspired?

Happy Writing!

*Image credit: My Way by LuLebel

The Rise in Shock Value

CapHydra

The internet, and myself included, were all in a tizzy this week with the announcement that in a new comic series, Steve Rogers #1, Captain America is actually an undercover Hydra agent.

Nope.

No.

Not having it.

Fans were quite rightly upset and for good reason.  Captain America has stood as a moral icon, defending the defenseless against tyranny and oppression, and choosing the right path, regardless of personal cost, for 75 years.  He’s the good guy, with no hints at all to his character to the contrary.  Many fans believe this is just a publicity stunt, shock for shock value alone, and I agree.

With his rise in popularity due to two wonderful films in the MCU, I can imagine that there was a meeting in which execs and writers came up with a few “what if” scenarios, but as a fellow writer, I can attest to the fact that not all ideas are good ones.  I can’t fault a writer for wanting to take a risk, especially with a character of Cap’s reputation, but taking a character with such a strong moral code and turning that on its head without any warning is just feeding into the mentality that the only way to be relevant is to be shocking.

We, as a people, continually exposed to all manner of craziness via the internet and the rise in dramatic, stunning television, I think, are the reasons behind such bold moves.  In order to be noticed, we’ve resorted to becoming the one-uppers.  Shows like Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, and American Horror Story, among others, have risen the bar in the way of surprising their audience, and I thank them for it, but at the same time wonder if it’s not hurting us as well, overall.

We now expect so much more from all our media-going experiences, and this is forcing writers to do the unexpected often without reason.  A scene like the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones had a great deal of build up.  It wasn’t an out of left field surprise, although yes, it was upsetting.  The stage was set, long before we arrived, with bread crumbs left along the way that led us to such an inevitable conclusion.

GoT

This is something as writers we need to be aware of.  We can’t throw in a shocking twist just because – there has to be a reason, motivation, there has to have been set up.  Audiences want to be satisfied, they also want to feel clever, and this is done by offering them morsels and insights they can piece together before the big surprise.

This offers us, as writers, a great challenge to think about the nuances needed to tell our story more effectively.  If we look at the big picture, how can we impress upon our audience what is to come with a little foreshadowing?  Is there a metaphor that could highlight the impending dilemma?  Is there a phrase said by a character early on that offers such insight?  Think of social media and how people dig into their favorite scenes, stories, characters, etc. to find more depth and hidden meaning (I have discovered a number of memes and the like showcasing foreshadowing I missed myself) and think of how happy it will make our audience if we can offer that to them.

I found this writing tip via Helping Writers Become Authors that offers the good and bad reasons to kill a character, but I think it can be utilized in regards to any plot device.

KillingCharacter

Let us not short change our audience.  Let us give them the surprises they deserve; those that mean more because we cared enough to think our story through, and not just another tactic or ploy meant to incite emotion or a reaction.  Let us also not short change our work or our characters.  Be true to them.  They deserve no less…and so does Cap.

Happy Writing!