How I Miss You Blogfest

I almost forgot about this! The blogfest is hosted by:
Andrew Leon 
Alex J. Cavanaugh 
Matthew MacNish 

List one to three bloggers you really miss.
List one to three bloggers you would really miss if they stopped blogging.
And then go let them know!

It's hard to choose three that I miss simply because I feel like I've lost touch with everyone I started out with. In the beginning I did a great job reading other blogs and commenting. Friendships were made and I miss those conversations. So, here are the three people I miss talking with all the time along with their blogs and if they are active or not.

Mia Hayson over at My Literary Jam & Toast. I love her quirky sense of humor and how when we talk she keeps me young. She's one of my friends across the pond that I really hope to visit some day. Mia is still actively blogging. I've just become a lame friend. :( check her out when you get a chance!

Christi Goddard from A Torch in the Tempest. Does anyone know if she switched to a new blog? She wrote this great book called Four in the Morning. Her writing, her blog, the conversations we had were just so REAL.

Amber Tidd Murphy from Musings of Amber Murphy. We were both starting out as writers, but she was also starting the journey called motherhood. She had a great sense of humor and was another person who said it the way it was. I'm hoping she's enjoying life as a mom but still writing when she can.

As for the people I'd miss now if they quit...

Alex Cavanaugh. I don't do a great job commenting on his blog, but I know I can go there and find out what's going on in the lives of other writers. See what books are coming out and read about the exciting events in my peers lives. He's sort of replaced Google Reader for me. :) Plus, he's everywhere! How could you not notice his absence?

CD Coffelt. Over the years she's become one of my dearest blogger friends. Once again, I'm not great about commenting on her blog. But we email and text and somehow help each other get through the crazies. I do miss doing stupid stuff to make her husband laugh. I need to get back to that. ;)

Janice Hardy. We used to talk a lot, but now I just surf her great blog for writers when I need help. Fiction University is a great place for new writers and seasoned writers stretching for the next level in their development.

If you get a chance, read my other post from today about the final 4 days of my kickstarter project.

Love Is In The Air Blogfest and Grandparents!

It's a celebration of that little thing called love. Be it steamy or sweet, puppy, kitty, teen, aggravating, first kiss or final goodbye, let your scene tug at our heartstrings. Click HERE to find Mr. Linky and all of the other amazing participants!

I've been writing some love scenes that break my heart. You don't know how much I wish I could share them with you today, but it would be a huge spoiler for my Sendek Series. As in final book kind of spoiler, so you'll have to wait a few years to see it. But, I will tell you one of them makes me cry every time I try to write it. And no, no one is dying in that scene. *sigh* enough said.

So today, I'm going to share a real life love story that I'll always hold close to my heart. This is my Granny and Papa (pronounced paw-paw).

Growing up I spent a lot of time at their house. Then when my family moved to another state, they came to visit as often as they could. To say I loved them and being with them would be an understatement. I had multiple sets of grandparents (long story) but these were my favorite.

Granny always had something hidden for me in her house among the clutter of dressers, hutches and drawers. Most of the time she couldn't remember where she hid it and it became a treasure hunt. At night we would lay in bed and talk and talk.

Papa was more quiet. I don't know if I ever really knew him, but he would sit in one of those old wooden chairs with the straw seats in it by the bed and rub my back until I fell asleep. Papa was also 17 years older than Granny. And he fussed a lot. This would bother me sometimes because Granny had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Then there came a day that I learned a valuable lesson about my Papa.

He had a stroke near the end of his life that took away movement and most of his mind. Sometimes he would know you and sometimes he wouldn't. And he swore like a sailor! He didn't do that before, but man! Anyway, Granny tried to take care of him at home, but it was just too much for her. He ended up in a nursing home when I was about 16. I hated to go there, but I'll never forget the last time I did.

Granny and I walked in the room and Papa started crying. I had never seen him look at her with such love and devotion. She bent down to kiss him and this is what he said.

"I didn't think you'd ever come back."
"Why not?"
"You're so young and beautiful that someone will snatch you up and you'll forget about me."
"I'm not going anywhere."
He cried some more while holding her hand tight before saying, "I don't know what I'd do without you."

I cried then, and I cry every time I remember that moment. It finally clicked. He really did love her. Always had. That real kind of love. The kind that lasts for 41 years.

So many times we expect love to look and feel like all the books, movies and songs that inundate our lives. But real love is often quiet and overlooked. Sometimes its messy and painful. No matter what it's always heart mending and heart breaking.

Why?

Because with each moment together you are more whole than you were alone, but you also know with each passing minute it could end. And you know you'll never be the same without it.

Here's to doing hard things together to strengthen relationships. This was our second half marathon where we crossed the line holding hands. It's one of my most treasured memories.

What or who do you think of when you think of true love?

My New Role Over at Unicorn Bell

Most of you know that I co-host a writing/critique blog called Unicorn Bell. There are currently 5 of us over there trying to give back to the writing community. We are looking for two more people to moderate with us. You can read all about that HERE.

We are also dividing our talents and each moderator is focusing on one specific area. And guess what I decided I want to do?

Blogfests and contests!

I want to bring the fun back! We are going to enjoy writing again for the sake of writing. Whether it be something serious or silly, we want to write something just to see if we can. No strings or expectations attached.

We will have several throughout the year and anyone and everyone is invited to play. I'll make sure I advertise them over here as well.

Here are some of the ideas we're tossing around...

Blogfests
Love is in the Air
Twisted Fairy Tales--genre wars
Breathe More, Talk Less--dive into the senses, little to no dialogue
Critique Partner Pitches--you've got to sell yourself!
Facebook Blog Hop--no strings attached, just a list to browse and find new friends
Action vs. Suspense

Contests (with prizes!)
100 word Drabble--use specific words
1st Paragraphs or Pages
3 line Pitches
Every Which Way the Wind Blows--Themed topic
Dialogue Challenge--Dialogue between two people, no tags. Can you make it work?
QueryCon 2014--Our annual 3 week intensive workshop and agent/editor judged query workshops

I obviously won't get to do all of them, so which ones peak your interest? 
Anything else you'd love to see as a blogfest? 
Tell medown in the comments.

Now, for our first blogfest of 2014...in honor of the quickly approaching Valentine's day...

It's a celebration of that little thing called love. Be it steamy or sweet, puppy, kitty, teen, aggravating, first kiss or final goodbye, let your scene tug at our heartstrings.

Head over to UB to sign up in the Linky.

No Kiss Blogfest 2014

Let's start the year out with a blogfest! I almost missed this one this year, it came up so fast. Anyway, Amalia Dillin is giving Frankie Diane Mallis a hand this year with all the details.

Today we are posting either scenes we've written with an "almost kiss", or sharing one of our favorites from a book, TV show, movie, etc. Since I'm coming in late to the game, I'm sharing a clip from Fringe and my love of all things just a bit weird.

Sometimes a little "almost kiss" can bring the answers your MC seeks...

4th Annual LDS Writer's Blogfest

I'm participating in the 4th Annual LDS Writer's Blogfest. Go check out the other participants.

I want to share just a few thoughts with you on what being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints means to me as a person and a writer.

First, watch this video. It's a poem written by a young woman who is also a member of this church. Just listen to how she speaks about what it means to be a woman.


How can you NOT want to be a part of THAT? I have to be honest and say that I have struggled at times with what I believe to be true and the subject matter of my writing. It seems that no matter how many people I talk with, there remains an even split between the following two thoughts:

1. You are not your characters and they will do and say things that you would never do. It's alright because not everyone in the world of books are members of this church (none of mine are).
2. You are in control of your characters so don't let them say or do anything that goes against the church standards.

I consider myself to be a "clean" writer when it comes to things like romance and language. However, sometimes my characters tell me things they did or experienced that I have not and will never experience. It doesn't matter how many times my hubby says, "well just change the story." THAT is what the story is. I don't feel like I'm the one making it up. The characters slowly reveal their secrets to me and I have to find the right words to share it with everyone else.

It's hard.

Sometimes it tears me in two.

Most of the time this is why I stop writing.

I'm not writing things a certain way because I think that's what will sell. If I was doing that I would have written about vampires and werewolves while they were hot. But I don't write paranormals. I don't write explicit sex scenes. But one or two of my characters have said the "D" word.

Somehow hubby has managed to stay with me in spite of that, although he's terrified I will lose my temple recommend (for those who don't know that's a piece of paper that says I'm worthy to enter our temples). If I can find a better way to express the frustration, anger, whatever, then I do. I have some of the cleanest military mouths you will ever find.

Well, I've rambled quite a bit and still not solved my problem or even asked the right questions most likely.

What do you think? Are you completely in control of your characters? Do they reflect who you are on all levels? Or do your characters have personalities and lives of their own unrelated to yours?

The Magic Wakes Blog Tour Day 10 and Indie-Kissing Blogfest

Happy Valentine's Day!! 

I'm feeling a lot of love today. Well, I have been all week. Since this is the second Thursday I'm supposed to do my Birth of a Novel post, but since my book release is NEXT TUESDAY I'll save it for then.

Day 10 Stops

Anita Exley--10 Things You Might Not Know About Charity Bradford
Loralie Hall--Character Interview and 1st Kiss Excerpt

4th Annual No Kiss Blogfest

Today is a busy day! If you are looking for my:

My IWSG post HERE.

Cover Reveal for The Charge is HERE.

It's the No Kiss Blogfest hosted by Frankie Diane Mallis! The rules are easy, you get to write a scene or post one from one of your favorite books, movies, or TV shows that show the almost kiss-- the rising, crushing, excruciating, longing, tension that comes  when two characters get oh-so-close to kissing that you can just feel it, want it, NEED it....and then...they don't!

This blogfest forced me to sit down and finally write one of the planned scenes (or at least start it) for Fade Into Me. It's a first draft so any suggestions would be great.
____________


Kevin slumped on the couch with his head in his hands. Dark circles outlined his eyes. Stubble covered his face, and his hair stuck up as if he had slept on it wet. My feet carried me to his side in two heartbeats.

“You look awful. Are you all right?”

“Yes, or at least I will be. I just need to work some things out.” His eyes moved over my face, searching. Pleading. He opened his mouth to speak and my stomach growled.

"I'm such a jerk. You need to eat something. This can wait." He smiled but the tension didn't leave his face. Or the hands he kept fisted at his side.

“Do you want something to eat?” I headed into the kitchen and pulled out two bowls before pouring myself some cereal.

“No, thanks. Man, you look great.” He stood beside me closer than ever before.

The spoon paused in front of my mouth. Kevin never noticed anything about me, or if he did he never commented on it. “What?”

“You look great.” He reached out and caressed my face. “I really messed things up, Ry.”

I set the bowl on the counter, every inch of me growing warm. What in blazes was going on?

“What are you talking about?”

“Jessie lied to me. She tricked me into getting married.”

My mind jumped to the wedding. I had hoped he would come to me when the marriage didn’t work out, and here he was. His hand was still on my cheek and he had stepped forward until I could feel the heat radiating between us.

Nine years. I had waited so long for this.

"What do you mean?" My breathing hitched up a notch.

“Jessie isn't pregnant."

"Oh. But you still love her don't you?"

"I thought marriage would be different. I thought it would be like when I talk to you. I’ve already filled out the papers to annul the marriage. Our age and the fact she coerced me by pretending to be pregnant made it easy.” His hand slid down to where my neck and collar bone met sending little tremors through me.

"Why are you here?" Every muscle locked. Would movement scare him away?

“I’m ready to give us a try.” His gaze drifted to my lips and his head lowered until I could feel his breath on my face. "Is this alright with you?"

Everything inside me screamed yes, but a pounding on the door interrupted the word before it could spill out of my mouth. I jumped and opened the door to find Carter looking down at me. His smile faded as he noticed Kevin behind me.

The Year I Turned 18 Blogfest

To celebrate Cally Jackson's release of her debut novel, The Big Smoke, she's hosting this blogfest. Her novel is a NA book and we are to post about the year we turned 18. The post can be about anything from that year – something momentous that happened, what your hopes and dreams were at that time, diary entries, anything that comes to mind. If you could include photos of you at 18, that would be doubly awesome!

1992

According to Wikipedia, 1992 was a leap year that started on a Wednesday. The year 1992 was designated as the "International Space Year" by the United Nations. All I know for sure, is that this is the year I graduated high school and headed across the country to start my university education. I should tell you I was excited about heading to BYU until my mom surprised me with the fact I would be heading out three months before the semester started.

I was still 17 at the time and looking forward to spending all summer with Nathan (my HS sweetheart and now my hubby of 16 years). Needless to say there were a lot of tears and pleading on my part, but my aunt was moving out and that was the best way to get me there.

The summer was spent living with my aunt in student apartments, cleaning a bank (I can't count how many times I set the alarm off!), hanging out at the pool with people several years older than myself, talking to Nathan on the phone, and waiting to get into on-campus housing.

I turned 18 a few weeks before classes started and shortly after the summer Olympics. These "older" (seriously they were like 23 or something, LOL) through me an Olympic themed birthday party before I moved onto the campus.

Notable Events:

February-

• President of the United States George H. W. Bush meets with President of Russia Boris Yeltsin at Camp David, where they formally declare that the Cold War is over.
• Winter Olympics in France--remember when we got both in one year?
• Nathan sent me a rose on Valentine's day to school and signed it "I Love You" 
• For you Taylor Lautner fans--he was born this year, this month, along with Freddie Highmore (I only know this because of Wikipedia)

March-
Space Shuttle Atlantis takes off from Cape Canaveral carrying instruments designed to study global warming.

April-
I attend my Senior Prom with Nathan.

May-

• Space Shuttle Endeavor makes its maiden flight, as a replacement for the lost Space Shuttle Challenger.
• Graduation, and said good bye to my friends as I packed up for college.

June-

• The first World Ocean Day is celebrated, coinciding with the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• Two skeletons excavated in Yekaterinburg are identified as Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and Tsarina Alexandra.

July/August-

• Selena Gomez was born.
• The Summer Olympics are held in Barcelona, Spain.
• My birthday
• Demi Levato was born. 

September-
Nick Jonas was born--I think that covers that whole Disney era?

October-
Pope John Paul II issues an apology, and lifts the edict of the Inquisition against Galileo Galilei.
Josh Hutcherson was born.

November-
I forgot--Miley Cyrus was born.

What were you doing in 1992?

"Lightning Flashed" Blogfest--Instinct

Cherie Reich is hosting this blogfest. Follow the link to see the other participants.
Here are the rules:
1. Entries must begin with the two words: Lightning flashed.
2. Entries must be 300 words or less and be in prose.
3. Entries must be posted on your blog between May 21 - 23.
4. You must sign up in the linky to have your entry be counted.

Here is my entry at 300 words exactly if you include the title. It's a rough draft of a dream I had, so I'm sure there are lots of things to improve upon. I know the imagery isn't quite there yet. Feel free to offer any comments so I can clean it up.

Instinct

Lightning flashed.

I tried not to flinch at the creatures roaming over the ground. Thousands of insect-like aliens cleaned the area of anything living. Any movement from me and it would be over in minutes like the poor man in front of me.

I wished I could close my eyes, but I feared sleep.

At least the screaming had stopped. And the pile of sludge that used to be the Colonel had been reduced to clean white bones. His last words echoed in my head, “Avalon is perfectly safe, I promise. Sunset is almost here, so let’s get you settled in one of the biodomes.”

Avalon Three was supposed to be my salvation. They warned me about the night monsters, but in my mind nothing could be worse than my husband.

This had been the Colonel's first trip away from Base Camp. I guess he didn’t realize sunset came early on the edge of the giant forest where Camp Two was located. The colonists watched his death from the safety of their windows.

Lightning hit the generator and all the lights in the courtyard went out. It was a relief for half a second.

Without my eyes to keep me informed, my ears picked up every click of mandible. Every hiss and whistle.

I wished it would rain. But no, only lightning split the sky to show me the nightmare around me.

Every muscle ached. I couldn’t even look at my watch to see how long until dawn. If I could last until then I might live.

Lightning flashed and I heard soft laughter in the night.

I wished I was safe behind windows.

First Loves Blogfest

Today is Alex Cavanaugh's First Loves Blogfest. We are to post our first loves – first movie, first song/band, first book, and first person. Four loves, one blogfest! Don't forget to follow the link and check out the other participants.

So here we go.

First movie I can remember loving?

The Goonies
What's not to love? A bunch of misfits trying to save their homes, pirates, booby traps, One Eyed Willie, and the Truffle Shuffle!

Great lines:
Goonies never say die.

"...booty traps." "You mean booby traps?" "Yeah, that's what I said, booby traps."


First Song/Band
This is a bit more telling on my age, but my first love here is Chicago.


First Book

I have to go with Anne of Green Gables. I relate to Anne on so many levels. Just ask anyone who knows or has met me and they can tell you that I talk constantly. If I try really hard, I can shut my mouth, but blabbering is an art with me.

There is this deep seated need in my to have people like me, and I take things very personally when they don't. And when my temper flairs, you'd swear I was a carrot top like Anne.





First Love
My first love might have been Gilbert Blythe. But my mother tells a story of catching me kissing a boy named Shawn outside my dad's Chiropractic office when I was in Kindergarten. I don't remember this, but there you go.

There were lots of crushes throughout my years, but I got lucky enough to marry and hold onto my first REAL love.

Still my favorite photo

Engagement Photo

Year 1-young, fit, hiking the Y

A bit older, rounder, but still happy to be together.

3rd Annual LDS Writers Blogfest

Today is the 3rd Annual LDS Writers Blogfest! It's really cool for me simply because I've participated from the beginning. I guess three years isn't all that, but image how cool it will be at ten or twenty years?

Anyway, this year was left wide open for me to write about whatever I wanted. I don't do well without rules to break tweak.

As I've pondered what to talk about today, this one talk from our General Conference kept coming to mind. Granted it has been in everyone's conversation the last week, but there is a different part of the talk I want to highlight.

I'm talking about Dieter F Uchtdorf's "Stop It" sermon. The actual talk is titled "The Merciful Obtain Mercy" and you can read the full talk HERE.

Even with all my sins, the one thing I've been fairly good at is loving others. I'm a people person so that isn't hard. One of the things I have a hard time understanding is how people can be so vicious to one another. None of us are perfect, so why do we beat each other up about it? This is what Elder Uchtdorf had to say about it.

This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:

Stop it!

It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. God is our Father. We are His children. We are all brothers and sisters. I don’t know exactly how to articulate this point of not judging others with sufficient eloquence, passion, and persuasion to make it stick. I can quote scripture, I can try to expound doctrine, and I will even quote a bumper sticker I recently saw. It was attached to the back of a car whose driver appeared to be a little rough around the edges, but the words on the sticker taught an insightful lesson. It read, “Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you.”

That bumper sticker can be tweaked to fit any situation:

Don't judge me because I dress differently than you.

Don't judge me because I look differently than you.

Don't judge me because I speak differently than you.

Don't judge me because I vote differently than you.

Don't judge me because I write differently than you.

Don't judge me because I believe differently than you.

One day I hope we can find it within ourselves to realize that we are all children of our Heavenly Father. He loves each and every one of us and we should do the same.

Jesus said it is easy to love those who love us; even the wicked can do that. But Jesus Christ taught a higher law. His words echo through the centuries and are meant for us today. They are meant for all who desire to be His disciples. They are meant for you and me: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”

And I submit, Love those who are different than you. Diversity is a good thing. Without it this world would be boring.

Check out the other participants:

Amanda Sowards
Angie Lofthouse
Ben Spendlove
Brittany Larsen
Cami Checketts
Charity Bradford
Danyelle Ferguson
Giselle Abreu
Julia Keanini
Julie Coulter Bellon
Kasey Tross
Kayeleen Hamblin
Kelly Bryson
Krista Van Dolzer
Laura Johnston
Melanie Stanford
Rachelle Christensen
Rebecca Belliston
Sierra Gardner
Stephanie Worlton

A Picture Paints 1000 Words--Earth Four

Today is the beginning of the blogfest hosted by Unicorn Bell.

Head over there for full rules and Mr. Linky. I'm participating for fun and to get a new short story started. That was the plan anyway, but I didn't get very far. I have a beginning. My biggest problem was the pictures to choose from were all wonderful--that's why I chose them. ;)

Here's the one I settled on over the weekend. Unfortunately, I wasn't home for much of the weekend. Here's my 200 word start. I don't even know if it's enough to hook someone and make it worth finishing the story. What do you think?

Earth Four

The ship’s engines pitched lower as it dropped out of hyper drive and powered up the reverse thrusters. It wouldn’t be long now.

Overhead lights dimmed then brightened signaling a ship wide message. Thousands of people paused mid-stride and waited.

“Attention all passengers, we are now approaching our destination. Earth Four will be within view of the front and starboard viewing halls in thirty minutes time. We will dock and begin debarkation in two hours. Remember, you may carry your own luggage or recycle it. If you choose to recycle, you will be issued a class two mandate for your stay on Earth Four. Gold members will receive an automatic upgrade.

“Thank you for traveling on the Galaxy Gala. It’s been our pleasure to serve you and we hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation.” The voice fell silent.

Tensati hobbled forward once more on his arthritic legs. He had to find Lyria so they could watch the planet come into view together. They had waited a long time to get passage on a cruise liner destined for a young earth. He wanted to enjoy every minute of it with her.

Two hours. 

Two hours until their dreams became a reality.

Small Blessings for Writers

I woke up this morning in excruciating pain. A fist sized area in my lower back screamed at me every time I moved or breathed. Not good. I probably slept weird or something during the 4 short hours of sleep I managed to get.

Nevertheless (it's a fun word to say out loud), I had to get up and go teach my 5:55 am class. We started Isaiah this week and I knew it wouldn't be fair to make the other teacher wing it since it was my day to teach. And since the other teacher didn't show up, this was a good call.

By 7:15 am I crawled back into bed after taking some ibuprofen and hoped to wake up in a better state. Eh, not so much. I got the kids to school and now I'm sitting here with hubby's mini massager plastered to my back.

It is HEAVEN. I can feel the muscles relaxing as I type. So, today I want to recommend this nifty little device if you get any kind of back pain from sitting in a chair all day writing.

Other than chocolate, what do you see as small blessings for writers?

Now, I'm finishing up my short story The Sleeper so I can submit it as my W1S1 this month. I've actually already submitted one story, so this will give me 2 this month!

Oh, and don't forget to go over to Unicorn Bell and sign up for our blogfest. There are PRIZES! One person will get to choose between a first chapter critique or a $20 Amazon gift card. Head over there for the pictures to choose from and the rules.

Is It Getting Hot in Here? Blogfest

If you are looking for my entry to a different blogfest from this week:
Critique Partner Blogfest
That's YAmore Blogfest
Hook Line and Sinker Blogfest

I may not post again until Friday to give me time to read and comment on other blogs from the many blogfests of the past week. See you then!

Now for today! Today is the day to post a steamy kiss in honor of Valentines Day. Cassie Mae is hosting a "Is it getting hot in here?" blogfest. Click on the link to find the rules and other participants.

Since I used Faerie Wings and Eleena's Tale for the other two blogfests, I'm returning to Sendek for this one.

I highlighted phrases I don't like. Any suggestions?

Genre: Adult Science Fantasy
Setting: Talia and Landry are walking through the forest on their way to find an ancient tree that might be able to answer some questions for them. Remember this book is more fantasy than science fiction. It's one of the first down times they've had alone since the Draguman invaded.


“How is it you never married?”

Talia stumbled over her own feet before they rooted themselves to the ground.

“Let me ask you a question. If you had dreamed of death all your life, would you marry?”

Landry took her hand and pulled her closer. “Of course not. Was there anyone you would have considered marrying?”

“No.” Her cheeks burned.

She examined his face. He was perfect. Strong jaw line, a smile that hinted he knew things about you, and eyes that pulled you in and held you prisoner. A strange ache filled her as she remembered expressions on other faces in her past.

“Guys usually,” The muscle in her jaw clenched. “Well, they kept their distance. I guess I’m not the dating type.”

“They were wrong.” He pulled her into a hug, his heart beating beneath her ear. It quickened as his arms tightened around her. 

“Can I be honest with you?” She whispered.

“I prefer it that way.” His voice rumbled above.

Backing out of his arms, she turned away and walked a step farther down the path.   

“You scare me. Maybe it’s habit to pull away. Maybe it’s because I’m not sure if these feelings are real, or not. Everything is happening so fast.” She turned back to Landry. “I’ve never cared whether someone thought well of me or not, but I care how you feel about me.”

“Talia, I’ve been through this discussion a hundred times in my mind. I can’t deny I was attracted to you the first time I saw you. The way you stood confident and defiant fascinated me.”

“Oh.” Her face warmed again.

“But, I’m wary of how lost I get in your emotions. I don’t have the answers you want, but I promise you this, I’m going to hang around until we find out what this is.”

They stood for a moment in silence. The light filtering through the leaves danced around him, and Talia couldn’t help but notice the strength in his arms, the span of his shoulders. Was he strong enough to fight the Draguman?

Landry crossed the distance between them. “I try not to notice what you’re feeling, but your signal is very strong. Sometimes it’s hard to tune out. For instance, right now you’re worried about too many things. You don’t have to carry the weight of this war by yourself.” 

He placed his hands on her shoulders and ran his fingers down her arms, sending shock waves of energy through her. He leaned down until his lips were close to hers. “But now you feel something else entirely.”

He kissed her nose, the corner of her mouth and then brushed his lips across hers to kiss the other corner. “There's something irresistible about knowing someone wants you to kiss them.”

Talia breathed him in. He smelled like dust, moss and sweat. She rested her hands on his chest. He felt like home.

Landry’s lips hovered over hers. Warm. Soft. A direct contrast to the rest of his body. Talia shivered in anticipation, but instead of a kiss, he whispered against her skin, “I can wait until our world is safe again. Then neither of us will have any excuses.”

Hook Line & Sinker Blogfest

If you are looking for some of the other blogfests from this week:
Critique Partner Blogfest
That's YAmore Blogfest

Today is the Hook Line & Sinker Blogfest hosted by Justin Parente. Click the link for rules and to find the other participants. I'm supposed to post the first 500-1000 words and see if it hooks you. Here are some questions you can answer for me at the end.

• Does the character have a personality you can fall into easily? Or at least one that you would like to learn more about?
• Is the world around them set up to compliment the character as they're introduced?
• Too much setting or not enough?
• Lastly, would you read more?

And now I give you the first 700 words of Eleena's Tale.

Imagine the grass taller. Image found Here.

I hid from Mother’s gaze inside the tall blue-green grass in the park bubble behind our home, but not from her voice. It called for me from opposite sides of the field. She must have sent the message bots to call me. I rose up on one elbow and peaked over the grass. Sure enough, three message bots glided around playing the memo, but Mother stood by the house just outside the bubble wall.

“Eleena Talrano, come to the house immediately.” Mother’s voice echoed around me.

I sunk to the ground and continued counting the clouds. She sounded scared. It was wrong to run away, but five minutes of dreaming couldn’t hurt anything. Studying all the time was boring, and the evacuation traffic made it almost impossible to concentrate insided the house. With the war getting closer, most of my friends had left. Nothing was fun anymore.

“Eleena, come to the house now!” Father’s voice joined Mother’s. 

Father never came home before dark. I jumped up and looked toward the house. Mother was gone, but Father stood with his hands on his hips. My heart pounded uncomfortably. He had been so moody lately, always yelling, or worse, silent. 

“Coming.” I grabbed my shoes and ran to the edge of the park. The traffic noise filled the air as soon as I stepped out of the bubble. “Why are you home so early?” 

“Come inside quickly.” He stepped into the darkness of the house.

I chewed on my fingernail and followed. Mother clung to a tall redheaded man. Although I hadn’t seen him for two years, I recognized my favorite uncle back from the stars.

“Uncle Murph!” I moved to hug him but stopped when Mother turned toward me. Her tear streaked face contorted into a mass of wrinkles I never noticed before.

“You have to go with your Uncle. He’ll explain everything on the way.” Mother spoke over the rattling of the dishes as another shuttle flew overhead.

I glanced from her to Father and back to Uncle Murphy. They all stared at the ceiling. Mother’s fingers twisted and tugged at each other, Father’s eyes looked watery, and Uncle’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. It was getting hard to breathe, then Mother pulled me to her, squeezing too tightly.

 “Where am I going?” My words came out muffled against mother’s chest. She smelled like pasta sauce.

“You’re going to stay with Murphy for a while.” Father spoke as he peeled me away from Mother and hugged me. “My little star, you’re going to travel.”

“Why?” My voice cracked. Were they sending me away like all my friends? Was the war really coming to Artemese?

“There’s no time. Listen to Uncle and you'll be fine.” Father pulled away from me.

“We must hurry to catch the shuttle. Is there no way to convince you to come with us?” Uncle Murphy held Mother’s hand but his eyes watched Father.

I looked at Father in time to see him shake his head. Uncle Murphy reached for the bag on the table. Mother hung a pack of food over my shoulder and kissed my head before turning back to Uncle.

“Peace on your path, Brother.” Tears slipped down Mother’s cheeks as she stepped to Father’s side.

I waited for the standard reply, but Uncle paused. He caught me watching him.

“Burn a light to guide me home, dearest sister.” He sounded like he had swallowed his gum berries without chewing them.

It brought tears to my eyes. 

“Go quickly.” Father gently pushed me to the door as Uncle Murphy walked through it. “Be a good girl, and remember we love you.”

Uncle grabbed my hand and pulled me into the crowded street. People had abandoned their transports in the middle of the road. It seemed like the whole world was running to the space port. My feet beat a rhythm that matched time with my heart as we ran.

The pack Mother handed me slapped up and down on my thigh.

Good-bye.

              Good-bye.

                             Good-bye.

That's YAmore Blogfest

Click HERE for the Critique Partner Blogfest.

Today is another blogfest. This one is the "That's YAmore Blogfest" hosted by Oasis for YA. Follow the link to see the rules and find the other participants.

We are supposed to share a scene of true love. I chose the following snippet from Faerie Wings for two reasons:

1. It shows what a wise and kind person Carter is. All he wants is to make Ry happy, help her see the good things she already has in her life.
2. I love the idea that true love doesn't always have to be romantic. Often the truest love that is given to us is by the members of our family. The ones we take for granted far too often.

 Okay, set up? They are taking a hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley, and Carter asked Ry if she believes in true love.

“Carter, my life has taught me love doesn’t conquer all. I loved my parents. Begged them to stay with me, but it wasn’t enough. They only cared about themselves and they left me behind.”

The knot in my chest twisted tighter. Mom hovered in my mind's eye, waving good-bye to dad without a single tear. Her only words to me that night had been along the lines that sometimes leaving is best for everyone. She didn't bother warning us before she left a few months later.

"How do you walk away from your own daughters?" I wiped at the tears that spilled down my cheeks.

Carter eased me down to the floor of the basket and found a napkin for my nose. He let me cry, stroking my arm or back the whole time. When I calmed down he squeezed my hand.

“My sweet Ryanne. So much pain locked inside. Don’t forget that Heather stayed with you. That’s true love too.”

He was right. All these years I’d only held on to the hurt, forgetting that Heather could have left me too. Instead she fought to keep custody of me. She put off college and worked to pay the bills until I could get a job and help too. My parents might be selfish flakes, but Heather wasn’t like them. I squeezed his hand back.

“Why couldn’t I see that on my own? Thank you.”

“That’s why I’m here.” He touched my face with his thumb and wiped away a tear. “Now, how about some food?”

Critique Partner Blogfest

Today starts a weeks worth of amazing blogfests. I'll try and keep a running tab of links at the top of each so the different blog participants can find the one they're looking for.

First up is Loralie's Critique Partner blogfest. Follow the link to find the other posts. At first I wasn't going to do this because I don't have a finished novel ready for critiquing. But I will. And that's why I decided to join up. Maybe there will be someone else who needs emails asking, "Hey where's the next few chapter?"

Anyway, here are my answers to some suggested questions from Loralie to help in our search for a critique partner.

Genre: YA contemporary fantasy

Title: Faerie Wings

Current status: 34K rough draft, 2/3 complete. The first chapter has been rewritten and I'm working through the rest before finishing the story. I got a bit off track with my focus and am fixing it.

Feedback needed:  General thoughts. Is the story line smooth and easy to follow. Does the voice match that of a 17-18 year old? Highlight the things you really like, anything that takes you out of the story, questions you have as you read (these help me the most because then I can see if you are asking the right questions in the right places), did I start in the right place (this is debatable even now), is the end satisfying, any unanswered questions that bug you. That kind of thing. I don't need a line edit because what I send will not be the final draft. And probably loaded with passive and -ly words.

The Pitch: 

Everything you’ve ever heard about faeries is a lie.

Lies they told to keep us from learning the truth.

What is the truth?

They live among us, sentenced to watch over and nurture their greatest mistake.

Us.

Ryanne Killian doesn’t believe in faerie tales, and yet all the eyes of the Fae are watching her–hoping she will be the one to set them free.

• The first 500 words: I actually don't have access to my computer at the moment (it's being repaired), and my hubby's computer is so old it won't recognize the external hard drive when I plug it in. So, here is the first 250 words or so that I posted on a webpage (see tab at the top) I created for this idea. (Come back tomorrow for another snippet from this novel for the YAmore blogfest.

“If I do this, you’re going to owe me big time.” I pulled my hair up into a ponytail and stared at Kevin. He stood on my porch in his letterman's jacket looking like the all-American homecoming god without a clue.

“I knew I could count on you, Ry.” He slapped me on the shoulder like one of the guys and headed down the steps.

“I still think it’s stupid. A girl shouldn’t be best man!” I yelled from the door as Kevin reached his car.

“But you’re my best friend. I’ll have Jessie call you. And don’t forget, it’s right after graduation.”

“How could I forget that?” I mumbled and he drove away.

What an idiot. Did he even know I was a girl? I was going to be the laughing stock of our graduating class, but it didn’t really matter. I would do anything he asked. I always had. Look what it got me. Best Man at his wedding. As if that wasn’t bad enough, he was marrying Jessie. The cliche cheer-leading Barbie wanna-be.

Favorite Character Blogfest

This is supposed to my Birth of a Novel day, but I've spent the last week perfecting what I could for the ABNA. I'll submit my pitch and so forth today. No other new writing to report.

Today Laura Josephsen is hosting her first ever blogfest. Click HEREfor rules and Mr. Linky to visit the other participants.

I'm supposed to pick my favorite character that I've written, tell you why they are my favorite, and then post a short snippet about them.

Good grief! It's so hard to pick a favorite. I decided it might be better to pick one I haven't talked about very much on the blog. I mean, you guys are probably sick of hearing about Talia and Landry (even though they are probably my favorites), and I still need to get to know Ry and Carter better.

However, there is this little project that keeps waiting patiently in the back of my mind. It would be a space opera and I'm not sure I'm ready to take on something of that scope yet. Anyway, its about a girl who learns she's strong enough to change, well, everything.

Eleena. She's young, 16 or 17. At age 9 she's sent away from her parents to escape a coming war. Hopping from planet to planet, living in refugee camps with her uncle, she tries to survive the war that is racing across her galaxy. Eventually they run out of places to retreat to. That's when she finds herself in the most unlikely place--presented to the warlord king as a possible bride.

I've only written about 2000 words total of her story, none of it chronological, but this snippet wraps up all of her potential. I wrote it two or three years ago, so it's got several flaws--POV switches, telling. But I like the idea even now.



Snippet:

“I apologize.” He watched her eyebrows shoot upward. “Do you wish to be Queen?”


“I didn't realize I had a choice in this matter.” Eleena looked at Durol boldly.


“Perhaps you don’t, but if you did?”


Eleena searched her heart for what she wanted and spoke carefully, “I did not choose to board the vessel that brought me here. What I know of you doesn't induce feelings of affection, so I wouldn't choose to marry you."

The guards moved closer, but she didn't flinch or acknowledge their presence. If her time had come, she wanted it to be because she had spoken her mind when given the chance.

She continued, "However, if I think of what I could do as Queen, I am tempted to reconsider. So many people suffer without a voice. Caught up in your imperialism. Children who have never raised a hand against you are homeless and starving. Do you see them or hear their cries? I wouldn't make a good war Queen, but I long to ease the suffering I've seen. I can't do that as I am now.”

No Kiss Blogfest and Birth of a Novel 2012 Edition

Today (Jan 2nd) is Frankie Diane Mills 3rd Annual No Kiss Blogfest. Visit her site to read the rules and find Mr. Linky to find all the other participants. So, here is a snippet from Faerie Wings. I've posted it before, but since I joined this blogfest yesterday it's the best I can do.

If the symphony had been planned for my enjoyment, the dancing was for Heather. She and Scott took to the floor leaving Carter and me sitting in a corner. The music was too loud to talk, but I learned you can say a lot without words.

Carter traced the same circular pattern on my hand over and over. I leaned over and spoke close to his ear.

“Why the circles?”

He turned until his mouth was next to my ear. “Circles have no beginning and no end.” He drew another one on my palm. “There are many other meanings, but that’s my favorite one.”

The warmth of his breath on my skin spread. In the dim lighting of the club, a new boldness came over me. I flipped our hands over and drew a spiral on his palm. We sat so close that I felt his body tense. 

“Ma Cherie?” He exhaled into my hair.

“Did you know that in Celtic symbols, the spiral represents growth, balance, and creativity?” I spoke into his ear.

“It also means awareness and surrender.” He nipped at my ear, and a delicious tremor ran through me. “Please don’t tempt me more than I can take.”

His other hand closed over mine, stopping it’s motion. He didn’t pull away but pulled me closer. I couldn’t hear his breathing, but I felt the quick rise and fall of his chest so near to mine.

When it slowed he pulled back and looked into my eyes.

“Shall we dance?”

And now for the first Birth of a Novel post for 2012

Oh how the holidays derailed all my glorious plans.

Instead of working on Faerie Wings on the drive, I started a new WIP tentatively titled To Win the Game.

Current Word Count: 2,153
This is the story I've been terrified to write. I know I won't be able to do it right, but something moved me to start it. It'll probably sit in the background and get written in sporadic spurts. We'll see. If you are wondering it is contemporary women's fiction. Not a romance either. Totally different from my normal stuff.

In Faerie news, some big decisions WERE made, even though writing did not take place. First off, I made a huge discovery when I was telling my sister about this story. The story I explained to her--very concisely and quite good enough for a pitch btw--was not the story I had started writing. It sounded much better than what I was writing. It was the original idea that somehow I veered away from. I need to get back to THAT story.

Second, with that in mind, I figured out who Ryanne is at the beginning and who I want her to be by the end. I listed several ways to incorporate the changes into the current wip without having to rewrite everything.


I also started listing things that are in Ry's room. This will help me get deeper into Ry's head and then it will be easier to continue her journey. There are all these little things she's held onto from her childhood that show glimpses of her character, what she lost, and what she is searching to gain once again. It's been fascinating. She's finally talking to me!

Next up is Carter. I'll get to him soon I hope. He's still a bit flat in every instance but the romantic side of his roll. That part I've got. It's the rest of him I need to find. ;)

Current Word Count: 32,167

Deja Vu Blogfest: Show vs. Tell Example

Today I'm taking part in the Deja Vu blogfest hosted by DL Hammond. Click the link to see the other entrants. The idea is simple. Post a previous blog post that you think you might have been "missed" by the blogosphere. This was originally posted January 19th, 2011. As you will see, I missed a blogfest I wanted to participate in. So, what better post to repost for another blogfest?

I will say that the showing part has been revised. I'm trying to get it ready to submit somewhere, so please feel free to point out any areas that need work. (My updated notes in purple.)


January 19, 2011
I missed Misty's Show vs. Tell blogfest, but I really wanted to do it. So, I did it just for fun. She had several photos we could pick to use as inspiration. I placed the photo between the telling and the showing versions. Here you go.

Note 1: Um, sorry, I really got into the scene in my head and it came out a bit long. I'm not in the running for her awesome prizes, but would love to hear your comments. (There's also a tribute to one of my favorite authors, David Gerrold. Did you catch it?)

Note 2: I wrote this straight into blogger so it's a first draft, but I'm really excited about it. I'm thinking of expanding the idea to a three part short story. Kind of a past, present and future three segment thing. This would be the present. (You're not getting the first draft of showing section from January. I'm including the first 450 words of the most recent revision. The story is finished at 2,588 and needs to be fine tuned.)

Telling:

The alien ships landed Tuesday morning.

By the afternoon, the Allied forces were dumping everything we had on top of them. They sent me to the front line to make sure nothing walked out alive, because I'm the best. Conflicted, I prepared to do my job. Then the distress signal came in.

Someone on those ships knew my name. They called to me for help. And I went.

The angel waiting for me asked for my help, and I plead for her forgiveness as I scooped her into my arms. One look at my squad and I knew they had my back. Our lives became hers, and we would sacrifice everything to protect her.

But first we had to reach safety.

Showing:

Eight hours of freedom. That’s all I had left when the call came in.

“Briggs, turn on the T.V.” It was my weapons specialist, Dingilliad.

“What channel?” I picked up the remote.

“Doesn’t matter.”

The screen snapped on. An alien space ship had entered earth’s orbit three hours ago.

“Holy crap.”

A petite blond sat at the desk and read the report.
“The ship has been circling the globe, pausing at seemingly random places. Those who have observed the object report a low melancholy music emanating from within. These people have their own idea as to what the ship is doing here.”

The screen split to show a pastoral countryside in Scotland. An old man spoke in a heavy accent.

“The music was heartbreaking.” His shoulders slumped and his lip quivered. “It reminded me of when my Sarah passed away. They’ve lost something and now they’re looking for it.”

The newswoman frowned. “Similar stories are being reported all over the world. Could they be searching for something? Wait one moment,” She touched her ear and cocked her head to the side. Her brow furrowed and then she lowered a shaking hand. “The ship is now passing over the United States. It is currently moving down the coast from Maine. The Department of Defense is calling all off duty and inactive military staff to action. We encourage all civilians to remain in their homes until further notice.”

Dingilliad’s voice reminded me there was a phone in my hand.

“Chigger is here already. Come get us so we can get back to base. We don’t want to miss this one.”

“Yeah, on my way.”

****

I stood, binoculars in hand, at the edge of the desert in New Mexico. Dirt, yucca, and creosote bushes as far as the eye could see. The only difference today was the ship slowing to a stop five kilometers to the north of us. Ten miles from Roswell. The irony wasn’t lost on any of us.

The ship hovered over the desert. There was no shiny silver metal. No smooth surfaces or blinking lights. It looked like a floating hunk of scrap metal. Lumpy, brown, rusted, and pitted from micro-impacts it was a fifty foot oblong asteroid. No one would have thought it pretty, and yet it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

I shook my head and turned to Chigger. “Can you believe this?”

“Every sci fi movie I’ve ever seen is running through my head.” He pointed back at the ship. “Look.”

A long dagger like antenna grew from the top of the ship. Then a shorter one from the bottom, and two fin like protuberances from the sides.

Q4U: What do you think? Is there enough to pull you in or am I taking too long to get to it?