Writer's Reveal - The final chapter

Regular readers may possibly recall that once a month I partake in a little group activity called Writer's Reveal. It is a group that includes the following awesome and talented writers Melissa Writes, The Wolfe's Den, Imagine Create Write, Ashley and You learn something new everyday.

Every month we have one writer give out a prompt that we all right to. This month the prompt was given by yours truly. Just quietly I don't think I could have come up with a tricker prompt if I had of tried.

Given that the original idea behind the group was to help us with our fiction writing I thought I would try and come up with something that suited that notion. With hindsight I am thinking that maybe I should have given it just a little more thought.

The topic I came up with was...

"A tale about siblings with a magical twist"

At the time of coming up with my less than brilliant idea I was in the process of co-writing a story with Zany. As it turns out that is also what I am going to share with you today. Zany's inclusions are in bold.

Once upon a time there was a little girl and one days she went for a walk along the beach with her sister and their pet turtle.
When they were on the beach they found a beautiful shell. 

The little girl, who was called Becka, looked at the shell and said "wow it is pretty." Then she picked it up and put it next to her ear and she heard whhhhhssssshhhhhh. It sounded just like the waves that were crashing on the sand. 

Then she heard a little voice say "Help!" come from the shell.

Becka looked around. She couldn't see anyone other than her sister and their turtle on the beach. "Did you hear that?" she asked her sister Sally.

"No" said Sally.

"When I put the shell to my ear I thought I heard a voice asking for help. Hear you listen" Becka said as she passed the shell to her sister

"I still don't hear anything" said Sally

"Hmmmm, that is strange" said Becka. "Oh well I guess I must just be imagining it" she went on" come on let's keep walking"

"Help" cried the voice again

This time it was louder and Sally could hear it as well

"Oh" said Sally "did you hear that Becka? 

"Yes I did." replied her sister.

"I wonder where it is coming from?" said Sally 

"It is me" said a fairy called Sky.

"Where are you?" asked Becka

"In the shell, I'm stuck." replied the voice.

"Oh no!" Becka and Sally cried out together. "How did that happen?"

"Jackfrost did it" answered the little fairy.

"Well that wasn't very nice of him" said Sally

"How can we help get you out?" asked Becka

"Jackfrost is evil, he is mean to us fairies. Maybe you could try and pull me out with rope?" said Sky"We don't have any rope" said Sally

"But we do have rope in the car" said Becka."I think that it will be too thick though" replied Sally. "We will need to think of something else"

"I can make it small." called out Sky from her shell. 

"Oh hang on, I have a better" said Becka "Maybe we can use my necklace as a chain!""What a great idea" said Sky

"Let's do it!" said Sally

So Becka took off her necklace and Sally held the shell still. Becka carefully lowered the golden chain into the shell.

"It is to short I can't reach it" said Sky.

"What about if you stand on your tippy toes or try jumping?" suggested Becka

Standing on her tippy toes and stretching her arms as far as they would go Sky tried to reach the dangling chain that was just out of reach. It was still just out of reach.Taking a deep breath, not taking her eyes of the chain she jumped up and grabbed on to the chain. As she felt the chain brush against her finger tips she closed her hand tightly and grabbed hold of the chain.

"I've got it!" She exclaimed with great joy.

Carefully Becka pulled her necklace up out of the shell. Eagerly awaiting to see the little fairy dangling off the end.

Sadly that is as far as we got. Though even more sadly this will be my final post as part of the Writer's Reveal group. Blogging of late has been somewhat difficult and with #ourtripofalifetime drawing nearer with every day I can only see it becoming harder.

Thanks to the lovely ladies for including me in their uber cool group though and I hope you take the time to see all the other wonderful stories they came up with for this prompt.

Joining in also with Essentially Jess for #IBOT

Things I Know About Quirky Writer's Habits For Writer's Reveal and IBOT

Today's IBOT post is proudly bought to you by the Writer's Reveal group and teamed up with Things I Know over at Help I'm Stuck.

Writer's Reveal is a group of bloggers (most* of whom write all kinds of awesome things on a rather regular basis) Once a month we all write to the same topic which is suggested by one of the members.

I know that this month the prompt of Quirky Writer's Habits was given by Ashley.

I know that I am not really sure what quirky writer's habits I have. It feels like forever and a day since I really sat down and did any real writing. Is not considering myself a real writer a quirky habit? Perhaps self doubt and a lack of confidence is a more apt description?

I know that for quite some time I described myself as a non writing writer. I guess that could be seen as a somewhat quirky habit. Though perhaps it just links back to that self doubt and lack of confidence thing?

I know that words never seem to flow until the last minute or sometimes even later. Is leaving everything to the last minute really a quirky habit or is it just procrastination?

I know that after a quick google of some real writers quirky habits I have a long way to go.

Apparently to meet his deadline for The Hunchback of Notre Dame Victor Hugo placed himself under strict house arrest. Which included locking up all of his clothes and wearing only a large gray shawl until the book was finished.

In her twenties Virginia Woolf preferred to write while standing up. Some say it was so her sister, who was a painter and stood to create, would never be able to say she worked harder.

While Friedrich Schiller could not write without the stench of fermenting apples.

I know that I could maybe say my lack of editing and insistence of hitting the publish every time I sit to write something, regardless of what actually comes out could perhaps be seen as quirky. Though I fear it may just be a sign of laziness.

I know that my desire to link up blog posts to as many hosts as possible could be seen as quirky. Or attention seeking.

Are you a writer? Do you have any quirky habits? Are they more real and quirkier than mine?

Do you know something? Anything? If so you should totally share it over at Ann's

Are you a blogger? Do you blog on Tuesday? If you are and you do, do you join IBOT with Essentially Jess?

So many questions, so little time! Maybe my quirky writer's habit is that I tend to ramble on and on?

Other Writer's Reveal writers are

Melissa Writes

The Wolfe's Den

Imagine Create Write

Ashley

You learn something new everyday

*oh and by most I mean all of them but me, I am currently dishing out some tough love to myself.

Writers Reveal - People of the Past, Characters of the Future

This month's Writer's Reveal prompt comes from JC, who writes over at The Wolfe's Den. Now just between you and me JC is a pretty awesome writer. In fact I think she may even be like a real writer and have actually been published in places other than her own website. Unlike some of us

Anyway as you can imagine with all the real writer stuff behind her she is super organised and gave out the prompt for March weeks and weeks ago.  Which by the way is a rather impressive prompt as well.

People of the Past, Characters of the Future

When I first saw the prompt my heart may have stopped beating a little and my chest tightened quite a lot. I had no idea on how I could possibly tackle this. So naturally I left it all to the last minute. Well actually only nearly the last minute because somewhere on Monday (the day before reveal day) I suddenly had a flash of brilliance.

For as long as I have wanted to be a writer (which is about since the age of fourteen) I have been certain that my book would essentially be a recount of various aspects of my life. Not necessarily because I have had an amazing life but more so because I have have a way with words and I am sure I can make it somewhat entertaining. Maybe.

Anyway it finally hit me that to tackle JC's prompt I could just write about someone from my past. (duh)

While the possibilities were almost endless it was actually a bit of a no brainer on who and what to choose. You see fifteen years ago, to the day, my life suddenly took an unexpected swing. So unexpected that I didn't even know it was swinging until well after it had happened. My life changed forever and while it didn't directly send me to where I am now it was the starting point.

Of course little I do ever goes to plan, which I am fairly ok with but it means my initial thought of what to share never quite made it out of my head. Not that, that is a bad thing because it gave me a chance to set the scene and develop it all a little. It also means that I have a current stream to work on.

To find out how it all starts though you are going to need to pop on over to my Fiction Blog 

Also make sure you pop on over and read how everyone else decided to tackle this great prompt

Melissa Writes

The Wolfe's Den

Imagine Create Write

Ashley

You learn something new everyday

Have a laugh on me

Also joining in with Essentially Jess for #IBOT

Writer's Reveal - Advertising

Last time we met for Writer's Reveal it looked as if it would be no more. Our fearless leader at the time Emily M, had decided that blogging was no longer something she could squeeze into her action packed life. Thankfully though a fellow Emily offered to step in and take the reins to keep the little group together. Yay!!!

I am not sure how this dude fits in with the post but I
needed a picture and he sure is cute

After a bit of in house discussion we decided to make a few minor changes, the first of which being the day on which it was held. Due to my hosting of Thankful Thursday each week (which you should totally come and join in by the way), Thursday was not all that great for me. Thankfully, everyone else was happy with a change and Tuesday soon became the new day. Which works particularly well for me as it means I can do the old double whammy and join it in with IBOT over at Essentially Jess.

The other change put in place was rather than we give each other topics each month it was decided that we all try writing on the same topic and take turns each month in selecting the prompt. Since Emily had became our new driving force, she chose the first topic.

And what a great prompt she chose.

So on that note I guess I had best get on with the task at hand.

Advertising

 Advertising has always been of interest to me. My first jobs were all sales based and by the time I had my second go at studying at university I had ditched the arty farty degree and was heading down the sure fire line to success of a business degree majoring in marketing. 

Though as it turned out I still wasn't quite ready to be the student I needed to be to actually study enough to get the degree done. The marketing side of the degree was great I loved learning about consumer behaviour and how to get inside the customer's head to ensure that sale. The accounting side of the business degree however, beyond boring and uninteresting. Needless to say I am still without a degree.

Sigh. 

Needless also to say I am stumped at what to write. 

I had planned on rehashing a speech I wrote twenty years ago because my hazy memory thought it was related to advertising. After spending an hour tearing the house apart trying to find it last night I suddenly remembered that the title was actually English - Dead or Alive? And quite possibly had little to nothing to do with advertising. 

Double sigh. 

In my defense though it was an award winning speech and saw me crowned the Plain English Speaker for the state that year. Go me. 

So back to the here and now and writing about advertising. 

One would think it would have been simple enough given how much advertising is implanted into our daily lives. Every where we turn these days some form of advertising is being shoved down our throats. In both sublte and non subtle ways. Reality television shows have taken brand placement advertising to whole new levels leaving the consumer unsure of what it authentic or not. 

Meanwhile poor old little bloggers trying to cash in on the opportunity to advertise through sponsored posts are hauled over the coals for not being transparent enough in declaring whether they make money or not from mentioning a product.Tis a tough life sometimes in the fickle land of advertising. 

For me though my biggest issue with advertising is the falseness it portrays. Take Coke ads for example. If you are in a Coke ad your life is miracously transformed into one of fun and excitement. The reality of drinking it though is your end up obese and toothless. Which is possibly why I never made it to being a cut throat high flying advertising executive. The lies and misinformation was too much for this ethical peace loving hippy to endure. 

So what's your take on advertising? Love it or loathe it?

Make sure you head on over to my Writers Reveal buddies below and see what they think as well 

Melissa Writes

The Wolfe's Den

Imagine Create Write

Ghostnapped

You learn something new everyday

Have a laugh on me

Things I Know About Writers Reveal

 Hello and welcome to the end of another week and the sharing of all the things we know with the ever lovely Miss Cinders.

This week I want to share with you all the things I know about Writers Reveal which was a little group set up by Emily. Who sadly has decided that she just can't find the time to blog anymore. Which also kinda means that this the last of the Writers Reveal posts.

In case you haven't heard of it before Writers Reveal was a monthly get together where the following rather awesome bloggers Emily Morgan Writes, Melissa Writes, The Wolfe's Den, Imagine Create Write, Ghostnapped, You learn something new everyday and Have a laugh on me would give each other prompts to write to. There were also a few other bloggers, always Josefa and My Little Sunshine House that popped in and out over the five months.

Image here

The last posts where meant to go live yesterday but on account of my disorganisation and hosting Thankful Thursday I just never got round to it so here I am today. My prompt for this week came from Emily over at You Learn Something New Every Day. Who can I just say is one of my most favourite bloggers. She is so clever and witty and always well written. And get this, I have a feeling there are times in here life she has been like a real writer and been paid for her words.

Anyway Emily's prompt for me was A stitch in time. She made sure she gave me the prompt with more than plenty of time, as well as some incredibly kind words for me, yet here I am a day late and I got a big fat nothing.

I know that when I first read that prompt I thought it would be perfect for a piece of fiction.
I know that I was a little intimidated about how I would find ideas to do it justice
I know that my brain just froze and couldn't come up with anything. At all.

I know that when Emily asked me if I was interested in being part of the group I was beside myself with all kinds of excitement.

I know that at school I was always the last to be chosen for anything, if at all. Hence why it was so exciting to be included.

I know that school was a long time ago but some wounds are hard to heal.

I know that even though most of my posts were left to the last minute I did enjoy the challenge.

I know that even though I did enjoy the challenge there is a little bit of me that is a bit glad it has come to an end.

I know I don't really need any more things to be left to the last minute I have got plenty of my own things left waiting till then. Speaking of which I should probably go and see to.

Why I believe in fairies #writersreveal

 This month's topic for my #writersreveal prompt was given to my by the rather awesome Emily from the incredibly awesome blog Have A Laugh On Me. Who last month I neglected to add on my list at the bottom of the post.

My bad and so sorry Em!

Emily has asked me to share why I believe in fairies.

Which is a pretty good question I suppose.

Why do I believe in fairies?

My initial response is to say why not? I mean it is well documented that we should believe in something, so why not fairies? To me it is not that different to believing in a God. But then I realised that didn't make for the greatest of reading and perhaps I should add a little more.

When I come across images like this

Image from here

or even this

I can't help but wonder how people don't believe in fairies and the like, because places like this are clearly where they live. Why else would there be such quaint little parts of nature if fairies didn't live there?

The first post that I have tagged here with fairies dates all the way back to February 2008. It doesn't talk so much about fairies but more about the signs I feel are sent my way on a rather regular basis. For as long as I can remember I have always felt that there are just some things I seemed to know. Which made accepting certain events in life a little easier as I realised they were all just falling into line as needed.

When I read Doreen Virtue's book, Healing With Fairies I realised that these signs and messages I felt I had been getting were actually from the fairies. After reading the book, which I was just somehow drawn to in the library, I felt like I had discovered a startling revelation that suddenly helped my life seem so much clearer.

Only for whatever reason I never felt comfortable sharing my thoughts with others. Mainly because I feared being laughed at. Which just between you and me is something I fear on a fairly regular basis on many different levels. It wasn't until after I wrote this post about what I believe in  that I started to develop the confidence to share my fairy belief.

Which was kinda really sucky because I would constantly beret myself for saying I believed but didn't have the faith to say it out loud. I figured it made me look like a bit of a phoney. Obviously I am well passed that now.

Now as much as there is a part of me that would like to wax lyrical about my love of the magical beauty and mystery of fairies I just don't have it in me at this particular point in time. Right now the only thing the fairies are telling me is to go to bed. Immediately. I have once again left this post till later than the last minute. And by that I mean far too late on Wednesday night. When will I ever learn?

Please take the time to check out some of the other writers taking part this month.

Emily Morgan Writes

Melissa Writes

The Wolfe's Den

Imagine Create Write

Ghostnapped

You learn something new everyday

Have a laugh on me

Oh and if you are looking for Thankful Thursday, look no further

Regret {Writers Reveal Prompt}

This month's prompt was given to me by the ever lovely Jodi, who is currently powering her way through the arduous task of writing fifty thousand words in the space of thirty days.

I guess my first regret could be that I have not tried hard enough to make time to see if there really is a novel inside of me. The only thing is though I kinda made a rule that I wouldn't waste my energy on regret. In many ways I feel that regret is closely aligned to failure. Not that there is anything wrong with failure as that it means at some point you must have been trying and as long as you try and keep on trying you have never failed. Or so they say.

I guess my other issue with owning regrets is that it is a bit like admitting you were wrong, or made a wrong choice. Which let's face it no one ever really wants to do.

image from here with thanks

Having said all of that though there are some things I have realised I regret and as long as I learn from those regrets then all is well that ends well. 

So what are some of my regrets?

I regret all those times I held myself back. 

I regret the too many occasions I have yelled at my children. 

I regret staying up to late when I have an early start. 

I regret ordering chilli chicken without checking just how chilli it really is. 

I regret not discovering the joys of me time sooner. 

I regret not trying (harder) at school, uni and most things that I do. The balance between laid back and giving it our all can be so hard to establish. 

I regret not discovering the joy of coffee sooner. 

I regret not starting this post sooner. 

Please take the time to check out some of the other writers taking part this month.

Emily Morgan Writes

Melissa Writes

JFGibson

The Wolfe's Den

Imagine Create Write

always Josefa

Ghostnapped

You learn something new everyday

Have a laugh on me

Writers Reveal - A prompt from J.C Wolfe

This month's prompt for me as part of the Writers Reveal group at Emily Morgan Writes, was given to me by J.C Wolfe. Now I don't know why but somehow this all slipped to the back of my mind, and I failed to get my post out on the required day and time. 

My bad and I am super sorry.

Of course thanks to the wonders of modern technology though the post is back dated and if I had of kept my mouth shut you would have been none the wiser!

Only I feel the need to tell you because now rather than being filled with deep and mind-blowing wishes it will be rushed through and slapped together with the barest of thoughts.

A fairy comes to you and grants you three wishes. You can make any three wishes you want, under the following condition:

One wish is just for you,
One wish is for your family,
And one wish is for the world

I think the one wish for me, other than the published book or other related dreams I spoke of last time, is that I wish to no longer be a world class procrastinator. My constant delaying of absolutely everything is holding me back from being all that I can, I am sure of it. This post is quite possibly all the evidence required for proof.

The wish for my family is pretty easy. I wish for them to all live happy and long lives. Filled with lots of love and laughter. I wish for my girls to always be comfortable within their own skin and know that all that they are is more than enough. Though that may all be more than one wish.

As for my wish for the world? Well I don't want to sound all Miss Beauty Queen like but there really is something lovely about the concept of world peace isn't there? Either that or ending the gaps of inequality or hunger.

What would your answers have been?

Are you a terrible procrastinator as well?

Please take the time to check out some of the other writers taking part this month.

Emily Morgan Writes

Melissa Writes

JFGibson

The Wolfe's Den

Imagine Create Write

always Josefa

Ghostnapped

You learn something new everyday

Dreams {Writers Reveal Prompt}

 This month's prompt for "Writers Reveal" was given to me by the lovely Becky over at Imagine Create Write.

You may have noticed (if you are super super observant and have very little else to think about) that there has been a slight name change since last month where it was called "Secret Subject Swap"

Apparently someone else somewhere on the world wide web had already come up with that name and wasn't overly keen on there being another one. Which I guess I kinda understand but can't help but feel there could very well be enough room on the Interwebs for two secret subject swaps. But what do I know?

Back to my post for now.

Picture via here
After searching 'dreams' at my favourite photo site this was the one that I liked best.
I had 703 to choose from in case you are interested.

Dreams.

Honestly the first thing that comes to my mind when I hear the word dreams is the song by Gabrielle. Well at least the chorus is 

Dreams can come true

Look at me babe I'm with you

You know you gotta have hope

You know you gotta be strong

Being a teenager in the nineties this song was almost like a mantra to me for a while. Actually now that I think about it maybe I can recall a boy and a disco and some dancing....but maybe I am just dreaming as well.

When I first received the prompt from Becky, my mind when into overdrive. The possibilities of writing about dreams seemed endless. After all dreams are something we all have aren't they? Naturally this meant I left it all to the last minute and probably won't take on any of my brilliant ideas over the last few weeks.

One of my current dreams involve winning the lottery and running away in caravan till the money runs out. While I am off galavanting around the country I will be inspired to pen words in such a way that publishers will be frantically chasing after me offering all kinds of amazing deals, which will prevent the money from ever running out and I can be a gypsy kind of gal forever. Only a very rich gypsy, or at least one that never has to worry about making ends meet.

If all goes to plan, this dream (apart from the lotto and book deal, so really just galavanting around the country bit) should come into fruition by July next year. I. Can. NOT. Wait! Mr A is due for his long service next year and we are going to use that time (plus some extra) to hit the road and show the kidlets this great land we call home. Beyond excited is what I am.

Generally I don't hold on to dreams and plans and what have you. I tend to over plan and not actually achieve anything so experience has taught me that as long as I am pointed in the right direction to just go with the flow and hope for the best. A trip of this magnitude though is probably going to need a little preparation to ensure it evolves from just being a pipe dream.

Sigh.

What dreams do you have?

Please take the time to check out some of the other writers taking part this month.
Emily Morgan Writes
Melissa Writes

JFGibson

The Wolfe's Den

Imagine Create Write

always Josefa

Ghostnapped

My Little Sunshine House

Secret Subject Swap Reveal - 1

Astute and observant regular readers would have noticed a little badge appear in my side bar the other week.

In case you missed it it looks a little like this

Ok so it looks a lot like that, because that is it.

Secret Subject Swap is the brain child of Emily who can be found here and here. She asked myself and a bunch of other uber cool bloggers, (a full list is at the end of the post) if we were interested in setting some secret writing prompts for each other and all publishing on the same day. Given my desire to challenge myself as a writer whenever possible I jumped at the chance. Plus I am always a fan of anything secret, but who isn't?

So today is the day on which we are all to unveil our secret prompts. Mine was given to me by the ever lovely Josefa from always Josefa. 

Image from here
Painted by Craig Orback

“His talent was as natural as the pattern that was made by the dust on a butterfly's wings. At one time he understood it no more than the butterfly did and he did not know when it was brushed or marred. Later he became conscious of his damaged wings and of their construction and he learned to think and could not fly any more because the love of flight was gone and he could only remember when it had been effortless.”

This quote was said by Ernest Hemingway in reference to Scott Fitzgerald. I encourage you to interpret, write, prose, describe or philosophise in any way you like as a response to this quote.

Deep huh?

Now full credit to Josefa because she gave me this some what complex prompt with plenty of time to think it all over and come up with something truly wonderful. Which I promise I had every intention of doing. Honest, I did.

When I first read it I was totally excited because I thought it was just the excuse I was looking for to re-read The Great Gatsby. I fondly recall devouring the pages back when I was a university student. With the recent release of the latest movie version I had been thinking of doing so anyway but had just not quite got around to it. Surprisingly, or not, I still haven't managed to pull it off the book shelf.

Nor did I get around to researching what else old Ernest had to say. Or anyone else for that matter. Technically I could get up and turn the internet on and have a look now but I lost interest at the getting up part. It is the end of another long day after all. Plus with the internet on I am not likely to be able to resist the time void that is Facebook (but please come and like my page). Tragic I know but in my defence I have been resisting the temptations of evil ALL. DAY. LONG.

I have however pondered greatly on how Josefa came across the quote and what prompted her to pass it on to me. Did she simply Google butterfly and go from there? I mean that makes sense because I like butterflies (but again who doesn't?) Or is there more to it than that? Was it perhaps a prompt that she herself was given at some point in time. Such a crafter writer as her is bound to have completed at least a course or two at some point. 

Needless to say I then question all that I am. Wonder whether the prompt I passed onto Ashely cut the mustard. Did she struggle with it as much as I with mine? Did she curse me and my stupid prompt like I may or may not have? Was it completely off the mark and not what was expected? Should I even be a part of such a group?

Nothing like a dose of self doubt to get the creative juices flowing. Or not.

The distracted procrastinator in me then kicks in and the original train of thought is completely gone and long forgotten. My post still a blank canvas and my mind in much the same state.

I go back and read the quote again. For the umpteenth time I might add. Desperate to try and find something, anything that I make into a worthy post and hold onto the hope there is a chance for me and this writing gig.

“His talent was as natural as the pattern that was made by the dust on a butterfly's wings. At one time he understood it no more than the butterfly did and he did not know when it was brushed or marred. Later he became conscious of his damaged wings and of their construction and he learned to think and could not fly any more because the love of flight was gone and he could only remember when it had been effortless.”

I can't help but wonder if my own wings are perhaps a little damaged. Only if they are, I hope the dust can once again be brushed on to them and I can go back to it being effortless. Life in general of late has been far from effortless, but that is not what I want to get caught up in now.Right now I want to get caught up on dissecting all the different ways Hemmingway's words could be interpreted regarding his friend. 

But alas 'tis now late and this post long enough for now.

Other Secret Subject Swappers include

Melissa Writes

JFGibson

The Wolfe's Den

Imagine Create Write

always Josefa

Ghostnapped

My Little Sunshine House