Apparently I messed up the date for my own blogoversary post (I thought it was next week??), but oh well.
Saver of Memories has been up for around a year, and the only thing I have to say about that is, "I'm sorry guys, I failed." I'm still around. My apologies that you've had to deal with me for so long, and it looks like it's not stopping here.
A year ago, Sarah and I decided to start blogging. I can't quite remember why, tbh. It just kinda happened. But it's been nice. The other bloggers are so nice and wonderful, and I love getting to hear about all these new stories that are in the works!
To celebrate this, um, celebration, Sarah and I are hosting a giveaway. It includes some little jars filled with writing prompts and word crawls. You can use them for whatever you want, really, but that's just what will be inside them when you get them. And then the two notebooks. Those are really pretty. (I'm contemplating not shipping them and just hoarding them for myself, but shhh! don't tell Sarah!) Lastly, there will be a tote bag, made by Sarah herself, to carry all those writing materials that you always have to have on your person.
Check out Sarah's post for pictures. (Evangeline Diasimah offered to take the pictures, but for some reason neglected to send them to me...)
When I first started writing, I honestly knew
nothing.I didn’t know what in the world I was
doing.I was simply given a laptop, and I planned to type up a
little story - just for fun.I didn’t do any
prep.I didn’t have a plot.I didn’t even have spell check (scary, I know). And then I decided I wanted to publish said story.
(Somehow.)
I didn't research things.
I just wrote.
Eight years later, I like to think I’ve gotten a little bit
better.I don’t just wing my
stories.I have a decent word processor
(with spell check!!).I even have
(slightly more) realistic plans of publishing.
So how have I grown as a writer?Let me count the ways...
I start a new paragraph every time a character talks (and, as a bonus, when the subject changes!)
I no longer have people with guns randomly showing up in a fantasy novel (please don't ask)
My characters act their age (because when I was 12, a 17 year old was old and very much an adult)(now that I'm 21, I think 17 year olds are practically children)
No longer are the characters copies of myself and my friends
There is actually decent worldbuilding (or at least attempts at it)
I start each story knowing, more or less, where it is going to go
I actually finish stories I start (mostly because of the above point)
I know what steps needs to be taken to actually get published (or at least, more than I knew when I first dreamed of it)(thanks to GTW)
There is a larger variety of characters (not just a girl trying to prove she’s better than boys, and the guy with anger issues) and an even greater variety of weapons (cause not everyone uses a sword, y'all)
I know for certain that I have no clue what I’m doing (and thus am constantly learning)
What have you all learned after writing for a while (be it years, or just weeks)?
Now, don't get me wrong. I actually really enjoy reading it. There's something amazing about these tiny little stories, crafted in a thousand words or less, sometimes inspired by just a brief sentence or a single picture. Not only that, but flash fiction can be written in a single sitting. It can be read in a matter of minutes. And it still is compelling.
What is there to dislike? Yet, for some reason, I cannot stand writing flash fiction.
Me attempting to write it usually goes something like this...
Step One: Oh, fun! A prompt!!! *reads prompt* Wow, I can't wait to create a cute little story out of this!!
Step Two: No ideas. None whatsoever. *thunks head repeatedly on desk*
Step Three: Finally!! I think I know where to take this prompt... *types on laptop for a while* *checks word count* Whoops, I just wrote a novel...
Despite this problem, I decided to go ahead and sign up for the Penprints Flash Fiction Dash, hosted by Rosalie Valentine. Because what better way to get good at something than to just go ahead and do it, eh? So enjoy my flash fiction, found below.
The horse was tall, with hooves the size of dinner plates. His eyes, small and brown, hid beneath a thick, curly mane. He was every bit of magnificent the trader claimed him to be.
“The deal is off."
My voice rasped through my dry throat.
“This isn’t what I expected.”
“Nonsense!” Jayke nearly dropped the lead rope. “This is what you wanted me to find for you, Tessa! You said you wanted a beautiful horse, black as the night, and easy to ride. I’ve found this one for you. Now where’s my money?”
I suppose it served me right for bargaining for horse traders. You never knew what exactly you would end up with. “Jayke, you must be playing a trick on me. I can’t ride that horse! I can’t even climb up on him! I never thought I would have to tell you “make sure he’s a good size for me” when I gave you my criteria for a new horse.”
The beast stretched his mouth open in a yawn, clearly bored. The horse beside him, a lovely little chestnut mare, pricked her ears forward in my direction.
“What about that mare, Jayke? I wanted a horse like her - something small and pretty.”
“But that’s not what you said!” Jayke scratched his gray beard, almost confused by my sudden distraction. “You wanted black and easy to ride. I brought you this one. Give me the money and if you don’t like him you can trade him off yourself!”
The money bag clung to my hand, but the horse trader snatched it from my grip, leading the mare and a few other horses away. I wiped my hand on my shirt, then again, trying to dry the sweat away. The black horse stood still as a stone at the hitching post, ears pricked in my direction. I turned away, a pit in my stomach. I knew the risks, and still I had dared hire a trader to find me a horse. Could I really have expected a better result?
“Scared, Tessa? Perhaps I’d better walk you home.” Tink’s sneer could be felt all the way across the road. He lounged against the door frame of a shop, a half-eaten apple in his hand. “That horse would likely eat you alive if you got close. You practically shrink in his shadow!”
“I’m not scared!” The words escaped my lips before I could catch them. “Why don’t you ride him yourself, if you think he’s such a dangerous horse!”
Tink merely took a bite of his apple. “He’s just a plow house. No spirit or speed in him. It’s embarrassing to even be seen near him. No one rides plow horses, Tessa. You should have gotten one of those little horses from the East, or even a smoother horse from the mountains. Much better suited for you.”
He was right. But I wouldn’t let him have the satisfaction. “I just wanted something beautiful and black. That’s what I told Jayke. This is what I got.”
“I’d say he got the better end of that deal.”
Maybe. I studied the horse for a moment. No saddle. No bridle. Just the halter and a lead rope. And my wounded pride.
I untied the rope and tossed the end over the muscular neck. The horse barely blinked as I ducked under his chin to tie the other end of the rope to his halter, making crude reins.
“You’re actually going to ride him?” Tink arched an eyebrow. “Have fun with that.”
Despite weighting hundreds of pounds more than my skinny frame, the horse moved sideways at the poke of my finger. He patiently watched as climbed onto the hitching post, and from there onto his broad back. I picked up the reins and hesitated. The ground was quite a long way down.
Tink snorted. “What are you going to do if there isn’t a hitching post around to use to get up there?”
“Guess I’ll just walk.” I didn’t even bother to wave goodbye as the horse plodded up the road. If I squinted, I could almost see the ground shake as he set down each great hoof. If I fell and ended up underneath him… I peeked over my shoulder. Tink was watching.
I clicked my tongue, and the horse easily moved into a trot. If the ground wasn’t shaking before, it certainly was now. Window panes rattled as I rode along the street, and children jumped out of the way, staring in surprise from the safety of their front porches. When I reached the edge of town, I grabbed a handful of mane and tightened my leg grip. The black horse jumped into a canter, his neck arched and hooves pounding the dusty road back to the farm.
Laughter rose to my lips, surprising the last shadow of fear away. I had been afraid for nothing.
This was the best deal of my life.
My prompt...
So, do I have a future in writing flash fiction? Is it possible for me to actually write something that doesn't have horses in it? Hmmm...no on both counts, I think.
Also, be sure to check out Rosalie's blog later this month for the epic wrap-up post, where you'll get to read tons of flash fiction!!!
We love throwing problems towards our characters, don't we? We all complain, "Our poor hero - all these things have happened to him/her. Maybe I should go add a few more..."
Well, look no further! I have a list of a few more problems you can give them, and they all center around horses (because I'm a horse person, if you didn't know that already).
As the average horse person knows, things with horses don't always go as expected. As writers, we can use this to our advantage...
Scene
Your MC needs to ride to the rescue, or bring some important news, or even just happily ride off into the sunset.
Let's go ruin that moment, shall we?
Option 1
The poor character (hereafter dubbed PC) grabs the nearest horse and swings into the saddle to go dashing off...only to discover the horse is extremely lazy and only offers a half-hearted jog. Despite lots of kicking and shouting and slapping from the PC, the horse makes little effort to go faster.
Option 2
The PC has started their epic gallop...only to discover they should have checked their girth before swinging so dashingly into the saddle. Now, as they streak across the plain, the saddle begins to slide to the left...and slide a little more...a little more....
Option 3
After a few steps, the horse begins limping badly. They may be missing a shoe. Maybe their toes are long and they need a trim. Perhaps they are sensitive to the rocky ground. In any case, this horse is in pain, and should not have been picked for this important ride.
Option 4
This horse is not trained, and really has no clue what the PC is asking of them. They may attempt to buck their rider off, or just stand stock still in confusion. They may go alright, but stop? No.... Turn? No....
Scene
Your MC is attempting to show off - maybe to their love interest, someone they look up to (like their mentor), or just some casual passers by.
Option 1
The horse sees a tasty patch of grass and jerks his head down in an attempt to get a bite. The rider is jerked forward, almost toppling out of the saddle, and begins a tug-of-war to get his mount's head back up.
Option 2
Nature calls. The horse decides it needs to use the restroom (which for horses is basically anywhere they feel like it).
Option 3
As the PC puts on a broad smile, attempting to be cool and casual, their horse sees something in the shadows (probably a saber-tooth tiger) and leaps into the air, terrified, and attempts to gallop to safety before being eaten alive. The PC may or may not be left behind.
Option 4
The PC swings out of the saddle with great horsemanship, ready to confidently strut to said person they are attempting to impress, when the horse sneezes, sending horse boogers all over the clothing of the PC.
Option 5 As they canter along, perfectly in snyc, like the lovely team of horse-and-rider they are, the horse trips over his own feet and staggers forward...
Scene
There's a wild, beautiful horse running free in a field, or maybe kept in a stall, or tied to a hitching post. No one can ride him. The PC tiptoes up, a small smile on their face. "I'm good with horses," they say softly, and prepare to make the horse their own. The horse will likely snort or rear a few times, but then he'll behave like they have some deep, mysterious connection. Who knows...give him a week or two and he'll probably know a few tricks.
Option 1 The horse takes off leaping and bucking. He's never been ridden before, and a human sitting on his back is a lot like some mountain lion up there, trying to eat him.
Option 2 The horse doesn't know what's expected of him, and refuses to move forward. He doesn't rear, he doesn't buck, just...doesn't move. He's not stubborn, just confused. How is he supposed to move around with a human sitting on his back?
Option 3 So maybe the horse doesn't buck that PC right off. But if they've never been ridden before, how do they know basic horse manners? Like, stopping, turning, standing for mounting, not kicking other horses behind you, or running over those in front? That poor horse just doesn't have a clue. At least, since he's behaving well, the PC can continue to ride him and give him those miles he needs to learn how to behave decently.
Option 4 Before the PC even gets a chance to get close, that wild horse spins around and delivers a powerful kick, sending our hero flying through the air...
A Non-Comprehensive List of Other Things to Throw at your Poor Character
Tack problems - maybe a rein gets unclipped, a girth snaps, a bridle breaks. Trust me, it's not totally unrealistic for something to happen in just the wrong moment...like a rein breaking while you're galloping, or a loose girth to cause the saddle to slip. If the saddle doesn't fit the horse, it can either slip at the slightest movement, or pinch the horse, possibly causing bucking, biting, or at the least, soreness and a grudge.
Water. I know three horses (all are retired show horses, so that might be the cause or just a coincidence) who never drink when out on a trail. No matter how hot it is or how long the ride, they will not drink until they are back home. Horses can get dehydrated, too, writers!! Make sure they're drinking - or not drinking...
Sometimes horses get along, and sometimes they don't. My TWH can be best friends with a number of horses...then put him with a certain Haflinger and suddenly there's a fight to the death. And you can never tell when horses will get along and when they won't.
Horse are trained differently. You can get along great with one horse, and then swing onto another and have no idea how to get him to turn, stop, go fast, etc. Generally, horses are trained to do such things in similar ways, but you're always going to come across thatone horse that is totally different.
Stirrups. Every person has their own set stirrup length. It depends on their style of riding and comfort levels. And when you ride someone else's horse, or jump onto a random horse, the stirrups must be adjusted accordingly, or else.... An old saying goes "If your knees hurt, your stirrups are too short. If your butt hurts, your stirrups are too long. If everything hurts, your stirrups are just right."
Horses move differently. There are gaited and non-gaited horses, plus draft horses and ponies to think about. Each horse has their own particular way of moving, usually related to their breed, but also their distinct personality. They might be smooth, bouncy, fast, slow. They might mix up their gaits. They can be clumsy or surefooted. But, believe me, a rider can tell the different, and if you're used to riding one way, a different way is sure to feel weird, and possibly make for a miserable journey.
Have I missed anything worth nothing? Have I inspired you to add some more horse antics into your stories? Or are you now afraid to even ride one yourself?
Whew!! Two book tours in one month! Yes, I've been running around like crazy getting ready for all these, but it's been lots of fun, nonetheless. Today, I'm sharing some exciting news about Hope Ann's new novella, The Stealthmaster's Shadow, and I'm beyond thrilled for this one!
It's been ten confounded years since the war ended. Verus, a retired soldier, determines to enforce the peace the victory ought to have brought. His wanderings bring him to the city of Nerva, a sprawling riverside chaos no other Stealthmaster will touch.
Commandeering the task of a former comrade, Verus presents himself to the governor and promises to search out hidden Subverters. The true reason for his actions he keeps to himself. After all, the tyrannical governor will hardly approve of lending aid to those pitted against him, but the Subverters need information. Maybe even weapons.
The wishes of the Subverters themselves are immaterial. They weren’t there during the war. They didn’t see the horrors Tauscher spread.
Verus has.
So has the new ambassador from Zahavia who strides through the great doors of the feasting hall, bringing Verus face to face with nightmares from his past.
As the simple mission dissolves into confusion, Verus struggles to help those he’s plunged into danger, from a serving lad to the infuriating woman he’s taken to calling “Princess.” Fleeing will only make the enemy stronger. But staying…
Staying could doom them all.
~~*~~
*stutters*
I'm not even quite sure where to begin my review, to be honest.
I'll start by saying this is my favorite Legends of Light book yet. I even went and re-read Rose of the Oath (my previous favorite) right after reading this one, just to verify which one I liked better. Might not have been the greatest idea, but just for the record...The Stealthmaster's Shadow is now my new favorite.
Perhaps it was because I felt like I was reading a real story. This wasn't just a fairy-tale retelling, with some names or stuff changed to make it different. This wasn't just an allegorical/Christian story.
Yes, this is a faint retelling of the old 12 Dancing Princesses tale. Yes, this does have some allegorical elements, and a Christian theme.
But it's also just a plain enjoyable read! I enjoyed the characters, the world, the conflict...everything about this little novella.
Yes, it's a novella. Normally I dislike novellas (I want tons of reading material, y'know??), but this one...somehow when I finished, I wasn't left with this empty "but I want more" feeling. No, I was satisfied. The story was nicely done, from beginning to end.
(There was, however, a good bit of more violence found in this book than in the other Legends of Light novellas. Mostly just one particular torture scene...nothing too extremely graphic. But just a brief heads up.)
But if you like a bit of mystery, a bit of excitement and danger, maybe a hint of romance, and tons of sarcasm...this is highly recommended!
So, are you excited yet??? If you haven't ordered it yet, just stare at this beautiful cover, and you might change your mind.
I'm sorry, but that cover is amazing. Just amazing. Whew, I can't stop repeating myself. The castle...the cloaked figure...and the dark red...come on, that's an epic cover!!!!
Click here to order now from Amazon, and here to add to Goodreads.
Hope Ann uses chocolate to bribe a wide ring of spies, from the realm leapers of Aslaria to the double agents of Elkbend, for their stories. Based in Indiana, she is the self-published author of the Legends of Light series, personal writing coach, and the Communications Coordinator for Story Embers. You can find out more about her at authorhopeann.com
MK took it as a dare, and sent her a number of questions. Lilah made the mistake of saying "Betcha can't think of any more" and...received more...
However, Lilah took it in stride, and publicly challenged MK to ask her as many questions as she could think of.
Eventually MK got bored. After 115 questions. It was a very long post.
Shortly after that, it grew into a tag (after getting shrunk to 65 questions).
These are the guidelines... 1. Link back to me, because I am queen of all. 2. Or Link back to Lia's post, because it amuses me. 3. Come and comment that you've done the tag so I can read it and laugh all over again. 4. Answer the questions. 5. Tag your friends so that they hate you.
I actually haven't officially been tagged - I believe people are hesitant to actually tag someone, since there are so many questions, and just leave it open. But, to make this exciting...I'm going to try to link to as many songs as I can...
One song on the radio that annoys you?
I hear this playing on the downtown loudspeakers all the time at work. It drives me insane.
One song that you love and sing along to every time it comes on the radio?
I don't listen to the radio much. I usually just play something on my phone. And there's nothing on the downtown speakers that I enjoy...
Favorite and least favorite genre of music?
Bluegrass is my home genre, and I would probably say metal is my least favorite.
Last song you listened to?
(Before looking up songs for this post, lol)
According to SoundCloud history, Feast of Starlight. That sounds about right.
Song you've been listening to a lot?
Yeah, on repeat. And repeat again. And again...
Favorite music video?
I actually don't watch a lot of music videos, especially since I mostly play music as background noise for writing, running, and such. Really, I only occasionally watch this one:
Are you listening to music right now?
You think???
Favorite romantic song?
Um....maybe the song that I've been listening to on repeat? (See above)
Last song you cried during?
Don't ask. Please.
Last song that made you laugh?
My siblings and I like to do a sing-off with this one! It usually ends with laughter.
A song you like in a different language?
Oh, wow. I actually have a bunch to choose from...but, ultimately, it goes to...
Favorite summer song?
Um....what??? Like...for playing while driving down the road with the windows down??
If so, then:
Road trip song?
I play this song a lot...Sarah and I jam to it...Evan tolerates it...my little sisters can chime in on the chorus...my brother sings along...and sometimes even my Mom! :)
Put yourself to sleep song?
I know that might be a little weird....but I find this kinda beautiful and haunting and when I imagine some kind of fantasy adventure to go with the music than I start dropping off the sleep...
While-you-read song?
I actually don't listen to music while I read...too distracting. :)
While-you-study song?
My studying days are DONE thank you very much
Last song on your playlist?
*laughs* Which playlist? I have SEVERAL.
Song that makes you want to dance?
I mean, really, who doesn't want to dance while watching that???
POWER SONG?
Ma running song, mates!!
Instrumental song?
I listen to bluegrass. There's a lot of instrumentals. But a favorite?
It's so beautiful...and powerful....and amazing...and everything I like in a Bluegrass song.
A song with a color in it.... and do you love it or hate it?
Don't laugh, but this is the first thing that came to mind...
I kinda tolerate it. I'm not really a Les Mis fan, but this one is kinda catchy.
A song that means a lot to you right now?
I've been working on playing this one on the piano, and it's really been fun playing that instrument again and mastering it.
I dunno, just something about it...the deepness...this feel of history...the rising and falling of the tune...it's hauntingly beautiful.
Favorite Disney Song?
Okay, so it's just a musical part...but it's my favorite and I LOVE it.
Favorite Disney Love Song?
Um.... *has no idea what to answer* I don't watch many Disney movies, actually...
Disney song you hate/dislike?
Don't even get me started on this one...
I CANT STAND THIS
Favorite Disney soundtrack as a whole?
Sooooo technically PotC is a Disney franchise, right? So this counts, right?
Take your favorite season and make a playlist for it... it has to be at least 5 songs long.
Summer!!
You've heard of comfort food....what are your comfort songs?
Winter song that is not about Christmas OR a typical Christmas song?
What, you thought you could mention "winter" and not have me think of this??
A song with food in it?
Blackberry Winter!! Blackberries are food, right??
Listen to it - you won't regret it. If the first part is a bit slow and boring, at least skip ahead to around 8 and a half, and it's BEAUTIFUL!!!
Music you listen to while cleaning your room?
Anything, really. But this has been a random favorite that I whip out when I need something motivational.
Song for each of your top two favorite holidays?
Okay, so I'm not a holiday person. I really like Thanksgiving, though. And a Psalm that we always sing together on Thanksgiving.
(So, I look up Psalm 100 to provide a video, and the first one that comes up is this one...and it's GPC!!!! I love the people there, and visit them a lot, and they visit us, and they're great folks!)
But apparently I need a second favorite holiday, and another song??
*speechless*
Um....
*frantically hurries to next question*
What movie/TV show theme songs can you sing?
Okay, so I don't watch many TV shows, and it seems like the few I do watch don't even have theme songs with vocals?? But this will have to do...
Song not about relationships, boys, love or anything super serious or sad?
This one makes me laugh - every time!
A Folk Tune you like?
I love this one!!! It's so fun to play (I even prepared my own version for competing), and this version is beautiful!!
Songs that always get stuck in your head...even if you only hear a line or two?
Do you have a song that reminds you of one of your OTPs?
And take a guess on what my top OTP is...
A song that you feel different about after seeing the music video and whether you stopped liking it or not?
I believe I've already mentioned that I don't watch many music videos...I think I've seen more than I ever have before just by looking up songs for this post...
A song you would recommend to everyone?
A song you don't like telling people about so you can horde it and make it "your song"?
Well I'm certainly not going to tell you now!!!
A song that makes you want to go out and do something crazy/adventurous?
Well, since you asked...
Okay, I'll admit, I do listen to The Winter Soldier soundtrack quite a bit...
A song that is super catchy, but you don't like because you don't like the meaning behind the words or just don't like it?
Oh now you've done it. I can't even think of this song without it getting stuck in my head. So I'm not even going to find a video. I'm just gonna name it.
WAGON WHEEL
Doesn't matter where I go, I hear it. On the radio, on the speakers playing downtown, by some random dude playing the guitar at the street corner...it's everywhere.
And it's not the best. The tune is so catchy but the lyrics aren't the greatest...kinda have hidden meanings, y'know??
A song you listen to while pretending you're listening to someonetalk?
I like to think I'm polite and pause my music when people are talking to me. But if I have an instrument in my hands, I'm likely to quietly play it during conversations.
A children's song you like?
I mean, really, did you expect anything different???
A lullaby you would sing to your own children.
Unless I've already been singing for over an hour, and happen to have a cold. Cause last time I sung for an hour, with a cold, and then sang this one, I started getting light-headed...
A song that is "your theme song"
I've already answered that, kind of. But here's another video anyway. And this time, it has bagpipes!
Never heard of this person, btw. The video came up, and I was all "Bagpipes?? Gotta give this a listen!!"
Adam of the Road came to mind instantly. It's a super cute story about a minstrel's son, who gets separated from his dad and has to wander the medieval world, with his harp and his dog, to find his father again.
Highly recommended if you like cute reads!! (With dogs and music!!)
5 favorite musicians and your favorite of their songs?
*bluegrass bands only (take warning)* *click band to go to fave song*
Um....honestly, I don't know. I don't know who they are and I'm kinda afraid to Google them...
Listen to a song by Justin Bieber (or any musician you really don't like) and write a paragraph long review on it?
Gonna pass, for the above reason: too afraid to Google...
Last musical you watched?
Does The Court Jester count? I don't know much about musicals. Does it have to be completely singing? Or just lots of songs?
Musical you've never watched but really want to?
The movie that has "The Rain in Spain" song in it... (or is that not a musical, either?)
If you could only pick one musical to see on Broadway, what would it be?
*sputters* What's with all the musical questions all of a sudden?? (And honestly...what's Broadway??)
Favorite musical score from a movie that is not a musical?
I find myself listening to The Winter Soldier soundtrack quite a bit. Please don't judge.
Last musical you belted while walking around your house?
Please don't ask...the last half of this video is great...and I occasionally sing that with my siblings...
A song from your favorite musical that you hate/dislike?
Again, what's with these musical questions?? There's some parts I skip in Les Mis, how about that?? We'll go with that. Next question!!
Favorite song from the Greatest Showman soundtrack?
*record scratch*
I haven't even heard one song from this...
Do you have any musical merch?
So...I decided not to show you my record player, because, well, I don't want to look like I'm too much of a weird music person...
So have a picture of my instruments instead!
**Piano not pictured**
Anyway, I'm going to leave this tag open, like everyone else. If you feel like showing off some of your favorite music, by all means... TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE AND DO THE TAG
