Joseph Hunt's Blog, page 7
August 17, 2012
Flash Fiction Friday! (17/08)
Hi guys I haven't done one of these in a while... and there's no time like the present to start! And hopefully I'll keep at it this time. I did ask people to give me writing prompts, or picture prompts, but I received neither. So I just started writing, and this is what I came up with.
I hope that you like it, and don't forget to tell me what you think!
You’re
Not Safe
Mark
sat alone on the bench in the park. It had just turned 1am when two police
officers walked over to him, shining their flash lights in his face. He was
shivering, rubbing at his arms to keep warm, and his teeth chattered in his
slack-jawed mouth.
“Tell them they can’t have me!” he
shouted. “Tell them!”
“Who?” one of the officers asked.
“They won’t listen to me!” he said,
jolting upright to his feet.
“Please, sir, calm down,” the other
officer said.
Mark didn’t look at either of the officers;
he stared out into the dark of the trees across from the bench.
“Can we have your name?” an officer
asked.
“He named me. I’m his. He named me! I’m his!” he said,
looking out into the dark, and then down at his feet. “I want to go home now.”
“Wait. Is he the missing kid?”
The officers shared a glance, and then
looked back at Mark, and the puddle at the bottom of his feet.
“You haven’t been swimming have you?”
one of the officers asked.
“Born again,” he whimpered, falling into
a ball on the ground, and wrapping his hands around the back of his head. “Just
make them go away.”
“Please can you stand up for us?”
Mark shook his head.
“Okay. Well, can you answer this? Is
your name Mark Jenkins?”
Mark nodded, taking a deep breath; he
turned and looked up at the officers, making eye contact. “Yes.”
The officer pulled out a folded piece of
paper from his breast pocket. He unfolded it to reveal a missing persons
poster, it read: Mark Jenkins. Missing.
State Mental Institute. Apprehend on sight. The officer immediately reached
for his gun. “Okay, Mark. If you just get up from the ground slowly, we can
take you home.”
Mark’s face changed. “Home?” he said, turning his head and
smiling. “Home. You don’t know where my home is!”
“We do. Just come with us, and we’ll
take you. Okay, Mark.”
“Mark?” he said, grinning. “Oh, he’s
long gone.” He slowly found himself standing, head-to-head with the police
officers.
“Come with us, or we’ll have to taser
you.”
Mark woke the next day, his body numb
from the sharp shocks and the wounds in his abdomen. He blinked a couple of
times and found himself in the sterile white room with the padded walls. This
was the next level. He’d never been here before. Maybe he’d be safer here.
“But you’re not safe yet,” he said to
himself. “They’re killing you.”
He stroked the skin over his stomach,
playing with the trail of pubic hair going down from his naval. He brought his
hand back up, and tickled himself. He smiled. The last time he smiled, before
he forced his hand and fingers into his stomach.
“You’re safe,” he said, moments before
life fleeted from his eyes and his whole body twitched, knocking his hand further
into himself.
Joseph Eastwood
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August 16, 2012
How To: Self-Motivation
Note: this is the first post in a series of "how to" posts on my blog, and I figured that this was relevant to start them off because of where I am right now, and that is at this stage, the point where I need to be self-motivated or I'm just going to get jack shit done all day (again) :'[ it's not good.
The post originally started off with me whinging about how I needed to have someone constantly asking for chapter after chapter of my work, or someone who was constantly asking for updates, but not a reader, someone who I needed to get them to, like a publisher or an agent, someone who can see my potential and wants to whip my ass into shape, because I think I've misplaced my self-motivation, and I just can't get it back.
However, I am trying my hardest to get motivated, and here is my how-to guide on... self-motivation!
Everyone has a different way to motivate themselves, and some ways don't affect others as much, that's why I'm going to list a couple of practical ways to get yourself up out of your rut and back into shape (or on the road to recovery).
I'm going to attack the three main concerns that knock our motivation. They are: focus, direction, and confidence... yet, with all three of these back on your team, you'll be up in no time!
To-Do Lists!
If you're a liker on my Facebook page, then you'll probably have heard me talking about my new to-do list app for my phone. I actually love this little app, it's so nifty... and if you have a smart phone, or an iPhone, the app is called "Any.DO", and news just in, they have an app for your computer! So get it! >> http://www.any.do/! And if you're using it on more than one place, you can synchronise them!
Okay, let's get on to why to-do lists are important. They're important because they are attacking two of the three motivation knockers; focus, and direction. With a to-do list you have something to focus on, and you know where you're going... example, the picture to your left.
The first two points on there are blog related, while the second two are writing related. You don't want to be mixing up your styles between writing creatively, and writing to inform etc.
As I cannot contain my excitement over this app, I'm going to say a little bit more about it. Well, this app is just amazing. You can see beneath the point there are 5 sections: "priority", "folder", "reminder", "notes", and "share". If you click "priority" the point goes from white to red, and as you can see, I set a reminder to write the post. I also had the option to write notes, which, would help me when it came to writing the post (increasing the focus). And the share feature links up with Facebook to show people how much progress you've done. Hehe.
Also, with to-do lists, if you set realistic goals and achieve them, you'll feel a small bubble of success inside, and that's a good feeling, and you'll want to replicate that, which is in itself very motivating. So keep to your to-do lists and get motivated.
Confidence Boost
So there isn't an app for this, however, if you're stuck thinking that you'll never be successful, and that there's no point in trying, then I have a couple of pointers here.
1. Bad luck, weaknesses, and failures... they're dominating your mind right now, you're not really in control when these demons are around telling you that you're not good enough. How about just saying something to yourself, something as simple as "I am good enough" you might not believe it at first.. BUT YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH. In a recent guest post, I wrote this:
No writer is born a good writer, they might be able to tell a story like nobody else, but only through hard work and determination will they become good… and they will only become great when they’ve been through life, when they’ve grown and been through struggles; when their mind is washed away of all the purity, and to replace it, a monster, and it wants to do is feed off your misery. That’s when a writer becomes a great writer; through experience.
And I feel that this is helpful here, not only should you go through stress and emotional breakdowns as a writer, but it's also one of the hazards of being a writer. So, just think to yourself, when you feel that you're not good enough, "well, I'm going through this, it must mean that I'm becoming a better writer" because that's exactly what it means.
2. Facebook pages! If you have a Facebook page, they can be both, good for confidence, but also really bad. Good as in, people will read your statuses and your notes, and maybe they'll leave comments with ego-boosting comments. But bad because sometimes you don't get any attention on there at all, and your page is just starting out so not many people (family and friends) are looking at it.
Anything that has a number for likers or followers is BAD for the confidence, especially when you're just starting out and you don't have much of a clue about what you're doing. So stop thinking that your a bad writer just because of silly things like a Facebook page... you're a writer, you should write!
3. Recalling past successes! Take a trip down memory lane, maybe you want to make a list, or just keep a mental note, but always keep note of all the positives in your life... these are your strengths; what are you good at? You might also add what you're not so good at, and make a to-do list based around things which need to be built upon. Also, make a note of all your achievements, these can be as little as participating in something, to graduating, all of those things are positives, and you need to remember that when it comes to the dark parts of your life... you need to remember just how good your life actually is.
On a final note, I think I'll mention a motivator that we've all come into contact with... CAFFEINE! That little bugger just won't get off my shoulder... I mean, I won't let him off my shoulder. I am a caffeine addict, and I absolutely love my coffees, energy drinks, and whatever gives people a burst of energy. (Except chocolate, although it does make you feel better.)
Do you have any tips on how to self-motivate?
For more helpful tips, tricks, & tidbits that's the page!
Joseph Eastwood
Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
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August 15, 2012
2,000 "likes" and I'm all in... LUMEN!
As many of you might already know, my first book, Lumen, has had quite a few set backs already, and now I don't have a date for its release, so I'm going to be putting it into your hands... yeah, you heard right, I'm going to be putting each and every one of you readers and page "likers" out there in charge of the release of Lumen.
By this, I mean, when my page "Joseph's Writing" reaches 2,000 LIKES! I will publish Lumen!
I know this can go in a number of directions. There can be a whole surge of people going to my page within a day or so and meaning I have to post to Kindle, or it will just flop, and I might not get any new likers to my page. Yet, I'm going to take this risk!
The image below is the image that I'm wanting you guys to share, and if you share it, then people might come to my page and "like" it, and as soon as I reach that lucky number... I'll be sure to treat you, not just with Lumen, but with some other treats I've been saving for you guys!
Click the image to go to the Facebook picture, there you can share it, and like it... and help push the release date! After all, every little helps!
And don't forget to add Lumen to your "to-read" list on Goodreads in anticipation of its release... which, you guys will determine!
Joseph Eastwood
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August 13, 2012
How Do You Measure Success?
Success is subjective to one person, one person's self-made goals, and that's all success is.
So how do you measure success?
I believe that in some aspects of my life I am already quite successful, and in other aspects, I'm still trying to gain success... and this is all down to my goals, some of which I've achieved and I'm now aiming higher etc. but some I'm still working on.
Google gave me these two definitions.
suc·cess·ful - səkˈsesfəl/
[1] Accomplishing an aim or purpose: "a successful attack on the town".
[2] Having achieved popularity, profit, or distinction.
You might be asking, "Joe, what is it that you think you're already successful at?" and that's a good question, thank goodness I was going to write a paragraph on it. First things, first, getting you to my blog post, that's a success in itself, right.
I'm all about my writing, so my goals are all about writing, this blog, my page, twitter, etc. and I'm constantly comparing what I have, to what other people have, and I know that I shouldn't do that, but I do it anyway, just to see how well I'm doing in comparison to them.
As of this moment I have 310 people following my blog, 1,881 people who've liked my Facebook page, and around 1,860 people following me on Twitter. I believe that this is an example of my success as I am only 19, and all three of the mentioned social media platforms are all about me and people are still following and liking, so that's good, it means that I'm giving them something that they want. (I think.)
One of my goals is to publish, which I'm close to doing... I've just been stuck in a rut, which I'm currently blogging myself out of (and it's working!). I don't really have sales figures to base any amount of success on, but yes, making money is one of my factors to which I will base my overall success on... as without money I can't do what I love, which is writing, blogging, promoting, designing and just being an all around creative thinker.
Another way in which I believe that I'm successful is my background, people who come from where I'm from don't tend to make much of themselves, and they tend to just live there for the rest of their lives, and nothing much happens (the area that I'm from, not the city).
I would like to be famous, but that's not one of my goals right now, I just want to publish and see where I go, and what happens from there. Eventually, I think I would like to be successful enough to have a Wikipedia page... I think that's when you know you've made it, when you have one of those. Ha!
How do you measure success?
What goals have you set yourself?
What do you think of my goals/achievements?
Joseph Eastwood
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August 12, 2012
Is Lumen for you? (+updates!)
So I'm kind of writing this post to get some peace of mind and also just to say, "Lumen isn't for everyone", no one book can be enjoyed by everyone, and that is a fact. If Lumen was for everyone then it wouldn't be a good book... I don't know if it's a 'good' book, but it's a good book to me, and that is all that matters.
I guess that's what has been holding me back from doing the final read through and actually getting Lumen out there into the wide world of self-publishing.
So there you have it guys. Everything is done, I just need to give it one final read through (on my Kindle), and then I need to get the confidence to upload it.
Lumen is the first book that I've felt was suitable for publishing... when I was 15 I wrote a book, and then a year later I wrote another, it was the year later that I wrote Lumen. I do still feel like Lumen is my baby, but only because it wasn't planned, it was an accidental book; it originally started out as a series of flash fiction pieces.
Anyway, to show what Lumen has to offer you, I created a poster!
This was created from a mix of self-motivation and a bit of procrastination. Also, the book has some very cool symbols to offer, and if you know what they stand for, then 1 million gazillion bajillion points for you! Which is a lot of points ;] hehe... and if you do know what they stand for then leave a comment with your thoughts! I love me some comments!
Joseph Eastwood
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August 9, 2012
Guest Post: Anjie Harrte (09/08) - Excerpt!
This week on the Tasha Turning Coaching Virtual Blog Tour, we were asked to write blog posts giving an excerpt of our latest piece of work etc. and this week I have the honour of hosting Anjie Harrte! ENJOY!
This excerpt is from one of my WIP presently being edited. I hadn’t thought of a blurb for this book as yet since I know thing can change during editing. But this assignment forced me to write one.
An Unexpected Desire
Fiona, a woman in her thirties, identifies herself as straight and known to her coworkers as the ice queen has had her share of disappointments and betrayal. Working in a job she hates and living a life filled with boredom she plods on as an introvert and builds such a strong wall around herself that it is hard for anyone to even contemplate climbing.
Nyasha, a twenty two year old lesbian fresh out of university lands what she terms “her dream job” as anchor for the six o’clock news on the second most popular news agency in the country. She had a bubbly spirit and loves life. However, she has a secret that keeps her from getting close to anyone. She moves from lover to lover never allowing herself to get too attached.
Fiona and Nyasha meet and something change in both of them. Can they resist the natural attraction to each other? As Fiona questions her sexuality, will she take the risk of giving her heart away? Can Nyasha break down that wall Fiona has built? Can Fiona be the one for Nyasha, or is she only going to be yet another lover?
Excerpt
Nyasha had emptied every piece of clothing from her wardrobe until she found the outfit that said, ‘I am a professional.’ She had watched her image so long in the mirror that she had to dare herself to leave her apartment in time to reach on time. The board of directors who had interviewed her had told her to reach for 8:30am for a meeting with the Chief Editor. Nyasha had decided 8:00am was far better than 8:30am.
After passing through security and peering into all of the studios on her way to the newsroom she had finally stepped into the newsroom. There were only about four people in the room, all busy behind computer screens. They had looked up for a quick second when she entered and then returned to their work and; before Nyasha could move to the door with the sign “Chief Editor,” the door behind her had flung open. She felt it connect with her back and the unexpected hit had caused her to topple forward and fall flat on her face. The first day on her new job and she had made quite an entrance; being knocked over and left sprawled on the newsroom floor.
The woman that came through the door didn’t try to help Nyasha up, but instead stood over her with her hands on her waist, waiting. What kind of place was this? Nyasha wondered as she got up and dusted herself off. She looked at the woman dressed in a brown gabardine flair skirt that reached below her knees and a cream chiffon shirt that was tucked into the skirt with a pussy bow at the neck and wondered if she had just walked out of an eighties magazine. Her hair was in a little bun on her head as she furrowed her brows at Nyasha. Nyasha smiled and rubbed her elbows which she had used to try and break her fall - bad idea!
The woman stood with her bag hanging on her hand and documents under her arm as keys jingled from the other one. She wore wide width brown pumps with a small 1/2 inch heel and as Nyasha watched her outfit the woman tilted her head from side to side. Nyasha didn’t want her to get the wrong impression so she smiled brightly and extended her hand introducing herself, “Hi, I am Nyasha Peterson, I am starting today.”
The woman watched at Nyasha’s extended hand and then to her and asked, “Starting what?”
The woman tried to sound harsh and authoritative but Nyasha couldn’t help hearing a soft tone spoken with sincerity, so she smiled and said, “Sorry, I am starting as the news anchor of 6 o’clock news.”
“Oh,” the woman said and turned towards the back of the room, “follow me,” she called over her shoulder startling Nyasha who hurried to keep up. No one had looked up from their work during the whole ordeal at the door and Nyasha looked around in amazement. This was her first job and she wasn’t sure how people behaved in an office but she really expected more. She stood with her right hand holding on to her left elbow as it burned a little and looked around the room. There were desks against the two walls of the room all with computers on them. Some of them had piles of papers and newspapers, some had recorders, cassettes and dvds. There was a lane of space between them that led to the two offices at the back. One was larger than the other and tinted, and the other was now being opened by the woman who didn’t smile.
The woman walked through the door and flicked on lights as Nyasha followed her and stood looking around. The office was neat and clean. The piles of paper were neatly kept in small piles on a desk in the left corner, there were three blue chairs sitting in the right corner with a small coffee table. Then, to the back of the office was a big mahogany desk with a flat screen computer and a large leather back office chair behind it. Beside the table to the right were filing cabinets and to the left was a small table with a coffee machine and cups turned down. The woman who didn’t smile rested her hand bag on top of the filing cabinet and moved behind the desk.
“Well, Ms. Peterson, I am Fiona Grant, Deputy Chief Editor, welcome to MBC Studios. Mr. Charran doesn’t get in early so I will introduce you around and…” she stopped and looked at Nyasha standing there holding on to her elbow.
“What’s the matter?” Fiona asked
“It is burning a little, but I’ll be okay. You were saying.”
Fiona sighed and turned to the filing cabinet, opened the third drawer and took out a first aid kit. “Sit” she demanded and Nyasha plopped down quickly, afraid to anger her.
Fiona moved around the desk and sat on the other of the two chairs she had on the opposite side of her desk. “Show me,” she said and Nyasha tilted her hand so Fiona could see her elbow. Fiona opened the kit and took a piece of cotton wool, soaked it with rubbing alcohol and rubbed it on the elbow. Nyasha flinched and almost pulled her elbow away as the burning increased. It is then she realized that she had bruised her elbow.
Fiona gently touched Nyasha’s arm and pressed her lips together, something Nyasha realized was her attempt at a comforting smile. Fiona then leaned down and blew at the area as though to soothe it. Nyasha breathed in deep and watched the woman with her curly hair tucked back into the bun a little too tight, her clothes a little too loose and her face kept a little too stern. In the span of five minutes Nyasha had watched this woman put on the act of hard unemotional ice queen and changed completely to caring and gentle. When Nyasha relaxed, Fiona took out a band aid and placed it over the bruised area and then sat back in the chair. Nyasha suddenly felt uncomfortable. From her experience with women Nyasha knew how to move a woman and break down all her walls, but this woman who looked at her now, seemed to be some kind of puzzle. Nyasha shook her head and reminded herself that this wasn’t a puzzle for her to decipher, after all this was her job and this woman was her boss and even more important; this job was the first ring on her ladder to success. Those small black eyes that were staring at her, empty and hungry, filled with longing and unexplored passion. However, Nyasha decided they were not going to be a distraction, no matter how many boo boos she was ready to kiss away.
About the Author!
Anjie Harrte: Romance with some Caribbean flavour
Anjie Harrte is a twenty nine year old mother of one who resides in sunny Guyana, South America. Sometime between running a small business, having a full time job and being a mother and partner she finds time to pursue her passion for creating stories. Anjie dreams up stories of contemporary fiction splashed with some romance, a little dose of murder or an ounce of suspense and sometimes when no one is looking she dashes in a little twist. When she isn’t doing any of that, she is decorating a cake, knitting a chair back or sewing her latest design. Anjie even finds time to lurk around and stalk people and pages on facebook and you too can stalk her if you like at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anjie-Harrte/ or you can follow her on twitter @anjieharrte or keep updated with her writing at http://authoranjieharrte.blogspot.com/
-Joseph
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This excerpt is from one of my WIP presently being edited. I hadn’t thought of a blurb for this book as yet since I know thing can change during editing. But this assignment forced me to write one.
An Unexpected Desire Fiona, a woman in her thirties, identifies herself as straight and known to her coworkers as the ice queen has had her share of disappointments and betrayal. Working in a job she hates and living a life filled with boredom she plods on as an introvert and builds such a strong wall around herself that it is hard for anyone to even contemplate climbing.
Nyasha, a twenty two year old lesbian fresh out of university lands what she terms “her dream job” as anchor for the six o’clock news on the second most popular news agency in the country. She had a bubbly spirit and loves life. However, she has a secret that keeps her from getting close to anyone. She moves from lover to lover never allowing herself to get too attached.
Fiona and Nyasha meet and something change in both of them. Can they resist the natural attraction to each other? As Fiona questions her sexuality, will she take the risk of giving her heart away? Can Nyasha break down that wall Fiona has built? Can Fiona be the one for Nyasha, or is she only going to be yet another lover?
Excerpt
Nyasha had emptied every piece of clothing from her wardrobe until she found the outfit that said, ‘I am a professional.’ She had watched her image so long in the mirror that she had to dare herself to leave her apartment in time to reach on time. The board of directors who had interviewed her had told her to reach for 8:30am for a meeting with the Chief Editor. Nyasha had decided 8:00am was far better than 8:30am.
After passing through security and peering into all of the studios on her way to the newsroom she had finally stepped into the newsroom. There were only about four people in the room, all busy behind computer screens. They had looked up for a quick second when she entered and then returned to their work and; before Nyasha could move to the door with the sign “Chief Editor,” the door behind her had flung open. She felt it connect with her back and the unexpected hit had caused her to topple forward and fall flat on her face. The first day on her new job and she had made quite an entrance; being knocked over and left sprawled on the newsroom floor.
The woman that came through the door didn’t try to help Nyasha up, but instead stood over her with her hands on her waist, waiting. What kind of place was this? Nyasha wondered as she got up and dusted herself off. She looked at the woman dressed in a brown gabardine flair skirt that reached below her knees and a cream chiffon shirt that was tucked into the skirt with a pussy bow at the neck and wondered if she had just walked out of an eighties magazine. Her hair was in a little bun on her head as she furrowed her brows at Nyasha. Nyasha smiled and rubbed her elbows which she had used to try and break her fall - bad idea!
The woman stood with her bag hanging on her hand and documents under her arm as keys jingled from the other one. She wore wide width brown pumps with a small 1/2 inch heel and as Nyasha watched her outfit the woman tilted her head from side to side. Nyasha didn’t want her to get the wrong impression so she smiled brightly and extended her hand introducing herself, “Hi, I am Nyasha Peterson, I am starting today.”
The woman watched at Nyasha’s extended hand and then to her and asked, “Starting what?”
The woman tried to sound harsh and authoritative but Nyasha couldn’t help hearing a soft tone spoken with sincerity, so she smiled and said, “Sorry, I am starting as the news anchor of 6 o’clock news.”
“Oh,” the woman said and turned towards the back of the room, “follow me,” she called over her shoulder startling Nyasha who hurried to keep up. No one had looked up from their work during the whole ordeal at the door and Nyasha looked around in amazement. This was her first job and she wasn’t sure how people behaved in an office but she really expected more. She stood with her right hand holding on to her left elbow as it burned a little and looked around the room. There were desks against the two walls of the room all with computers on them. Some of them had piles of papers and newspapers, some had recorders, cassettes and dvds. There was a lane of space between them that led to the two offices at the back. One was larger than the other and tinted, and the other was now being opened by the woman who didn’t smile.
The woman walked through the door and flicked on lights as Nyasha followed her and stood looking around. The office was neat and clean. The piles of paper were neatly kept in small piles on a desk in the left corner, there were three blue chairs sitting in the right corner with a small coffee table. Then, to the back of the office was a big mahogany desk with a flat screen computer and a large leather back office chair behind it. Beside the table to the right were filing cabinets and to the left was a small table with a coffee machine and cups turned down. The woman who didn’t smile rested her hand bag on top of the filing cabinet and moved behind the desk.
“Well, Ms. Peterson, I am Fiona Grant, Deputy Chief Editor, welcome to MBC Studios. Mr. Charran doesn’t get in early so I will introduce you around and…” she stopped and looked at Nyasha standing there holding on to her elbow.
“What’s the matter?” Fiona asked
“It is burning a little, but I’ll be okay. You were saying.”
Fiona sighed and turned to the filing cabinet, opened the third drawer and took out a first aid kit. “Sit” she demanded and Nyasha plopped down quickly, afraid to anger her.
Fiona moved around the desk and sat on the other of the two chairs she had on the opposite side of her desk. “Show me,” she said and Nyasha tilted her hand so Fiona could see her elbow. Fiona opened the kit and took a piece of cotton wool, soaked it with rubbing alcohol and rubbed it on the elbow. Nyasha flinched and almost pulled her elbow away as the burning increased. It is then she realized that she had bruised her elbow.
Fiona gently touched Nyasha’s arm and pressed her lips together, something Nyasha realized was her attempt at a comforting smile. Fiona then leaned down and blew at the area as though to soothe it. Nyasha breathed in deep and watched the woman with her curly hair tucked back into the bun a little too tight, her clothes a little too loose and her face kept a little too stern. In the span of five minutes Nyasha had watched this woman put on the act of hard unemotional ice queen and changed completely to caring and gentle. When Nyasha relaxed, Fiona took out a band aid and placed it over the bruised area and then sat back in the chair. Nyasha suddenly felt uncomfortable. From her experience with women Nyasha knew how to move a woman and break down all her walls, but this woman who looked at her now, seemed to be some kind of puzzle. Nyasha shook her head and reminded herself that this wasn’t a puzzle for her to decipher, after all this was her job and this woman was her boss and even more important; this job was the first ring on her ladder to success. Those small black eyes that were staring at her, empty and hungry, filled with longing and unexplored passion. However, Nyasha decided they were not going to be a distraction, no matter how many boo boos she was ready to kiss away.
About the Author!
Anjie Harrte: Romance with some Caribbean flavour
Anjie Harrte is a twenty nine year old mother of one who resides in sunny Guyana, South America. Sometime between running a small business, having a full time job and being a mother and partner she finds time to pursue her passion for creating stories. Anjie dreams up stories of contemporary fiction splashed with some romance, a little dose of murder or an ounce of suspense and sometimes when no one is looking she dashes in a little twist. When she isn’t doing any of that, she is decorating a cake, knitting a chair back or sewing her latest design. Anjie even finds time to lurk around and stalk people and pages on facebook and you too can stalk her if you like at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anjie-Harrte/ or you can follow her on twitter @anjieharrte or keep updated with her writing at http://authoranjieharrte.blogspot.com/
-Joseph
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July 30, 2012
Guest Post: Martin Reaves - Plotter or Pantser? (30/7)
This week on my blog I'm joined by Martin Reaves! And the question that was put to all of us guest posters on the TTC Virtual Blog tour was... are you a plotter or a pantser?
HOW DO YOU THAT VOODOO THAT YOU DO?
The question: “What is your writing process?”
The answer: “I don’t know.”
End of blog post.
Well now, that was exciting. In some ways I find the question of process (plotter or pantser?) akin to the question every writer loathes: “Where do you get your ideas?” And of course the answer is the same: We don’t know. I honestly think we don’t really want to know, because that would somehow spoil the magic, or cause the Muse to panic and flee. As Ray Bradbury says of the Muse in Zen in the Art of Writing: “…you have relaxed yourself enough not to stare discourteously when inspiration comes into the room…” To identify (to name, if you will) the source of inspiration and/or our processes is to disrobe them in front of all and sundry. Or so it seems to me.
Sigh…Hello. My name is Martin Reaves. I am a pantser.
I could no more plot out a story than I could list exactly what’s going to happen tomorrow. I know tomorrow will start, more or less: The alarm will go off and I will glare at it and attempt to wish it into the cornfield. As so the day will progress. Same with writing a new project: I will have a hint of its direction based on a situation, a character, a feeling. Sometimes I will have a combination of those things from which to spring, sometimes more, sometimes less. But it’s pointless for me to make an attempt to structure the tale beforehand. Why? Because it’s not my story, it’s the character’s/situation’s/feeling’s story. I need to put those things on the page and let them have their way. They tell me what’s next; they tell me why, when or where.
A typical writing day involves (if the work is already in progress) reading the previous day’s entry and attempting to become reabsorbed into the setting, the mood and color and flavor of that particular world. This always results in progressive editing, a fault I cannot seem to cure myself of (just as I cannot completely cure myself of ending some sentences with a preposition). Once I move past the previous day’s work and into virgin, blank-page territory, I take my hands off the wheel and see where it takes me. For me, this is the fun in writing. I am my own first reader, and if it’s not fun for me it will likely not be fun for anyone else. I must be surprised first. I must be moved to laughter or tears first. Damn it, it’s my story before it’s yours, and it’s the character’s/situation’s/feeling’s story before it is mine.
It’s not the only way, and it’s not the right way…it’s just my way. And I like it. A pure example of this style of putting words in some semblance of order? This post you’re reading. Was it plotted? How did it come to life? With one simple question: “What is your writing process?” The rest spun out accordingly, not ahead of time, but one word at a time, on the page; as I was discovering what came next, I wrote it down. Fun, fun, fun!
Discussion is good for the soul. How do you do it? Do you know how you do it? If you are not sure, are you able to be comfortable with the idea that it doesn’t matter if you know?
Martin Reaves
Martin Reaves is a writer primarily of suspense/thrillers with a psychological edge. And sometimes horror...or humor...heck, even romance. (Aren't all these things connected on some level?). Upon turning 48 he realized he was no longer 47...he wasn't sure what to do with this information so he moved on. Martin is very happily married to his childhood sweet-patootie, and has two incredible adult daughters who he considers among his best friends. Reading and Writing are twin first-loves, followed by music (he is a musician and singer and has been performing semi-professionally for longer than he'd care to think about). When not selling plastic to pay the bills, he (and his books) can be found here:
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/MartinReavesAuthor?ref=hl#
Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/Mottlee
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Martin-Reaves/e/B005DI98LG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/mott342
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MartinReaves
Wordpress: http://mott342.wordpress.com/
Blogspot: http://humoringthemuse.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5042356.Martin_Reaves
So are you a plotter or a pantser?
-Joseph
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HOW DO YOU THAT VOODOO THAT YOU DO?
The question: “What is your writing process?”
The answer: “I don’t know.”
End of blog post.
Well now, that was exciting. In some ways I find the question of process (plotter or pantser?) akin to the question every writer loathes: “Where do you get your ideas?” And of course the answer is the same: We don’t know. I honestly think we don’t really want to know, because that would somehow spoil the magic, or cause the Muse to panic and flee. As Ray Bradbury says of the Muse in Zen in the Art of Writing: “…you have relaxed yourself enough not to stare discourteously when inspiration comes into the room…” To identify (to name, if you will) the source of inspiration and/or our processes is to disrobe them in front of all and sundry. Or so it seems to me.
Sigh…Hello. My name is Martin Reaves. I am a pantser.
I could no more plot out a story than I could list exactly what’s going to happen tomorrow. I know tomorrow will start, more or less: The alarm will go off and I will glare at it and attempt to wish it into the cornfield. As so the day will progress. Same with writing a new project: I will have a hint of its direction based on a situation, a character, a feeling. Sometimes I will have a combination of those things from which to spring, sometimes more, sometimes less. But it’s pointless for me to make an attempt to structure the tale beforehand. Why? Because it’s not my story, it’s the character’s/situation’s/feeling’s story. I need to put those things on the page and let them have their way. They tell me what’s next; they tell me why, when or where.
A typical writing day involves (if the work is already in progress) reading the previous day’s entry and attempting to become reabsorbed into the setting, the mood and color and flavor of that particular world. This always results in progressive editing, a fault I cannot seem to cure myself of (just as I cannot completely cure myself of ending some sentences with a preposition). Once I move past the previous day’s work and into virgin, blank-page territory, I take my hands off the wheel and see where it takes me. For me, this is the fun in writing. I am my own first reader, and if it’s not fun for me it will likely not be fun for anyone else. I must be surprised first. I must be moved to laughter or tears first. Damn it, it’s my story before it’s yours, and it’s the character’s/situation’s/feeling’s story before it is mine.
It’s not the only way, and it’s not the right way…it’s just my way. And I like it. A pure example of this style of putting words in some semblance of order? This post you’re reading. Was it plotted? How did it come to life? With one simple question: “What is your writing process?” The rest spun out accordingly, not ahead of time, but one word at a time, on the page; as I was discovering what came next, I wrote it down. Fun, fun, fun!
Discussion is good for the soul. How do you do it? Do you know how you do it? If you are not sure, are you able to be comfortable with the idea that it doesn’t matter if you know?
Martin Reaves
Martin Reaves is a writer primarily of suspense/thrillers with a psychological edge. And sometimes horror...or humor...heck, even romance. (Aren't all these things connected on some level?). Upon turning 48 he realized he was no longer 47...he wasn't sure what to do with this information so he moved on. Martin is very happily married to his childhood sweet-patootie, and has two incredible adult daughters who he considers among his best friends. Reading and Writing are twin first-loves, followed by music (he is a musician and singer and has been performing semi-professionally for longer than he'd care to think about). When not selling plastic to pay the bills, he (and his books) can be found here:
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/MartinReavesAuthor?ref=hl#
Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/Mottlee
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Martin-Reaves/e/B005DI98LG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/mott342
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MartinReaves
Wordpress: http://mott342.wordpress.com/
Blogspot: http://humoringthemuse.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5042356.Martin_Reaves
So are you a plotter or a pantser?
-Joseph
Comment. Follow. Share.
July 28, 2012
Don't Judge a Book, Cover Art & Design!
I haven't been able to write much recently. I've just felt too drained and too sick to do anything, and every time I think about writing a blog post, my blood pressure rises, because from somewhere I'm getting nervous. It's one of the single worst feelings; the feeling of being incapable of doing anything. I could go on to tell you guys about how I think the world is conspiring against me, or I can power through and actually give you a blog post
So, as you all know, I'm a writer! YAY! But I'm now also a cover art and design guy, which is equally as YAY! I started a page and a blog some time last week, but I haven't been able to write this post due to the above reasons, and it's been hell because I have so much that I want to tell you guys about my new venture. HEAD OVER TO THE LINKS BELOW!
FB PAGE!! BLOG!!
I guess I should show you guys some of the covers that I've designed then!
There are a whole lot more covers where they came from and they're on the above links! So don't forget to check those out!
I'll be offering to create covers with a simple design (by simple I mean without people in them), I'm also going to be doing banners for both FB and also for blogs and webpages, I'll be designing bookmarks, stickers, etc. promotional posters and stuff, so I'm going to be offering a lot of stuff. I'm a little unsure about how much I'm going to be offering these services at though, so keep your eyes peeled if you're interested, by that I mean like my FB page, and also follow the blog. (Even though this is in a blog post is it still classed as shameless promotion?)
What do you think of the covers?
Do you have any question? (Ask away!)
-Joseph
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July 23, 2012
Guest Post: Allison Bruning (24/07)
This week on the TTC Virtual Blog Tour I'm joined by Allison Bruning and the theme for this week was to write a typical blog post that could be caught over on her blog... HERE!
THE UNIVERSAL WOMAN
A few months ago, my husband and I befriended the local Amish family down the road from us. Nathan and Carolyn are the parents of eight boys and two daughters ranging in ages from 2 to 17 years. We had a few friendly encounters with them. After one of these encounters I learned Carolyn was involved with the children at her church just as I am in my own. We decided to spend a morning Christmas and grocery shopping. On a mild December morning we left with her oldest daughter and son for a day out on the town. It was during this time, I began to realize despite our differences in culture the bond between two married women knows no boundaries.
To be honest, I was excited about the trip since we decided to go together days ago. I liked spending time with Carolyn before. I’m a curious people person who loves to get to know more about different cultures. I had grown up in an area of Ohio where the Amish were, and still are, prevalent. I know what it means to be the subject of discrimination and public misconception. The Amish face those facets of mainstream America every time they step foot into our consumer driven world. Yet despite this foreknowledge I decided to be seen in public with them. When I began this journey I could never know how truly a shopping trip meant more than buying supplies.
At first I was kind of nervous. Carolyn and I had talked about recipes and cultures before. I had no reason to think I’d offend her. Yet like all new relationships, we held onto our comfort zones. She shopped with her two children while I hit the food aisles in Wal-Mart. Moments later, we reconnect in the Christmas aisle. She told me in her church, families have exchanged names of children to buy presents for. It reminded me of the white elephant gift exchange I had done in the past. The Amish do that? One of the names on her list was her eighteen-year-old niece who has Down’s Syndrome. Her niece loves to play with balls and there was a specific ball she wanted to buy for her. I learned instead of buying so many gifts for her children, the school provides for the kids. After all, as she put it to me, the season isn’t about getting presents but Jesus’ birth. She and Nathan do buy presents for her the two boys that aren’t old enough for school. What parent of a two and four year old wouldn’t want to make it fair for the younger ones too?
We traveled from store to store sharing our hearts with one another. We had so much fun we lost track of time. We began to understand one another bit more and found commonalities. Carolyn began to transform from just the Amish wife to a woman before my eyes. I learned tiny preferences such as Nathans’ preference for nuts and honey over refined sugar and her love of cheese products. We smiled and joked around like wives do about husbands. I already knew she spoke three languages. At home they speak Swiss, in church German and in school they learn English. But what I didn't know - she reads German.
I introduced her to aspects of my husband’s culture. She was amazed at the world aisle. I tend to cook more Chinese, Italian and Hispanic dishes over anything else. It was a new adventure for her. With twelve mouths to feed daily, each with their own distinctive tastes, I could see how introducing a different kind of meal could be problematic. Carolyn has to be wise in her shopping.
As the morning wore into the early afternoon, I gained a greater respect for my Amish neighbor. Wise and resourceful, Carolyn taught me no matter what culture you come from a woman is still a woman. We have compassionate heart for our children, a loving devotion to our husband, and the same emotions. A loving mother, she knows her children’s distinctive personalities well. What mother wouldn’t? At the end of the day, we are all someone’s mother, sister, child, and wife? Don’t we all have to wear the many hats womanhood brings? Womanhood, a human universal.
I wrote this piece two years ago. Since then, Nathan and Carolyn have had one more child. They have introduced us to some members of the Amish community. I have enjoyed the friendship bonds between us and their community. Since then, I have changed churches and have taken a new role at my new church. I still work with children but now I am helping Family Worship Center in Carrollton, Kentucky to plant new churches in Kentucky. That change has brought up new conversations between Nathan, Carolyn, my husband and I. Nathan and Carolyn had left their community in Indiana to start a new church in Kentucky. It seems the more we get to know each other the less different we are. We are all human.
Allison Bruning
The Executive Director of the Kentucky Young Writers Connection, a non-profit agency of writers who promote young authors throughout the state of Kentucky. Allison originally hails from Marion, Ohio. Her father, Roland Irving Bruning, was the son of German immigrants who came to the United States at the turn of the 20th century. Her mother's family had been in the United States since the 17th century. Allison is a member of the Peter Foree Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution. Her linage traces to Private Reuben Messenger of Connecticut. Her educational background includes a BA in Theater Arts with a minor in Anthropology and a Texas Elementary Teaching certificate. Both acquired at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. Allison received National Honor Society memberships in both Theater Arts and Communication. Allison was also honored her sophomore year with admission into the All American Scholars register. She holds graduate hours in Cultural Anthropology and Education. In 2007 she was named Who's Who Among America's Educators. She is also the recipient of the Girl Scout Silver and Gold Awards.
Allison lives with her husband in Kentucky. Calico is book one from the series, Children of the Shawnee. It is available at http://amzn.to/JSNRpm. She is currently working on the sequel, Rose. She is also working on another series, The Secret Heritage, which traces the life of her great great grandmother at the turn of the 20th century in Ohio. Allison's interest includes Ohio Valley history, anthropology, travel, culture, history, camping, hiking, backpacking, spending time with her family and genealogy. Her genres include historical fiction, paranormal, romance, and suspense.
If you want to read more from Allison then you can reach her at:
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/xxJ249
Facebook Fan Page http://on.fb.me/plvkxJ
Twitter: @emeraldkell
Blog: http://allisonbruning.blogspot.co.uk/
Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5164664.Allison_Bruning
-Joseph
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July 19, 2012
Matt Thomas' Tips on Writing, and Getting Things Done!
This week on my blog I've had 2 guests, and this is my second. I'm joined by Matt Thomas as he tells us about some of his writing tips! Let's see what he has to say then!
Tips on Writing, and Getting Things Done!
So this is one of my first guest blogs, so I'm unsure how this will go and whether this wil be useful; but I can damn try.
So I know that this blog is mainly about writing and tips on writing, so this will have a loose basis to help you along and make you feel that little bit better and happier about what you write, bbut also what you do from a day to day basis.
Now I'm not saying I follow my own rules, and I'm not trying to be hypocritical or condisending in any sort but I know when i follow these tips it does help.
So here's my tips, so of them will contridict themselves, but lets see what happens:
Firstly, the way I work the best is to have a set deadline, If there is no deadline, even if it's not as important a deadline as say a university essay deadline, or a work deadline but it is still important to have in the back of your head to think 'If I finish this much work by this time'
Not only will you get more work done than normal but you will have more time to do other tasks and finish the tasks quicker than normally.
Secondly, enjoy what your doing, and if your not enjoying it? why not, think it over, make it more fun. Now for me I like to listen to music whilst working, and also in life, I try and have fun, keep young and not get too involved unless I really have to.
Thirdly, if you base your work on things you know or have seen, it's going to come to you easier, ofcourse you still may stumble on some of the finer details, but there's a difference between writing a story about a character who feels lost and you have, at one stage felt the same than writing about a character who is lost and you don't know how it feels properly.
Fourth, this is more just in life. Don't try and rush into anything, don't rush your work, or your life. It does not help, if anything standards start to drop and things get a little bit out of shape.
And finally, live for the moment, I know how cheesy that is, but you should understand what I mean. There is no point in sitting around, compalaining that nothing happens and you don't do anything and it upsets you. If your bored, go out, find new friends or join a club. If you want to go somewhere or do something, just go and do it. I'm not saying drop everything and put other people out by doing these things.
So, as I said, I'm not saying these are the hints and tips for a perfect life, not even saying it may help and I'm guessing you already knew all these hint, but isn't it obvious? It's what we already know but we forget them all the time, I know I do, so not only am I trying to remind and help you, I'm also trying to remind myself and keep myself inspired.
Thoughts?
Agree? Disagree?
If you liked this, then you might want to head on over to Matt's blog: http://mattthom-andco.blogspot.co.uk/
-Joseph
Comment. Follow. Share.
Tips on Writing, and Getting Things Done!
So this is one of my first guest blogs, so I'm unsure how this will go and whether this wil be useful; but I can damn try.
So I know that this blog is mainly about writing and tips on writing, so this will have a loose basis to help you along and make you feel that little bit better and happier about what you write, bbut also what you do from a day to day basis.
Now I'm not saying I follow my own rules, and I'm not trying to be hypocritical or condisending in any sort but I know when i follow these tips it does help.
So here's my tips, so of them will contridict themselves, but lets see what happens:
Firstly, the way I work the best is to have a set deadline, If there is no deadline, even if it's not as important a deadline as say a university essay deadline, or a work deadline but it is still important to have in the back of your head to think 'If I finish this much work by this time'
Not only will you get more work done than normal but you will have more time to do other tasks and finish the tasks quicker than normally.
Secondly, enjoy what your doing, and if your not enjoying it? why not, think it over, make it more fun. Now for me I like to listen to music whilst working, and also in life, I try and have fun, keep young and not get too involved unless I really have to.
Thirdly, if you base your work on things you know or have seen, it's going to come to you easier, ofcourse you still may stumble on some of the finer details, but there's a difference between writing a story about a character who feels lost and you have, at one stage felt the same than writing about a character who is lost and you don't know how it feels properly.
Fourth, this is more just in life. Don't try and rush into anything, don't rush your work, or your life. It does not help, if anything standards start to drop and things get a little bit out of shape.
And finally, live for the moment, I know how cheesy that is, but you should understand what I mean. There is no point in sitting around, compalaining that nothing happens and you don't do anything and it upsets you. If your bored, go out, find new friends or join a club. If you want to go somewhere or do something, just go and do it. I'm not saying drop everything and put other people out by doing these things.
So, as I said, I'm not saying these are the hints and tips for a perfect life, not even saying it may help and I'm guessing you already knew all these hint, but isn't it obvious? It's what we already know but we forget them all the time, I know I do, so not only am I trying to remind and help you, I'm also trying to remind myself and keep myself inspired.
Thoughts?
Agree? Disagree?
If you liked this, then you might want to head on over to Matt's blog: http://mattthom-andco.blogspot.co.uk/
-Joseph
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