Rebecca Nolan's Blog
October 14, 2018
Interview with Australian Author Aiki Flinthart
Aiki Flinthart lives in Brisbane, Australia - but is not at all afraid of drop-bears or venomous beasties. IRON is her tenth published novel and the first in the Kalima Chronicles opening trilogy. After the insane success of first series - 80AD (a 5 book YA fantasy series set in 80AD Earth) - she decided to take up writing more seriously. She's since had short stories shortlisted in the Australian Aurealis Awards, published in online e-mags and anthologies, and shortlisted in the Writers of the Future Competition. 2018 also saw the release of her YA urban fantasy action/adventure trilogy: Shadows, to critical acclaim.
When she's not writing or giving workshops on writing, Aiki does martial arts, archery, knife-throwing, lute-playing, belly-dancing, painting and runs a full time business. Sometimes she even sleeps. Sometimes.
Her new book IRON is due for release this month as the first book in the up coming Kalmina Chronicles. I was fortunate enough to be able to interview her about the new book, what the future holds and other fun facts.
What is the title of your new book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
Title: IRON
Sci-Fantasy with a kick-ass heroine struggling to find her place and to prevent the first-ever war on her planet. Sword-fights, political upheaval, just a dash of something like magic.
If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?
Alere would probably tell the people of our world to stop f*cking it up. Her world, Kalima, was colonised by idealists escaping the environmental destruction and religious wars of Earth. Now Kalima’s 700 years of peace is under threat because humans are too stupid and ambitious for their own good.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
IRON is the first in the opening trilogy to the Kalmina Chronicles. It will be followed by FIRE and STEEL (both already written and almost ready to go – will be published in 2019.)
At the moment, though, I’m working on a novel set in 1486 – the origin story to my Urban Fantasy Ruadhan Sidhe “Shadows” trilogy that came out earlier in 2018. That one’s proving a big challenge. It’s 24 short stories all from different viewpoints of medieval women; and all coming together in an attempt to foil a plot to assassinate King Henry VII.
What made you start writing and did you go down the path of self-publishing or did you seek out a publisher?
I’ve always written. When I was younger it was appallingly bad romances. Seriously. So bad. I only found my feet when I decided to write the five-book 80AD series for my son. He loved it, so I figured I should get it published. But I was just too impatient to wait around for years as publishers hemmed and hawed over it. So I self-published. That series has now had over 400 000 downloads and I get fan mail from people of all ages and from all over the world. That made me realise maybe I could do this writing thing after all.
Is there an Author who has influenced you or one that you would really like to meet?
I read so much and so widely as a kid, teen and young adult that I would be hard put to say any one author influenced me. I read everything from Sci-fi and fantasy, to historical romance, to all the classics, Shakespeare, mythology, mysteries, detective novels, spy novels, action/thrillers. And I think they’ve all contributed and helped make my writing deeper and richer.
What drew you to that genre? Or do you have more than one genre you write?
I tend to write YA sci-fantasy/fantasy stories, even though I’ve read and enjoyed many genres over the years. I love to write empowered women who rescue themselves and have equal relationships with the men in their lives. I do still have a soft spot for historical romance, but I’m not sure I could write one without some fantasy element in it, somewhere. I have, however, published one of my contemporary romances – mainly because the heroine kicked ass and rescued herself, and I think the world needs more recognition of women like her, because they’re everywhere.
What inspires you to tap into that creativity?
In the case of IRON, it was a combination of a name (a business name I saw “Alere” that made me think – that would be a good character name), sending my husband and son on a weekend blacksmithing course, and my own background as a geologist. After my husband got into blacksmithing, and we were watching Youtube videos on the subject, I suddenly realised how difficult our world’s culture/civilisations would be to create without readily-available iron. Which lead me down the path of creating a world without that as a resource. Which automatically begs the question: what then happens if you do find iron?
Chaos – that’s the answer.
If you could time travel, even to a fictional place, where and what era would it be? Why?
Ohhh- there are so many! And I suspect the reality would never live up to the fictional versions that we writers make up about even real places. As long as I could go back and not be seen (and also have a good supply of clean water, women’s sanitary products, and uncontaminated food), I’d love to visit ancient China. Oh, and Regency England. Oh, wait- and Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonworld planet, Pern. Oooh – and … ah, I could go on all day. Sigh.
List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?
I re-read Lao Tse’s The Art of War, recently. Such an interesting insight into the mind of a brilliant strategist. Then I had fun romping through space with several of the Lois McMaster Bujold’s Vorkosigan Saga books. They are a great read. Lastly, but not leastly, I’ve just finished David Farland’s first Runelords book (I met David a couple of years ago and was able to snaffle an autographed copy of book 1). Such great worldbuilding.
If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?
Argh – that’s so difficult. Felicity Jones (Rogue 1 Star Wars) would be a pretty decent Alere, I think. Her character of Jyn erso had a similar gritty determination as Alere. Dylan O’Brien (Maze Runner) would make a decent Corin (roguish, fun). Jack Reynor (Transformers: Age of Extinction) has the right look for Kett (strong silent type).
Sigh… nice dream! Any producers out there listening?
Ok Now for some fun ….
Sleep in or get up early? OMG- Definitely sleep in. And stay up late. My brain doesn’t seem to get into creative mode until at least 9pm. Stupid full time-work and its stupid early hours disrupting my much-more-important creative time.
Tea or coffee? Chai tea. I LOVE the smell of coffee. And I keep tasting it every once in a while, just in case my tastebuds have spontaneously changed their minds. Nope, it always smells better than it tastes.
Sweet or Savory? Savoury for sure. Chips/Crisps are my weakness. I have to speak very sternly to myself about how bad they are for me. Frequently. *sneaks off to eat chips*
Ebook or paperback? I still prefer paperback – probably partly because my phone screen is ridiculously small and also cracked. One of these days I may invest in an e-reader, but the situation out there changes so fast it’s hard to know what e-reader will still be viable next week.
One of your favorite quotes - There is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for. (JRR Tolkien, The Two Towers)
And a bonus quote
Well-behaved women seldom make history. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
If you would like to get your hands on a copy of IRON read below:
IRON will be officially available on all good retailers on the 28th October. Use this url to pre-order from your favourite ebook retailer.
books2read.com/u/31xdJr
Or you can buy direct from Aiki's website on the 28th of October.
Print copies available from good online retailers, or order in your nearest bookstore.
If you live in Brisbane or SEQ, Aiki will be In Conversation with Dr Jo Sparrow at Bookface Orion, Springfield on the 21st of November 6:30pm-7:30pm. Come along, meet the author, ask questions, maybe even request a demo of a fighting technique. Tickets are FREE here: https://www.facebook.com/events/19335...
Find Aiki here: www.aikiflinthart.com
Or follow her on Twitter or Instagram a @aikiflinthart
And on Facebook: Aiki Flinthart
When she's not writing or giving workshops on writing, Aiki does martial arts, archery, knife-throwing, lute-playing, belly-dancing, painting and runs a full time business. Sometimes she even sleeps. Sometimes.
Her new book IRON is due for release this month as the first book in the up coming Kalmina Chronicles. I was fortunate enough to be able to interview her about the new book, what the future holds and other fun facts.
What is the title of your new book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
Title: IRON
Sci-Fantasy with a kick-ass heroine struggling to find her place and to prevent the first-ever war on her planet. Sword-fights, political upheaval, just a dash of something like magic.
If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?
Alere would probably tell the people of our world to stop f*cking it up. Her world, Kalima, was colonised by idealists escaping the environmental destruction and religious wars of Earth. Now Kalima’s 700 years of peace is under threat because humans are too stupid and ambitious for their own good.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
IRON is the first in the opening trilogy to the Kalmina Chronicles. It will be followed by FIRE and STEEL (both already written and almost ready to go – will be published in 2019.)
At the moment, though, I’m working on a novel set in 1486 – the origin story to my Urban Fantasy Ruadhan Sidhe “Shadows” trilogy that came out earlier in 2018. That one’s proving a big challenge. It’s 24 short stories all from different viewpoints of medieval women; and all coming together in an attempt to foil a plot to assassinate King Henry VII.
What made you start writing and did you go down the path of self-publishing or did you seek out a publisher?
I’ve always written. When I was younger it was appallingly bad romances. Seriously. So bad. I only found my feet when I decided to write the five-book 80AD series for my son. He loved it, so I figured I should get it published. But I was just too impatient to wait around for years as publishers hemmed and hawed over it. So I self-published. That series has now had over 400 000 downloads and I get fan mail from people of all ages and from all over the world. That made me realise maybe I could do this writing thing after all.
Is there an Author who has influenced you or one that you would really like to meet?
I read so much and so widely as a kid, teen and young adult that I would be hard put to say any one author influenced me. I read everything from Sci-fi and fantasy, to historical romance, to all the classics, Shakespeare, mythology, mysteries, detective novels, spy novels, action/thrillers. And I think they’ve all contributed and helped make my writing deeper and richer.
What drew you to that genre? Or do you have more than one genre you write?
I tend to write YA sci-fantasy/fantasy stories, even though I’ve read and enjoyed many genres over the years. I love to write empowered women who rescue themselves and have equal relationships with the men in their lives. I do still have a soft spot for historical romance, but I’m not sure I could write one without some fantasy element in it, somewhere. I have, however, published one of my contemporary romances – mainly because the heroine kicked ass and rescued herself, and I think the world needs more recognition of women like her, because they’re everywhere.
What inspires you to tap into that creativity?
In the case of IRON, it was a combination of a name (a business name I saw “Alere” that made me think – that would be a good character name), sending my husband and son on a weekend blacksmithing course, and my own background as a geologist. After my husband got into blacksmithing, and we were watching Youtube videos on the subject, I suddenly realised how difficult our world’s culture/civilisations would be to create without readily-available iron. Which lead me down the path of creating a world without that as a resource. Which automatically begs the question: what then happens if you do find iron?
Chaos – that’s the answer.
If you could time travel, even to a fictional place, where and what era would it be? Why?
Ohhh- there are so many! And I suspect the reality would never live up to the fictional versions that we writers make up about even real places. As long as I could go back and not be seen (and also have a good supply of clean water, women’s sanitary products, and uncontaminated food), I’d love to visit ancient China. Oh, and Regency England. Oh, wait- and Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonworld planet, Pern. Oooh – and … ah, I could go on all day. Sigh.
List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?
I re-read Lao Tse’s The Art of War, recently. Such an interesting insight into the mind of a brilliant strategist. Then I had fun romping through space with several of the Lois McMaster Bujold’s Vorkosigan Saga books. They are a great read. Lastly, but not leastly, I’ve just finished David Farland’s first Runelords book (I met David a couple of years ago and was able to snaffle an autographed copy of book 1). Such great worldbuilding.
If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?
Argh – that’s so difficult. Felicity Jones (Rogue 1 Star Wars) would be a pretty decent Alere, I think. Her character of Jyn erso had a similar gritty determination as Alere. Dylan O’Brien (Maze Runner) would make a decent Corin (roguish, fun). Jack Reynor (Transformers: Age of Extinction) has the right look for Kett (strong silent type).
Sigh… nice dream! Any producers out there listening?
Ok Now for some fun ….
Sleep in or get up early? OMG- Definitely sleep in. And stay up late. My brain doesn’t seem to get into creative mode until at least 9pm. Stupid full time-work and its stupid early hours disrupting my much-more-important creative time.
Tea or coffee? Chai tea. I LOVE the smell of coffee. And I keep tasting it every once in a while, just in case my tastebuds have spontaneously changed their minds. Nope, it always smells better than it tastes.
Sweet or Savory? Savoury for sure. Chips/Crisps are my weakness. I have to speak very sternly to myself about how bad they are for me. Frequently. *sneaks off to eat chips*
Ebook or paperback? I still prefer paperback – probably partly because my phone screen is ridiculously small and also cracked. One of these days I may invest in an e-reader, but the situation out there changes so fast it’s hard to know what e-reader will still be viable next week.
One of your favorite quotes - There is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for. (JRR Tolkien, The Two Towers)
And a bonus quote
Well-behaved women seldom make history. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
If you would like to get your hands on a copy of IRON read below:
IRON will be officially available on all good retailers on the 28th October. Use this url to pre-order from your favourite ebook retailer.
books2read.com/u/31xdJr
Or you can buy direct from Aiki's website on the 28th of October.
Print copies available from good online retailers, or order in your nearest bookstore.
If you live in Brisbane or SEQ, Aiki will be In Conversation with Dr Jo Sparrow at Bookface Orion, Springfield on the 21st of November 6:30pm-7:30pm. Come along, meet the author, ask questions, maybe even request a demo of a fighting technique. Tickets are FREE here: https://www.facebook.com/events/19335...
Find Aiki here: www.aikiflinthart.com
Or follow her on Twitter or Instagram a @aikiflinthart
And on Facebook: Aiki Flinthart
November 7, 2017
Two Grammar Websites I Like
Hey guys,
So I have a new short story coming out soon and I have been editing it until my eyeballs hurt. It got me thinking about websites that I could use to help pick up those little mistakes. So far I have found two sites that I liking.
First one is called Scribens https://www.scribens.com
Ok, so I like this one because it shows you repetitive words, simple grammar mistakes, overused commas and run-on sentences to name a few. It is also FREE!!!! Yep, I think it is a pretty good deal. However, you are still going to have to check before correcting, use common sense and you'll find it a good tool.
Next is the well to known Grammarly https://app.grammarly.com
Ok so I have just the free version and it is pretty good too. Not as good as Scribens I have found, but still good. The problem is you need to pay to get the good feedback.
I have found that between this two sites I have limited my grammar issues greatly and hopefully improved my writing.
Just so you guys know I am using a MacBook air for my writing so please keep that in mind. If you have any sites that help feel free to let me know all about them. I love learning new things and improving my skills.
Thanks
Rebecca
So I have a new short story coming out soon and I have been editing it until my eyeballs hurt. It got me thinking about websites that I could use to help pick up those little mistakes. So far I have found two sites that I liking.
First one is called Scribens https://www.scribens.com
Ok, so I like this one because it shows you repetitive words, simple grammar mistakes, overused commas and run-on sentences to name a few. It is also FREE!!!! Yep, I think it is a pretty good deal. However, you are still going to have to check before correcting, use common sense and you'll find it a good tool.
Next is the well to known Grammarly https://app.grammarly.com
Ok so I have just the free version and it is pretty good too. Not as good as Scribens I have found, but still good. The problem is you need to pay to get the good feedback.
I have found that between this two sites I have limited my grammar issues greatly and hopefully improved my writing.
Just so you guys know I am using a MacBook air for my writing so please keep that in mind. If you have any sites that help feel free to let me know all about them. I love learning new things and improving my skills.
Thanks
Rebecca
October 30, 2017
Hiatus over
Hello Everyone,
It has been almost two years since I last posted a blog. I am actually shocked it has been that long. Of course there are many excuses I could use but none of them are good enough. Basically I had terrible writers block and gave up. I stop doing everything as I felt like a failure.
It had gotten so bad that I threw in the towel and started a teaching course at my local college. I lost followers, friends and strangers who supported me. For that I am truly sorry.
It took a swift kick up the arse by one of my best friends to make me see the light. I love to write. I love to share my stories with the world. It is not a right, it is a privilege to be afforded such an opportunity.
My Best Friend believed in me when I no longer did. She is an amazing writer and offered me the chance to be featured in an anthology along with many other great writers.
At first I was excited, I was given the deadly sin Lust and told to write a dark horror like story. It seemed so easy until i let self doubt creep back in. I struggled, writing one story then tossing it, writing another only to toss that too. This went on until the last week before the deadline. I was in panic mode. How had I missed up so epically? My friend had put her faith in me. She had vouched for my talent.
So I spent the last few days writing my heart out. Even time my brain told me to give up I ignored. I wrote and wrote until I reached the word count limit. Finally I ended up with a dark thriller based around Lust that I'm very happy with.
I have submitted it and now I sit here, feeling guilty for trying to run away from my path. I want to write. I love to write and the best way to succeed in writing is to keep on doing it.
Please accept my sincerest apology.
I will always aim to do better. I promise.
Love
Rebecca
It has been almost two years since I last posted a blog. I am actually shocked it has been that long. Of course there are many excuses I could use but none of them are good enough. Basically I had terrible writers block and gave up. I stop doing everything as I felt like a failure.
It had gotten so bad that I threw in the towel and started a teaching course at my local college. I lost followers, friends and strangers who supported me. For that I am truly sorry.
It took a swift kick up the arse by one of my best friends to make me see the light. I love to write. I love to share my stories with the world. It is not a right, it is a privilege to be afforded such an opportunity.
My Best Friend believed in me when I no longer did. She is an amazing writer and offered me the chance to be featured in an anthology along with many other great writers.
At first I was excited, I was given the deadly sin Lust and told to write a dark horror like story. It seemed so easy until i let self doubt creep back in. I struggled, writing one story then tossing it, writing another only to toss that too. This went on until the last week before the deadline. I was in panic mode. How had I missed up so epically? My friend had put her faith in me. She had vouched for my talent.
So I spent the last few days writing my heart out. Even time my brain told me to give up I ignored. I wrote and wrote until I reached the word count limit. Finally I ended up with a dark thriller based around Lust that I'm very happy with.
I have submitted it and now I sit here, feeling guilty for trying to run away from my path. I want to write. I love to write and the best way to succeed in writing is to keep on doing it.
Please accept my sincerest apology.
I will always aim to do better. I promise.
Love
Rebecca
May 22, 2015
Two writing rules I've learnt
As any writer/aspiring author or indie author will tell you it is hard work trying to write and then to edit your own work. I have had a blessed life were it concerns my writing. I have had friends who have helped and was published by a great small publisher fairly early on. Problem was life wanted to throw a spanner or five at me and they all hit me one after the other. So I gave up on my dreams. I pulled my work from the publisher, feeling bad that I could not produce work worthy and I had no energy left to help market my work etc. I stopped writing for basically a year. I stopped everything to take care of my family.
These last few months however I have been trying to get back into writing, thanks to the encouragement of my friends. It has been a learning curve. Due to not being able to give a firm time commitment I have been sharing my work on wattpad. Unfortunately in an effort to just get work up i realise that some of my work had been grossly unedited (I know I want to smack me too) and now that i've had 1000 readers reading that story I feel like an idiot.
Rule Number 1. Always aim to post edited work (even if it is self -edited) to the highest standard.
Now this is something I had always in the past done (even when I edited my own work in a not so professional way eek.) So why did I forget this rule, this time around? I don't know if it was panic, if I just thought my work was so flawless (God I hope not) or maybe my brain had checked out for a while.
So yeah, I have spent this last week editing 18 chapters non-stop. Well deserved punishment, let me tell you. I can't promise that you (the reader) won't find mistakes but I truly hope that they are minimal and that my work passes for something readable (If not please, oh pretty please let me know!) I promise that i won't take constructive criticism to heart, though if you want a character to do something that fundamentally goes against the nature of the story then I'll have to politely reject your input (please don't hate me).
Ok so now is the time to come to the second thing I have learnt since returning.
Rule Number 2. Know what tense you are using. Yep, i've made this mistake a bit lately. I am lost between tenses. I know that my story is in first person but sometimes it boggles me as to when is it something happening right there and then or what if it happened an hour or a day ago. Ugh, it is driving me nuts. I am at almost constant war with myself. It is as though I am never going to win. Truthfully I am at lost at times. So, again you (the reader) will most likely come across work in which I have displayed on Wattpad and for that I will apologise now. Even I can admit that I relied on others to pick these things up for me (I know, how dare I be so complacent. Even I am shocked to learn this about myself.)
Anyway, those are just two of the many things I am learning or relearning. It is interesting to see how far indie authors, writers and publishing has come since I withdrew from it. I am happy to be back and chipping away at different stories while learning to perfect my art.
So I'm also going to share a few links for those of you interested. They include my twitter (I don't just pimp my work, I often chat and post really random crap on there too). There is linkedin (my professional looking showcase of my work hehe) I'll throw in my wattpad (because ideally i want you guys to read my work and fingers crossed, I want you to enjoy it.) And for fun why not instagram too. (check out my random pics, mainly of my dogs, drinks and other stuff that takes my fancy)
Anyway here they are :)
Twitter; @RNolanauthor
Linkedin; https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view...
Wattpad; http://www.wattpad.com/user/RebeccaNo...
Instagram; msrnol is my very inspired user name hehe.
Thanks for your continued support!
Rebecca Nolan
These last few months however I have been trying to get back into writing, thanks to the encouragement of my friends. It has been a learning curve. Due to not being able to give a firm time commitment I have been sharing my work on wattpad. Unfortunately in an effort to just get work up i realise that some of my work had been grossly unedited (I know I want to smack me too) and now that i've had 1000 readers reading that story I feel like an idiot.
Rule Number 1. Always aim to post edited work (even if it is self -edited) to the highest standard.
Now this is something I had always in the past done (even when I edited my own work in a not so professional way eek.) So why did I forget this rule, this time around? I don't know if it was panic, if I just thought my work was so flawless (God I hope not) or maybe my brain had checked out for a while.
So yeah, I have spent this last week editing 18 chapters non-stop. Well deserved punishment, let me tell you. I can't promise that you (the reader) won't find mistakes but I truly hope that they are minimal and that my work passes for something readable (If not please, oh pretty please let me know!) I promise that i won't take constructive criticism to heart, though if you want a character to do something that fundamentally goes against the nature of the story then I'll have to politely reject your input (please don't hate me).
Ok so now is the time to come to the second thing I have learnt since returning.
Rule Number 2. Know what tense you are using. Yep, i've made this mistake a bit lately. I am lost between tenses. I know that my story is in first person but sometimes it boggles me as to when is it something happening right there and then or what if it happened an hour or a day ago. Ugh, it is driving me nuts. I am at almost constant war with myself. It is as though I am never going to win. Truthfully I am at lost at times. So, again you (the reader) will most likely come across work in which I have displayed on Wattpad and for that I will apologise now. Even I can admit that I relied on others to pick these things up for me (I know, how dare I be so complacent. Even I am shocked to learn this about myself.)
Anyway, those are just two of the many things I am learning or relearning. It is interesting to see how far indie authors, writers and publishing has come since I withdrew from it. I am happy to be back and chipping away at different stories while learning to perfect my art.
So I'm also going to share a few links for those of you interested. They include my twitter (I don't just pimp my work, I often chat and post really random crap on there too). There is linkedin (my professional looking showcase of my work hehe) I'll throw in my wattpad (because ideally i want you guys to read my work and fingers crossed, I want you to enjoy it.) And for fun why not instagram too. (check out my random pics, mainly of my dogs, drinks and other stuff that takes my fancy)
Anyway here they are :)
Twitter; @RNolanauthor
Linkedin; https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view...
Wattpad; http://www.wattpad.com/user/RebeccaNo...
Instagram; msrnol is my very inspired user name hehe.
Thanks for your continued support!
Rebecca Nolan
May 11, 2015
Flash fiction
Emma,
Firstly I want to apologize for taking so long to write babe, it has been non-stop here and every time I have a moment to write, I find myself lost for words. Over here is so different from back home. The heat is crazy! It feels like it’ll never end. Most nights I can see the stars, there are so many some nights that I almost forget where I am, at least until the gunfire starts or some alarm sounds.
I’m sorry for rambling, it’s just so hard to think about things to write that wouldn’t sound far worse then they are. The guys loved the cookies you sent over and have been begging me to ask you to send another batch over. Also I loved your little extra special gift. It reminds me every night of how lucky I am to have such a beautiful wife. You, my dearest Emma, keep me fighting when I feel like giving up.
I want to know how you are going? Is being on base alone as hard as some on the other wives tell their husbands… or am I to believe your last letter lol. I want you to be doing ok. Only six more months until I am home, babe. Less than that until leave…and baby, I can’t tell you how excited I am about that.
Actually I was thinking about it and once this tour is over we should think about starting our family. Before you write back tell me that wasn’t in our plan, I know it isn’t. I know we are young but being here…it makes me think about you, and me and us, and how short life really is. We lost two guys yesterday. I didn’t know them but news travels fast around here.
Anyway I need to go. I don’t want to go, baby, but I’ll be home soon.
Love you forever
Marcus.
I flipped through the letters, selecting random ones to read as I contemplated the idea of going on a date. It had been eighteen months since Marcus had been shot. It still hurt. It hurt so bad that I didn’t want to live. How could I?
I place the letter back into the box, the one that held my most precious memories of him. Our wedding photos, letters and his wedding ring, they were all in this one shoebox. Our time felt so short. I didn’t want to move one. I didn’t know how too.
There was one letter, a letter one of his fellow troops had delivered to me months after his funeral. That’s how Daniel and I met. He had turned up on my doorstep, in his uniform and handed me the last letter Marcus had ever written me. Daniel had held me as I cried and stayed and tucked me into bed after I drank two bottles of wine. He had been my rock and now that he was out of the military he wanted to go on a date with me.
I didn’t know what to do. I look at that letter, crumpled and sitting there, staring at me. I unfolded it carefully.
To my Dearest Emma
If you are reading this, then I am so sorry, baby. I never wanted to leave you. Writing this is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I pray that this will never reach you. I can’t imagine a life without you and me. But, if for some, something has happened to me that I need you to know a few things.
Firstly you are and have always been the love of my life.
That if I had any choice I would always choose a life that would see us growing old together.
However if you are reading this and I am gone, then I apologize for ruining our plan once again.
Remember that you will okay, that I want you to be okay and to find happiness. You are too beautiful to be alone. You have such a strength about you, that I know you find away to move on.
Lastly Emma, and this is important so believe me when you read these words!
Emma you will love again. Don’t give up on happiness. Please find someone for me.
I have and forever will love you!
Marcus
I placed it back in to the box, feeling better even though it still hurt. A small part of me wondered if Marcus had some part in Daniel and I finding one another.
For More Free stories please feel free to check out my Wattpad page. Hoping to publish a flash fiction collection with two other amazing Wattpad writers.
http://www.wattpad.com/user/RebeccaNo...
http://www.wattpad.com/user/TheMusesTrio
Firstly I want to apologize for taking so long to write babe, it has been non-stop here and every time I have a moment to write, I find myself lost for words. Over here is so different from back home. The heat is crazy! It feels like it’ll never end. Most nights I can see the stars, there are so many some nights that I almost forget where I am, at least until the gunfire starts or some alarm sounds.
I’m sorry for rambling, it’s just so hard to think about things to write that wouldn’t sound far worse then they are. The guys loved the cookies you sent over and have been begging me to ask you to send another batch over. Also I loved your little extra special gift. It reminds me every night of how lucky I am to have such a beautiful wife. You, my dearest Emma, keep me fighting when I feel like giving up.
I want to know how you are going? Is being on base alone as hard as some on the other wives tell their husbands… or am I to believe your last letter lol. I want you to be doing ok. Only six more months until I am home, babe. Less than that until leave…and baby, I can’t tell you how excited I am about that.
Actually I was thinking about it and once this tour is over we should think about starting our family. Before you write back tell me that wasn’t in our plan, I know it isn’t. I know we are young but being here…it makes me think about you, and me and us, and how short life really is. We lost two guys yesterday. I didn’t know them but news travels fast around here.
Anyway I need to go. I don’t want to go, baby, but I’ll be home soon.
Love you forever
Marcus.
I flipped through the letters, selecting random ones to read as I contemplated the idea of going on a date. It had been eighteen months since Marcus had been shot. It still hurt. It hurt so bad that I didn’t want to live. How could I?
I place the letter back into the box, the one that held my most precious memories of him. Our wedding photos, letters and his wedding ring, they were all in this one shoebox. Our time felt so short. I didn’t want to move one. I didn’t know how too.
There was one letter, a letter one of his fellow troops had delivered to me months after his funeral. That’s how Daniel and I met. He had turned up on my doorstep, in his uniform and handed me the last letter Marcus had ever written me. Daniel had held me as I cried and stayed and tucked me into bed after I drank two bottles of wine. He had been my rock and now that he was out of the military he wanted to go on a date with me.
I didn’t know what to do. I look at that letter, crumpled and sitting there, staring at me. I unfolded it carefully.
To my Dearest Emma
If you are reading this, then I am so sorry, baby. I never wanted to leave you. Writing this is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I pray that this will never reach you. I can’t imagine a life without you and me. But, if for some, something has happened to me that I need you to know a few things.
Firstly you are and have always been the love of my life.
That if I had any choice I would always choose a life that would see us growing old together.
However if you are reading this and I am gone, then I apologize for ruining our plan once again.
Remember that you will okay, that I want you to be okay and to find happiness. You are too beautiful to be alone. You have such a strength about you, that I know you find away to move on.
Lastly Emma, and this is important so believe me when you read these words!
Emma you will love again. Don’t give up on happiness. Please find someone for me.
I have and forever will love you!
Marcus
I placed it back in to the box, feeling better even though it still hurt. A small part of me wondered if Marcus had some part in Daniel and I finding one another.
For More Free stories please feel free to check out my Wattpad page. Hoping to publish a flash fiction collection with two other amazing Wattpad writers.
http://www.wattpad.com/user/RebeccaNo...
http://www.wattpad.com/user/TheMusesTrio
February 22, 2015
Drowning, a new ChickLit romance book
Drowning is the story of Emily Rickshaw, a woman who on the outside seems to have it all, little do people know that she feels as though she is drowning with no chance of escape. Her husband hates her but won't commit to a divorce due to his political aspirations and his wife's influential family and the fact that Emily has a name for herself in the restauranteur business.
You can find 9 chapters of this story on Wattpad http://www.wattpad.com/story/25119964...
Wattpad is a free service which allows readers to find up and coming talent for free and allows writers to perfect their work while expanding their fan base.
You can find 9 chapters of this story on Wattpad http://www.wattpad.com/story/25119964...
Wattpad is a free service which allows readers to find up and coming talent for free and allows writers to perfect their work while expanding their fan base.
January 9, 2015
Update on writing and Wattpad
Wow it has been ages since i last wrote a post so thought it was better now then never.
Ok so as some of you might know 2014 was a rough year. It was full of so many downs like caring for my sick husband, leaving firefly and wisp, withdrawing most of my novels from publishing so that i could rework them when i had time etc.
I was struggling with Death Lilly as a story because Blood Lilly was written better and I just felt lost with the first book in the Lilly Vale trilogy.
My friend suggested i place it on Watt pad so that i could get some feedback which i have done. It has told me a few things, like the intro need more work which I am slowly changing. I have also begun using it for some other stories as Watt pad give me time to write without any pressure of needing sales or reaching deadlines.
2015 i want to be a better year not only for my personal life but also my writing and working life. If you are interested in any of stories feel free to head to http://www.wattpad.com/user/RebeccaNo...
The new Death Lilly ishttp://www.wattpad.com/story/24214080...
A new Chick lit story titled Drowning ishttp://www.wattpad.com/story/25119964...
An a paranormal mystery titled Cursed ishttp://www.wattpad.com/93846433-curse...
Stay tuned for more titles and Thank you all for the support!
Ok so as some of you might know 2014 was a rough year. It was full of so many downs like caring for my sick husband, leaving firefly and wisp, withdrawing most of my novels from publishing so that i could rework them when i had time etc.
I was struggling with Death Lilly as a story because Blood Lilly was written better and I just felt lost with the first book in the Lilly Vale trilogy.
My friend suggested i place it on Watt pad so that i could get some feedback which i have done. It has told me a few things, like the intro need more work which I am slowly changing. I have also begun using it for some other stories as Watt pad give me time to write without any pressure of needing sales or reaching deadlines.
2015 i want to be a better year not only for my personal life but also my writing and working life. If you are interested in any of stories feel free to head to http://www.wattpad.com/user/RebeccaNo...
The new Death Lilly ishttp://www.wattpad.com/story/24214080...
A new Chick lit story titled Drowning ishttp://www.wattpad.com/story/25119964...
An a paranormal mystery titled Cursed ishttp://www.wattpad.com/93846433-curse...
Stay tuned for more titles and Thank you all for the support!
May 30, 2014
A new Prologue (rough draft)
Five hundred years of war was about to end. The demons, who had found a way to rule Earth from both below in Hell, and on the ground, had been winning the war but that was all about to change. The Cursed ones had a plan. Centuries of waiting were about to come to an end, Jude thought happily. He was a step closer to returning to the Order.
The Order is a group of beings with glistening, white-feathered wings and hair spun like golden silk. They lived in a different dimension, one that had been seemingly closed off to the human world. In the beginning they were meant to be the humans’ protectors, to help the human race stay pure like it had been created.
For a while, they watched as the earth evolved, dinosaurs came and went, then, humans appeared. These creatures fascinated the Order, some of whom had thought to break though the veil to visit these humans. They disguised themselves as animals and as gods, playing with human lives and mating with them so that new types of creatures, titans, came about. All seemed fine, until the titans wreaked havoc, daring to kill not only humans but also those from the Order.
The Order formed an army, sending them to kill all titans. A law was passed forbidding any member from the Order entering the human realm and so the thin veil was cursed. One group, however, was not happy with the law and passed through the veil, losing their wings while growing horns and scales. Another realm opened, dragging them into a world full of lava and brimstone. The demons would spend their lifetimes only ever looking up at the humans, never to touch them. As part of the curse from passing though the veil, it was deemed they were to never return back the Order, for they were now the Order’s enemies.
Over time the demons, or Fallen, found a loophole, one that allowed them to return to the surface of earth and create havoc. Wars broke out, humans bent on revenge, lust and greed. The Earth that the Order so admired and meant to protect was now in danger of being destroyed.
The Order, angered by the demons finding a way out of Hell, created an army of Cursed Ones. They cast them down to the human world as guardians, ordered to kill any demon that found a way back to the human realm. These cursed ones were forbidden from having relationships with humans; if broken they would be cast down into the new fiery hell and hunted like the demons. However if the Cursed ones fulfilled their duty, killing demons and protecting humans, then they would be allowed to return home.
Jude the Cursed One.
Jude swore to himself as he saw the startled look on the woman’s face after she heard a branch hit the side of the house. Thankfully there was a storm brewing and the wind had picked up, making the noise less suspicious. Her hand gently covered the monster that was growing inside of her. He knew it was only a matter of time before they would kill her and her little monster. Jude couldn’t think of the thing that grew inside the demon as a baby, for it would have made his task impossible to do.
Uziel shifted cautiously beside him. “I don’t feel good about this Jude.” He whispered. Jude didn’t either, but he wasn’t about to admit that.
“This is our key home. You heard what Michael said, if we kill the mother and child, then the curse will be broken and we will be able to return home, you know they have the power, you have heard the stories.”
“Yes I heard…but look at her, she doesn’t look evil and to kill a baby” Uziel sighed heavily. “I just don’t know if I can do that. There is enough blood on our hands as it is…we don’t need the blood of an innocent as well.”
“Don’t you want to go home?” Jude asked, knowing the answer; of course Uziel wanted to go home, all the Cursed Ones did. They lived an existence knowing nothing but bloodshed down here, instead of the bliss and inner happiness found in heaven. Uziel looked once more at the woman who was now seated in a large rocking chair in the lounge room. Her long ebony hair hung damp around her pale ivory face. She had her eyes closed as she rocked backed and forth, her mouth moving as she sung to the child that was inside her. He knew there was no way he could kill this woman and her child. In this moment, she was no more demon than any other human mother he had seen. Jude began to climb down the tree as Uziel continued to watch. The sooner the deed was done the sooner they could return home. It was then that Uziel noticed the slight grimace to the woman’s face and the shift of her body. ‘Oh shit’ he thought to himself ‘she is close to having the baby’.
Uziel jumped down from the tree, hitting the side of the house with a bang. A light from the upstairs window flicked on and there was yelling from inside. Jude looked furiously towards Uziel, before shoving him into the car.
A young man, looking no more than twenty and wearing jeans, exited the house, shouting “Who’s there?” as he checked the front yard. Jude drove a few blocks away before pulling over. His face was askew as he fought to control his temper.
“Why did you do that?” Jude hissed.
“They don’t deserve to die. No matter what Michael says, she is just a mother trying to protect her young.”
Jude paused; he couldn’t believe that Uziel was sticking up for one of THEM. Mother or not, Child or not, they were from the dark order…they didn’t deserve to live. Most of all, Jude just wanted to go home. This life was draining whatever part of his soul remained.
“You would risk staying here…risk the wrath of the Order… for what?…for HER?”
“If it is the right thing to do, then, yes. Jude whether you see it or not, she isn’t evil, she isn’t someone to fear and neither is her child. Don’t let your hatred blind you.”
Jude shook his head at his brother’s words; maybe he had been compromised somehow. Maybe this life had finely taken its toll on Uziel. Either way, Jude knew it was Uziel who was being blind. The woman might have had her life spared tonight but he would kill her and her child… soon. He would return to the Order, no matter what he had to do.
The Order is a group of beings with glistening, white-feathered wings and hair spun like golden silk. They lived in a different dimension, one that had been seemingly closed off to the human world. In the beginning they were meant to be the humans’ protectors, to help the human race stay pure like it had been created.
For a while, they watched as the earth evolved, dinosaurs came and went, then, humans appeared. These creatures fascinated the Order, some of whom had thought to break though the veil to visit these humans. They disguised themselves as animals and as gods, playing with human lives and mating with them so that new types of creatures, titans, came about. All seemed fine, until the titans wreaked havoc, daring to kill not only humans but also those from the Order.
The Order formed an army, sending them to kill all titans. A law was passed forbidding any member from the Order entering the human realm and so the thin veil was cursed. One group, however, was not happy with the law and passed through the veil, losing their wings while growing horns and scales. Another realm opened, dragging them into a world full of lava and brimstone. The demons would spend their lifetimes only ever looking up at the humans, never to touch them. As part of the curse from passing though the veil, it was deemed they were to never return back the Order, for they were now the Order’s enemies.
Over time the demons, or Fallen, found a loophole, one that allowed them to return to the surface of earth and create havoc. Wars broke out, humans bent on revenge, lust and greed. The Earth that the Order so admired and meant to protect was now in danger of being destroyed.
The Order, angered by the demons finding a way out of Hell, created an army of Cursed Ones. They cast them down to the human world as guardians, ordered to kill any demon that found a way back to the human realm. These cursed ones were forbidden from having relationships with humans; if broken they would be cast down into the new fiery hell and hunted like the demons. However if the Cursed ones fulfilled their duty, killing demons and protecting humans, then they would be allowed to return home.
Jude the Cursed One.
Jude swore to himself as he saw the startled look on the woman’s face after she heard a branch hit the side of the house. Thankfully there was a storm brewing and the wind had picked up, making the noise less suspicious. Her hand gently covered the monster that was growing inside of her. He knew it was only a matter of time before they would kill her and her little monster. Jude couldn’t think of the thing that grew inside the demon as a baby, for it would have made his task impossible to do.
Uziel shifted cautiously beside him. “I don’t feel good about this Jude.” He whispered. Jude didn’t either, but he wasn’t about to admit that.
“This is our key home. You heard what Michael said, if we kill the mother and child, then the curse will be broken and we will be able to return home, you know they have the power, you have heard the stories.”
“Yes I heard…but look at her, she doesn’t look evil and to kill a baby” Uziel sighed heavily. “I just don’t know if I can do that. There is enough blood on our hands as it is…we don’t need the blood of an innocent as well.”
“Don’t you want to go home?” Jude asked, knowing the answer; of course Uziel wanted to go home, all the Cursed Ones did. They lived an existence knowing nothing but bloodshed down here, instead of the bliss and inner happiness found in heaven. Uziel looked once more at the woman who was now seated in a large rocking chair in the lounge room. Her long ebony hair hung damp around her pale ivory face. She had her eyes closed as she rocked backed and forth, her mouth moving as she sung to the child that was inside her. He knew there was no way he could kill this woman and her child. In this moment, she was no more demon than any other human mother he had seen. Jude began to climb down the tree as Uziel continued to watch. The sooner the deed was done the sooner they could return home. It was then that Uziel noticed the slight grimace to the woman’s face and the shift of her body. ‘Oh shit’ he thought to himself ‘she is close to having the baby’.
Uziel jumped down from the tree, hitting the side of the house with a bang. A light from the upstairs window flicked on and there was yelling from inside. Jude looked furiously towards Uziel, before shoving him into the car.
A young man, looking no more than twenty and wearing jeans, exited the house, shouting “Who’s there?” as he checked the front yard. Jude drove a few blocks away before pulling over. His face was askew as he fought to control his temper.
“Why did you do that?” Jude hissed.
“They don’t deserve to die. No matter what Michael says, she is just a mother trying to protect her young.”
Jude paused; he couldn’t believe that Uziel was sticking up for one of THEM. Mother or not, Child or not, they were from the dark order…they didn’t deserve to live. Most of all, Jude just wanted to go home. This life was draining whatever part of his soul remained.
“You would risk staying here…risk the wrath of the Order… for what?…for HER?”
“If it is the right thing to do, then, yes. Jude whether you see it or not, she isn’t evil, she isn’t someone to fear and neither is her child. Don’t let your hatred blind you.”
Jude shook his head at his brother’s words; maybe he had been compromised somehow. Maybe this life had finely taken its toll on Uziel. Either way, Jude knew it was Uziel who was being blind. The woman might have had her life spared tonight but he would kill her and her child… soon. He would return to the Order, no matter what he had to do.
May 28, 2014
A revised edition of Death Lilly
After writing Blood Lilly i noticed the flow of Death Lilly was slightly off and there were elements that i thought were important that happened not to be. I felt it is in the best interest of the series to do a revised edition so that when readers read the series it will all tie in nicely.
I know it can be frustrating for readers and I am glad I have come to this decision early. I have learnt a lot since i first wrote Death Lilly and would love to use this knowledge in the new version. I am not perfect but i want to give my readers the very best version i can deliver.
The new version will include more Jude better flow and a few new twists that set up the rest of the series nicely.
I can't wait to share this new edition with you all.
Thank You
Rebecca
I know it can be frustrating for readers and I am glad I have come to this decision early. I have learnt a lot since i first wrote Death Lilly and would love to use this knowledge in the new version. I am not perfect but i want to give my readers the very best version i can deliver.
The new version will include more Jude better flow and a few new twists that set up the rest of the series nicely.
I can't wait to share this new edition with you all.
Thank You
Rebecca
August 13, 2013
New project Romance genre
“Sarah I want you home early so we can trim the tree.” My mother called out to me as I walked to my car bound for the mall. The wind whistled though the trees as it nipped my nose making me pull my coat a little tighter. Everything was white, the roofs on houses, the trees, and the ground…all of it was white and beautiful. I loved this time of year; Christmas carols played in every mall, decorations lined the streets and everyone seemed to be in good spirits. It was a great time of year, I thought as I moved from store to store. There were only ten more days until Christmas and three days until I’d have to deal with the influx of family that gathered at my parents’ home. It was annoying that at twenty five I still lived at home but in this economy moving out on my wage, with my student loans, was not an option, I thought as I searched for a parking spot.
Even though I complained about it, I couldn’t wait to see family again. I could picture every present for all my aunts and uncles and grandparents. We didn’t have a huge family, but every Christmas we liked to gather at someone’s place and reconnect. It wasn’t the worst tradition and if I liquored up grandpa enough it would mean a nice little cash bonus under the tree for me. Sure, I felt bad but when he saw the new plaid sweater vest I got him, all would be forgiven. This year was my nephew’s first Christmas. He was six months old and a little cherub with curly blond hair and big rosy cheeks. Jason was the light of our family’s life, being that he was not only my first nephew but he was also the first grandchild and great grandchild, on both sides of the family. We were all looking forward to watching him tear up the paper on Christmas morning. I had no problem spending up big on my little nephew just to see that smile upon his face. I mightn’t have bucket loads of money but had enough to make sure he would be well spoilt over the holiday season.
The sound of a school choir caroling, chimed in my ears as I sipped hot coco before nibbling on a Christmas cookie. There were only a few more shops to hit until I was done gift shopping but I was already tired and my feet were aching with protest. There was still time, I mused. Tomorrow was a half day at work, surely I could come back then to pick up the last few things I wanted. I loved the atmosphere at this time of year; it was amazing to be around. Families coming together, strangers helping each other… it was a time when miracles happened.
I smiled at guy dress in a Santa suit as he passed by accidently knocking me with his elbow. “Merry Christmas.” I called out in my cheery holiday voice. The Santa look alike glared at me, his eyes filled with anger. Instinctively I took a step back, dropping the cookie that was in my hand.
“A Merry Christmas to you to.” He spoke with a strained tone. I couldn’t help but wonder why this Santa seemed so aggravated, it was Christmas after all. He must’ve picked up on my feeling as he flashed me a weak smile before flinging his Santa sack over his shoulder and disappearing into the crowd. I shrugged, not wanting to let it ruin my day. There was just one more shop to hit before I would pack up my credit card for the day. There were some perks to living with my parents after all, I thought with a grin.
My arms were full as I made my way out for the mall; my feet and bank balance both a little worse for wear. Nearly everything on my Christmas list had been bought so I was ready to tackle the next thing on my ‘to do list’…wrapping.
Juggling bags while trying to find my keys, I made my way to the car, humming jingle bells rock softly as I thought about trimming the tree with my mum and sister later tonight. In hindsight I should have been paying attention to the things around me. Maybe I would have done things differently…then again, maybe not. Who knows? But, as I heard the beep of my car’s central locking system activate, a shot rang out. One loud bang followed by another and another.
I didn’t feel anything at first. No searing pain. No ache. Screams echoed all around me. Everything seemed to be moving in fast forward while I was stuck in slow motion, watching as others fled for safety, sheltering themselves behind cars as others rushed into stores… I didn’t understand what was happening. Another shot followed by three more sounded as I glanced to my left. There had been a loud thud followed by several screams before everything had gone very quiet. All I could hear now was the muffled sounds of crying and Christmas carols. It was very unnerving. Suddenly I wondered as to when I had fallen? The presents I had picked out were scattered around me as a surge of panic flooded my veins. Another loud shot rang out, so loud that I wanted to cover my ears. It was at that point in which I realized I must have been hit by a bullet. I glanced around me once more.
An old man had fallen onto his back a few feet across from me, blood slowly pooling from underneath him. I had a thought, that maybe I could help him, I was a nurse after all but as I tried to move my legs they stayed still. Five others were lying on the on the cold, hard ground like me. I was too far away to help the others but the old man was close enough that I if I could get to him maybe I could help in some way. My nursing instincts kicked in and I called out to the man.
“Sir, are you ok?” I asked, the man didn’t respond but I could see that he was still breathing. I moved my arms, laying them out in front of me. My legs might not have been working properly but I was determined to move forward. There was a young man with his finger against his lips telling me to be quiet. I glared at him, the guy was early thirties and hiding behind his Audi, I was outraged. How dare he hide behind a car judging me for helping others? This young guy was far more capable then I and yet he did not offer either me or any of the others a helping hand. The thought to scream at the top of my lungs was far too tempting.
“Why won’t you help him?” I cried out as hushed as I dare be. The guy only two maybe three feet away shook his head. I watched as the old man lying in front of me groaned, his hand dropping to the side. I worried I wouldn’t make it time.
“God, please…someone help him. Can’t you see he will die if we leave him out here!” I pleaded to deaf ears.
“Shut up.” declared a voice, followed by another gunshot though I wasn’t sure where it came from. All I could focus on was the man as the sound of a child crying in the background soon hushed. I prayed that the child was ok and not a victim.
“Matt.” Another soft groan escaped from the poor man’s lips. I was worried about how bad his injuries might be. Every ounce of strength I had left, I used to reach the man.
“Sir…” I struggled to finish what I was saying. I felt cold. Really cold yet my only concern was to help him. I looked around at all the scared faces, hiding where they could. Using my arms I inched myself forward. ‘Oh god’, it hurt so bad that black dots appeared before my eyes…or maybe I was losing too much blood. I hadn’t really checked myself but I knew I was doing ok as long as I stayed awake and coherent. Christmas carols were now being drowned out by sirens. I knew police were on the scene, it was only a matter of time before help would arrive. All I had to do was stay awake until they could reach us.
“Sir, can you hear me?” I asked, trying to keep my tone nice and even.
We were out in the open, easy pickings for the shooter. I knew how this worked, police, medics…none of them would come until it was safe but hopefully that wouldn’t be too long now. Another shot echoed in the distanced as if mocking me. The sound was deafening even over the siren. Still it was hard to tell where the gunman was shooting from. Nothing around me was disturbed and truthfully I didn’t care if the shooter noticed me or not. If I was going to die then I wanted to do it on my own terms. I wanted to die knowing I wasn’t too scared to help a stranger on Christmas. Maybe it was my tenacity which made the shooter ignore me or maybe he was trying to think of an escape plan. I guess I would never know but while whatever was going on; I continued to do what I knew was right.
There was a lot of blood now pooled around him as I tried to see where it was coming from, one wound in his chest and one in his leg. The chest one was only a small entry wound but from the blood pouring out under him I knew the exit wound must be bad. My pulse jumped into my throat as I realized that there was not a lot I could do for him in my condition. Maybe if he had been rushed to hospital, he might have survived but even I had doubts.
In his left hand lay a small velvet box. It was too large for it to be a ring box. I grabbed his hand removing the box. His pulse was weak. A horrid thought entered my mind for I knew he didn’t have long left in this world. Carefully I placed the box in the waistband of my jeans. I didn’t know what was in it but I’d be damned if I’d let someone steal it.
Tilting my head I whispered. “Sir, it’s all right. Everything is going to be fine; I’m here to help you. All you have to do is hold on a little bit longer.”
I wasn’t expecting him to answer but it would have been reassuring. He was so close to death that I figured the best thing I could do was to hold him close and let him know he wasn’t alone. With my head resting beside his shoulder I held his hand and waited, whispering reassuring words. I didn’t feel cold any more instead I felt tired, so, with my hand clasped in the man’s I let myself drift off knowing I might never awaken. Jingle bells rock still playing in my mind as I hummed the tune wondering if I would ever see my family again.
Rebecca Nolan
Even though I complained about it, I couldn’t wait to see family again. I could picture every present for all my aunts and uncles and grandparents. We didn’t have a huge family, but every Christmas we liked to gather at someone’s place and reconnect. It wasn’t the worst tradition and if I liquored up grandpa enough it would mean a nice little cash bonus under the tree for me. Sure, I felt bad but when he saw the new plaid sweater vest I got him, all would be forgiven. This year was my nephew’s first Christmas. He was six months old and a little cherub with curly blond hair and big rosy cheeks. Jason was the light of our family’s life, being that he was not only my first nephew but he was also the first grandchild and great grandchild, on both sides of the family. We were all looking forward to watching him tear up the paper on Christmas morning. I had no problem spending up big on my little nephew just to see that smile upon his face. I mightn’t have bucket loads of money but had enough to make sure he would be well spoilt over the holiday season.
The sound of a school choir caroling, chimed in my ears as I sipped hot coco before nibbling on a Christmas cookie. There were only a few more shops to hit until I was done gift shopping but I was already tired and my feet were aching with protest. There was still time, I mused. Tomorrow was a half day at work, surely I could come back then to pick up the last few things I wanted. I loved the atmosphere at this time of year; it was amazing to be around. Families coming together, strangers helping each other… it was a time when miracles happened.
I smiled at guy dress in a Santa suit as he passed by accidently knocking me with his elbow. “Merry Christmas.” I called out in my cheery holiday voice. The Santa look alike glared at me, his eyes filled with anger. Instinctively I took a step back, dropping the cookie that was in my hand.
“A Merry Christmas to you to.” He spoke with a strained tone. I couldn’t help but wonder why this Santa seemed so aggravated, it was Christmas after all. He must’ve picked up on my feeling as he flashed me a weak smile before flinging his Santa sack over his shoulder and disappearing into the crowd. I shrugged, not wanting to let it ruin my day. There was just one more shop to hit before I would pack up my credit card for the day. There were some perks to living with my parents after all, I thought with a grin.
My arms were full as I made my way out for the mall; my feet and bank balance both a little worse for wear. Nearly everything on my Christmas list had been bought so I was ready to tackle the next thing on my ‘to do list’…wrapping.
Juggling bags while trying to find my keys, I made my way to the car, humming jingle bells rock softly as I thought about trimming the tree with my mum and sister later tonight. In hindsight I should have been paying attention to the things around me. Maybe I would have done things differently…then again, maybe not. Who knows? But, as I heard the beep of my car’s central locking system activate, a shot rang out. One loud bang followed by another and another.
I didn’t feel anything at first. No searing pain. No ache. Screams echoed all around me. Everything seemed to be moving in fast forward while I was stuck in slow motion, watching as others fled for safety, sheltering themselves behind cars as others rushed into stores… I didn’t understand what was happening. Another shot followed by three more sounded as I glanced to my left. There had been a loud thud followed by several screams before everything had gone very quiet. All I could hear now was the muffled sounds of crying and Christmas carols. It was very unnerving. Suddenly I wondered as to when I had fallen? The presents I had picked out were scattered around me as a surge of panic flooded my veins. Another loud shot rang out, so loud that I wanted to cover my ears. It was at that point in which I realized I must have been hit by a bullet. I glanced around me once more.
An old man had fallen onto his back a few feet across from me, blood slowly pooling from underneath him. I had a thought, that maybe I could help him, I was a nurse after all but as I tried to move my legs they stayed still. Five others were lying on the on the cold, hard ground like me. I was too far away to help the others but the old man was close enough that I if I could get to him maybe I could help in some way. My nursing instincts kicked in and I called out to the man.
“Sir, are you ok?” I asked, the man didn’t respond but I could see that he was still breathing. I moved my arms, laying them out in front of me. My legs might not have been working properly but I was determined to move forward. There was a young man with his finger against his lips telling me to be quiet. I glared at him, the guy was early thirties and hiding behind his Audi, I was outraged. How dare he hide behind a car judging me for helping others? This young guy was far more capable then I and yet he did not offer either me or any of the others a helping hand. The thought to scream at the top of my lungs was far too tempting.
“Why won’t you help him?” I cried out as hushed as I dare be. The guy only two maybe three feet away shook his head. I watched as the old man lying in front of me groaned, his hand dropping to the side. I worried I wouldn’t make it time.
“God, please…someone help him. Can’t you see he will die if we leave him out here!” I pleaded to deaf ears.
“Shut up.” declared a voice, followed by another gunshot though I wasn’t sure where it came from. All I could focus on was the man as the sound of a child crying in the background soon hushed. I prayed that the child was ok and not a victim.
“Matt.” Another soft groan escaped from the poor man’s lips. I was worried about how bad his injuries might be. Every ounce of strength I had left, I used to reach the man.
“Sir…” I struggled to finish what I was saying. I felt cold. Really cold yet my only concern was to help him. I looked around at all the scared faces, hiding where they could. Using my arms I inched myself forward. ‘Oh god’, it hurt so bad that black dots appeared before my eyes…or maybe I was losing too much blood. I hadn’t really checked myself but I knew I was doing ok as long as I stayed awake and coherent. Christmas carols were now being drowned out by sirens. I knew police were on the scene, it was only a matter of time before help would arrive. All I had to do was stay awake until they could reach us.
“Sir, can you hear me?” I asked, trying to keep my tone nice and even.
We were out in the open, easy pickings for the shooter. I knew how this worked, police, medics…none of them would come until it was safe but hopefully that wouldn’t be too long now. Another shot echoed in the distanced as if mocking me. The sound was deafening even over the siren. Still it was hard to tell where the gunman was shooting from. Nothing around me was disturbed and truthfully I didn’t care if the shooter noticed me or not. If I was going to die then I wanted to do it on my own terms. I wanted to die knowing I wasn’t too scared to help a stranger on Christmas. Maybe it was my tenacity which made the shooter ignore me or maybe he was trying to think of an escape plan. I guess I would never know but while whatever was going on; I continued to do what I knew was right.
There was a lot of blood now pooled around him as I tried to see where it was coming from, one wound in his chest and one in his leg. The chest one was only a small entry wound but from the blood pouring out under him I knew the exit wound must be bad. My pulse jumped into my throat as I realized that there was not a lot I could do for him in my condition. Maybe if he had been rushed to hospital, he might have survived but even I had doubts.
In his left hand lay a small velvet box. It was too large for it to be a ring box. I grabbed his hand removing the box. His pulse was weak. A horrid thought entered my mind for I knew he didn’t have long left in this world. Carefully I placed the box in the waistband of my jeans. I didn’t know what was in it but I’d be damned if I’d let someone steal it.
Tilting my head I whispered. “Sir, it’s all right. Everything is going to be fine; I’m here to help you. All you have to do is hold on a little bit longer.”
I wasn’t expecting him to answer but it would have been reassuring. He was so close to death that I figured the best thing I could do was to hold him close and let him know he wasn’t alone. With my head resting beside his shoulder I held his hand and waited, whispering reassuring words. I didn’t feel cold any more instead I felt tired, so, with my hand clasped in the man’s I let myself drift off knowing I might never awaken. Jingle bells rock still playing in my mind as I hummed the tune wondering if I would ever see my family again.
Rebecca Nolan
