Roland Clarke's Blog, page 15
August 22, 2020
#WEP/IWSG August Challenge – Long Shadow
Crime never sleeps.
Apologies for the delay in posting this latest entry in the WEP/IWSG Challenge. As some of you know I’ve been ill and unable to write for some days.
However, in July I found bits of time to devise more Sparkle Anwyl mind games so the six-part story called ‘Custody Chain’ could continue. This episode is too long by 100 words – and unpolished – as my mind is not yet working at full deviousness.
For those that wondered, the revision of my first Sparkle Anwyl novel, Fevered Fuse progresses in sporadic spurts too – more like a stoppage now.
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If you missed the first three parts of the story, or would like to refresh your memory, here are the links:
Chapter One – Café Terrace: https://rolandclarke.com/2020/02/19/wep-iwsg-february-challenge-cafe-terrace/
Chapter Two – Masterpiece: https://rolandclarke.com/2020/04/15/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-antique-vase/
Chapter Three – Cryptograph: https://rolandclarke.com/2020/06/17/wep-iwsg-june-challenge-urban-nightmare/
Please note there may be minor oversights/errors/omissions which editing of the final story into a novella will address. Writing new chapters throws up new clues to fathom.
Anyway, enjoy this new chapter, and if you wish, please comment, or suggest what happens next. Many thanks for reading.
Apologies if I’m slow to respond or slow to visit your posts.
Plus, ensure you visit all the other writers in this challenge via:
https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2020/08/wep-august-challenge-long-shadow-sign.html
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CUSTODY CHAIN
CHAPTER FOUR – UMBRAGE
2014
Tuesday, March 18th
A raven conspiracy croaks from the depths of the wood. Trees scatter the setting sun, throwing shadows on the barn in Llanystumdwy.
My throbbing tattoos warn we’re not alone, but there’s nothing visible as I press the button beside the yellow door. As before the oscillating buzz echoes inside.
Cautious footsteps.
The door camera lights up, so we show our identity.
The female Police Community Support Officer assigned to assist and protect Tesni Szarka lets us inside.
She turns and smiles at her charge, adding some deft hand movements. “Mr Cadwallader is home.” A PCSO who knows sign language is a bonus.
Tesni throws her arms around her father. Tears streak her cheeks.
“I worry. Miss you.” She smiles as she signs. “Family matters. I love you.”
He holds her face in his hands. His mouth echoes his gestured response.
“You know I love you. You sensed our relationship. You are talented. Special. My ‘warmth from the sun’.”
As she leads Urien into her home, I turn to the PCSO. Cute 5 foot brunette – about eighteen. Sparkling eyes.
“I’m PCSO Dace. Pleased to be assigned to such a case. Miss Szarka is an amazing lady. And, please call me Lleilu.” I beam at her enthusiasm – as does Kama.
“Any sign of trouble?” My partner’s senses are heightened too.
“Nothing around this home.” She pauses, then points towards the wood beyond the picture window in the main space.
Kama nods towards Urien’s walled retreat, hidden in the trees.
“Our uniform colleagues watching his house have detected someone?”
“On the security system. A prowler—”
“—the attacker has unfinished business.” My tattoos twitch. I tap out M for Mistakes. “We need to learn more about Urien Cadwallader’s actions in Hungary.” The ones he was reluctant to share on the drive from Bangor.
We head into the main space with its exposed beams, ethnic furniture, and hung with Tesni’s masterpieces. All with the crow sigil.
The familiar smell of paint, varnish and coffee percolate the air. Workspace and sanctuary.
Through the central window, the dying glimmer of the sun is yielding to the starry night.
On an easel is Café Terrace at Night. But the stolen replica of Van Gogh’s masterpiece is in police custody – where we secured it.
Tesni notices us as she sips her coffee, brow furrowed. She points at the painting.
“Painted for Urien. So I insist return. Safer here. We protect. Together you promise.” Her riveting eyes and emphatic gestures are hard to resist. “Lleilu arranges.”
“I’m sorry, detectives. But Tesni persuaded me to ask DCI Baines if the artwork could be here. It arrived just before you two. With the message: ‘Draw’. Does that mean anything?”
My eyes lock with Kama’s. We nod and she leads me aside.
“Draw out the truth.”
“And the intruder.” My tattoos are thrumming and a mnemonic is forming in my head. “We need a plan.”
MAP. M for Mistakes. A for Artwork. P for Plan.
“When Tesni tackled the thief – she was at Urien’s. The figure in black and masked is still around. That’s who triggered the re-activated security system at the scene.”
“And now Urien’s here, along with the painting, he’s in danger as is Tesni. The assailant will realise who she is. They’re the draw – the bait. My cryptograph-mind suggested MAP – as in the layout between the houses.”
“And the intruder has probably reconnoitred most of that area, even if he was unaware who lived here. But now she or he does and has had time to plan his move – once we’ve left.”
*
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We leave the barn by flashlight, and drive away in our unmarked police car.
I kill the headlights, then park off the road.
“Nothing on either security system.” Kama taps her Smartphone to confirm. “Let’s stealth back to the barn.”
“Glad we prefer wearing black – even if our biker leathers would’ve been even better for crawling around.”
We slip into the wood and sneak back to the barn. A drystone wall screens us as we watch the only two entrances.
A shadow separates from the invasive rhododendron bushes. A masked figure in black who points a device at the house.
“He’s disabling the security system.” Kama pulls out her phone. “Confirmed. But the shutoff will have alerted uniform at Urien’s house.”
“But we need to follow him inside.”
Kama unfastens her plaited snake head belt as we slip through the open front door.
Dark and silent. Tesni’s territory.
The intruder is framed against the window, caught by the starlight as he slips towards the Café Terrace at Night painting.
Three torches blind him, but he pulls out a gun and fires into the glare.
A belt whips around the gun before he can fire again. I rugby tackle the figure and my choke-hold restrains him.
Urien strides over and pulls off the black mask.
“Tűzvirág? Why? Your brother sent you. Didn’t he?”
“Who did you expect? Barangó is too stupid to deal with you directly.”
Urien looks from the handcuffed woman to us, then motions to a couch,
“You need to know more – my secrets have found me.”
We all sit – the subdued intruder between Kama and me.”
My partner poses the questions. “Hungary? This woman is…a relation?”
“My wife, Csilla was. Her sister, Aranka is married to Barangó Fekete. He’s a profiteering thug who has made crime lucrative – and legal. Or so he believes.”
“My brother is a businessman, respected in Hungary and beyond. You owe him – for everything.”
Urien’s face darkens. “It was a grave mistake to trust him when I needed to save Csilla. How many times must I pay? What does your jealous brother want now? Not my daughter, please.”
“That’s the new price – now we know she exists. Her forgeries will help my brother’s international enterprises thrive. Never forget your past has cast this long shadow over everything. Not Barangó’s devoted and loyal comrades.”
[image error]Hungarian policemen stand at the border crossing between Hungary and Croatia – http://www.express.co.uk
***
Word Count 1,104: FCA
Comments are welcome as usual, and the following applies:
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August 13, 2020
Featuring ‘Voyagers: The Third Ghost’ and so much more
Background Photo by Louise MacBeath Barbour
This week on the IWSG Anthology blog, fellow author and blog-co-ordinator, Louise MacBeath Barbour continues to share from her teacher perspective. She has recapped each of our stories, focusing on the historical aspect in every tale. Read more and get inspired here:
https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/2020/08/voyagers-third-ghost-great-book-for.html
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Apologies, but I also failed to share the link to last week’s post on the Anthology blog – a timely book launched by author acquaintance and IWSG Bookclub organiser, Chrys Fey.
So, here that post is as well:
https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/2020/08/catch-some-writers-sparks-and-fuel-your_5.html
August 5, 2020
#IWSG – Planned or random?
I have to confess to not being on the write page for this month’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group post. OK, I’m still willing to ask where would I be without the Ninja Captain himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh who created the Insecure Writer’s Support Group?
But I must admit to pulling out of the race to create an entry for the annual Anthology Competition. Many thanks, Captain Alex, but not this time.
However, before I forget, here are the details if you want to enter the 2020 IWSG Anthology Contest. It’s a challenging theme again – Dark Matter –but I’m sure you’ll be inspired. For the contest visit:
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/the-2019-annual-iwsg-anthology-contest.html
My mind is insecure and struggling enough with my Sparkle Anwyl cases. Plus, I’m totally snowed under with the mounting emails and outstanding blog posts to read. So, apologies and more apologies to all that may concern.
Anyway, on to the monthly question which is another challenge – and possibly a chance to digress.
August 5 question – Quote: “Although I have written a short story collection, the form found me and not the other way around. Don’t write short stories, novels or poems. Just write your truth and your stories will mould into the shapes they need to be.”
Have you ever written a piece that became a form, or even a genre, you hadn’t planned on writing in? Or do you choose a form/genre in advance?
I rarely stray from my chosen genre, although I moved from fantasy and SF shorts as a teenager to crime/mystery novels as a retiree. With a few exceptions, although Crime has merged with my Speculative and Alternative History diversions.
The main exception was my MG short ‘Feathered Fire’ for the Voyagers: The Third Ghostanthology. That was my only attempt at writing Middle Grade or historical – although, not fantasy.
However, my intention is to remain in my current genre – Crime – even if the form fluctuates between novel and shorts/flash.
But for NaNoWriMo this November, I may consider writing a longer piece with my characters from ‘Feathered Fire’.
Unless Crime never sleeps.
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*
The awesome co-hosts for the August 5 posting of the IWSG are Susan Baury Rouchard, Nancy Gideon, Jennifer Lane, Jennifer Hawes, Chemist Ken, and Chrys Fey!
How can I be repetitive asking you to agree these guys are the best? Especially as they all have concerns, fears, and insecurities. But they struggle on, so ticker-tape applause for all of them – plus toasts with the best brew available.
Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
July 29, 2020
Promoting Your Children’s Book
Background Photo by Louise MacBeath Barbour
On the IWSG Anthology blog this week blog-co-ordinator, Louise MacBeath Barbour writes about creating a teacher’s guide based on her knowledge and experience as a teacher for over twenty-five years – and as one of the writers featured in Voyagers: The Third Ghost .
Louise lays out a plan to create a user-friendly teacher’s guide that you can use during school and library visits, in presentations at conferences, or as an exhibiter at industry events.
Learn more about this invaluable guidance at:
https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/2020/07/promote-your-childrens-book-by-creating.html
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July 25, 2020
Writing craft books ~ Part 2
On the IWSG Anthology blog this week we have more great writing craft books to recommend, with more Voyagers: The Third Ghostwriters and IWSG founder Alex J. Cavanaugh sharing favourite references of theirs.
Check them out ~ perhaps you will find a new favourite to inspire your writing – and as blog-co-ordinator, Louise MacBeath Barbour says, she’ll “have to expand my writing references shelves in my study bookcase. That’s a great problem to have ~ LOL. Enjoy!”
https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/2020/07/favorite-writing-craft-books-part-2.html
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July 21, 2020
The Occupation Thesaurus – a review
I was privileged and excited to read an ARC of The Occupation Thesaurus. This is my rambling review and I’ll start with the crucial and deserved rating:
5 stars *****
The core of this non-fiction reference book is – as the title suggests – an extensive selection of Occupations with details on them all. I should mention the US emphasis, although the authors clearly state aspects like training/requirements for a job might vary between states and countries. As an ex-pat Brit, I was aware of this but never felt that aspect distracted from the immense value of the information.
The excellent opening sections on numerous aspects of job selection, motivation, and their value to writers, are essential reading. They are jammed full of ideas, observations, and suggestions on how to apply Occupations in your writing.
They triggered some interesting thoughts for me. Topics covered are: It’s All in the Details; The Motivations behind Career Choice; Careers that Characterize; Jobs as Sources of Tension and Conflict; Jobs Can Support Story Structure and Character Arc; Vocations as Thematic Devices; Choosing a Career for Your Character; Additional Tips for Writing about Occupations.
These sections alone make this book invaluable. Many of the comments felt topical in the light of the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy, society, and job issues. The authors reference how the trickle-down effect from such a crisis causes a wider economic crisis across multiple industries.
From the opening sections onwards, it’s “a matter of figuring out which ones [Occupations] will work for your characters…” Over 125 jobs are covered from Actor to Yoga Instructor with sections for each job on: Overview; Necessary Training; Useful skills, talents, and abilities; Helpful character traits; Sources of Friction; People they might interact with; How this occupation might impact the character’s needs; Twisting the fictional stereotype; Characters might choose this profession because they…
Plenty to set the grey cells sparking.
I could relate to so much in the light of my own characters’ occupations and my own diverse careers. Some occupations seemed absent at first – until I applied some lateral thinking. For instance, the female protagonist of my debut novel was a horse rider – not included. But as a Professional Athlete her traits were represented. There is enough variety in the detailed Occupations in other related fields presented. Plus, the Animal Trainer applies to horses – and other creatures including marine.
Just think sideways. I have a secondary character who is the PA to a Fashion Designer. No PA, but the Personal Assistant to a Celebrity has relevant elements.
Or to quote the authors, “explore ones with similar responsibilities, risk, or theme to get you started,” using the appendices especially.
Warning – with a wink – rabbit-holes galore abound here. Or triggers for lateral plotting.
For instance, “…even an innocent nosebleed that turns the entryway into a murder scene can create imaginative and embarrassing complications…” That snippet is now my favourite image – and idea rabbit-hole. Don’t ask what Occupation that came from. Real Estate Agent?
Anyway, I didn’t read every Occupation entry in detail, but I ensured I read ones familiar to me – e.g. Actor, Farmer, Police Officer, Reporter – my own profession – and Talent Agent. These all were accurate with aspects I would have forgotten but agree with.
Plus, I read ones I was intrigued by – e.g. Astronaut, Funeral director, Palaeontologist, Robotics Engineer, and Treasure Hunter.
I was tempted to read every entry. My secondary characters have jobs and so should yours. This book will always prove useful – and I’ve found more material for ongoing characters – like that Fashion Designer. And there are enough unusual professions like Dream Interpreter, Glassblower, Podcaster, Reiki Master, and Tattoo Artists, to set your ideas flowing.
Even the familiar – or not – Novelists, ??!!***
My approach might skim the surface, but this is the way most will use this invaluable resource. Dipping in-&-out, researching for specific Occupations, marker on that key profession, these are some of the ways I use the other thesauri in the indispensable series.
There are also inspirational appendices to spark more thoughts and plotlines.
Appendix A: Occupation Speed Dating: Where you start by identifying a standout trait for your character, then using some graphics find an occupation match.
And Appendix B contains a Career Assessment that can help you put all the pieces together.
In addition, this is not a static reference tool. The list will be updated since “the Occupation Thesaurus at One Stop for Writers isn’t limited by page count, so you will find more of our entries there…”
Navigation in this thesaurus and others in the series is simple, with a clear table of contents including links to external resources. To quote a recent reply I made about the authors’ Emotion Thesaurus, “…I have a Kindle for PC version of ET, The Rural Setting T., and The Urban Setting T., as well – and all three are easy to use. In fact, the Kindle Index facility helps. I’m reading an ARC of the new Occupation Thesaurus as a PDF – also extremely useable.”
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This addition to the stable is already proving another winner and an essential in this writer’s library. And as one friend suggested, it could help anyone struggling to figure out what kind of job they want in real life.
Or as another writer friend wrote, “What a totally brilliant idea and resource.”
What better why to improve existing characters or even spark story ideas.
Now to weave in “a part-time pastor or priest doing ethical hacking as a way to supplement his income” as Angela and Becca suggested. Or was it a Ghost doing my writing?
July 20, 2020
Writers, Have You Heard About The Occupation Thesaurus?
Hi everyone! As promised, today I have something fun to share…a special chance to win some help with your writing bills. Awesome, right?
Some of you may know Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi of Writers Helping Writers. Well, today they are releasing a new book, and I’m part of their street team. I’m handing the blog over to them so they can tell you about their Writer’s Showcase event, new book, and a great freebie to check out. Read on!
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[image error]Certain details can reveal a lot about a character, such as their goals, desires, and backstory wounds. But did you know there’s another detail that can tie your character’s arc to the plot, provide intense, multi-layered conflict, AND shorten the “get to know the character” curve for readers?
It’s true. Your character’s occupation is a GOLD MINE of storytelling potential.
Think about it: how much time do you spend on the job? Does it fulfill you or frustrate you? Can you separate work from home? Is it causing you challenges, creating obstacles…or bringing you joy and helping you live your truth?
Just like us, most characters will have a job, and the work they do will impact their life. The ups and downs can serve us well in the story.
Maybe you haven’t thought much about jobs in the past and how they act as a window into your character’s personality, interests, and skills. It’s okay, you aren’t alone. The good news is that The Occupation Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Jobs, Vocations, and Careers is going to do all the heavy lifting for you. (Here’s one of the job profiles we cover in this book: FIREFIGHTER.)
GIVEAWAY ALERT: THE WRITER’S SHOWCASE
To celebrate the release of a new book, Writers Helping Writers has a giveaway happening July 20th & July 23rd. You can win some great prizes, including gift certificates that can be spent on writing services within our Writer’s Showcase. Stop by to enter!
[image error] Resource Alert: A List of Additional Jobs Profiles for Your Characters
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Some of the amazing writers in our community have put together additional career profiles for you, based on jobs they have done in the past. What a great way to get accurate information so you can better describe the roles and responsibilities that go with a specific job, right? To access this list, GO HERE.
Happy writing to all!
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My review is imminent, although I’m still researching for the right job for a secondary character. Maybe a Ghost who’s a Writer or a Priest who moonlights as a hacker.
Anyway, tomorrow I’ll attempt posting my thoughts on what is already a five star essential in this writer’s reference library.
Stay tuned – as well as safe, secure, and inspired.
July 17, 2020
Writing craft books ~ Part 1
On the IWSG Anthology blog this week and next, the first five of our authors featured in the 2020 Insecure Writer’s Support Group anthology Voyagers: The Third Ghostand our publisher L. Diane Wolfe are sharing some favourite writing craft books. Check them out ~ perhaps you will find a new favourite to inspire your writing.
https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/2020/07/favorite-writing-craft-books.html
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Watch out for details on the new Thesaurus from the same team behind The Emotion Thesaurus – Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi, from One Stop for Writers. I will be reviewing and blogging about The Occupation Thesaurus on Monday July 20th. Drop by then, please.
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July 2, 2020
Online Writing Resources ~ Part 2
On the IWSG Anthology blog his week, the second group of authors featured in the 2020 Insecure Writer’s Support Group anthology Voyagers: The Third Ghost are sharing some favourite online writing resources beyond the IWSG. From the Rosetta Stone to online archives discover what great resources our Voyager authors have found!
And thanks once again to fellow Anthology author and blog-co-ordinator, Louise MacBeath Barbour for keeping us inspired.
https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/2020/07/favorite-online-writing-resources-not.html
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July 1, 2020
#IWSG – Altered States
Another new month dawns, as does the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post. Where would I be without the Ninja Captain himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh who created the Insecure Writer’s Support Group? Lost in some cultural desert as IWSG do such amazing things for writers, from the annual Anthology to friendly advice for all us vacillating writers. Many thanks, Captain Alex, for keeping me focused on my real goals. Especially at this difficult time when world news is so depressing – from Covid-19 to environmental degradation.
Before I forget, I’m attempting to stay motivated so I can write another short story – an entry for 2020 IWSG Anthology Contest. It’s a challenging theme again – Dark Matter – so my old brain is attempting to re-awaken my initial leanings. More about the contest at:
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/the-2019-annual-iwsg-anthology-contest.html
June was a confusing month, filled with distractions from my WIP writing/editing. However, the promotion surrounding the launch of Voyagers: The Third Ghost on May 5th has continued to inspire me. Here’s one of the last posts referencing that anthology:
https://rolandclarke.com/2020/06/24/online-writing-resources-part-1/
Anyway, on to the monthly question which worried me – even when the blocks fell away – or rather the chocks were pulled aside. At least, I’ve attempted something – hopefully coherent and entertaining if not useful.
Supposedly– the question is optional!
So?
July 1 question – There have been many industry changes in the last decade, so what are some changes you would like to see happen in the next decade?
I may be a plotter but not when it comes to the distant goal of publishing even my current WIP. That strategy is as flexible as my decreasing writing budget. A few months ago, I had the money for an editor, but it’s been frittered away on other non-essentials.
Which? Too many to mention. Or am I being too vague – or evasive? Let’s just call some escapism and some household.
Well, not exactly all unrelated to my writing. There was the graphic image for my WIP:
https://rolandclarke.com/2020/06/17/wep-iwsg-june-challenge-urban-nightmare/
[image error]Graphics by Jonathan Temples –
http://jonathantemples.co.uk/
…and that was based on future publishing potential. Graphic novels do seem to appeal to fit with a generation of shorter-attention span, minimal-readers. Also, we are becoming visual consumers so why not. Or it could be adapted into cover art if the traditional route survives.
And I sense the traditional will thrive in some guise, whether it’s e-books, audio-books, or page-turned paper touchables. OK, there may be a more visual offshoot related to Virtual Reality technology, but like graphic novels, words and stories will be crucial elements.
Genres will be as fluid as they seem to be whenever I glance at Amazon or Book Bub. I don’t suspect my genre – crime/mysteries – will diminish since it’s endured for decades, nor other genres I tend to read like historical fiction and fantasy.
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However, I’m wary of predicting or planning for anything. I write what inspires me, not what seems marketable. If the industry changes, my manuscripts will gather dust and become my legacy – or scraps to be recycled. Anyway, my minimally-selling debut created no precedence – even in waste of space or dust-gathering.
One prediction though: the IWSG Anthology will continue for the near future as it’s a worthwhile exercise. So, I remind you again to check out the details of the next IWSG Anthology competition here:
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/the-2019-annual-iwsg-anthology-contest.html
Stay sensible, safe, and inspired, please
***
The awesome co-hosts for the July 1 posting of the IWSG are Jenni Enzor,Beth Camp, Liesbet,Tyrean Martinson, andSandra Cox!
How can I be repetitive asking you to agree these guys are the best? Especially as they all have concerns, fears, and insecurities. But they struggle on, so ticker-tape applause for all of them – plus toasts with the best brew available.
Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
