Lisa Redfern's Blog, page 4

Manuscript PDF Settings for CreateSpace – Print Books

Programs are like bicycles, scooters or skateboards.  If you don’t use them daily the skills get a little rusty. Here are my notes (for me and) for you on how to set up a PDF file so that will upload seamlessly to CreateSpace. Your manuscript is edited and completely ready to go in MS Word. To … Continue reading Manuscript PDF Settings for CreateSpace – Print Books →

Bullseye – Short Fiction – Relationships

Writing Prompt: In 500 words, imagine what happens when a little too much rides on the outcome of a board game. Inner Ring: The dart hit its mark with a powerful ‘thunk’. This was after Ian eyed his target, made three arm extensions and retractions, then let his dart fly with a purposeful aim. “Viv broke … Continue reading Bullseye – Short Fiction – Relationships →

Pixabay.com: A Powerful Free-Source for the Serious Blog, Tweet, Book or School

Inventers dream of ways to solve problems. Computer Science and IT guys solve problems by building a crowd-sourced website that supports dreamers all over the globe. Problem: Wizzley.com authors being cited for using copyright protected images found on the web. Solution: Pixabay.com As Pixabay’s front page stated for years – it is a ‘repository for stunning Public … Continue reading Pixabay.com: A Powerful Free-Source for the Serious Blog, Tweet, Book or School →

Pixabay.com Member Spotlight

If you are an author, teacher, blogger, web designer, or any type of content creator, I recommend that you run – not walk – to Pixabay.com. It will quickly become your go-to place for powerful (and free!) photos, illustrations, vector graphics and video clips that pack a punch. I interviewed a few Pixabay members to … Continue reading Pixabay.com Member Spotlight →

Angela Hoy from Writer’s Weekly – Common Themes in Writing Contest Entries

For authors, entering a writing contest is a way to test and flex their mental acuity. The Writers Weekly competition is especially exciting because you don’t know what you’ll have to work with…and you’ve only got a limited amount of time to produce a finished piece. It felt like a version of Chopped for writers.  … Continue reading Angela Hoy from Writer’s Weekly – Common Themes in Writing Contest Entries →

Still Water Muse – Short Fiction – Boyhood Angst – Writing Contest Entry

“Tell me what you think about before you write a Grammy Award winning song.” Bernie looked out the window. “I’ll have to tell a story first.” Maxine pressed the red button on her voice recorder. Bernie’s eyes moved back to rest on Maxine. “My adoptive parents got me when I was fourteen. I was a … Continue reading Still Water Muse – Short Fiction – Boyhood Angst – Writing Contest Entry →

Predicting the Future – Writer’s Resources

Sicfi fans are smiling together today. It is the day that Marty McFly traveled to in the iconic Back to the Future movie. Remembering that light-hearted, entertaining story about one boy who changed the future will have many of us tuning in once again (Back to the Future: 25th Anniversary Trilogy ) to share the fun with our kids. … Continue reading Predicting the Future – Writer’s Resources →

PBJ – Short Fiction – Family

When you are a famous chef and your kid doesn't like your food, what's a dad to to?

The Family Secret – Short Fiction – Kids

“Oh, John! You must come!” Angie’s holler drifted up into his office. Breaking the pencil in his hand, John inhaled deeply. He exposed his teeth in a Wallace and Gromit style grimace that was intended to resemble a smile. His footsteps fell heavily on the steps as he made his way down to the kitchen.  Once there, … Continue reading The Family Secret – Short Fiction – Kids →

All Done Key Key

[Writing prompt – 500 words or less – topic: repair a hole.] He followed, ’Key Key’ up the little dirt hill. Key Key was what he called the family pet whose real name the toddler would not be able to pronounce for years. Wearing nothing but the wide, padded diaper that securely fastened around his…