Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween! - On The Undead Road



Ready for some ghoulish fun? In honor of Halloween, I've got a special treat. I joined a spooky contest over at Liz Writes, and I thought, why not share my entry here? And so, I present an excerpt from the zombie WiP I've been telling you guys about. I'm not dead set on a title yet, but I'm undead over this really killer concept.

Don't worry, non-horror fans. I'm not a horror writer by trade, so I'm sure you can stomach this. Enjoy!


Chapter 1 - On the Undead Road - First 500 Words


When Dad handed me his .45 for the first time, I didn’t know I’d use it ten minutes later.

Her name was Cassidy Mill, the gorgeous heartthrob —and heartbreaker—of Sands West Middle School. Blonde Hair. Amber eyes. Perfect skin. She had the makings of a cheerleading captain who made all the guys jealous with each new boyfriend. I was never one of them. I’d be lying if I said I never imagined it once or twice, but we never talked. She never even looked.

When she finally did, Cassidy trudged toward me with no hesitation. Torn hair. Red eyes. Peeled skin. It was a shame to put her down, but better her than me. To this day, I can’t decide what hurt more: landing a headshot between her eyes or the recoil that landed me on my butt.

I never had a shot that clean since. Beginner’s luck, I guess.

“What do you think Dad will find me?”

I looked at Jewel, my little sis. Her almost eleven-year-old green eyes brimmed with excitement. “Not sure. You’re smaller than I was. Maybe a .40 to start.”

Jewel snorted. “If it’s loaded, I’ll be good.”

I smiled. She was good. Scare-the-crap-out-of-me good. I usually wait to see how these monsters move before I pull the trigger. Not her. Good thing she missed that live one in the middle of Nebraska. This old guy one time, with a 12 gauge, had boarded up a lone gas station just off highway 80. He charged us an arm and a leg for a few gallons of gas and a safe place to sleep.

I mean that figuratively. Arms and legs are easy to come by.

Well. He lunged for my jugular the next morning. Jewel didn’t miss then.

She glanced at her pink Barbie watch, the one she got after collecting cereal coupons when she was six. Amazing how long the batteries last in those things. “It’s been ten minutes,” she said impatiently. “Does it really take that long to look inside an armoire?”

“Armory.” I corrected.

She flashed a look at me. Her jaw-length brown hair whipped at her cheeks. I knew what she meant, but she was tongue-tied, and what kind of big brother would I be if I didn’t give her a hard time about it? “Don’t correct me. You’re the one standing outside the car!”

“Don’t worry. Mom and Dad will be back before they reach us.”

By they, I meant the Crawlers. Stage 3 Vectors. Nine of them - crawling, clawing, and rolling their way over the dying grass of the town square. Their skinny arms and legs moved in mindless desperation. A sad sight, really. Without a fresh victim to munch on after so many weeks, the virus had all but consumed their fat cells and soft inner tissues, leaving mummy-like drones all about. They inched along, toward us, like dehydrated slugs.

I couldn’t hear them. Yet. Or smell them. I pulled out my .45 anyway.

*    *    *
If you've come this far, thanks for reading! Now go out and have a fun time tonight. Remember. Be safe!

Oh, yeah! And the fabulous J. A. Bennett has me on her blog today for one of her famously hilarious interviews. Give her a visit!

I'm David, and where can I find cheap toilet paper?

Friday, October 28, 2011

Random Sauce: My Inner Child Is Happy



All of us hold a special place in our hearts for movies, books, comics, and what-have-yous that we've enjoyed while growing up (or still in the process). For me, it started with movies like Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones, and Back to the Future. Then I got into books and immediately fell in love with Ender's Game and Redwall.

And now, my favorite comic of all time has been made into a motion picture in the best way I could ever hope.

The Adventures of Tintin


No. Not Rin Tin Tin. Tintin! The globe-trotting Belgium reporter and original break-neck adventurer created by acclaimed storyteller Hergé. And finally, after optioning the film rights almost 30 years ago, Spielberg (the man) himself, with Mr. Peter Jackson producing, have brought the world-famous character to the big screen at last!

And it's animated/motion-capture. Another bonus, for me. Like most others I know, Motion Capture has been a really tough sell. Since Rise of the Planet of the Apes' WETA is applying their wizardry to this film, I'm willing to bet this will be a great, even true, adaptation. It's already out in Europe and getting lots of sweet buzz!

See for yourself!

*rewatches last 20 seconds over and over*

Thanks for the awesome Christmas present, Mr. S and J!

Now, if someone can just get around to making a great Redwall and Ender's Game movie, I can die happy.

What would you like to see made into a movie before you kick the bucket?

I'm David, and who's got a fox terrier?


Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Rule Of Three - Lady In Wanting - Part 4



Lady in Wanting - Part 4

Every creature under the heavens gathered to the town square, just as the distant sun set behind the Roundeli Mountains. Some were birds. Others beasts. Bright lanterns illuminated the party, floating like kites on thin strings. None would leave hungry or go unquenched, nor would their eyes forget the unyielding colors. The Mask brought the whole of Renaissance together, one night of every year, with the promise of having their faces kept secret until midnight.

Philliam had not arrived. Neither had Melinda.

Standing near a bowl of cider, Lyra tugged at her mask and let it rest on her forehead. She had no intention of coming. After last night, nothing in her life was as she assumed, her ignorant bliss shattered by her betrayed infatuation. The music played. Lyra stood still. Giving her heart was a mistake. She would never give it again.

A palm caught her attention. “Next dance?”

The request came from a hooded sparrow. A brown mask covered all but his mouth. Lyra’s heart did not want to, but her mind desired a distraction. The tempo rose. Their waltz joined the others. He looked at her as she stared at his chest, wondering which boy he was.

“You’re easy to find,” he said, “with your mask off.”

“I’ve lost the joy of pretending.”

He moved closer, his hand pressing her back. “You’re not a very convincing nightingale.”

Lyra scoffed. “If only I were. Then I could fly.”

The sparrow paused. They stood still as the others carried on. “From what would you fly?”

“A predator,” she said, “unsatisfied with one prey.”

“If this predator pounced, would you flee?”

He removed his mask before she could answer. Lyra shuttered. Her skin ached where Giles held her body. His hands had touched every inch of her dress, too—his firm, experienced hands.

“Hear me out,” he said quickly. “I felt the same as you did, last night.”

Catching her breath, Lyra looked to see if anyone noticed. “The same?”

“I’ll show you.”

Holding back her prejudice and vexation, Lyra let him guide her from the party. They soon entered the pub. She heard sobbing behind the bar. Melinda’s sobbing.

A still figure occupied a table in the back room, draped with a thin sheet. Melinda sat by it, her face caressing a pale hand. Lyra did not understand. She looked at Giles for an explanation.

“The father,” he said. “My brother ...”

A wave of guilt and relief swept over Lyra’s heart, followed by sorrow for Melinda. She rushed to her friend with a careful embrace. Melinda received her, weeping softly into Lyra’s chest.

“I’m so sorry—”

“Someone back there?”

They all jumped. Philliam entered the room. Melinda stopped. Giles looked nervous. Lyra feared the worst.

“What’s this?”

“My brother,” Giles uttered. “Heriot’s Pass … collapsed on him.”

Philliam nodded, his eyes thin. “Sorry for your loss. I’ll wait outside, Melinda.”

After he left, everyone exhaled.

Melinda stood and wiped her eyes. “If he ever knew—”

Lyra took her hand. “It will be our secret. The three of us. Forever.”

Another tear welled in Melinda’s eye. She held Lyra tight. “I will never betray you again.”

They parted and Melinda left. Giles and Lyra followed, watching the couple as they entered the Mask.

Lyra breathed. “Can I live with this secret?”

“You do not carry the burden of another man’s child.”

“But I will be there, for her.”

“And I,” said Giles, “for you.”

Answering his invitation, Lyra reached for his neck and pulled herself to his lips. His hands found her back again—his wonderful, inexperienced hands. For now.



(600 words - Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3)

- There is a new arrival in town.
- Relationships mend/are torn asunder
- The final event becomes another secret for generations to come.

*     *     *

That concludes my first attempt at period romance for The Rule of Three blogfest. I had no idea how this was going to wrap up without being too convenient or cheesy, so I hope you've enjoyed reading along!

Please take a moment to visit the hosts who have practically put their lives on hold for a month to make this Blogfest possible!  Damyanti Biswas, Born Storyteller Stuart Nager, Lisa Vooght, and JC Martin

Remember, our inkPageant giveaway ends soon!
Email me for query and 250 word critiques!

Have an excellent day, everyone!

I'm David, and anyone got a nickel?

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Post: This Is Quite Spooky - I'm A Guest!

 
Hey! Welcome back! I'm excited to tell you that Abby Fowers at Something To Write About is hosting my first ever guest post! With Halloween just around the corner, now might be a good time to share with you my favorite childhood ghost stories that helped fan my imagination and drive behind WOVEN. Go have a look. You might find some gems you've never heard of before, and just in time for All Hallow's Eve.

And for fun ... something that's humorously related ...



Click back tomorrow for Lady in Wanting - Part 4, my final installment for The Rule of Three Blogfest.

I'm David, and who you gonna call?

Monday, October 24, 2011

400 GIVEAWAY: Winners, And Then Some


Welcome to a new week, fellow writers. And I'm glad you're here. These books are getting REALLY heavy!

Just so you know, I've added a couple share links on the side, thanks to a blogfest reader's request. Cool, eh?

Thank you for participating, everyone. We've amassed well over a hundred entries with SEERS being the most popular. Click on the covers below. They will take you to someone's blog! If you own the blog, the book is yours!



BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE! 

While unpacking our handsome collection of books (finally), I happened upon a most curious puzzlement. I have two copies of the same book, and I honestly don't know where the second one came from! Since I'm going to the post office, how about a SIGNED BONUS BOOK?
 
 (Click Me)

Congratulations, you guys! Please drop me an email with your addresses so I can ship these puppies!

I wish I could give you all a book, but don't panic! My offer for a QUERY or 250 WORD CRITIQUE is open for ANYONE who wants one. The offer stands until Nov 3rd. Find my email here and send me what you've got! No attachments, please. Paste your work in the email.


And I wish to thank each and every one of you who has made this possible. Your contributions and comments are always appreciated. Here's to your awesomeness!

Click back tomorrow for something spooky ... or funny!

I'm David, and I swear this apple is staring at me ...

Friday, October 21, 2011

Random Sauce: Release Those Stormies!





Stormtroopers ... the other Red Shirts!


(Click Me)

Don't forget to check out inkPageant! We've got one week left to spread the word before time's up on our first giveaway. We look forward to hosting your posts!


I'm David, and how's your day been so far?


Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Rule Of Three - Lady In Wanting - Part 3


A cool wind jostled the dust from reddened leaves overhead. Not many remained on their branches, thin as they were. The Culdees forest used to be lush and full, long before the humble establishment of Renaissance. This was the story that Giles often heard. Weary miners, having nothing better to do than sit in his father’s pub, told many tall tales of their years when the town was a clearing. Some claimed they saw creatures that bewitched the eyes of late travelers. Giles saw nothing like that—just shadows, cast by a sliver of moonlight.

His smile frowned, reminded of his purpose for coming.

*    *    *

Despite the warning of Heriot’s Pass, the miners decided to dig there. It would not be long before everyone knew of its collapse. The news reached Giles that afternoon, just as he was about to start working on that wedding dress for Lyra's rich friend. All but one managed to flee the scene unscathed.

His elder brother.

Giles dropped everything to search for the physician, careful not to look grieved. No one needed to know that their three hundred and thirty-three population was about to change to three hundred and thirty-two, before the mask. To his surprise, Lyra bumped into him, still looking for her friend. They searched and soon found the doctor, counting coins, as he left Melinda’s house.

“Thought so,” Lyra told him. “See you later.”

Giles watched the door close behind her before he chased down the physician and brought him to his brother. Given all his skill and learning, the man could do nothing.

With his final breaths, Giles’ brother shed a tear. He spoke of a girl that he loved, a girl that Giles knew nothing about. They had planned to elope that night, deep into the southern forest.

“Who?”

Death reaped before he could say.

Giles closed his eyes and wondered. His brother always had a girl in arm. Which one?

Anyone else would have stayed and mourned, but whoever this girl was, she deserved to know.

*    *    *

Just ahead stood a thin figure, cloaked and still.

The closer Giles neared, the more she turned. He wore a cloak, too, so they stared at each other, their faces shrouded by the night.

Neither of them spoke, but Giles tried anyway.

“Hello,” she beat him to it. “Thornwall?” 

That was his last name, and he knew her voice.

It can't be!

Giles stopped as her face defined. “Lyra?”

She gasped, equally disbelieved. “Giles!"

As much as he loved his brother, Giles wanted to turn back and punch his dead face. Giles loved Lyra. His brother knew that, as far back as they could remember. And he wooed her, behind his back.

Tears lined Lyra's lips. “How could you?”

What did she mean? "How could I what?"

“Don’t talk to me,” she cried. “Ever!”

Giles reached for her arm. Her fist found his nose.

“Melinda is engaged, and then you flirt with me after giving her child? Just when I—

She took off toward the town in a hard run, leaving Giles with a whirling string of questions. Melinda was with child? His brother’s child? Was Lyra the one he meant to meet tonight, or was it Melinda? Either way, a grave misunderstanding had just occurred.

He wasn’t about to lose Lyra over it.

Giles followed, but she vanished long before he reached town. A light shined in Melinda’s window, giving him an idea. He found a few small rocks and threw them at her pane.

She opened it, looking surprised. “What do you want?”

“We need to talk,” Giles insisted. "Right now."

*    *    *

(600 words - Part 1 - Part 2)

- Betrayal is in the air.

- Relationships unravel or strengthen.

- A long-kept secret is revealed.

*    *    *

My heck! That was a tricky installment for the third part of The Rule of Three blogfest. I've got my work cut out for me if I'm to resolve this conundrum with just one installment left. What will happen next? Check back next Wednesday for the final part of Lady in Wanting.

Also, see my final campaign entry for a touch of sci-fi!

And I'm hosting a book giveaway. Check it out, guys!

I'm David, and don't get punched in the nose!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Writer's Platform-Building Campaign - Challenge Three - Ghost by the Seashore



Ghost by the Seashore

Annoyed with his bike and disinterested with wiping the sand from its gears, Calvan set out to walk along the lapping water's edge.

His bare feet touched the thinning waves. Warm—like everything else. The rising glow on the horizon caught his eye, as alien a sight as ever. At least they were close to salt water. He could taste it in the air, hear it in the wind, and smell it in the dissolving foam. Once they siphoned enough, they’d be off again. Not that it would change anything.

“Calvan?”

He heard Alice’s voice. And when he turned, he saw Alice coming to a stop after a hard run. He glanced at her perfect figure and looked back at the rising star. “Surprised to see you here.”

“I noticed you left,” she said, her voice calm in spite of her sprint. “You shouldn’t go off on your own like this.”

“I doubt the others would wake up and join me.”

“I would’ve. But that’s not the problem, is it?”

“My problem is going on.” Calvan turned, admiring the short cut of her red hair. “I look at that coming sun and never want to leave. You should ditch me here.”

“Is this about Wastopaneer … sorry, Wasto’s ear? It was an accident.”

“Don’t be sympathetic.”

“I’ll be synbatec if I want!”

“And don’t step in that.” Calvan pointed behind him. “It reeks, whatever it is.”

“Looks like mammal tacise … ugh!”

Calvan saw her twitch. “You’re glitching again.”

She nodded and walked to his side. “Will you carry me back?”

Calvan considered it and smirked with a sigh. “Sure.”

In a matter of seconds, Alice reduced to a beam of light, retracted into a hovering crystalline-laced cylinder, and floated into Calvan’s hand.

“If you were alive,” he said, “I’d never leave.”
   

*   *   *

And that's all, folks! The Third and Final Challenge for Rachael Harrie's Platform-Building Campaign is here. A little sci-fi love from one of my shelved space operas, at exactly 300 words with all the criteria met!

Write a blog post in 300 words or less, excluding the title. The post can be in any format, whether flash fiction, non-fiction, humorous blog musings, poem, etc. The blog post should show:
  • that it’s morning, 
  • that a man or a woman (or both) is at the beach
  • that the MC is bored
  • that something stinks behind where he/she is sitting
  • that something surprising happens.
Just for fun, see if you can involve all five senses AND include these random words: "synbatec," "wastopaneer," and "tacise."   (NB. these words are completely made up and are not intended to have any meaning other than the one you give them).

Now I'm off to have a look at yours!

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out my awesome FOUR BOOK GIVEAWAY. You have until the 23rd to enter, if you're feeling lucky.

I'm David, and it's been a while, sci-fi.


 

Thursday, October 13, 2011

400 GIVEAWAY: "Variant Cell Seers, Foo!"



(This giveaway is brought to you by Sirius. Serious!)

Bottom line: You guys are awesome. I never imagined so many wonderful bloggers would be willing to join this place and visit often, let alone this quickly! And because you guys rock so much, this is my way of saying thank you for following, reading, and always encouraging.
Thanks a bazillion, everyone! :)

And now, for the giveaway ...

I will raffle off FOUR random browsing books (just to shake things up). These reads include the following:
(Descriptions from goodreads.com)


Variant - (Hardback)

Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.
He was wrong.
Now he’s trapped in a school that’s surrounded by a razor-wire fence.

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 - (Hardback)

To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is an ordinary fourteen-year-old ... the only thing that seems to set him apart is the fact that he has Tourette’s syndrome. But Michael is anything but ordinary. Michael has powers.
 

Seers - (Hardback) 

For Kate Bennett, surviving the car wreck that killed her parents means big changes — and even bigger problems, as she begins to see auras and invisible people ...
  


Beyond Foo - (Hardback)

Geth has existed for hundreds of years. In Foo, the realm that allows us to hope, imagine, and dream, Geth is one of the strongest and most respected beings, a powerful and wise lithen.


The Rules for entering this giveaway:

- Follow this blog.

- Leave a comment on this post.

- Depending on what you'd like, say "Variant," "Cell," "Seers," or "Foo" when you comment (if you want a stab at all of them, say, "Variant Cell Seers, Foo!"). Any combination works just fine.

- Link this giveaway on your next blog post for a second entry. Facebook it for a third. Twitter it for a fourth!
(Be sure to tag me so I see it: @DavidPowersKing)

(Entering will close on October 23rd)

On the 24th of October, I will draw four names and announce the winners from four different piles.

If you miss the draw, don't panic! I will offer a 250 word or a query critique to ANYONE who wants one (for one week). Send whatever (except naughty stuff, please).

Just so you know, one of the few who took me up on this offer last time has since received a FULL MS REQUEST!

How awesome is that?

Again, this wouldn't be possible without YOU! Thank you for taking time to revisit and for reading my ramblings. (This giveaway does include members from overseas).

Spread the word, and good luck!

I'm David, and X-Men: First Class is surprisingly good!


Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Rule Of Three: Lady In Wanting - Part 2



Lady in Wanting - Part 2

Melinda watched her door close.

The solid oak thudded as the brass handle latched, leaving her alone inside the room she’d known all her life. Matching dressers, a wardrobe, and a vanity dĂ©cored the warm, earthy walls that often made her feel like a maiden lost in the woods. A few of her old, favorite toys and a small playhouse loitered the corners below a collection of dolls. They stared at her, their glass eyes clear and dry. They would not weep for her taken innocence.

All the money in the world could not remove the anguish that stirred her soul. But all her coin was enough to keep the doctor silent.

Melinda took a breath, resisting the sick that dominated her stomach. She looked out the window. The doctor crossed the street, followed by the tailor’s apprentice.

What’s he doing here?

Stepping back, Melinda sat on the edge of her bed. She did not know what to do, feeling trapped and alone. Nothing in her pampered life could prepare her for the harsh reality that she faced. How could she face anyone now? Her parents. Her betrothed. With an utterance, even her best friend would be lost.

A rapping beyond the door disturbed her internal war.

“Melinda?”

Lyra!

Melinda tried to answer, but she swallowed instead.

“I saw the doctor,” her friend carried on. Always the strong-headed one, something Melinda wished she had more constitution of. “Might I come in, or will I catch whatever you caught?”

Dashing for her covers, Melinda made ready to feign the fever that she convinced the doctor to tell whoever inquired of her condition. She reached for the bowl of water on her nightstand, dabbed her fingers in the pool, and rubbed droplets on her face, completing the effect. “Come in.”

Lyra entered, looking lovely as ever. Her long dark hair draped behind her shoulders, her eyes framing amber irises. The normal confidence that defined her was missing. “You look dreadful.”

Melinda laughed, masking a cry. “And you flustered. I’m sorry for leaving you.”

“A short explanation would’ve kept me from upturning the town for you, but all is forgiven.” Lyra strode to the bed and sat by Melinda’s side. “I didn’t mind. Giles walked me here. He seemed just as concerned about your leaving as I was. I invited him to the mask.” Lyra pressed her palm on Melinda’s head. “Strange,” she said. “You look pale, and feverish, but you don’t feel it.”

A sob surfaced in Melinda’s throat. Her silent tears joined the water on her cheeks.

“This can’t be good,” Lyra asserted. “Are you putting this on?”

“I must,” Melinda choked. “I do not know what to do.”

“If not a fever, what has made you ill?”

Finding the words impossible, Melinda raised her head and looked down. Her hand followed and stopped over her middle.

Lyra shot up like a lamppost. “Are you sure?”

Melinda closed her eyes. More tears streamed into her pillow. Only Lyra knew the truth now. Relinquishing her secret brought about an overwhelming feeling of mixed relief and regret.

“Philliam?”

“I’m not sure . . .”

Lyra knelt beside the bed. “There is another?”

“I was to see him tonight,” Melinda said, “but I dare not now.”

“What will you do?” Lyra asked, her voice impressively calm.

Melinda reached, desperately, for Lyra’s hand. “Go in my place? Tell him it’s over?”

Lyra did not answer, her face writhen with torn patience. “No one else knows?”

Melinda shook her head.

“I thought I knew you better, but for you, I will ... if you tell me who the father is ...”


(600 words: A relationship becomes complicated: A character lies to another on an important manner.)


Click here for Part 1.

*     *     *

That concludes my Rule of Three Blogfest entry for this week. For the sake of repeating, this is an experiment on writing romance--time-period romance, at that!

So. Yeah. If I'm doing it wrong, do tell me.

Now, I couldn't help but notice. Not only did my copy of The Death Cure come in the mail, but this blog has hit 400 members! Thank you everyone, and thank you for tipping the scale, Tina Moss! You guys know how to spoil a dude for his birthday. Now it's my turn to spoil you!

Click back tomorrow for details on some free books!

I'm David, and Barnes & Noble, here I come!


Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Post: Reflecting Back On Fourteen Years



Amazing. Just think. Fourteen years ago, I began to write seriously. This literally accounts for half of my life. One. Half. And this experience has taken me through every imaginable avenue in the metropolis of writing.

And I loved every single second of it!

Four years ago, I made a deal with my wife, a deal akin to the stories of Dean Koontz or James Dashner: Land a contract or get published by age 30 ... or get a real job.

I'm 29 today. Goal unreached. It's crunch year, folks!

If the universe is willing, I'll have two new novels written before this time next year. Let's do this!

Oh! And you know what would make a great birthday present? 400 followers. The sooner that number is reached, the sooner I can launch my next giveaway!

*     *    *

The UVU Book Academy was great fun! Not only did I get to attend a few fabulous classes, but I got tapped on the shoulder by none other than the famous Donna Weaver!

(I have demon-eye pics to prove it!)

Also in attendance was Tasha Seegmiller, Elana Johnson, and many, many more! It was awesome to be there for my first time. I'll see you all again next year!

*     *     *

Between the Platform Building Campaign, The Rule of 3 Blogfest, and learning to navigate Twitter, my time for blogging the way I'd normally like to doesn't exist anymore! Not to worry, my friends. Once October is past, some level of normalcy will find its way back.

*     *     *

Thank you all for checking out inkPageant.com over the weekend and for your participation. We're receiving a healthy number of hits daily (which is great for a new site). We would love to review more links. The more links, the better. Why? Because links are yummy!

It should be known that my stock in inkPageant is just a moderator, tester, and a general supporter. Credit for its creation lies with Darren and LaChelle Hansen.

*     *     *

Update: Got a few words in on both stories over the weekend, as well as some much needed home repair work. Went to Ikea. Got a collection of Billy bookcases that'll go great with my corner writing nook area.

 Handsome, no?

Now that I have a new prompt for the next Rule of 3, I better get to work on drafting the next segment. Check back tomorrow for Part 2 of Lady In Wanting.

I'm David, and nature gave me a car wash!


Thursday, October 6, 2011

Announcement: Introducing inkPageant!

 

Welcome to inkPageant!

What is inkPageant? A blogging aggregator? A Google search for Bloggers? A writer's reference to all things writers have to say on the internet? All of the above! But we're just getting started and we need your help.

First, go to the website and have a gander!

It should look like this:


You will find tabs throughout the main page, containing links to blogs. Notice the search bar on the right? Let's say you want to know more about shy characters, or how to write shy characters. For an experiment, type "SHY" and press enter. And presto! You are instantly guided to a link that contains the information you seek.

And the more links we add to this database, the better the site will be able to help the writing community. In time, we'll have enough to cover just about any topic!

(and it helps drive traffic to your site--hint, hint...)

Whether your blog posts include writing advice, author/ agent interviews, book/movie reviews, you can create links to your awesome posts or the favorite awesome posts of your friends (please give them credit if you do).

Create an account (it's free) and link away! Be sure to add a few related tags to help the search engine.

Right now we're close to 100 links. We have moderators (including yours truly) standing by to approve your submissions. Help us spread your amazing blogs and your writing talent, one link at a time. It's fast and easy!

Follow on Facebook and Twitter. Blog it! Share it!

To help launch this incredible awesomeness, we're haing giveaways, like a $50 Amazon Gift Card, and more! We'll have more details on that coming soon.

Thanks for "dabbing" into inkPageant!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Rule Of Three: Lady In Wanting - Part 1


 Lady in Wanting - Part 1

Lyra grazed the soft white fabric with her fingertips. Pure as silk, smoother then satin. Of all the materials presented thus far, this felt the most fitting. Nothing compared, in all of Renaissance.

Melinda’s wedding gown would be perfect.

“I approve,” Lyra said. “How does it fair for you?”

Melinda copied Lyra’s approach with a nervous hand. Such a beautiful hand. Not a single blemish squandered her skin. Her green eyes gleamed of mixed excitement and caution within a round face. Even her hair matched the fabric well. Her fair complexion had taken root in her hair, making each strand look almost white. She felt the material, nodded, and abruptly excused herself.

Something troubled her. That much was obvious.

“Is something wrong with her?”

Lyra turned to the tailor—or rather Giles, his apprentice. The muscles of his mandible tensed slightly, as if his teeth clenched. Not with anger, but concern. The ends of his yellow hair did not extend long enough to hide this minute detail. Lyra found it rather appealing. “I’ve wondered that myself. She’s hard to keep up with, since she got engaged to Philliam. Now I’m dragging her about!”

“You don’t sound happy for her.”

“She may be the richest girl in town,” Lyra explained, “but she’s my best friend.”

Giles folded the fabric into a square and tucked it under his arm. “She’s lucky, then.”

Lucky? Something about the way he said that made her wonder. Did he just make a subtle pass at me? Even if he did not mean it that way, she did not mind the contemplation. Not one bit.

“I best give this to my master,” said Giles, “so he can start.”

“Would you mind walking me out?”

“Uh,” he stammered. “Sure.”

Lyra slowly seized his extended elbow as soon as he left the counter. Such a gentleman. His shop was much like the others in the small district, differed only by shelves of fabric, sewing tools, and other wears. Lyra never felt his arm before. The long sleeve shirt beneath his tunic did a marvelous job of hiding his firm bicep. He was a mystery. She expected nothing less of a blacksmith or one of the many miners from Heriot’s Pass, but from a tailor in training?

Curious indeed.

“Where do you find your materials?” Lyra asked. “They’re exquisite!”

“Imported, mostly,” Giles answered, “but we find worms in the Assart forest.”

Lyra summoned a quiet laugh. “To think my dress came from the bellies of those creatures.”

“I remember it.” Giles glanced at her. “The seams were devilishly hard to keep from puckering.”

Pausing, Lyra glanced into his light-blue eyes. “You made my dress?”

He gazed back with a nervous smile. “And others . . .”

Though she had a thousand responses, Lyra let her surfacing blush speak for her.

“I, umm,” Giles stammered again. “I’d better go . . .”

“You’ll be at the mask, tomorrow night?”

“For Philliam’s return?” He looked more nervous than ever. “I have no invitation.”

I’m inviting you.”

“You think it wise?”

“To be my escort? I think it very wise.”

Giles nodded. “Then I will come. Good morning.”

He bowed and parted. Lyra watched him move behind the counter to the back of the shop. She could not believe her forwardness. For a moment, she did not care. She knew Giles for a long time, ever since the establishment of Renaissance. Her heart and mind finally agreed.

She truly longed for him.

His hands caressed her satin dress once. If only the fabric on her body were his hands now.

Saving the thought, Lyra turned to look for Melinda.

(600 words: Someone might fall in love)

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Friends and fellows, you've just read the first of more parts to come in The Rule of 3 Blogfest! A recent comment from Rachel's Platform Building Campaign suggested that maybe I should give Romance a try?

Why not? Couldn't hurt, right?

While strictly Romance is about as foreign to me as imported sea urchins, and I'm sure the results will be cheesier than a cheese factory floor, I'm game for challenging myself. So. Am I off to a good start?

This is an October-long deal, so if you want to find out what's eating Melinda, or want to know what will go down at the mask, click back every Wednesday!

I'm David, and I have a sudden urge to buy flowers ...

Click back tomorrow for a new website announcement!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Random: After Careful Consideration ...



After an awesome conversation with a good friend of mine, I've come to an earth-shattering decision. Okay, okay. Maybe it's not that big a deal, but it makes sense.

No more blogging/posting about submissions.

Why?

For one thing, it builds unnecessary hype. I want this blog to be a place of positivity and endless enthusiasm for writing, not a hub for pity parties if I report "fallen through" leads. Secondly, what kind of position does that leave an agent or editor if they happen to visit my blog after the fact? Real awkward, I'd say. For us both.

Whatever I've said recently about submissions, please disregard. I'm turning a new leaf over. The only exception to the rule is if I land a contract. Savvy?

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Now, I'm curious about what you all think of Remakes! I for one think, if you can make it better, go for it. If it's already great, leave it be. Even as big a Spider-Man fan as I am, I felt the original films missed something, something that this new beginning is chock-full of. And do I spy Sally Fields in there? That alone is epic win!


In a word: Amazing!

Also, a childhood favorite PC game of mine will be getting the "reboot" treatment. I groaned at first, but then I saw this trailer. And was "virtually" blow away.

Inappropriate? Why?

Is it true? They've made the iconic Lara Croft look proportionally realistic? And with that bow, it gives the game a Hunger Games feel to it. Don't you think? And all those wrecked ships from different time periods washed up on the same shore? Yes, please! I'm gonna play it.

After all, don't our stories look better after a redraft?

Tomorrow I'm posting my first entry for The Rule of 3 Blogfest. Come and share in the adventure of three young occupants from the outpost of Renaissance!

I'm David, and you folks on twitter rock!

Monday, October 3, 2011

It's Official - I'm A Twitterpated Blogger!



I'm sure that line's been said to death, but when it comes to the networking tool known as Twitter, I'm a full fledged noob. So I can get away with it, right?

The time has come to step it up. Thanks to J. A. Bennett, my Twitter reservations are cleared. She's a genius writer and a master of building your social networking pages and accounts. A many thousand thank yous!

If you Tweet, like I'm about to, I'd appreciate a Follow.
(Now to set up a link button--where are those at?)

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Some of you might be wondering about the awesome tradition that this blog once had. What happened to your Shout-Outs? Between the campaign challenges and blogfests, I've had a tough time keeping up with all of my awesome followers. Notice the lack of comments I've left on your posts in the last couple of months? It makes me feel [this] small. Don't panic! I haven't forgotten you. Once this sweet madness clears, I'll be back to my preferred method of doing ... stuff.

But for now, I'd like to give a Shout-Out two very new bloggers who are both awesome and deserve a click.

Pamela King - She's been in my critique group for -- what, two years now? And she is a talented writer with a firm grasp on the YA novel and a master of the Triangle.

Elissa - We met over WriteOnCon, and wow! We have so much in common. Same class. Same state. She's a YA Fantasy writer (fairytale elements) and she's a gifted artist (who had a hand in Tangled -- love that movie).

Please be a pal and check out their blogs!

*     *     *
Update: It would seem the Zombie Novel has taken precedence. They say you should write what you know. So, while I research what I don't, I'm using my general zombie movie knowledge, general firearm knowledge, and copious road trip experiences help me discovery write this humorously heartwarming survival story.

Also, the new website I told you about is launching THIS THURSDAY! I'll post all about it then. And I'll be at the Book Academy (UVU) this Thursday as well. If you're going to go, come and find me. We should hang out!

I'm David, and that bird's wings are real tiny!