Going to try and keep up with this blog and start posting more frequently; even it its a rehash of the days events. Today was uneventful. Like chewing bubblegum. Same ol, same ol. I did not edit on Remembrance yet, I say yet because I do intend on editing later on for at least an hour. I can do something with it in one hour.
In any event I slept in, did laundry, picked up lil chick from her dads, took the girls out for dinner, now having coffee and contemplating on which story to work on. Decisions, decisions. Anyways, decided to post the opener to New Avalon here. So when I mention it you'll have something to go oh yeah that story. Uh huh.
I think I'm going to go get another cuppa of joe and have a nice chat with Aiden, and if he doesn't want to talk, well I'll leave a gap in his story part and move forward. I still have to fix the dialog between Ari and Owen, Vaz and Ari. Hmmmm so I guess I've answered my own question --- I'm editing Remembrance tonight.
I think I have to set a goal. Let's see 21 days to remove 20,000 words and clean up the story. That's doable right? OK...Stop shaking your head no..it's doable, really. Well I'm going to try it.
Perhaps with a time-table Aiden "might" talk. Yeah right. I can hear his chuckle now, and see him rolling his eyes. Not boding well. Anyways, enjoy the excerpt. I'm off to edit. Wish me luck - Aiden's laughing and conspiring with Vaz - this is not good - really not good.
NEW AVALON
Excerpt
©2010 by S.A. Hussey
Not to be posted or reprinted without permission of the author.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Journal Entry:
February 1994 ~ After Midnight - The Sphere
My radio had been blasting out Zeppelin music as I made the drive over the Salem/Beverly Bridge. I sang and my hands tapped the steering wheel in rhythm to the beat. My jeep chugged along as I neared the bottom of the bridge. I maneuvered the car into the right lane and travelled down route 1A, or as us locals call it, Bridge Street. Nearing my turn onto Winter Street, I had noticed the streetlight up ahead was green then it turned yellow then red then back to green, all within seconds. It did this twice more then stopped.
That’s when IT happened.
Everything around me had gone black. Immediately I had thought, power outage. A transformer must’ve blown somewhere. Shit! Thank you National Grid, now get the power back on. I continued to drive on but noticed no other cars and no people milling about, which was odd for a Friday night in Salem, Massachusetts. Right then I realized something else, the music had stopped playing. Every preset button I pushed on the radio had nothing but static coming over the air waves. It was eerie - scary eerie. The only thing moving in the dark was my car. And, of course IT; the massive, swirling white matter that hurtled up from out of nowhere, blanketing me and was reaching upward for the stars.
When it happened, I stopped and had parked the jeep smack dab right in the middle of Bridge Street. That’s also when I felt the vibration. At first I thought, holy shit earthquake. Then I realized it wasn’t the road shaking – it was me! I couldn’t stop. The vibration was internal. An intense, continuous energy coursed through every part of my body making me feel as if I could shoot to the moon and beyond. There was a buzzing sound in my ear too. You know the kind, like when a bee passes to close to your ear, or the sound a hummingbird makes as it whizzes past. That’s what was needling into my brain. Neither would stop, in fact it was getting worse.
Between the mind-numbing buzz and the adrenaline pushing energy, I thought my body was going to explode. IT was intense. I got out of the car and in the darkness I saw my body glowing. My aura was a myriad of shades ending with a blue tinged white. The glowing concerned me but I was shocked by the fact that I was buzzing and charged with much energy. Right then I was the epitome of a human lightning bolt. If I had touched something right then, they’d be electrified or burnt for sure.
The sensations running through my body at that moment were like none I’d ever felt. First, there had been the fire within me. A consuming heat so intense it threatened to set me aflame. Then there was the warm coolness of a turbulent wind, like an angry vortex was spiraling out of control inside me. It shook my body in an uncontrolled fit then immediately stopped to be replaced by an intense dryness and heaviness. I felt like dirt and sand was filling my body, as though I was an over-filled hourglass with my time running out. When it reached into my lungs I began to cough and sputter; I was suffocating, but on what? That sensation was immediately replaced by a sense of liquid rushing through my veins. My blood seemed to thin to water. When I moved I could hear the sloshing within. The fluid was pulsating through me like a shower head on high. I fell to my knees on the ground and begged for whatever it was to stop.
Oh, please. Someone, anyone…make it stop.
IT did.
Ask and you will receive. It was odd, I thought. I still felt the energy and vibratory hum, but it was soft now, tolerable. I looked myself over and found I was still intact but filled with immense peace. A sense of love, unity and oneness with the world enveloped me. I smiled. My senses became sharp and crisp. Right then, it seemed as if the universe had kissed me on my third eye, opening it to see the world in front of me but in a whole new way.
The tree on the corner was no longer just a tree but an entity. A living, breathing species that would tell you its tales if you stopped to listen, and I did. I heard its whispers. The majestic oak was happy, as was the elm, and the willow. They conversed. And, I could hear them!
“Welcome home,” they said in unison.
I paused. I wasn’t home yet. Unconcerned by my pause or thoughts they moved their wondrous branches to and fro as they giggled and laughed happily. I sniffed as the acrid smell of smoke and incense wafted through the air. Familiar smells to my awakening senses, but where was it coming from? I looked up to see if I could see the smoke, but instead what greeted my eyes was some kind of spectral field. Almost unperceivable to the eye but yet, I could see it. A clear film of sorts, that arched high and as far into the darkness of the night sky as I could see. It reminded me of a liquid bubble. Iridescent yet, around its outer edge was a white-blue that shimmered. An energy field. I felt its vibration and hum. Boy had I felt it. I gazed up in wonderment - I was baffled.
What was IT?
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
I've got nothing
Well, not entirely nothing. I do have two books written waiting to be edited (3 if you count that story I wrote way back when). I also have the WIP of New Avalon. So, I do have something but...I have a whole of nothing going on.
I should be editing Remembrance, seriously since I gave up 2 years writing it - you'd think I'd be more motivated to get it done, out the door and into an agent's hands. It's not that I don't want that to happen, it's just that well...I got nothing. I pick up the printed version, read some, fix a couple of typo's then stare blankly. I have no idea what to do, well I do but I've got nothing. Aiden refuses to talk, and since I'm editing in linear fashion if he doesn't talk and tell me his story well... nothing happens.
So I put it aside, and go to my NaNo story, Seren's Angel. I love this story the way it is but know that I have to add wordage if I ever want to see it go anywhere, but every time I look at the printed or computerized story - I've got nothing, and it's disheartening.
I decided to write a new tale so when I had nothing on the others I could still write, use the creative noggin. I am so loving this new story and where it's going but I stopped on that as well. Oh I have creative ideas and words spinning in my head for New Avalon, but when I sit down...I get a case of the editing guilts, and it stilts the creative flow, crimps the mojo and makes my muse shake her head and run for the hills.
So lets recap. I have a character that won't speak, another story that needs more than I can give right now, and a WIP begging to be written but a case of the guilts shreds the desire. Hmmm yep that sums it up.
I spose I have to bite the bullet and kick Aiden's ass. Skip over him - maybe give more wordage to Tiernan - make Aiden jealous (and he's easily made jealous). I have to do something, anything...cuz I need more than what I have right now which is... nothing.
I should be editing Remembrance, seriously since I gave up 2 years writing it - you'd think I'd be more motivated to get it done, out the door and into an agent's hands. It's not that I don't want that to happen, it's just that well...I got nothing. I pick up the printed version, read some, fix a couple of typo's then stare blankly. I have no idea what to do, well I do but I've got nothing. Aiden refuses to talk, and since I'm editing in linear fashion if he doesn't talk and tell me his story well... nothing happens.
So I put it aside, and go to my NaNo story, Seren's Angel. I love this story the way it is but know that I have to add wordage if I ever want to see it go anywhere, but every time I look at the printed or computerized story - I've got nothing, and it's disheartening.
I decided to write a new tale so when I had nothing on the others I could still write, use the creative noggin. I am so loving this new story and where it's going but I stopped on that as well. Oh I have creative ideas and words spinning in my head for New Avalon, but when I sit down...I get a case of the editing guilts, and it stilts the creative flow, crimps the mojo and makes my muse shake her head and run for the hills.
So lets recap. I have a character that won't speak, another story that needs more than I can give right now, and a WIP begging to be written but a case of the guilts shreds the desire. Hmmm yep that sums it up.
I spose I have to bite the bullet and kick Aiden's ass. Skip over him - maybe give more wordage to Tiernan - make Aiden jealous (and he's easily made jealous). I have to do something, anything...cuz I need more than what I have right now which is... nothing.
Monday, January 3, 2011
You Show Me Yours, I'll Show You Mine Blogfest
Feywriter posted about this Blogfest: You Show Me Yours I’ll Show You Mine on her Facebook. I thought it would be fun to join in. I haven't touched my NaNoWriMo Project since I finished it, it will be fun to read others excerpts. Thank you Summer Frey for doing this.
The following excerpt is James' rememberance of the night when Seren came; saving his miserable existence called life.
SEREN'S ANGEL
Excerpt: Chapter 6
James had been ten-years-old and hiding in the closet. The man, that piece of shit father of his, had come home drunk again. The yelling and screaming had started in the kitchen and ended with his mother crying. God how he hated to hear her cry. It made him sick. Sick and angry. Then he heard the footsteps coming up the stairs, and his momma crying out, ‘no don’t hurt him’. He heard a sickening thud then thumping, like something falling. He had squeezed his eyes shut, tightened his body harder in a ball and pushed himself as far as he could get into the dark recesses of the closet. But, that hadn’t stopped the man.
When he opened the closet, the light came in and exposed him. The man grabbed his foot and yanked him out of the closet screaming and crying. James hadn’t done anything to warrant the beating but it came anyways, like they always did, in one ferocious tidal wave. The man beat him for crying, for screaming, for kicking, for being a momma’s boy, a wimp, a pussy. Every pummel from the man made the world darker and scarier. When his foot connected with the man’s shin in a valiant attempt to stop him, the man picked him up and threw him across the room were he landed in a heap on top of the wide bureau. A mirror hung on the wall over it and his body had connected, shattering it. He had heard a loud snapping sound when his leg hit the hard wood. He lay there staring at his reflection in the mirror. Was that him; that bloodied, beaten, swollen-face, haunted-eyed boy?
He saw the man storming across the room but he couldn’t lift his arm to protect himself. When the man stood over him he glowered. “See now; look what you made me do?” James thought that a funny comment and had laughed. It was the most sickening sound; a gurgling wheeze then the blood had come out of his mouth. James closed his eyes. The man picked him up and threw him over to the bed. The last thing he remembered as he sailed in the air was of flying. He was flying, he felt free. There was no pain just a bright light which he desperately soared to reach, but something weird happened, the light disappeared, and he felt like he hit a brick wall. When he opened his eyes, he was on the bed and there were people working on him telling him he was going to be ok.
Then he heard the voice. A perfect voice if he had ever heard one. It was Seren’s voice inside him, telling him to fight, to live. He would help him. James believed him, and Seren had. He helped him get through every day, the courthouse, the foster homes, torments from the other kids, the fights. He got him this far. He owed Seren one free night of no booze and drugs. Well, at least until he heard what he had to say.
The following excerpt is James' rememberance of the night when Seren came; saving his miserable existence called life.
SEREN'S ANGEL
Excerpt: Chapter 6
James had been ten-years-old and hiding in the closet. The man, that piece of shit father of his, had come home drunk again. The yelling and screaming had started in the kitchen and ended with his mother crying. God how he hated to hear her cry. It made him sick. Sick and angry. Then he heard the footsteps coming up the stairs, and his momma crying out, ‘no don’t hurt him’. He heard a sickening thud then thumping, like something falling. He had squeezed his eyes shut, tightened his body harder in a ball and pushed himself as far as he could get into the dark recesses of the closet. But, that hadn’t stopped the man.
When he opened the closet, the light came in and exposed him. The man grabbed his foot and yanked him out of the closet screaming and crying. James hadn’t done anything to warrant the beating but it came anyways, like they always did, in one ferocious tidal wave. The man beat him for crying, for screaming, for kicking, for being a momma’s boy, a wimp, a pussy. Every pummel from the man made the world darker and scarier. When his foot connected with the man’s shin in a valiant attempt to stop him, the man picked him up and threw him across the room were he landed in a heap on top of the wide bureau. A mirror hung on the wall over it and his body had connected, shattering it. He had heard a loud snapping sound when his leg hit the hard wood. He lay there staring at his reflection in the mirror. Was that him; that bloodied, beaten, swollen-face, haunted-eyed boy?
He saw the man storming across the room but he couldn’t lift his arm to protect himself. When the man stood over him he glowered. “See now; look what you made me do?” James thought that a funny comment and had laughed. It was the most sickening sound; a gurgling wheeze then the blood had come out of his mouth. James closed his eyes. The man picked him up and threw him over to the bed. The last thing he remembered as he sailed in the air was of flying. He was flying, he felt free. There was no pain just a bright light which he desperately soared to reach, but something weird happened, the light disappeared, and he felt like he hit a brick wall. When he opened his eyes, he was on the bed and there were people working on him telling him he was going to be ok.
Then he heard the voice. A perfect voice if he had ever heard one. It was Seren’s voice inside him, telling him to fight, to live. He would help him. James believed him, and Seren had. He helped him get through every day, the courthouse, the foster homes, torments from the other kids, the fights. He got him this far. He owed Seren one free night of no booze and drugs. Well, at least until he heard what he had to say.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
I did it!
November 1st saw me winding down the NaNoWriMo road. I was full of hope, inspiration, and the promise of a shiny 50,000 word rough draft on December 1st. With the help of Feywriter and her challenge I did well the first two days. Then, I fell off the wagon, but I got right back on that following weekend - still on target. Somewhere between the end of week 2 and week 3 I started losing focus and drive. Numerous thoughts floated through my brain; am I done yet, why is this so stinking hard, I've been at this for hours and all I have is 700 words...are you kidding me? I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel and thought I was a goner. Mary (Feywriter) sent up a challenge and we nudged each other again. It was just the push (shove) I needed. I got back in the saddle each day and pushed out more words than ever before. My count was climbing and the end was near...I saw the proverbial purple bar with the word WINNER on it. I wanted it. I had to have that under my name. So I pushed myself harder than ever on Black Friday and then Saturday to get the last of my word count out and I DID IT!!! Happy Dance and a cha cha line with my youngest around the house. I got a high five and an AWESOME MOM. That felt good and warmed the cockles of my heart. My lil one was proud of me. :-)
There is no monetary gain by participating in the NaNo's, but I did gain a lot by participating. I learned to shut my darn internal editor off, and with perservance (and a lot of perspiration) I can reach my goals. I sat down every day (well I tried too) and noticed that I was able to put more words on the page each day. Then of course there's the bragging rights. :-) Not too many people can say they wrote 50,000 words in 30 days, right? I did - yeah me!
My WIP needs work, I'll admit it. When all was said and done, I knew it would. Honestly, I thought it would be a mess, but it's not as bad as I feared. Hard to believe that one comment to longhairedfool at that diner 3 years ago about that little boy would turn into what it has now become--a story.
I feel great - hopeful. If the NaNo has taught me but one thing, that would be persistance. With this newfound persistance and tenacity in my writing I move forward. I have 3 other stories waiting to be written but I need to edit these last two stories - REMEMBRANCE and SEREN'S ANGEL in the hopes of someday seeing them on the bookshelves (and in people's hands).
I won't give up. I'm determined.
There is no monetary gain by participating in the NaNo's, but I did gain a lot by participating. I learned to shut my darn internal editor off, and with perservance (and a lot of perspiration) I can reach my goals. I sat down every day (well I tried too) and noticed that I was able to put more words on the page each day. Then of course there's the bragging rights. :-) Not too many people can say they wrote 50,000 words in 30 days, right? I did - yeah me!
My WIP needs work, I'll admit it. When all was said and done, I knew it would. Honestly, I thought it would be a mess, but it's not as bad as I feared. Hard to believe that one comment to longhairedfool at that diner 3 years ago about that little boy would turn into what it has now become--a story.
I feel great - hopeful. If the NaNo has taught me but one thing, that would be persistance. With this newfound persistance and tenacity in my writing I move forward. I have 3 other stories waiting to be written but I need to edit these last two stories - REMEMBRANCE and SEREN'S ANGEL in the hopes of someday seeing them on the bookshelves (and in people's hands).
I won't give up. I'm determined.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
SEREN'S ANGEL
LOGLINE:
Emma’s precognition, telepathy and clairvoyance skills help her find the man of her dreams; her twin soul mate, James. Unfortunately, he has another soul spirit living inside him. It needs to be freed. The fate of this soul’s existence rests in their hands. To free it is the ultimate act, and Emma doesn’t like it one bit – James will have to die.
Emma’s precognition, telepathy and clairvoyance skills help her find the man of her dreams; her twin soul mate, James. Unfortunately, he has another soul spirit living inside him. It needs to be freed. The fate of this soul’s existence rests in their hands. To free it is the ultimate act, and Emma doesn’t like it one bit – James will have to die.
Monday, November 1, 2010
In a Word
November 1st
Word Count Goal: 1650
Word Count total: 3305
NaNoWriMo started at the stroke of midnight last night. Unfortunately I was tucked in bed fast asleep. Got a late start but I surpassed my goal with Feywriters help. I challenged her to do 2200 words then that became a challenge to reach 3200. We both did it. YAY us!
I'm loving how the story is taking shape. I had an outline, chapter breakdown into pararaph formats of what I wanted to do. For the most part I stayed true to the chapter breakdown cept for 1 part where Emma and Percy needed to kabitz. But I'm now back on track and loving my story. I hope I can keep it up and my characters keep talking.
Tomorrow's count won't be as high. I know this going into the day. I have a concert I'm going to but I'm going to try and squeeze some words in throughout the day. My goal is to reach 1,000 words so I don't fall behind.
I feel great and happy we both surpassed our goals on Day 1. Thank you Feywriter.
****************************************************************************
Excerpt: Seren's Angel: Emma and Percy meet
Emma turned her head quickly towards the sound but saw no one. “Who’s there?” Silence. No buzz from the spirits, chirping birds or even the sound of the wind was there. It was as if no sound existed. Emma clenched her teeth. Was she imagining this? A voice had spoken. She stood up to get a better look at the cemetery. She didn’t want to be found until she was gone. If someone was nearby… “Hello,’ she asked. Still no response or sounds. With a shrug, she sat back down and picked up the blade, placing it against her neck. One quick rip against the jugular and within minutes she’d be gone. One, two…she pressed the steel tip into her skin and winced.
“Are you sure you want to do that?”
Emma brought the blade down and looked around. Annoyed she searched the cemetery again only this time she spied a man dressed in black leaning against the willow tree that she had sat by earlier. Where did he come from? She blinked. He was still there, staring and smiling at her. Who are you? And why do you care, she thought casting the man an angry glance.
“I care a lot about you Emma.” He pushed off the tree and walked towards her. When he neared he bowed in umbrage then stood upright and smiled.
How does he know me, she wondered? He didn’t frighten her. In fact she was curious as she looked up at his crystal blue eyes? They seemed to shimmer in the fading sunlight, she noticed. He looked human but yet, he felt like the spirit shadows did. They shared a disconnect to the environment around them – there but not there. This man had the same essence about him but yet he was flesh and blood. Was it possible?
“Yes. It’s possible.”
With mouth agape she stared at him in wonderment then whispered. “You can hear my thoughts.” His broad grin gave her his answer. “Who are you?”
“My name is Percival but you can call me Percy.”
“Let me rephrase that. What are you,” Emma asked.
“Exactly what you thought - a spirit in human form. I am a go-between, an angel in the shape of a human. Why a human form you wonder?” He grinned. “Most humans deal better speaking to another human when they’re in trouble. And you…” His eyes glanced down at the knife in her hand then back to her face. “My dear, appear to be in trouble.”
"Go away. I don’t need a go-between for the here and now. I’m tired." Emma looked down at the knife.
"We all get tired from time to time. You are now, and need to remain here."
Emma snorted. “Really. Why? Nobody cares about me. I’m the freak. My momma was the only one who cared, and she’s gone. I tried. I’ve really tried to live in this crazy world, but there’s nothing here for me. Look at me. I’m sitting in a cemetery because it’s the only place I belong, the only place where I comfortable and where I am accepted.” She paused and waited for the angel to say something, but he stood with a smile on his face. Why is he smiling? She frowned. “You know you’re not a very good angel.”
"Really. Why’s that?"
Emma took a deep breath, blew out her frustration then waved her hand in the air. “Seriously. You’re an angel. Aren’t you supposed to be telling me that I have something to live for. That I don’t need that knife. My momma wouldn’t want me to do this. “ Pausing, she sent him a nasty glance and turned away. “Go away Percy. Leave me alone.”
“Emma. Look at me.” He repeated his words and she turned around. “I can tell you those things but you already know this. You know right from wrong. Your momma brought you up well. You’re fighting your own demon. I’m here to help one way or the other, I am here.”
“Percy, you’re not helping.” She saw him smiling again. “Stop smiling.” Emma paced as she thought, what the hell is wrong with this angel. Aren’t they supposed to help? Just like the universe to send her a crazy angel. Bad enough I have visions, talk to the dead and hear others thoughts, now I have a go-between angel who does nothing but smile like the Cheshire cat. All she wanted was to see her momma. She needed advice. People were getting crazier, her visions showed the world in chaos. Emma stopped and rubbed her hands softly over her mother’s headstone. She closed her eyes and called out in her mind. Momma, please. I need help. I don’t know where…I don’t fit in. What do I do?
“She won’t answer Emma,” Percy whispered to Emma. “Her spirit has moved onward in the next phase of her journey.” Emma looked at him, her eyes filling with tears. He floated towards her then laid his hand over the one touching the stone. “Emma your mother was a beautiful light. She gave you all that she could give. She taught you well and helped you with your gifts. Remember these things as you make your decision, but also remember that nothing is without consequence. If you leave now without fighting, without really trying then you have failed and will come back to struggle all the more, to learn.”
“I have tried…”
“You have not tried to live. You haven’t even begun. What I do see is someone trying hard to die. Life is hard, but it is also beautiful and magical if you see it through your heart. It is you Emma, who see yourself as a freak. You are the one who can control this but you choose not too. You’ve been in a cocoon for so long you don’t know how to break free and fly.” Percy placed both hands on her shoulders then turned her to face him. “Emma, you have amazing, beautiful wings. Break free of the cocoon, fly and see the beauty of life through your heart. You have so much to give, your gifts are special. They are not given out lightly. You know when to use them, and yes, they can be scary at times because most don’t have them. You feel alone but my dear you are not alone, you have him.” He smiled as she stared upwards at him. “You know what and who I am talking about.”
Everything Percy said was true. She was fighting hard to die because living was painful, hard and scary. The future to come…was unknown for her, except for him. Him, the man who has no name, but connected to her in a way she didn’t understand. He frightened her. Who was he? She could never understand this one bit of her future. Momma always smiled, shook her head with a thoughtful, knowing look but never enlightened her. All she ever said was, ‘when you see him outside your vision dreams, you will know’; it was cryptic, like him. She’d been having more dreams of him lately and she didn’t understand her feelings.
“Who is he Percy?”
“I cannot tell. He is known only to you. But, he is real, and waiting. You’re having more visions of him because he is calling. You know this and you’re afraid. Afraid to live.” He looked again into her eyes. “Emma, don’t fight life. Live it, embrace it. Don’t live it here amongst the dead. Say goodbye and give life everything you have. Make it special, beautiful and find the magic. It’s there. Faith, hope and love. You have that, it’s in you. You want to believe, therefore it is." Percy turned Emma to face the headstone. "That is not a home, she is not there. Your momma is doing what she wants you to do.”
“What is that,” Emma whispered rubbing the headstone.
“Fly.”
Emma turned around but Percy had gone. She looked back then knelt down at the gravesite and placed a trembling hand on the cold stone. The tears came then. To say goodbye was hard but Percy was right, her momma wasn’t here and she wouldn’t want her daughter to live with the ghosts. She had to live. If there was one thing momma taught her, it was to live. The world is a scary place and she was afraid, but she would give it her all, she had too. “Momma I’m leaving now. I don’t know how, but I’m going to learn how to fly and I’m going to soar. Goodbye momma. I love you. Merry meet.”
Then the tiniest of moments caught her eye. A lone pink petal had come loose from one of the buds she had laid on the ground. Emma watched as the petal rolled and tumbled around then lifted slightly in the wind only to fall. It was tossed around some more, lifted then dropped over and over again. She watched its struggle as it tried to find its place within the soft winds Then it happened, the petal found its way. It was lifted upwards then carried higher and father away until it was lost from her vision. She understood and smiled. It was time to fly.
Word Count Goal: 1650
Word Count total: 3305
NaNoWriMo started at the stroke of midnight last night. Unfortunately I was tucked in bed fast asleep. Got a late start but I surpassed my goal with Feywriters help. I challenged her to do 2200 words then that became a challenge to reach 3200. We both did it. YAY us!
I'm loving how the story is taking shape. I had an outline, chapter breakdown into pararaph formats of what I wanted to do. For the most part I stayed true to the chapter breakdown cept for 1 part where Emma and Percy needed to kabitz. But I'm now back on track and loving my story. I hope I can keep it up and my characters keep talking.
Tomorrow's count won't be as high. I know this going into the day. I have a concert I'm going to but I'm going to try and squeeze some words in throughout the day. My goal is to reach 1,000 words so I don't fall behind.
I feel great and happy we both surpassed our goals on Day 1. Thank you Feywriter.
****************************************************************************
Excerpt: Seren's Angel: Emma and Percy meet
Emma turned her head quickly towards the sound but saw no one. “Who’s there?” Silence. No buzz from the spirits, chirping birds or even the sound of the wind was there. It was as if no sound existed. Emma clenched her teeth. Was she imagining this? A voice had spoken. She stood up to get a better look at the cemetery. She didn’t want to be found until she was gone. If someone was nearby… “Hello,’ she asked. Still no response or sounds. With a shrug, she sat back down and picked up the blade, placing it against her neck. One quick rip against the jugular and within minutes she’d be gone. One, two…she pressed the steel tip into her skin and winced.
“Are you sure you want to do that?”
Emma brought the blade down and looked around. Annoyed she searched the cemetery again only this time she spied a man dressed in black leaning against the willow tree that she had sat by earlier. Where did he come from? She blinked. He was still there, staring and smiling at her. Who are you? And why do you care, she thought casting the man an angry glance.
“I care a lot about you Emma.” He pushed off the tree and walked towards her. When he neared he bowed in umbrage then stood upright and smiled.
How does he know me, she wondered? He didn’t frighten her. In fact she was curious as she looked up at his crystal blue eyes? They seemed to shimmer in the fading sunlight, she noticed. He looked human but yet, he felt like the spirit shadows did. They shared a disconnect to the environment around them – there but not there. This man had the same essence about him but yet he was flesh and blood. Was it possible?
“Yes. It’s possible.”
With mouth agape she stared at him in wonderment then whispered. “You can hear my thoughts.” His broad grin gave her his answer. “Who are you?”
“My name is Percival but you can call me Percy.”
“Let me rephrase that. What are you,” Emma asked.
“Exactly what you thought - a spirit in human form. I am a go-between, an angel in the shape of a human. Why a human form you wonder?” He grinned. “Most humans deal better speaking to another human when they’re in trouble. And you…” His eyes glanced down at the knife in her hand then back to her face. “My dear, appear to be in trouble.”
"Go away. I don’t need a go-between for the here and now. I’m tired." Emma looked down at the knife.
"We all get tired from time to time. You are now, and need to remain here."
Emma snorted. “Really. Why? Nobody cares about me. I’m the freak. My momma was the only one who cared, and she’s gone. I tried. I’ve really tried to live in this crazy world, but there’s nothing here for me. Look at me. I’m sitting in a cemetery because it’s the only place I belong, the only place where I comfortable and where I am accepted.” She paused and waited for the angel to say something, but he stood with a smile on his face. Why is he smiling? She frowned. “You know you’re not a very good angel.”
"Really. Why’s that?"
Emma took a deep breath, blew out her frustration then waved her hand in the air. “Seriously. You’re an angel. Aren’t you supposed to be telling me that I have something to live for. That I don’t need that knife. My momma wouldn’t want me to do this. “ Pausing, she sent him a nasty glance and turned away. “Go away Percy. Leave me alone.”
“Emma. Look at me.” He repeated his words and she turned around. “I can tell you those things but you already know this. You know right from wrong. Your momma brought you up well. You’re fighting your own demon. I’m here to help one way or the other, I am here.”
“Percy, you’re not helping.” She saw him smiling again. “Stop smiling.” Emma paced as she thought, what the hell is wrong with this angel. Aren’t they supposed to help? Just like the universe to send her a crazy angel. Bad enough I have visions, talk to the dead and hear others thoughts, now I have a go-between angel who does nothing but smile like the Cheshire cat. All she wanted was to see her momma. She needed advice. People were getting crazier, her visions showed the world in chaos. Emma stopped and rubbed her hands softly over her mother’s headstone. She closed her eyes and called out in her mind. Momma, please. I need help. I don’t know where…I don’t fit in. What do I do?
“She won’t answer Emma,” Percy whispered to Emma. “Her spirit has moved onward in the next phase of her journey.” Emma looked at him, her eyes filling with tears. He floated towards her then laid his hand over the one touching the stone. “Emma your mother was a beautiful light. She gave you all that she could give. She taught you well and helped you with your gifts. Remember these things as you make your decision, but also remember that nothing is without consequence. If you leave now without fighting, without really trying then you have failed and will come back to struggle all the more, to learn.”
“I have tried…”
“You have not tried to live. You haven’t even begun. What I do see is someone trying hard to die. Life is hard, but it is also beautiful and magical if you see it through your heart. It is you Emma, who see yourself as a freak. You are the one who can control this but you choose not too. You’ve been in a cocoon for so long you don’t know how to break free and fly.” Percy placed both hands on her shoulders then turned her to face him. “Emma, you have amazing, beautiful wings. Break free of the cocoon, fly and see the beauty of life through your heart. You have so much to give, your gifts are special. They are not given out lightly. You know when to use them, and yes, they can be scary at times because most don’t have them. You feel alone but my dear you are not alone, you have him.” He smiled as she stared upwards at him. “You know what and who I am talking about.”
Everything Percy said was true. She was fighting hard to die because living was painful, hard and scary. The future to come…was unknown for her, except for him. Him, the man who has no name, but connected to her in a way she didn’t understand. He frightened her. Who was he? She could never understand this one bit of her future. Momma always smiled, shook her head with a thoughtful, knowing look but never enlightened her. All she ever said was, ‘when you see him outside your vision dreams, you will know’; it was cryptic, like him. She’d been having more dreams of him lately and she didn’t understand her feelings.
“Who is he Percy?”
“I cannot tell. He is known only to you. But, he is real, and waiting. You’re having more visions of him because he is calling. You know this and you’re afraid. Afraid to live.” He looked again into her eyes. “Emma, don’t fight life. Live it, embrace it. Don’t live it here amongst the dead. Say goodbye and give life everything you have. Make it special, beautiful and find the magic. It’s there. Faith, hope and love. You have that, it’s in you. You want to believe, therefore it is." Percy turned Emma to face the headstone. "That is not a home, she is not there. Your momma is doing what she wants you to do.”
“What is that,” Emma whispered rubbing the headstone.
“Fly.”
Emma turned around but Percy had gone. She looked back then knelt down at the gravesite and placed a trembling hand on the cold stone. The tears came then. To say goodbye was hard but Percy was right, her momma wasn’t here and she wouldn’t want her daughter to live with the ghosts. She had to live. If there was one thing momma taught her, it was to live. The world is a scary place and she was afraid, but she would give it her all, she had too. “Momma I’m leaving now. I don’t know how, but I’m going to learn how to fly and I’m going to soar. Goodbye momma. I love you. Merry meet.”
Then the tiniest of moments caught her eye. A lone pink petal had come loose from one of the buds she had laid on the ground. Emma watched as the petal rolled and tumbled around then lifted slightly in the wind only to fall. It was tossed around some more, lifted then dropped over and over again. She watched its struggle as it tried to find its place within the soft winds Then it happened, the petal found its way. It was lifted upwards then carried higher and father away until it was lost from her vision. She understood and smiled. It was time to fly.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Am I crazy?
I must be. I entered the 2010 NaNoWriMo's 50,000 words in 30 days starting November 1st. Insane, isn't it? That's approximately 1600+ words daily for 30 days. Piece a cake right? Well, given that I work 5 days a week, have 2 children and 2 pets to take care of, there's a holiday in November...umm, no pressure.
Why would you enter, you ask? Well, at the time I hadn't calculated out how many words a day I needed to do and it sounded fun. LOL Honestly, I entered because I feel strongly about the story I've been plotting and I felt the NaNo's would give me the push I need to get the rough draft done. REMEMBRANCE took me 2 years to write and is still waiting for my editing. I'll admit, I laxed off on that story more often than naught and thank heavens I had great friends who pushed (whipped) me right to the very end.
I can be a procrastinator at times and I know what pushes me. Also, I don't want to bother my friends with another story (well at least until I have a finished product-ha). Knowing I have a deadline to meet and a wonderful story to create is the push I need. I figure either way I win. If I meet the goal - Fantastic - I get my lovely NaNo parting gifts and a 50,000 word rough draft. If I don't meet the goal...then I have something more than I started with on November 1st.
What I hope to learn from this experience is to just write. By that I mean, to stop editing while I'm doing the rough draft. It slows me down trying to perfect a sentence. I stop when I need to look something up (research); these things break the creative flow. I need to make highlighted comments and learn to go back later. Since the NaNo's are all about just writing, writing, writing, it's my goal to do just that. I feel good, so far, about this.
October is my month to prepare. I've been outlining, plotting, creating character assessments, and interviewing my characters. Trust me when I say they're talking. Emma, James and Seren have been letting me know how they want their story told. Though, if James keeps changing his tune...I may have to fix his sorry arse. (I'm the writer I can do that-HA) It's been very interesting. Damn them though-they won't tell me the end. They say it's a surprise. LOL
It's fun preparing for the big day. A large part of me wants to start now but the rules state no actual writing until 11-1-2010. I did create a prologue for this story awhile back but had to stop the story when I hurt my hand. Now that my hand is just about back, well...it is time! The prologue and its word count will not be used for the NaNo's. I tend to write prologues to see if the story works for me. I have approximately 3-4 prologues sitting around, along with my, What if..." folder. Prologues are my jumping pads to the actual story and this one rocks (if I do say so myself).
November will be a tough month but if I can stay true to my Chapter outlines I know I can do this thing. I have to unplug from the internet and just do it - WRITE, WRITE, WRITE. I need to make SEREN'S ANGEL a reality.
Wish me luck, heaven knows I'm going to need it.
Why would you enter, you ask? Well, at the time I hadn't calculated out how many words a day I needed to do and it sounded fun. LOL Honestly, I entered because I feel strongly about the story I've been plotting and I felt the NaNo's would give me the push I need to get the rough draft done. REMEMBRANCE took me 2 years to write and is still waiting for my editing. I'll admit, I laxed off on that story more often than naught and thank heavens I had great friends who pushed (whipped) me right to the very end.
I can be a procrastinator at times and I know what pushes me. Also, I don't want to bother my friends with another story (well at least until I have a finished product-ha). Knowing I have a deadline to meet and a wonderful story to create is the push I need. I figure either way I win. If I meet the goal - Fantastic - I get my lovely NaNo parting gifts and a 50,000 word rough draft. If I don't meet the goal...then I have something more than I started with on November 1st.
What I hope to learn from this experience is to just write. By that I mean, to stop editing while I'm doing the rough draft. It slows me down trying to perfect a sentence. I stop when I need to look something up (research); these things break the creative flow. I need to make highlighted comments and learn to go back later. Since the NaNo's are all about just writing, writing, writing, it's my goal to do just that. I feel good, so far, about this.
October is my month to prepare. I've been outlining, plotting, creating character assessments, and interviewing my characters. Trust me when I say they're talking. Emma, James and Seren have been letting me know how they want their story told. Though, if James keeps changing his tune...I may have to fix his sorry arse. (I'm the writer I can do that-HA) It's been very interesting. Damn them though-they won't tell me the end. They say it's a surprise. LOL
It's fun preparing for the big day. A large part of me wants to start now but the rules state no actual writing until 11-1-2010. I did create a prologue for this story awhile back but had to stop the story when I hurt my hand. Now that my hand is just about back, well...it is time! The prologue and its word count will not be used for the NaNo's. I tend to write prologues to see if the story works for me. I have approximately 3-4 prologues sitting around, along with my, What if..." folder. Prologues are my jumping pads to the actual story and this one rocks (if I do say so myself).
November will be a tough month but if I can stay true to my Chapter outlines I know I can do this thing. I have to unplug from the internet and just do it - WRITE, WRITE, WRITE. I need to make SEREN'S ANGEL a reality.
Wish me luck, heaven knows I'm going to need it.
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