Friday, September 30, 2011

Name That in 5 Words

Our writing group was asked by our church to come up with 5 words that would represent "Salvation" to us. Talk about a challenge! I am passing this challenge on to you because it is always good to practice word choice.

Writing Exercise: Name "Salvation" in 5 words. What five words epitomize salvation?

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My response will be in the Comments Section.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Strong Dialog Series #12

I've been reading Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King (1993 edition). When I read the chapter on Dialogue Mechanics, I wanted to create visuals to go with the tips. Note: These contain my wording and examples, but the idea was inspired from the book. I'll post one a day. Enjoy!

Monday, September 26, 2011

See * Photo * Write

Check out 1st Writes'  
prompt on 1st Writes.  To join in the fun, write about the photo on your blog and linky it or just insert your writing in the comment section on 1st Writes.
 
Below is my response. 

"Put it on, Sissy!" Jake said.

Whitten looked at the large leaf. It didn't look magical to him, just big. He didn't believe Jake and the nonsense about some land called Nordenthal.

"It's just a leaf," Whitten said.

"No, it's not! You'll see. Put it on."

Jake was a bully, but he looked almost scared, which was weird. Whitten just wanted him to go away, so he put the leaf up to his nose.

"See, nothing..."

At that moment the mask stuck fast to his face. The smell of plant decay flooded his senses.

"Oh no! I told you! I told you!" Jake screamed, almost falling, flinging dirt and rocks as he escaped.

Then Jake and the school yard were completely gone. In a blink, Whitten was in a dense tropical forest. He heard voices yelling and then someone grabbed his arm. 

"We've got him!" a man in strange military gear shouted.

"You thought you could run away," the man said to Whitten.

Then the man looked at him oddly.

"You didn't seem this thin before." 

The man shook his head and shrugged, "No matter, you'll make a fine slave for Prince Clatrillian."

Saturday, September 24, 2011

ShoutOutSaturday (S.O.S)


Every Saturday I SHOUT OUT a favorite blog or post!
                   
        Today's love goes to: A Day That is Dessert


I am really enjoying Lecia Phinney's everyday photos. 
Her blog name really says it all!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Imago, The Great


Rachael Harrie’s Campaign Challenge #2

Write a blog post in exactly 200 words.
Include the word "imago" in the title.
Include the words: "miasma" "lacuna," "oscitate," and "synchronicity"
Make reference to a mirror in your post.

 
My entry has all of the above.


 
Imago, The Great
by Dawn M. Hamsher

Imago frowned. He flipped pages, searching for the illusion’s finale, but found only a lacuna in the old tattered book of magic. Immediately, he looked at the portrait of his graying mother. She would have done this –to protect him.  

For years, Imago had carefully learned the tricks written by his father and grandfather. His embellishments on those family jewels had earned him the name Imago, The Great.

This illusion had been his father’s greatest challenge, even his death, and Imago had to conquer it, missing page or not.

***

A few in the audience began to oscitate. Imago had to act fast.  

He removed his hat with flair.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, you will not believe your eyes.” 

Imago placed two jars. 

“I will attempt a feat...” 

He placed a full-length mirror. 

“That no man has ever lived through.”

He broke the bottles.

“Keep your eyes on the mirror.”

As he slowly lost consciousness from the miasma, Imago saw his gray rabbit hop to him. In its mouth was a yellowed book page. With his final breath, he laughed at the ironic synchronicity.

***

The applause was thunderous.

Two men and one woman took their bows from inside the mirror.



IF YOU ENJOYED THIS, CLICK HERE AND VOTE FOR #50 - IMAGO, THE GREAT.


Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Strong Dialog Series #11

I've been reading Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King (1993 edition). When I read the chapter on Dialogue Mechanics, I wanted to create visuals to go with the tips. Note: These contain my wording and examples, but the idea was inspired from the book. I'll post one a day. Enjoy!


Tuesday, September 20, 2011

See * Photo * Write


Check out See Photo Write photo prompt on 1st Writes. 
 
My response is below. 





Saying Goodbye
by Dawn M. Hamsher

"Martha, I stopped by the fields today. I'm sorry to say that all the passion's just gone right out of me. Today it just looked like dirt. All those years of struggling on the farm. All that time, you stood beside me even when we didn't have two cents.  Remember when I'd come home covered in dust or grease from fixing a tractor? You'd have dinner all ready, but you'd have to clean up my messes first.

Oh, Martha. It's not the same without you. 

Honey, I made a decision. I'm going to go live with John and Ella. I think that would make you happy. I won't be alone and I'll have the grandkids to spoil. You always hated being so far away from them. 

I'll be moving in a couple of days. I just wanted to say goodbye to ya. I'll still be talking to you, but not here at the grave site. Hope that's ok. 

I miss you, Martha. You always were my best friend."

Monday, September 19, 2011

Strong Dialog Series #10

I've been reading Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King (1993 edition). When I read the chapter on Dialogue Mechanics, I wanted to create visuals to go with the tips. Note: These contain my wording and examples, but the idea was inspired from the book. I'll post one a day. Enjoy!
   

Saturday, September 17, 2011

ShoutOutSaturday (S.O.S)


Every Saturday I SHOUT OUT a favorite blog or post!
                   
Today's love goes to: Stuff You Missed in History Class

When we go for a drive, my husband plays a "Stuff You Missed in History Class" podcast by HowStuffWorks.com. We learn interesting little-known facts and theories as to what really happened. We have fun deciding for ourselves.  I highly recommend you check it out. You can download them free on iTunes!


Here are some podcast examples:
*Civil War Spies                           *Who was King Tut...really?               *Sink the Bismark!                      *The Death of Mozart                    *How Mark Twain worked                  *How Typhoid Mary Worked     
*Was there really a Pied Piper?      *The History of Chocolate                  *Real-life Moby Dick

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Strong Dialog Series #9

I've been reading Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King (1993 edition). When I read the chapter on Dialogue Mechanics, I wanted to create visuals to go with the tips. Note: These contain my wording and examples, but the idea was inspired from the book. I'll post one a day. Enjoy!
 
 

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

See * Photo * Write


This week's See Photo Write on 1st Writes is a Boo Boo. If you'd like to write using this photo prompt, type your submission on your blog, click here and linky up! The more, the merrier!

My response (a tongue twister poem):

Brayden Brian Beckham-Bricker broke the bike and bumped his ticker. His broken bones, they did not bother. What burned the most? It was his mother.


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Strong Dialog Series #8

I've been reading Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King (1993 edition). When I read the chapter on Dialogue Mechanics, I wanted to create visuals to go with the tips. Note: These contain my wording and examples, but the idea was inspired from the book. I'll post one a day. Enjoy!
 
 

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Tag, I'm it!

Have you ever played tag??? Well of course you have and guess what, I'm it! I was tagged by Mel Fowler over at Adventure Writes. Mel is also in the Campaign (but I've known her longer than that ;0) ).

All right here are the rules, I've been tagged. I will tell you 10 random things about me and then tag 5 other people. Enjoy.

10 Random Things

1- My favorite color is green.
2- I have two dogs named Barlow and Mudge.
3- I've snorkeled in Italy.
4- Master Chef is my favorite TV show.
5- I LOVE the Bloody Jack Series by L.A. Meyer.
6- I write to friend's brother in prison.
7- I relax best when I'm camping.
8- I love to learn (I'm nerdy like that).
9- I need to eat a little piece of chocolate every day.
10- I love old homes (mine is 112 years old).

and the lucky people to get tagged....

1- Jenn at Jenn Musing
2- Abby Fowers at Something to Write About
3- Samantha at Writing Through College
4- Susan Kane at The Contemplative Cat
5- Pam at 2 Encourage

Saturday, September 10, 2011

ShoutOutSaturday (S.O.S)

Every Saturday I SHOUT OUT a favorite blog or post!
                   
              Today's love goes to: Daily Writing Practice

There is a reason I really like Marc's blog...it is after my own heart! Marc posts a writing prompt everyday and encourages writers to share  what they write in the Comments. He also shares what he writes on the prompt. So, go over and do a prompt! Write something today!

Friday, September 9, 2011

Strong Dialog Series #7

I've been reading Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King (1993 edition). When I read the chapter on Dialogue Mechanics, I wanted to create visuals to go with the tips. Note: These contain my wording and examples, but the idea was inspired from the book. I'll post one a day. Enjoy!


Note: At least keep them consistent in a scene.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Strong Dialog Series #6

I've been reading Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King (1993 edition). When I read the chapter on Dialogue Mechanics, I wanted to create visuals to go with the tips. Note: These contain my wording and examples, but the idea was inspired from the book. I'll post one a day. Enjoy!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Campaign Challenge - The Door


First Campaign Challenge -- Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less. Begin the story with the words: “The door swung open”. For added challenge end with the words: "the door swung shut" and make your story exactly 200 words.

I took on the added challenges!  My response is below.

.....................................................................................................

The Door
By Dawn M. Hamsher

The door swung open. I took a deep breath and stepped inside. I stood on the red carpet. I was still alive. Did I really think I’d be struck by lightning?
 
My heart was pounding as I walked down the hall. My hands clenched and unclenched. I licked my lips over and over.

What was I thinking? Why had I come?
 
I wanted to turn and run, but then I saw it. There on the altar was the cross. 

I think someone spoke to me, but I kept going. 

By the time I got to the railing and knelt, I was shaking all over. I broke down. I can’t remember what I said or did. I just remember feeling so empty, like I had dumped 20 years of my life.

Then an arm wrapped around me and a woman said, “He does forgive you and he wants you back.”

It’s hard to explain what happened next. A warmth filled me and I felt what the woman was saying deep inside my soul. All the bad stuff I had done no longer chained me down. 

When I left, I was changed. My old life was gone as the door swung shut. 


Strong Dialog Series #5

I've been reading Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King (1993 edition). When I read the chapter on Dialogue Mechanics, I wanted to create visuals to go with the tips. Note: These contain my wording and examples, but the idea was inspired from the book. I'll post one a day. Enjoy!

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Strong Dialog Series #4

I've been reading Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King (1993 edition). When I read the chapter on Dialogue Mechanics, I wanted to create visuals to go with the tips. Note: These contain my wording and examples, but the idea was inspired from the book. I'll post one a day. Enjoy!

Saturday, September 3, 2011

ShoutOutSaturday (S.O.S)

Every Saturday I SHOUT OUT a favorite blog or post!
                   
                  Today's love goes to:  She Writes

She Writes is a community, virtual workplace, and emerging marketplace for women who write, with over 15,000 active members from all 50 states and more than 30 countries. Leveraging social media tools and harnessing women’s collaborative power, She Writes is fast becoming the destination for all women who write. To learn more read Getting Started.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Strong Dialog Series #3

I've been reading Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King (1993 edition). When I read the chapter on Dialogue Mechanics, I wanted to create visuals to go with the tips. Note: These contain my wording and examples, but the idea was inspired from the book. I'll post one a day. Enjoy!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Strong Dialog Series #2

I've been reading Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King (1993 edition). When I read the chapter on Dialogue Mechanics, I wanted to create visuals to go with the tips. Note: These contain my wording and examples, but the idea was inspired from the book. I'll post one a day. Enjoy!