Writing Prompt Wednesday

First off, don’t forget to sign up for my Halloween short story blog fest in the previous post. It’ll be a lot of fun, I promise. And spread the word!

For this writing prompt Wednesday, we are continuing our “spookified” writing prompt Wednesdays for this month. As always, if you have a writing prompt you want to share here, please e-mail them to me at thestoryinme (at) gmail (dot) com. Please include with the prompt your name and blog address so I can give you credit!

Here we go with this week’s writing prompt!

Think of the perfect horror movie villain. Make him/her/it the most unique that you can. Write down all of the details of what it looks like, sounds like, feels like, and even smells like. Where does it reside? What does it do? Be as descriptive as possible and if you can, draw your character.

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Interview with the Character Blog Fest!

For this blog fest, I’m sitting down to interview the two main characters of the zombie apocalyptic book I’m working on (currently untitled)….

Dallas: She better find a title soon….

Thanks, Dallas. Let me introduce to you, Joshua and Dallas. Welcome guys. Thanks for taking the time to do this interview with me today.

Joshua: It’s not like I had much of a choice.
Dallas: Just ignore him. He’s just cranky that he’s not out shooting zombies in the face right now. If he’s not shooting something, he’s Mr. Cranky Pants.

Me: I’ve figured that out.  Let’s get this started.  Why don’t you guys introduce yourselves to the readers out there?

Dallas: I’ll start! My name is Dallas and I’m pretty awesome. I’ve been called a southern girl with a New York attitude. We’ll just leave it at that.
Joshua: I’m Joshua Miller. I’m just a farmer in Eastern Kansas who has  had to fight zombies invading my farm every day.
Dallas: He likes to put up this Mr. Mysterious character when he doesn’t have his cranky pants on.

Me: Great. So why do you think Joshua puts up that kind of front, Dallas?

Dallas: Because he doesn’t want people to see who he is.

Me: You’ve stayed with him for awhile now? Who is he?

Dallas: He’s a good guy with a sensitive side. That and he’s a zombie killing superhero. Minus the spandex.  Thank goodness. Nobody wants to see that.

Me: Joshua, why don’t you describe Dallas?

Joshua: Besides being an annoying brat that I seem to have to watch over, she’s not bad. She’s fiercely loyal and I appreciate that about her.
Dallas: You’re too kind, Mr. Miller.

Me: You’ve been fighting this zombie apocalypse for a year now.  How do you think it started?

Joshua: Some scientist experimented with the wrong crap and it exploded in their face.
Dallas: Maybe literally, we don’t know. Maybe the dude is wandering around as a zombie right now. That’d be weird.
Joshua: I’d shoot him in the head
Dallas: You’d shoot any zombie in the head though.
Me: How are you two surviving the apocalypse? What’s the secret?

Dallas: I don’t think there’s a secret. You just have to use your head.
Joshua: You need to use some common sense. Don’t use electricity if you don’t have to because that attracts the zombies. Always listen inside a room for movement before you go inside. Check your surroundings at all times and make sure you have an exit clear. Also carry a weapon.
Dallas: He carries like three of them.

Me:  What’s your favorite method of killing a zombie?

Dallas: I’ve become a fan of the crowbar. It’s helped me out a lot. But it’s not for everyone. You have to get up close to one and that’s scary. I’m also a fan of the pistol.
Joshua:  I love my machete and my bow and arrows. I make my own arrows so I never run out.

Me: That’s pretty handy. What have you learned since the zombies have invaded?

Dallas: Always keep your guard up, but don’t take anything for granted either.  Protect the ones you love.
Joshua: Mmhmm.
Dallas: And don’t be afraid to shoot those flesh eating bastards in the head! Nobody wants to be some gross thing’s dinner. I’m not meant to be a steak dinner, you know. I’m too pretty for that.
Joshua: Here we go again.

Me:  Have you encountered anyone you know as a zombie?

Dallas: Nope. I got out of my city so I don’t know anyone here in the middle of nowhere Ville, Kansas.
Joshua: Yeah, I’ve seen a few. The mechanic in town, one of my children’s former kindergarten teacher.

Me: If you could give out one tip to killing zombies, what would it be?
Dallas: Aim for the head. That simple.
Joshua: Never hesitate. Hesitation leads to disaster.
Dallas: And your face being eaten off.  What? I saw it happen the other day! Poor guy hesitated with the baseball bat and bam! He was zombie food.

Me: Dallas, you’ve experienced this apocalypse in both urban and rural settings. Which is better?
Dallas: Oh man, they both have their pros and cons, I guess. There are more zombies clustered together in cities because they are more populated, but here in the rural setting, they’re more spread out but sometimes they’re so spread out, you don’t see them coming. So it depends.
Me: I know you guys have more zombies to take care of so just one last question. If you had to choose between fighting off zombie hordes or some vampires, what would it be?

Joshua: Why is that even a question?

Me: Just answer it.

Joshua: Zombies. I’m sure they are more fun to kill.
Dallas: Well, are we talking about the cool Dracula vampires or those awful sparkly emo vampires with the bad hair?
Joshua: Does it matter?
Dallas: Yeah!  I like the cool, mysterious Dracula/Lestat ones. I would make out Lestat in a heartbeat. Vampires don’t sparkle, dude.  Have you ever seen a zombie sparkle?
Joshua: Oh my God. Can I go now and shoot something before I end up strangling her?

Me: Yes you can. Thanks, guys, for stopping by.

Dallas: You’re welcome! And figure out a title for this book soon. I feel like I have no identity. It can be something cool like… Dallas and Joshua: Zombie Killers.
Joshua: That’s the dumbest title I’ve ever heard in my life.
Dallas: You’re such a negative Nancy.

Check out the participants interviews here:

Patricia

Christopher

Angie

Nina

Some may not blog as early as I do, so if they don’t have theirs up yet, keep checking back!

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Interview with the Character Blog Fest Reminder

Considering I have a lot to do today (no relaxing weekends for me, it seems haha), I’m just going to post a reminder about my blog fest that is coming up this Friday!  I have about 4 people who have signed up, but I want to give everyone else the opportunity to join in. Here are the details:

The blog fest is called “Interview With The Characters”.  Conduct an interview with one of the characters you have come up with. Ask them questions and then answer that question as that character.. however you think they would respond. You can make it as funny or as serious as you want. That part is up to you. It doesn’t have to be necessarily long either.  On Friday, September 16th, post that interview on your blog with a link coming back to mine. I will have a post with a list of participants so everyone can check out the interviews. Make sure to spread the word so others can get involved! The more, the merrier, right?  You can sign up by commenting on this post or by e-mailing me at thestoryinme@gmail.com.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

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The Return of Writing Prompt Wednesdays!

I haven’t done any of these in quite awhile, but I’m happy to announce that they are back! Hopefully, using some of these will help spark some creativity for you when you need it! If you have one that you would like to share here, please e-mail it to me with your name and blog address (so you can receive credit!) at thestoryinme@gmail.com.

• Come up with a character sketch for a character that you feel you haven’t found in a book yet. Be as detailed as possible as you write down what he/she looks like, their name, age, occupation, hobbies, flaws, personality, family, single, married, dating, etc. Once you have done that, insert that character into a short scene involving an end of bash involving a mysterious stranger who slips something into your character’s pocket. What is it and what happens?

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Serial Story and Blog Fest Reminder

Just a couple of reminders for you all.

Part four of my new serial story, Hello From Mexico, is now up. Feel free to check it out and leave a comment, letting me know what you think so far.  Click here to get to Serial Central to read it!

Also, my second blog fest, “Interview with the Character” is soon approaching. The due date is this Friday, and I look forward to reading all of the participants interviews! If you haven’t signed up and want to, then there is still time to do so. The interview doesn’t have to be too long. You can make it as long or as short as you want. It’s up to you.  Here are the guidelines for those who missed it.

• The premise of this blog fest is to “interview” a character from a story you have written or are currently writing. You can ask him or her whatever kind of questions you want. The point is to get to know them better by getting inside their head.  If you’re feeling adventurous, you can do a joint interview and interview a couple of characters. Be creative with it.
• There is no set length to this. Use your best judgment.
• Post the interview on your blog on Friday, January 7th with a link to this blog (thestoryinme.wordpress.com). I will have a post with all of the participants blogs so readers here can go to your blog to check out what you have written.
• If you want to participate but don’t want to put it on your blog, you can e-mail your interview to me at thestoryinme@gmail.com. I will post it along with my interview. All I ask is that you post a link on your blog directing to your interview so your readers can check it out.

That’s pretty much it. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask! I look forward to reading everyone’s interviews!

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Breaking Through The Block and Writing Prompt Wednesday: Christmas Edition

I was inspired the other day. So inspired that I finally continued writing in the book I haven’t worked on in a couple of months. For those months, I found myself blocked.  I knew why I was blocked, but it was a personal issue that I just had to be patient about. I knew it would get better in time, but I just had to wait it out.

Luckily, the other day, it ended, and I was able to finish chapter thirteen. That chapter became the bane of my existence. It haunted and taunted me daily. I knew I would conquer it eventually. Sometimes these things just take time.

I’ve always been told that patience is an amazing quality to have, and I agree. I find it’s especially important for a writer to have. Otherwise, you’ll become completely frustrated when you run into a block and find yourself fighting with your own writing. These writers are the ones who sadly throw up their hands and give up. I say, don’t give up. Just take a deep breath and be patient. You’ll get it back. You have to make your story work.

Just a reminder, my second annual blog fest will be coming up on January 7th. The rules are pretty simple, but I’ll repeat them again just in case someone missed them or wants to sign up. There’s still time!

• This blog fest is entitled “Interview With a Character Blog Fest”. Think about one of your most intriguing characters that you would like to get to know more and interview them. Make it as long or short as you want.
• It’s due January 7th. On that day, post the interview on your blog with a link to my blog. I’ll also have a post with all of the participants and links to their interviews.
• If you would prefer for me to post it on my blog, just let me know by e-mail: thestoryinme@gmail.com and I’ll be glad to do so for you.
• If you still want to sign up, please e-mail me at the e-mail listed above or comment here with a  link to your blog.
• I look forward to reading all of the interviews!

Now, it’s time for yet another Writing Prompt Wednesday: Christmas Edition!

• You find yourself decorating your christmas tree with your family. One of the oldest Christmas decorations falls and shatters on the floor. Your grandmother picks up the pieces and starts to tell you the story of the decoration. Write up that story.

Also, a quick reminder. Part two of my newest serial story, Hello From Mexico, is now up at Serial Central. Check it out and let me know what you think.  Click here to get to the story.

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Blog Fest Announcement and Writing Prompt Wednesday

To start this off, I’m going to announce the subject of my next blog fest! This time around I think we’re going to deal more with the character side of stories rather than just the story itself.   So, I’m very excited to announce “Interview With The Character” Blog Fest! All you have to do is either take a character you either love or hate from a story you’ve written (or a character you just created!) and conduct an interview with that character. It’s a great way to get really creative and get inside your character’s mind.  The tentative deadline for this blog fest is January 7th, so you have a few weeks to get started. Also, please feel free to spread the word to those you feel would also be interested in participating in this. The more, the merrier!

If you’re interested in participating, please let me know by either commenting here or e-mailing me at thestoryinme@gmail.com. Make sure to leave your blog’s link so I can link your blog on the blog fest day. Let’s make this one really fun.

Alright, let’s get on with Writing Prompt Wednesday!

• Write a short story based on this line: “I just couldn’t believe my luck!”

I’m also still willing to have more guest bloggers do a post for this blog and to do some more guest blogging on others blogs. Let me know if you’re interested.

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The Character Interview Finale With Ben

If you have been keeping up with my blog for a while, you are familiar with my character interviews for my current w.i.p.  I have done over 8 interviews so far, but today’s will be the last one for this book. The interview today is with my main character, Ben Rodriguez.  I have a soft spot for this character and I hope you like him as much as I do.

Me:  Thanks for joining us here, Ben.
BR: It’s no problem. I’ve been looking forward to it.
Me: Why don’t you tell everyone a little about yourself?
BR: Okay. I’m 19 years old now and headed to art school next year. For now, I’m helping Mat out at the center with group meetings.  I like to be reminded of where I used to be and how far I’ve come.
Me: What do you think brought you to where you are now?
BR: It took a lot of courage to let go of everything that was holding me back. I’m happy to say that I’m not the person I was a year ago. I’m a lot stronger and can stand on my own two feet.
Me: Is there a specific person who helped you realize your own strength?
BR: Absolutely. There are a few people who I give thanks to every day. Jude, Chelsea, Mat, Delilah. These are the people who keep me going. They are the ones who understood because it was a path they also took. So, I wasn’t alone.
Me: Do you think that was the key to your success? Not having to do it alone?
BR: I think so. It’s hard to face your own demons by yourself with no one to back you up. No one should have to go through life alone.
Me:  What was the hardest thing for you to overcome?
BR:  Letting go of the things that were holding me back. Letting go of memories that weren’t healthy.  We all hold on to things that aren’t good for us. They are the things that make us self-destruct. I was hurting myself because I felt I deserved the pain. Letting go of that mentality wasn’t easy.
Me: Where  do you see yourself in ten years?
BR: I hope to be a successful artist. I would love to bring self-injury in the spotlight and show people my perspective of what it’s like to live with it.  For now, I’m content to live by the ocean and help people here.  I just want to pay it forward. Do my part to make sure others aren’t alone.
Me: Do you still talk to the others?
BR: Sure. I hang out with Chelsea and Jude a lot when they aren’t busy with school. I see Delilah a couple times a month. We’ll always have a connection no matter where we are. I don’t think that will ever go away and I’m thankful for that.
Me: What is your relationship like with your mother now?
BR: We’re working on it. It’s never been a great relationship. She has things that she needs to focus and work on. I think she has the potential to be an amazing mother if she lets herself. We’ll see.
Me: Well, thank you for stopping by for our last interview, Ben. Do you have any final words that you want to share?
BR: I really just want to stress to people that everyone makes mistakes and we should learn from them and then let them go. Don’t stress about the small stuff. Just live life. It’s that simple.

Well, that’s it. The last character interview for my current w.i.p. I would love to know what your favorite character was that I interviewed. Why did you like that person? Was there one that you especially hated?

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Character Interview With Delilah

My character interview series for my first book (the title will be announced soon, by the way) continues tonight as we explore the character of Delilah Carmichael. Delilah is a very major character in this book, so this interview is pretty important.

Me:  I just want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview for us today, Delilah.
DC: It’s no problem. You kind of had to come to me, but I’m happy I’m allowed to do this.
Me:  So, how have things been for you lately?
DC: It’s been a struggle, I’ll be honest. But, I’m really learning a lot about myself since the book.
Me: What have you learned?
DC: That I’m stronger than I think I am. I used to dwell on the past too much and kept it all inside. After being pushed away so many times, I started to never release anything until it exploded. Now, I’m more vocal about my problems. I have a support group that cares about me.
Me: Who is your main supporter?
DC: That would be Ben.  He is a really great person who is so kind and generous. I wish there were more guys out there like him.   I wouldn’t have made it through in one piece if it wasn’t for Ben.
Me: If you had to choose one quality you like about yourself, what would it be?
DC: I get asked this all the time by Mat and I never know what to say. Um, I guess it would be how patient I am with people. Trust me, if you had to hang out with someone like Jude, you would have to be really patient, too.
Me:  Everyone here has met him, so I’m sure they would agree.  What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
DC: I would love to travel across the country and do some speaking engagements about my struggles. Hopefully, that would inspire young people to not follow the same path I did. I want them to know they aren’t alone like I thought I was. There are people out there who understand and are willing to help. You just have to let them.
Me:  What do you do to relax?
DC: I write in my journal. I write about everything that is going on, what I’m thinking about. It’s really no holds barred writing for me.
Me: Hopefully, nobody gets a hold of that then.
DC: Ha, yeah. That wouldn’t be good at all.
Me: How has the family reacted to how things have turned out for you?
DC: It’s taken them awhile to really accept everything, but they’re getting better. I think they’ll come around eventually. Sometimes, it just takes some time for acceptance. I’m patient enough to wait for that to happen.
Me: Thank you for taking the time to be here today. I know you have a meeting to go to.
DC: Yeah, unfortunately. It’s been nice being here and I hope people got a better perspective on who I am.

That was Delilah!  Soon, you will be meeting one of the most important characters of the book, Ben. That should be quite an interview so please stay tuned for that. Have a great weekend everyone!

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Character Interview With Andrew

Another character interview? You bet! Last week, we heard from one of Delilah’s friends, Presley. This week, we’re going to check  in with Andrew Green,  Ben’s (my main character) best friend.

Me: Hey, Andrew. It’s good to have you here.
AG: Thanks, man. I was hoping I’d be able to speak on here.  I’ve got lots to say, you know.
Me: Tell us what you have to say then.
AG: I’m glad you asked!  You see, I don’t think my character is correctly portrayed in the novel.
Me: It’s not?
AG: Nope! I’m not really a slacker or a troublemaker. Sure, I did enable Ben’s bad habits, but I didn’t know he did what he did to himself.
Me: You didn’t drag Ben to parties and get into fights?
AG: What? No! Well, okay. Maybe once. Or twice…..
Me:  You said that you didn’t know what Ben did to himself. You never saw any signs of  his illness?
AG: Not really. I knew he always wore hoodies all the time, but I just figured he was always cold or something. But, I guess I should have known something. I’m kind of oblivious to things though.
Me: So, what was your first reaction when you found out that Ben did hurt himself?
AG: I was shocked a little bit. I think I was more shocked that he joined some group for it. It also made me a little pissed. He could tell a whole bunch of strangers  his personal stuff but not me? That still stings, man.
Me: Do you act differently around him now?
AG: I try not to. He’s still the same Ben. A lot more independent though, but that’s cool with me. He was always so reclusive, but after he met that Delilah girl…
Me: What do you think about Delilah?
AG: She seems alright. Too quiet though. Ben seems to like her. She’s the first girl he’s really talked to since Nora.
Me: What are you doing with your life now, Andrew?
AG: Just hanging out. One of these days, I may graduate college. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this book will make me famous and I won’t have to work too hard.  Me and Jesse have plans of going on a summer long road trip, just seeing the sights.  I want to be one of those wanderers you see.
Me: Do you have any goals for the future?
AG: Goals aren’t my thing. I just go with the flow and take life for what it is.  Life is one big party. My mom would be okay if I lived in her house forever. Hey, she does my laundry and makes me cookies whenever I want. It drives Ben crazy sometimes.
Me: How do you want people to remember you after reading this book?
AG: I just want them to see me as a fun-loving guy who really did want the best for his friend. Sure, I got him into situations he shouldn’t have been in, and I’m sure they didn’t really help him out, but I just wanted everyone have fun. Ben really needs to loosen up anyways.
Me: Well, thanks for stopping by, Andrew.
AG: Hey, it’s all good. It was a great excuse to miss class. I hate math, let me tell you. Hey, if you want to go to a party at Jesse’s house later, you’re totally invited. Everyone can come!
Me: Thanks for the invite, but I’m going to pass.
AG: Girls…

I hope you enjoyed that interview. Let me know what you think about Andrew!

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