Writing

Very Short Stories, Week 16!!!

Hey, guys! I can’t believe it has been FOUR MONTHS since I started doing the very short stories prompts on Twitter. It has kept me writing and challenged me in new ways.

The best thing I like about the #vss365 is it continually challenges my creativity and my ability to show rather than tell. Sometimes, I don’t deliver what I really want, but most of the time I really enjoy them!

My nephew has gone home and so it is time to settle back into a familiar routine that includes working on my manuscript. I’m prepping somemore tools to really help me get it to that polished level.

Anyways, I’ll keep this short. Here are my very short stories for the week!

 

July 30th

Birds of a feather #flock together, she told her daughter and ruffled her hair. You’ll be fine! I promise.

The daughter nodded and grabbed the familiar hand of her mother, worn with age. They walked down the gravel road of their drive way to wait for the school bus.

 

July 31st

The #Queen of Darkness reigned over nightmares and relished the sounds of screams. Pained wails bounced off the remains of her stone castle that night. The cries mingled with the smell of spilt blood to soothe her soul and she dreamed of red drops in the depths of depravity.

 

August 1st

The #cellar doors were smashed bits, surrounding the poorly lit opening. Its stairs descended into the pitch black with no end in sight. The flashlight shook in her hands but she clicked the light on. Cautious steps took her down the steps. The creaking echoed for miles.

 

August 2nd

#Familiar hands clasped hers, warm and soothing. But she didn’t hear his words. She’d vanished into a funeral in her mind’s eye, surrounded by fragrant flowers and the tears of the mourning. The coffin before her was made of oak, strong and sturdy like her father had been in life.

 

August 3rd

It’s a tough lesson when it comes to #sacrifice, the teacher said. His high school students sat there, bored but silent. Their gaze weighed on his shoulders and he breathed deeply. You see, certain jobs have more risks than others. They require a willingness to give and not get.

 

August 4th

Stars shimmered in the night sky like glitter on a black cloth. The pale face of the moon was absent, waiting rebirth the next night. She moved the telescope slowly, hunting for a different celestial body. Aha! She exclaimed as #Jupiter came into focus. Just beautiful!

 

August 5th

The #Empress stood still and silent, an observer of her husband’s power. Her role was nothing more than to enhance his presence.

She loathed him for it.

Her eyes roamed the army til they spotted her soldier. His attire shone in the light. Memories of his touch tempted her again.

#PicturePoetryPrompt

She wandered the majestic land

Captured by roaming hillsides

& downtrodden structures

The wood splintered, brittle

Under soft touch

Sun hid behind mountains

& the Moon danced higher in the sky

Under pale light & Star’s gaze

She lay on the grassy knoll

And told stories to herself.

Very Short Stories, Week 15

Good morning, friends! Couple things to share today…

This week, My hubby and I are taking one of our nephews to stay with us. There’ll probably be some Pokemon Go and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. Swimming, splash pads, day trips. Or maybe a more lazy week with in home reading and crafting. Who knows!

Because of this, I will most likely be absent from my blog and less active on Twitter (if you follow me on there; if not, here’s me! @KEMwriting ). There’s no point trying to guarantee blog posts when I’m going to be focused on having fun and laughs with my nephew!

It also means little editing will be done on my book. I plan on making time for it since the writer’s life for me will eventually mean children of my own. This will be a great way to figure that aspect out more.

While I’m off for a week of joy and adventures, I hope this week is fulfilling for the rest of you! Take care!

Oh, and enjoy my very short stories just below!

 

July 23rd

This is #folly, she cried and barrelled out the open window of the train compartment after her friend. She heard a splash seconds before cold water surrounded her, pulling at her limbs. Unbuttoning her heavy clothes, she sprung to the surface and sought out her friend.

 

July 24th

Such a waste of time, she determined and slammed her laptop closed. What a #joke, thinking I could be a writer. She tossed her USB across the room and left it there like a piece of forgotten trash.

 

Pick me up now, it seemed to say from the floor. We’re not done yet.

 

July 25th

Vivian stepped out of her room and the black dress clung to her body like a wet glove. A hesitant smile played on her lips as she descended the staircase. In front of Damian’s hungry gaze, her cheeks turned scarlet.

 

His kiss was sudden yet she #answered it with passion.

 

July 26th

Give ’em #hell, his dad said and tapped his gloves.

He entered the cage to the roars of the crowd and threw his arms up high with his own shout. Pacing back and forth, he watched his opponent. They approached each other, knocked fists and squared up.

The bell rang.

 

July 27th

What’s your #intent with my son? she asked. Her legs were crossed, hands rested on her knee.

I plan on making him happy til the end of my days, he answered and smiled. He fiddled with the ring box in his pocket.

That settles it then. You have my blessing, she grinned.

 

 

July 28th

Do you get it yet?

I want You gone

Disappear

Vanish

Into a Darkness

only You can

Summon

Tired of cruel whims

that Sabotage my attempts

You’re a bad taste

Lingering

Unwanted

I #renounce You

and Your Tainted Touch

Vilify

Condemn

Your Traitorous ways

 

Goodbye, Reflection

 

 

July 29th

#Stray dogs littered the streets; unwanted and untended. She shook her head at the sight until a wet nose kissed her hand. Smiling, she stroked the ragged pup and it demanded belly rubs. I can’t save them all but I can save this one, she mused and took it home with her.

Steal Claws

I’ll fly higher than your chains can reach

Break their steal claws, biting me

Your torturous touch shall fade with time

As will ‘precious’ memories.

This toxic love will lose its power

Its venom removed from my heart
My feathered wings will soar ever higher

Whilst you sink into the muddied ground.

Vogue 73 Questions Parody

Good afternoon! I was nominated to participate in the Vogue 73 Questions challenge by Charli Dee (https://lifewithcharli.home.blog/). To be honest, I wasn’t even aware of this, but decided to it just for fun!

If you don’t read, I won’t be offende at all, but the answers might shock you! (Not really).

Also, here are my nominations for it (if they wish to do it):

Elizabeth ( https://poetkisses.blog/ )

Shantanu Baruah ( https://afflatuz.com/ )

Tinka ( https://littletinkablee.com/ )

 

1.What’s your usual Starbucks order?

I can’t remember the last time I was even in a Starbucks.

  1. What does your workstation look like?

            My workspace looks like a giant mess, but it’s organized! Two screens and a corkboard keep me on point, usually!

  1. Favorite food?

Hmmm… Desserts!

  1. Favorite author?

Reading J.K. Rowling, P.C. and Kristen Cast, W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear, Patrick Rothfuss, Cassandre Clare, Stieg Larsson, a few more…. LOL

  1. What do you think of open relationships?

My husband and I are happy in our monogamous marriage, but I don’t judge those who have them!

  1. What is your favorite video game?

            Assasin’s Creed (mainly the Ezio chronicles).

  1. Guilty pleasure treat?

Coca-Cola, always.

  1. Favorite movie?

            I have too many for this!

  1. Favorite book?

            I don’t have one… I reread any book I enjoy a ridiculous amount!

  1. Twitter or Instagram?

            Twitter, but I post occasionally to Instagram.

  1. Desktop or laptop?

Desktop. My laptop was designed by the Devil to plague me in every way!

  1. Best advice you’ve ever received?

            Focus on your goals and fight for them. Don’t let yourself give up. (The wordier version of what my hubby says to me)!

  1. What project are you working on right now?

            My WIP novel. Editing it for the most part, but I have in and outdoor projects I try and tackle too!

  1. Favorite color?

Green.

  1. Did you get good grades in school?

In History and English. Plus Guitar. Only ‘cause I tried in those courses.

  1. Dream job?

Writer/Poet/Blogger and mother.

  1. Play any sports?

            No. I used to and miss playing dearly!

  1. Do you have a degree?

I do and it was probably the worst four years of my life trying to get it.

  1. Nationality?

Canadian.

  1. What is your favorite kind of blog post?

Any that are creative and artistic or relatable.

  1. What do you like to collect?

Lego, Cherished Teddies, Movies and books (which I should start reading more).

  1. Describe yourself in three words?

Crazy, Honest, and Hard-Working.

  1. If you were a rapper what would your stage name be?

Elliot Moose… Long Story. XD

  1. Who was the last person you DMed?

No one, really. I communicate openly through tweets normally.

  1. What’s on top of your wish list right now?

Finishing my book and getting it published. Sometimes finding a bigger house so we can actually display our collections and having a family seem to beat it for a little bit.

  1. Sorting house?

Gryffindor.

  1. How many tattoos do you have?

One. It’s a butterly – Red Spotted Purple Butterfly (and yes, it looks blue).

  1. What are you most grateful for this year?

I’m grateful for my husband and his constant support. He keeps me on point and motivates me.

  1. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this month?

            Best thing? It’s a tie. I’ve gotten editing done on my book and my relationship with my sister has improved.

  1. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you today?

Managed to do yoga for another day in a row and check off an outdoor project!

  1. What’s the best thing ever?

Writing and seeing its impact on others.

  1. Favorite season?

Fall/Winter. I love the colder months. Plus, I don’t have to mow the lawn every week!

  1. Favorite holiday?

Hallowe’en. Costumes and candy are where it’s at! I also get to spend time with my nieces and nephews!

  1. What fictional character do you relate to most?

I don’t know… I think every character I’ve met has something I relate to and something I wish I had.

  1. Do you like surprises?

No. Unless they’re for other people!

  1. What’s the biggest surprise you’ve ever had?

My friends planned a surprise party for my 18th birthday. It was pretty fun aside from the fact that I had wanted to go to the Spoken Poetry Contest and was unable to.

  1. Which surprise made you cry?

            After my grandmother’s death, I was given a gold angel necklace and it was the last Christmas gift I ever got from her. My sister and I have matching necklaces as a result and we never expected it. My angel is only worn when I need her around more than normal.

  1. What’s the best surprise you’ve given somebody else?

I once wrote a love letter to my husband and picked up things to go with it. We’d had a big fight and it mended the fences. He got to see and hear how much I loved him.

  1. Do you like muffins?

Yes. I love to bake zucchini chocolate chip muffins with zucchini from our vegetable garden.

  1. Do you cook often?

Yes, almost everyday.

  1. What’s your favorite dessert?

Anything I bake. 😛

  1. Is there a dessert you don’t like?

The majority of pies and anything with raisins or nuts in them usually.

  1. Cake or pie?

Cake unless there’s coconut cream pie…

  1. What’s your least favorite food?

Bananas and watermelons. I physically cannot eat them without gagging.

  1. What’s your favorite condiment?

Ketchup.

  1. It’s 4 am on a random Saturday. What are you eating?

            Cereal.

  1. If you could teach a college class what would it be called?

There is nothing I consider myself remotely capable of teaching.

  1. Best animated film?

Spirited Away has a special spot in my heart. After that is pretty much every Disney movie created.

  1. What has a guy done or said to impress you?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Most of the men in my life aim for insults and jokes rather than nice things. My brother impressed me once by giving me a hug and a thank you unprompted. My dad impressed me by reading my book in a week and getting a version printed and bound for me (it made me cry). My husband impresses me when he picks up something that made him think of me, or notices something I’ve done and thanks me without prompting.

  1. Best thing to do on a first date?

Coffee date at Timmies that lasts 5 hours, because your silliness just makes each other laugh (The first date I had with my husband <3).

  1. Worst thing to do on a first date?

Refusing to go to the bathroom because you don’t want to break the atmosphere (also my first date with my husband).

  1. Whats the funniest pick up line a guy/girl could use?

            I legitimately have no idea. Too many of them are hysterical.

  1. Best comic book character?

Raven.

  1. Name 3 things that can always be found in your purse?

USBs, toilet paper, and paper towel. XD

  1. Favorite drink?

Coca-Cola.

  1. If you could play a historical character in a movie who would it be?

No one. I wouldn’t do that character justice.

  1. Kittens or puppies?

Puppies. Kittens grow up into little assholes that stab you with their needle nails and HAVE to sleep ONTOP of you.

  1. Favorite Sushi roll?

I don’t like sushi. At all.

  1. What lipstick do you use?

None.

  1. What foundation do you use?

None.

  1. Blow dry or air dry?

Air dry with a toweled touch.

  1. Who is your fashion icon?

None. XD

  1. Favorite Disney Character?

Elsa. I can support a chick taking the time to tackle her own shit and fears, and not cause there’s a man involved.

  1. What are you doing tomorrow?

Hopefully edit my book and go to a football game in the evening.

  1. Movie you laughed the hardest through?

\           Not a movie per se, but Russel Howard’s Recalibrate had me worried I was going to pee myself!

  1. Movie that made you cry?

Anyone where an animal dies or a character I love dies.

  1. If you could sing a duet with anybody who would you choose?

No one. My sister is a music major and she keeps me informed of my frequent mistakes. XD

  1. If your life was a song what would the title be?

            I haven’t the slightest idea, to be honest…

  1. What is your favorite animal?

Foxes and Wolves. I’m a canine lover, for sure! And yes I know Foxes aren’t strictly canines.

  1. Favorite Illustrator?

Dr. Seuss.

  1. The person you want to have coffee with?

I don’t drink coffee, but I’ll have a hot chocolate or herbal tea with family and friends.

  1. What country would you like to visit?

Italy, Poland, Scotland. Not sure if that’ll ever happen though.

  1. Best way to decompress?

Depends. Watching stand-up comedies, playing video games, or marking something off the list all work for me.

Love Letters

‘I miss you, my pet
like a flower misses the day
and diminishes in the moon’s rays.’
 
I miss you, my dear
like a song misses its melody
and thrives only when it’s set free.’
 
I miss you, my love
like a candle misses its flame
and burns brightest when it’s claimed.’
 
‘Your words send my heart to tears
and renew unspoken fears.
I miss you, too.’

Very Short Stories, Week 14

Another Monday is upon us and it’s dreary where I am! The sun is still hiding and my desk isn’t calling to me, but we’re here nonetheless.

 

I don’t have much to say about my past week. Grammarly picked a fight and seems to be winning though I ignore it telling me to get rid of my ‘u’s. I am combing back through the first 25 chapters I edited to correct comma use with Grammarly’s help.

It’s my first book and I’m probably still trying to find my voice, but I think I’m getting there! *fingers crossed*

Anyways, here are my very short stories from the past week! Hope you enjoy!

 

July 16th

Her reservoir is deep, filled to the brim with tears unshed, and words left unsaid. Every day she sits, pen in hand, and #delves into its ink. In scrolling shapes, she spills it unto the white page to lessen its load, but the day calls her forward.

And it fills again.

 

July 17th

#Reputation is everything,

they say.

From your hair

to your clothes,

you better look

crisp and clean.

A smudge on your face

could destroy you.

Keep shut that pretty mouth

for silence is your friend.

Forget opinions

or willpower.

Subservience to the norm,

Master

 

July 18th

Eyes glanced over the mutilated plants of her vegetable garden. Leaves were decorated in holes made by insects and weather. Long stalks & stems lay mangled on the dirt. Their produce, half-eaten, was left to rot and decay amongst the yellowing life.

#Unlikely to recover.

 

July 19th

One peek outside Vivian’s brick and mortar cage was all she could remember of freedom. Kilometres of space met forest, all #verdant shades, and guards patrolled every inch.

In the classroom, his voice shattered the idea of grass on her toes, “Vivian, are you listening?”

 

July 20th

She longed to #fly alongside the birds and forsake the Earth for clouds. A palace made of fluffiness and her crown jewelled with rain. She’d rule with kindness and love in her mind’s world.

The grass soft against her back but her mind soared with the winged creatures.

 

July 21st

The library #stacks were coated in dust, thick and displeasing. Rows of lines were traced by fingertips on book spines and footsteps marred the floor. She followed them, desperate for another human. A thud echoed in the distance and she raced towards it to find blue eyes.

 

July 22nd

#Elsewhere
I wish to be
Free from doubts
And failure

Elsewhere
I wish to be
With certain goals
Achieved

Elsewhere
I wish to be
In a new home
And energy

Elsewhere
I wish to be
At my desk
Instead

Elsewhere
I wish to be
In health
and serenity

Elsewhere
I wish to be
…

Fire’s Vengeance

Gas covered the wood
Its smell filthy in the air
And yet it welcomed Fire.
Strike a match, sulfur’s touch,
Floated through the sky.
 
Flames grew, running
Through predetermined paths
Climbing the wooden trellis
Amidst the clematis screams.
 
Its violent touch
Melted all in its path.
Plastic
Metal
And
Memories.
 
Burned away the evil
Hidden in this
Trinket filled home.
 
Smoke blocked windows
Yet the sights were clearer.
 
Fire clambered up the stairs
Followed the smell of alcohol
Like
a
Bloodhound.
 
The drunken shouts
Were masculine
As his victims urged Fire on
Imagining its red tongue
Licking his ankles,
Shredding his face.
 
Suffocating on emptiness
The man met his demise.
House turned to coal with him.
 
Fire’s Embers waited for the words
Before departing.
 
“Good Job.”