Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Fantasy Horses (Not true)

So after reading a random blog post on horses in books, seeing as I know about horses, I figured I might write a one or two on them.

There are quite a few books out there with horses. I'm here to tell you which facts are true and which ones aren't. (I am taking a few from the post I saw because they were important, but other than that these are my own)

1. Saddle breaking a horse takes months
  No. Breaking a horse to ride might take a month, depending on how often you get out there. But saddle breaking a horse should only take a week or two at the most.

2. Horses scream in pain or fright
  Nope. I have seen our horses get into plenty of tangles, our mare has even given birth, and I have never heard a horse scream. Now they can scream, but mostly they don't.

3. Shin Splints are serious
  From what I've heard, no. I've never had to deal with this yet. But I have read this before, were the horse gets a shin splint and it's awful. People cry, it's the end. No. It's not serious.

4. All horses love apples and carrots
  My horse hates apples, but loves carrots. My sister's horse loves both. Some horses don't like carrots, but love apples. Remember that horses are like people.

5. Horses get along super well
  It might be true for some horses. But talking from experience, no horses ever get along well all the time. Our horses are always playing the nip-nip game and, well, horsing around. 





6. Horses are loyal
  Ha! I have always found this one funny because everyone thinks it's true. Your horse can love you, it   may even only care about you, but horses are not loyal. This is a human trait that only humans have. Horses are built with a fight or flight instinct. If something truly scares them, they will forget all about you. As much as I love my horses, I know I cannot rely on them to somehow save me. 

7. They always look majestic
  I wish. Horses are wild animals, and whatever they can find, they will get into. Unless you are rich and live in a elite barn, with paid workers constantly out there, your horse will get scrapes and hurts. They can do it while getting an itch, playing, rolling, fighting. Horses will get messy. 

8. They only sleep standing up
  If you have a herd that is comfortable in there surroundings and comfortable with each other, they will sleep lying down. It's rare for people who don't live around horses to see this, but people who do, see it all the time. Horses generally have around thirty minutes of on the ground sleep a day. Now that's an average, they don't always lay down everyday.

9. Baby horses are always cute
  Well, this one is mostly true. But when some of them get their winter coats not so much. Our little guys looks like a furry mule right now.

10. They hate/love dogs
  Some horses love dogs some hate them. Some only tolerate them. 

Was anything answered here that you used to think was true? If you have any other questions on horses for your book, let me know!

Brookie

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Saturday, December 13, 2014

Writing Contest

If you have any prompt ideas you can either email them to me or for pictures pin it on my 'writing contests' board. (If you would like to pin at the board shoot me an email at the email under 'about us' and I will invite you to join the fun) 

  Rules

1. Entries must be 250-600 words 

2. They must be left in the comments by the second Wednesday at 11:30AM

3. Followers of TWS will be the judges, they must vote by the second Saturday

4. The voting link will be open from 12PM on Wednesday to Saturday night 

5. Non-Followers of TWS are allowed to place an entry, but not vote 

6. Entries with foul language or scenes that are too inappropriately graphic will be discarded

7. You may choose one or more of the prompts to put into your 'one' entry

8. Voters are not allowed to vote for themselves 

Prizes (There will only be two winners for now, until we get more entries)
1st: A copy of my tips on writing prompts
2nd: A follow at your website




                                                              Vote Here! 

Last weeks winner 





                                                    Writing Prompts
You may continue a past story if it includes one of these prompts


1. Include this phrase in your prompt: "I felt empty, alone."

2. Use this picture: 

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Thoughts Readers/ Watchers Get When a Character is Killed

So we all like to have our hearts torn out and ripped to tiny shreds. Right? Don't say no, cause if not, well, liar, liar pants on fire, hanging from a telephone wire. Why do you keep reading books then? Or watching TV shows? Hmmm? That's what I though.

So today we're going to view a few thoughts behind killing off your character. *This post does contain spoilers and I am not responsible for anyone reading something important before they watch or read it.

Downton Abbey 1: Pure agony watching her die. She's going to die, we know it, why her? Why so painfully?

Downton Abbey 2: Is he dead? I think so. Maybe it's just a concussion. Think on it for a year till we come back and tell you.

Downton Abbey Conclusion: Downton Abbey loves to torment. They also like to kill your favorites. So I say watch out for Granny, we will not let her die!

The Book Thief method 1: We don't know him, but it's should send shivers up your spine how he dies. Shivers.

The Book Thief method 2: Tell you before hand and watch as you get frightened every time someone does something stupid.

The Book Thief Conclusion: Mark is mean. He also seems to like to torment us, and he has a very interesting way of doing it too.

The Paradise 1: Was it murder? Or an accident? He couldn't have done it.

The Paradise 2: More murder?! Creepy...

The Paradise Conclusion: They like murder or the, maybe it was, thoughts.

Are there any deaths that you can think of? What were your thoughts?

Brookie





Tuesday, November 18, 2014

So I've been thinking about how I can get different scheduled things going so I don't have to be in such a rush to figure out what to write about. So far I've gotten the writing contests going every other week. But I was thinking and hoping to maybe get some guest posts going at both of my blogs once a month or so.

What's your opinion? And anybody want to volunteer? Also if you have any other ideas let me know. For either of the blogs. :)

Monday, November 17, 2014

Writing Contest

I'm sorry! This should have been out on Saturday, but I was sick. Also I'm doing it every other week now, just so you know. :)

If you have any prompt ideas you can either email them to me or for pictures pin it on my 'writing contests' board. (If you would like to pin at the board shoot me an email at the email under 'about us' and I will invite you to join the fun) 

  Rules

1. Entries must be 250-600 words

2. They must be left in the comments by the following Wednesday at 11:30AM

3. Followers of TWS will be the judges, they must vote by Saturday

4. The voting link will be open from 12PM on Wednesday to Saturday night

5. Non-Followers of TWS are allowed to place an entry, but not vote

6. Entries with foul language or scenes that are too inappropriately graphic will be discarded

7. You may choose one or more of the prompts to put into your 'one' entry

8. Voters are not allowed to vote for themselves


Prizes (There will only be two winners for now, until we get more entries)
1st: Your button on my sidebar, and a copy of my tips on writing prompts
2nd: Your button on my sidebar, or a follow at your website








                                                              Vote Here! 

Last weeks winner 

Rebekah Ryter! If you would like your prize shoot me an email and I'll get it to you. :)



                                                    Writing Prompts
You may continue a past story if it includes one of these prompts


1. Include this phrase in your prompt: "I always dreamed this would happen."

2. Use this picture: 
 

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Writing Contest

If you have any prompt ideas you can either email them to me or for pictures pin it on my 'writing contests' board. (If you would like to pin at the board shoot me an email at the email under 'about us' and I will invite you to join the fun) 

  Rules

1. Entries must be 250-600 words

2. They must be left in the comments by the following Wednesday at 11:30AM

3. Followers of TWS will be the judges, they must vote by Saturday

4. The voting link will be open from 12PM on Wednesday to Saturday night

5. Non-Followers of TWS are allowed to place an entry, but not vote

6. Entries with foul language or scenes that are too inappropriately graphic will be discarded

7. You may choose one or more of the prompts to put into your 'one' entry

8. Voters are not allowed to vote for themselves


Prizes (There will only be two winners for now, until we get more entries)
1st: Your button on my sidebar, and a copy of my tips on writing prompts
2nd: Your button on my sidebar, or a follow at your website








                                                              Vote Here! 

Last weeks winner 
 Maddie Jay! Thanks for entering. Email me for your prizes if you would like them. :)




                                                    Writing Prompts
You may continue a past story if it includes one of these prompts


1. Include this phrase in your prompt: "I thought I knew him, but everyone makes mistakes."

2. Use this picture:

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Contests are back!

Contests are back everyone! If I could have some more entries and help with choosing prompts then I can keep them going every week. :) I also got a new voting system, yea! Thanks for help with that, Tessa. :) 
If you have any prompt ideas you can either email them to me or for pictures pin it on my 'writing contests' board. (If you would like to pin at the board shoot me an email at the email under 'about us' and I will invite you to join the fun) 

  Rules

1. Entries must be 250-600 words

2. They must be left in the comments by the following Wednesday at 11:30AM

3. Followers of TWS will be the judges, they must vote by Saturday

4. The voting link will be open from 12PM on Wednesday to Saturday night

5. Non-Followers of TWS are allowed to place an entry, but not vote

6. Entries with foul language or scenes that are too inappropriately graphic will be discarded

7. You may choose one or more of the prompts to put into your 'one' entry

8. Voters are not allowed to vote for themselves


Prizes (There will only be two winners for now, until we get more entries)
1st: Your button on my sidebar, and a copy of my tips on writing prompts
2nd: Your button on my sidebar, or a follow at your website








                                                              Vote Here!




                                                    Writing Prompts
You may continue a past story if it includes one of these prompts


1. Include this phrase in your prompt: "Once upon a time."

2. Use this picture:


*









Friday, October 24, 2014

Small words are nice, but...

Everyone loves Anne Shirley. But most people disagree with the way she writes. Why use big words when you can use little words?

But I ask, why use little words when you can add some spice to your story using the occasional big word?

Oh my gosh. I just asked you to oppose everything you've read on writing. Using big words is forbidden though, Brooke!

But really, what's the matter with using a mammoth word here or there? The pros tell you to find your characters voice. But then they tell you not to use big words. What then for the geeks, the English majors, the exaggerators? Are they going to be made dull because they aren't allowed to speak the way they normally would?

Also, do we want the future generation to grow up knowing next to nothing? We need to give people a challenge here or there. I dare you to add one big word to every chapter for a week. Then the next week put one on every page. Then if you're really crazy like I am, find a small word, then look up the synonyms and use one of those big ones that you've never either heard of or used.If you don't like it, go back to the small and easy words.

But don't go overboard. I do agree that Anne had a few too many big words. ;) Hide them, make them little gems that only the true readers will find. :)

Do you agree that there should be more big words in our novels? Or maybe you're going to yell at me for filling everyone heads with nonsense?

Brookie

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Who am I and what am I doing here?

Or what we're going to address, who is my character and what are they doing in that book?

I like to talk about the MC, but today we'll talk about that character who doesn't know what they're doing.

                                                        

I have one of those right now. Her name is Sadie, and she's going to marry the MC's brother. But other than that... well, right now she's useless. I will figure it out as soon as November comes. NaNaWriMo people! My first year of the 50,000 word goal. :)

So let's talk about Sadie, and whoever is in your book that needs a job. Let's first ask the question; Do you love them? Do they absolutely have to stay?

No. Then cut them out.

"The moment you write a character who doesn't add to the story, you've written one too many." W. G. James

Yes. Keep reading.

If you can't find the heart to get rid of them then it means work, just to warn you. Give them a bit of a background, it doesn't have to go deep. But what are they passionate about, why and how do they know the MC? Ask yourself the basics, you don't have to go really deep unless... well we'll discus that in a moment. What do they do for a living? Are they going to help or oppose your MC? This is one of the biggies.

Now, can you give them a bit of a twist? What if originally they're the MC's friend, but then towards the end they betray them. Maybe it's not even because they are evil, but they thought doing it this way was best. Or maybe they've got a deep background, what happened before they met the MC? Were they famous? Bullied? An alcoholic? In a gang? What if their past comes to bite them and in the process trips up the MC?

Or do they have something important to share with the MC? Did they get into a similar situation in the past, maybe they have some advice. Use your imagination, it's not just for little kids you know. Now that you're older you can harness it and use it to do what you love, write. :)

What do you think? Anything you'd like to share? Or maybe share an instance where you had a character who at the beginning was a nobody, then turned out to be really important to the story?

P.S. I did get the title from my worldview curriculum if you were wondering. 

Brookie


Saturday, August 23, 2014

Choosing a name

First I must say I am so sorry. But my excuse will calm your complaining. We found out my dog has Cancer last week. I volunteered to organize sponsoring a child for my youth group. I went on a fast of only going online once a day for a week. And we had guests.

But I am taking some of my precious time and writing you patient people a post. ;)

Today we will talk about choosing a name. Let me just say beforehand that I am not going to give you a bunch of rules like most posts on naming character do.

 So...

Rule #1: Always- Just Kidding ;P

Now I like examples so this post will probably have quite a few.

When starting a story you might already have the name or you might just have the plot. But either way most likely you'll change it. I have two WIPs that I'm working on and I've changed both of MC's names. Plus several minor characters names.

One I started out with Bell, then it changed to Bella Quest, (Because I like the name Bella better), then I realized that 'Bella' and 'Quest' both have five letters and apparently that's a big no, no in the writing world. So I decided on Bailey Quest. The last name Quest had really gotten stuck on me and it's also part of the theme. And the 'B' also was something I didn't really want to get rid of.

There is also the 'rule' of why is your character named what they are. Bailey doesn't really have a background to her first name. Robin and all the other characters from Falconston do. They are in a world where they worship birds. So everyone has a name that is somehow connected to birds. Robin, Caique, Sparrow, Blue, and others.

Then from the WIP that Owyn and I are working on together, I have A' Mercy. Her full name is Anna Mercy. Her mother's name was Anna. Her mother was very brave and outgoing, but then she died. A' Mercy is a bit on the shy and quiet side, and she doesn't feel she deserves the name. So she shortened her own to be 'A' Mercy'.

Now see how not every character has some back-story to their name. I don't suggest giving every character something. But I do suggest that you give at least one character in every book you write to have some back-story. And mix it up as much as you'd like. :)

Then we also have the 'rule' of not giving two important characters names with the same amount of letters. I try my best to avoid that one. But it's one that, 'Really? Suck it up, readers.' ;P

Give characters age appropriate names. Don't give the new-born baby a name like Mabel. I personally like the name, but nobody names their kids Mabel anymore. If you're writing historical novels research the most popular names during that period. Not when the book takes place, but when they would have been born.  

And lastly, choose a name that you like. If you name your MC Harold, but you don't like the name, do you really think you're going to want to come back to the story? And please use names like John, Josh, and any other popular names to a minimum. ;)

Don't give your character first and last names that have the same amount of letters
Don't give two characters names with the same amount of letters
Give at least one character in each WIP a background to their name (It really is kinda fun)
Give age and era appropriate names
Choose names that you like


Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Leibster Again!

Thanks Maddie Jay!

1. I love softball, but gave it up for horses.

2. One of my many nicknames (Thanks big sisters) is Manatee, because King George and the Ducky was my sisters favorite VeggieTales.

3. I can drive a tractor like a boss.

4. I just got really, super close to elk yesterday at the neighbors while looking for our dog. And the bull had a huge rack!

5. Our Golden Retriever and Siberian Husky both don't like to play in water. What is wrong with them, I don't know.

6. I am shy in the real world.

7. I hate coming up with random facts.

8. I'm still doing math.

9. I hate math.

10. I love history.

11. I love little kids.

Maddie's questions:

1. Who is your favorite band or singer?
I hate choosing, but my answer is Francesca Battistelli

 2. Who was your first fictional crush? (can be movie or book)
Speaking of The Lion King, Kovu


I would be the last person.


3. What is a cartoon you loved when you were little, but can't stand now?
SpongeBob. Although I didn't love it, I liked it
 
4. What was/is your least favorite subject in school?
Like I said above, math
 
5. If you had to dye your hair an unusual color, what would you choose?
Blue
 
6. Do you grow your fingernails out long, or keep them short?
I try to keep them shorter. Not super short though
 
7. How much makeup do you usually wear?
Blush, mascara, and eye shadow
 
8. What is one song you can't stand to listen to?
Red Solo Cup. I absolutely abhor it
 
9. Ford or Chevy?
Ford
 
10. What accent do you love to listen to?
Australian. But I like to speak in oh so awesome Indian accent ;)
 
11. How many (or any) kids would you like to have?
As many as my future husband will let me. ;) Although probably not more than twelve
 
My questions:
 
1. Who is your favorite Disney character?
2. How many times have you watched Cars?
3. Do you like Rascal Flats?
4. If you write, do you have any animals who can speak?
5. If you could go to any fictional place, where would you go?
6. What is your favorite genre?
7. Did you ever have a crush on Kovu? (I will definitely be judging you based on this answer)
8. What is your favorite book?
9. Have you watched or read the Book Thief?
10. If you have done both, what did you think of the movie cast? If not, why not?!
11. What is your favorite snack?
 
I nominate:
Alyssa at Beautiful Girlhood
Bethany at Ramblings of a Young Author
Brittney Johnson at Daughter of the King
Athelas at A Wayfaring Stranger
Wild Horse at Opal Swirls
Amy at Living Water
Ghost Ryter at Anything, Everything
 

Friday, July 18, 2014

How well do you know your character

I know I've done a very similar post before, but that was quite a while ago, back when we were a very tiny blog. Now we're a tiny bit bigger, so I'll do it again.

How do you get to know your characters? Do you have a folder full of interview questions, or maybe you date your characters like Rachel Coker does.

But I like obstacle courses. I like to take my characters and put them in situations that aren't necessarily in the book, but will give me more of an idea of how they would act at different events. Of course first you need to have at least a basic knowledge of your character's background history. I like to do one for every big scene.
(Note: The obstacle course should be close to your original scene)

You can also do almost prologue scenes. It's a helpful way to know how your characters felt at an important moment that will effect them throughout the book. This is the kind I'll use in the example.

I'll use my latest MC this time.



Basic info:
Name: Bella
Age: 15
Living in: The Colorado mountains
Parents: Mother died, father left
Guardian: Aunt Renee
Siblings: Three brothers, Liam, Jackson, Preston
Faith: Christian

You might want to gather a little more information than that, but this is all I'll use for the example.

Bella snuggled under her covers. She could see the sun just peek his yellow head over the distant horizon. She wondered if her mommy could see it from Heaven.

Bella heard a slam of the gate out front. She jumped from the bed. Daddy wasn't supposed to leave for work for another hour. Maybe he had another headache like he often did in the mornings after Mommy's death and was just heading to the lilac bushes to sooth it. Although she hadn't heard him leave at all last night.

She threw on an old sweatshirt and ran out the front door. The truck was just being started up.

"Daddy wait! You didn't give me my goodbye kiss yet!" Bella ran as fast as her legs could carry her. But her father was already out on the road driving away.

"Dad!" Her big brother Liam raced past her trying to catch the old Ford. "Dad wait! Don't leave. Please!" Liam collapsed on the grass when he realized he couldn't catch him.

"Liam, why is Daddy leaving so early? He didn't kiss me goodbye either." Tears were building in Bella's eyes.

Liam handed her a rumpled note that he had been carrying.
I can't take care of you anymore, I can barely take care of myself. I've been out of a job for months now. Call your Aunt Renee, she'll care for you much better than I did. Liam take good care of your siblings.
~Daddy

Tears streamed down Bella's cheeks. "Why doesn't he love us anymore?"

Liam got up and hugged Bella. "He does, he just doesn't know it," he whispered.

That beautiful, warm sunrise, was now the worst one that would stay in Bella's memory.

Wow. I could have kept writing that scene forever. ;)

So now when I write more scenes I can keep her reaction to this in mind, and it will help me write her so that she is consistent. :)

What methods do you use for getting to know your characters? What do you think of the obstacle course?

Brookie :)

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Camp Nanowrimo

For those of you who don't know what Camp Nanowrimo stands for I will tell you and explain what it is.


Camp National Novel Writing Month: Is a time to write, write, and write some more.

First you set your word count goal, anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 words. Then you get a cabin where you have cabin mates, of course you don't have to stay in a cabin, and they have lots of new cabin features since even April. From there you write like crazy, updating your word count as often as you can. :)


A note on the cabins: You will have cabin mates who will most likely try talking to you. Let me say it's lots of fun meeting new people. You can also come and join Andrea Nan, Maddie Jay, and myself in our private cabin!




If you would like to join us, leave your Nano name in the comments and we will invite you to our cabin. We hope that some of you would join us!

Brookie

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Writing Contest

                                        Rules

1. Entries must be 250-600 words

2. They must be left in the comments by the following Wednesday

3. Followers of TWS will be the judges, they must leave their votes in the comments by Friday

4. Non-Followers of TWS are allowed to place an entry, but not vote

5. Entries with foul language or scenes that are too inappropriately graphic will be discarded

6. You may choose one or more of the prompts to put into your 'one' entry

7. Voters are not allowed to vote for themselves

8. Votes will be made by G+ing the prompt that voter likes best (Till we have a better system)

 



                                                    Writing Prompts
You may continue a past story if it includes one of these prompts


1. Include this phrase in your prompt: "And in that moment, there was no one."

2. Use this picture: No picture this week!
 



 



3. Or use these objects: Knife, Strip of cloth, sunglasses

                                            Last weeks entries

Thank you for participating Athelas and Beckah! If you would like a critic email your entries to me at the email listed below 'Who We Are'.


A note to all: It would be great if we could start having more people vote even if you aren't putting in an entry. We don't usually have that many entries so it doesn't take long to read them. Also letting the people who entered know that you liked their story is a great thing that we should do. I don't mind having a bunch of comments that only say 'I loved your entry so-and-so!' :) So lets start encouraging each other more please. Thanks guys!

Brookie


Saturday, June 28, 2014

Warm Hugs Tag

My gosh I almost forgot about this one. Thanks TW! This post contains spoilers for the Book Thief. Read at your own risk.


Rules:

1. Follow the blog that tagged you (optional)
2. Post 2 or more pictures that include your favorite characters, books, movies, or lyrics from songs. (They can also be your own edits or pictures)
3. Tag 5 or more bloggers and tell them.
4. Answer the blogger's ten questions related to characters, books, movies, or lyrics. 
5. Create your own questions having to do with the same thing.
 
 
 
 
TW's questions:
1) Do you really think that Elsa and Anna's parents were still alive and just lived in the forest and then had Tarzan?


 No. The parents from Tarzan look nothing like the King and Queen of Arendelle 
2)What about Anna, Elsa, and Rapunzel being cousins? Think that's right?


Maybe.

3)When they make a sequel to Frozen, who do you look forward to seeing most again?


Christoff
4)What's your favorite lyric from Frozen?


Lyric? Um... Oh yes! "Put me in summer and I'll be a... happy snowman!"
5)Should Hans have a fire power like this pin:
 
Yes most definitely. I love this guys imagination!
 

6)Who's your favorite Disney guy?
 
Flynn Rider, or Eugene Fitzhughbert whatever you want to call him

7)How excited were you when you heard that Monster's University was coming out?


Not super. But I was a bit excited. I was more worried that they would ruin it though
8)Are you more of a Anna, Elsa, or Rapunzel?


Um... That's hard because none of them are like me. I'm more of a mix of the three

9)If you had an iPhone, how fast would you accept this iPhone case:
 
Yes. That is the cutest case I've ever seen. Stinking BrightSides don't have cute cases like that!
10)Do you like warm hugs?
 
Uh... It depends who it's from. I mean getting a warm hug from a stranger isn't something I exactly like.
 
 


 
My questions:
  
1. Who's death did you cry the most over?
2. Did you enjoy the book or movie better?
3. Did you think the cast fit the actual characters from the book well?
4. What did you think of Rudy's and Leisel's friendship?
 
5. What did you learn while reading/watching the Book Thief?
6. Who was your favorite character?
7. How was this book compared to others you've read on WW11?
8. Do you plan on reading/watching it again? 
9. What did you think of Death being the narrator?
10. How did this book touch you personally?
 
 
I really don't want to nominate the same people over an over again, so anyone who wants to do this one is welcome. :)
 
Brookie
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 






Writing Contest

Yes... Yes, I know I'm late. Sorry.

                                         Rules

1. Entries must be 250-600 words

2. They must be left in the comments by the following Wednesday

3. Followers of TWS will be the judges, they must leave their votes in the comments by Friday

4. Non-Followers of TWS are allowed to place an entry, but not vote

5. Entries with foul language or scenes that are too inappropriately graphic will be discarded

6. You may choose one or more of the prompts to put into your 'one' entry

7. Voters are not allowed to vote for themselves

8. Votes will be made by G+ing the prompt that voter likes best (Till we have a better system)

 



                                                    Writing Prompts
You may continue a past story if it includes one of these prompts


1. Include this piece of dialog in your prompt: "I could have saved them."

2. Use this picture:



 



3. Or use these objects: Knife, Strip of cloth, sunglasses

                                            Last weeks entries

Thank you for participating Andrea and Beckah the Ryter. :) If you would like me to critic your entries, please send them to my email (Shown underneath, About Us, on the sidebar) 



P.S. If you have any prompt ideas, go ahead and leave them in the comments! :) Including pictures.
Brookie

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Writing Contests are back!

                                         Rules

1. Entries must be 250-600 words

2. They must be left in the comments by the following Wednesday

3. Followers of TWS will be the judges, they must leave their votes in the comments by Friday

4. Non-Followers of TWS are allowed to place an entry, but not vote

5. Entries with foul language or scenes that are too inappropriately graphic will be discarded

6. You may choose one or more of the prompts to put into your 'one' entry

7. Voters are not allowed to vote for themselves

8. Votes will be made by G+ing the prompt that voter likes best (Till we have a better system)

 



                                                    Writing Prompts

1. Include this piece of dialog in your prompt: "In the blink of an eye, they were gone."

2. Use this picture:


 


3. Or use this quote:
 
 
Good luck!
 
Brookie

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Pleasing your reader at the end

I don't know how many of you have finished a novel. Let me first say, I haven't. But I've learned this from personal experience, the ending is no excuse to write in a passive voice.

I just finished a beautiful book called 'The Pearl Maiden'. I loved it. It's based on a Christian girl around 70AD - 80AD. It had romance, war, lots of suffering, and it was historical, I absolutely love anything that will teach me about the past. ;)



Warning, spoiler alert!

Now there was one thing I just couldn't get over, at the end, Marcus and Mariam finally get married in the last chapter. But... they didn't describe the wedding, the most perfect kiss that I had been waiting patiently for the entire book, or anything. I followed them around, watching them get separated time, and time again to get this. Here is what it said about the wedding:

"With the dawn came celebration, for there upon the deck if the ship Luna, Marcus and Miriam, whom the Romans called Pearl Maiden, were wedded by the bishop Cyril. The Centurion Gallus gave the bride in marriage, while the white-haired, fierce-eyed Nehushta stood at their side and blessed them in the name of the dead mother whose command had not been broken."

It didn't even say 'And they lived happily ever after," or "Their kiss that they had waited for, for years was blah, blah, blah" That's all I wanted people, a single kiss at the least! But this is all I get after following them around for 371 pages.

I guess it was written by a guy. But don't guys know that there need to by kisses at the end of a romance?

Anyways, my point is. At the end of your novels, don't take away a pleasure that the reader has been looking forward through the whole thing.

Brookie

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

New Blog

Hey guys!

I've written the first post on my new blog. I said I would put up a new page with the link, but it's not working. So I'll just give you the address here. :)

Brooke's POV of Life

At the new blog I'll talk about life, God, horses, (You all know I love to talk about God and horses ;)) music, movies, and such. :) I hope you guys like it!

P.S. I took the picture of the boots all by myself, while wearing the them. Please appreciate how hard that was. ;P haha

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Sunflower Award

First off. So sorry about the writing contests. I'v been helping with VBS and Mom is in Mass., so I won't be doing it for at least another week. 

But... I have been nominated with the Sunflower award by Maddie Jay. Thanks Maddie!

The questions are:

1. Who is the best looking cartoon guy you've ever seen?
Do Disney characters count? If so Flynn Rider, sorry people, I just can't call him Eugene. ;P

2. If you had to live in an era besides this one, which would you choose?

Victorian

3. If you could have dinner with anyone, dead, alive, or fictional, who would it be?

C.S. Lewis

4. What is your ideal first date?

Pizza and a movie. I know I'm cliche

5. If one of your characters (or a favorite book character if you don't have any original characters) were to be put in a movie, who would you want to play them?

I would want Johnny Depp to play one of my secondary characters :)

6. Talking Veggie Tales here. Bob, or Larry? (I will judge you depending how you answer this)
Larry. Barbara Manatee, I'll take you to the ball! My older siblings call my Manatee because of him 

7. Do you like to play Checkers?

Yes

8. Why do you think all the super genius villains in shows like Person of Interest and Sherlock Holmes like to play chess?

They want to practice their thinking skills... Or they just want to show off...

9. Summer or Winter?

Summer. My birthday is in July and I hate the cold. ;) 


My questions:

1. If you write, which of your character's would be your best friend in the real world?

2. Have you ever punched someone?

3. What is your favorite sport?

4. Who is your favorite band?

5. If you could act in any movie (already made) what would it be? (Whether your good at acting or not)

6. Dark, white, or milk chocolate?

7. If you could be the MC in any book, who would you be?

8. What's your middle name?

9. Rain or snow?

I nominate: 

Amy at Living Waters
Sarah at Inklined
Recubed at Random Rants By Recubed

Also:

I started a new blog where I will be posting on things other than writing. I haven't posted yet, but I should be soon. :) I'll also put a link up on the blog.

Brookie

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

My horse is a teacher/ Tough Love

I don't know how many of you actually like these posts, but I know Alyssa does so they are not in vain. ;)

We have a foal. He was born a few weeks ago right after Youth Group. Then we leased a gelding. He does not like the baby and will charge him. So our herd of five decided since he doesn't like their baby, they don't like him.
It's actually pretty cute, sometimes Leo (the new horse) would charge Jesse (the baby) but Dusty is like Jesse's body-guard and will keep Leo away. Seeing as Dusty is all buff and handsome I think it's funny.
I don't really think the other horses dislike Leo, but they are trying to get a point across, they will not tolerate him being mean to their baby. And why should they? He has absolutely no right. Jesse never did anything to him.
I love how the others stick up to him though. They let him come close-ish, but if he gets too close to the baby they drive him away. They don't hurt him, they don't nag. They just tell him, they're not taking any funny business.
And Leo is getting better. He's not as mean to the baby anymore, although he still nice, and he still charges, he doesn't do it as often.

So what's the lesson here for humans? We nag too much. Or we take too much bullying. Oh it's normal. They'll get over it. They're just doing what they were made to do.
It's should not be normal. That person, animal or whatever won't ever completely get over it. And nobody was made to be mean. We where made to give God glory and enjoy him forever. Does bullying sound like glorying God?
With the nagging. Have you ever heard the moms and dads who go, 'if you don't stop now I'll' or 'that hurts my feelings' or 'don't make me count to three'. Everyone knows they don't mean it.

And the last thing is, stick up for those who are being treated unkindly. :)

Brookie

P.S. I'll share some pictures soon.

Monday, June 2, 2014

Character interview with Maddie Jay/Cannon

So this will be another weekly thing. :) Usually only once a week, but if we happen to have more 1st place ties, like we did last week, then there will two or more... Capisce?

Okay then, today we welcome Cannon to the set.



Welcome Cannon,

Hey.

How about you tell us where your from to start.

Well, I'm from Detroit. Maddie said I had to do more than one word answers, so, if you go to the edge of the good neighborhoods, right before you get to the questionable ones- my house is right there. 

Interesting, that reminds me of the newest Karate Kid with Will Smith's son. Remember when he's on the plane and his mom makes him practice his Chinese? Then the guy across the aisle says, "Dude, I'm from Detroit." My favorite scene. ;)

I had to watch that once with Jeremy's little sister- Jer's my best friend. It was...cute. I wouldn't want to practice Chinese either.

What's your family life like?

We had to get to that question didn't we? It's not too bad when my brothers aren't home. They're real jerk wads and life is pretty sucky when they're around. My dad keeps his distance cause he's busy  all the time. He's got a real job and then..well you know- Weapons deals and all that junk. I guess I'm closest with my mom but she's got girl friends, and manicures and stuff to worry about, so I pretty much just do my own thing and they do theirs.

Do you have any common ground with your brothers and dad at all?

None with my brothers. I don't actually think they'd mind at all if I was dead. I think if I would take part in the gangs me and dad would actually get along because I'm quite a bit like him. But as things stand now, I'm just his goody-goody son.

What do you like to do with your mom when she has time for you? 
We watch movies. Mostly chick flicks, cause she likes those. Every once in a while we get to just talk about real stuff.

What do you and Jeremy like to do with your free time? 
We shoot hoops a lot. When I go to his house we play video games. He likes to haul me around to church too, but that's more one-sided enjoyment.


So I'm sure you know you're cute, do you have girls follow you around, or stare?

*smirks* Not exactly. They stare, but don't follow. I'm not sure if its for my looks or reputation though. There's this one girl who usually sits with me and glances over a lot. 

 Do you have your eye on any of those girls?  
That last girl. Her name's Rianna.

Is she pretty?

Yeah she is. She's got green eyes, and brown hair. And she's shorter than me. Like perfect side-hug height. 

Thanks Cannon and Maddie Jay! This was fun, but I think we are going to ditch this idea because it is very time consuming for me. We will do the last few ones but after that I'm going to think of another prize. :)

Brookie