Monthly Archives: May 2016

Literature

“The Sacrifice”: Part twenty-two

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Did I mention we just got a trampoline?  It’s all kinds of fun!  All five of us kids are enjoying it.  I was going to post a picture, but I didn’t get one taken yet. *sheepish grin*

Spencer and I jumped on it last night in the rain–it was all kinds of fun.  People should go run around in the rain more often. 🙂

Anyway, The Sacrifice.  I think you all are going to go bonkers about this one too.  I’m a little scared about your reactions. . .

We’ve just about hit the climax, and then the last couple parts are winding down and tying up ends.  I’m so excited!  We’re almost done!

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Part Twenty-second: Asking for Death

“Around that bend, sir,” Gimel whispered.

Sir Richard took a deep breath. “Thank you,” he whispered back. “When I go, I advise you to run. Return to the City, or wait for me where we tied Velvet, if you must.”

“I’m sorry, sir,” his guide said seriously. “But I cannot follow such advice.”

“Of course not,” the knight muttered, gathering up the reins. Cyrus growled. Before Sir Richard could motion for him to be quiet, a low but menacing snarl came softly in answer. Sir Richard dug his heels into Jael’s sides and urged her around the corner.

Continue reading “The Sacrifice”: Part twenty-two →

Literature

“The Sacrifice”: Part twenty-one

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I have a feeling you all are going to freak out about this one. . . :-/

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Part Twenty-first: Trying to Save

Penelope knelt down beside the stream and gulped water from her cupped hands. Wonder of wonders, Abadalyx had brought her out to get a drink again. Never mind that he was breathing down her neck this time, she did not care. Getting water once a day was a grueling schedule, but at the moment she was just thankful the beast was not going to let her die of thirst.

The Princess rubbed the driest part of her sleeve across her wet mouth. How un-princessly! She fingered the gold embroidery that hemmed her dark purple cloak. Never forget that you are a princess, the Queen whispered in her thoughts. “I’m trying, Mama,” she whispered, eyes filling with tears.

Continue reading “The Sacrifice”: Part twenty-one →

Literature, My Writing

Writer’s Quirks Tag

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One of my readers tagged me on her blog this week!  (Read her post here!)  And the tag is about writing–my favorite pass-time and (hopefully) future career.  Which makes me happy. 🙂

Rules:

  • Thank the person who tagged you and include the link to their post.
  • Put the tag in your post and include the link to this post.
  • Copy, paste, and answer all of the questions in your post.
  • Tag as many people as you wish.
  • Have fun!

Okay then, thank you, Micaiah!  This will be fun!!

Next off, answer the questions:

  • What genre(s) do you like to write in?
  • Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what artists/albums do you enjoy?
  • How do you name characters?
  • Do you like to snack on or drink anything while writing? If so, what?
  • What inspires you to write?
  • Where and when do you prefer to write?
  • Do you read any books or blogs on the writing craft? If so, what are your favorites?
What genre(s) do you like to write in?

Medieval fantasy/fairytale is definitely my favorite genre to read and  write!  I love it!  I’ve tinkered around with sci-fi before as well, but never got anything on paper there; and I could see myself writing historical fiction, but I’m not dedicated enough for researching time periods. 🙂  I’ve also dabbled just a little in modern fiction, with things like my science stories.

Do you listen to music while you write?  If so, what artists/albums do you enjoy?

I don’t often listen to music, if I do, it’s usually something from The Hobbit movies.

How do you name characters?

I don’t really have anything profound to say on this front.  My poor characters usually just wait around until I have an epiphany of the perfect name.  Sometimes I ask for help from my family or my blog readers, and so far that has proved quite helpful!  Very recently, I’ve made a list of names I like that I go to when I need to name a character.  That has also been helpful!

Do you like to snack on or drink anything while writing?  If so, what?

I don’t usually eat while I write.  I do usually end up drinking a lot of water when I write though, as I voluntarily go get a drink when I feel like I need a brain-break. 🙂

What inspires you to write?

Many, many things. 🙂  Other books, movies, reading blog posts by writers, pictures, experiences, etc.  A lot of stories form while I’m lying in bed right after watching a movie (weird, I know!) or when something happens to me that I can easily transfer into a Medieval, fantastical setting.  Lots of my life experiences and personal beliefs worm their way into my stories without really asking permission.  Other things I find inspiring are archery, tree-climbing, hiking, bike-rides, and anything else out of doors!

Where and when do you prefer to write?

Anywhere and anytime!  I’m not partial to time or place.  I prefer it to be quiet (which is hard to find at my house!), but I can “zone out” if I need to. 🙂

Do you read any books or blogs on the writing craft?  If so, what are your favorites?

I don’t read any books on writing, but I may write one someday.  But honestly, I think reading fiction is the best thing for writers!  Writing them comes naturally when you immerse yourself in stories.  It also helps expand your vocabulary–just try reading The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia again, looking up any and every word you’re not familiar with.  It will grow your vocabulary by leaps and bounds!

I don’t read any blogs on writing specifically, but my favorite blog on books in general is Leah’s Bookshelf.

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Phew!  That was fun!  Thanks again, Micaiah!  And now I’d like to tag:

Katie from kdbug.com

I would also like to tag my readers Skylar and Jaidyn, but unfortunately their blogs are private so I can’t link to them.

Happy writing, writers, and happy Wednesday to everybody! 🙂

Literature

“The Sacrifice”: Part twenty

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Are we to Part 20 already?  Wow, this story is going fast!

Enjoy! 😉

IMG_2140 ~The Sacrifice~ IMG_2136

 

Part Twentieth: Danger

“Tell me how to reach the dragon’s lair, and then ride Velvet back. You have guided me well.”

“I haven’t guided you anywhere, sir—not yet.” Gimel’s voice was almost challenging. “I don’t want the dragon to take you by surprise. I’m coming.”

Sir Richard frowned. “On foot?”

“If that is the only way, sir—yes.”

The knight looked into the hard, brown eyes of his guide, under his dark, curly hair. He was not going back, no matter what Sir Richard said. That much was obvious. Why was he so determined? It was not his princess. The King had chosen one of the Shepherds to guide him. And he was so young; the knight did not think him over twenty—if that old. “I cannot let you. It is too dangerous.”

“Any way is dangerous, sir. But the Princess is in the gravest danger, and you are wasting time.”

Sir Richard sighed. “Very well then, lead on. But be cautious.”

They tied Velvet to a tree, at the edge of the foothills and started around the mountain, Sir Richard guiding Jael slowly after the young Shepherd. “Do your people consider yourselves part of the City?” the Knight asked at last. “I would have thought Her Majesty was one of your people by your dedication.”

Gimel frowned over his shoulder. “No, we do not consider ourselves part of the City. Princess Penelope has little to do with us, but she is a maiden and I a man; and her City gave my people refuge when the dragon drove us out of the hills—and most likely the beast would have killed us too, had she not sacrificed herself. Look now,” he added, pointing. “Here is our path up the mountain.”

The new path zig-zagged slowly up the opposite side of the mountain, not so steep but still rocky and uneven. The end of the trail, at the mountain’s peak, was out of sight from the ground between the sheer mountain-sides. Sir Richard took a deep breath and flipped the visor of his helmet shut. He gripped the carven hilt of his ancient sword, which he now wore openly, as he felt his heart-beat quicken.

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