tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15908608581300408172024-03-14T02:57:03.923-06:00Priestess of WordsBringing the magic of words to the worldSapheyerbluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03818726021134462198noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-24972652219700771742023-03-05T22:07:00.000-07:002023-03-05T22:07:22.078-07:00Just Shut Up and Do It<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQubzj4JvrfmB1MsIh8Kser7QfZ0bJJIj2nOoPuXON9FlbKqJy_qWOjNP1b2tlYwdvpLLHRdhXZMzvEgNRBGr3qqvxCjb0BugFPdzaw0ybxuxr30cRI6WoYS4gyw9Ee8gZOZd5cjI6rfsrp0qmQAzBmpy4tH2CI06j6TVGknj4un0LuN5iI5x5NNWWQ/s1280/risk-3836863_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1280" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQubzj4JvrfmB1MsIh8Kser7QfZ0bJJIj2nOoPuXON9FlbKqJy_qWOjNP1b2tlYwdvpLLHRdhXZMzvEgNRBGr3qqvxCjb0BugFPdzaw0ybxuxr30cRI6WoYS4gyw9Ee8gZOZd5cjI6rfsrp0qmQAzBmpy4tH2CI06j6TVGknj4un0LuN5iI5x5NNWWQ/w400-h283/risk-3836863_1280.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>No, the title's not meant for you, it's meant for me. I'm having a huge procrastination situation. I'm in the process of trying to find a way to earn a little extra money online by writing, but I'm not having much luck. Partly because I refuse to write for pennies, and partly because I'm good at sabotaging myself.</p><p>I've joined up with Fiverr and Upwork. I've created a few gigs on Fiverr, but it's Upwork that I spend the most time at. I look through the job listings on a regular basis, but I'm not all that impressed. I'm shocked at the number of people who want to hire a ghostwriter for a 20K-40K book and only want to pay a half-cent to a penny per word. Um, yeah...no.</p><p>First of all, I'm a short story writer. I've tried to write novels, more than once. I've done NaNoWriMo on a couple of occasions and actually hit my target once. But I quickly realized that I didn't have the patience or attention span to do novels. I write short stories because they're, well, short.</p><p>I read a great article on Medium titled <i><a href="https://medium.com/writing-cooperative/why-fiction-writers-need-to-write-short-stories-185355bffc2e" target="_blank">Why Fiction Writers NEED to Write Short Stories</a></i>. Author Cameron Thomson goes into detail about how and why short stories are a must for anyone who writes fiction. It really hit me. Though most of it was stuff I already knew, it still resonated with me. Then I got an idea. </p><p>Instead of writing a whole book for someone else, write one for me. And rather than doing a complete novel, do a short story collection. If I can write ten different stories of between 1,500 and 2,500 words each, I would have the equivalent of a novella. I did, however, look into the word count needed and found it's not as cut-and-dried as you'd think. One place says a novella should be a minimum of 10,000 words, while another says it's a minimum of 20,000 words. </p><p>I guess I'll just go with the flow. Write the stories first, then worry about word count. I mean, without the stories, it's just a blank document. So, now I get to come up with ten ideas for stories. I'm not a planner, I usually just let the words flow, then go back and re-read it, hoping it makes sense.</p><p>The first thing I need to decide is whether it's going to be a book of fantasy stories, mysteries, or something more contemporary. From there, I'll come up with some interesting titles. Those will probably change as the stories come to life, but I have to start somewhere. </p><p>I still have quite a bit of work ahead of me. But I'm doing it for me, not someone else. And rather than sit around and feel sorry for myself, I just need to shut up and do it. </p><p>~~~*~~~*~~~</p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; margin: initial; padding: initial; text-align: center;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/pinterastudio-10595768/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3836863" style="cursor: pointer; margin: initial; outline: none !important; padding: initial;">Pintera Studio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3836863" style="cursor: pointer; margin: initial; outline: none !important; padding: initial;">Pixabay</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-66457790103204463912023-02-19T19:55:00.001-07:002023-02-19T19:57:38.863-07:00Sunday Free Write 2/19/23<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x9dxc3JKW3UrfEGOsPdxqbFdRnEGl953UYi3JISNywQ1-G3cYsytBBz5KaEkopLuqda1KF56l01l7H7ZpXamKRXYOjE18zwa0BV4gBPULm2Ow_P0scZeU9IgjAfg25aWiF1FOSYChgUiZi8bIKNFltTjQ2SrafXmcRhoylJUbvGiHszbAVeRR02tEA/s512/wCHBo2YVrCaIhnZmq2d9--3--8temc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x9dxc3JKW3UrfEGOsPdxqbFdRnEGl953UYi3JISNywQ1-G3cYsytBBz5KaEkopLuqda1KF56l01l7H7ZpXamKRXYOjE18zwa0BV4gBPULm2Ow_P0scZeU9IgjAfg25aWiF1FOSYChgUiZi8bIKNFltTjQ2SrafXmcRhoylJUbvGiHszbAVeRR02tEA/w400-h400/wCHBo2YVrCaIhnZmq2d9--3--8temc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I think it's time I did a free write here. I do a lot of free writing when I'm having issues getting inspired. I've had several weeks in a row that were less than fun and found it hard to be creative while in a funk. I'm working hard to get myself back to normal and back to writing on a regular basis.</p><p>If you look at the title of this piece, you'll see I'm calling it a SUNDAY free write. The reason for that is that I'm hoping to do this once a week. I know from experience that getting a lot of the junk out of my head helps in getting it all sorted out and into some form of semblance. </p><p>I never know what I'm going to talk about in my free writing. It could be anything from the act of writing itself to a book I read (or tried to read). I might rant about something I read on Twitter or just jabber on and on, kind of like I'm doing now. It's not so much what I'm saying, just that I'm saying something.</p><p>When I first learned about free writing, there were rules. You were supposed to write constantly for a set number of minutes. Yea, I threw that rule out the window. I'd rather just write freely about the stuff in my head as it comes along. I feel like that dog in the movie Up. Squirrel!!!</p><p>If I do end up doing a free write every Sunday, I may have to come up with a list of topics to cover. Even after doing this for years, I have trouble focusing on a single topic. I'll have to see what I can come up with. Fair warning, I may come up with ideas that are so far off in left field, you'll think I've gone bonkers. It's okay, I have.</p><p>One of the things you'll never hear me discuss is politics. Nope, not my field of expertise. Not even something I feel comfortable discussing with friends and family. Some people get squeamish discussing bodily fluids or more intimate topics, but those don't normally bother me. Politics, however, makes my skin crawl.</p><p>A few of the things I may end up talking about are anything to do with ancient history, mythologies, unsolved mysteries, ways of releasing our creative sides, and/or reviews of various places and things. Hey, look at that, I already started a nice list. And that's why I free write. </p><p>The best part of free writing is you not only get stuff out of your head, you dig a little deeper inside yourself. You may realize things about yourself you hadn't realized before. It's so good for the soul. </p><p>Well, I think that's it for this week. I will try to do this each week, but I make no promises. As soon as I make a promise, I'll break it. However, I will try.</p><p>Thanks for stopping by. I hope you find something out there that inspires you. </p><p>Until next time,<br />Christine</p><p style="text-align: center;">~~~*~~~*~~~</p><p style="text-align: left;">Image created by Christine Graves on <a href="https://creator.nightcafe.studio/u/crgraves" target="_blank">NightCafe</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-43481150736696519272023-01-24T15:47:00.004-07:002023-01-24T15:59:35.358-07:00Night Cafe' Digital Art Studio<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBrLnYXBkwbE2gXTw7NeIdwR0nWujz0RwT1HGRyVFtOzdMInivZG8T4JioSkASbPfPYeuX2Q1AddhFejUriWB7_xKvAhByeV5a8RaLrcYF1BcY_Bjo5f07T_Q0CO_3jET6rDmxz3ocZeyN7bosItP5M6PaCnUZcBJibrBtricNXAPcDoRAJXHEXTHGw/s512/priestessofwords.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBrLnYXBkwbE2gXTw7NeIdwR0nWujz0RwT1HGRyVFtOzdMInivZG8T4JioSkASbPfPYeuX2Q1AddhFejUriWB7_xKvAhByeV5a8RaLrcYF1BcY_Bjo5f07T_Q0CO_3jET6rDmxz3ocZeyN7bosItP5M6PaCnUZcBJibrBtricNXAPcDoRAJXHEXTHGw/w400-h400/priestessofwords.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Priestess of Words created on <a href="https://creator.nightcafe.studio/u/crgraves" target="_blank">NightCafe'</a></i></div><br /><p></p><p>So, I went and did a thing. This old broad decided to do something "new" and tried my hand at this Digital Art thing. And guess what. I'm addicted...already. It's only been a few days, but I can't stop. It's actually pretty fun.</p><p>I checked out a few sites I found through Google, but just wasn't finding anything that struck my fancy. Then, I ran across a site called <a href="https://creator.nightcafe.studio/explore" target="_blank">Night Cafe Studios</a>. Oh, my stars, this place is awesome. I'm still in the learning stages, but I'm having fun checking stuff out.</p><p>I had no idea what I was doing but jumped in anyway. After a few trial runs, I sort of started figuring it out. My first attempt wasn't too bad, but it wasn't stellar. I called it Horse Cart. Okay, the truth is that I just typed in the words horse cart and this is what came out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8kXnLb0uO4oe5h7zFtXJwGtNTzIrMezMNLUhMGvAS3fmZ8X6DmbdYzm6UrxomBwNqrgDG9Y1S4T3nIFc6SwbHG8jhByEkTM90ARonFZI2ih0Qt-Cig1Gg3ZAwLnzjiW5ERhufPtNzewVuPdCfP31Z4YEJLZS5lGoLaOE7AqditQe_NLhcQ9DH9Cqtg/s512/horsecart.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8kXnLb0uO4oe5h7zFtXJwGtNTzIrMezMNLUhMGvAS3fmZ8X6DmbdYzm6UrxomBwNqrgDG9Y1S4T3nIFc6SwbHG8jhByEkTM90ARonFZI2ih0Qt-Cig1Gg3ZAwLnzjiW5ERhufPtNzewVuPdCfP31Z4YEJLZS5lGoLaOE7AqditQe_NLhcQ9DH9Cqtg/w400-h400/horsecart.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Horse Cart created on <a href="https://creator.nightcafe.studio/u/crgraves" target="_blank">NightCafe'</a></i></p><p>One thing I do need to say up front is that each digital image requires a certain amount of credits. Users can purchase credit packages--though will have to deal with ads on their pages. However, users can subscribe and get credits every month without ads. There are several different subscription levels, depending on the number of images the user needs to create.</p><p>BUT...here's the thing. There is a way to <b><i>earn</i></b> credits. Actually, several ways. The cool thing about this site is that they offer a ton of ways to earn credits and network with other artists. Creating an account, tweeting your artwork, following and/or commenting, and publishing images to your profile are just a few of the ways to earn more credits. And the really cool thing is that you get badges each time you cross a milestone. Dude, I love the badges.</p><p><a href="https://creator.nightcafe.studio/u/crgraves" target="_blank">NightCafe'</a> holds daily challenges/contests. On day one, artists can submit one creation centered around whatever that day's theme may be. It might be vampires, candles, or 3D images. Once in a while, they have a "no theme" day. Anything goes. </p><p>On the second day, submission voting begins. The voting goes on throughout the day and the artists can see stats on how well their creation is doing. I submitted one of my creations to the 3D Image challenge yesterday and have been watching it off and on all day. As of the time of this writing, my submission has a 2.94 out of 5-star rating. Not bad for my first challenge.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtelGvg96g77z10FikU_K4xkdqwPCs0YYBK987szFcOHZmMc5ucxyWXRk1jhe6oEO5T2haq3zMMC1sszh4yAMhtTJj7CRAcVOvt3kayYweozQSwofNkn6kTRArW3haGhPGureJnd_xcOpI1ka4CTyxBOZ7xUV1dMvArgubQf4ajWM_UWHVWW2P7JgQWg/s512/laughingpickleface.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtelGvg96g77z10FikU_K4xkdqwPCs0YYBK987szFcOHZmMc5ucxyWXRk1jhe6oEO5T2haq3zMMC1sszh4yAMhtTJj7CRAcVOvt3kayYweozQSwofNkn6kTRArW3haGhPGureJnd_xcOpI1ka4CTyxBOZ7xUV1dMvArgubQf4ajWM_UWHVWW2P7JgQWg/w400-h400/laughingpickleface.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Laughing Pickle Face created on <a href="https://creator.nightcafe.studio/u/crgraves" target="_blank">NightCafe'</a></i></p><p>On the third day, totals are tallied and prizes are handed out. 1st prize is 250 credits, 2nd prize is 150 credits, and 3rd prize is 50 credits. You can also win credits if your creation lands in the top 5%, 10%, or 20% of votes. I still have a couple of hours before I know how well I did. I've already created and submitted my piece for tomorrow's voting. This place could totally get me in trouble.</p><p>I want to mention that the beautiful girl at the top of the page is our priestess. While playing around, I simply typed in <i>Priestess of Words </i>and she appeared. I actually got a little giddy. The sad thing is I'm not exactly sure what I did to make her happen. I've started following a few of the more experienced artists and trying to learn their secrets. </p><p>I really am having a blast doing this. I've always wanted to draw and/or paint, but I am NOT an artistic person. However, this is something I can do and, if I can do it, anyone can. If you're on <a href="https://creator.nightcafe.studio/u/crgraves" target="_blank">NightCafe'</a>, look me up. You can probably teach me a thing or two...or ten.</p><p>~~~*~~~*~~~</p><p><br /></p>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-57751040613690706792023-01-17T07:33:00.001-07:002023-01-17T07:33:58.035-07:00Myth Monsters Podcast<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lL66Xap7Ln9X8ZrYMQ8A9ewXVXKUo7_d4jQwEAQwZo_zduzPyO2b6QBndsqU9N2XbepTwINoajKBDrUifvUliV_Dmjse2AVOol4UZqVIkwZEUWJ7kTFzvYjA9yuzJ8dN4pNPoEoFLtVund2K6AWpiyuDBLYw4alPnNOHjxF_ijXJusPdvbT6WCMsJQ/s1500/MythMonsters.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1500" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lL66Xap7Ln9X8ZrYMQ8A9ewXVXKUo7_d4jQwEAQwZo_zduzPyO2b6QBndsqU9N2XbepTwINoajKBDrUifvUliV_Dmjse2AVOol4UZqVIkwZEUWJ7kTFzvYjA9yuzJ8dN4pNPoEoFLtVund2K6AWpiyuDBLYw4alPnNOHjxF_ijXJusPdvbT6WCMsJQ/w400-h133/MythMonsters.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>I love all things mythological. I've always been fascinated with gods and goddesses and heroes and legends. But it was the creatures that always kept me coming back for more. Winged horses, harpies, the Minotaur, and, of course, mermaids and sirens. I just couldn't get enough.</p><p>As I got older, I began to read up on cryptids (though I didn't know that's what they were officially called) such as Mothman, the Yeti and Sasquatch, and the Jersey Devil. Believing that there had to be a grain of truth in some of the stories, I always wanted to know how these stories began. I still do.</p><p>I've been listening to a lot of ancient history podcasts lately. I used to watch ancient history documentaries on YouTube, but I think I've pretty much seen them all. In my search, I came across a really cool podcast called <a href="https://mythmonsters.co.uk/" target="_blank">Myth Monsters</a>. Yep, I had to go check it out. So glad I did.</p><p>Myth Monsters is based out of the UK and is run by a <a href="https://mythmonsters.co.uk/about-us" target="_blank">feisty little redhead named Erin.</a> I started listening to her podcast from the beginning and found myself both informed and entertained. She cracked me up. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknMu8_EGT2RJ0TLesaPjpJSK_nrUNn_TI5Y_QL_VUH1fPka24-6KzIPS66ZHH0f9dU-olle_oj1Ep7EYS8WEvD2tocCgLl6rySmnJF2YiRuukJue4o9jKCyZ-Y9JLlAaXUDJzlLEBl9UNeawsGpakG5vbnnJASUaVZE5JfoANtJ8SH_i_oRt_3XQ47w/s400/MythMonsters2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknMu8_EGT2RJ0TLesaPjpJSK_nrUNn_TI5Y_QL_VUH1fPka24-6KzIPS66ZHH0f9dU-olle_oj1Ep7EYS8WEvD2tocCgLl6rySmnJF2YiRuukJue4o9jKCyZ-Y9JLlAaXUDJzlLEBl9UNeawsGpakG5vbnnJASUaVZE5JfoANtJ8SH_i_oRt_3XQ47w/s320/MythMonsters2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The thing I love most about this podcast is that its main focus is just the creatures. Not the heroes, not all the hype that surrounds the creature, just the beasts themselves. And it's very well done. I especially like the segment near the end of each episode where Erin talks about whether she thinks the creature is/was an actual being. And, in a few episodes, she sings. It's awesome.</p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/mythmonsterspod" target="_blank">Myth Monsters</a> look at beasts from all around the world. I have to admit that I knew many of them before the podcast, but Erin's done a few about Japanese creatures that I'd never heard of before. I enjoyed learning about those. <i>Note to self: study more Japanese mythology.</i></p><p>Seriously, if you're looking for a way to learn more about mythic beasts and cryptids, check out <a href="https://mythmonsters.co.uk/" target="_blank">Myth Monsters</a>. The podcasts are short and sweet, as well as fun and educational. You can find Myth Monsters on several venues including Apple and Spotify, or follow them through any of their <a href="https://mythmonsters.co.uk/socials" target="_blank">social media </a>sites. </p><p>Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some mythic monsters to go study. </p><p style="text-align: center;">~~~*~~~*~~~</p><p><i>Images used in this post are the sole property of <a href="https://twitter.com/mythmonsterspod" target="_blank">Myth Monsters Podcast</a> and may not be used without the owner's expressed permission. Images were used in this post with permission. All rights reserved.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">~~~*~~~*~~~</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-60867817350069573872023-01-12T18:55:00.001-07:002023-01-12T19:22:51.486-07:00Meet My Great, Great, Great, Grandma Gray<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3JBAtAOYH3VpPjweyc24UcVGohk59rHmLnisJafShCFgbFENZVTUeVvxbAlaSJcvWmarGFFZPQTy4EFWfJvkn3GNrW0ii5n7hO0GXYJOMzfsT9DarBCVKpS5e8eCd0rC-1HFNF61yKuwZIBJNEsMtfYtdCVtioq67YN1oimF5toS_2xe9yinezNcnQ/s617/grandmagrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="285" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3JBAtAOYH3VpPjweyc24UcVGohk59rHmLnisJafShCFgbFENZVTUeVvxbAlaSJcvWmarGFFZPQTy4EFWfJvkn3GNrW0ii5n7hO0GXYJOMzfsT9DarBCVKpS5e8eCd0rC-1HFNF61yKuwZIBJNEsMtfYtdCVtioq67YN1oimF5toS_2xe9yinezNcnQ/w296-h640/grandmagrey.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Meet my great, great, great-grandmother, Rachel Gray, nee DeGroat. Born in Vermont in 1804, passing on in 1875 at the age of 71 in Little Blue, KS. When I look at this photo, my emotions run the gamut between sheer awe and total fear. She is a scary-looking lady.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> My daughter has an Ancestry.com account and has been searching for our family. I say it that way because there is an entire side to my life that has been missing since I was a small child. I have very little information about my biological father's side of the family. Not just because he and my mother divorced when I was four, but because he was adopted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Though she wasn't able to find much about my father's side of the family, she found a slew of information about my mother's side. Wholly Buckets!!! She was able to find leads stemming from the late 16th century. That made my history-loving heart so happy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What really blew me away about this picture is that I remember visiting my Aunt Donna (mom's older sister) and spending hours staring at a portrait much like this...only it was a man in a Union soldier's uniform. His name was Andrew Gray...Rachel's husband. I'm sure the look on my face when my daughter sent me this picture was priceless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've always had a thing for those vintage photographs. This one seems, to me, to be more of a painting, but I don't know that to be a fact. The portrait of her husband in my aunt's house looks almost exactly like this, only not as dark. I find them so haunting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My daughter is still digging for more information, but she's hitting a brick wall. We know Rachel had only one child. A son born in 1842, though we don't have a name as of yet. And she hasn't been able to find any information on Andrew Gray. I hope at some point, we'll have more of the details. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How far back can you trace your family roots? Where are your ancestors from? I love this kind of thing. I'm not just someone who loves history, I'm finding out that thanks to my ancestors, I actually have a history. And that makes my day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">~~~*~~~*~~~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-20671954729276270122023-01-08T13:12:00.005-07:002023-01-08T13:17:35.546-07:00Shameless Self Promotion<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13EPB-FxVgUdt83dOoh8KkkJqmO2D7qkIRD_jD41iotTj55pSSh2qgAacIljCUQbRJwAacpWwO5eUHEQDh6UkIX46ipMKh7e_ckgIOFyuIXQbzQ9PC_9pM7MHYY59ss19Fes9AaM70y_Btz1vufQofi8i8lJMT2TZA2ZZyTFz7xcwXlZqR7JT-2G6EQ/s1280/business-1137366_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1280" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13EPB-FxVgUdt83dOoh8KkkJqmO2D7qkIRD_jD41iotTj55pSSh2qgAacIljCUQbRJwAacpWwO5eUHEQDh6UkIX46ipMKh7e_ckgIOFyuIXQbzQ9PC_9pM7MHYY59ss19Fes9AaM70y_Btz1vufQofi8i8lJMT2TZA2ZZyTFz7xcwXlZqR7JT-2G6EQ/w400-h283/business-1137366_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I spend a lot of time on <a href="https://twitter.com/sapheyerblu" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. It's where I find a lot of the sites I review for my blogs. I'm finding that the best way to find these sites is by visiting any #WriterLIft or <a href="https://twitter.com/garvin_danny/status/1612078112375992321" target="_blank">#ShamelessSelfPromotion</a> list. I have a really hard time promoting my own work, but as I watch others, I'm finding just how useful it could be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was raised to believe that you didn't boast about your own work. You gave credit to everyone else for the wonderful things they did, but you never brought attention to yourself. Even after I learned more about the online writing community, it's been horribly hard for me to say, "Hey, look at me. I did this and I want you all to see it." I know, not gonna help me in the long run. I get it and I'm working to fix it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While cruising through Twitter this morning, I came across one of those #ShamelessSelfPromotion lists, started by a gentleman by the name of <a href="https://twitter.com/garvin_danny" target="_blank">Danny Garvin</a>, creator of the <a href="https://paranormalcampfirestories.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Paranormal Campfire Stories</a> blog. I dig this guy's blog as it's filled with true stories of paranormal events that have happened to people from all over. I'm currently working on my own story to send to Danny. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided to look through the list to see what kind of things other people were self-promoting. I wasn't surprised to see so many books, that's what it's all about. I did see a couple of websites that I can't wait to visit and a few other things I might look into a little further to either write about or to add to my newsletter. I'm always looking for new sites to add to the newsletter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I went along, I found another list created by author <a href="https://twitter.com/jgmacleodauthor" target="_blank">J.G. MacLeod</a>. It's still all about <a href="https://twitter.com/jgmacleodauthor/status/1611919080360972288" target="_blank">#Self-Promotion</a>, but there were a lot of different sites than the first list. I found a couple of sites that I'll be adding to my next newsletter coming out the 15th. I'm kind of excited. LOL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, I added links to my stuff on those lists. It felt weird, but I did it. I posted a link to my <a href="https://gravespublications.substack.com/" target="_blank">newsletter</a> on Danny's list and a link to my <a href="https://crgraves.gumroad.com/l/promptlyquestioned" target="_blank">book of writing prompts </a>on J.G.'s list. Will I get any hits from it? Maybe. But I'm actually more excited about how many new places I can find to talk about on my blogs. LOL. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What about you? How do you self-promote? Leave me a comment and let me know. I might even come by and see your site. I'm always on the lookout for new sites. Yours could be next. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~~~*~~~*~~~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="color: white; margin: initial; padding: initial;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/geralt-9301/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1137366" style="cursor: pointer; margin: initial; outline: none; padding: initial;">Gerd Altmann</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1137366" style="cursor: pointer; margin: initial; outline: none; padding: initial;">Pixabay</a></span><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: white;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: white;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-76814034471886076782023-01-06T14:50:00.000-07:002023-01-06T14:50:26.781-07:00Time To Wake the Priestess<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRU6a3jqFJ1Pi1LKhx3xHIJizYagND5NsGSvtAqOAesC_n237dChNRrAzkYOMLV_ViKxYkF_Ccl-QiqdZtG2xz0GJ7KrfEmOYntD3bpup2AzIlUhobTxIA5IoTjpc66-arL7cNk-POfuxbCWeAml-rAHumWnPvTZ7qiXygHPjXVeem1Vv4WnnUTTb7Dw/s1280/space-3480572_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1280" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRU6a3jqFJ1Pi1LKhx3xHIJizYagND5NsGSvtAqOAesC_n237dChNRrAzkYOMLV_ViKxYkF_Ccl-QiqdZtG2xz0GJ7KrfEmOYntD3bpup2AzIlUhobTxIA5IoTjpc66-arL7cNk-POfuxbCWeAml-rAHumWnPvTZ7qiXygHPjXVeem1Vv4WnnUTTb7Dw/w400-h199/space-3480572_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Hi, kids. Long time, no...nothing. Yes, once again I went and let this site sit abandoned. It's not that I didn't think about it. It's just that I've gotten so busy with other things, that this one took a backseat. Well, I'm hoping to change that. Check it out.</p><p>So, here's what's been going on. The main reason I haven't done anything here since October of 2021 is that I landed a gig over at <a href="https://medium.com/@sapheyerblu" target="_blank">Medium.com</a> that ended up leading to a year-long adventure. Shortly after publishing my last post on this site, I started following a publication on Medium called Promptly Written. As a prompt writer myself, I know just how helpful they can be. I found a couple of the author's prompts and wrote my brains out. It was magical.</p><p>By the end of December 2021, I had been added as an editor on the publication and started a weekly prompt post on January 1, 2022. Out of an entire year, I only missed one week and that's because of health issues. When Promptly Written took a hiatus, I gave the weekly prompts a new home. I've grown a decent following and am having the time of my life. I currently run four publications of my own and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon.</p><p>I've also published my second book of writing prompts. It's called <i><a href="https://crgraves.gumroad.com/l/promptlyquestioned" target="_blank">Promptly Questioned: 300 questions for the fiction writer to answer</a></i>. I've published this book through Gumroad.com rather than Amazon. I have to admit that I wasn't happy with Amazon and have even taken my first book off their site. As soon as I clear the 90-day mark, I'll be adding it to Gumroad as well. </p><p>I have completely revamped my personal blog, <a href="https://gravespublications.com/" target="_blank">Graves Publications</a>. A year ago, I had seven different blogs all running at the same time. I was having a great time with it, but quickly got burned out trying to keep up with all of them. One day, I'd had enough and I shut them all down. Completely! It didn't last long, however. I decided to bring my main site back and just added all my sub-blogs to it. Now, rather than trying to add a new post for each site, I can just do one or two a month and still keep my blog updated on a regular basis. </p><p>I've just launched a bi-monthly newsletter for writers. It's called <a href="https://gravespublications.substack.com/" target="_blank">Graves Publications News</a> and covers all kinds of things. I talk about some of the things I've written here, on Medium, and at Graves Publications. I talk about other writing sites, such as book depositories, publishers, book bloggers, graphic designers, and more. I also add links to online publications that are accepting submissions. At some point, I may start offering ad space, but that's something to look forward to in the future.</p><p>Now, it's time for me to integrate this blog into the mix. After all, this site is technically part of the Graves Publications catalog. I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do, but I have a couple of ideas. I've thought about making this a site dedicated to all things fantasy. Sites, books, graphic artists, and whatever else I can find that I think fits in this category. And as far as I'm concerned, that's an awfully big category.</p><p>So, stick around and see where we take this site. I won't make any promises, but I've kept this site alive for more than 10 years, I'm not about to let it die now. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">~~~*~~~*~~~</p><p><br /></p><p><i><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; margin: initial; padding: initial; text-align: center;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/v_m-5053565/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3480572" style="cursor: pointer; margin: initial; outline: none !important; padding: initial;">Vlad Min</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3480572" style="cursor: pointer; margin: initial; outline: none !important; padding: initial;">Pixabay</a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></span></i></p><p><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span></i></p><p><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span></i></p>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-15699002151248279672021-10-21T22:38:00.000-06:002021-10-21T22:39:02.835-06:00Beatrice (Bertie) Margaret Calhoun/Montgomery/Clayton/Rosenthal, May She Rest in Peace<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>**WARNING: The following is a work of dark fiction. It may contain various triggers. Discretion is advised**</i></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhStdTSXGNDHP_JCmmlab2NgX1rjUEfRl20YQdTENowOPataXRDAfvsUJfj7_i8zwREsxLNVA9rGx1tcxcwAIVTuRqHvAZFOjogvrk7uddXpUxHChyiAZ48U6cTx7FnY77SIngcY4x72laBJF86GHV8HfAkow9lOtOzaU_gnpxrjBh7GwNWKuvhjQ4pbQ=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhStdTSXGNDHP_JCmmlab2NgX1rjUEfRl20YQdTENowOPataXRDAfvsUJfj7_i8zwREsxLNVA9rGx1tcxcwAIVTuRqHvAZFOjogvrk7uddXpUxHChyiAZ48U6cTx7FnY77SIngcY4x72laBJF86GHV8HfAkow9lOtOzaU_gnpxrjBh7GwNWKuvhjQ4pbQ=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/carolynabooth-4601179/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2421821" target="_blank">Carolyn Booth</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2421821" target="_blank">Pixabay</a> </div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beatrice (Bertie) Margaret Calhoun/Montgomery/Clayton/Rosenthal, of Slaughterville, Oklahoma, passed away in her home with her 24-hour care nurse by her side. Her caregiver said she went out kicking and screaming and throwing things at the pictures on her walls. Her funeral will be held at the Slaughterville Memorial Chapel on Route 6 next Saturday at 2 p.m.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b62bacaa-7fff-186f-9f8b-c0f338bb4020"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bad luck seemed to follow Bertie throughout her life. Born October 20th, 1921 at 12:34 AM, Beatrice Margaret Calhoun was the eldest child of Charles and Lillian Calhoun, of Beaver Falls, Louisiana. Her parents had two more children after her, though neither one made it to the age of three.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the summer of 1929, Bertie and her parents moved to Slaughterville where her father opened The Grand Slaughterville Hotel. Less than a year later, Charles Calhoun fell ill and passed away in his sleep. The hotel was purchased by the prominent Montgomery family. Bertie and her mother stayed on as housekeepers as a means to remain on the property. Within 6 months time, Lillian Calhoun was found at the bottom of a staircase and died shortly afterward. Her death was ruled an accident by the Slaughterville Coroner's Office. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">David and Dorthea Montgomery took little Bertie in and raised her as one of their own. In the spring of 1938, Bertie Calhoun married the Montgomerys' eldest son, Franklin. Less than a month after the wedding, Franklin joined the military and was sent off to war. He came home 3 years later to find that his younger brother, Nelson, had died in a car accident and his only sister, Agnes, had fallen from the balcony of the hotel, dying instantly.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Less than a week after returning from the war, Franklin’s father, David Montgomery, was found dead in his office, of an apparent heart attack. Three days later, Dorthea Montgomery was found in her dressing room with a broken mirror shard protruding from her neck. It was determined that her cause of death stemmed from excessive alcohol. Heartbroken at the loss of his entire family, Franklin Montgomery apparently took his own life shortly thereafter.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bertie took over the hotel and ran it as best she could. She hired Baxter Clayton as a groundskeeper and the two were wed in July 1944. Baxter kept the hotel and grounds in pristine condition until his untimely death in October 1947. While trimming branches from an old tree in the back of the hotel, Baxter had caught the cuff of his trousers in his ladder and fell to his death. The small handaxe he’d been using was found underneath him, buried in the back of his head. The coroner’s office called it a horrible accident.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Toward the end of the 1940s and the beginning of the 1950s, Bertie Clayon ran the hotel on her own. In 1954, she turned the west wing into a lounge and started hiring musicians to come in and play. By the early 1960s, The Grand Slaughterville Hotel was the place to stop for those who hadn’t quite made it to the big leagues. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In 1966, Bertie met an older musician by the name of Herbie Rosenthal. He was working on becoming the next big music promoter but told locals that there was just something about Bertie that made him want to “dig this scene” and turn Slaughterville into a beatnik hotspot. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bertie and Herbie seemed happy in their little hippy culture home. However, in the summer of 1970, Herbie Rosenthal was found in the beer cooler with a full keg of beer lying beside his crushed skull. Investigators deduced that the keg had slipped off a shelf while Herbie was tying his shoe. His death was ruled a terrible mishap.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Between 1970 and 1992, Bertie Rosenthal remained alone in her hotel. Most Slaughterville residents had either thought her to be traveling the world or had forgotten about her altogether. In November 1992, Bertie attended the funeral of Jacob Johansson, the groundskeeper of the hotel at that time. She was welcomed back into Slaughterville society and began holding lavish parties at her hotel once again. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Between 1993 and 2008, Bertie’s hotel flourished. In June of that year, the FBI came looking for several young men who had last been known to have stayed at her hotel. Though nothing ever came of the accusations, The Grand Slaughterville Hotel closed its doors for good.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bertie became a recluse, being seen only by the 24-hour care nurses she’d hired to care for her in her golden years. Between 2009 and her recent passing, a total of 87 nurses cared for the aging woman. It is said that many of them packed up in the middle of the night and left town as they’ve never been seen nor heard from again.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bertie Calhoun-Montgomery-Clayton-Rosenthal passed away on October 20th, 2021 at the age of 100. Her caregiver pronounced her time of death at 12:34 AM.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bertie is preceded in death by her parents, both of her siblings, her adoptive parents, her adoptive siblings, and all three of her husbands. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There were no survivors.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-39180747744131335652021-07-24T11:42:00.001-06:002021-07-24T11:42:48.006-06:00The Best of You<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYkiW3-X92M/YPxLeaUNkmI/AAAAAAAAEP8/uJyeygD5bQctWdI7XPmphphO8VWnpsr4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/hands-4153292_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYkiW3-X92M/YPxLeaUNkmI/AAAAAAAAEP8/uJyeygD5bQctWdI7XPmphphO8VWnpsr4QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/hands-4153292_640.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138;">I am I and you are you</span></span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #e69138;">And nothing less will ever do</span></span></div></span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138;">I can’t be you, you can’t be me</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #e69138;">And that is that you must agree</span></span></div></span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Don’t try to be him, her, or them</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Embrace your own internal gem</span></span></div></span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Relax and let yourself fly free</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Trust yourself and you shall see</span></span></div></span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138;">That there is nothing you can’t do</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #e69138;">When you shine the best of you</span></span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">~~~*~~~*~~~</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: initial; padding: initial; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">II wrote this in response to something I read on Twitter. The poster said that <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin: initial; padding: initial; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">they were </span></span><span style="font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">tired of </span><span style="font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">trying to be as good as others in their chosen field.<br />I felt compelled to write this, though that person may never see it. But, if <br />it helps one other person, I'll consider that a success. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">~~~*~~~*~~~</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/geralt-9301/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=4153292" target="_blank">Gerd Altman</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=4153292" target="_blank">Pixabay</a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-79130119787743128232021-05-31T22:02:00.001-06:002021-05-31T22:02:20.430-06:00Battle at Sea<p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctG2utBTyfU/YLWsD3AqFCI/AAAAAAAAENQ/0H0I8N6n1O075n5oc5mO3tPuDkq7aO5AACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/ships-5965348_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1280" height="269" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctG2utBTyfU/YLWsD3AqFCI/AAAAAAAAENQ/0H0I8N6n1O075n5oc5mO3tPuDkq7aO5AACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h269/ships-5965348_1280.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the battle raged, neither side noticed the skies above. A blackened wall hid the sun, while violent winds tore the sails. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I fell into the waters below, a barrel my only hope. Men screamed between cracks of thunder, as a wall of water shoved me beneath the waves. I’d no air to breathe, light to see, nor chance to fight. Then...silence. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I emerged once more, the barrel my saving grace. The sky was clear, the waters calm, the Armada, gone. I was alone, drifting with the currents toward land.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">That was the day the sea ended the war.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">~~~*~~~*~~~</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The above story is the product of a writing prompt (SEA) given by <a href="https://twitter.com/QuillandCrow/status/1398717519561736192" target="_blank">Quill and Crow Publishing House</a>. They have a different prompt listed in their June Prompt List for each day of the month. Though they offer these as poetry prompts, I wanted to do something a little different. I've opted to create microfiction pieces of exactly 100 words. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I won't promise to have each one up each day, but I'm going to do my best. Anything to keep writing. I hope you enjoy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">~~~*~~~*~~~</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/gdj-1086657/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=5965348" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Gordon Johnson</a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=5965348" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Pixabay</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-12371433308030465332021-04-22T22:03:00.005-06:002021-04-22T22:11:06.213-06:00Sensuality Sublime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oil0ljvfFqU/YIJGXutUXtI/AAAAAAAAELY/UxKOofNdZ9M6EyfLEOUZMqhPJFtc4P-kQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/woman-1738669_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oil0ljvfFqU/YIJGXutUXtI/AAAAAAAAELY/UxKOofNdZ9M6EyfLEOUZMqhPJFtc4P-kQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/woman-1738669_640.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">The way you peer into my soul</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">And grasp me in your gaze</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">Sends a shiver through my veins</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">And sets my heart ablaze</div>
<div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">I long to feel your lips on mine</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">Your breath upon my skin</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">The searing scent of musty heat</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">That makes my head to spin</div>
<div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">Salty beads of passion fall</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">Into the velvet folds</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">Around your torso like a glove</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">My aching body molds</div>
<div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">Flesh and fire mix as one</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">Our mounting heat explodes</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">Rhythmic chanting echoes loud</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">My energy implodes</div>
<div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">Two as one in perfect beat</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">Intense in perfect time</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">My fantasy alive again</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">Sensuality sublime</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">~~~*~~~*~~~</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">I originally wrote this poem in August of 2010. Today is April 22, 2021. I am still proud of this one. </div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">~~~*~~~*~~~</div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/efes-18331/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1738669" target="_blank">efes</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1738669" target="_blank">Pixabay</a></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span>Sapheyerbluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03818726021134462198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-5602424200622529742021-04-21T21:40:00.000-06:002021-04-21T21:40:27.641-06:00Screwed<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txIsQYiuzH8/YIDrk8DuHtI/AAAAAAAAEK8/wotcUMcm3VE7NkMHjpSyyUaTHKNShYnLACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/tie-690084_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txIsQYiuzH8/YIDrk8DuHtI/AAAAAAAAEK8/wotcUMcm3VE7NkMHjpSyyUaTHKNShYnLACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h268/tie-690084_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’d spent weeks casing the joint. If I didn’t get this right, I’d be screwed. Don Giovanni wanted Peter Donovan kidnapped and it was up to me to make it happen. I had to make it happen. My life depended on it.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-7decb211-7fff-732b-b6ca-9cba95f81824"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It wasn’t easy getting close to a multi-millionaire who surrounded himself with personal bodyguards and yes-men. But I got it figured out. He ate at the same restaurant every Saturday night and that was going to be my way in.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I landed a job at the restaurant as a waiter. I knew Mr. Donovan always asked for the same server, so I had to make some changes. I poured a little Ipecac syrup in the usual server’s drink, making him sicker than a dog. He couldn’t run out of that place fast enough. I volunteered to take over his tables, knowing Mr. Donovan would be there soon. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My plan was to accidentally spill something in his lap, causing him to run to the restroom. Once he was in there, I’d crack him over the head and drag him out the back to my van. I had everything in its place, ready to go.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Donovan and his party took their seats. Without speaking a word, I set out menus and baskets of bread. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Where’s Milo,” he asked rather rudely. “I specifically asked for Milo.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“My apologies, Mr. Donovan,” I replied in a professional manner, “Milo has taken ill and had to leave. My name is Logan and I’ll be your server this evening.” In all outward appearances, I was nothing more than another waiter. I told the group about the evening’s specials and took their drink orders. When I returned, I set my plan in motion.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I placed drinks in front of all the guests, I purposely tipped my tray so that the last drink would fall onto Mr. Donovan’s lap. “You stupid son-of-a-bitch,” he yelled as he jumped out of his chair.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Several members of his entourage tried to help clean up the mess, which only made him angrier. He slapped them all away, then headed for the men’s room. I turned and left the table without anyone taking notice. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I snuck through the kitchen and made my way to the entrance on the opposite side of the room. I watched through the port window as Mr. Donovan made his way to the lavatory. None of his people had gone with him, so I waited just a moment and followed him in. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I slowly opened the door, taking note of the reflection in the mirror. I could see him in front of the sink, wiping himself down with a handful of towels. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I shut off the lights as I entered, trying to remember exactly where he was standing. I had my billy club in hand and hit him as hard as I could. I heard a muffled scream coming from him, so I hit him once more for good measure. He was out cold.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I pulled a bag from my pocket and put it over his head. Then I grabbed him by the collar and dragged him from the room. I peeked out before leaving, making sure no one was in the hall. I made it to the back entrance without being seen. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I opened the sliding door on the van, threw him inside, then jumped in and took off. As I sped off down the alley, I called Don Giovanni and told him I had his prize. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We met up at the predetermined rendezvous site. This was my big moment. I was finally going to give the boss what he wanted and my debt would be paid in full. His goons went to the van and dragged the man back to where we stood. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I could hear his moans as his body was dropped to the cement floor. One of the henchmen pulled the hood off the millionaire’s head, giving the boss a good look.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Who the hell is that?” I could tell by the sound of his voice that something wasn’t right. I looked down to see that the man lying on the floor wasn’t Mr. Donovan. It was the bathroom attendant who passed out the towels. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My hands began to shake and I felt sick to my stomach. I knew there was no way I could convince Don Giovanni that this was the man he wanted kidnapped. As I looked into the boss’s eyes, I knew I was screwed.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">~~~*~~~*~~~</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to <a href="https://twitter.com/DailyPrompt" target="_blank">WritingPrompt.com</a> for posting the following prompt on Twitter. <span style="font-size: 11pt;">
</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white; font-size: large;">You kidnap a different person than the intended millionaire the mafia boss paid you to kidnap.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had a ball writing this.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">~~~*~~~*~~~</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; margin: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=690084" style="cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none !important;">Free-Photos</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=690084" style="cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none !important;">Pixabay</a></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; margin: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; margin: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span></p></span>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-62482192064838368952021-04-16T23:16:00.007-06:002021-04-16T23:18:40.727-06:00Forever<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1XAKNhVPy8/YHpu_462NUI/AAAAAAAAEKc/Ri-LP-eIVbYj2GuCIYkIiN9_o2cb8n2CwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/people-2589818_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1XAKNhVPy8/YHpu_462NUI/AAAAAAAAEKc/Ri-LP-eIVbYj2GuCIYkIiN9_o2cb8n2CwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/people-2589818_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I stand on the bank of the river, watching a lone boat sail out to deeper water. I know I should be heartbroken, but instead, I only feel relief. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a59a8dea-7fff-5a70-b989-1ddae0a92630"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I met Carson just a few weeks ago. He was a new recruit on one of the fishing boats and was ready to be back on dry land. He’d come into my bar in need of a hot meal and a stiff drink. The mere sight of him took my breath away. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I took him home that very first night. There was just something about him that ignited my passions. The heat that flamed between us was more than intense. It was solar.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I came alive at the feel of his muscled chest against my bare skin. I longed for the grasp of his hands around my hips. My pouty lips danced along the curve of his neck. My body exploded in waves of inhibition with every primal thrust. He brought the animal in me to life.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For weeks, our bodies were entwined in a dance of unbridled passion. We studied each other’s movements. We embraced each other’s fantasies. We became each other’s desire. We achieved carnal perfection. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When it came time for him to head back out to sea, he promised to return. He pulled a box out of his pocket and handed it to me. I opened it to find a beautiful, gold ring. I giggled in delight as he slipped the ring onto my finger. Tears of joy trailed down my face as I knew he would be mine forever</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I love you,” he said as he leaned in for a deep kiss. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I felt the heat between us rising once again. My body came alive as his tongue ran the length of my neck. He pulled my blouse over my head, his fingers delighting the curves of my chest. I loosened his belt to free his pulsating manhood. I held him in my grip, bringing him to full attention.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He flipped me onto my back, lifting my skirt above my waist. I felt every inch of him enter my dampened domain. My muscles pulled him in deeper with each labored breath.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I love you,” he said once again in a rhythmic tone. “I love you, forever.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The words took hold of me and I could no longer control my surge. I pulled myself to him. Our bodies rocking in perfect unison. I wrapped my arms around his neck, my legs around his waist, drawing him in closer as we both began to rise. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I could feel his rhythm quicken as euphoric grunts escaped his lips. I kissed his neck, my tongue as hard as him. I felt his racing pulse beneath my lips and contracting muscles against my own. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Harder, faster. Our bodies clenched in perfect unison. He thrust himself deeper one more time, an animalistic growl emitting from his throat. I pulled him in closer, my tightening muscles refusing to release. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wrapped my lips around his throat one last time, sinking my teeth in as hard as I could. I drained his very essence from opposite ends, filling my soul with eternal fire, ensuring that he’d be mine forever.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, I stand on the bank of the river, watching that lone boat sail back out to deeper waters. They’ll be long gone before the husk of what was once a man, is found below decks. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I head back to my bar and prepare for the day. I open the safe in the office and pull out a little box. I remove the ring and place it in the box, along with all the others. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And he will be mine...forever.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">~~~*~~~*~~~</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wrote this based on a writing prompt I created. I've been playing around with a <a href="https://randomwordgenerator.com/" target="_blank">Random Word Generator</a> and came up with the words HEAT, RING, and SAIL. This story came out of that. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""Open Sans", sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; margin: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/stocksnap-894430/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2589818" style="cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none;">StockSnap</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2589818" style="cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none;">Pixabay</a></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""Open Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: medium; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""Open Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: medium; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-43053330231915859082021-04-05T22:51:00.005-06:002021-04-05T22:57:18.560-06:00Wicked Scream<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vudqNT3ebAE/YGvoLafI6_I/AAAAAAAAEJw/GlatExE7RT4FcTepsCf75SULhR1ZlHU8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/mitchell-bowser-WR5o3jSA1U4-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="2048" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vudqNT3ebAE/YGvoLafI6_I/AAAAAAAAEJw/GlatExE7RT4FcTepsCf75SULhR1ZlHU8gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h270/mitchell-bowser-WR5o3jSA1U4-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://unsplash.com/@mtchllbwsr?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Mitchell Bowser</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/dark-barn?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aiden walked toward the barn, wondering what that strange sound was that came from the loft. He'd known that owls nested up there, but this sounded different. More like a scream than a screech.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-238c68b9-7fff-4023-a940-a326840caa06"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was darker than usual that night, with an almost sinister feel in the air. He chalked it up to the fact that the old barn had always given him the creeps, but tonight seemed worse than usual. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He reached the barn doors within moments, trembling with each passing second. He noticed a thick, oozing liquid smudged across the handles. Though he couldn't be sure in the glean of the small yard light, he was sure it was made by a human hand. His pulse began to race.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He pulled on the sliding door, shivering at the creaking sound it made. Though he'd heard it a million times before, it seemed to decalcify his spine. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He knew he should have brought a flashlight, but left it lying on the table. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and tried to find the app for its flashlight. He'd only used it once before and struggled to remember where it was. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He finally found the app, momentarily forgetting his heart-pounding fears. This is until he heard that wicked little scream once again. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He shined his phone's light up towards the rafters. He didn't see anything straight away, but he did detect some movement in the corner. He tried to sound brave when he called out, “Who's up there? I know you're there. Show yourself.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Other than the echo of his own voice, the barn remained silent. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He moved a little further into the barn, keeping his flashlight aimed upwards. Remembering that he'd been working out there earlier, he thought it best to shine the light out in front of him and it was a good thing he did. He was only inches away from walking into the handle of his drill press. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He backed up a few steps when he felt something on his back. He froze instantly, his pulse the only thing still racing.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He slowly moved the flashlight directly in front of him, steadying himself to face whatever was behind him. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On one heel he turned around, fearing the strange breathing he was sure he'd felt on the back of his neck.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then he saw them. Those beady little eyes, glowing in the beam of light. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He stared into the face of his deepest fear. A face complete with flaring nostrils and toothy snarl.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then he heard the voice. A voice that sent waves of terror through his entire being.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Dammit, Aiden. Are we gonna do this every time you drink beer and watch scary movies? Take your drunk ass back in the house. I swear, I married a moron.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aiden sunk to his knees, thankful that he'd been wrong about his fears once again. He headed back to the house but stopped in his tracks when he heard it again.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That wicked little scream. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">~~~*~~~*~~~</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This story came about thanks to my friend, <a href="https://twitter.com/InevitableCJ" target="_blank">CJ Landry</a>. I had no idea what a writing sprint was until she helped me realize it's nothing more than a well-done freewrite. In our 2nd session, I decided to write for the full 20 minutes with a brand new idea. And this is what I came up with. I think I kinda like it. Thanks CJ.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><br /><br /></span>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-58602772351476258762021-03-13T15:17:00.004-07:002021-03-13T15:28:05.308-07:00Just Another Pretty Unfamiliar Face<p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lmzXAttN6KQ/YE0qdR_kuuI/AAAAAAAAEIo/LsU7FrOODusUmfZFQ20m3p68Y3KHTDs9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/Clarisse.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lmzXAttN6KQ/YE0qdR_kuuI/AAAAAAAAEIo/LsU7FrOODusUmfZFQ20m3p68Y3KHTDs9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Clarisse.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Clarisse<br />created with the AI program <a href="http://thispersondoesnotexist.com">thispersondoesnotexist.com</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>One of my favorite things is in coming up with new characters for my stories. Or just coming up with characters in general, that I then offer to my fellow writers because someone out there might be able to give them life. But I found a really cool tool that has helped me in my character quest. It's called This Person Does Not Exist and it's an Artificial Intelligence program that creates faces of people who don't exist.</p><p>I was led to this site by a gentleman by the name of <a href="https://twitter.com/itsjimnotjames" target="_blank">J.A. Taylor</a>. He is one of the creators of a little pub called <a href="https://medium.com/centina-pentina" target="_blank">Centina Pentina</a> on the Medium.com platform. They publish stories of 50 and/or 100 words each. I've been a huge fan of the publication for several months now and have had several pieces published through them. </p><p>One of their prompts was to go through this site and find a picture of someone and create a story around them. It was a blast. I was lost on the site for 3 full hours before I remembered what I was supposed to be doing. I also noticed something a bit...odd. In some of the pictures, the computer hadn't gotten it quite right and there are weird abnormalities. For example, I found a picture of a guy with the partial face of someone sitting beside him. The thing is, she had an eyeball looking out of her MOUTH! It was odd...to say the least.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8SdsgBKyOM0/YE0rXkbZAqI/AAAAAAAAEIw/JrBeQu2U8bcdjr0FUbIKwR94FB8LEEGZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/Eye-mouth.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8SdsgBKyOM0/YE0rXkbZAqI/AAAAAAAAEIw/JrBeQu2U8bcdjr0FUbIKwR94FB8LEEGZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Eye-mouth.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This creeped me out<br />Made with AI program <a href="http://thispersondoesnotexist.com">thispersondoesnotexist.com</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>However, in that 3 hours, I met a whole new community of potential characters. And the thing is because they're not actual people, I can let them be whoever I want, or should I say, whoever they want to be. A lot of the pictures just seemed to have a name when I'd look into their eyes. </p><p>One of the other places that Mr. Taylor turned me onto is the sister site of this one, called <a href="http://www.thisworddoesnotexist.com/" target="_blank">This Word Does Not Exist</a>. Yep, you guessed it. It's an AI program that creates words that don't exist in a dictionary-esque way. The program will create new words, along with their meanings, as though in a dictionary. Or, you can invent your own words and upload them to have the program create the definitions behind them. It's a blast. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://imgur.com/gallery/RVoWAXi" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="1096" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-20lj1xI7IL8/YE0tX1yH-YI/AAAAAAAAEI4/gikLdwNwWXg5r-5TkLq4528ke22ezl3jACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h179/chopdonard.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://imgur.com/gallery/RVoWAXi" target="_blank">I invented this word and this is the definition given by<br />the AI program thisworddoesnotexist.com<br /><br /><br /></a></td></tr></tbody></table>I love making up new words, but don't always have an idea of what they mean. Or I have an idea but not sure it works. This program is a blast if you like to invent words. I came to realize that most of the words I invent sound like either language dialects, ancient cultures, or medical conditions/treatments. I found that rather interesting. The one posted above was the only one I created that was defined as a game. A strange game, but a game nonetheless. <p><br />So, hey, check them out and see if you can't get lost in a world of imagination. If you do check out This Person Does Not Exist, watch the little box that comes up at the bottom of the pages. It will lead you to another program that creates works of <a href="https://thisartworkdoesnotexist.com/" target="_blank">modern art</a>. I loved that one.</p><p>Have fun and Happy writing!!!</p><p style="text-align: center;">~~~*~~~*~~~</p><p>Hey, check out my new <a href="https://www.patreon.com/gravespublications" target="_blank">Patreon Page</a>. It offers a free monthly newsletter, as well as 5 tiers of writing prompts each month. </p><p style="text-align: center;">~~~*~~~*~~~</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-52107771777362117082021-03-06T09:26:00.000-07:002021-03-06T09:26:03.502-07:00Where the Hell Have I Been???<br /><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cOc_ospGl44/YEOsg0k_BcI/AAAAAAAAEIE/d4aYisGhTGst0glLN08Co0POfZa2ZrKrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/open-road-757949_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="640" height="255" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cOc_ospGl44/YEOsg0k_BcI/AAAAAAAAEIE/d4aYisGhTGst0glLN08Co0POfZa2ZrKrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h255/open-road-757949_640.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/cosmix-592642/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=757949" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none !important; white-space: nowrap;">cosmix</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=757949" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none !important; white-space: nowrap;">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Hey Kids,</p><p>Miss me? Did you even notice that I was gone? No? Oh well. </p><p>So, it seems I last posted here about 8 months ago. I'm proud of myself for not making it a full year, but I still have some splaining to do. So, just where the hell have I been since last July? I've been creating an empire. </p><p>Okay, so not an actual empire, but I have been working myself silly putting together some rather awesome blogs. As of this posting, I have built like 5 blogs from the ground up. And I've had a ball. Not blogger blogs like this one, but actual Wordpress blogs. </p><p>Now, that being said, I have NOTHING against Blogger. This was my first blogging platform almost 20 years ago and I will always have a special place in my heart for it. I love Blogger. But I wanted something more. I already owned the domain name GRAVESPUBLICATIONS.COM so I used it and went with it. </p><p>I put together that blog, then started 2 more sub-sites from there. I also own the domain name COLLECTEDKEEPSAKES.COM and put that one together as well. I have another one, but it's not doing much at the moment. I'm not sure how to go about using that one, but I'm going to keep it just in case. </p><p>As of right now, I have:<br /><br /><a href="http://GravesPublications.com">GravesPublications.com</a><br /><a href="http://CollectedKeepsakes.com">CollectedKeepsakes.com</a><br /><a href="http://ParaMythic.gravespublcations.com">ParaMythic.gravespublcations.com</a><br /><a href="http://GodBlog.gravespublications.com">GodBlog.gravespublications.com</a><br /><a href="http://MultiVerse.gravespublications.com">MultiVerse.gravespublications.com</a><br /><a href="http://OnlineDealsandSales.com">OnlineDealsandSales.com</a></p><p>I've also put together a free wordpress blog:<br /></p><p><a href="http://MedbsLibrary.wordpress.com">MedbsLibrary.wordpress.com</a></p><p>I've had a blast putting these sites together, but I find myself getting bored...again. I kept thinking that I needed to make myself a site where I could just post my own poems and stories, and not care whether anyone stopped by to read them or not. Then it dawned on me. I already had a place I could do that. Right here.</p><p>I've had Priestess of Words for about 10 years now. It's been a place where I could post anything I wanted and not feel guilty about it not being in the right "category". This site has never had a real "category" about it. It was just a place I could be me. And here I am again.</p><p>As usual, I have no idea where I'm going to go from here, but I'm going anyway. I will always have a place where I can put my thoughts down and get them out of my head. It helps me think clearer, get my ideas in order, and even helps me come up with new ideas. </p><p>What about you? Do you have a place where you can just be you? If not, I urge you to do so. It doesn't matter if anyone comes by to read it, it only matters that you give yourself a space to free your mind. Go ahead. Be free.</p><br /><br /><br />Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-14713417057135755412020-07-01T18:26:00.001-06:002020-07-01T18:27:00.565-06:00The Grand by Evelyn Chartres--A Review<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2YNPRvX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="312" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi-avC9Gnxw/Xv0hm7F6MFI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/XTBCuDrWcU8jD3FtkEBqfB8VzNtUVzGMgCK4BGAsYHg/w250-h400/The%2BGrand.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div><br /></div><font face="arial"><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div>Have you ever read one of those books that just kind of leaves you hanging at the end? Well, this is one of those books. </font><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">I found the author, Evelyn Chartres, through the AllAuthor.com site. The book that caught my attention of hers is called The Van Helsing Paradox. I'm a huge "Van Helsing" fan and am always looking for places where mentions of these monster hunters can be found. So, this title grabbed my attention immediately. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Once I found Miss Chartres' <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Evelyn+Chartres&ref=nb_sb_noss_2" target="_blank">Amazon page</a>, I found she's written not 1, but 4 books and at the moment, they are all free. In my brain, that means, "Download Immediately. Do not pass this up, you need them all". So I did. What caused me to read The Grand first is beyond even my comprehension, but I found it intriguing. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">The Grand is the story of an opulent hotel built into the side of a mountain, overlooking a small podunk town in the valley. The residence and guests of The Grand are, shall we say, beyond the scope of your normal person. No, these individuals are supernatural.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">I have to admit that I had a hard time finishing this book as I was very confused at times. The Grand is a compilation of several smaller stories packed in as a complete novel. It's a killer idea, but because it's so back and forth, I had a hard time keeping up. The chapters jump around from one era to another, causing the reader to wonder if they'd missed something. Some of the stories are set in the 1920s while others are set some 20 years later. Though they're all individual stories, they all tie in together. However, you've really got to be paying attention from one chapter to another.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Now, with that said, I will also say that the story as a whole is actually very good. Once I got the gist of the book, I very much enjoyed it. There were still a few questions I felt were unanswered at the end of the book, but it was done well enough that I'd be more than willing to read Part 2.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">I did enjoy the way Miss Chartres portrayed her characters, even if a few of them are extremely vague. There are a few key characters that help tie everything together, but it gets confusing quickly. It's a lot like putting together a puzzle in order to hear the story. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">On a whole, I'd give The Grand by Evelyn Chartres a 3.5 out of 5 stars. It was hard to get into, but once I started to understand it, I couldn't put it down. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">I will be reading <a href="https://amzn.to/38qkb2X" target="_blank">The Van Helsing Paradox</a> next. It was the reason I found Miss Chartres' page in the first place. It's about a young "otherworldly" hunter named Clara Grey. I'm kind of excited about this book, more now than I was before. Miss Clara Grey takes a peek inside The Grand, so she and I have met. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">I do recommend that you go check in at The Grand. Just beware. There are a lot more twists and turns than expected.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">***As of the time of this writing, all four of Evelyn Chartres' books are free to download to your Amazon Kindle. This may change in the future.***</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="arial">*~~~*~~~*~~~*</font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial"><i>This post contains affiliate links. However, all opinions in this review are mine and mine alone. I was not asked to write a review, nor did I receive any compensation for any type of review. I downloaded this book free of charge from Amazon.com. </i></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial">© Christine Graves 2020</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-40971241022602357422020-06-24T22:07:00.001-06:002020-06-24T22:07:27.484-06:00Overcoming a Writing Roadblock<div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2MTFjDfJEA/XvQh4dm7IRI/AAAAAAAADxo/eEOFzgrCT24QXXT6XpX0AQ2qSMvMc1OGQCK4BGAsYHg/s1920/sign-1167333_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2MTFjDfJEA/XvQh4dm7IRI/AAAAAAAADxo/eEOFzgrCT24QXXT6XpX0AQ2qSMvMc1OGQCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h266/sign-1167333_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/alseeger-624/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1167333" target="_blank">Al Seeger</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1167333" target="_blank">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><font face="arial"><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div>So, there I am. All set to take on the blogging world once more. Though it has been nearly 10 years since I was at this point, I felt like a kid in a candy store. I've gotten most of my older blogs updated, I have everything in place and I'm ready to really let the outside world inside my own. Then, the Universe threw me another curveball. </font><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">One of my favorite blogs, <a href="http://paramythic.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Para-Mythic</a>, seems to be missing the ability to allow comments. For me, that sucks. The one thing I'd really like to see my blogs do is to bring in real comments from real people. This site and </font><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.collectedkeepsakes.com" target="_blank">Collected Keepsakes</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;">, my other 2 blogs, are both ready for comments. I haven't gotten any, but that's okay. At least I know it's there if it ever happens. </span></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">I've tried changing the blog theme, removed all ads (still waiting for Google to approve the site, even though it used to have ads on it before I revamped it). I've never messed with the code behind scenes. I used to be able to build a whole site with HTML, but this new code just has me baffled.</font></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="arial">I've left a question in the Blogger community forum, but haven't gotten any responses as of yet. I've tried to submit a request to Blogger itself, but keep being sent to the community forum. So now I have a dilemma. I have to overcome another writing roadblock.<br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">I really enjoy researching and writing about ancient history, unsolved mysteries, and world mythologies. There's some weird stuff out there. But I'd really love to hear from those out there who actually take the time to read my work. So, do I:<br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">A.) Just keep posting on that site even though I can't get comments?</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="arial" size="6">OR</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">B.) Create a new blog and start fresh? Yes, I've already created one, but it's not live. I don't have anything on the site yet, but it's there if I need it. Name secured. LOL (that took me over 2 hours to do).</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">It's something I really have to think about but I would love some suggestions. Please feel free to leave them in the comments. That would just make my day. (Why yes, I would love some cheese with my whine. Thanks for asking)</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Here's to the future!!!</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Happy Writing</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="arial">*~~*~~*~~*</font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial">© Christine Graves 2020</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-20110344915978968342020-06-20T22:45:00.000-06:002020-06-20T22:45:53.731-06:00How Writing for Myself has Helped Me Grow<div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><font face="arial"><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDXQEu1QbIg/Xu7kj2HCmqI/AAAAAAAADvg/jXh4NbA_pRcImQ_QGl3FrTfMhmEQ2jGlgCK4BGAsYHg/s1920/idea-3083106_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="1920" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDXQEu1QbIg/Xu7kj2HCmqI/AAAAAAAADvg/jXh4NbA_pRcImQ_QGl3FrTfMhmEQ2jGlgCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h266/idea-3083106_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/geralt-9301/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3083106" target="_blank">Gerd Altmann</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3083106" target="_blank">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div>It's taken me several years to get to the point of writing I'm at right now. I'm not saying I'm a huge success (I'm not), but I have come a long way since 2012. The year I had to start over.</font><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">I've written a lot about the years I had to walk away from writing to revamp my personal life. I won't go into detail in this post, but it took me a long time to get over some personal issues. I owe what I'm doing now to 2 different places; <a href="https://www.inthepantheon.com/">In The Pantheon</a> and <a href="https://medium.com/@sapheyerblu" target="_blank">Medium.com</a>. If it wasn't for these 2 sites, I'd still be "trying" to find my voice once again.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">At In The Pantheon, I wrote in the voice of the ancient goddess, Demeter. I found a way to let "her" voice control the story and I had a blast. Though I wasn't able to stay with this site, I wish the entire Pantheon all the success in the world. I wouldn't be writing this post if it wasn't for them.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">At Medium.com, I got to write as a person. I could just be me, in all my opinionated states. I've never had the success on that site that some claim to have, but I'm okay with that. I wrote articles, opinion pieces, fiction, and a ton of poetry. I haven't shared my poetry in years and it felt good to have someone tell me that they liked my style. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Now, I'm writing on my own sites. I'm still writing on Medium, but I'm spending a lot more time updating this and a couple of other blogs I've had for many years. Yes, I have ads on my site, but it's not to try and become rich. It's so that maybe at some point, I can pay off a few credit cards. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">By writing on my own blogs, I've found a whole new way to express myself. For years, I had it in my head that everything I wrote needed to sound as though written by a robot. I had it in my head that if my posts didn't sound like all the "big blogs", I wouldn't be successful. I had to change the way I viewed success. I stopped trying to be perfect and began writing as if talking to a room full of friends. My words began to flow and I was finding more ideas to write about.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Besides this site, I also run the blogs </font><a href="http://paramythic.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;">Para-Myth</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ic</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> and <a href="http://www.collectedkeepsakes.com/" target="_blank">Collected Keepsakes</a>. Each of these sites is a world away from the others, but that's what makes it interesting. Para-Mythic is about ancient histories, mysteries, and mythologies. This is a passion of mine. I've always loved ancient history and am always trying to learn more. The best part for me is in trying to figure out some of the mysteries that still perplex the experts today.</span></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Collected Keepsakes is a place about being a collector. I collect a lot of things, and I love all those shows about finding collectibles in the most unlikely places. I get a kick out of it. The thing is that I almost let go of this site. I was having a heck of a time trying to come up with topics that would make Google's search list and I guess it freaked me out just enough that I couldn't write at all. Then, I began writing about what I enjoy about collecting and gave up on Google. It was just what I needed to do. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">My ultimate goal is to get back to making money with my writing, but for now, I'm just going to work on being a writer I'd like to read. I'm having fun writing again and I think that's worth more at this time. What about you? What are you doing to advance your writing? Let me know. And if you have a site, send me the link. I'd love to check it out.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Happy Writing!!!</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">© Christine Graves 2020</font></div>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-78164236260669776992020-06-09T22:25:00.004-06:002020-06-09T22:34:15.488-06:00FindIndieBooks.com: A Review<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJA2wRUGOfk/XuBfEhSlvEI/AAAAAAAADpE/xRLUbZh2hn4hjnqyFemd4w8m3DD-BfsLwCK4BGAsYHg/s1500/FIB_Twitter.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1500" height="134" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJA2wRUGOfk/XuBfEhSlvEI/AAAAAAAADpE/xRLUbZh2hn4hjnqyFemd4w8m3DD-BfsLwCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h134/FIB_Twitter.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image made possible by<a href="https://findindiebooks.com/" target="_blank"> FindIndieBooks.com</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">So I got
the surprise of my life here not too long ago. I got a notification
that my e-book, Promptly Chronicled, had been reviewed by the site
<a href="So I got the surprise of my life here not too long ago. I got a notification that my e-book, Promptly Chronicled, had been reviewed by the site FindIndieBooks.com. I was nervous, to say the least, as to what the reviewer would say. However, my nerves were quickly calmed when I noticed that I'd gotten a 5-star review. Whoo Hoo!!! Now, up to this point, I'd never heard of the site, so I thought I'd check it out. I felt really stupid when I realized it was run by a writer friend of mine from a site I'd written for called InThePantheon.com. Way to go, honey. I'm totally proud of you!!!!! I ended up spending quite some time on this site, checking out what it was about and all the books listed. I was impressed. As of the time of this writing, there are nearly 500 indie books listed. And I'm one of them. YEA!!!!! I'm really impressed with the way this site is put together. The books drop down menu showcases the books in easy to find categories. From Kindle Unlimited to those only available in European markets and those in hardback only. There are also links to author websites, so you can meet your favorite indie authors. Check out some of the reviews listed on the site and really get to know the authors from their author interviews. There really is a little something for everyone here. Do you have an indie book you'd like to have submitted to FindIndieBooks.com? Check out the site's submissions page for all the information. It's free to submit (for now) and you'll usually hear back from them within 72 hours. Each author is allowed to submit up to 3 books at a time. In order to have your book placed among those listed, your book must be self-published or published by a small publishing company (publishes no more than 10 titles a year). You can also send a link to your author website if you have one. All they ask is that you follow them on Twitter. If you're an avid reader, or an author looking to get your book out to the masses, you've got to check out FindIndieBooks.com. Be part of the journey toward this site becoming the largest book repository in the world. © Christine Graves 2020 ~~*~~*~~*~~ This review is of my own wording and my own observances. All opinions are mine and mine alone. No monies or other forms of payment were exchanged for this review." target="_blank">FindIndieBooks.com</a>. I was nervous, to say the least, as to what the
reviewer would say. However, my nerves were quickly calmed when I
noticed that I'd gotten a 5-star review. Whoo Hoo!!! </font>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Now, up
to this point, I'd never heard of the site, so I thought I'd check it
out. I felt really stupid when I realized it was run by a writer
friend of mine from a site I'd written for called <a href="https://www.inthepantheon.com/" target="_blank">InThePantheon.com</a>.
Way to go, honey. I'm totally proud of you!!!!!</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I ended
up spending quite some time on this site, checking out what it was
about and all the books listed. I was impressed. As of the time of
this writing, there are nearly 500 indie books listed. And I'm one of
them. YEA!!!!!</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I'm
really impressed with the way this site is put together. The books
drop-down menu showcases the books in easy to find categories. From
Kindle Unlimited to those only available in European markets and
those in hardback only.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">There
are also links to author websites, so you can meet your favorite
indie authors. Check out some of the reviews listed on the site and
really get to know the authors from their author interviews. There
really is a little something for everyone here.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Do you
have an indie book you'd like to have submitted to
<a href="https://findindiebooks.com/" target="_blank">FindIndieBooks.com</a>? Check out the site's submissions page for all the
information. It's free to submit (for now) and you'll usually hear
back from them within 72 hours. Each author is allowed to submit up
to 3 books at a time.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">In order
to have your book placed among those listed, your book must be
self-published or published by a small publishing company (publishes
no more than 10 titles a year). You can also send a link to your
author website if you have one. All they ask is that you follow them
on <a href="https://twitter.com/findindiebooks1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">If
you're an avid reader, or an author looking to get your book out to
the masses, you've got to check out FindIndieBooks.com. Be part of
the journey toward this site becoming the largest book repository in
the world.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">©</font>
Christine Graves 2020</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">~~*~~*~~*~~</font></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">This
review is of my own wording and my own observances. All opinions are
mine and mine alone. No monies or other forms of payment were
exchanged for this review.</i></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-33458437285196474102020-06-07T21:58:00.002-06:002020-06-07T22:29:54.265-06:00Teaching Myself to do a Newsletter<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MyL4YZWLgyk/Xt22D7UA1PI/AAAAAAAADoI/YG083lxfbkQrvJxF7taWVJ1rby3epFHfgCK4BGAsYHg/s1280/newsletter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1280" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MyL4YZWLgyk/Xt22D7UA1PI/AAAAAAAADoI/YG083lxfbkQrvJxF7taWVJ1rby3epFHfgCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h241/newsletter.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/geralt-9301/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=226932" target="_blank">Gerd Altmann</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=226932" target="_blank">Pixabay</a> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">So I'm
about to embark on a whole new writing endeavor. I'm about to work on
putting together a newsletter for one of my publications at
Medium.com. The problem is that I'm not sure what I'm doing and I've
got myself kind of freaked out over it.</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I did a
newsletter many, many years ago for another website I ran. But that
was back in the day when everything was text-based and not so much
visual-based. The good thing is that I don't think Medium newsletters
are set up for images, so that's one good thing.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">My fear
is that I won't have anything interesting to say. I've got a few
ideas, but my inner critic keeps telling me that I'm an idiot and no
one is going to want to read it. I know I'm just psyching myself out,
but every time I get set to write, nothing comes out.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The site
I'm going to do the newsletter for is Enticing the Muse. It's a site
to provide writing prompts for other writers, but I'm feeling stale.
I need to get a new post up on the site before I do a newsletter
inviting people to stop by and see what I've got going.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I have a
few ideas for the newsletter, including adding links to a few of my
other works, a section for Must See publications, and a Meet the
Author page. I think that would be a great thing to do for the many
writers who've helped me along my Medium journey.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The sad
part is that I can't post anything about this site or any of my
outside Medium writings. Totally bums me out, but I'll figure
something else out. I can still post about anything or anyone I like
here. Maybe I'll start doing author bios and book reviews here. We'll
see. I do want to give a shout out to the many men and women out
there that have made me the writer I am today.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">So, here
I go. Off to try and put together a newsletter, though I'm not at all
sure about how to do it. Wish me luck. Got any ideas? I'm all ears. I would love to see some ideas. Leave them in the comments. I'll be
forever grateful.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Until
next time,<br /></font><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Happy
writing.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">~~*~~*~~</font></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">©</font>
Christine Graves 2020</font></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><br /></div>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-91836907301655326022020-05-31T21:58:00.001-06:002020-05-31T21:58:12.927-06:00Coming Up With Writing Ideas<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRGtPRviMcw/XtR7MkLqMOI/AAAAAAAADms/aakBpCyg2W4nONtiqthg84YCPfzx8wsawCK4BGAsYHg/write-3994024_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRGtPRviMcw/XtR7MkLqMOI/AAAAAAAADms/aakBpCyg2W4nONtiqthg84YCPfzx8wsawCK4BGAsYHg/s320/write-3994024_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/mohamed_hassan-5229782/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3994024" target="_blank">Mohamed Hassan</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3994024" target="_blank">Pixabay</a><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div><font face="arial" size="4"><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div>I'm sitting here trying to come up with something to write about as it seems my creative well is running dry. I know it's not, but there are times when the ideas don't come on as easily as others. It kind of sucks. So, here's what I'm doing.</font><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4">I've spent the past couple of hours running through social media sites, but because of the state of the world right now, that's not working. Too much negativity to make me feel creative. I've tried very hard to avoid writing about all the stuff going on as there's enough crap out there--both true and not-so-true--to give everyone something to read. I want to write something completely different.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4">So, what's a braindead old broad to do? Just start writing. </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4">My next trick is to do a freewrite. I've done a couple of them on this site, as well as a few others. This whole piece is actually a freewrite, but as usual, I'm not following the rules. Freewriting, for me anyway, is just a way to get some stuff off my mind to allow other stuff to come through. My brain has been way too clogged up recently and I needed to make some room.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4">Another trick I use to come up with writing ideas is to do a word association piece. I don't do mine like most people, I just come up with 3 or 4 random words and find a way to use them all together. It's kind of weird, but I've written some of my best fictional pieces this way. Here, try it:</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4">Pig, banister, frying pan, gas tank<br />Jackhammer, tower, blog post, flower pot</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4">Pick either of those two sets of words and create something from them. Anything. Make it a poem, a story, an article...whatever. Just as long as you use each word in your piece. You'll be amazed at the different directions your brain will go in doing so.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4">My favorite way to find ideas is by just letting my mind wander. I have an overactive imagination and can come up with some very odd scenarios. I can travel to the moon, ride a goat to France, or hang out with my celeb-flavor-of-the-moment. Now, jot down some of the stranger parts of your little mind trip. What did you see? What did you smell? What did you hear? Now, put it all together and see what you come up with. Have fun with it. After all, isn't that why we write???</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4">Some days the ideas will flow like a river, others it's more like pulling teeth. I know I'm not alone in my quest to come up with writing ideas. I hope as I come up with new ways, I'll be able to pass them along. </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4">If you have any other ideas, please feel free to share them. I'd love to hear about them and maybe give them a try as well.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4">Until next time,</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4">Happy writing</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="4"><br /></font></div>Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-18361819519875676362020-05-22T23:07:00.002-06:002020-05-22T23:08:00.088-06:00I Accidentally Became a Writer for a Medium Publication<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4ScbZDUOos/XsiuEbQsj4I/AAAAAAAADl4/CegM_r_fBR84qB6vs864Uh4ISm_ssA99wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/glass-89068_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1280" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4ScbZDUOos/XsiuEbQsj4I/AAAAAAAADl4/CegM_r_fBR84qB6vs864Uh4ISm_ssA99wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/glass-89068_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4ScbZDUOos/XsiuEbQsj4I/AAAAAAAADl4/CegM_r_fBR84qB6vs864Uh4ISm_ssA99wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/glass-89068_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">Image by </a><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/Republica-24347/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=89068">Republica</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=89068">Pixabay</a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I think
it's time I did a freewrite. I'm feeling a little clogged up and I
need to free up some space. Much the way I did with my phone earlier.
Way too many pictures and not enough storage space left over. Yep,
that's what my mind feels likes right now.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So I
think I may have accidentally got myself added as a writer at another
publication on Medium. I'm thrilled about it, but I'm a little
nervous about it at the same time. The publication is called
<a href="https://medium.com/publishing-well" target="_blank">Publishing Well</a> and it's about the writing industry, tips on writing,
ideas on writing, and so forth.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The editor has also decided to add sections for poetry, fiction, and
creative non-fiction. I still have an issue with posting my poetry
for others to read, but everyone I've met on Medium has been way more
than kind. Hopefully, the editor at this pub will be as well. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I wasn't
really expecting to be added as a writer. I messaged him through
social media and asked him what his thoughts were on writing prompts.
Those I know how to do. He messaged me back, said he'd looked
through my profile portfolio, and liked what he'd seen that I've
published in other publications. Holy crap, my writing spoke for
itself. That's a happy dance moment.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So, I've
been added as a writer. I'm thrilled and have already written and
submitted my first piece for Publishing Well. There's no guarantee
that it will be accepted, but I've got to at least try. I do have a
real shot as it's a relatively new publication and in need of
content. But, we'll see. I learned a long time ago not to count my
chickens before they hatch.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">See,
this is why I love doing these freewrites. As soon as I stop
overthinking everything, the words actually form into structured
sentences. It's an amazing feeling. Try it. It's great. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Thanks
for stopping by. You might be seeing more of these types of posts as
they help me to focus. And who knows, they might help you as well.
Maybe something I've had happen to me will spark something in you to
write about. If so, let me know. I'd love to read about it. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">©</span>
Christine Graves 2020</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-14923166890854030612020-05-17T22:34:00.003-06:002020-05-17T22:54:57.175-06:00Using Pinterest For Writing Inspiration<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OU3GmojvRIA/XsIPj0PjO6I/AAAAAAAADlA/1f2-lPSp_eYc3ccLYQ2a1HxCLb1b0F4awCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Pinterest%2BPost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OU3GmojvRIA/XsIPj0PjO6I/AAAAAAAADlA/1f2-lPSp_eYc3ccLYQ2a1HxCLb1b0F4awCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Pinterest%2BPost.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #111111; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "san francisco" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "ubuntu" , "roboto" , "noto" , "segoe ui" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@timmossholder?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="background-color: whitesmoke; box-sizing: border-box; color: #767676; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s; white-space: nowrap;">Tim Mossholder</a><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #111111; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "san francisco" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "ubuntu" , "roboto" , "noto" , "segoe ui" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/inspiration?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="background-color: whitesmoke; box-sizing: border-box; color: #767676; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s; white-space: nowrap;">Unsplash</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm a
huge fan of using Pinterest for writing inspiration. There are
hundreds of ways a person can use Pinterest to their advantage. It
doesn't matter if you're writing fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or just
need something to get those creative juices flowing. If you know
where to look, it's all there.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Writing
Prompts</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As
someone who's written and used thousands of writing prompts, I was
thrilled to find a ton of them on Pinterest. Simply type in “writing
prompts” in the search bar and you'll be amazed at the sheer number
of pages that pop up. I've found prompts for fiction, non-fiction,
dialogue, and much more. I came up with ideas I'd never have thought
of before.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Quotes</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love
quotes. Some of the best ideas for writers come from someone else's
words. Quotes come in all fashions, such as “love” quotes, “fight
the good fight” quotes, and even “Yes, you can” quotes. There
are tons of quotes from famous celebrities and other writers. Quotes
from millionaires and wanna-be's. All you have to do is search.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>How-To's</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There
are thousands of links to articles on how to do just about any part
of writing you can imagine. You can find articles on everything from
creating a better blog to creating life-like characters. There are
posts on How to Write For Amazon and How To Write Short Stories. The
hardest part is in deciding which ones to read first.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Images</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Being
that Pinterest is a highly visual platform, you can always use it to
pick out details for your work. Say you're a fantasy writer and need
some details for a character. Simply type “fantasy Art” in the
search bar and you'll be taken to an endless supply of characters to
look at. What features strike you right away? Which ones would never
work with your character? Let your imagination run wild.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Realistic
Details</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">If
you're writing about an actual place, it's nice to be able to look at
it, even if you've never been there. With Pinterest, you just need to
know what you want to talk about and you'll find tons of pictures and
information about your destination. Want to talk about the Eiffel
Tower? Type it in and see it for yourself. </span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">There
are a million different ways in which you can use Pinterest for
writing inspiration. If you need some help, check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/crgraves68/writing-ideas/" target="_blank">PinterestWriting Board.</a> I've got hundreds of places where you can start. Where
you end up depends on where you want to go. </span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">©</span>
Christine Graves 2020</span></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1590860858130040817.post-22689970952899727892020-05-15T22:12:00.002-06:002020-05-15T22:12:07.575-06:00May Freewrite 5-15<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKU7MKjA7uQ/Xr9lGb-ug7I/AAAAAAAADks/x9C9pLsCKHoe-cbhVUAydsFkupYD0E08QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/freedom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1280" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKU7MKjA7uQ/Xr9lGb-ug7I/AAAAAAAADks/x9C9pLsCKHoe-cbhVUAydsFkupYD0E08QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/freedom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i>(Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/eliassch-3372715/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2053281" target="_blank">Elias Sch.</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2053281" target="_blank">Pixabay</a>)</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So, I've
been working on a plan to get this blog up and running again. I've
already decided that it's going to be a site for and about, writers.
I've said this about a few of my other blogs and keep ending up in
that stalemate of “Write what you want, it's your blog” and
“Don't blog like that, it's not professional enough”. In the end,
I end up not writing anything. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">When I
first created Priestess of Words—10 full years ago—it was meant
to be a place for me to post my poetry. I was still reeling from a
kick in the chest at being called an “amateur” and it hurt. I
loved my poetry but just couldn't bring myself back to writing it.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I've
tried on a couple different occasions to put a spark back into the
place, but it just wasn't working. My brain was on a single-lined
track and I couldn't get past it. So, I just let it sit and do
nothing. Until now.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So what
makes this time different from all the times before? Well. I've been
doing a lot more writing through my other venue, Medium.com. I'm
getting back into being able to write my poetry—without someone
kicking me in the chest—and I'm working on being able to write more
of these types of posts. These “just to clear my head” posts. My
freewrites.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">One of
the best lessons I've ever learned as a writer is to freewrite. Just
write, don't think. Just let the words out of your head and onto the
page. Let them fall where they may. Don't worry about whether or not
anyone's reading because as of right now, they're not. I've got to
add some words if I want to be the Priestess of Words.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Once I
start to get some of the boring shit out of the way, then I can start
to let the more professional words out to play. Okay, maybe
professional isn't the right term, but I feel more like writing and
less like I'm just pretending. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I'm sure
this blog will never be named among the hottest sites for writers
anytime soon, if ever. I'm okay with that. I would like it, though,
if I could at least bring in a few people who want to see what I've
got going on. I'm still not sure where this site is going to go, but
I'm going to go along for the ride, just in case.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">©</span>
Christine Graves 2020</span></div>
<br />Christine Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925832124049848837noreply@blogger.com0