Five Sentence Fiction - Beauty

It's been a while since I've written a piece for Five Sentence Fiction, but I loved this photo, it said so much, I just had to. 

 

She didn’t mind that the mirror reflected her out of focus; it’s how she felt most days.

She saw the beauty in the frame and felt ashamed that her reflection didn’t match it, but then a maudlin face didn’t match much.

She felt cut off and isolated, even when she was standing in a crowd of people she knew.

They all talked to her and interacted with her, but inside she felt she wasn’t really coming through and showing her true self, like trying to break through a transparent plastic bubble; she pushed against it, but it kept flinging her back.

She touched her fuzzy hand, to her fuzzy face, and knew she did exist, but pondered how she could really make herself feel heard and seen – longing to be defined and crystal clear, so no-one misunderstood her.

Daily Picspiration No.8 - Connections

My fortnightly Daily Picspiration piece is up.

I struggled with the pictures this time, and wondered if I would continue my serialisation of The Jester, or just write a random piece of flash, but suddenly inspiration hit me as to how I could continue, and I even managed to include both photos in this weeks piece.

You can read 'Connections' here.

Mob - MWBB

My latest entry for the Mid-Week Blues Buster didn't get anywhere - there are a lot more other entrants and some incredible writers out there, so the competition is hotting up. I think my winning days are over, and to be honest, I'm just fine with that.

Again a soundtrack to a movie was the prompt and I really liked the piece that came out, although it didn't come out as dark as I had initially planned. Enjoy!

The prompt was a song from a soundtrack this week

The song is; “Tu Vuo’ Fa L’Americano”, sand by Italian crooner Fiorello, with Jude Law and Matt Damon riding shotgun, from, “The Talented Mr. Ripley”.

Silvia was late. If she rushed it might not be noticed. As she neared the entrance to the club she slowed from a flat out run to a fast walk, straightening her skirt and primping her hair as she approached the door.

The club was in full swing, the music blaring out onto the street, and as she skirted the queue, Don opened the door for her whispering, ‘Hurry’ as she passed. This made her stomach clench; if Don knew she was late then everyone did, which meant he’d been looking for her.

She pushed through all the bodies hanging around the cloakrooms and went into the club, circling the edge where there were less people and scanning the tables facing the stage. She spotted him, sitting proud, arm over an empty chair next to him, foot taping to the band, but not as enraptured as those around him, instead looking round – looking for her.

When Johnny spotted her, she smiled, but he didn’t. She squeezed passed the other tables and finally reached the chair he’d kept for her, sinking into it.

“Hi Honey.”

“Where have you been?”

“I was getting ready, but lost track of time. I’m so sorry.”

He eyed her without smiling, and then leaned over. She thought he was going to kiss her, but his nose went to her neck and sniffed. She shifted in her seat, resisting the urge to pull away.

“You’ve bathed to cover the smell, haven’t you?”

Her eyes shifted to the band for a second before she replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“If I find out you’ve been with him, I’ll kill you both. You know that, don’t you?”

Silva didn’t speak, only looked at him wide eyed. His glare didn’t falter. She held it, refusing to back down, until a waiter interrupted with a bottle of champagne.

Once their glasses were filled they were joined by the rest of his entourage, and Johnny behaved like all was fine with the world; laughing, joking, and pretending he was one hell of a guy. Silvia knew it was far from over, but his vengeful plans wouldn’t come to fruition tonight.

When Marcus came in and joined them at the table Johnny was all smiles. Silva paid little attention to Marcus, sipping her drink and focusing on the band, not wanting to spark any more suspicion in Johnny’s paranoid mind. But when the cue came and Marcus dropped his wallet on the floor, she practised what they’d rehearsed and swiftly slid under the table.

The gun fire came from more than one direction and she covered her ears until it stopped. As they’d agreed, she waited for a hand to come under the table and fetch her out to give her the all clear. The band started up with something fast and furious to quell the customer’s nerves, as people returned to their tables, and sure enough a hand appeared.

Silva grasped it and her smile grew as she looked forward to finally embracing the man she truly loved. But it died on her lips when she came face to face with her husband. Johnny’s wasn’t smiling.

“You thought I didn’t know? You thought the two of you would get away with it? Not tonight doll, not ever. He touched what wasn’t his, he paid the price.”

Silva’s eyes flitted to Johnny’s right, the crumpled body on the floor still seeping blood. A single tear fell from her left eye and rolled down her cheek. Johnny caught it with his thumb.

She whispered, “And me?”

Johnny smiled then, but only with his lips.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart, you’ll be paying too, but not until later.”

 

Bar Brawl - MWBB

I'm a bit delayed posting my Mid-Week Blues Buster entry. There never seems to be enough hours in the day! This didn't reach the top three, and I do feel I tried to cram too much story into this flash piece, having to cut more than 100 words from it. I do like it though, and maybe I'll expand on it at some point.

The prompt was a song from a soundtrack this week

   Samuel L. Jackson’s rendition of, “Stack-o-Lee” from the Black Snake Moan soundtrack.

Steve was looking forward to tonight. It had been a while since he’d been out; she didn’t like him going, but he wasn’t going to miss out, not on seeing his favourite band.

He asked her to come, but she refused, claiming she didn’t feel well, another ploy to try and keep him home. He would’ve liked her there with him though, maybe then she’d see there was nothing going on behind her back. He loved Sam, why else would he put up with all her abuse? But he’d be damned if he was gonna stop living just because of her petty jealousies.

He pulled up in the parking lot and scanned the other trucks, seeing that Jake and Wes had already arrived. He sauntered over to the main doors and marvelled at how a simple barn conversion in the middle of nowhere had become so popular; the blinking pink and blue neon like a beacon into the night, calling them all to come and party.

Much to the chagrin of those waiting, Steve walked straight in, the bouncer giving him a smile and a nod. Inside cheers went up when they saw him and several beers were lined up on the bar waiting. He handed his keys to Vince at the bar. It was going to be a big night.

By midnight Steve was steaming, oblivious to everything around him except the band. Propped up against a bar stool he thrashed his head about to the beat, ignoring all the women hovering around him. It had been too long since he’s heard Harvey’s band play. But when a glass smashed on the bar and warm blood spattered his face he was suddenly sober, and seeing it was Wes, leapt to his feet.

It only took two swings and the guy with the bottle was on the floor. He foolishly hadn’t noticed Steve – his mistake. The bouncers cleaned the guy up, but Wes was bleeding badly, so he and Jake rallied, along with the two girls who’d been standing with them.

They all headed to the door carrying Wes, until a scream stopped them. When they turned, Steve saw Sam had one of the girls by the hair and was pulling her to the ground, punching and kicking her as hard as she could.

Steve let go of Wes and rushed her; grabbing her by the waist and pushing up against wall, restraining her with an arm across her chest.

“What the fuck are you doing?!”

“I’ll teach that fucking floozy to mess with my man!”

“What? Are you crazy? She’s got nothing to do with me; she’s helping us take Wes outside. Can’t you see his head? It’s been cut open!”

“Yeah right, good cover.”

Steve was speechless. He stood staring at this crazed woman while she struggled to break free, still focused on the girl who was being helped up off the floor.

“Let me go!” She screamed, but Steve just pushed up against her, making it clear that wasn’t going to happen.

“What the hell are you doing here anyway, you said you were sick?”

Sam stopped struggling, although anger still blazed in her eyes. “How the hell else was I gonna to find out who you were screwing?”

Steve nostrils flared, and he abruptly stepped back, the sudden release causing her to stumble and fall to her knees.

“You really don’t fucking get it, do you Sam? I put up with all your shit and I still come home every fucking night.”

From her prone position she sneered up at him. “What? You trying to make me believe that you love me? Ha, don’t make me laugh.”

“No Sam, I DID love you, but I think I just stopped.”

Steve turned to leave, but Sam grabbed his leg. “Don’t you try to make me out to be the crazy one!”

“Oh no, don’t worry, your not the crazy one, I am; crazy to think that loving you would be enough.”

Steve yanked his foot out of her grasp and walked to the door, taking one last glance back at the crumpled woman on the floor. She looked broken - just like his heart.

Guest Blog - Writer Events Q&A with Siobhan Muir

For the last in my series of Guest Blog Writer events Q&A, I bring you Siobhan Muir.

I met Siobhan (online) through my participation in her weekly Flash Fiction challenge #ThursThreads, which she still hosts.

Siobhan is an extremely successful author, and - in her words - writes kick-ass adventure with hot sex for men and women to enjoy. She believes in happily ever after, redemption, and communication, all of which you will find in her paranormal romance stories.

Siobhan’s recent release, The Beltane Witch, is the second book in the Cloudburst Colorado series. Her free read entitled A HellHound’s Fire introduces the first book in the Cloudburst, Colorado series. She has also published Nota Dragon’s Standard Virgin and Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack through Siren Publishing, and Her Devoted Vampire through Evernight Publishing. You can find details of all her books on her website. 

I do have a copy of ‘Not a Dragon’s Standard Virgin’. As yet I have not had a chance to indulge myself, but I look forward to it, as having read Siobhan's flash fiction writing, know her to be a great writer. 

Meantime, Siobhan is far from a novice at writing events, and shares some very valuable insight on her experience. Enjoy.

What was your first writing event? (writing group, writers conference, book fair etc.)

The first writing event I went to was the local meetup group of the Las Vegas Writers Group (original name, I know). I learned several things about writing, including met an agent who really liked the look of werewolf romance Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack. She gave me plenty of pointers for my query letter and on writing in general. She didn't end up taking it, but she did help me get it out there and published. The first conference I went to was Arizona Dreamin' in their inaugural year. It was terrific and I met so many people who have been great connections since then. That's where the attending publisher asked for Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack in its entirety.

Did you go alone (to Writers conference)? 

No, I went with a friend. We drove down from Las Vegas to attend the event in Phoenix, Arizona.

When you went did you go with a specific plan in mind, or focus? did you structure the day, or did you just go and see?

I was so new at the business of writing at the time, we both went down with a few things we wanted to see, but in reality it was more like a free for all. We didn't try to meet with publishers or authors, we just interacted with them on the fly and even met a romance cover model who was there doing a shoot. It was a very good experience and gave me a sense of what all I needed to do to get my books, name, and presence out there for more than just readers to see.

Can you go to a writers conference without a specific focus? Can you just go and look?

Yes. You can go to just hang out and interact. You can go for specific classes/panels, or you can go to meet your favorite authors and have your "fangirl" moments. :D I don't usually go with a specific focus in mind because there is so much going on and opportunities show up when you don't have a schedule. I ended up pitching Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack to the attending publisher at Arizona Dreamin' that first year just because I stopped by and asked them about their company. I interviewed them to see if I wanted to send my book to them. And they wanted it. I didn't plan to do that. At Authors After Dark in 2012, I was standing with one of my favorite authors, Cat Johnson, and they had planned a Voodoo field trip around New Orleans's French Quarter. I hadn't signed up, but there was space, so I got to go on the field trip and interact with other authors along the way. It was spectacular and so worth the unplanned serendipity.

What did you gain from it personally?

Too many things to name, but mostly the connections to other authors and readers. I've learned many writing tips as well, from those who have been doing this longer than I. But the most important thing is the connection. You make friends at these conferences and see them during the year there, but they interact with you online and if they have a bigger readership than you, they can share your news and help you reach more. The conferences are about connections and interactions. This business can be cutthroat, but it doesn't have to be. Most writers are really nice and willing to help each other out, especially of you connect with them in person at the conferences. I try to go to two a year, budget permitting, and I hope to increase that number as my name gets better known. I LOVE meeting people, readers and authors.

Have you ever gone on a writing retreat? If so, what are your thoughts/experiences?

I haven't been to a writing retreat per se, but I have sat in a room with my other writing friends, silently ticking away at the keys. It can be both wonderful and motivational, and completely distracting. If you want to talk to your friends, it’s hard to get any writing done, lol. But in terms of being stuck on some plot point or another, it's great to be around other writers.

For someone starting out, or wanting to go to one and not being sure, what advice would you give?

When you first go to a writing conference or retreat, be prepared to get less done than you hope, but more done than you fear. Also, it's okay to excuse yourself if you need time alone. They can be overwhelming with a lot going on. You don't have to go to every event of every hour of each day. There will be something going on, but you're free to take a look around the city you're in or take some time in your room alone. Pace yourself. These are high energy and exciting events, and they can take a lot out of you, but they are really fun if you measure out your energy for all the things you want to do. I highly recommend going to your first conference as a "reader" just to experience what all is happening. It's a great way to meet authors and professionals in the business. :)

Siobhan will also be attending the Hot Mojave Knights Romance Reader Event in October (2013)

Soul Search - MWBB

Last weeks Mid-Week Blues-Buster entry, brought me a 2nd place. I was quite surprised by this as it is a very short piece, and there were a LOT of other brilliant entries. My favourite was actually the winner, but I am grateful I wasn't judging it! 

Despite being a song by The Police, who I really like, I found this song hard to write for. It was also an unknown song to me, as it was only released in the US. Invisible Song was released in the UK at the same time. I came up with something a little bit more romantic than my usual, but with a whole spiritual, other lives, psychic theme to it. It turned out quite well.

The prompt song this week was:
“Secret journey” by The Police

Lucille stopped in front of the subtly lit signage, knowing it was the place she had seen in her dream. The pull within her was strong; the excitement in her core peaking.

She entered the club and no one at the door batted an eyelid. When shown the card at the cloakrooms she knew she was in the right place; the image on the other side burned in her mind. Her response was met with a quick nod and smile.

When she walked inside, the music made her feel like she had walked into a time warp; its singular note filling the room. The people stood around as though waiting for something, and for a moment she wondered if it was her. Then the beat started and the dancing resumed.

When she approached the bar, she was handed a drink. She sipped it and delighted in its accuracy. Speech was rendered useless here, allowing the music to permeate.

Her mind was flooded with images and thoughts. The eye contact she made drew her in, engaging her in dialogue, tapping a previously untouched depth within her. She had finally arrived. She was among kindred souls.

Lucille looked round for him, he had to be here; he’d been the main player in the dream, going by the name of Rohan. And then, as if on cue, the people in front of her parted and there he was, on the other side of the dance-floor, standing with a group of people.

He looked round as though someone had called his name – and she realised that maybe she just had. The smile that spread across his face when he saw her, made her soul yearn. He wasted no time crossing the room to reach her and embraced her like a long lost lover.

When their lips touched her mind reeled in a white light that filled her entire being. When they broke apart she held his face, and looked deep into his eyes. Moments from their past lives flowed like an exchange of ideas, as they caught up to the present. They had found each other again.

A-Z Book Survey

A writer friend of mine, Ang, brought this survey to my attention, which was started by Jamie, of Perpetual Page Turner blog fame. Then as more of my writer friends did others I had put mine together. 

I love finding out what my writer friends read - even though often I have no idea of the books or authors. Here's those I've managed to catch so far.

Ang, Laura, Eric, Lisa, James, Jeff, Beth, Nick, Jenn, Andy, Jules, Leslie, Kate

Author(s) you’ve read the most books from:

Stephen King, James Herbert, Clive Barker, Terry Pratchett, Raymond Fiest, Agatha Christie.

Best sequel ever:

‘Domain’, by James Herbert.


The last in the Rats, Lair, Domain, trilogy. Superb book, great crescendo and wraps it up perfectly!

Currently reading:

‘11/22/63’ – Stephen King



(bit behind, still catching up on his latest)

Drink of choice while reading:

I tend to read in bed, so I don’t tend to have a drink, but it would be water if I did.

E-reader or physical book?

Physical paperbacks are my favourite book type. I did get an ereader for Christmas, which was great because I could download a lot of books that are only available as ebooks - and also finally read The Plant, by Stephen King, which I’d had for 10 years already!

But travelling with an ereader is not practical, as the battery time is too short, and also when flying you have to put it away during take off and landing, which is when I need a book the most! So I will always pick the paper version over the ebook when I can.

Fictional character you probably would have actually liked to have dated in high school:

The only one that comes to mind is Ruarc from ‘Gaea’s Chosen: The Mayday Directive’, by Cara Michaels. Total heart-throb!

Glad you gave this book a chance:

‘The Da Vinci Code’, by Dan Brown



Totally hyped book, but I am glad I decided to read it. The writing could have been better, but then his wife is a publisher so it didn’t have to be! But the story was good.

Hidden gem book:

I have to go to a self-help book for this really. I had this book in my possession for ten years before actually reading it.

'Unlimited Power' by Tony Robbins.

It teaches you how you can change and/or take control of your thinking to be more successful in any way you choose. Although I am not sure I would have been ready ten years ago for it.

Important moment in your reading life:

Back in the early 1990’s, when I was writing my first novel, a new friend read the first few pages of it, and asked me ‘Do you read a lot of Stephen King novels?’ I then showed him the bookcase full! But it told me that I was copying a style and this was not a good thing, as I needed to find my own voice, so this made me realise I needed to read other authors.

Besides that and my brother handing me a copy of The Wasp Factory, by Iain Banks, saying ‘Read this, cuz you read too much of that horror stuff’ – clearly he hadn’t read it, as it is one of the most disturbing books I have ever read, and put me off the author completely! (well, I lie, I have two of his Sci-Fi novels under Iain M Banks sitting on my shelf, but as yet unread).

Just finished:

‘The Selkie Spell’, by Sophie Moss.



Brilliant book, totally gripped throughout.

Kind of books you won’t read:

Non-Fiction, stories about people’s lives in any given situation – unless autobiography of someone I am interested in.

Catherine Cookson, Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte – those type of historical romance, or ‘life as it was then’ type of books. They just don’t rock my boat. I struggle to read those types of books. I have done so when studying English Literature at college, but I would not choose them for enjoyment.

Vampires, anything romantic vampire related – with the exception of Salem’s Lot by Stephen King.

Anything religious based, with a religious theme/message, such as ‘Christian books’.

Longest book you’ve read:

Probably ‘The Stand Uncut’, by Stephen King at 1168 pages.



Although ‘Under the Dome’ was not far off at 1072 pages.



Major book hangover because of:

‘We have to talk about Kevin’ by Lionel Shriver



I started attending a book club to try and diversify my reading, by reading other authors and genres. When we read this my first child was a young baby, and the story moved me so much I used to just go and stand by his cot and look at him, and think about how my actions, or non-actions, as a mother could affect who he turns out to be. It was a brilliant book, and I would recommend it.

I have never seen the film, besides not being a fan of Tilde Swinton, I also do not like seeing films adapted from books – especially after reading the book. Seeing the film ‘Misery’, based off Stephen King’s book, killed the main character I had in my head after reading it, although ‘The Green Mile’ & ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ were brilliant films and books.

Number of bookcases you own:

There are three here in the loft, and a giant one in the lounge. And my kids have one each in their bedrooms too!

One book you have read multiple times:

I never have time to re-read books - I don't know how other people do! I still have over forty unread books on my shelves! But, I did read ‘The Waste Lands’, and ‘Wizards & Glass’ twice.


The third and fourth novel in the Dark Tower Series by Stephen King, in preparation for the next three from the series he brought out ten years later!

Preferred place to read:

In bed before sleeping, or on a train.

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read:

‘Perhaps you saw what place our universe plays in the scheme of things — as no more than an atom in a blade of grass.’ – The Gunslinger, Dark Tower Series, by Stephen King.

The relativity of size; it blew my mind!

‘The killer of life is not death, but disenchantment.’ -  from a short story in Cemetery Dance Magazine, (I think – still trying to find it!)

This quote changed my perception on life entirely!)




‘We dream of a world we could have, and wake up in the world we have.’ The Squirrel that Dreamt of Madness by Craig Stone.

The accuracy of this resonated completely with me, and I am hell bent on making the world I desire my reality.




Reading regret:

I just don’t have much time, so not many I regret. Only one comes to mind ‘Cupcakes and the Centre of the Universe’, by Whitney Moore – although the concepts were good, it was a lesson in bad writing.

And despite loving several of Dean Koontz’ books, he tends to repeat characters and character dynamic from book to book. Makes for shallow reading and gets a bit tedious.

Series you started and need to finish:

The Foundation series, by Issac Asimov. They are so political, and hard to get into; I’ve only managed three of them.



The Seal Island Trilogy, by Sophie Moss, read the first one – ‘The Selkie Spell’, now need to read ‘The Selkie Enchantress’ and ‘The Selkie Sorceress’

Three of your all-time favourite books:

All time?  Oh god...ermmm...

‘The Talisman’, by Stephen King



‘Weaveworld’, by Clive Barker

|

‘Nobody's True’, by James Herbert



Unapologetic Fangirl for:

Self-help books. I have a large quantity of them. Wayne Dyer, Tony Robbins, - even Dr. Phil in my collection. Life has led me to them as I have needed their contents to survive, and now they are my life blood. 

Very excited for this release more than all the others:

‘Gaea’s Chosen: Heavenly Bodies’, by Cara Michaels. I seriously can. not. wait.!



Worst bookish habit:

Book sniffing! I just have to!

X Marks the spot: start at the top left of your shelf & pick the 27th Book:

‘Rama II’, by Arthur C Clarke & Gentry Lee

 

This is from the Rama Series which consists of four books. It’s the most brilliant series I have ever read!! If you love Sci-fi of any kind, this is worth reading.

Your latest book purchase:

‘Joyland’, by Stephen King


Zzzzz… Last book that kept you up way too late:

All books keep me up late, because otherwise I will never finish them!


*NB. All covers are of the copy I have, which are often old ones.