Friday, October 31, 2008

HAPPY HALLOWEEN




HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Melissa

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Just for fun


Okay, this has nothing to do with writing but, I couldn't resist posting this picture. It cracks me up. I found this picture while looking to add to my action figure collection. Yes, I am a nerd as my teen aged daughter is forever telling me. Hope this gives you a laugh like it me. These are twelve inch action figures.

Melissa

Monday, October 27, 2008

Writing Contest



Today, I am putting the finishing touches on a short Urban Fantasy story I wrote for an upcoming contest. As a matter of fact, I'll be going over my short story the rest of this week before sending it into the contest. As my writing instructor says, "we always want to turn out our best work."


Of course, I hope to win but, I'd settle for 1st, 2nd, 3rd or even honorable mention. Any of which, will get me published in the writing journal so, I can finally post some excerpts so you guys can get a peak at some of my writing. (And give myself alittle ego boost.)


The short story is actually about two of the characters in my manuscript and how they meet. I've let a couple of friends and family read it and so far I've gotten only positive feedback. My significant other said it was very good but, dark!


One of my friends is a Preacher and never reads Urban Fantasy or anything dark. She told me she was just going to read the first couple of lines but, ended up reading the whole story and asking for more. That made me feel good but, weird. She told me that I was very talented if I could get her to read Urban Fantasy:)
Melissa




Monday, October 6, 2008

Egotistical Characters


Don't mind me. I was just sitting here having an argument with Alex, my supposed secondary character in the next manuscript I was planning. I'm trying to convince her that she needs to lay back and play a supporting role in the book. She's telling me, that she has more issues to deal with than the main character, her best friend the vampire. We've been having this disagreement for a week or more. Right now, she's giving me the silent treatment because she's very passionate about how she feels.


I actually came to the realization that Alex was right a couple of days ago but, I don't want to hear her saying, I told you so, over and over again going through my head.


Alex being right creates a problem for me. I was trying to create a certain type of character. A character that I've always wanted to read about. That character was Alex's vamp friend. Now, I'll have to come up with another character/plot to bring that character to life. I already know her, the character that I want bring to life. This time, I'll have to ensure that her sidekick doesn't have dreams of grandeur.


Melissa NC


P.S. Here's another picture I sketched on a rather stressful day.


Friday, October 3, 2008

Busy Writing Week


This week has been filled with homework from Terry Spear's Conflict writing class, putting the final touches on The Prodigal Demon, a short story I wrote for an upcoming contest in November, working on finishing my 1st manuscript tentatively entitled "Cursed Blood."


As soon as I get the okay, I plan on posting excerpts from some of my WIPs. "The Prodigal Demon" started out as a way for me to get to know two of the characters in my manuscript better. It didn't start out as a story but, when I finished. I thought it actually made a pretty good story by itself, and would give readers more insight into the characters in the book, if it gets published. (fingers crossing)


The classes I have been taking under Terry Spear have been awesome. She gives constructive criticism and invaluable insight. Her classes aren't just for new writers like myself but, for all levels of writing. You can take her classes directly though her website. This is my third class with Terry. I plan on taking all of her classes. The cost is very affordable too. It's only twenty dollars for a month with three assignments a week. An extremely good bargain. The financial state of the nation being what it is, this is a very good thing.


Terry, gives you a lot bang for the buck and she realizes that most of us have day jobs and families so, she is really good about letting you turn in your assignments when you can. I guess she's so understanding because she is quite busy herself. She give lectures, teaches online classes, is a multi-published/contracted author writing in several genres and also has a family life that requires her attention.
Melissa NC
P.S. Last week after three weeks, the person who stole my writing notebook with all my classnotes from the last 5 writing classes and notes on my WIPs "The Prodical Demon" and "Cursed Blood" placed them in a drawer where I would find them. They also returned a book I was reading, "Full Moon Rising" by Keri Author. (Happy Dance)