Friday's Fiction - Ads

I've got to admit, some of the greatest works of fiction (fiction is by its nature, a lie) of our time are advertisements. On the internet alone, there are thousands of ads filling our e-mail boxes and our screens, all of them offering free stuff, or weight loss miracles, or better *performance*, or debt reduction, just to name a few.

And television ads aren't any better. I especially like the ads with 28 year old models who talk about looking old, while touting a product supposed to make you look younger.

Feel like a kid again.

You deserve a break, so eat out.

There's even one beer can that indicates when the beer is cold. Obviously, this is for people who wear gloves or who have lost feeling in their hands.

Or, the world as we know it will come to a screeching halt resulting in chaos if we choose to pay with cash or a check instead of a piece of plastic.

Remember a few years ago when the guy kept telling someone on the other end of his cell phone that he didn't do commercials? Yeah, and consumers still bought the phones, even though they knew the guy was lying, because, well it was a commercial.

And hey, I've never had a Viking ask me what's in my wallet.

Have a great weekend, Everyone!
Jessie

Thursday Thirteen

Happy Thursday, Everyone! I've been working on the first draft of Somewhere in the Night, the sequel to Lord Night. The stories take place in an alternate dimension created as a real-life video game. So, here are thirteen games I've been addicted to over the years:

1. Tetris: I bought this computer game in the early 90's, and I still play it almost every day.

2. Space Invaders: One of the original arcade games.

3. Wolfenstein: Finding all the secret hiding places and killing monsters.

4. Rook: Could sit and play for hours, especially during the holidays.

5. The Legend of Zelda: The original had crappy graphics, but Link was just sooo cute, and there was lots of hidden goodies to find.

6. Test Drive Off Road II: I've only beaten it once. My family laughs at me, because I cannot play this game sitting still. I move with the vehicle.

7. King's Quest I - IV: Love the puzzles, and the graphics were good for the time.

8. Mine Sweeper: Yes, the game which comes on everyone's PC. I've had it set on a 24x30 board forever and am up to 215 bombs.

9. Scrabble: Love the word game.

10. Bejeweled: My high score is over 2,000,000. Those sparklies call to me.

11. Asteroids: Another arcade original. We used to double-team the game, with one of us guiding the spaceship and one of us shooting. Worked well.

12. Mario: The original. I've picked up Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii, but haven't started playing yet.

13. Myst: The eerie world kept me interested, even though the puzzles were so-so, and I figured out the shortcut to win very early in the game.

Plus, there are many, many more games I've played over the years, but was never to the point where I played them more than once or twice. And, there are some games which I love to watch others play, but have no desire to pick up the controller.

Jessie

Wednesday W(h)ines - The NFL Network

Tomorrow night the Green Bay Packers play the Dallas Cowboys in an NFC showdown. The young gun, Tony Romo, faces the seasoned gun slinger, Brett Favre in what should be an awesome game. Probably one of the best of the season.

But I won't get to watch it.

Why? Because it's on the NFL Network, and while I have the NFL Network on my cable system, they don't carry the games. According to the cable provider, the NFL Network charges and arm and a leg for games and it's cost prohibitive to air them.

It's bad enough that I haven't seen a Colts game since November 11th, and I won't get to see them this week, but missing the Packers/Cowboys game adds insult to injury. This doesn't endear me to either the NFL Network or my cable provider.

Yes, I know some satellite providers air the games. Before I moved, we had one and I saw all the NFL Network games last season. When we moved, though, I had to find another provider or use dial-up for my internet. Yes, I made the choice, and based my choice on getting the the Sci-Fi channel and the NFL Network, among a few others. At that time, there was no hint of not being able to see the games.

So, I'm stuck, along with a lot of other unhappy fans, because the cable companies and the NFL Network are having a pis#### contest. Unfortunately, it's the fans who are caught in the crossfire without a raincoat.

Jessie

Tuesday Tunes - Singin' a Sad Song Today

As we enter into the Christmas Season, and most eyes turn to literary works such as A Christmas Carol, I look to another of Dickens' classics - A Tale of Two Cities.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."

Last Thursday, my mother, sister, and I went to the hospital to visit my new grandbaby (the best of times). He's so beautiful, and alert, and full of life, and while I feel so truly blessed with my family, my heart hurts. We all shed tears of joy and sorrow, because my father wasn't there.

It was this time last year when we learned of his cancer (the worst of times). One of the most poignant memories I have of him is about a week afterward. We were sitting at the kitchen table (our favorite spot), and he told me, "And if I die, think about the adventure I'll have then."

You can see why I always say Dad is my greatest inspiration.

Now, I have a new chapter in my own life's adventure. Being a grandma. I can't wait to show up for grandparents day at school on my motorcycle with cupcakes in the saddle bags. Oh yeah, Dad would totally appreciate that.

Jessie

Monday's Moments - Cursed

On November 26, 1922, Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon were the first to enter the tomb of King Tutankhamen.

Shortly after Lord Carnarvon entered the tomb of the boy king, he was bitten on the cheek by a mosquito. During a morning shave, he aggravated the bite and it became infected. He died before medical help arrived. What's strange though, is that all of the lights in Cairo purportedly went out the moment he died.

When they unwrapped the mummy, it had a wound on its left cheek in the same exact position as Carnarvon's bite.

Howard Carter, however, was the first to enter the tomb of King Tut and lived a full decade after the discovery, which he spent cataloguing the contents of the tomb.

The media of the day went wild with tales of a mummy's curse, dogs howling in the darkest hours of the night and then dying, cobras eating pet canaries, etc. There was speculation that Carter had found an inscription of the curse on a tablet, on a candle base, on the entrance to the tomb, or on a wall in the tomb, and decided to destroy the warning so as not to frighten his superstitious workers. He denied all claims of finding such a curse.

Others also survived, including the 10 people who were present when the mummy was unwrapped. According to Herbert E. Winlock, the director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, out of the 22 people present when the tomb was opened, 6 had died by 1934. And of the 22 people present when the sarcophagus was opened, only 2 had died in the following decade.

We'll never truly know the complete story of King Tut, the king who took the throne at the age of 7, 8, or 9, and who then was probably murdered at the age of 17, 18, or 19. But we do know his tomb, though small and hastily built in the rubble of Ramses VI's tomb, held great treasures.
Jessie

Thursday Thirteen

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone! I'm Taking a break from my usual thesaurus and looking forward to a great day spent with my family. I'm thankful for God and everything he's given me, including a healthy new grandbaby! So, before I get to any serious cooking, here's 13 things I'll do today (aside from cooking & eating).

1. Clean the bathroom.
2. Dry the Laundry
3. Argue with Hubby.
4. Send Him to the Store.
5. Watch Lots of Footbal.
6. Visit my new grandson at the hospital.
7. Take Pictures.
8. Hunt for the Rook Cards.
9. Play Rook
10. Play the Wii
11. Check my E-mail.
12. Write & work on revisions.
13. Read.

Jessie

Wednesday W(h)ines

No whines today.

I've been scouring the internet looking at wines for Thanksgiving, and the concensus seems to be a light red, like Pinot Noir, or Beaujolais Nouveau, or any crisp white, like a Chardonnay or Riesling.

Personally, I go for the Pinot Noir, slightly chilled. For a white, I'd go with the Riesling. Of course, those are just my choices. The real rule of wine drinking is to serve what you like.

Yesterday's Answers:
1. You'll say, "We've got nothing in common. No common ground to start from, and..."
b) we're falling apart
Breakfast at Tiffany's, by Deep Blue Something

2. Ooh, Baby, when I see your face, gentle as the month of may. Ooh Darling, ...
a) I can't stand it
I Feel the Earth Move, by Carole King

3. Walk in shadow, move in silence...
a) guard against extra terrestrial violence
Men In Black, by Will Smith

4. We are the children, the last generation...
c) we are the ones they left behind
We Don't Need Another Hero, by Tina Turner

5. But I carry this feeling, when you walked into my house...
a) that you won't be walking out the door
Leather and Lace, by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley

6. Sitting in the movie show thinking...
b) nasty thoughts
Nasty, by Janet Jackson

7. You can pout your cherry lips, try to tempt him with a sweet kiss, you can flirt your pretty eyes...
a) he ain't got his hands tied
He Loves U Not, by Dream

8. You turned me out, you turned me on...
a) you turned me loose
You Dropped a Bomb on Me, by The Gap Band

9. A kiss is just a kiss. A sigh is just a sigh. The fundamental things apply...
b) as time goes by
As Time Goes By, by Dooley Wilson

10. If you're lost, you can look...
a) and you will find me
Time After Time, by Cyndi Lauper

Have a safe & wonderful Thanksgiving!
Jessie

Tuesday's Trivial Tunes

In honor of all the new television shows popping up with a finish the lyrics theme, and my own love of music trivia, I've decided to do my own. These lyrics are from the first 10 songs which played from my music library at work. Unfortunately, I don't have any money to give away, but the first person to e-mail me at jessie.verino@gmail.com before midnight, November 20th with the correct answers will receive a free copy of Spellbound or Sensual Energy. I'll post the answers tomorrow.

*No. 11 was Sylvia's Mother, by Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show. Kinda gives you an idea about my music...*

1. You'll say, "We've got nothing in common. No common ground to start from, and..."
a) we'll end the slump
b) we're falling apart
c) we're almost done

2. Ooh, Baby, when I see your face, gentle as the month of may. Ooh Darling, ...
a) I can't stand it
b) when you tenderly call my name
c) I've just got to have you

3. Walk in shadow, move in silence...
a) guard against extra terrestrial violence
b) take 'em down in sequence
c) lull them to complacence

4. We are the children, the last generation...
a) looking for someone we can rely on
b) is it all over then
c) we are the ones they left behind

5. But I carry this feeling, when you walked into my house...
a) that you won't be walking out the door
b) that you'd been here before
c) I knew you'd never want to leave

6. Sitting in the movie show thinking...
a) I'd rather be with you
b) nasty thoughts
c) to show you my moves

7. You can pout your cherry lips, try to tempt him with a sweet kiss, you can flirt your pretty eyes...
a) he ain't got his hands tied
b) take your best shot
c) you can tell lies

8. You turned me out, you turned me on...
a) you turned me loose
b) you turned me upside down
c) you turned me in

9. A kiss is just a kiss. A sigh is just a sigh. The fundamental things apply...
a) like the blue of the sky
b) as time goes by
c) a case of do or die

10. If you're lost, you can look...
a) and you will find me
b) inside your heart
c) at a map

Good Luck!
Jessie

Monday's Moments - Pencils & PopTarts

A few weeks ago, I blogged about the first patent on the ballpoint pen. I thought it only fair to give the pencil equal time. On November 19, 1895, Frederick E. Blaisdell of Philadelphia, PA patented what he termed a "paper pencil." It was a piece of lead wrapped in paper with a string for revealing more lead. It probably looked a lot like our modern day china markers.

Personally, I don't like pencils, or more accurately, the sound they make when I write with them. Even in school, I used my favorite Bic pen to solve mathematical equations. I use pens to work crossword and other puzzles. Occassionally, I have to use a pencil at work, but I keep it sharpened to a lethal point to cut down on the scratching sound it makes.

Also on this date, Kellogg's introduced a new pastry/breakfast food: the PopTart. I ate them for years, and still buy them every once in awhile. I'm really more of a traditionalist when it comes to PopTarts. I've seen flavors come and go, and I've never been tempted to try any of the *wacky* flavors, which I'm sure are more to entice children than adults. My favorite changes, too. At first, it was the frosted brown sugar cinnamon. Then, it was chocolate with the white stuff in the center. Then, I went for cherry. Then, blueberry.

I haven't been able to find out which is the most popular flavor, but I suspect it's frosted strawberry, my DH's favorite.

What's your favorite flavor?

Jessie

Friday's Fiction - The Liturgical Mysteries

Haydin Konig is the Police Chief St. Germaine, a small town in North Carolina. He's also the organist and choir director at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. What he wants to be is a writer of hard-boiled mysteries. In pursuit of his dream, he purchases Raymond Chandler's typewriter in a vain hope that it will help spur his creativity.

It doesn't.

The Alto Wore Tweed is the liturgical mystery contained within the pages of this book, written on the old typewriter and intersperced with the real story. There's a dead body in the choir loft, and Hayden must find the killer.

Between the Penguin of Bethlehem, the 12 year-old wine snob, and the rest of the quirky population of St. Germaine, I lauged all the way through this book.

There are five books in the series so far: The Alto Wore Tweed, The Bariton Wore Chiffon, The Tenor Wore Tapshoes, The Soprano Wore Falsettos, and the Bass Wore Scales. I've read the first four and have yet to be disappointed.

They're light, easy reads. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon, or the choir loft.

Have a Great Weekend!

Jessie

Thursday Thesaurus - Inspiration

Inspiration - n

My Handy-Dandy Thesaurus suggests: arousal, awakening, big idea, brainstorm, creativity, enthusiasm, motivation, muse and spark, among others.

I found this very interesting from a writing standpoint, because I always considered my inspiration as something a little more long-lasting.

But consider this: I hear a song and the beat of the music, or one of the lyrics, or the title arouses my imagination. There's a spark of creativity, the awakening of a big idea which motivates me to write. With enthusiasm I brainstorm my idea until it becomes a story.

The only one I left out was "muse".

I know some writers who depend on their muse for every word they write, or I hear phrases like, "My muse took over the story." Then, there are some who wrestle their muse to the ground, stomp on it, and declare they are writing whether their muse is willing or not.

I like the second group. Not that I haven't fallen victim to the first group--after all it's a convenient excuse not to write today. I'm just not feeling it. I can't find my muse.

Well, using my astonishing powers of deduction from the list of words above, you shouldn't be looking for your muse. The creature has already left to become inspiration for another writer. The muse should be fleeting. A brilliant flash which gets you started, but doesn't hang around for the actual work involved in writing your story.

You haven't lost your muse, the inspiration you had when you started your story is still there. It's done it's part. You have to do yours if you want the story written.

Jessie

Wednesday W(h)ines

Traffic sucks. There's always some sort of interstate construction going on, and I could avoid it if I want to drive through no less than three school districts. There's construction on the bypass, which I don't use, but travel past every morning. So, it backs up traffic on the interstate for about a mile where we all travel around 10mph. Then, as soon as we pass that, we hit a stretch of interstate construction all our own...two lanes at 45mph. And almost everyone wants to get in the outside lane to travel into downtown, which of course means we play chicken with those who are brave enough to still use the three on-ramps to the interstate which are still open.

Okay, I got that out of my system, but really, it's enough to drive a person to drink (pun intended). No drinking while driving, though, and no drinking at the day job. In fact, there have been a few functions I've been to lately where alcohol was a no-no. So, my wine for this week is...
Sparkling Grape Juice.

I know. I know. It isn't a wine, but it's a first cousin and good for pretending. First, we popped the "cork" at our monthly SMRW meeting (at the public library) to celebrate two of our members who signed contracts last month. Cheryel Hutton signed with Samhain, and Leanne Tyler signed with The Wild Rose Press.

I don't care for the red sparkling grape juice, but the white was decent. So, when I was asked to buy some more the "bubbly" last night, I skipped the red altogether.

I may pick up a bottle the next time I'm at the grocery store to keep at the office. Who knows? I might have a chance to celebrate something at the day job, and I want to be ready.

Just in case.

Jessie

Tuesday Tunes

We finally got some rain here in East Tennessee!!

In honor of this, I'm asking, "What's your favorite *rain* song?"

Here are a few from my playlist, and then some, in no particular order. If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be Purple Rain or I Wish it Would Rain. So, pick one and let me know, or throw another title into the mix.

What's Your Favorite "Rain" Song Lizzie & the Rain Man, by Tanya Tucker Fire & Rain, by James Taylor Purple Rain, by Prince I Wish it Would Rain, by The Temptations Rain King, by the Counting Crows Rain Down on Me, by Genesis Laughter in the Rain, by Neil Sedaka Rainy Days & Mondays, by The Carpenters Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head, by BJ Thomas Blame it on the Rain, by Milli Vanilli Rainy Night in Georgia, by Ray Charles Kentucky Rain, by Elvis Presley Let it Rain, by Eric Clapton It's Raining Again, by Supertramp Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, by Willie Nelson Current Results

Have a great day!

Jessie

Monday's Moments

To all who serve, who have served, and who will serve, we salute you. For your sacrifice, your dedication, and your loyalty, we simply, humbly say thank you.

On November 11, 1928, the first American Soldier was interred in The Tomb of the Unknowns, orginally called the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and which has never been officially named.

On May 30, 1958, two American Soldiers from WWII and the Korean War were laid to rest beside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Their markers are flush with the plaza grounds.

On May 28, 1984, an American Soldier from the Vietnam War was laid to rest, but was exhumed on May 14, 1998 and identified as Michael Joseph Blassie through DNA testing. The crypt has remained empty since that time.

The Tomb of the Unknowns is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year by soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment -- The Old Guard. The soldiers guarding the tomb never wear rank insignia on their uniforms so as not to outrank the Unknowns.

The Unknown Soldier of WWI was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross. All others have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

HERE RESTS IN
HONORED GLORY
AN AMERICAN
SOLDIER
KNOWN BUT TO GOD

Peace & Comfort to you, our Soldiers.

Jessie

Friday's Fiction

The Circle Trilogy, by Nora Roberts
published 2006

I'm still reading Creation in Death, so I thought I'd go with something from JD Robb's alter-ego. I don't normally read Nora Roberts titles, but I won this set at a chapter meeting, and the paranormal elements sucked me right in. Again, not a review, just my personal take.

A man from ancient Ireland, his brother the vampire, the vampire hunter, the shapeshifter, the witch, and a few others are brought together by the Goddess Morrigan to defeat the evil vampire. The stories span a number of time periods and lands.

I enjoyed this trilogy. The ancient and modern, and not quite of our realm, are beautifully woven together. There's a bit of "mad scientist" feel to the magic, and the characters are true to their personalities.

Status: I recommend them, but they will go back to the prize locker.

Have a great weekend!

Jessie

Thursday Thesaurus

Metaphor - n

My handy, dandy thesaurus suggests: analogy, image, symbol, among others.

Writers use metaphors all the time. You may not realize it, as some are very skillfully used, and some, well they're just lazy or weak writing.

Stephen King's use of blood in Carrie is a perfect example of symbolism. He didn't do it conciously, and only took notice of it after the first draft of the story. However, he used it to its full advantage, because whether the reader realized it or not, very few people ever think of blood as a good thing. So, blood as a metaphor for change? For death & destruction? For power? These are used almost universally and connect with the reader.

Metaphors used by writer which are considered weak or lazy, (usually called cliche's) in my opinion fail to engage the reader. There's still a universal connectivity, but the readers' senses aren't engage.

For example: To describe a villain, a writer might write this:

The man didn't care for anyone or anything. He had a heart of stone.

As a reader, I get the general idea here. We've all known people like our villain, and if I were to read this in a story, the words would paint a vague and quick description. One to which I wouldn't give very much thought. (This is also telling instead of showing.)

I use weak metaphors sometimes in my first draft and then strengthen them during revisions. In the second draft, it might look something like this:

Apathy clung to his skin, shrouded him. Protected him from all the destructive emotions others seemed to be afflicted with. His right front tire thumped, and in the rearview mirror he noticed a small dog writhing on the pavement. Damn! He'd have to get the front end aligned again.

Granted, it's not a great example, but doesn't it give you a more clear picture? Not only does it show he doesn't care about the poor dog's suffering, but this obviously isn't the first time he's run over an animal, or perhaps worse.

If you're tempted to use metaphors in your writing, do so in the first draft. Then weed them out. (Couldn't resist using one more.)

Jessie

Wednesday W(h)ines

Too many books - not enough time.

I'm doing something which I rarely do. I'm reading two books. Normally, I read them one at a time, but last night I couldn't help myself. With only about 100 pages left in Requiem for An Assasin, I started Creation in Death. Why do I torture myself this way? I lost too many hours of sleep last week reading Lover Unbound, and it looks like I'm going to lose some more sleep this week. Because, you guessed it, after I went to bed last night, I got back up, and read some more.

Since last week, I've done a little (very little) research on wines. One of the things I've learned is that you need to let it breathe. It has something to do with releasing and mellowing the flavors.

I think a good book should be treated with the same deference as a good wine. One shouldn't simply pop the cork and guzzle from the bottle, nor should one crack open a book and dive right into the first page.

Let it breathe.

Admire the artwork on the dust cover (or regular cover if it's a paperback). Take a few moments to read the cover blurb, the inside cover excerpt, a few of the reviews (in the case of Mark Schweizer's books, these are as entertaining as the story), and the titles of the author's other works. Let all of these flavors come alive and mingle, adding to the rich texture of the story.

Don't guzzle.

You may miss some of the subtle nuances. Savor the experience. Just as there are a limited number of bottles for any vintage, this is the only *first time* you'll read this book.

Jessie

Tuesday's Tunes

Today is Glen Frey's birthday. He's 59. He's written some of my favorite songs, with the Eagles and solo. Some of his songs include:

Take It Easy
New Kid in Town
Doolin-Dalton
Smuggler's Blues
The Best of My Love
I Can't Tell You Why
Wasted Time
Tequila Sunrise
and many, many more.

I have New Kid in Town on 45 rpm record. Most of the others, I have on album or disk. It's hard to pick a favorite among his songs, but if pressed, I might be able to narrow the ones I have listed to one or two.

New Kid in Town, I Can't Tell You Why, & Tequila Sunrise. Those soulful tunes get to me.

So, Happy Birthday, Mr. Frey, and may you have many more.

Jessie

Monday's Moments

I spent a lot of time researching cameras for one of my stories today. I know nothing about good cameras, and that no doubt slowed my research. However, I finally decided my hero uses a Hasselblad 503CW and either a Linhof Master Technica or a Mimiya (sp).

But, it got me thinking. Can we really capture a moment?

With the advances in photography, specifically with digital imaging, we can take loads of pictures and almost instantly upload them and arrange them in electronic albums. This is a lot easier and cheaper than the pictures I have in the plastic sleeve pages of my "old fashioned" albums, or the even older static pages.

Yesterday, I took several pictures at a baby shower. The mother-to-be glowed as she opened presents, and the father, well let's just say his excitement was less noticeable. After all, we forced him into staying while a few other guys were watching football in the back room.

And once the baby is born, there will be many other pictures: of the birth, his hospital stay, his room, his feedings, people holding him, his first steps, and so on. Moments that might've been lost without a camera at the ready.

Or would they be lost? Time and memory might slowly fade the joys the pictures try to show us, but I have many, many memories which are (at least for now) as sharp and vivid as the event itself. When I'm 80, will a picture bring the emotions back to me? When I'm gone, with those emotions die with me, or will someone pick up an old photograph, or see the picture on a computer screen and think, "That's a happy moment."

I hope I leave behind a million happy moments.

Jessie

Friday's Fiction

This is book 5 of the series. I've read all of them (several times), and have become totally engrossed in this world and these characters, their struggles.

Vishous is not an easy man to love. Respect, yes, but he has a dark core. Where the other brothers can usually find some humor, Vishous remains passive. His joy is pain, his pain is unbearable.

Then just as his life is turned inside out by a revelation none of the brothers could have predicted, he is mortally wounded. Dr. Jane Whitcomb patches him up, but there are a few complications.

Oh, Wow. This book cost me a couple hours of sleep this week. I had to force myself to close the book and get some sleep at 2:00 a.m. at least twice in the last few nights. Beautifully written, gritty, sensually charged, this book has it all.

Status: Never loaning out.

Have a great weekend, Everyone!

Jessie

Thursday Thesaurus

Construct - v

My Handy Dandy thesaurus suggests: build, fabricate, create, and arrange (among others).

Of course, most people think of buildings or manufacturing plants. Very few people apply the word to writing, but look at it this way:

I build a world.

I fabricate the societal structures of the world

I create (hopefully) believable characters who live in the world.

I arrange situations, conflicts, and other obstacles to complete the plot.

And I do it all without having to wear an uncomfortable hard hat, or smashing my thumb with a hammer. Sometimes, it's hot, sweaty work and leaves me with sore muscles and a headache, and sometimes it's more like I spent the day holding the "Men Working" sign.

I've started writing again, and the muscles are a little limp, so I decided to start some workouts. Someone, (I wish I could remember who so I could give her credit) sent an e-mail on one of my loops today about the Ficlets website. At Ficlets, you can start a story, or add to a story with a prequel or sequel. The catch? You only have 1024 characters. It makes you write tight.

I added a starter today (The Key), and I'll probably try to put something up once or twice a week. It's also great for getting the creative juices flowing. So, instead of writing, I'm doing creative construction.

Jessie