New Rule

No reading blogs, surfing the internet, checking AW's forum, and all similar procrastination techniques until after I've done some writing.

Can I make it through an entire week?

Heh. Just remembered: I haven't written yet today. Day 1, and I've already broken the rule. oops.

October Blog Chain - Masquerade

This is the first time I've ever participated in Absolute Write's monthly blog chain, and I've got to say... everyone's posts so far have blown my mind.

Hosted by Auburn Assassin, the theme/topic for this month is: masquerade.

I tried. I tried really hard to write a story, but my character had other ideas. The first thing that popped into my head was a masquerade ball - she refused to follow directions and got lost.

So the only coherent stuff I have is a conversation with her. By the way, she doesn't have a name mainly because she hasn't liked anything I've come up with, and she refuses to give me suggestions. She's so picky. Anyways, here it is:

“Oh merciful heavens,” the girl rolled her eyes at me. “Are you still drawing a complete blank?” She huffed in annoyance and paced. The room was revealed with each step she took. Sparsely furnished, it didn’t take her too long to walk the length of it.

“Can’t you think of something? Anything at all? A plot shouldn’t be this hard to come up with.” Eyes hopeful, she pranced up to me and took both my hands in hers. “What about a huge monster for me to slay?”

I cocked my head to the side. That would be exciting.

“A quest to right a horrible wrong?”

I nodded. It’s a little vague, but it could work.

“Finding the love of my life?”

I smiled. I like romance.

“C’mon! I need something to do!” the girl reached behind her and scratched at one of her feathered wings. “I refuse to go to your silly masquerade ball. I don’t care if that’s the subject for your blog-roll thing. Plus, you don’t even know what the ball is for! I need a plot I can really shine in. I will not be written away in your state of being muse-lessness.”

Muse-lessness?

She narrowed her eyes at me. “Don’t mock me. It’s a word. I just made it up. Deal with it.”

I rolled my eyes. Someone’s cranky today.

“You bet I’m cranky.” She flexed her wings and gave a few experimental flaps. “Look at my poor wings! I’m losing muscle tone because you won’t let me do anything.” She glared at me. “You can’t keep me locked up in your head forever.”

I sighed. I know.

She smiled beatifically at me. “Give me a plot and I’ll make it sparkle. Who cares if it’s clichéd and all been done before. I certainly don’t. I mean sure, you’ll probably try to make me do something I don’t want to do. Like going to a dead-end masquerade ball.”

I frowned. That ball was going to be spectacular… until you decided you didn’t want to attend.

She waved her hand at my protest. “Whatever. What I’m trying to say is that I won’t let you make me do something I don’t want to do.”

I sighed again. You’re going to frustrate the hell out of me, aren’t you?

She grinned impishly. “Most definitely.”

I’m probably going to want to kill you off prematurely.

“But you can’t.”

I rolled my eyes. That’s what you think.

“C’mon,” she cajoled. “It’ll be difficult for both of us, but it’ll be worth it. You’re writing again. I’m getting pushier and more demanding. It’s a match made in heaven!

I hedged. I guess I could think about it.

She gave a hoot of joy. “Awesome! We’re going to have so much fun!”

Here's a list of everyone participating in the October Blog Chain. Definitely check them out... you won't regret it!:

Auburn Assassin and direct link to post
Hillary Jacques and direct link to post
Aimee Laine and direct link to post
Ralph Pines and direct link to post
Veinglory and direct link to post
Laffarsmith and direct link to post
PASeaholtz and direct link to post
Madelein.Eirwen <-- you are here
Amy Doodle
CScottMorris
Orion_mk3
Dolores Haze
Aheila
FreshHell
IrishAnnie
Lilain
Semmie
Bettedra

Good News of September

I have rediscovered adding chocolate powder to my morning coffee. That hint of chocolate-y goodness brings a smile to my face whenever I take a sip. :)

For the past few days I've been thinking heavily about all the bad news I've heard this month. (It's quite strange: all the serious bad news occurred during this month). This morning, there was no usual ritual of trying to convince myself it's a good idea to get out of my warm bed. I woke up crying. I don't remember what I was dreaming about. Just the overwhelming emotion of sadness.

I went to look for my quote of the day, and this is the first thing that popped up:

"Drag your thoughts away from your troubles.. by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it." - Mark Twain

Tears of gratefulness actually started welling up in my eyes. It was exactly what I needed to hear. For whatever reason, an angel is looking out for me. So I'm going to focus on the good of this month. Because really, this month isn't all that bad. It just seems that way because I keep thinking of the negative.

Good news of September:

1) after long months of search and rejection, my friend found a job
2) another friend was able to vacation in London
3) my cousin is pregnant
4) got to see family from New Zealand - apparently it's been 30+ years since our family's seen them
5) my second cousin got married to his long-time girlfriend



In other news, I just joined a writing forum called Absolute Write. A little intimidated, but it looks like a fun place and the people seem really nice.