Drained

Okay yeah, this is really late, but I'd just like to thank everyone who participated in the Kindle release for From the Ashes! Seriously, I can't thank you enough. You made it an amazing release day!

I'm still trying to get used to the fact that I'm actually published. Does it ever really sink in?

Anyway, as far as writing goes, I have definitely not done enough.

My soul feels deprived of writing.

Honestly, this blog post is the only writing I've done for fun in a few weeks. The rest has been for school, and yeah, okay maybe I am an author, but I'm not good at writing things people tell me to write about.

So this week, I'm going to try my best to wake up really early with my mom so that I have time to do some editing or writing. Lately, I've been feeling completely drained of energy, and I think it's due to a lack of writing. Book two needs lots of work, and I can actually say that people are waiting for me to finish it now.

And I miss Jaina, and I think she misses me. She's been left in suspense about what's going to happen.

LOTS of pressure on me.

So yeah, that's kinda the plan.

What are you guys doing this week?

–Jess

The "Publish" Button

First of all, I just want to say thank you to everyone who helped out with my Cover Release! You guys made it all truly epic, and I feel like I can't thank you enough!

If you didn't see the cover, just scroll down.

Anyway, I was so scared for quite a while about releasing it. I was afraid people might think it sounded too much like The Hunger Games or something (which a few did unfortunately…)

But overall, I think it went really well.

Okay, what I'm really excited for now, is getting the long awaited Author's Review Copy. Like, I'm literally finding it hard to sit still just waiting for it. CreateSpace said that I should get it within five to seven days.

And they said that about four days ago, so I'm dying to see my book in print.

I also realized that after I submit my final revisions for the story…

There's a "publish" button.

So like, when I click publish, it will be published.

I mean how cool and scary is that!?

Anyway, I'm just sorta freaking out about all this.

Happy Monday!

--Jess
麥潔思

Shh…

Come back on Monday.

I'll need some feedback, but hopefully it's a nice surprise :)

Have a nice weekend!

-Jess

P.S.

Are you excited? I'm a little nervous.

Have a Nice Weekend!

In school, I'm taking a Creative Writing class. And if you haven't guessed already, the class is so much fun.

All of the assignments are really creative, and there are a lot of writing exercises that are giving me so many new story ideas! The one problem is that I'm getting so many, and I'm not sure I'll ever be able to write them all :(

Anyway, I'm just over 75% done with my final edits. After that, my mom's going to read it again and depending on what needs to be done, I'll either have my editor take a last look at it (which would probably lead to another "final" round of edits), or skim over it then publish.

I can't believe I'm actually getting this close!

Could it really be only a matter of time before I'm a published author?

Oh and just as a fun fact, I'm learning Chinese this year. Actually, I've been learning it since 6th grade, and I just love it (that doesn't mean I'm any good at speaking it…) Either way, I just wanted to show you my favorite Chinese character.

龍

I think it's the prettiest out of all of them. It's pronounced like: long. But you have to follow the tone up, so you almost say it like a question. The actual pronunciation is: lóng. It means dragon.

(Now can you guess why it's my favorite? :)

周末愉快！

(Zhōumò yúkuài)

or

Have a nice weekend!

--Jess (麥潔思）

KOMF #7

Here's the prompt:

Kathy and I are giving you 5 TELLING sentences to choose from.  The object is to pick a sentence and create a scene in 500 words or less that SHOWS what the sentence is about.

For bonus points, don't include the sentence you chose (or any alteration of it) in your scene. Your readers should be able to guess which one you described!

Here are the sentences to choose from:

• It was the most interesting birthday ever.
• He/she's so obnoxious.  
• It was dark.
• The meal was delicious.
• He/she was in a bad mood.

Okay, here's my entry!

The sky grows darker, and the surrounding trees bend in toward us. The light of day begins to fade.

“You okay?” His voice startles me from my thoughts and I look up at him. Desmond’s lips are pressed tightly together, and his face is woven with pain.

A spark lights within me, wanting me to forgive him. But I can’t. I don’t respond and turn to look at the trees.

He sighs. “I’m sorry.”

“You should be,” I snap, suddenly fighting back tears. “You lied to me. How could you?”

His footsteps crunch softly on the leafy ground, growing louder. “It was for your safety.”

I whip around to face him. “When isn’t it about my safety!? I’ll be just fine.”

He’s closer to me than I expect. Desmond reaches out and touches my arm, but I jerk away.

“Don’t touch me.”

Desmond swallows hard and clenches his jaw tight. “You know I’d do anything for you, Alira.”

“Why don’t you trust me?” I ask.

“I trust you with my life.”

I grit my teeth and push him backward. “No you don’t. Now leave me alone.”

***

Definitely not my best, but I hope you enjoyed it!

Here are the other entries, so go check theirs out!

Have a great day!

--Jess

The Distraction

Monday's Knights of MicroFiction prompt was:

Your character is trapped in a space (of your choice).  All they have with them is a broken coffee mug, an unlit candle and a cell phone with a dead battery.  What happens?

Your entry cannot be longer than 400 words and we won't be taking entries after midnight on the 15th EST.

Little correction.

We won't be taking entries after 11:59pm on the 15th.  So, if you haven't posted and you still want to join in, you still have time!

Anyway, here's my entry:

The Distraction

Asha weakly lifted her head.  Every muscle in her body was either sore or bruised and she’d almost given up hope for escape.

Almost.

The prison bars before her were only an obstacle.  What really kept her locked inside was her mind.  Her mental strength wasn’t great enough to hope.  Not until now.

It must’ve been nearing five o’clock.  The guards were less interested in her and more interested in dinner.  No one admitted it, but clearly they weren’t equipped for a breakout.

Asha glanced up at the camera, keeping a constant eye on her in the darkness.  Now was her chance.

Her fingers found the dead phone in her pocket and she placed it on the lock to her prison cell.  She took a deep breath.  This had to work.

She glanced back up toward the camera, making sure it was still watching.  She could only hope the guards behind it were doing the same.  She took a seat in front of the broken glass from the coffee mug she’d mistakenly been given.  Her fingers quietly closed around a large shard and she directed it toward her pocket.

Now, she just needed to light the candle.  In the next cell over, she spied a few rocks.  If she hit them together hard enough, it might create a spark.

Carefully, she reached through the bars and tried to grasp one.

Damn it.

Just out of reach.

She tried again, stretching her arm farther than she thought she could.  Her fingers brushed the rock and she reached further.  The metal bars left tiny cuts in her shoulder as she relentlessly pushed on.

The large door on the other side of the room hissed open.

“Hey, you!” cried the guard.  “Stop right there!”

She laughed to herself.  Just on time.

She pretended to forget the rocks and rushed to the phone.  She lunged for it but the guard was too close, now.  He snatched it from her reach and backed away.

“You turned your cell into a bomb?” He asked, impressed.  “Too bad the batteries are-“

She threw the shard of glass and it pierced his throat with a sickening squelch.  He toppled over, his body convulsing a few times before going still.

She reached for the keys on his belt, smiled bitterly then unlocked the door.  Mission complete.

***

Yeah, mine's on the longer end of flash fiction, so I hope you made it all the way through.

Anyway, if you still want to participate, sign up on the linky list below!  And make sure to check out the other entries :)

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

--Jess

Green Bay, Wisconsin and the Bookstore

Today is day six of our Wisconsin trip.

We're in Green Bay right now, and let me just say it's all about football.  At least where our hotel is (which is right outside Lambeau Field).

So while my dad was in business meetings all day yesterday, my mom, my siblings and I all took a nice trip to a pretty Botanical Garden.  So here's a few pics from there:

And then, we got to see a Green Bay Packers practice routine!  Now let me just say, I'm not a football fan.  Like, not at all.  I'd much rather read and write and draw or do something artistic.  But I have to admit, seeing a professional team up close, was pretty awesome.

And after the practice, we had a late night dinner at Lambeau Field.  We had the Wisconsin specialties:

Cheese Curds

And Beer Cheese Soup.

And then of course we had desert, which was an amazing Cookie Skillet Sunday, but we ate it too fast to be able to take a picture ;)

Today we've just done some relaxing... and more relaxing... and went to Barns & Noble.  It's sad, but I have to admit I haven't been to a book store in quite a while.  So when we went today, it was a thrilling experience!!

It was amazing seeing so many books by authors I know!

It was so cool.  And of course, I couldn't leave without convincing my mom to support two of the authors we know and love!

Yep.

I FINALLY got those two books which I've been wanting to read FOREVER.  (Or at least since they came out lol).

Some Jedi Wisdom:  Hearing about fellow authors' books is cool.  Seeing their books for yourself in a bookstore... that's just awesome :)

HAPPY TUESDAY!

--Jess

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

(Screenshot on my iPhone of our location)

Right now, we are in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin!  It's the first time we've ever been here, so here are some pictures I took :)

Breakfast table shot :)

Cute restaurant called Sopra we ate at.  The food was amazing!!

View from upstairs at Sopra (through a glass :)

Oh, and the giant spider that had a huge web on the window.

Outdoor pool at the Resort, at night

And, I'll leave you with these three beautiful pictures of the view from the outdoor pool balcony :)

Have an amazing weekend!

--Jess

P.S.

Heading to Madison, today!

The Sky Darkened - Knights Of MicroFiction

Alrighty, today is July 15th, so that means it's time to post your entry to the Knights of MicroFiction prompt!

The requirements were:

Write a flash fiction in 200 words or less, using the phrase: the sky darkened.

For an added challenge, include a sound that surprises one of your characters and a foul smell.

Mine is (as usual) a part of my Rise series.  This scene doesn't actually take place in the trilogy, but it happens many years before.

So, at exactly 200 words, here it is:

The Sky Darkened

The sky darkened before Dezar Viraak.

The jungles of Adora were dangerous.  But his mission here could not be forsaken.  The first part had been completed.  Now, he just had to look for survivors.

Dezar entered the wooden building, gun in hand.  A smell, like copper and seawater filled his nose.  He knew it all too well.  Blood.

He made his way through the empty building, searching.

A creak in the wooden floorboards made him whip around.  His pulse raced and he aimed the gun at the unopened closet behind him.

“Come out slowly and I won’t shoot,” he warned.  He knew it was a lie.  His mission was to destroy the Resistance base and leave no survivors.  And not once had he failed a mission.

The closet door opened slowly, and a woman stepped into the light.

Her skin was dark, like the soft ground after a rainstorm.  She was dazzling.  The urge to lower his gun fell over him, but he had to complete his mission.  Emperor’s orders.

She hadn’t a weapon in hand, only her beauty and helplessness.

With renewed strength, he aimed and placed his finger on the trigger.

“Get out of here,” he said.  “Run.”

***

Hope you enjoyed!

Also, other people who have posted:

1. Bonnee Crawford
2. Carrie-Anne
3. Ashna Banga
4. Sally
5. DeniseCovey_L_Aussie
6. Roland D. Yeomans
7. JP
8. Esther Jones

Remember, there's still time to join in on the fun!  Just try to post before 11:59pm EST and comment on THIS POST with a link to your entry.  (If you're a little late, though, that's fine.  We'll still include you :)  )

Kathy and I will choose two winners on the 17th, to be interviewed on our blogs.

Have fun and good luck!

--Jess

KOMF Prompt

Yes, it's July 13.

That means it's time for Kathy and I to reveal the Knights of MicroFiction prompt!

The Knights of MicroFiction is a bloghop hosted by me and Kathy on the 15th of every month (except April, because the A-Z Challenge makes things crazy!). We came up with it as a way to meet new friends, help build the blogging community and (hopefully) spark your creativity!

So, the prompt is:

Write a flash fiction in 200 words or less, using the phrase: The sky darkened.

Then for an added challenge, include a sound that surprises one of your characters and a foul smell.

You may post your entry anytime between now and 11:59pm on July 15th Eastern Standard Time.  On the 17th, we'll choose two winners to be featured on our blogs.

Good luck, and have fun!

--Jess

It's Monday Again + Book Reviews

First of all... yep, I'm back.  Promise!

So, I read three really good books last week.  I don't think I'll have time for a book review, so the least I can do is give them more publicity.

The first book was Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carol.

When "Through the Looking Glass" was published in 1871, readers were as delighted with that book as they were with Lewis Carroll's first masterpiece, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. In the topsy-turvy world that lies beyond the looking-glass, Alice meets such fantastical characters as Tweedledum and Tweedledee, Humpty Dumpty, and the Jabberwock.

--Goodreads

My thoughts:

This was a very good book once you get passed all the confusion.  I mean, this story follows about as much of a logical story line as a dream does.  And in a way, that's what made it so interesting!  A very fun read.

The second was Rise from Darkness by Ciara Knight.

Alexander Lorre gives new meaning to the term “tormented teen”. He’s a newly fallen angel, which means he has the self-control of a three-year-old, the hormones of a teenager and the strength of an angel. When he rescues Gaby Moore from drowning, the chemistry between them is undeniable. With a local demon threatening Gaby’s life, he struggles to find a balance between remaining close enough to protect her but distant enough to control his desires.

As danger draws closer, Gaby uncovers shattering secrets that will lead to an ultimate choice. Will she fight alongside her father, an earthbound hunter killing fallen angels and demons, give into the demon blood coursing through her veins and join the demon world, or save the man she loves from both? The first two choices damn her, but the last one could destroy them all.

--Goodreads

Loved this book.  It was so much fun to read and follow Alex and Gaby's struggle.  Overall, it was a wonderful story.

The third book was Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith: Precipice by John Jackson Miller.

For the ruthless Sith Order, failure is not an option. It is an offense punishable by death-and a fate to which Commander Yaru Korsin will not succumb. But on a crucial run to deliver troops and precious crystals to a combat hotspot in the Sith's war against the Republic, Korsin and the crew of the mining ship Omen are ambushed by a Jedi starfighter. And when the Sith craft crash-lands, torn and crippled, on a desolate alien planet, the hard-bitten captain finds himself at odds with desperate survivors on the brink of mutiny-and his own vengeful half brother, who's bent on seizing command. 

No matter the cost, Korsin vows that it will not be his blood and bones left behind on this unknown world. For the way of the Sith leaves little room for compromise-and none at all for mercy.

--Goodreads

First, I have to say I'm a sucker for Star Wars books.  I can't help that I'm a sci-fi Star Wars nerd!  It's a short story and a pretty quick read, but what I read was pretty good.  I haven't read a Star Wars book I haven't liked yet, and this one definitely didn't change my mind about them.

All of these books were really great, so check them out!

Happy Monday!

--Jess

Going Away but Not Really

Hey guys I'm leaving to go up to Michigan today, and I won't be back until next Friday!  Don't worry though, I won't be completely gone.  I've got a few posts 'preposted' and I'm bringing *my trusty new iPhone* in its sapphire blue iPhone case, so I'll still be able to see your comments :)

Speaking of iPhones, I still can't get over how awesome they are.

It's small and easy to carry around.  You can access internet from almost anywhere.  You can text, and call and listen to music.  You can blog.  You can read (download Kindle).  If you're a gamer, you can play games.

But the best part is that, being a writer (and a fast texter/typer), I can take notes and get down ideas.  Honestly, I forget things a lot.

Sometimes I have that genius moment and figure out a key point in a plot, but I don't always have access to paper.  One thing I do always have with me is my phone!  So it's really helped keeping my ideas together and down!

In my opinion, there's only four things a person needs.  Food, shelter, love, and an iPhone.  And with those four things you can do pretty much anything :)

Do you have an iPhone?  Do you want an iPhone?  What do you think about them?


Have a wonderful weekend!


--Jess

Interview with Esther Jones

Happy Monday everyone!!  Today, I'm interviewing Esther Jones because she was one of the two winners of this month's Knights of MicroFiction!

Okay, let the questions begin!!

So Esther, when did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I can't remember how old I was, but I was very young.  I wrote a story about a girl and a horse, and my parents told me it was very good.  I realized I might just have a talent.

What's your current WiP about?  We'd love a short summary!


Peter never considered that the undead he hunted might have a family, or that one of them would hunt him down and exact revenge.  Now a vampire himself, Peter is obsessed with finding the one who turned him--to thank him by taking his head off.

Lance has many regrets in his long life, not the least of which is turning Peter into a vampire.  However, more than anything, he misses his twin brother Raoul who Peter killed.

Christopher wants nothing more than to be just like Lance; first, because he thinks being a vampire is cool, then because he truly admires Lance (to the point of hero worship).  However, Lance is reluctant to turn another human.

Wow, sounds like a very interesting WiP!  I haven't read very many vampire stories, but it sounds like one I might pick up!
Now, what books have most influenced you?


Oh, my goodness.  So many.  I guess I'd have to say Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, anything by Terry Brooks, and the Harry Potter series.

Wow, I love Terry Brooks!  I read Star Wars: The Phantom Menace by him and I loved it.  Always been meaning to read the other two :)
What is the most difficult aspect of writing for you?


Novels.  I can toss off a poem, flash fiction, or short story quite easily, but I've never finished a novel.  I've got several ideas, but fleshing them out into that many words is so difficult for me.  I've always written very concisely, and I hardly ever put enough description into my scenes.

I totally agree.  Poems and flash fictions are the easier of the lot.  Short stories are difficult for me because they always end up wanting to be novels though.
So, what are your goals for this year?


Finish my current WiP (not sure if it's a novel or something shorter).

Awesome!  Good luck!
How long have you been blogging and how has it improved your writing?


I started my writing blog on April 1, 2012.  Before that, I had a photo-a-day-for-a-year blog.  Blogging about my own struggles and triumphs in writing and reading others' blogs has been an invaluable source of encouragement.  I've gone from thinking, "Maybe someday I'll write something and then think about maybe getting published" to actively working on a story with the intent of publishing.

Great job!  That transition from wanting to be published to actually writing is hard, but definitely essential (for obvious reasons, lol :)
What do you do when you're not writing?


I read (of course - lol), I play Lord of the Rings Online, I spend time with my husband, and I watch tv (mostly fantasy & sci-fi shows).

Is there anything else we should know about you?


I am the oldest of 8 children-- I have 1 younger sister, and 6 younger brothers.  I live in the middle of the Canadian prairies, although I grew up in the middle of beautiful British Columbia.  I play piano and guitar, and sometimes I write music.

Wow, that's so cool!  I always wanted to play guitar!


Unfortunately, that's all the time we have left today, so everyone give Esther Jones a round of applause and go congratulate/follow her blog!


Have a great Monday everyone!

--Jess

Knights of MicroFiction

Yep, you guessed it.  It's time for the KoMF!  To join in, just post your entry by the end of today, and leave a link to your post in the comments.  Then, go check out as many entries as you can!  By the 17th, Kathy and I will choose two winners to feature on our blogs.


Here's the prompt:
Write a flash fiction in 200 words or less beginning with the phrase:  Her eyes shot open...
You are free to change the gender and POV if you want.


Okay, so here's my entry.  It was modified from my WiP (The Inferiors).  Altighty, here it is:

Her eyes shot open, but they found only darkness.  The room was unclear before her, but she didn’t have to see.  She knew exactly where she was.

She sat up, knowing it was probably time to see how they were doing.  Surely they couldn’t fly this ship together without getting into another ridiculous argument.

A wave of cold washed over her as if all the air had suddenly vanished.  The deep scar on her arm burned.

“I was waiting for you,” said a masculine voice.

Her skin prickled at the sound.

“Show yourself,” she called, trembling with fear.

A figure near the other wall moved closer.  His deep green eyes became barely visible.  Her breath caught in terror, yet she couldn’t move.

He touched her shoulder and she flinched.

“He lied, you know,” he said.  “Deep down, you just know it.”

Her chest tightened.  She wanted to protest.  To call out and tell him he was wrong.  But she choked on the words.  They were dry and overused.  Pointless.

And in that horrifying moment, she realized she believed him.

“I’m coming back,” he said.  “And when I do, expect no mercy.”

And just like that, he was gone. 

***

So yep.  That's about it.  Out of context it's a little confusing but hope you enjoyed the confusing-ness :)


Okay, here's the list of awesome people who have already posted their entries:

1. Ashna Banga
2. Fairbetty
3. Nick Wilford
4. Aldrea Alien
5. Usama
6. Esther Jones

Oh, and of course Kathy.

Have fun!

--Jess

Exciting Things!!!!

So far, I've had an awesome weekend.

And, I'm feeling really excited and optimistic right now!  For the first time in a few weeks, I've actually gotten enough sleep (hence the lateness in posting this), I've gotten a lot of editing done, and I've done a ton of other things!

Not many days I can brag about that!

First of all, on Friday, I entered THIS contest in which I could win a full request from Curiosity Quills Press.  That was an opportunity I simply couldn't pass up.  I'm not sure if/when I'll hear back, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  (Final submissions to the contest are being held today, so it might not be for a little while).

Then, my dad randomly wanted to have a party.  So we stayed up late, drank Vernors and A&W Root Beer and played pool.  Actually, I didn't play pool.  I was writing with my mom while my brother, my sister and my dad played.

On Saturday we had to wake up waaay too early for a Saturday and go skating.  I felt pretty good about everything, and I even landed some axels which I haven't been able to do for a while!  We also went to go see some hot air balloons launch into the sky.  We got to sit outside for a while  and enjoy the fresh air.

On Sunday,  my dad ran in the Blossom Time Run and me, my sister and my mom got to pass out water to the runners with our skating club.  We got soaking wet because the runners didn't really stop when they were grabbing the water.  They sorta just snatched it from our hands and it spilled everywhere.  Either way, it was a TON of fun.

Then, I got to write for a while, and my dad took three naps when he got home. Lol.

Finally, I got to see my best friend who I haven't seen in at least four months.  It's sad, because we're both always so busy.  What's even sadder.... we live one street away from each other.  I could walk to her house in three minutes.

But anyway, I'm excited because she recently started a blog and I've become sorta obsessed with helping her get followers.  I'm not kidding... it's so much fun!

Anyway, yeah, that's pretty much my weekend!  And then, we're doing something mysterious today... not sure what, but my mom and dad say I'll love it and that it's super exciting... If it's really awesome, maybe I'll tell you about it on Wednesday.

Happy Memorial Day!

--Jess

Cool Contest Post!

Hey guys, I found out about this really cool contest where you could post your query letter and the first 500 words to see if you could win a critique from Sharon Bayliss's editor!  Check out the details HERE.

By the way, I totally get it if you guys don't want to read my query letter and first 500 words, so you can just move down to the previous post if you want :)

Anyway, here's my entry:

Query:


Rise: From the Ashes is the first book in a series of three.  It is a New Adult Sci-Fi novel set in a futuristic version of our galaxy and is approximately 118K words.

Sixteen-year-old Jaina Indera has been training for this moment her entire life.  Ever since the Imperial Alliance genetically selected her to attend a gifted school, she has done her best to be worthy of competing in the Trials.

Being chosen is just the beginning.  Her school will send a team of eight students to compete in a battle of both physical and mental challenges against other Gifted Schools around the galaxy.  If they win, they will enjoy the privileged life of a Superior in the Crystal City, the stronghold of the Imperials.

With the coincidental, sudden appearance of a boy called 'Dragon' and her unsettling dreams two months before the Trials, she begins to question everything she has been taught to believe.

Will she ever find balance between honor, love and the truth behind it all?

First 500 Words:

HIS WHISPERED Cry of agony echoed through the night.  Jaina’s eyes opened with a start and she peered through the barrier of darkness between them. Altair remained motionless in his bed, but Jaina couldn’t bring herself to look away.  The dim lights outside cast ominous shadows into the room and shrouded him in an overwhelming sea of black.  She’d always been afraid of the dark; that’s why Altair let her sleep by the window where the light shined through.

Jaina swallowed her fear and took a deep, shaky breath.  She wanted to close her eyes, but still she watched him.  She had to make sure he was okay.

He rolled over violently and moaned in pain.

“Jaina!” he hissed.  “Jaina! Please!”

She sat up in alarm, and the blanket she was wrapped in fell softly to her waist.   The air felt cold and sharp to her lungs as dread coursed through her veins.  The dark silhouettes grew seemingly darker around Altair.

“Jaina, please! No!”  he cried out again.

She forced herself into the darkness and ran to his side.  Her hands touched his shoulders and she shook him frantically, hoping the cameras hadn’t noticed him yet.

No one stirred from their sleep, but Jaina knew it was only a matter of time before someone heard.  Someone was bound to hear him.

She shook him again.  “Altair, please wake up.  You’re going to wake our classmates,” she whispered to him.

His eyes shot open with an unnatural energy, and she wasn’t sure if she was imagining the red glare in his pupils or if it was really there.  Frightened, Jaina jumped back and her entire body began to quiver.

Instead of his usual calm expression, she saw nothing but darkness.  Her breath was choked and it became hard to breathe.

His clear eyes were clouded with agony, and trained on her.  As if she was the source of his pain.  She would never hurt him; they both knew that.  He was like a brother to her.  He was everything.

Jaina backed away, doing all she could to keep herself from screaming.  His vacant stare was cold and harsh.  She’d never been scared of him before, but this time it was different.  It was like he’d become a different person.

Altair blinked, and it faded.  All of it.  As if it was never there.  Confusion crossed his face as he stared into her eyes.  “Jaina?”

She moved away from him, afraid of what he might do.

He approached her cautiously.  “Jaina, it’s alright.”

She wanted to believe him.  But he had lied.  He’d told her his dreams no longer bothered him.  She felt betrayed.

Her shoulders brushed the back wall.  She wasn’t sure if she should run from him or ask if he was alright.  His usual serenity had been shattered with panic.

“Jaina, I’m okay now.”  His eyes began to look more normal, and she let him take a step closer.

***

Hope you enjoyed! Good luck to everyone in the contest and have a great weekend!

--Jess

Cheesiness, Nerves and Violins

Deep breath.

Double check strings.

Still in tune.

Another deep breath.

Stay calm.

I press my fingers into the wood, reviewing the notes, waiting for the moment.  The moment the piano will cue me in.

It starts before I'm ready, but then, it always does.  My bow falls lightly to the string.

A soft, milky sound echoes through the cavernous living room, reverberating off the glass chandelier.  Gentle whispers of previous notes fill the pauses.  Like ghosts.

Ahem.  Er, let's just skip the cheesy details and get on with this, shall we?

Anyway, I had an informal violin concert last Friday night at my grandparents house!  I haven't played at a concert for a year or two now, so it really did me good.

I won't deny it.  I was nervous.

Unlike in skating, getting nervous while playing violin has bad effects on me.  Like, my hands shake a little. And a little would normally be okay, but, seeing that my hands need to be precisely on the right note to play it right... well... it doesn't sound as good.

Anyway, enough talk.  My mom videoed the concert and I decided to share it with you.  I play it a little too fast, and I hit some wrong notes, but overall, I think I did pretty well under the circumstances.

(Excuse my grandma for saying "let's do a retake" at the end please...) So here's me playing:

And, I think you guys have the right to hear it the way it's supposed to be played, so in case you have enough time, here's Sarah Chang playing it:

Have a great weekend :)

--Jess

Interview with Stephanie

Hey guys! Today I'm interviewing, Stephanie, one of the two winners of Knights of MicroFiction! Tobi will be interviewed over at Kathy's blog.

Here we go!

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Hello, Stephanie! It's so nice having you here! I don't know about you, but I'm really excited for this interview. You ready? Okay, good! My first question is...

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I was about 15 when I wrote my first original story, about a family of witches guarding an ancient artifact. From there my love of writing took off, but it would be a few more years before I was brave enough to take a writing class and share my work with others.

Oh, yeah I know what you mean. It's scary sharing your work with others! And speaking of sharing your work... what's your current WIP about? We'd love a short summary.

Right now I'm working on the sequel to the YA fantasy book, I intend to self publish this year. In the first book, Shadow of the Wolf, the main character Toby finds himself in enemy territory, surrounded by werewolves. Instead of killing him, the werewolves, who Toby was raised to believe are monsters, adopt him into their pack. While he's adjusting to a very different way of life, his sister is back home looking for some way to rescue him and uncovering a lot of secrets in their village.

In the sequel, Wings of the Butterfly, Toby is preparing to take the Trials that will declare him an adult. Unfortunate events and the escalating threat of war, lead to suspicion and the possibility that Toby won't be permitted to become an adult. Ora meanwhile is attending school in a neighboring kingdom and gets caught up in several political assassinations that she attempts to solve.

Wow, that sounds exciting! I'm working on my sequel, too! I know how hard that can be. And I just love that title, Shadow of the Wolf. It sounds so awesome!

Now, what are your goals for this year?

I plan to fully proofread and self-publish Shadow of the Wolf by July. I'll finish the first draft of Wings of the Butterfly by next December, so I can have that revised and proofread by July of next year. And in the meantime I'll be writing and submitting short stories to try and get my name out.

Sounds like you've really got a good game-plan here!

Alright, next question! How long have you been blogging and how has it improved your writing?

I just passed my one year blog anniversary a couple of weeks ago. It's been lots of fun. My writing has definitely improved, especially in learning to sit down and hammer something out. Contest and posting deadlines are a great motivator, and I love having feedback. Reading writing from other bloggers, fiction and nonfiction, has also been a great way to expand my knowledge of writing.

So, when you're not learning about writing or writing, what do you like to do?

I read a lot, of course :-)  I do yoga and pilates, and I do a lot of different crafts depending on my mood. Sometimes I make candles, sometimes I cross-stitch or sew and I also cook. I also have an unhealthy obsession with iTouch games like Tiny Tower, and Paradise Cove. Those things are really addictive :-)

Lol, yeah, once you start playing those games it's hard to stop.

Is there anything else we should know about you, Stephanie?

I'm very scatterbrained, and fairly disorganized in relation to anything that's not my writing. But I love to keep busy, because otherwise, I tend to fall asleep.

Haha, I'm with you on the 'keeping busy' and the 'disorganized' part...

Unfortunately, that's all the time we have for today! Thank you so much for joining us, Stephanie!

Thank you for having me!

No problem, it was a pleasure! Let's have a round of applause for Stephanie at Word by Word!

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Thanks guys, hope you enjoyed! Go check out Stephanie's blog and congratulate her!

Have a great weekend!

--Jess