The Pen of a Ready Writer

It's rather fitting that some things come to a close on this day -- the last day of the year. I submitted my last entry into the Rooglewood contest this morning.  I can hardly believe it took me until the day of the deadline to send it in because I'm usually earlier than that.  And, even with the extra time I took, I still felt a little bit like maybe I could have done better if I had more time. But there was no feeling of regret when I hit "send."  Mostly it was just a prayer that Rooglewood would hear the heart of the message when they read it and that maybe, if I win, they could help me bring the full potential out of my little story.  And there was also a feeling, after working on these stories for more than six months, that it felt good to close that chapter and move on to the next one. I did it.  I wrote them.  And I'm really proud of them. Last year, the act of hitting "send" on my contest entry catapulted me into an anticipatory state....

No, I'm not talking about Christmas presents. I'm talking about the stories for the Rooglewood contest.  In two days is the deadline for turning in your submission forms -- so if they haven't already been sent in, you have 2 days to get them postmarked and on their way. I finished my drafts and some edits on all of my stories earlier in the fall.  Then I got terribly overwhelmed and decided to hide and pretend that there were no stories waiting for me on my computer.  I was like the little frilled lizard on The Rescuers Down Under, with my hands over my ears, dancing around singing, "Dadabaduba, dadabaduba, I can't hear you!" Which, as cowardly as it sounds, was probably a good thing.  Because, essentially, I was taking the recommended break so that I could come back with fresh eyes.  I just didn't know that's what I was doing.  I thought I was procrastinating. But then, last Tuesday, I sat down and read through AAM.  With a big gulp, I decided...

     He chuckled.   “You still don’t get it, do you?” ~ SPINDLE

     The king of Hanadil throws a ball to find a suitor for his beloved daughter, Ilona.  But more things are at stake than anyone realized.  As long-held secrets come to light, the suitors will be tested beyond expectations.  And when the deepest secret of all threatens to plunge Ilona into eternal sleep, only one man can save her.      I had one person read AAM and give me feedback, and she was amazing.  I would love to have another couple of readers.  Is anybody willing to volunteer?  It is close to 20k words, and I'd like to start my final round of edits by the first of November (if you think you can give me your feedback by then). ***      In a galaxy far from our own, a planet trembles under the forces of good and evil.  Every member of its society is subject to the age-old pact with the lab known as SPINDLE, which periodically reaps the planet for test subjects or “sleeping beauties.”...

SPINDLE is getting a major overhaul.  I just want to try it and see if it works. No, don't worry - the central story is the same. I'm just changing a couple threads. I think it's going to make for a tighter presentation. And that's always a good thing. But I would appreciate your prayers. Anytime you switch threads out, you affect the whole story. And, while the new threads should make this better, I am in need of divine help to make it happen. So I'm asking you to pray... and thank you. How are your stories coming? Are you having fun?

For the next week, I will be studying for a big exam.  As much as I want to work on SPINDLE and AAM and TCK, they will have to wait. This is part of real life and having to juggle writing with other career plans.  And it's something that probably all of us have to do. So, mwah, sleep well, my beauties...until next week. P.S. I am still going to write the next installment of The Mental Ward for you guys.  That much, I think, I can fit in.  :) P.S.2.  The title refers to the feeling of studying for the exam.  You college people know what I'm talking about. Adios!

     "I can break this, Mikaya.  You just have to trust me.” ~SPINDLE

A spark of rebellion flashed inside of her.  If they were coming for her, they would have to break down her door.   ~ SPINDLE

     She felt the blood drain from her face.  It couldn’t be.  She read the summons again.  But there it was -- in gold and white.     With one piece of paper, her life was proclaimed to be over. ~SPINDLE

http://furtherup-and-furtherin.blogspot.com/2015/08/beautiful-people-friendship-edition.html FRIENDSHIP EDITION Azelle, Mikaya, and Pritna from SPINDLE 1. How long have they known each other, and how close are they?       They have been inseparable for almost as long as they can remember. 2. What's their earliest memory of being best friends?      I'll let each girl answer this.      Azelle: Pritna was following me around on the first day of school -- so that was a given.  Then I saw this regal red-head sitting by herself.  I marched over and told her her shirt was hideous.  She said 'okay' and we've been friends ever since.      Mikaya: I was having a bad day so, in the cafeteria, I found a seat by myself.  Azelle and Pritna -- two girls from my class -- came and sat with me.  It was then I knew that we were best friends.      Pritna: I just remember being really happy...

    Mikaya watched him go.  Frustration and admiration wrestled for first place inside of her.  Justice was an idiot for thinking he could stand up to SPINDLE.  If he didn’t watch out, he was going to ruin something...or get killed….or both.  And she didn’t want that to happen.  Not to Justice.