Give me Character!

It starts with one spark and then another. Sooner or later you've got an idea for a story or a character. Now what? Start writing about them. But you say I don't know what to write?

That's just what the answer is. I'll repeat my earlier answer, you start writing. Some of it is going to suck big time, but some of it won't and that's the writing you keep.
 
If you wanted to run a marathon you wouldn't just sign up and start running. Even athletes train for an upcoming race. You work up to it. Every dreary day, good or bad you get up and run. Maybe a mile at first then two and so forth, eventually you get there.  Just do it, like the Nike ad says.

Really it's that easy or in some cases that hard, but you work at it hoping for the end result. A good solid story, with great characters you know inside and out.


There are so many resources to help writers- write. One I like using is called; One Page Per Day. http://www.onepageperday.com
It's a great way to keep doing what you love and stay anonymous, cause sometimes it's hard to get pass the obstacle of sharing your writing. The best part is people can request more of your stories. (Positive feedback is always a plus.)

So if it starts with an idea,  what's you're idea? Tell me about it.

Rain, Rain, Stay Today

The rain fell to the earth in teardrop form drenching everything in sight. They formed puddles beneath the rubber of my yellow boots, as if waiting for me to jump and splash the people near me. I looked up at my parents. My father had his umbrella open, as he glared at the dreary day taunting him. But my mother was the exact opposite, looking as happy as the day that we...

Moonlit Lake

I woke to the sound of rustling in the bushes. I sat up and glanced around uneasily, looking for the source of the noise. Nothing. I peered towards the lake to see the silver moon reflected across the glass smooth water. Suddenly...

The Man I Never Knew

Before I had even taken my first breath he had already taken his last. I knew what he looked like from the pictures my mother had set around the house, but...

Bosley? Here Boy!

Bosley is the king of the castle. He's the first to chase away the birds, scamper after the squirrels and terrorize the chickens. He's in charge and if you think other wise he'll be the first to...

For The Love of Money

Even though I had known where the money had come from, I took it. I was sure it had been laundered, but I had done nothing illegal on my end to obtain it. Instead I would...

Redefining Gravity's Effects

No matter how many times I stood under the Rainier building, I still marveled at it's construction. Instead of tumbling to the ground it was a constant reminder that I too could defy the odds. There was always a good chance that...

The Ad-libber of 2010 is...

Daniel & Denise Harmer!
 Who's blog is Writer with a Cause. 


 
Julie Carobini's comments on her decision:
After much debate, I chose the following entry, and not because I'm a sucker for coastal stories. I chose it because it painted a vivid picture and the moment I read it, I began writing the next few sentences in my head. Actually, I "wrote" them a couple of different ways. I figured this would be a fun one to start off the next Ad-libbing post. Congratulations to Daniel & Denise Harmer! (And extra kudos for the rarely-used word 'unordinary'). 

Thanks again to Julie Carobini for being our celebrity guest judge. Don't forget that A SHORE THING is out this July. I know I'll be one of the first to pick it up. ( I don't think July can come fast enough.) 

Thank you to all who participated and had fun in the process. I was so impressed by all the different entries and the vast talent that was shared.



Here it is:

Nothing was unordinary about Savannah Reed sneaking out at midnight to go clamming on low tide, but this night was no ordinary low tide. The sea grass lay flat as carpet and boats rested their bellies on the seabed. She scanned the sleeping cottages hugging the coast and knew in a few minutes they'd be demolished by a tidal wave.  (Now it's our turn, go ahead add on.)

Quickly and Quietly

Taking the last chance I had to escape I slipped out the door quietly. An eerie feeling lingered behind me with each step I took forward, like I was being watched.  Checking over my shoulder every few steps I...

NEW CONTEST

To start with I love all the comments and think it's amazing where everyone takes the stories we write together. Which got me thinking, How would you start the ad-libs?
Let's have as much fun with this contest as we can.

I want to see who can come up with the best beginning to start off our story. It only has to be a few lines, but really get's people thinking. Keep it PG. Become a follower, so I'll be able to contact the winner.(There's no contracts, fees, and I will not sell your information for profit.)Now just go for it!

Our fabulous guest judge Julie Carobini will pick the winner. May 3rd the winner will be announced where their beginning lines will be posted, giving us the chance to add on and keep the story going. (These get pretty funny, and sometimes real crazy.)

So go ahead and give it a chance!
See where your creativity leads you!

Rules:
* One entry per person.
* Maximum of  three sentences to kick off a story. Post your entry as a comment in: NEW CONTEST Blog Post.( This post.)
* Must be PG rated. ( Anything vulgar, crude, or containing cussing will be disqualified.)
* Become a follower.
* The winner will be posted on the blog and receive a $25 dollar gift certificate for Amazon.com. Plus the title of AD-LIBBER of 2010.
* Deadline for posted entries is April 25, 2010 by midnight.

Our Celebrity Guest Judge is... Julie Carobini

Standing in the library while searching for a great book to read, I found it! TRUFFLES BY THE SEA was my first experience with finding Julie's beachy world. Here it was the middle of February in Washington and at that point all I could dream about was warmer weather. From that moment on I was hooked.

Julie Carobini has had a lifelong love affair of  writing. She started her career by selling articles, joining the National League of American Pen Women receiving two awards in fiction and non fiction.  As she progressed she continued to write, publishing hundreds of articles and stories in magazines and books; Aspire, Decision, Expecting, Focus on the Family, Key Magazine and God's Abundance: 365 Days to a Simpler Life.

 In her writing she realized her focus was on family, the sea and God's ever present hand it the lives of those around her. She weaves these main principles into her women's fiction novels always delighting the readers with her remarkable skills.

The first book CHOCOLATE BEACH,  published 2007.(Which I did go back and read.)  
TRUFFLES BY THE SEA was the follow up,( still one of my favorites) published 2008.

 In 2009 SWEET WATERS brought readers to Otter Bay.(I love the messy life of Tara Sweet.)







Her latest book A SHORE THING is due to arrive July 2010. (Yay! So excited!)

"Callie Duflay just isn’t like the rest of her family. While they’ve built white collar lives, she prefers getting her hands dirty by working with children and local California causes. When Callie learns that a beloved piece of untouched property in her town of Otter Bay may soon be developed, she confronts the architect assigned to the project.
Gage Mitchell may be an easygoing, eco-friendly professional, but he’s not about to back off this job no matter how cute Callie or her pet pooch, Moondoggy, may be.
His reasons and hers are noble, both have a heart for protecting God’s creation, and the truth is these two would be perfect for each other outside of this face-off. But will they ever find common ground?"

With Julie as our celebrity guest judge for the ad-lib contest. This contest can't be anything less than amazing! She's got an incredible talent for giving the hook to the book. (Who doesn't like to rhyme like Dr. Seuss every once in a while?)  Also check out her website and blog it's a great escape to her beachy world of sand, sea, and Christian inspiring attitude.Julie Carobini.com

Shoot!

The rapid fire of an assault weapon rung out, without hesitation I threw myself to the ground.

New Contest Comming Soon!

I'm so excited to share with you all that we'll be having our first contest! With a chance to win $25 gift certificate for Amazon.com.
Start thinking of how you'd start the first 2-3 lines on a story. Our celebrity guest judge will be choosing the winner.

Rules:
* Two or three sentences to kick off a story.
* One entry per person.
* Must be PG rated. ( Anything vulgar, crude, or containing cussing will be disqualified & deleted.)
* Sign up as a follower.
* The winner will be posted on the blog and receive a $25 dollar gift certificate for Amazon.com. Plus the title of AD-LIBBER of 2010.

DON'T POST YOUR ENTRY NOW. This is just a heads up to get you thinking, more info will follow shortly.

Behind Her Eyes

Glancing at her quickly I didn't notice anything unusual, but when I did look in her eyes again. I saw something she was hiding...

It's More Than One Plus One

She had been up all night. With sunken eyes and dark circles highlighting her gaunt face. She continued line after line of work. Math was one of the hardest subjects she had and with this one problem taking up pages of work she wondered...

Limited Time

I crouched down to tie my shoe, but before I even touched the laces a snake sprang out striking me in the arm. Instantly I felt the sting of the venom as...

A Holy Man

In my forty years of life I had never met a holy man. Seeing him from afar and watching him smile to the audience caused my curiosity to stir. When he finally reached close enough to see me I...

Living the Beat

It came as naturally as breathing to me. Twirling the sticks in my hand or crashing down on the tom tom was second nature to me. Even the base was like the beat of my heart. I came alive with ever hit, bang, and tap.

First Meetings

When I touch his hand now days it reminds me of the first time I held his hand. Which then leads me to the first time we met. I had been getting out of a taxi at...

Fascinating

I touched the object in front of me unsure if I should touch it again.  I looked up to mother, she smiled and I instantly knew I could continue moving it through my hands. How was this possible? Did mother know holding light in your hands was a miracle within it's self? She didn't seem as impressed by the lights, but with every glance I gave her She smiled back reassuring and calm.

My choice of Poison

 As the bartender poured me a glass the drink seemed to take on a life of it's own. All I had to do was take the glass, put it to my lips, and drink. How hard could it be?

Unable to Head for the Hills

I watched as the fire continued to sweep across the hillside consuming everything in it's path. While being mesmerized and devastated couldn't take my eyes off ...

Out of Time

With Only seconds left to get there I raced as quickly as I could pushing myself further with every ounce of energy I could muster. I didn't know if I had enough time, but not trying to make it wasn't an option. I wanted to be here and I wanted it bad enough to fight for it...

Like a Bat Out of Hell

She was beautiful and perfect. Checking to see if anyone was watching, I hopped in. I pulled several wires out from underneath the steering wheel. I worked to find the gray ignition wire. Stripped the plastic from the it. Tapped it to the metal base. Where it  started immediately.  My foot hit the gas peddle as quick as it could. With the loud revving engine and the squealing burnout I was sure the owner knew by now his car had been stolen. The car was in pristine condition, with every turn and twist of the road she seemed to become smoother with each increase of speed.

I rolled up to the abandoned barn...

Dreaming Of Warmer Days

The cold winter snow had hung on for the last month. It was evident that the season was changing. If only...