Friday, September 28, 2012

Land of Confusion - Genesis

Musical Writing Inspiration - Dystopian style

I must’ve dreamed a thousand dreams
Been haunted by a million creams
But I can hear the marching feet
They’re moving into the street

Now did you read news today
They say the dangers gone away
But I can see the fires still alight
There burning into the night

There’s too many men, too many people
Making too many problems
And not much love to go around
Can’t you see this is a land of confusion

Well this is the world we’re live in
And these are the hands were given
Use them and let’s start trying
To make it a place worth living in

Ooh, Superman where are you now
When everythings gone wrong somehow
The men of steel, the men of power
Are losing control by the hour

This is the time, this is the place
So we look for the future
But there’s not much love to go around
Tell me why, this is a land of confusion

This is the world we live in
And these are the hands we’re given
Use them and let’s start trying
To make it a place worth lining in

I remember long ago when the sun was shining
Yes, and the stars were bright all through the night
And the sound of your laughter as
I held you tight, so long ago

I won’t be coming home tonight
My generation will put it right
We’re not just making promises
That we know, we’ll never keep

Too many men, there’s too many people
Making too many problems
And not much love to go round
Cant you see, this is a land of confusion

Now, this is the world we live in
And these are the hands we’re given
Use them and let’s start trying
To make it a place worth lining in

This is the world we live in
And these are the hands we’re given
Stand up and let’s start showing
Just where our lives are going to


Ok now get back to writing... love and Phil and the guys!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Wiseass Kids: Meme vs Meem

Last night I was emailing a friend at home, when 14 yr old says “Are you almost done yet?” You know cause he pays the bills and wanted to get on and stuff.

I said “Hold on! Jackie and I are trying to figure out our meme.”

He laughed.

“What’s so funny?”

“It’s meme like seem.”

Blood rushed to my face. “Then why isn’t it spelled like seem like m-e-e-m?”

He says, “It's to confuse you mom. The last e is silent like in cake, you don’t say cake, ca-key do you?”

What a wiseass. Then he goes and shows me what kids now-a-days are calling meems memes.

Uhhhh when he showed me them I say, “Oh you mean like a poster.”

He scoffs and says “NO! These are memes mom, NOT posters.”

I say “Child, what you call memes, I call posters.” We literally argued over it. Lol. Anyways, now I feel totally stupid for calling them me-me’s insteads of meems memes.

So being the continual wiseass as he is (I don't know where he gets it), up pops Wikipedia. “Mom, come read this.”

A meme ( /ˈmm/; meem) is "an idea, behavior or style that spreads from person to person within a culture." A meme acts as a unit for carrying cultural ideas, symbols or practices, which can be transmitted from one mind to another through writing, speech, gestures, rituals or other imitable phenomena. Supporters of the concept regard memes as cultural analogues to genes in that they self-replicate, mutate and respond to selective pressures.

The word meme is a shortening (modeled on gene) of mimeme (from Ancient Greek μίμημα Greek pronunciation: [míːmɛːma] mīmēma, "something imitated"… yadda, yadda, yadda, blah, blah, blah

He turns, smiles, and goes on to play Mindcraft.

An image of me slapping him upside the back of his head flashes in my vision, I smile back, huff, and go back to making dinner. Shhh, don't tell him but I set his alarm 10 mins early.

So what new stuff have you learned lately?

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

What Are You Waiting For Blogfest

300 words or less, write about a character you are writing about (or make one up) who faces a choice... and have him/her flip a coin to make a decision.

Post your entry on your blog on Wednesday 9/26 and leave a message in Fairbetty's World comments so she doesn't overlook you! If you don't already know, She is starting an editing business called Writing Refinery. Two lucky entrants will receive a free critique of the first 30 pages of your manuscript!

“Dieter! Dieter! How are you my friend?” His German was rusty but better than my Polish.
“I’m good, Jerak, and you?”
His face beamed a smile as bright as the sun but he spoke a hollow, “Better.”
He did look better. Not so scraggy. My fingers nervously roll a bread ball I had hidden in my breeches. If mother knew food had been stolen from her table she’d tan my hide.
“What do you have their?” Jerak’s eyes envied the golden brown sphere I now trolled.
Carefully I placed the ball between the holes in the fence.
“Hey you there!”
I jumped, dropping the ball onto the ground.
“What are you doing here boy?” The soldier hissed, his gun pointed towards the ground.
Nervously I saluted, “Hail Hitler!”
Jerak winced.
The soldier smirked.
“I said what are you doing her boy?”
“I’m – I’m visiting my friend sir,” I tried to sound strong but it came out as a whimper.
“You’re friend?”
“Yes sir. Before – we attended school together sir. I only wanted to bring him bread. Please don’t tell my papa!”
“I’ll make you deal.” He flashed a coin, flipping it through the air. “Heads I let you stay, tails you leave and I tell. Deal?”
I nodded. By now Jerak had half eaten the bread ball. Fear gave way to starvation every time.
By the time I looked back, the coin was resting, covered, on the back of the soldier’s hand. “Ready?”
I nodded again.
“Tails!” He boasted. Time to go home, Dieter. Let’s try again tomorrow.”
We knew tomorrow wouldn’t come. Tears ran down my face as Jerak’s screams were muffled followed by POP, POP.
The thought of my situation made my stomach hitch. My hide is sure to be tanned, for that soldier is my brother.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Kyra Lennon and Letting Go

Yeah so, I'm a little behind. So sue me (hehe)

I'm a huge supporter of my favorite bloggers (all of them) and of course it's better late then never right?! So I want to support Kyra Lennon and her new Novella, If I Let You Go.

Title: If I Let You Go (Novella)
Category: New Adult (NA)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 22nd 2012 (a day after my wedding anni)

Synopsis:
Madison Connor is about to lose it. Her job, that is. For three years, she’s taken care of Dominic Hartley’s five year old daughter, Tilly, but her world is flipped on its head when Dominic tells her his latest promotion is taking him to New York. With Tilly having a meltdown over the move, Madison and Dominic get into a fight that changes the entire nature of their relationship, causing Madison to ask herself a big question. Can she let him go?






Wait! Don't leave yet, I'm not done. In honour of this new release Kyra is throwing a "Letting Go" Blog hop!


On October 22nd, she invites you to share some stories about letting go.
Was there a time when you had to let go of someone or something?
How did it make you feel?
How did you handle it?
 
If that's too personal - how about writing a piece of flash fiction? 

The only rules are - obviously - it has to be related to letting go, and please keep it to a maximum of 500 words.

Kyra will hop around to all the entries, along with her independent judge (Mum), and the story they love the most will win a $10 Amazon gift card!

What are you waiting for?!
 

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Spooktoberfest Reminder

I know Jackie @ Bouquet of Books and myself are super excited to be hosting our second bloghop ever!




Just in case you missed it the first time...

Requirements:

- Follow Jackie and myself if you don’t already. We do follow back.
Flash Fiction300 words max. No if's, ands, or buts. I mean unless you have a good lookin' butt - wait - no - not even then.
- 5 MANDATORY words
            cobweb(s)
            jack-o-lantern(s)
            ghost(s)
            cauldron(s)
            razor(s)
- Post any day from Friday Oct 26th thru Monday, Oct. 29th.

- Your flash fiction piece can be scary, comical, romantic, or whatever you choose, just be creative!
- Hop around and visit the other participants. Even if it's a quick 'I was here' is appreciated.
- Most importantly... this is supposed to be fun, soooo HAVE FUN!

The winners will be posted on HALLOWEEN; Wednesday, Oct. 31st.

Jackie and I will each choose a winner. That’s right – two winners!

PRIZES: A grab bag and candy. The winners will get the biggest bags we can find of their favorite candy along with some spookified items.

Oh, and yes, this blogfest is international. So what are you ghouls waiting for? Sign up here or in the side bar and spread the word!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Genre Favorites Blogfest

If this Blogfest interests you - go on over to see Alex J. Cavanaugh and sign up.

Fav Movie Genre

Horror - I've always been a horror child. Something about it gets my curious blood boiling. The "what's ifs", "I would have done", "what were they thinking". Plus you can learn a lot of survival tips that way.


Fav Music Genre

Classic Rock or 90's Grunge - The Who, U2, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, David Bowie, CCR, Jefferson Airplane, Steve Miller Band, Ozzy, etc, etc.

Classic Rock brings be back to my youth while helping my dad in the barn or help my mom clean. Saturdays were reserved for cleaning. My parents would crank the radio so loud, you could hear it at the neighbors - and we lived in the country.

Grunge takes me back to high school. Nuff said.


Fav Book Genre

Dystopian - Of course! Kind of links back to the horror movies. The idea of a society, generally of a speculative future, characterized by negative, anti-utopian elements, varying from environmental to political and social issues fascinates me.



My Guilty Pleasure

Old School Rap - i.e. KrissKross, Fresh Prince, Tupac, and Bone Thugs and Harmony and I can't forget my good pal Johnny Cash. I usually HATE country music but I love me some Johnny!






All photos taken from Google photo searches

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Blogger Idol and 9/11

Blogger Idol: Auditions are OPEN!: You've been eyeing the prizes , kissing up to the judges , and now... It's GO TIME! Auditions are open for Blogger Idol 2012! It's GO TIME! Auditions are open for Blogger Idol 2012!

It doesn't matter how big your blog is. It doesn't matter how old your blog is. The only thing that matters is that you can entertain us. We've got a scoring system in place that ensures that this is not a popularity contest, so it doesn't matter how many fans you have. For all the details on how to audition, check out the
Try Out page.

Auditions will close at 11:59 PM CST on Monday, September 17, 2012, and the Top 12 will be announced on September 20, 2012. You can find the full schedule
here.

Are you going to audition? If you aren't going to audition, who are you rooting for? If you know a blogger that deserves the title of Blogger Idol, send them over here!


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spitfiremurphy.wordpress.com
 Eleven years ago today defined a day in our country and a moment in my heart.

I was sleeping when the first plane blew through the first Trade Tower. My brother came sprinting into my room and about ripped my arm from its socket just to get me up. That May he had enlisted in the Army - go figure. At first I thought I was watching a movie until he started explaining to me what was going on.

Today I will be thinking about those who lost their lives on Sept. 11th and the many days that followed. And I continue to pray for our military and those who have past. And no matter what, I send pieces of my heart to those who are still hurting.

On days like today, a little perspective gets slammed in your way.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Paperback Writer

Here is a little inspiration for my fellow authors respectively...

Paperback Writer - The Beatles

Paper back writer (paperback writer)
Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book?
It took me years to write, will you take a look?
It's based on a novel by a man named Lear
And I need a job, so I want to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.

It's a dirty story of a dirty man
And his clinging wife doesn't understand.
Their son is working for the Daily Mail,
It's a steady job but he wants to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.

Paperback writer (paperback writer)

It's a thousand pages, give or take a few,
I'll be writing more in a week or two.
I can make it longer if you like the style,
I can change it round and I want to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.


If you really like it you can have the rights,
It could make a million for you overnight.
If you must return it, you can send it here
But I need a break and I want to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.

Don't forget to sign up on the sidebar for Spooktoberfest!

Friday, September 7, 2012

Spooktoberfest Blogfest

Are you feeling spooktastic?

With the oncoming of the spookiest holiday of the year, I know Jackie @ Bouquet of Books and myself are.

And so SPOOKTOBERFEST is born!






Come one come all to the biggest creepfest around. Where cobwebs tickle your nose, cauldrons are a brewin', jack-o-lanterns light the way, and ghosts go bump in the night. Oh yeah, watch out for the razor blades!

Requirements:

1. Follow Jackie and myself if you don’t already. We do follow back.
2. Your Flash Fiction piece cannot be any longer than 300 words. Sorry… that’s part of the challenge.
3. You must use the MANDATORY 5 words listed below…
            cobweb(s)
            jack-o-lantern(s)
            ghost(s)
            cauldron(s)
            razor(s)
4. Post your Flash Fiction piece any day from Friday Oct 26th thru Monday, Oct. 29th.
5. It’s a blog hop, so… hop around to other participating blogs and leave them some awesome comments.
6. Have fun.

Your flash fiction piece can be scary, comical, romantic, or whatever you choose, just be creative!

The winners will be posted on HALLOWEEN! That’s right, Wednesday, Oct. 31st. Jackie and I will each choose a winner. That’s right – two winners!

PRIZES: A grab bag and candy. The winners will get the biggest bags we can find of their favorite candy along with some spookified items.

Oh, and yes, this blogfest is international. So what are you ghouls waiting for? Sign up using the Linkie Thing below or in the side bar and spread the word!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

What Kind of Zombie Blogger Would You Be

‘The blogging community divided into its current branches within a few years of the Rising, reacting to swelling ranks and a changing society. You’ve got Newsies, who report fact as untainted by opinion as we can manage, and our cousins, the Stewarts, who report opinion informed by fact. The Irwins go out and harass danger to give the relatively housebound general populace a little thrill, while their sedate counterparts, the Aunties, share stories of their lives, recipes, and other snippets to keep people happy and relaxed. And, of course, the Fictionals, who fill the outline world with poetry, stories, and fantasy. They have a thousand branches, all with their own names a customs, none of them meaning a damn thing to anyone who isn’t a Fictional. We’re the all-purpose opiate of the new millennium: We report the news, we make the news, and we give you a way to escape when the news becomes too much to handle.
--  From Images May Disturb You,
the blog of Georgia Mason, August 6, 2039’

A little passage from Feed by Mira Grant. Chapter 3 ending blog.

I’m only half way through the 571 pages in the first installment of The Newsflesh Trilogy

Can you guess what kind of book this is…. Zombie!

“Alive or Dead, the truth won’t rest. My name is Georgia Mason, and I am begging you. Rise up while you can.”

The year was 2014. We had cured cancer. We had beaten the common cold. But in doing so we had created something new, something terrible that no one could stop. The infection spread, virus blocks taking over bodies and minds with one, unstoppable command: FEED.

Now twenty years after the Rising, Georgia and Shaun Mason are on the trail of the biggest story of their lives – the dark conspiracy behind the infected. The truth will out, even if it kills them.




So… after reading that passage… what kind of blogger are you? We have the main protag, Georgia Mason who is a Newsie. She reports hard facts. Then there is her brother Shaun who is an Irwin. He goes out and literally pokes zombies with sticks, all while recording and posting it for the adrenaline junkies. And then we have Buffy, named after the one and only, she is our Fictional. She posts poetry, stories, and fantasy.

Almost everyone blogs in this novel… the future world is consumed by the blogging world and staying connected in society that has the fabric of life literally torn apart.

My question to you, scratch the blog you have now, if this zombie world was to actually happen, which blogger would you most likely be?

Newsies – Hard facts reporter
Stewarts – Conspiracy theorists
Irwins – Danger/thrill seekers
Aunties – Memoir, everyday life
Fictionals – Poetry, stories, fantasy

It’s hard for me to pick because I would probably want to entertain all of these ideas but I’d have to go with… uhhhh… Stewart. I’d probably be a Stewart though I’d also poke a few zombies every now and again.

Come back Friday to see what NEW Spooky blogfest lurks around the corner!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Blogiversary Winners

Hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Now for the Blogiversary Winners!

world wide web

The winner of Alden Bell's The Reapers are the Angels is... DRUMROLL PLEASE...

Rachel Schieffelbein

Rachel - contact me through my email: d.bertrand_12@yahoo.com by letting me know the address I can send my snail mail novel to. Hope you like it as much as I did. Thanks for participating!

And now onto the 5 winners of those magnetic personalized bracelets... Brrrrruuuuummmmm, drrrrruuuuummmmm.... (my sad attempt at a drumroll)

Kelley Lynn
Sheena-kay Graham
A. K. Fotinos-Hoyer
Kyra Lennon
Misha Gericke

Okie dokie my lovely winners. This is what I need you to do for me; easiest way to measure for the perfect fit (whether it's your wrist or ankle) is for you to use a piece of string or yarn. Wrap the string around the desired appendage til you get the fit just right and cut. (Remember you are going to want the anklet to sag slightly so it sits comfortably on the ankle bone) Then take a ruler and measure the string exactly.
Now you are ready to shoot me an email at d.bertrand_12@yahoo.com with the measurements and color preference and your snail mail address. I will then send you a list of charms that you can choose from.

Thanks so much for everyone participation!!!

Tomorrow... an excerpt from Feed by Mira Grant and a blogging poll in reference to said book. What type of blogger would you be if...?

Make sure to stop by on Friday for the unveil of a NEW blogfest!