This blog has now seen over 60,000 hits! Yeah! if only they were sales...
This week I have a story in the Iron Writer Challenge 160...please go and read, maybe vote :-)
http://theironwriter.com/the-iron-writer-challenge-160-2016-spring-open-challenge-8/
I don't think I'll go through this time to the finals :-(
I've also been struggling through the Writers Games 2016, 7 weeks, 7 events.
So far I've had feedback from the first 3...unplaced, unplaced, disqualified...yep! They hate me :-)
I think it's a good thing, trust me. Still carrying on, though.
Plus I'm at 45k with the novel! I'll get that first draft! I will!
And it's Saturday! Here's my take of the Iron Writer Weekend Quickie 183 on the website...
http://theironwriter.com/the-iron-writer-challenge-weekend-quickie-183
...and also here :-) Enjoy...
WQ183 - image above, empathy, insulation, a writer
'Her face was mesmorizing, like some ancient landscape painting; her blackheads were fur trees across her nose, her eyebrows a line of trees jutting out from a ridge, the boil on her forehead was a volcano waiting to erupt, her bulging vein below her right eye was a stream with a bridge across its...'
"Henry!"
With his line of thought broken, he relaxed back into his chair. "Yes, darling?"
"Are you going to help me or what?"
Help? She had destroyed the moment, a perfect literary moment of immense introspection, and she wanted help? "What was that, my darling?"
"The insulation in the attic! We need to rip out the old stuff and put in the new! I've got thirty plus square meters here!"
"Oh darling, if only I could!" Another ping on Facebook made him check his notifications. "I feel empathy for you in that you feel that such matters are more important than my writing, but really, I have a deadline to keep! I must finish this by next week!"
"I'll give you a deadline if you don't come up here right now and help!"
He stood up and went to her. Would anyone ever understand HIS needs?
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Saturday, June 11, 2016
Friday, June 10, 2016
Abuse of Power: Government takes over the market from Metropol
Yes, it's all here in English...
http://budapestbeacon.com/media-issues/simicska-rumored-to-sell-free-daily-metropol/34791
With the help of the generous tax paying public, the Government stole the free newspaper market from Metropol.It took years for Metropol to build a 'trust' with the public, and the Government took it and now use it for their own purposes to spread their PROPAGANDA.
For years, the free 'rag' Metropol, formerly known as Metro, has been given out to passengers of both BKK and MÁV every morning (metro and train stations in Budapest), perhaps 100,000, 200,000 copies or more per day. It was filled with little snippets of news, both local and worldwide. Sometimes it was interesting, sometimes not. But since the owner became anti-government, there was pressure on both BKK and MÁV to cancel the distribution contracts from the 'higher powers', and now the end has come.
In it's place is a pro-government rag, 'Lokál', run by the 'informal advisor to the Prime Minister', an advisor that officially has no income but drives an expensive car, wears expensive clothes, etc... for sure, he's living off tax-payers' money.
I picked up one of these today to see if it was PROPAGANDA. Yes, it was, and it focuses on the typical half-brain Hungarian, especially with the semi-naked girl on page 7. It's a free, pro-government, 'everything is running smoothly in this country' rag.
Not many people were taking them, and if I take any more, I will use them as fuel for grills and barbecues.
Shame on the Government. Shame on you, Orbán.
Oh, and another...this one is really shameful...
http://budapestbeacon.com/featured-articles/lazar-says-state-not-bug-ngos-office/34907
..and this...
http://budapestbeacon.com/featured-articles/hungarian-banker-and-media-mogul-zoltan-speder-in-governments-sights/34902
This won't stop them. either...
http://budapestbeacon.com/news-in-brief/hungarian-government-appeal-secret-snooping-rejected-european-court/34875
And this just allowed them to use guns on anyone they want...
http://budapestbeacon.com/news-in-brief/hungarian-parliament-modifies-fundamental-law-yet-again/34849
...really, I can't keep up with this CORRUPTION and ABUSE OF POWER.
http://budapestbeacon.com/media-issues/simicska-rumored-to-sell-free-daily-metropol/34791
With the help of the generous tax paying public, the Government stole the free newspaper market from Metropol.It took years for Metropol to build a 'trust' with the public, and the Government took it and now use it for their own purposes to spread their PROPAGANDA.
For years, the free 'rag' Metropol, formerly known as Metro, has been given out to passengers of both BKK and MÁV every morning (metro and train stations in Budapest), perhaps 100,000, 200,000 copies or more per day. It was filled with little snippets of news, both local and worldwide. Sometimes it was interesting, sometimes not. But since the owner became anti-government, there was pressure on both BKK and MÁV to cancel the distribution contracts from the 'higher powers', and now the end has come.
In it's place is a pro-government rag, 'Lokál', run by the 'informal advisor to the Prime Minister', an advisor that officially has no income but drives an expensive car, wears expensive clothes, etc... for sure, he's living off tax-payers' money.
I picked up one of these today to see if it was PROPAGANDA. Yes, it was, and it focuses on the typical half-brain Hungarian, especially with the semi-naked girl on page 7. It's a free, pro-government, 'everything is running smoothly in this country' rag.
Not many people were taking them, and if I take any more, I will use them as fuel for grills and barbecues.
Shame on the Government. Shame on you, Orbán.
Oh, and another...this one is really shameful...
http://budapestbeacon.com/featured-articles/lazar-says-state-not-bug-ngos-office/34907
..and this...
http://budapestbeacon.com/featured-articles/hungarian-banker-and-media-mogul-zoltan-speder-in-governments-sights/34902
This won't stop them. either...
http://budapestbeacon.com/news-in-brief/hungarian-government-appeal-secret-snooping-rejected-european-court/34875
And this just allowed them to use guns on anyone they want...
http://budapestbeacon.com/news-in-brief/hungarian-parliament-modifies-fundamental-law-yet-again/34849
...really, I can't keep up with this CORRUPTION and ABUSE OF POWER.
Saturday, June 4, 2016
WQ182 + update
Been a little busy, finished off the Writers Games 2016 Event 4 entry and also Iron Writer Challenge 160 for next week...and now Weekend Quickie 182.
The new novel? Stuck at 40k but I will soon complete the first draft now that I have some time :-)
Sold a paperback 'Manna-X' to a 'friend of a friend' and got back some feedback..."Excellent!"
That's all I need to continue writing, healthy feedback :-)
And now 'Weekend Quickie 182'!
Here's the website link for more 200 word takes...
http://theironwriter.com/the-iron-writer-challenge-weekend-quickie-182
But here's mine, just in case :-)
WQ 182 - image above, Cub Scout talent show, the next day, chaos
There was chaos at the Cub Scout talent show in the local community hall last night when Den Chief Batholomew Timothy Maithewaite, after downing three bottles of vodka and a casket of cider, demonstrated his 'snake in the grass' routine to the families of the Pack members performing. Once the 'snake' was out and allowed to roam, screams and howls ensued and the hall was practically emptied in a matter of seconds. Mrs Magdalene Thorndyke, Head of Entertainment and Drama for the town, was seen to faint before her piano while Den Chief Maithewaite chased those few brave enough to watch an encore out of the building and across the lawn.
A brief announcement was made soon after on the local radio station RU65 by Den Chief Jeffrey Jackson apologizing to those attending the talent show and said that certain individuals will be dealt with according to the rules of the Cub Scout Association.
When asked the next day on his 'activities', Maithewaite, looking pale and unkempt, said that he could not comment on record as to what possibly transpired, but he would be handing out a special badge of 'bravery' to all Tigers at the next Cub Scout meeting.
The new novel? Stuck at 40k but I will soon complete the first draft now that I have some time :-)
Sold a paperback 'Manna-X' to a 'friend of a friend' and got back some feedback..."Excellent!"
That's all I need to continue writing, healthy feedback :-)
And now 'Weekend Quickie 182'!
Here's the website link for more 200 word takes...
http://theironwriter.com/the-iron-writer-challenge-weekend-quickie-182
But here's mine, just in case :-)
WQ 182 - image above, Cub Scout talent show, the next day, chaos
There was chaos at the Cub Scout talent show in the local community hall last night when Den Chief Batholomew Timothy Maithewaite, after downing three bottles of vodka and a casket of cider, demonstrated his 'snake in the grass' routine to the families of the Pack members performing. Once the 'snake' was out and allowed to roam, screams and howls ensued and the hall was practically emptied in a matter of seconds. Mrs Magdalene Thorndyke, Head of Entertainment and Drama for the town, was seen to faint before her piano while Den Chief Maithewaite chased those few brave enough to watch an encore out of the building and across the lawn.
A brief announcement was made soon after on the local radio station RU65 by Den Chief Jeffrey Jackson apologizing to those attending the talent show and said that certain individuals will be dealt with according to the rules of the Cub Scout Association.
When asked the next day on his 'activities', Maithewaite, looking pale and unkempt, said that he could not comment on record as to what possibly transpired, but he would be handing out a special badge of 'bravery' to all Tigers at the next Cub Scout meeting.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
"Attack of the Killer Pogo Sticks"
I entered a short story competition, 'The Writer's Drawer Short Story Contest 2016' (http://www.thewritersdrawer.net/short-story-contest-2016.html)
but I didn't place...BUT I was one of 3 who were 'Highly Recommended', so I came in the Top 6.
"Attack of the Killer Pogo Sticks"...based on 'The Blob'...
Please, go read it, they put it up on their site :-)
http://www.thewritersdrawer.net/killer-pogo-sticks.html
but I didn't place...BUT I was one of 3 who were 'Highly Recommended', so I came in the Top 6.
"Attack of the Killer Pogo Sticks"...based on 'The Blob'...
Please, go read it, they put it up on their site :-)
http://www.thewritersdrawer.net/killer-pogo-sticks.html
Saturday, May 28, 2016
WQ181 + Updates
The Writers Games 2016 is still on, Event 3 this week. Written and sent.
I didn't get in the top 5 in Event 1, nor the top 3 in Event 2 (I sent a very pc version), though got some feedback from Event 1.
I don't know whether I can reply to the feedback, but I did make at least 2 out of the 3 judges laugh. Isn't that enough?
New novel...40k and rising! The first draft is about 3/4s done, hoping ti finish soon.
But now...Weekend Quickie 181!
Here it is on the website...http://theironwriter.com/the-iron-writer-challenge-weekend-quickie-181
But mine is here, too :-) ..nothing changes, eh? Lol
I didn't get in the top 5 in Event 1, nor the top 3 in Event 2 (I sent a very pc version), though got some feedback from Event 1.
I don't know whether I can reply to the feedback, but I did make at least 2 out of the 3 judges laugh. Isn't that enough?
New novel...40k and rising! The first draft is about 3/4s done, hoping ti finish soon.
But now...Weekend Quickie 181!
Here it is on the website...http://theironwriter.com/the-iron-writer-challenge-weekend-quickie-181
But mine is here, too :-) ..nothing changes, eh? Lol
181 –
image above, a dead man, a boy, fear
(The Old Man and the Sea - alternative ending)
Manolin ran as fast as he could through the sand and stones, carrying the fish's head against his chest. He feared he would find a dead man in the shack. If only they would have let him go fishing with the old man, then there would be no marlin on the side of his boat on the beach, eaten by sharks, and perhaps something worse, waiting for him in the darkness of the old man's abode. Footsteps led him to the place, the door ajar. Dreading that final step, he took a deep breath and walked in.
"Old man?"
On the bed lay Santiago, face down, with his left hand dangling to the floor, bloody and cut. Manolin put the marlin's head by the door and stepped closer, hoping the old man was still alive. He vowed that he would never let the old man go fishing alone again, no matter what the others said, especially his father. He was his apprentice and his place was by the old man's side. He touched the old man on the shoulder.
"Old...?"
A long, loud and disgustingly stinky fart came from the old man's worn breeches. He was alive! The boy fainted.
"Old man?"
On the bed lay Santiago, face down, with his left hand dangling to the floor, bloody and cut. Manolin put the marlin's head by the door and stepped closer, hoping the old man was still alive. He vowed that he would never let the old man go fishing alone again, no matter what the others said, especially his father. He was his apprentice and his place was by the old man's side. He touched the old man on the shoulder.
"Old...?"
A long, loud and disgustingly stinky fart came from the old man's worn breeches. He was alive! The boy fainted.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
All for Love review + WQ180 + Writers Games 2016 update
I have another review on "All for Love" !! Thank you, Alis! Firstly, for buying a paperback, secondly, for giving a review, and thirdly, for being FANTASTIC! :-)
New book first draft...30k and rising...
Winter Games 2016 update...Event 2 is on....re-written three times and resent it...in Event 1, I wasn't in the Top 5...but soon we will get some feedback and after Event 3, we will know where we 'place'. So, who knows.
And here's Iron Writer Weekend Quickie 180!
See it here on the website...http://theironwriter.com/the-iron-writer-challenge-weekend-quickie-180/#comment-256361
Or here below...
By
Alis Van Doorn
on May 18, 2016
Format: Paperback
Verified Purchase
Original and gripping, and excellently written and plotted. You may
not be in love with some of the characters by the end, but you love the
journey they took you on. Highly recommend.
If you'd like to read it, here it is...(the link, that is)
New book first draft...30k and rising...
Winter Games 2016 update...Event 2 is on....re-written three times and resent it...in Event 1, I wasn't in the Top 5...but soon we will get some feedback and after Event 3, we will know where we 'place'. So, who knows.
And here's Iron Writer Weekend Quickie 180!
See it here on the website...http://theironwriter.com/the-iron-writer-challenge-weekend-quickie-180/#comment-256361
Or here below...
180 –
image cropped from “Christ among Scribes” (Ribera) - above, determination, internet
service, a social event
Richard
moved through the crowd with some determination. There were at least six of
them at it, trying to get a presentation to work, and the families at the
wedding were beginning to get restless, waiting for more than an hour. Drinks
were flowing and voices grew louder.
"Excuse
me," said Richard.
"Look,"
said the Best Man to another suit. "We've got internet service through the
Wifi, it's running through my SkyDrive and working on the computer, it's just
not showing up on the projector's screen."
"Is
this laptop compatible with this projector?" asked another technical
wizard.
"Excuse
me," said Richard.
"Yes,
I used this same setup last year at your Auntie's funeral," replied the
Best Man.
"Perhaps
if we try rebooting the laptop, the projector will recognize it and..."
said another.
"Don't
you think I've tried that?"
"Excuse
me!" said Richard.
"Why
are we waiting!" shouted one drunk relative. Other joined in.
"Excuse
me!" said Richard.
"What?"
shouted back the Best Man.
"I
think I know why it's not working," said Richard.
The Best
Man snorted. "What would you know? You're a gardener!"
Richard
walked up to the projector sitting on the table and took off the lens cap.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
WQ179 and the Writers Games 2016
Entered my first story for the Writers Games 2016...unfortunately, due to the rules, I can't show it until the tournament is over (unless I win one Event and they post it themselves...chance is highly unlikely)
AND it's time for the Iron Writer Weekend Quickie!
Here is the link to the site and other 200 word miracles...
http://theironwriter.com/the-iron-writer-challenge-weekend-quickie-179/
...and here's mine reproduced on this little blog :-)
WQ179 - image above, an old widow, insight, a sleepless night
"Did you hear about ol' Mrs Kompelsmitzen?"
"Isn't that the old widow who lives at No.5?"
"Lived."
"What? Did the old Kraut finally kick the bucket, then?"
"Not for lack of trying. She smoked more than your ol' banger!"
"Watch it, boyo. How old was she?"
"I think someone estimated her age to be around 102, give or take a year."
"Wow. For a smoker, you'd think she'd have gone long ago."
"Tough as old nails. You know, they couldn't prove it, but they said she was a concentration camp guard back in the war."
"What war?"
"THE war, you know, World War Two, Hitler and the Jews and all that?"
"No."
"Did you go to school?"
"No."
"Where did you go?"
"To the pub."
"Right."
"So? The old Kraut?"
"Oh yeah, well apparently after cooking a nice, stinkingly large portion of cabbage and noodles, she got stomach problems. Her neighbours said they could hear her flatulence problems through the walls and listened to her shouting and pacing for hours. They all had a sleepless night."
"So, she died of wind?"
"You could say that. She'd be alive If she'd had the insight to not light her morning cigarette..."
AND it's time for the Iron Writer Weekend Quickie!
Here is the link to the site and other 200 word miracles...
http://theironwriter.com/the-iron-writer-challenge-weekend-quickie-179/
...and here's mine reproduced on this little blog :-)
WQ179 - image above, an old widow, insight, a sleepless night
"Did you hear about ol' Mrs Kompelsmitzen?"
"Isn't that the old widow who lives at No.5?"
"Lived."
"What? Did the old Kraut finally kick the bucket, then?"
"Not for lack of trying. She smoked more than your ol' banger!"
"Watch it, boyo. How old was she?"
"I think someone estimated her age to be around 102, give or take a year."
"Wow. For a smoker, you'd think she'd have gone long ago."
"Tough as old nails. You know, they couldn't prove it, but they said she was a concentration camp guard back in the war."
"What war?"
"THE war, you know, World War Two, Hitler and the Jews and all that?"
"No."
"Did you go to school?"
"No."
"Where did you go?"
"To the pub."
"Right."
"So? The old Kraut?"
"Oh yeah, well apparently after cooking a nice, stinkingly large portion of cabbage and noodles, she got stomach problems. Her neighbours said they could hear her flatulence problems through the walls and listened to her shouting and pacing for hours. They all had a sleepless night."
"So, she died of wind?"
"You could say that. She'd be alive If she'd had the insight to not light her morning cigarette..."
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