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 |   A terminal for all blogs coming in or going out. A view into my life. |
Started July 1st 2019 for contests, etc. as other blogs are filling up and have other purposes.  I'm starting a new blog because
I'll be linking to
I've started an appendix (I no longer have one personally) to keep track of my Space Cadet journals for Space Blog. It's a work constantly under construction. Mind the mess.
I needed to start a folder for contests as there are so many deadlines and details to remember.
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| I told Robert: "My brain? There are plenty of barnyard metaphors I'm sure. I feel slippage. I fear slippage. My way to counter that is to stay mentally active. I'll never know whether that works though will I? Others will have to put me away. Because I'm ecclectic in people, places, ideas, things... I find uses for what is discarded that others have no use for. I'm like an old farmer collecting string." What I didn't tell him was how tired I am. I'm tired of blogging, tired of contests, tired of reading, tired of breathing. Once-upon-a-time I'd try to blog every day to get a 'blue month'. But so few comments this past year... why bother. If I ever disappear for awhile it may be to take a vacation and try to 'reset' my life. I'm not happy... and that's a sign that something needs to be changed. Written today: "The mist that parts; the ice that melts [328] (~225 words)"  Received:  ![Merit Badge in Welcome To My Reality
[Click For More Info]
For completing 65 prompts for the month of January in my [Link To Item #1967461] Thank you so much *^*Heartb*^*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-Welcome_To_My_Reality-1967472_14.gif) |
"WDC? What's the point?" [E] by Writer_Mike  I won't quibble with the essay. I came to WDC on a recommendation as well. I found a lot of readers, a few reviewers, many enthusiatic writers, a few not-so-bright, a couple who were mean ... but those were the exception. It has been here for me to expand on my own writings (and cringe at some of those attempts). I remember writing a couple 55 word stories. Very difficult. To critique... it's an essay, not my area of expertise. It seems well written and personal. Instead of mentioning the contests an actual link would be more helpful. I rate it a 4.4. Prompt: Write about benefits, charities, etc. Very odd prompt imho. I don't do benefits or charities. This is a very Mid-America thing I suppose. I equate "go fund me... my daughter needs a 100k operation and we can't afford it" with those who think "socialism = bad, bad, bad." My first response is "Move to Sweden", my second, "Move to Canada." Problem solved. Be as generous as you can... but begging annoys me. I realize that many WDCers love auctions, raffles, etc. I don't. for...  |
For
"Rain All Day" [E] by Tim Chiu  Mini-review: There's a basic 8 syllable line and an xaxa rhyme scheme. The problem arises when the rhythm is abandoned due to an extra word, a long word, or phrase. "participation" and "forecasters" need to be rethought or replaced, "state-of-the-art" jars, "for much of today" would be better expressed by "all day long". The theme seems a tad too 'simple' and maybe a bit passive in the sense of 'looking out the window'. It doesn't flow as well as expected after reading the first verse (although that too could be tweaked... maybe "moisture enters" instead of "the moisture from" and "raindrops on" instead of "precipitation from"). I think it's salvageable but it needs work. I give it a 4.0 at this point. Let's write about rain for your Space Blog today. Let's not! I did yesterday. The truth? Cold rain, freezing rain and sleet... is miserable. I really do prefer snow. In summer it's welcome when there's smoke in the air and a warm spring shower is nice but Western Montana rarely gets a gully-washing cleanser (like in Oklahoma). I like mist and fog but dull grey skies are depressing. Where I grew up it rained. Where I went to school it stormed. Costa Rica rains can soak to the bone. In the tropics a rain can be refreshing. Like many things, feelings/thoughts about rain are contextual. 3.632 |
| For Day 2992: January 26, 2021 "Blogging Circle of Friends " Prompt: Winter Rain It slants from south to north warm enough to drip off the nose cold enough to encase the trees in ice it soaks the unwary to the bone then makes them shiver: inedible popsicles, human flavored, cold. The winters rains mix with glue-like sleet, a bane of the unexpectant South, worse than northern snow. For
"Invalid Item" [] by A Guest Visitor Mini-review: It could use an edit for grammar, punctuation and flow. It reads more like free verse; but, the couplet form detracts, as does the capitalization. In line 5 for instance "The swans" jars whereas "where swans" would not. Suggestion: take out all line breaks, punctuation and capitalization, then read it out loud paying attention to how it flows then add capitalization and punctuation and finally line breaks. The content is very good and it's definitely a keeper but the form detracts and annoys to such an extent I can only give it a 3.7 as is. It has potential for at least a 4.5. Write about this poem in your Blog entry today. I wish my dreams were caught. I send emails, messages, postcards... not sure that they make a difference. Maybe they do for someone ... not necessarily the intended recipient. Do I catch the dreams of others? I know that my nightmares process old traumas. Pleasant dreams would be preferable and welcome. 3.627 |
January 25 weekly goals: 1. Finish a book! 2. Enter at least two contests. Three would be better. "The Bard's Hall Contest" , "Invalid Item" , "Welcome To My Reality Forum" , "Writing 4 Kids Contest " 3. Clean. (A constant stuggle.) 4. Find out when/where I can get a vaccine (not as easy as one would think). 1/25 Asked friends. Still clueless. I'm apparently in group 1c but we are far behind here. Again, friends at risk still haven't gotten it.  5. Do at least one of the following: make a trinket, plan a trip, finish Realities , research heart diets  (GOOD: plenty of nutrient-rich foods—fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean poultry and fish. BAD: Foods high in trans fat and saturated fat to avoid include: Crackers, Doughnuts, Baked goods (cakes, cookies and pie crust, excess sodium and sugar), Fried foods, Non-dairy creamer, Microwave popcorn.) catch up on reviews, post some reviews. For "Space Blog" "Invalid Item" [] by A Guest Visitor Mini-review: this could be a short blog entry or an intro to a horror story. Not ratable by me.Prompt: Write about a lovely day. Like today. It's lovely. A tad cool at 2 pm. -2c. But sunny! Sat with friends outside while they ate lunch. Most of us live alone and this is our chance to say hello and stay to chat. As T fades into history we'll focus on personal issues. Like how to get the vaccine, how soon we can travel. The weather has been calm and dry. We need snow. The days slowly linger longer adding a minute or two and the sun is still weak but waxing. I'm sitting in its rays at home in a cashmere sweater. The softness embraces me but I need to take it off along with my shirt and t-shirt to let the sun strike bare flesh. I could use a bit more vitamin D. Today is dedicating to breathing and catching up. The end of the month draws nigh and there's much to do... if I so choose. For "Blogging Circle of Friends " Day 2991: January 25, 2021Prompt: "It’s easy to stand in the crowd but it takes courage to stand alone." Mahatma Gandhi. What do you think? Have you ever felt that you were standing alone? I've often stood alone thinking that I was unique and misunderstood. The truth? There have always been others like me and there have always been those who understood. But our silence and invisibility kept us apart. I have spoken up about what I believe for decades but I needed to learn how to speak up more for me. In these days of White Identity, nationalism, nativism, xenophobia and religious exclusion I find myself on the outside looking in. I was born White but I chose to indentify as Human, embracing others as much as I could along the way. And some White folks resented me. I wouldn't identity with their tribe. There was no way to tell them that I was Human First... and in truth Universe First as I felt connections to other species: animal, vegetable and mineral. Their stifling tribe wasn't big enough for me and specifically left my friends out. I'm not okay with that. So at times I feel that I stand alone. But that's a lie. There have always been others standing with me. |
| "Blogging Circle of Friends " Do you think artists should be more or less transparent when it comes to their political affiliation? Like for instance, the flack Garth Brooks received from his fan base because of his choice to participate in the inauguration even though he's Republican. Short answer: NO! Longer answer is not so simple. Art transcends the artist. The artist doesn't owe you or anyone else an explanation of their beliefs. If an artist wants to make a political statement they are free to do it. Great artists often have strong political views. If someone doesn't like their art or their views there are other artists, and there are other customers. But... no need to shun or 'cancel'. It is possible to love the art without loving the artist. The internet 'cancel culture' is susceptible to misinformation and slander. And the outrage can be overdone and misplaced. Definition: "Cancel culture (or call-out culture) is a modern form of ostracism in which someone is thrust out of social or professional circles - either online on social media, in the real world, or both. Those who are subject to this ostracism are said to be "canceled." Call out someone? Why not. But know the facts and don't shun merely because you don't like what they say. For "Space Blog" "Invalid Item" [] by A Guest Visitor Mini-review: This is an intriguing In&Out where the stories branch out in different directions and others can participate. Rating: (pending; lots to read) Prompt: What do you think it would be like to encounter an alien race? My Space Cadet series is based on that. On 'Home' it is necessary to not be tribal. I doubt most humans alive today could handle it. On this planet we can't even embrace other humans. It's one reason why Earth was/is/will-be interdicted imho. Culture and language... can be overcome... it is among other animal species! But humans have trouble getting along with other animals. If we were more like bonobos than chimpanzees we might have a chance. |
For
"Invalid Item" [] by A Guest Visitor Mini-review: An ethical will, a zava'ah, a letter of advice... values both told and shown. Parts seem a bit heavy on looking back (memoirish); but, as pointed out, that need not be the thrust of the will. It reminds me a bit of my journal and some of my blog entries in other more personal blogs. The memory prompts seem useful. It has a dense writing style that may best be broken up into chapters. It has very specific advice on how to do it and how to print and save it. This part feels like it should be in an appendix. The idea is solid. The specifics I'm not as sure about. I rate it 4.6. That said, we-all probably should write one. Prompt: What are your values and what do you believe? 5.000+ pages in my hand-written journal. 5.000+ stories and poems. To distill them? My values and beliefs have Unity at the core. The Oneness of Creation and a personal need to connect. Second place for a poem written at the last moment:
I like the pretty red ribbon.  It's 8 lines free verse to the prompt "breaking bubble" from "EXPRESS IT IN EIGHT" , entered into "Shadows and Light Poetry Contest" . Note: Covid-cuff: mask dangling from the wrist. Covid-collar: mask hanging around the neck. Stalk: brisk walk. I need to thank Solace.Bring  for inspiring me. 3.602 |
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"Waves of Grief" [13+] by 🌸 pwheeler - love joy peace  Mini-review: It does capture grief, how it can crush and roll like ocean waves. The form is used well but line 3 is problematic as 'in' divides the line in two in a way that mildly jars, but I can't think of an alternative way of expressing it. I suspect that in an oddquain (1/3/5/7/1) like a cinquain (2/4/6/8/2) line 4 should be the climax (peak of the crescendo) and repeating 'crushing' works well to make that point. IMO, line 5 should be like a sigh... and the use of ~__~ in '~pain~' does the opposite, emphasizing the word; it could be just 'pain', but that's a stylistic quibble. Definitely a keeper. I rate it 4.7. Prompt: Let's focus on grief. What are your thoughts? Finally something that isn't uber-happy! I wallow in my depression, thoughts oozing to the surface to be gathered and washed of all sins ... so to speak. Grief is best allowed to flow over, under, around and through. It doesn't age well when bottled up. But the expression of grief is cultural and personal. Entire rituals of grief are practiced by some. Others? My mother was stoic in public; my dad's funeral was 'her party'. She cried when no one was looking. Me? Just hit 3,600 views of this blog. With over 400 full entries that's a bit sad. I'm averaging less than 8 views per entry. Little I can do. Interactions here at WDC are meagre. Very few readers even within groups. Fewer comments. My grief is this... I'm speaking up more than I did as a child but I'm nearly as invisible. I watched the trailer for "Le hérisson" (French, 2009; "The Hedgehog" in English). There is a scene where Josiane Balasko as the concierge Renée Michel has done her hair and put on nice clothes. A wealthy woman she knows greets her as if they've never met before. As Togo Igawa, as Kakuro Ozu, explains... the wealthy woman has never SEEN her. At times I don't want to be seen, but here at WDC I want to be acknowledged. To do that I try to interact with others. But Blogville, once thriving, is a ghost town. Even we ghosts are lonely. 3,597 |
| For "Space Blog" "Humanity" [E] by creative writer  Review? Unfortunately this is a list not a poem; however, each item could inspire a poem or a story or better yet an essay (like a blog or journal entry). It also needs a grammar check. I'm not going to review nor rate it as the writer is either very young, very new, has a dialect I'm not familiar with or English isn't their native language. All of which is fine but not reviewable. Prompt: How do you feel about humanity? Depends on my day. There are a lot of us. And we squeeze out other useful species. A monocultural waste of flesh according to certain points-of-view. On the other hand, cockroaches and rats love us. Individually we may be interesting, and of some use; but, we resemble a planted pine tree farm or palm nut plantation. Both sterile and hostile to plant, insect and animal diversity. A food desert so to speak. There are days I'd cheer for the aliens among us to wipe us out or at least reduce our numbers. I wonder how edible we are. For "Blogging Circle of Friends " Day 2984: January 17, 2021Prompt: Write about a new start. The rhinos were looking forward to the move. Their long hairy coats weren't suited for the heat of the brushlands. Meadows beckoned them. Good grubs awaited them. Old Spar told the others how the invading liberators had quelled the two legged vermin that were now kept in concrete cages behind walls they dare not breach. The rhinos weren't the only ones who were set free on the old farm fields. Groups of horses and ostriches mingled with zebras and a few oxen. They all kept watch out for the hungry marauders... a pack of wild dogs. Once upon a time... his rheumy eyes gazed inward ... we barely survived the human war upon our world. Our hairy ancestors had died out, but a small group of scientists brought us back. Now we can march to the north where the grass grows greener and the cold will make us glad we have these woolly coats. Someday, maybe after the invaders have helped them to mature, humans will be allowed to join us. Received a pretty RED ribbon today as I tied for 1st place in "Writing 4 Kids Contest " for December. January's prompt is 'skating' ... and I want that trinket!
As I told Cubby~Cheering House Florent!  I need to find a better title and rewrite to strengthen it. IMO... it could make a cute booklet I could send as a thank-you gift. And I was gifted a badge too: ![Merit Badge in Writing 4 Kids
[Click For More Info]
Congratulations on your 1st Place win for the December 2020 Round of [Link To Item #1999597] !](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-Writing_4_Kids-1997507_14.gif) This really cheered me up today. Makes me want to write more story-poems for kids. They are short. They can be silly! I can have fun with language. (They can be subversive ... ... shhhh ... think of the Lorax.) 3594 |
Weekly goals January 18: 1. write three poems or prose or short-stories. 3 poems, one flash fiction. 2. submit at least one writing to a contest. 2 submitted (one monthly) 3. old goal: design a trinket. 4. read. I've had a real problem focusing on reading. I read very little 5. Go out every day. Because I really don't want to. Visited friends all 5 weekdays. 6... exceed one of the above or finally finish an old goal. Aennaytte: Free & Wild in GoT  wrote about writing a short story. I've written 100 flash fictions but can't quite grasp how to do it write. These are her suggestions my response:Ten Small Steps Write a short story in ten easy steps. 1. A short story is not a novel. Like novel, a short story needs to tell a story that includes the basic and expected storytelling elements of inciting incident, rising action, climax, and falling action. Unlike a novel, a short story will skip fluffy parts of storytelling. The short story focuses on one event, one aspect/problem/relationship of the main character. Flash really pares it down to one moment, imho. 2. Frontload the action. Pull the reader right into the story by starting as close as possible to the end. There is no need to describe mundane before events that have only a small relationship to the plot at hand. I liked how my new fav Thai series started out with the main character dropping dead. The bits and pieces of the back story are revealed later but would have weakened the presentation. It's a bromance with a ghost... so we start with a ghost! 3. Short stories go fast. Now that you started close to the end, keep the pace at the high speed that readers expect during the parts of highest action and highest tension. I might disagree a bit. Not all stories are filled with 'action' and the tension can be mental-emotional-spiritual. 4. Short story equals small cast of characters. Developing characters takes time and words. A hard hitting short story needs about three of them. The main character, an antagonist, and a relationship character who can drive the protagonist's or antagonist's character arc. Again... not convinced that two 'characters' are needed. In flash it can be Character versus Time, Humanity, Nature... But the cast is limited to say the least. 5. Make the reader root for one of the characters. The obvious choice for the character to root for is the protagonist. The reader will root for a passionate character, or one who leaves his comfort zone. That or root against them. Anger is a strong emotion. 6. Conflict. In a short story, one point of conflict is enough. The conflict might be a decision that has to be made, a revelation, or a dilemma to figure out. It's important to keep the tension high around this point of conflict to keep the reader invested and engaged in the story. Yep. Focus. Short poems present this challenge as well. Neither can afford any extraneous words. 7. Backstory? Not really. There is not going to be enough space to have an elaborate backstory in a short story since every sentence counts. However, you, the writer, have to know your character so well that his backstory can be glimpsed through the way he talks, acts, and behaves under tension. Write it then cut it and save as a separate story. If you have time. There's no reason why a great character can't have more than one story! Same with poetry. 8. The five senses. Give the reader as much taste, smell, touch, sound as possible so that your reader experiences your world as if he were there. Yes. We rely too much on descriptive sight. Fragrance evokes memories. Sounds can trigger traumas (at least for me). Long descriptions are problematic. One word may suffice for each sense. Adverbs need to be avoided unless hyperbole is the point. A hyperbolic character might work... but word count... 9. Dialogue brings your story to life. Tight dialogue can be a real good help for building drama, but read it out loud so that it doesn't feel stilted or unrealistic. Keep speech tags to a minimum and use "said" for the majority if you need a speech tag. Dialogue is more powerful when it's part of an action. Have your characters experience something as they speak to each other. Movement. Always read out loud. The easiest step (not) 10. Edit. Editing is where the real heavy lifting comes in. Kill your darlings comes to mind. This does not have to mean that you have to kill a character that you're attached to. Although that's what it can mean. Another type of darling can be a specific description of something, an action that doesn't drive the plot forward, or irrelevant backstory details. The truth is: every word you put into that first draft is one of your darlings. Some of them have to die. It's a sacrifice you have to be willing to make. The only problem with a 24 hour contest is time. But once written it can be edited days or years later and nproved upon. The following 4 suggestions are important, imho.  Can one character do the work of two? Kill one. Too much set up before a scene? Cut that out. Repetitive words? Strike them. Each sentence has to be meaningful to the story.I would add that keeping a copy of the first draft and anything cut isn't a bad idea. Cut sentences and scenes might be useful later. |
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