A Bedtime Story

A little change from what I'm currently working on...here's an update and a bedtime story. Try to imagine, if you will, he possible illustrations...Enjoy!

                Once upon a time, in a kingdom down the street from the grocery store, there lived three handsome little princes and one pretty little princess. These little royals lived under the rule of King Daddy dear and Queen Mommy and were much loved and cherished.

                One day, after a adventure-filled afternoon of fighting pillow monsters and building forts in the living room, Queen Mommy glanced at the clock.

                “Oh my, it’s 8:30 already,” she declared, “Time for bed my little ones.”

                Sadness filled the little royals and they cried in dismay, “Oh Momma, can’t we stay up and play? Just a little longer?”

                “I’m afraid not my dears. Tomorrow is a busy day and you need your rest. Now off with you, time for bed!”

                With a resigned sigh, the little princes and the pretty princess trudged off toward the bathroom to brush their teeth. One by one they stood at the sink as Queen Mommy helped them capture all the bandit cavities with their mighty toothpaste and toothbrush. Then after rinsing and smiling in the mirror, each little child ran down the hall to their bedrooms and grabbed their royal pajamas. The little princes were dressed dashingly in blues and reds, while the pretty little princess decided to wear a pink night dress.

                After tucking each little royal into bed, Queen Mommy gave her little royals a kiss on the forehead and bade them a quiet goodnight.

                “Now, no playing. Straight to sleep,” She commanded, with a smile as she shut the door to the Little Princess’ door.

                But laying in the dark causes one’s mind to wander and soon, the little princess fancied that she heard a noise…a noise coming from under her bed!

                ‘Oh no!’ She thought, ‘It must be a monster!’

                Suddenly the bed began to rattle and shake and the Little Princess heard a growling noise. She let out a terrified squeak!

                “Help!” she cried, “Help me!”

                The Little Princes down the hall heard their sister’s cries and jumped from their beds, grabbing their plastic swords. They would protect their sister!

                Running down the hall they pushed open the door and saw a giant dragon, with bright green scales and glowing yellow eyes, hiding under their sister’s bed!

                “Monster!” they cried dashing forward, attacking the beast that growled and snorted.

                The little princes lunged at the beast, avoiding its fiery breath and spiky tail. They jabbed their swords and defended their sister, who sat terrified on her bed, clutching her favorite doll.

                Suddenly, the dragon attacked and lunged at the little princes, throwing them to the ground!

                “Oh no!” cried the pretty Princess, jumping from her bed, “I will save you!”

                Grabbing  her magic scepter the princess jumped on the back of the beast and tried to put a spell on it. The beast, however, was just too strong and the pretty little princess fell to the ground next to her brave little princes.

                The giant dragon growled at the little royals and prepared to attack…

                But fortunately Queen Mommy opened the door.

                “What on earth are you doing?” She cried.

                The little princes and pretty princess looked up at their mommy and then back to the dragon that had magically shrunk and now resembled one of their many stuffed animals.

                “We were protecting the princess from the dragon!” Exclaimed the littlest prince.

                Queen Mommy sighed and smiled, “Oh my brave little princes, did you succeed?”

                Nodding vigorously, Queen Mommy smiled and ushered her little ones back to bed.

                “Now no more adventures until morning! Give those imaginations a rest,” She declared, kissing her little princes on the forehead and turning out the light once more. She returned to the princess’ room and gently tucked the little girl back in bed. “Be safe little one,” she whispered with a smile and quietly turned out the light.

                After that, the little royals slept soundly in their beds, the little princes valiantly clutching their plastic swords and the little princess, snuggling with her stuffed dragon.

                Yes all was well and quiet in the little kingdom down the street from the grocery store…

                At least until the morning that is.

Well....

Okay I admit that I have been terrible at keeping this blog current on the progress of the ever "famous" novel that I'm working on. Life has been...well...difficult the last few months and honestly I've had a hard time adjusting to all the drastic changes going on right now. It's been hard to say the least.

But, we're getting through all the interesting twists and turns and we'll make due with everything going on right now.

Somehow.

Anyway, I have been working furiously on my novel the last little while and I actually have some updates in store in the next few days.

I'll be sure to update several things here shortly but for now I thought that I'd say that I'm not dead and I haven't given up writing.

Another Update

Hooray for another update. First things first, someone was kind enough to create mock book covers for my novel. I like them a lot and hope that you'll enjoy seeing a picture or two of them :).

I thought the clock design on this one was interesting

I think this one might be my favorite.

I really like this one though

This was the first mock cover that was made for me. I like it a lot.

Things are finally starting to get interesting in my novel. The pieces are falling into place nicely and I can actually see the complete plot connecting to one another. It's wonderful. I feel like I've really reached a turning point in my writing so far. At least where the plot development is concerned. I know there's still a lot to do, but hey at least I'm making progress right?

As always I hope you enjoy my writing and will leave a lovely comment. Let me your opinion about the plot, writing style, anything really! Enjoy!

“Are you proposing m’dear?” Adam asked in a teasing tone.



“Hardly,” I replied drily. “Can I just go now?”


“Would you care to come to the car then?” Adam questioned, a smile on his face.


I shook my head, “No thanks. I’d rather walk today. It’s so nice. Feel free to take a day off.”


I doubted he’d take my advice.


Adam laughed lightly, “Right. That’s exactly what I’ll do. Leave you alone to fend for yourself.” There was a light tone in his voice but his eyes were hardened.


I was confused by his conflicting actions but determined that it was merely Adam being his normal strange self. Choosing to ignore his request I turn back towards the car I continued on towards campus, reveling in the fresh air and trying to comfort my wounded pride. I seemed to do that a lot lately. Adam was a persistent nag on my lifestyle. He knew how to shake things up and fluster me.


But, changing weather was so pleasant I wasn’t too put out by the prospect of a future battle on my freedom from Adam’s presence. I could try again later. I was nothing if not persistent.


“Jenna?” I pulled myself out of my thoughts and noticed a stranger standing a few meters in front of me. I’d never seen him before.


“Can I help you?” I questioned coming to a stop, Adam right behind me.


“You’re Jenna Matheson?” He questioned quietly, his eyes hooded under a baseball cap, tufts of brown hair poking out the sides.


“Yes? Do I know you?” I felt Adam’s presence behind me, his breathing close enough to distinguish from the other sounds around me. He was standing very close.


The man standing across from me chuckled, in a dark tone. “I don’t believe we’ve ever had the pleasure of being introduced Jenna. However, I did know your father. He was a friend of mine.”


Adam grabbed my arm, “We need to move Jenna,” He urged whispering in my ear.


“I’m not sure I understanding,” I confessed, ignoring Adam’s urging. He was tugging rather forcefully on my arm.


The man lifted his head, his chestnut eyes glistening in the sunlight, a sinister smile was on his face. Warning bells were signaling in my head. But curiosity was getting better of me. He knew my father, I had to at least hear him out.


“Yes indeed I knew your father. He was great man. However, he left many loose ends at our facility,” he emphasized the word, “before he died. I’m merely here to collect what is needed to complete the project.”


Now I was really confused. “What does that have to do with me? I didn’t know what my father did for a living.”


“Jenna we really need to move,” Adam whispered again, pulling harder, “He’s not a good guy.”


The man laughed, “Ah Adam, still playing the hero eh? Well, I always knew you were the fool.”


Adam stiffened shooting a glare at the man, “I won’t let you touch her Derrick,” He warned, his voice like steel, “And I’m not fool. I see the reality of the situation. You’re deluded by arrogance and selfishness. It will never work.”


Derrick narrowed his eyes, “Oh believe me I’ve seen power that can be generated. Now we just need the girl to bring things into fruition.”


“What does this have to do with me?” I questioned again interjecting my presence between the stiff glares that were shooting from both men.


The man laughed again, “Oh it has everything to do with you my dear little one. Just be patient pet, you won’t suffer for long.”


I took a step back. The word “suffer” sending me into panic mode. Adam’s grip tightened on me and we started to retreat.


“When I say run you run alright?” Adam whispered in my ear. I almost nodded but didn’t want to give anything away. Things were spiraling into the strange territory.


“You will not touch her. I swear it,” Adam ground out, pushing himself in front of me. “I won’t let you.”


“Oh do you really think I wasn’t prepared for you? Please Adam! Give me some credit. I’m rather smart in my old age you know.”


“Jenna run,” Adam muttered. “Now.”


I didn’t need to be told twice. I hastily spun on my heel and started to dart away, my heart pounding in my ears. But, I skidded to a halt as three men walked out into the street blocking my retreat.


We were surrounded.


Quickly I retreated back towards Adam, grabbing his sleeve. His hand sought mine, clasping it tightly. My heart was hammering.


“Things could get messy Adam. It’s best to hand her over. No muss no fuss.”


Adam barked a laugh, “Sorry, I made a promise that I intend to keep.”


“Well I’m sorry to hear that,” Derrick replied, the smile dying. His eyes hardened, “Take him out, but don’t hurt the girl.”


Adam pushed himself closer to me, “Just hold on alright? I’m going to do something strange. Don’t panic.”


I didn’t have time to nod me head before a strange buzzing noise engulfed me, making my ears ring. Colors started blending, the men’s faces melting into a swirl. I was getting dizzy.


“Stop him!” Derrick’s voice was coming as an echo, “Shoot!”


I heard a loud bang and Adam groaned, his grip becoming painfully tight on my arm.


“Just keep holding on Jenna,” He shouted over the roar. The men’s faces were coming into clearer focus. I pushed myself closer to Adam’s frame, unsure of what was going on but terrified of what the men would do to me.


With a yell of anger, the air around Adam intensified in electrical charges. The men’s faces melted away, air rushing at a higher speed, becoming almost painful. I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for the men to grab me.


My consciousness began to fade, my grip still firm on Adam’s arm.


I smacked into a hard surface, bringing my sense back to the present. Letting out a moan, I opened my eyes slowly. I was staring at a blue sky. The world was still shaking, but I noticed lazy white clouds floating slowly across the panorama I was observing.


“Jenna?” Adam’s voice murmured, near me. I let out a sigh of relief.


I sat up hastily, the world tilted and I fell back again, my breath coming out in a puff.


“Adam?” I whispered, my voice as shaky as my vision, “what happened,”


“Just lie still for a moment,” he replied, “just wait for the spinning to subside.”


“What exactly happened?” I questioned again. He was avoiding answering. I turned my head towards his voice.


Adam was laying next to me his eyes closed, a grimace on his face, “It’s-it’s hard to explain Jenna.” He grabbed his shoulder and hoisted himself into a sitting position. I slowly did the same, my vision swimming only momentarily.


“Well perhaps you should explain then because this doesn’t look like New York to me,” I remarked gazing around. It was warmer and greener and brighter.


“It’s not,” Adam replied shortly, “We’re in France.”


“Excuse me?” I questioned, “What do you mean France?”


“I mean exactly what I said,” Adam looked over at me, clearly haggard, “We’re in France.”


Now I was confused. How was that possible?


“I don’t get it. Is this a joke?”


“Why would I joke about this?” Adam was getting exasperated, “I’m perfectly serious.”


“Because it’s not possible,” I remarked, my voice raising an octave, “You can simply transport to a different country! That…that doesn’t make sense. It’s illogical and improbable.”


Adam tried to stand, “Do you remember anything that your parents ever spoke of? About time travel?” With a groan he slumped back down his grip tightening on his shoulder.


“What happened to you?” I queried concerned, “Did you get hurt?”


“It’s alright Jenna. I’ll be fine,” he remarked removing his hand momentarily. A sticky red splotch dotted his shirt. My eyes widened.


“You were shot!” I scooted closer to him, grabbing his shoulder. Adam let out a hiss, “sorry,” I remarked chagrined, “let me look.”


Gently I looked at the wound. The bullet had torn a jagged hole through Adam shirt, bloody oozed lazily from the wound. It looked painful.


“What can I do?” I asked concerned, “We need to get you some help.”


Adam chuckled, “I’ll be alright trust me Jenna. Don’t worry.”


“What do you mean don’t worry? You were shot, we need to take you to the hospital!”


I hoisted myself to my feet, gazing around for signs of a road. Wherever we were, we could hail a cab or flag a driver. Or….something.


“Easy Jenna, just relax. I’m already feeling better,” Adam soothed, trying to pull me back down, “I’ll be fine in a few minutes. Just enjoy the scenery while we talk.”

Updating

Sorry that I've been late on the posting! I skipped a week! I apologize most sincerely. Things have been hectic but I am determined to continue to update for you. And, guess what? I have a short bit of writing for you to enjoy.

On a side note, the editor in my head seems to think that thigns are going a bit slow. I am detemrined to make things far more interesting when I actually edit things. However, things are going to get really interesting here soon! I have characters nagging in my head, begging to be written, so there is a good chance that I'll update again.

But for now I hope you enjoy this little bit!

‘The weather is warmer today,’ I thought cheerfully, not bothering to button my coat as I exited my apartment for the day. There was no breeze and the snow was finally starting to abate. I hated winter and longed for spring to arrive. My hopes were always buoyed when the warm breath of change shook the frigid limbs of trees to life.


“Ah the breath of life!” Adam remarked cheerfully noting the same change in weather that I did. I rolled my eyes as he came closer to me.

“Indeed it is,” I tried to sound annoyed but the weather kept me cheerful. Adam didn’t seem to care how I responded.

He never did. He was annoyingly unflappable. It was absurd really.

“So what’s the plan for today m’dear?” He queried heading towards his car. He’d been waiting to give me a ride to school. I let out a quiet sigh.

“I really wish you wouldn’t be so stalkerish,” I replied in a calm voice, “You’ve been following me around for, what, three weeks now?”

Adam only smiled at me, “Actually it’s been a month.”

I suppressed the urge to groan and shook my head, “I don’t care how long it’s been, you aren’t leaving me alone. That’s a problem.”

“I thought we’d already discussed this…several times. I told you I’m not going anywhere. You might as well get used to it.”

I sighed in defeat. We’d had this argument at least three times a week. And yet Adam still stayed. He was determined to follow me around and keep me company, especially when I didn’t want it. Which was most days. He was always waiting in the mornings, his car keys in hand, ready to give me a ride to school. And then he followed me to my classes, and was waiting after each one. He even escorted me to work! He was like a faithful dog, waiting to please. It was a bit too much to handle.

Initially I only responded to him with biting remarks, but over the last few weeks, my fight had dwindled slightly. I began to actually converse with Adam and noticed that he wasn’t as bad as I originally surmised him to be. He had never given the impression that his intentions were anything other than what he stated them to be, which had been my initial suspicion. So far he’d proved himself a gentleman (other than with our initial meeting) and he had never gone back on his word.

But I’d never admit that to him. Nope. Never.

I did however have an idea of how to get Adam to ease up a little on the faithful friend routine.

“Adam,” I began slowly, walking past his car. He only sighed at my actions. I did this everyday. “I wanted to ask you something.”

“Oh?” He seemed genuinely surprised by my quiet request, “Ask away m’dear.”

“I-“ I took a deep breath, “You’ve been following me around rather determinedly and I was wondering if maybe you could ease up a bit.” I sighed, grabbing my hair, fiddling with the curly tendrils, “I know that you are not going to completely leave me alone, but some space would be nice.”

Adam chuckled lightly, “You’re finally giving up aren’t you?”

I bristled initially at his comment but then sighed in resignation, “I suppose so. You haven’t listened any time that I’ve requested your complete absence from my life, but maybe you’ll consider a compromise.”

“Oh but Jenna why would I want to spend less time with you? You’re exciting to be around.”

I rolled my eyes in annoyance, “Hardly. I’m about as interesting as a baseball bat. And you? You’re completely uprooting my stable foundations. I’ve come closer to losing my job in the last few weeks than the two and half years I’ve been working there thanks to you. On top of that, you were a complete self absorbed jerk who caused me a concussion. The least you could do is give me some space. I need a little bit of sanity you know.”

Adam chuckled. “Yes yes. I believe I’ve wronged you terribly. However, you don’t give yourself enough credit. I find you extremely interesting.” He waggled his eyebrows at me. I scowled.

“That’s not the point!” I fumed, “You’ve thrown everything upside down! Can you back off please?! I’m trying to reach a compromise here since you’re completely crazy and stubborn.”

I huffed at Adam’s unruffled appearance and crossed my arms. He sent me a grin and grabbed my elbow, “I’ll tell ya what, I’ll back off a little bit and give you your space.” I breathed a sigh of relief, “But,” Adam trailed off. I shot him a glare.

“But?”

“You can’t question my decisions about things alright?” He gave me a intense stare.

I gaped at him. Was he kidding?

“Is this a joke?” I asked. “Do you honestly think that I’m going to give up my ability to make decisions? Are you seriously that delusional?”

“I’m perfectly serious,” he replied. His face gave nothing away. His lips were drawn in a small line, his blond brows knit together in a calculating fashion. He wasn’t kidding.

“Oh no you don’t!’ I threw my hands up in defense, “I’m not going along with some psychotic game of ‘follow the leader’. Nope. Get yourself a new girl.”

Adam laughed lightly tugging on my elbow towards the car, “Sorry. I’m afraid you’re the only girl for me. “ He winked and I glared. “And, if you don’t like my deal, then I’m afraid that I won’t be able to go along with your wishes.”

I shot him a dirty look. “That’s not fair.”

“And who said life was fair Jenna?”

I groaned and pulled away from Adam and stepped away from the car. I didn’t want to get in that thing. I had to make a point.

“No thanks I think I’ll walk.” I started to trudge through the slush of the parking lot.

“Jenna, wait. You can’t walk by yourself.” Adam seemed genuinely adamant as he shuffled towards me. I sighed and slowed my pace to allow him to catch up.

“I can take care of myself. We’ve discussed this before. I’m capable of making decisions and you aren’t in a position to tell me what I can and cannot do. It’s not like we’re married.”

“Are you proposing m’dear?” Adam asked in a teasing tone.

“Hardly,” I replied drily.

**********************************************************************************
On another note, I have a piece of music that's influenced my writing. I know, I always post music. But, I tend to find that music really inspires me. I hope you enjoy it. And as always comments, questions, and critiques are more than welcome!
 

When I Think of Writing...

When I think of writing, I think of the many different methods that pertain to the process of writing. There are so many steps that you must follow; there are so many rules to must adhere to. But, the wonderful thing about writing is that no matter how many rules you know or how many times you go through a draft, there's always room for improvement. And, there's always a way to break the rules to allow your voice to shine through. So many writers struggle because they strive to adhere to all the rules. They want to be the perfect example of what a writer should be. But, that's not what true writing is. A writer knows that the process of creation isn't so clean cut. There are many muddy ditches you must wade through and so many bogs you must cross to get to the final destination of your work. And even then you are never really finished. As writers, we tend to be a bit compulsive and fanatical about our writing. We are our harshest critics. So, naturally, our writing will always remain a draft in our eyes. There will always be room to grow and improve.

Anyway! Enough about that little spiel! I have an update for you! It's still rather short because life is hectic beyond belief. But, it's available to be read and reread as many times a you'd like! Let me know what you think. Reviews, questions, criticism...all are welcome!

 My head was throbbing and my stomach lurched painfully. Ugh. Stupid stomach flu. I needed to get home.

Dragging myself sloppily to my feet, I trudged off campus and headed back towards my apartment to sleep off this wretched sickness. I just hoped I made it there before I tossed my cookies.

Within minutes I was home. I dropped my bag at the door and stumbled towards my bedroom in search of my pajamas. Slipping off my shoes and socks I changed as quickly as possible, my fingers shaking from over use.

Once I was dressed (or redressed in my pajamas) I climbed on my bed slowly and drifted to sleep.

I heard a distant creak coming from the living room. The noise was loud enough to rouse me from slumber. I listened for a moment and when I heard no more I snuggled back among the pillows to continue sleeping.

Creak...

I bolted upright, disoriented by the sudden movement but very much alert and awake. Something or someone was in my house! A shudder ran down my spine as my imagination tipped overboard. My heart started hammering in my chest.

I slowly rose from my bed, tiptoing towards the halway. Another creak resounded from the living room.

I peeked my head around the corner and noticed a tall dark shadow standing in the center of the room, it's head down.

Anger boiled inside of me. I was getting sick and tired of all the bully dodging in my life lately. I needed a break! I wasn't feeling well!

As quietly as I could I snatched the broom from the entryway of the kitchen and moved slowly towards the shadow, avoiding any spot that would make noise under my weight. The man--I could tell by his height--had his back turned towards me. Perfect.

Raising the broom behind me I brought it down with all the force I could muster...

Novel Updates

Hello blog readers! I should have posted this earlier in the week but alas life is complicated and it was difficult to get anything done that I would have LIKED to do. Oh well. At least I'm posting...even if it is a little late.

Onward then!

For this week I wasn unable to actually sit down and write what I needed to. Like I said life was hectic. I did, however, have the opportunity to solidify the ending of my novel in my mind as well as another crucial moment involving the heroine's parents. It's a heart-wrenching moment filled with complicated emotions and a unique perspective (if I do say so myself!).

Needless to say it's been an emotional week for my poor characters. Jenna (the protagonist) gets to see her parents again. The moment is terrifying and emotional.

Alas though I do not have anything fleshed out as of yet. When I do, which will hopefully be this week, I'll be sure to post some portion of it for you!

But until then I hope you can content yourself with the piece of music that inspired these profound moments in the novel. I love Coldplay, and I've heard this song several times before, but for some reason this week it really prompted a piece of the novel to solidify in my mind. It was amazing. It's sort of like a revelation moment for me.

Hope you enjoy: "Fix You" by Coldplay:

Therapy...and Updates...

I find writing to be therapy for me. What about you? Is there anything in your life that makes you happy and reduces stress? For me it's writing. There's something about it that makes me smile. I feel so creative and smart whenever I write. It's a great way for me to vent my frustrations and practice my creative skills.

Anyway, onto more interesting things eh? Yes I have been writing. I haven't updated for awhile and that's a bad thing. Shame on me. I know I always say that I will be better and that I will update more often. I honestly shouldn't say that should I? I usually end up avoiding updating because I'm already getting so little sleep lately that staying up a little longer to update my blog would cause me to not get any sleep at all.

So here's what propose: I will update at least once a week. If I can manage more then I shall certainly do that. But as it stands right now we'll stick with once a week. Alright?

Okay, now that we have things sorted out, I have a short excerpt from the next chapter for you! I hope you enjoy:

My eyes widened as the man approached. I had no clue who this person was and he certainly didn't look like the friendly type. His stringy black hair was slicked back and hung limpy at his shoulder. He wore faded jeans and a tattered shirt and his hands and face were smudged with dirt.

"Jenna." He stated giving me a cold stare. My eyes widened in surprise. How did you know my name?

"Oh don't be alarmed Jenna. I knew your parents." A smirk crept on his face, "We were excellent acquaintances."

"Please save the story for someone who'd actually believe it." Adam's deep voice reverberated from behind me. I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding. His voice was icy. I turned. His eyes were set in a hard glare, his lips in a tight scowl. He looked predatory. "I suggest you take off before things get ugly Gabrial."

The man, Gabrial, laughed. I backed up a step. "Do you really think I wasn't prepared for you?"

Men started to appear from all around. I had never noticed them before. There had to be at least five other men with Gabrial. I swallowed hard but remained silent, biting my tongue to prevent curses from flying. Today completely sucked.