Tuesday Morning Flash Fiction

I took a class on writing flash fiction and many of the participants formed a group to work on crafting compelling and interesting stories in 1000 words or less. The moderator/instructor gave us four words to include in a 400 word story. The words were bulldog, intimidate, fundamental and concrete.

Here's what I wrote.

Labor

By Pamela Anderson-Moore

It began without warning. The waves squeezed, tightened and washed over her core. They slammed into her pelvis, her back and her sides like the surf pounding into the shore during a hurricane. She ran her hand over her belly feeling the taunt skin and the underlying muscles momentarily harden into concrete.


“Two more weeks, you’re not due for two more weeks. Now stop it.” She ordered trying to intimidate the muscles into submission even though a part of her realized they had taken on a life of their own. The muscle loosened and she turned back to the work cluttering her desk.

The cheerful voices of her employees and the aroma of various homemade foods spilled out of the conference room and carried down the hallway further distracting her from the fundamental assignments she felt compelled to complete. For a moment she considered rejoining them at her baby shower but she had much too much work and they all wanted the shower more than she did.

Another contraction rocked her body, the numbers on her computer screen blurred as her eyes glazed over from the pain. She sank back in the chair realizing that she no longer had control of the body she once propelled through several triathlons. Stubborn like a bulldog with its jaws locked on its favorite bone, she refused to give up and turned once again to the work before her.

The gush of amniotic fluid signaled the inevitable and she struggled to her feet. Gathering some things from her desk, she headed out barking orders to her staff. Startled employees rushed to her side offering reassurances that all would be taken care of.

She settled into the passenger seat of a car as employees gathered around the car shouting
words of encouragement. “Your husband will meet you at the hospital.” Her assistant said taking her laptop and briefcase before handing it to a co-worker. The assistant climbed into the driver seat and started the engine.

“Hey.” She screamed realizing that she was alone without the items which occupied most of her time and attention. “Go back and get my stuff. I’ve got work to do.”

“Yes, you do have work to do.” The elderly woman steering the car said. “But you won’t need anything from the office."

Great Romantic Movies ~ Love Jones

So I'm watching just a little bit of the BET Awards re-run and I catch Nia Long and Lorentz Tate reciting a bit of their poem from the movie Love Jones. So with a little help from my friends at YouTube and Google, I bring you one of the best "I want to get to know you better" poems in movie history if not eva.

Love Jones is a 1997 romantic drama film Written and Directed by Theodore Witcher. It stars Larenz Tate and Nia Long.
Dariaus( played by Lorentz Tate) a struggling writer meets Nina ( Nia Long)  a photographer as he is going into the club and spontaneously renames this poem for her before he recites it. Enjoy.


"I'm the blues in your left thigh, trying to be the funk in your right."

Man Candy Alert!

Does anyone else need a nap right now? Ok,nevermind...

My writing assignment for this evening: What is he dreaming about?
Thigh love you!

My new e-reader!

A few weeks ago, I asked a few of the yahoo  groups that I belong to which e-reader they liked best. I also posted here asking for recommendations on which e-reader people preferred. The responses were varied. I am happy to let you know that my mom gifted me a brand new Sony Reader Pocket Edition in Rose (a just because present). It is so cute and easy to carry with me just like a paperback book. I have already purchased one novel and two short stories to read. I transferred a couple of stories that I had stored on my computer.

The reader works great outside and in bright light. It is difficult if not impossible to use in dim light. There is a light that you can purchase to go with it. You can make the font size larger or smaller in .pdf format, which is helpful.

I definitely need a case or rubber sleeve to prevent the pretty rose coating from scratching. t comes with a little sleeve to store it in. I really like it and was able to comfortably sit up in bed to read a story last night. My kid tried to operate it by touching the screen. I had to tell him that it was "old fashion" and didn't have a touch screen.

Eventually, I might want to try one of the color readers or a larger size reader that I can read newspapers or magazines on. It also might be fun to have one that can read audio books to me. Right now, this is a great entry into the realm of e-readers.

Thanks.

Just for fun!

I saw this on Nathan Bransford blog and decided to put it on mine.
Evidently, someone made this out of post it notes using stop motion animation. I LOVE it! Fun Times.

Black Diamonds

The Black Diamond chapter of RWA met today. Beth Barany (BethBarany.com) gave a presentation entitled  3 Essential Tips to Building Your Author Platform Now. Her tips included List Building, Crafting a Compelling Message and Finding your Style of Networking.

I learned so much and her advice is applicable to unpublished authors too. The communication and networking skills will be helpful in all aspects of  my professional life not to mention my writing career. Check out her website and upcoming workshop.

On a personal goal note, I have a personal goal to write 500 words a week until the next Black Diamond RWA meeting which will be at the new location. I think that this is doable.

Sweeten up your daydreams with a little chocolate!!

Yum!