• Pom has important news!

         “The portals are open,” cried Pom. “The portals are open!” He ran down the flippy-floppy steps nearly tripping over his long fluffy ears.

         Along Rony Trail, the flowers were singing their melodious song and the butterflies hummed in harmony while fluttering in a delicate dance. Pom’s heart leaped with joy and ached to join in with the regular forest festivities. Now wasn’t the time! ‘The portals are open,’ he told himself. He had to tell the others in the village.

         Past the break in the trees, nestled in the middle of the forest, the quiet village rested.

         Pom dashed into the middle of the market square where a tall bell tower stretched, although a bit slanted, toward the blue sky above.

         Skidding to a halt at the feet of Humphrey, the town-crier, Pom huffed and puffed and wheezed.

         Other than a large peering eye looking quizzically down at Pom, Humphrey didn’t budge. Gripped in his enormous hand rested the long rope that led all the way up to the large bell at the very top.

        Pom gulped, his heart racing, pat-a-pat, beneath his fluffy paw.

        “What seems to be your hurry, Pom, dear friend?” Humphrey leaned forward, the chair moaning in protest.

         “You have to tell the others.” Pom’s throat ached from huffing and puffing. Finally, his breath had slowed.

         “Tell the others?” One fuzzy eyebrow raised up.

         Pom and Humphrey looked across the open market. Dust swirled through the vacant square. A dog barked somewhere in the distance.

         Pom turned his attention back to the town crier. He stood as straight as he could. “Tell them the portals are open.” He grabbed a handful of Humphrey’s pant leg.

        Humphrey’s brow arched high. A twinkle in his eyes shimmered. And a smile grew so big his cheeks mounded like hills in the green meadow.

        Humphrey stood tall as he yanked on the long rope.

     

     

    BONG – BONG!

     

    “Hear ye, hear ye, gentle citizens of Rony Village. As of this morning, a notice from Pom the Messenger has arrived. The portals are open! I repeat, the portals are open!”

     

    BONG – BONG!

       Pom’s whiskers twitched and his tummy fluttered. He took a hop closer to Humphrey.

        “Snuggle closer.” He pulled Pom snugly up against his legs.

     

    Creek.

    Thwap.

     

       “Here they come,” said Humphrey.

        Doors flew open and out poured the villagers. With songs on their lips and work in their hands, the village was alive with the hustle and bustle of people, cleaning, washing, and scrubbing. Hammers at work and brooms finding the dust and sweeping where dust must go. Three children rushed past them, giggling as they chased each other.

        “It’s been a long while since the portals were opened.” Humphrey patted Pom on the head. “I guess the problem has been fixed, then?”

     

       Joy swelled in his chest as he grinned. “I don’t know about that, but with them being open again then it means we get to serve our customers again.” Pom’s ears dropped by his face.

       “Oh no,” he said.

        “What is it?” Humphrey tilted his head, his lips pressed together.

        “I gotta go help Flora. She will need my help.” Pom hopped away, turning quickly to wave to Humphrey.

        “Thank you for bringing the wonderful news.” He waved in return.

       Pom dashed away across the market, disappearing around the corner.

    TO BE CONTINUED…

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  • A Simple Plotting Guide for Writers

    Hello, book and writer geeks,

    Before I get to the plotting guide I would like to have a bit of transparency and full honesty: While I do have a few writers’ certificates from correspondence courses and have taken a handful of English and creative writing classes, I don’t have any major writing degree (maybe one day I’ll finish a creative writing degree, but today is not that day.) I am just a simple, geeky person with an inner, blazing fire for writing and creating that has been burning since I was a child. The desire to be forever learning my craft will never cease. 

    During my ongoing desire to write, learn, and tweak my writing process I have made a list of prompts to aid me in my plotting process. So, in essence, it’s kind of a plotting guide, if you will. If you are a pantser then this may not be for you. 

    A Simple Plotting Guide (A Working Process)

    This outline can be used as your personal cheat sheet or integrated into your own existing plotting guide to enhance your writing experience. If it helps with your plotting and story telling then I’m elated.  We are always students and the world is our classroom (so to speak) and I believe in growing together. By helping others we are essentially helping ourselves. I will do my best to share my knowledge whenever I can. Now, on with the guide!

    General Outline

    Working Title:

    Idea/ Premise:

    Theme:

    Main Character(s)/ Protagonist:

    Main Character/ Protagonists Goal:

    Main Villain(s)/ Antagonist:

    Main Villain(s)/ Antagonist’s Goal:

    First Act: Introduce protagonist and their problem and why they need to solve it – the inciting incident.

    Rising action:

    Falling action:

    Second Act: Add twists, trials, complications, or new problems arise.

    Rising action: Increase tention/character(s) make plan of attack.

    Falling action: Learning from mistakes, solving clues, surprise defeats, or feeling defeated.

    Third Act: Verge of giving up/ all is lost, finding resolve/ pep talk, new look on problem.

    Climax: Rising action/ tension peaking. Surprising twists, or reveals using what character(s) learned.

    Resolution: Facing fear, great victory, or the world changed for the better, etc.

    Chapter by Chapter Outlining (use for each chapter)

    Chapter:

    Point of view character:

    Plot point:

    Scene descriptions: Use five sense/ create mood and atmosphere.

    And that’s pretty much it! It’s very simple and basic. There are plenty of plotting guides out on the net that go into more detail, but I would like to learn a bucket load more before I attempt something like that. I used an early rendition of this outline for my last novel then decided to tweak it and ended up with this one, which I’ll be using for a new novel idea that I will be writing very soon. (I do have a brief character outline as well, but that will be another post.)

    Until next time!

    Stay geeky and keep writing.

    A Writer's Journal: With Plotting Guide

    I love journals, especially for my writing projects. There is often a journal or two hanging around my working area (wherever in the house that may be).  Right now, I have four of them within reaching distance. While I don’t mind making up a plotting page on my computer it’s just not quite the same as pencil or pen on paper. Mmmm, stationary… my second biggest love next to books.

    Due to my love of journals, I created one that had the plotting guide featured in this blog post to make it easier on me and to help keep track of my story plots. There’s also the short character outline inside which I’ll outline that info in a near future post.

    If you like journals as much as I do and like to have a simple plotting guide then this journal is for you! I will be using this journal soon to help me outline a new story idea. (To buy the journal, just click the picture to take you to Amazon!) 

    I’ve rambled on enough today. I hope you all have a great, geeky day.

    Read. Write. Create. Plot!

    JT Harris.

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  • Taking Time For Myself

    Hello, Everyone.

    I hope everyone’s summer is, so far, full of adventure, even if it’s just the adventure of reading. My stress levels were high this August with trying to stay on target with my writing goal, among other things.

    My son was recently designated as being on the autism spectrum, diagnosed with ADHD, and a learning disability due to his ADHD. My husband and I were already anticipating this outcome and were emotionally prepared when we were given his designation. I have chosen to homeschool my children (and am feeling blessed that I am in a position in my life I can choose how he gets schooling) and I feel it was the best decision for me and my son. This will be the first year for my daughter to be in school so I have yet to decide if she would benefit from homeschooling or public school. For my son, though, it was too busy and overwhelming for him to be in a chaotic environment. There have been lots for me to learn this year and lots and lots of paperwork for me to do. In spite of all that, I still pushed myself to maintain my writing goal but was a tad past my deadline I set for myself. I am not disappointed that I didn’t finish right on time. The point is, I finished. I have completed another draft of my manuscript. Yeah, baby! (I may have had tears in my eyes when I was finished.) Breathe.

    Draft done! Time for celebration (and sewing). I truly believe in celebrating not only the big milestones but also the little ones too. Life needs those little victories. For those who don’t know me, I am all about throwing themed get-togethers (usually intimate rather than large parties). (From an Alice in Wonderland tea party to video game nights.) Such fun!

    Now that my draft is finished I will be taking a break from writing for about two weeks. That story needs some air before I tackle it again. (I’m not really breaking from writing as a whole but definitely a break from that story.) Do you find you need to take a break from writing – to those of you who write? A fresh, rested brain is needed before I tackle the next round of edits. I’m not sure how many I will be doing but more edits are in this story’s future.

    I wish you all the best for what’s left of the summer. May the autumn, whether you’re in school or not, be kind and gracious to you.

    Much love.

     

    End of Summer Reading!

    For those of you who like to read YA fantasy, sci fi, paranormal, and dystopian here is a box set with 25 novels on for $0.99 for a limited time. Now that I have some time to read I will be jumping on board and giving this a try. (More books for my ebook collection!)

    What are some of your favorite fantasy novels to read during the summer?

    Keep reading!

    JT Harris.

    https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/marked-by-fate-kristin-d-van-risseghem/1126655058

    https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1229491448

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  • Editing everything

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Well, it’s a long-time-no-post situation. Thank you for your patience.

    I am currently working on re-writing my story ending but may still choose an earlier version. Stories sometimes have a way of writing themselves (in a matter of speaking). Also, the website is going through a bit of a transformation so please keep checking back to see all the new changes. If you’d like to keep up to date and be notified of all the new content before everyone else I will suggest signing up to my newsletter! Sneak peeks and free content should be arriving fairly soon.

    Thank you and keep creating.

    JT Harris

     

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  • Changes Are Coming

    Over this next month many things are changing. I am starting up a newsletter about my writing, publishing ups and downs, and free writing samples from my debut novel. I am getting excited and feeling a bit frustrated due to things not running as smoothly as I would have liked. Don’t worry. I am not discouraged. 

    I think I may have signed up for a bit too many sites that are supposed to help me achieve all my marketing dreams. I am unsure if some of these are leading me down the right path for me or not, but it’s worth a try. If I go the wrong way at least I have learned which road not to travel. 

    Getting started to become an author is a bumpy one and I am learning lots, but I got to say that I am really looking forward to when my first book is published so it can pave the way to more. Please tell me it gets easier. 🙂

    Good luck to you all and keep creating.

    Inkblade Writer.
  • Setting Goals.

    Photo via <a href=”https://pixabay.com/en/users/MannyvonKannen-699079/”>MannyvonKannen</a> via <a href=”https://visualhunt.com/photos/christmas/”>VisualHunt.com</a>
    As many of my friends and family know, I have won this year’s NaNoWriMo! And, I couldn’t be happier about it. 

    I have been so busy with my writing and Christmastime that I have put a slight halt to my blogging. I love you all for your patience. Thank you!

    Christmas is almost upon us, again, and there’s so much to prepare, lists to check off, people to see, and, of course, writing to be finished. I have given myself a bit of time to chew over what I wrote in the month of November and am doing a bit more world building for my fantasy before I jump into editing and begin to mold and whip my story into shape. My editing cap is almost ready to be worn. 😉

    I have decided to give myself a deadline/ end goal for my manuscript to be finished. My reason for my goal is because I am a procrastinator and if I have a goal I will procrastinate less. The more I focus on my goal the more I will do. I may even wait until the bitter end before I throw myself into action, but I am determined to get the manuscript finished. So, my end goal is to have the book ready by the summer of 2017! 

    Wish me luck. This is so new to me. And scary. And fun. And challenging. I will be updating my progress at most every step that I take. If you’d like to check my progress you can keep checking here on my blog or check out my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/inkbladewriter/

    Thank you so much for joining me today! 
    Until next time.
    Keep creating and Merry December,  Happy Winter Solstice, and have a joyous Christmas.

    Inkblade Writer.




  • NaNoWriMo, Day One

    NaNoWriMo is here! My post will be brief for sure this time for my fingers shall be busy typing my story.

    I am here to say good luck and speedy writing. Drink lots of water eat lots of food, take the odd break to move around then get back to writing.

    Happy Creating.
    Inkblade Writer.

  • A Good Seat For NaNoWriMo

    So, it’s a wet, cold rainy day today, which is very normal at this time of year for where I live, and I am snuggled up with some homemade soup, hot cocoa, and my big couch potato of a dog, and am getting excited and nervous as “Preptober” comes to an end and NaNoWriMo comes to a start. November is less than a week a way and I must write 50,000 words in the 30 days. Yikes and yay! I have never attempted this. Please wish me lots of luck and speedy typing fingers.

    Most of my story outline is complete and have a good idea where my story is going. I am not too worried about the story itself, but more or less whether I will allow myself not to be too picky about the fine details. I can tweak these later. I am not a fast writer, but am a fast thinker (when it comes to stories and ideas.) 

    Writing the outline is only part of my prep this year. The other part is making sure I am comfortable in my chosen/ favourite writing spot. My main goal is to get a comfy writing chair! I have some spine issues which can cause me a lot of headaches if I am sitting in the wrong position for too long. I truly need a better chair than the ones I have. So, I will do my research for a good chair!

    Any suggestions for a good chair with proper back support?

    Good luck everyone who is taking on NaNoWriMo. May the rest of your prep time be smooth and that you find/plan/prepare everything you need for November.

    Keep creating! 
    Inkblade Writer.


  • Fairy Tales and Costumes

    A few years ago, there was a missed opportunity for me to dress up my daughter as Red Riding Hood and my son as the wolf (a lumberjack-type werewolf to be exact) for Halloween, but my son had his heart set on being a different character, so I put the idea on the back burner. This year for Halloween the idea came back into my mind: I wanted to have a Little Red Riding Hood group to go out trick or treating. It would be fun. I tried asking my kids if they wanted to do the idea with me, but they are still young to understand the fun of being in a costume group. They have their own ideas and I love their imaginations and want them to dress-up as anything they wish. Alas, the Red Riding Hood group would have to wait. 
     
    Who Am I kidding? As much as I love to write I also love to create characters, and costuming is another one of my creative outlets. If my son and daughter wouldn’t be part of the fairy tale group I would make one with my husband (the woodcutter/ lumberjack), myself (Red Riding Hood), and my dog (the big bad wolf). This group will happen!
     
    Fairy Tales have been apart of my childhood and probably lit the fire for my love of stories and, at the very least, kept me in the dreams and wonder of where the fairy tales could take me. As a child, the fairy tales told to me or read by me were often the lighter versions of their darker counterpart, but as I grew older I began to explore the origins of these stories and, my goodness, were these ever creepy and sometimes down right disturbing. (Halloween and fairy tales seem to be a great fit, am I right?) 
     
    Despite the ‘grim’ stories (pun intended) there are gold nuggets among the pages. Many authors in the past decade have searched these fairy tales and put their own twist to these stories of old and have come out with amazing retold stories of their own. Red Riding Hood has been told and re-told time and time again, each with small changes that make it slightly different than the last. Some re-told Riding Hood stories have been changed so much that they are hardly recognizable. Two things remains the same. The person with the red hood and a depiction of a wolf. 
     
    Any hint of the essence of fairy tales being told in a story, consider my interest piqued.
     
    Tell me, what are your favourite fairy tales of old or new?
     
    Until next time, keep creating.
     
    Inkblade Writer.
    http://Photo credit: chiaralily via Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NC
  • NaNoWriMo and Scrivener

    The first time I heard of Scrivener was probably last year or earlier this year and I think I liked the idea of it, but never really researched it due to being busy or just really into my writing. (I am one of those people who really don’t like straying from things I know and like.) But, since signing up for NaNoWriMo I have decided to give Scrivener a try. There is a nice trial run for those who are doing NaNoWriMo this year – as far as I know – and can try the program until December 7th. Why not, right? Well, I am giving it whirl and am excited to see if I like it or not. I have high hopes. May my hopes not be dashed! 

    I will write a brief review on what I liked/ understood about it and maybe things I wish were changed – if the case may be – in December and will let you know if I purchased the program.

    So, what is your favorite writing software and why do you like it?

    Until next time, keep creating.
    Inkblade Writer.