Scarlett's Featured Guest

Please, welcome my special guest, author and champion of peace, J. Frederick Arment...

2012-09-17T11:30:00.002-04:00

I am so pleased to welcome, J. Frederick Arment, to my blog. Fred is a talented author whom I greatly admire. You will appreciate 'why' when you read more about his writing and his efforts to promote peace.

J. Frederick Arment lives with his family and friends in Yellow Springs, Ohio. After an early career as a teacher, Arment founded a successful writing and marketing firm and began lecturing at Wilberforce College and Wright State University. His novels include the philosophical orphan's tale, "Backbeat: A Novel of Physics," and a political thriller, "The Synthesis" (Look for it in January!). His nonfiction work, "The Elements of Peace: How Nonviolence Works," is included in the McFarland Academic Publishers' catalog of peace and conflict resolution selections.

In his not-for-profit work, Arment works in Ohio and around the world with organizations that foster a positive approach to community revitalization. He is one of the founders and served as the first director of the Dayton International Peace Museum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to nonviolent alternatives to community and worldwide conflict. He now serves as the founding executive director of International Cities of Peace, a member association of cities of peace dedicated to encouraging safety, prosperity, and quality of life as consensus values for families, neighborhoods, and nations.

Arment has also served as a first reader for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize and on the steering committee for the Salem Avenue Peace Corridor vitalization initiative. He is an adviser for the Unitarian Fellowship of World Peace and their art gallery, the Missing Peace Art Space, which will be hosting the AthensArt International Art Festival, 2014. Recently, Arment was tapped to provide strategic positioning consultation for the Honolulu-based international Center for Global Nonkilling.

Arment was a board member of the Antioch Writers' Workshop and associated with several publishing companies specializing in fiction, including FictionNet and Blue Hot Books. After earning a bachelor of science degree in history education at Wright State University, Arment received a master's in humanities with a focus on the eighteenth-century American and French Enlightenment period. His post-graduate study and publications have focused on the integrated disciplines of philosophy, peace, physics, and community redevelopment.

The Elements of Peace: How Nonviolence Works

This guide to nonviolent conflict resolution presents thirty methods of maintaining or achieving peace, each with an in-depth case study. Methods covered, and their real-world applications, include the art of diplomacy (the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords), fair trade (the 1997 fair trade certification agreement), civil disobedience (the civil rights movement in the United States), humanitarianism (the rescue of the Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust), the rule of law (the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia), and peace education (the Nobel Peace Prize), among many others. It concludes with a summary of the methods and the virtues of peace.

Backbeat: A Novel of Physics

A very human tale of love, betrayal, and quantum uncertainty, "Backbeat: A Novel of Physics" is a traditional orphan's tale told in the language of energy. Thanks to Einstein and his colleagues, this innovative novel has the advantage of a world teeming with virtual particles and collapsing probability waves in which orphans can reconcile their past and change the future. Juxtaposing the anarchic lives of New York runaways with the stoic world of physicists, "Backbeat" tells the story of Romey Argasti, a New York runaway who inherits a $2 billion estate, with one stipulation. He must find a lost piece of music written by his mother, a cellist who died soon after his birth. This heartfelt and compelling story is enough to attract any reader, but Arment puts significance into this inspirational novel with a philosophic undercurrent that is both deep and accessible. Skillfully threaded through the mystery and adventure facing the young protagonist are five epiphanies, or intuitive insights, gained from viewing the human condition in the clear light of physics: possibility, connectivity, uncertainty, probability, and spontaneity. Yet for all its attention to science, "Backbeat" is a traditional, character-driven novel with a surprising climax and fulfilling end. With the 100th anniversary of Einstein's theories upon us (in 2005), this innovative novel can shed light on how the new laws and speculations of physics can affect our motivations, actions, and fates. Don't miss this breakthrough work of fiction!

Please, leave a comment for J. Frederick Arment. Every comment is read and appreciated. Don't forget to subscribe either by RSS feed or by email. Hope to see you again soon!

Why Bother with a Pseudonym?

2012-08-22T10:15:00.001-04:00

Please, welcome my mysterious guest, the author known as Reflective Bookworm. The facts I've gleaned from my intriguing friend are these: R.B. was born in the North East of England, traveled a great deal with her father (a member of the RAF) and has a love of adventure. RB's first novel, The Darkness Through The Light, is currently in the stages of being self-published. I've included R.B.'s photo here. Perhaps, dear readers, we shall soon be able to put a name to this lovely face. In the meantime, let us enjoy R.B.'s post.

Anne Rice

LewisCarroll, George Orwell, James Herriot, Mark Twain, Anne Rice, J.D Robb, J.KRowling and names that I'm sure you have no problem recognizing but all of these Author's have something in common. They are all pseudonyms. But why go to the trouble of creating books that touch the hearts of people worldwide and not even put your real name on it?

There are a number of reasons:

A lot of Authors back in the day felt that the genre that they flourished in was dominated by one gender so to become accepted, they needed to change their name.

Some used a pseudonym to avoid causing scandal for their families or themselves. For example, if I found out that my Mother was the mastermind between 50 Shades of Grey, I would never live it down (she's not by the way!).

Nora Roberts was massive in the romance genre but decided to branch out into Detective novels, her agent thought it would be a good idea to use a pseudonym. It worked of course but when her fans found out that she was one and the same, they accepted her wholeheartedly anyway!

J.K Rowling

As you can see, I blog under a pseudonym and when I go to publish I will use a pseudonym as well. Why? Because I am afraid, pure and simple. I don't want to pour my heart and soul into a book only to have someone I went to school with say, "What the hell did you write a book for?" or "Oh please, it's never going to work out so wake up."

Only a handful of people that I know have read my book and it took a lot for me to open up about it but I've had amazing feedback from them all. One of my dear friends even slipped up and told her big brother, and my close friend, all about my book because she just had to tell someone. His reaction? "Wow, RB, I didn't know you had it in you. I'm really proud of you though."

You might be thinking, "Why do you care what other people think?" and it's The Million Pound Question but I do care what people think, too much sometimes. Maybe one day, I'll come out of the literary closet and tell everyone my real name but for now I'm content with RB.

Of course, writing under a pseudonym won't be moonlight and roses. There are a couple of things that you need to seriously consider.

By using a pseudonym, the copyright of your material could be shortened.
Processing royalties and filing tax returns can become quite complicated (which would take up your writing time!).
God forbid legal problems ever arise but if they did, using a pseudonym might not work in your favour. Some states reason that the name doesn't actually have any legal authority.

The best thing to do is always to do research, over and over until your mind boggles with legislation and html code. Always check with your local Government/Copyright office and definitely have a word with your Citizens Advice Bureau because they might have a few pointers!

Suggested Resources:

UK Advice on copyrighting with a pseudonym

US Advice on copyrighting with a pseudonym

Is a Pseudonym right for you?

So, now I open this up to you, friends, do you use a pseudonym? And, if you do, why?

Thank you so much for your comment at Scarlett Rains Sisters of the Hearts Blog. Every comment is read and appreciated. Don't forget to subscribe either by RSS feed or by email. Hope to see you again soon!

Multicultural influences: do they tear me apart, or broaden my world?

2012-08-11T11:54:00.002-04:00

I am excited to welcome my friend, Catalina Egan. Many of you may know her as, M.C.V.Egan. Catalina is an American by choice. She has lived in Mexico, France, Sweden and various parts of the USA. In this post, she explores the pros and cons of being multilingual & multicultural. As much as her life experience has opened doors and broadened her perspective, Catalina shares how difficult it feels, at times, to really belong. Please, welcome her, and enjoy her story.

In many ways today’s technology as well as ease to travel has made most in the world multicultural to some extent. We are as a whole aware of what people in other countries believe, eat, how they dress and much else about their cultures. We are connected and informed; even if reluctantly at times.

This was not always so and from my 53 year old perspective I have very clear memories when foods were not as international; believe it or not McDonalds were not everywhere. Stores were all different, The Gap was only in the USA and the world at large did not share the same coffee, Starbucks was not even a thought. Today we share all this and more this unites us and makes us global; we are in many ways citizens of the world.

I am so thrilled to be invited to share with you this week how my multicultural and multilingual background makes me at times feel very much like a citizen of the world, like I could fit anywhere and at others like a person with no real sense of belonging.

I was born in 1959 in Mexico City, Mexico. My first language was Spanish and my upbringing very Catholic. I felt out of place even then because I am very tall and have a very deep voice; yes it was a gift of birth and not the cost of a smoking habit. (Now kicked) I was never one to accept and compromise and that too was not the norm for girls of my era and frankly more so to the macho culture of Mexico.

I came from a family with many international influences. I grew up surrounded by books and toys from foreign countries. At a young age I became very aware that some people are born where they belong and others are born to seek out the place that feels like home. I was also very aware that I was part of the latter.

At the age of 12 my entire family moved to the Washington D.C. area. I had already spent a school year in America a few years earlier so English as a language was not an obstacle. It was a very strange era in America because Watergate was about to change the face of what I had perceived as a country where politicians were so honest (not a perception in Mexico) all honest Abes. There was also the Vietnam War and long lines at the gas stations because of something called OPEC.

Every day I felt more and more at home in America; in spite of all the things that seemed to disturb the adults. I pledged allegiance to the flag and felt great about it. That was all good and fine, because although I felt very much at home and like I fit in my resident Status was a G-4. Guest with privileges and those were temporary. I will not bore you with the logistics of immigration experiences to any country which has also been a big part of my multicultural experience. But it needed to be addressed as it is part of being multicultural and adapting to the other countries.

I lived in France as a student for almost 2 years and Sweden for five years. I have such a love for so many aspects of the four cultures that have left a strong imprint on who I am. For a long time I felt like I was a misfit and did not really belong.

I identified with songs like Neil Diamond’s I am I said where he expressed the confusion between trying to belong in New York or in LA. An Argentine Facundo Cabral’s song Ser Feliz a song with an angst of not belonging. In that song the words being happy is my color of identity vs. the colors of a flag. Were the words I felt defined me. I was not from here nor from there…to date on facebook I can’t bring myself to choose a “hometown.”

Another aspect of the multicultural point of view is that history varies as it is taught in different countries and with the difference in perspectives. A good example is the UK National Archives where so much of the American Revolution is housed our Patriots and heroes are their rebels.

Today as I observe the wonderful sense of nationalism displayed by all the people competing and cheering in the Olympics I become a bit confused. I am an American by choice with a nuance of influence from three other countries. That being said, when I watch tremendous athletes from Mexico, Sweden or France…and when they succeed, I get a flow of emotion, feel their joy and I am so happy for them and for those three other countries that helped define me. I also still feel strongly that the color that most represents me is my ability to be happy.

Get to know Catalina...

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Please, leave a comment for Catalina and Scarlett. Every comment is read and appreciated. Don't forget to subscribe either by RSS feed or by email. Hope to see you again soon!

Read why my guest, Amelia Curzon, is 'Proud to be British'

2012-08-04T12:40:00.001-04:00

I am so pleased to welcome my dear friend, Amelia Curzon: author, blogger, mother and lover of all animals, great and small. Amelia traveled all the way 'across the pond' (via the Web, of course) to share this delightful post about her pride in being British.

Am I Proud to be British!

I cannot say, hand on heart, I have ever been totally ashamed of being British, but certain events over the years have made me somewhat reticent to declare my nationality with even a modicum pride.

Football hooliganism at home and abroad is probably the first which springs to mind, followed a close second by the general behaviour of the Englishman/woman abroad in sunny locations where alcohol and drug fuelled violence seems to have become the norm. No-one has told them it is not, and so they continue. The law being on the side of the criminal as opposed to the victim is another one that rankles, and the rising knife and gun crime demonstrates a complete lack of accountability on the part of all concerned. No-one wants to accept responsibility for anything anymore. And the act of allowing terrorists to live in our midst because their human rights may be violated if we throw them out of the country, beggars belief! Where did these do-gooders come from who aided and abetted this downfall of the country in this way? The economy is in shreds and poor people just keep getting poorer whilst the rich – well you know the rest. Sometimes, there seemed no end to the bad things!

Then came 2012!

Following her grandson’s very popular marriage to Katherine Middleton in 2011, Her Majesty The Queen’s own Diamond Jubilee descended upon us. And what a wonderful and grand series of celebrations we were treated to. The river pageant was spectacular. One thousand small craft floated down the Thames along with The Queen's barge. Amongst them the surviving boats which rescued the troops from Dunkirk in 1940. Nice touch! People across the country and in London held street parties of their own, and once again the nation was united.

Now we are in the process of hosting, brilliantly I might add, the 30th Olympic Games.

I watched the first scenes of the Opening Ceremony with a great deal of cynicism. Major fail coming our way, I thought. Then the Orchestra played Elgar’s Nimrod, and I was hooked. From then on the whole shebang seemed to go from strength to strength. The Industrial Revolution with its rising stacks was a feat of absolute genius, as were the flying bicycles and Rowan Atkinson ‘playing along’ to ‘Chariots of Fire’ – hilarious! There was so much to watch and admire. I must say I was a tad disappointed to see them trotting out Paul McCartney, yet again. Apart from his being out of tune, it is time to use a little more imagination when it comes to the ‘star turn’ in these events. There is so much talent out there!

But for me, Danny Boyle’s greatest coup was getting Daniel Craig together with H M. What a thoroughly good sport she really is. Rubbish actress though! I actually read a comment from someone who thought “it was positively disgraceful to allow a woman of her age to jump out of a helicopter”! There’s not a lot you can say to that!!

But, we are not done yet!

One of the largest and most wonderful annual events is still to come – The glorious Last Night of the Proms. - The fabulous culmination of eight weeks of daily orchestral classical music concerts. This splendid spectacle, now a cultural institution, has always filled me with pride and emotion. It truly is Britain as it’s best as a nation. Multitudes of people fill the parks of London and elsewhere across the country, and in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (a happening now known as the Proms in the Park). Individually, each venue has its own show with well-known artists. Huge screens are erected at the various sites with the evening coming to a close with a live link-up to The Royal Albert Hall for the greatest sing-along on earth.

Traditionally we hear the same familiar tunes towards the end. Strains of Hubert Parry's Jerusalem, Sir Henry Wood's Fantasia on British Sea Songs and Thomas Arne's Rule Britannia fill the air. Then, the sublime climax as hundreds of thousands of people join together to sing Land of Hope and Glory (Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance). All incredibly emotive!

When it comes to any form of pomp, circumstance or celebration, no-one can outdo the British. We were made for it. When things get tough we are still able to come together and make merry, and bring ourselves some joy amongst all the angst, the stress and the mess, fostering the sort of nationwide camaraderie we could do with so much more of.

Yes, when all is said and done, I am very proud to be British!

Get to know Amelia Curzon...

Curzon

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Carte Blanche

Read Scarlett's review

HERE

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Buy it in the UK

Please, leave a comment about Amelia's lovely post . Every comment is read and appreciated. Don't forget to subscribe either by RSS feed or by email. Hope to see you again soon!

Scarlett's Guest, Reyna Hawk, Discusses the Unexpected Challenges of Becoming an Indie Author

2012-07-26T09:09:00.000-04:00

Despite the fact my first book was recently published and released; I have actually been writing for nearly twenty-five years. I had just about given up on ever becoming a published author; until I researched and learned about self-publishing. I can remember that day so well, I was beyond ecstatic to think my hopes and dreams were actually in reach. I wouldn't need to wait months for the release of my books. They would be released when I decided; my books would be exactly as I wanted them; and I wouldn't have to pay an agent to get it all done. However, I didn't expect some of the challenges I experienced along this journey.

I knew some of the challenges I’d face as an Indie Author. Such as, all the self promotion that is required. There is so much time spent writing and answering emails, working up advertisements, making the rounds of the various social media sites, the list goes on and on. However, I didn't realize that many blog sites and book stores are not open to offering promotional spots to Indie Authors. I wasn't aware of the stigmatism attached to being an Indie Author. Many individuals think the books I write must not be any good because they're not backed by the bigger publishing houses or on the shelves at every bookstore in town. That stung! But, not everyone has been negative. I have gotten such a warm welcome by many fellow authors, book reviewers and bloggers who have gone above and beyond in helping me get the word out there about my books. I am forever grateful to them.

I have the following words of wisdom for new Indie Authors:

do not expect to come right out of the gate on top making six figures a year,
plan to spend just as much time promoting as you do writing,
your family and friends may think writing is not a "real" job,
everyone you know may not be as proud of your accomplishment as you are,
no one else will toot your horn as loudly as you can yourself,
you are not just promoting your books, you're promoting yourself,

Remember, some day you may be a big name in the public eye; you surely don't want a comment, or picture, from Facebook to come back and haunt you. Be smart, be respectful, be creative, be tough skinned, and be the best!

These may be helpful links for Indie authors:

The Indie Writer Rejection Meme

Indie Authors: Stop Promoting To Other Indie Authors

Check these links for information about self-publishing:

Amazon

Smashwords

Outskirts Press

Barnes and Noble

How to self-publish an ebook

Self-publishing a book: 25 things you need to know

How to Choose the Best Method for Publishing Your Book

Reyna Hawk is a 44 year old mother of one son and grandmother to a beautiful 3 year old little girl. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Reyna has always loved writing and story-telling. Her passion for telling stories began at a very young age when she was making up stories to tell her school friends. Reyna has an Associate of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology. Explore Reyna's work below.

Author Website
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Patricia Paris shares her short-story, 'Memories That Mold Us '

2012-07-19T08:07:00.000-04:00

I'm delighted to introduce my new friend, author Patricia Paris. Patricia is a romance author who believes everyone deserves a happy ending. Today, she is sharing Memories That Mold Us, a short story, the roots of which are grounded in one of her childhood experiences. I read this story and fell in love with it. I think you will too. Please, enjoy this terrific story.

Memories That Mold Us

"Bare Feet Make Boys Horny!"
Those five words, uttered by Sister Mary Francis Bernadette, showered down upon us with all the gloom and doom of an irrevocable death sentence. We had sinned. We were four terrified nine year old girls in Kelly-green plaid skirts and starched white, one-hundred percent cotton blouses.
It happened on a Thursday morning. That was the day we had coed gym class at the Catholic school I attended through eighth grade. Gym class was held in a clearing in the cemetery behind the school, weather permitting. This particular spring morning permitted. It was, in fact, the unseasonably warm weather that had lured us four to remove our polished black and white saddle shoes and spanking white anklet socks. No sooner had we bared our feet than we were dismissed from class and herded off to report to the principal, S.M.F. Bernadette.

"What's Horny?" I asked my best friend, Sally DeLaurentis, who had no more information on the subject than I, as we walked home from school later that afternoon. I wasn't yet certain about the severity of our sin, but knew full well if we didn't go to confession soon we risked our young souls to Hell. In the very least we'd end up in Purgatory, otherwise known as Limbo, that nebulous holding ground no one seemed to know much about except that it was filled with restless souls, cursed to wander endlessly between Heaven and Hell, until their sins came up for review. If I was to believe everything I'd heard, it could take centuries because the case load was at least as deep, if not deeper than, a black hole.

Our feet didn't quite reach the worn wooden floorboards as we sat, still as statues, on the hard oak chairs lining the front wall of the office at St. Paul's Elementary School. Imagine, if you will, standing in front of us one, hands-on-hips, Sister-With-No-Mercy, wearing the full suit of head-to-toe, black robed, intimidate on sight custom issue, a rosary heavy enough to be a registered weapon slung around her waist, and a thick mahogany framed image of Jesus Christ in a crown of thorns hanging on the wall behind her. This was the scene in which I learned the important life lesson that became eternally branded upon my impressionable nine year old brain: Bare Feet Make Boys Horny!
As I saw it, the waiting could be enough to make one contemplate murder and/or suicide, both of which, if one knew the mortal sins, were. I feared merely contemplating either might result in a spot in the ultimate furnace with no lay-over in Limbo and knew, as I pondered our apparent sin, I had no desire to meet the horned guy!
It was at that moment, in a burst of clarity, that I saw the light and figured out what Sister Mary Francis Bernadette of The Perpetual Frown had been trying to tell us. Although I still didn't understand how going barefoot in gym class could damn an entire class of fourth grade boys to the eternal fire, it was enlightenment enough to know we almost had. The how was irrelevant, another of those great mysteries one was supposed to accept with blind faith; which I did because, otherwise, I would have been risking my soul to Purgatory---and we all know about that!
I never removed my shoes in the presence of a boy again until after I turned sixteen and understood a little more about horny boys. Up until that point I only went barefoot at the beach. Even then, I had a tendency to burrow those mysteriously powerful weapons of doom into the sand lest I unwittingly curse some unsuspecting innocent guy for eternity. Who among us would want that on their conscience?

The other day I bought a new shade of nail polish at the local drug store. I thought the name sounded fun, Ooo La La Fuchsia. While my husband was at work I gave myself a pedicure and then applied the vivid, purple-pink gloss to my toenails. I thought it looked great against my newly acquired tan, complements of several days working outside in my yard in flip-flops.
After dinner, I took off my shoes, slipped on the silver toe ring my sister had given me during her last visit, and joined my husband on the couch. He was reading the latest issue of the Journal of Accountancy, so you know what I was up against! I leaned back against the armrest on my side of the couch, stretched my freshly depilatoried legs across the cushions and ruffled the pages of his magazine with my electric-purple polished big toe.
"Stop," he said, batting my foot away.
Wait a minute! Something was wrong here. Maybe he hadn't noticed my feet were sans socks and shoes. I lifted the pages again with a flutter of my hot little digits. That got a reaction!
He laid the magazine in his lap, turned to me with one of those "honey I love you but you're starting to get on my nerves," looks, and arched a brow. I just smiled. I knew something he didn't.
"Okay, what?" he asked, obviously trying to humor me.
I dangled the aphrodisiac in front of him and adopted my best come hither look. I'd practiced it every time I passed the bathroom mirror that afternoon and felt reasonably confident it bore a closer resemblance to seduction than a need to include more roughage into my diet.
"I polished my toenails today." I gave them a twirl. "Like the color?" The man didn't stand a chance.
He frowned. Remember what I was competing with here! He glanced at my foot. I gave it another twirl for effect. He grinned. The magic was working.
"You call that a foot?" His chuckle was mildly teasing as he took hold of my ankle, turning it so he could look at it from various angles. "I don't know how you manage to stand upright on these little things."
I grinned inwardly. He was sealing his own fate. "That's right, sweetheart, I call that a foot. A bare foot!" I stressed the word bare, just so he understood exactly what he held in the palm of his hand.
He started laughing. He didn't get it. He could make fun of my high arches and crooked toes all he wanted, but the indisputable truth remained, branded into my brain, never to be forgotten---bare feet make boys horny!
"So I see." An unmistakable gleam came into his eyes as he rubbed my too high arch then leaned forward and nipped my ankle. The Little devil!

Thank you, Sister Mary Francis Bernadette, for all the valuable teachings you imparted upon us. It may be true that, in the words of Billy Joel, one of my favorite singers…those Catholic girls start much too late…but take it from me, we never, ever, forget our lessons!

Memories That Mold Us, Copyright 2011 Patricia Paris ***All rights reserved. This is based on a true story. The names and places have been changed to respect privacy. No part of this story may be used or otherwise reproduced in any manner without the expressed permission of the author, except in cases of brief quotations in reviews.

About Patricia

Patrica Paris is a romance novelist who enjoys writing about strong heroines and the men who love them. Her Cedar Cove Series: This Time Forever, Letters To Gabriella, and the 2013 release, Return To Cedar Cove, are set in the small town of Cedar Cove, Maryland and revolve around the tight-knit Morrison family. Patricia's other novels, A Murderous Game and her 2013 release, Run Rachael Run, are sexier, sassier, and have an element of suspense. Click the images below to purchase these books today.

Thank you so much for your comment at Scarlett Rains Sisters of the Hearts Blog. Every comment is read and appreciated. Don't forget to subscribe either by RSS feed or by email. Hope to see you again soon!

Flash Fiction or Bust!

2012-07-12T08:09:00.000-04:00

My guest host today is...

Emily Walker, a new friend, who introduced me to Flash Fiction. Emily is a talented author with a delightful sense of humor and an adventurous spirit. I know you will enjoy her post. Please, visit her links below & show her some love.

Self Publish or Die
Emily on Facebook
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Lyra Mcken

Lyra on Facebook

Lyra on Twitter

First of all Scarlett, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to post on your beautiful blog! Now hopefully you will leave this post not only knowing what Flash Fiction is, but also excited about it!

I have started a couple of Flash Fiction groups on Face book and Book Blogs. I must say the blog owner; Miss Scarlett is quite good at it. You will get to see a sample at the bottom of this post that includes a Flash composed by my friend, Scarlett, Reflective Bookworms, and me, and then I will give you a prompt that you can comment on to try it out yourself!

Let’s first look at the benefits of an occasional flash. As a writer you have to work on your skills. The only way to get better at writing is to write. Flash fiction is under 1000 words so you can think of it like a writing exercise. You can also use it as a way to test the waters with some genres that you might not be that familiar with, and see how you like it.

Here are some things to think about when writing Flash Fiction:

- Don’t take it too seriously; it is supposed to be quick. Make it good, but don’t over analyze.
- Don’t make it too complex, you have to get to the point quickly so don’t kill yourself
- Don’t worry about the word count. It can be three sentences as long as the story is told.

Some Great Flash Fiction Resources
Flash Fiction: What's It All About?

Flash Fiction Online
Flash What? A Quick Look at Flash Fiction

A Sample of Our Flash

This was the original prompt:

The Flash looked up in the sky; it looked like the clouds were on fire. Everywhere he looked there was destruction. He shook his fist at the city."How could you have let this happen?"

This was the first response posting. I started it off just to help out with the flow:

The people down below looked up at Thomas Reedy.
"He's at it again in his crazy flash suit."
They shook their heads as they walked past. Thomas continued to yell from the roof of his building."You will all pay!"
He shot off another firework and watched the heavens erupt again. The world he lived in was far better than the world that they were living in.
Who cared if he was crazy?
Courtesy: Emily Walker

This was the second response to my posting, and moves our story forward:

Lottie Carmichael raced through the gawping bystanders, pushing and shoving as hard as she could."Stop, Thomas, Stop!" she yelled as a man with a briefcase knocked into her. Being the only person who had any hope of calming him down, the responsibility weighed heavily on her shoulders and threatened to overwhelm her. Finally free of the crowd, she heaved open the glass door to the building and started the gruelling ascent up the gleaming staircase. But would it be too late.
Courtesy: Reflective Bookworm

And third:

“I just Scotch-Guarded this spandex. It’s flammable! “He pulled his secret-stash of Hot-Enough-to-Kill-Ya Barbecue Chips from beneath his cape. “Oh, well.” He dusted off a spot on the bench, sat down, sprayed hand sanitizer on his glove and dug into his bag of chips, loving the sting and burn of all the nitrates and synthetic crap that made his tongue sweat and was sure to give him heartburn. “What are you looking at?” He raised his brows to match the set of the pursed-lipped woman staring at him. “Haven’t you ever seen someone eat a chip?”

Those lips stretched thin when she stuck her squarish chin forward. “A real super hero wouldn’t be sitting here, talking with his mouth full. He’d do something!” She retorted.
Courtesy: Scarlett Rains

Then it took on a mind of its own from this point:

"Well real superheroes still have to deal with shoddy products. Able to withstand the firey flames of Hell, my ass!" Holding up one finger towards the young woman he belched, the sizzle dancing out of his lips. Pouring another handful of chips into his mouth, he watched her out of the corner of his eye. The hands set on her hips said it all.

"You know it's rude to stare at someone, right?" a chip flew out of his mouth and scorched the tar in front of him.She let the faintest ghost of a smile across her face.

"You know it's rude to talk with your mouth full."
Courtesy: Reflective Bookworm

"Staring's worse.' He munched loudly. "Read it just the other day...I think on that weird red-headed, lady's blog."

Those eyebrows of hers danced creatively up and down. "I'll make a note of that...Miss Manners."

Flash, stopped stuffing his mouth. Wearing tights was hard enough. Some days he really had to 'man' up to squeeze into them. "That was uncalled for!" A chip dropped from his trembling lip.

She leaned forward, hands on hips." Oooh! Did I hoitt the wittle super hewoe's feewings?" she asked, head bobbing side to side like a cobra coming in for a kill.

"Huh?" Flash was so entranced by the darting of her head that her lapse into lisping completely lost him.

"Here's a flash for ya, little man. Lay off the chips." She pointed towards the bulge sticking lopsidedly out from the top of his belt. "Your six-pack's pregnant."
Courtesy: Scarlett Rains

"Take that back!"Tears were welling up in his eyes, but he refused to let them go in front of her.She knew he was an emotional eater, couldn't she see the fire all around them. The destruction was too much for him to bear; another chip found its way into his mouth.
Courtesy: Emily Walker

"First of all, say it, don't spray it." Lottie replied as she wiped a speck of mush off her cheek. "Second of all, it's about time you got moving. You can't just trash the place because you're in a bad mood! Grow up," the Flash stared at her, knowing she was right, and brushed the crumbs from his lips.

"After everything that's happened today, you want me to just get over it?" the tears finally spilled down his cheeks and Lottie sighed with frustration. “Big baby.”
Courtesy: Reflective Bookworm

Try Some Flash

So here is your flash fiction prompt for today. Have fun with it; don’t be afraid to go anywhere you want with it!

The princess shoved another piece of cloth into her prisoner's mouth. She would make sure he could not speak until she had said what she needed to. Rushing towards him ...

Flash your comments below!

Welcome, Nancy Jill Thames, Author

2012-04-24T13:31:00.002-04:00

I’m happy to have my friend and fellow author, Nancy Jill Thames, here with us today.

Nancy Jill Thames, Author (with Romeo)

Welcome, Nancy Jill. Tell us a little about yourself aside from your writing accomplishments.

I’m just an ordinary homemaker with a vivid imagination who has a tremendous belief in the power of positive thinking. I’ve also been a Believer since the age of eight and feel it’s the sole reason for the blessed life I lead. My degree is in music from The University of Texas at Austin and I actually use it playing the piano for my church. I’m married to a wonderful man who has pampered me for almost 44 years. He takes me with him on business trips so I’m able to enjoy staying in lovely resorts. We’ve raised four children and have six lovely grandchildren. My friends call me the “Queen of Afternoon Tea”because I love serving it to people.

How long have you been an author?

I’ve actually only been an author for less than two years now.

You’ve accomplished quite a bit in two years! What is your latest release?

I launched my fourth book“The Mark of Eden” in October, 2011.

What genre? Is it part of a series?

I only write mysteries, so far. Yes, it is part of “The Jillian Bradley Mystery Series.” Book 5 “Pacific Beach” will be launched very soon.Wow!You’ve been busy! Is writing your primary focus or do you divide your time between your work as an author and another career?

Wow! You’ve been busy! Is writing your primary focus or do you divide your time between your work as an author and another career?

Writing is my primary focus but as an indie author, I divide my time between writing and promoting.

I know how difficult that can be. With so much on your plate, how do you find time for yourself? What do you do to relax?

I put myself on a to-do-list. I take time on Sunday to worship and rest. But I still go to choir practice at 4:30 pm so Sunday is still a busy day. My husband and I watch a movie after dinner every night and play Rummikub for breaks during the day.

It seems to be working for you. When you do buckle down to write, do you follow a set writing schedule or do you just write when you feel inspired?

I usually get all my chores finished before I start working, or at least on a list. I write for 45 minutes and then take a break, doing a chore or moving about. I also take time to blink my eyes so they don’t dry out staring at the computer screen for so long.

That sounds like a healthy routine. When do moments of inspiration typically come to you?

Typically at night when I’m trying to go to sleep.

The call to write comes at odd times. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one with pen in hand in the wee hours of the morning. Aside from occasional bouts of sleep deprivation, I’ve found my fellow writers to be a wonderfully supportive group. Do you agree?

Absolutely! Occasionally I become discouraged, but when I think of all my author friends who are experiencing the same feelings, I snap out of the mood right away. It’s great motivation.

Feeling that you are not alone as a writer makes all the difference. I believe it is so important that we support one another. Is there anything you do that would be considered‘paying it forward’ to help other authors?

I do author interviews once a week calling them ‘Celebrity Authors’ for encouragement. I feel the interviews help promote their work. I also contribute to my writers group whenever I’m asked to share my publishing experience.

Those are terrific gestures of support that I know are appreciated. I was honored when you interviewed me. It is particularly important that we nurture fledgling authors. Do you have any advice for novices? Is there a ‘how to’ writing book you feel is a ‘must have’ for every writer? Any memberships or courses/workshops you recommend?

I would suggest beginning with some front money to pay for copy editing. Besides a good story, paying readers deserve error-free books. Find a copy editor you can afford and one who likes your genre. Everything else in this business can be learned.

There are so many good ‘how to’ books out there that I wouldn’t know where to begin. Since I believe authors should have their own writing style, I think I like Stephen King’s approach best: Just write how you talk and then hire someone to do the editing. As for myself, I checked out a book at the library entitled “How to Write a Damn Good Mystery” by James N. Frey. I had only written 12 chapters of my first novel and had no idea where it was going, but after reading his book, I was able to figure out what to do in order to finish it.

The only courses and workshops I’ve attended were for my writer’s guild. The workshops were very hands on and I learned a great deal. Some were from guild members and others were from local authors.

Do you have a favorite editor, or someone instrumental in your success, that you’d like to mention?

My first editor, a personal friend of mine from church by the name of Donna Montgomery, told me she might have skimmed parts of the manuscript because she got so caught up in the story that she couldn’t put it down. She told me I had the makings of a successful author, and this was coming from an editor of all types of genres with over 30 years of experience. She instilled belief in me, and I reach back when I’m discouraged and remember what she said.

Belief in yourself and your abilities is crucial. I could talk with you about that all day…but, I won’t be selfish. I know we both have writing to do. It has been so nice spending time with you, Nancy Jill. Before you go, where can I find your books?

My books are available in Kindle and paperback from Amazon.com. The links are on the slideshow at: http://www.nancy-jill.blogspot.com . You can get to my “Queen of Afternoon Tea” Blog from the site or go directly to http://www.nancyjillthames.wordpress.com.

I believe it’s always a good idea to look back at where you’ve been to see how far you’ve come. Looking to the future, I plan to write at least three more books in the series before I am finished. “Waiting for Santa,” is due out October 2012 and “The Ruby of Siam,” is due out April 2013. The eighth book is still in the early stages.

I can’t wait to read your series. Readers, check below for links to all of Nancy Jill’s mysteries and be on the look-out for “Waiting for Santa” and “The Ruby of Siam”. Nancy Jill, Thank you so much for stopping in today.

Scarlett, I want to thank you again for the interview. It’s been a pleasure!

Reviews of Nancy Jill's Books

2012-04-21T20:33:00.000-04:00



From the first book, I was hooked. Who can imagine a female protagonist-our age-Baby Boomers-who gets into so much trouble? At every turn, Jillian is engrossed in a mystery. Her little friend, Teddy, (whether one likes dogs or not) is another character in this fantastic series. I can't put them down once I begin. I read quickly...then read them again--on my Kindle, of course! Brenda Burke April 2, 2011	Again this young lady has done a wonder, outstanding, great, or any other word that is great. I won't be surprised if Hollywood doesn't call and have her write the screen plays for her books. This author keeps you interested and on the edge of your seat. I haven't finished the third book yet, but will, just want people to know how good it is so far. Just like the other book of hers. Don Wilson May 6, 2011	A book you'll want to share with others. Interesting characters, surprising plot twists, and a fun read. If this is the first Jillian Bradley book you've read, you'll want to go back and read the earlier volumes and you 'll eagerly await the next! CinCinAZ Dec. 8, 2011	I enjoy mysteries that explore different expertises and subcultures. This one was nice because I'd read the "Orchid Thief" book, so I had some background on it that was really good. This book built on the knowledge I already had and gained some great characters. I'd recommend it as a book to read for fun and to explore a gardening world. Oh, also, I had not read the first book and that wasn't a problem. Recommended read. Mike Feb. 9, 2012

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Nancy Jill Shares 10 Things About Herself I Never Knew....

2012-04-20T13:52:00.000-04:00