Writers: Take a Break During the Day and Still Make a Buck or Two

Does it seem like you are pounding away at the keyboard even harder these days to make ends meet? Well you are not alone, as many freelance writers are spending more and more hours working on articles, fiction or whatever else they need to do to pay the bills.

Do you find yourself wanting to take a break and then feeling guilty because you really should be doing something productive to earn some money? Yeah, I have felt like that too! I used to take a break and spend time on social media sites, reading and chatting just to clear my mind of all the writing I had been doing that required research and concentration. But then, I felt gulity because I wasn't working.

Thanks to being referred by a friend, I found a great way to take a break from more tedious writing, enjoy reading and chatting, and continue to make a little money while I was doing it. The site my friend told me about is called Chat About. com. It is a lot like a social media site, yet you can earn points for commenting, answering questions, asking questions and a host of other things. Then, you redeem your points for cold hard cash, sent to your paypal, or for Amazon Gift cards.

If you want to earn there by writing, you can do that too. A quick review or article that you know something about will earn you bonus points. The best thing about the site is that the admins are great at monitoring everything and answering any questions you have very quickly.

You can also find other sites on line where you can earn points and rewards for doing little things while you take a writing break, but Chatabout.com is the one that I really enjoy, because there is the commenting and interaction with other people and I enjoy that!

It's kind of a win-win situation when you really want to take a break, but really need to keep on making money.  I'll even through in my referral link incase you want to go check the site out. Yep, I do earn a little by referring you and when you earn points, but hey, a girl has to keep on working even when she is taking a break. And just think, you will be able to do the same thing once you are signed up!

Just go here:  http://chatabout.com/home/53881 Happy chatting!

Welcome to the Next Big Thing Blog Hop

A blog hop is a great way to discover new people! You’ll find authors, crafters, gardeners…well basically all kinds of people have blogs. Doing a blog hop helps you to find all of these creative folks. I am so glad you hopped in to learn a bit about me and the books I write.

First I’d like to thank Langley Watts Cornwell for inviting me to this event. Did you hop over from her blog? If not you should check her out at Langley Writes. She has some pretty interesting reading on her blog. Leave her a comment and tell her Donna sent you!

Langley sent me some questions to answer and I sent those questions on to the writers that are linked at the bottom. We will try to answer them without rambling on, but you know a writer just loves words! I hope you enjoy the blog hop and have found some writers you might like.

What do I write? To be honest, I write whatever strikes me at the time. I have written love stories, paranormal stories and am considering venturing into horror. I guess I am eclectic!

Where do my ideas come from? Another writer and I were just discussing this earlier and the truth is, I don’t know where the ideas come from. I apparently have a lot of characters in my head and when they decide it is time, they start showing me their story, just like a movie. When that happens, I sit down at the computer and listen to them.

Who publishes my stories? My first story was published with a traditional publisher. The second one is called “Night Dreams” and I self-published it on Amazon. Night Dreams is a short story that just sort of popped into my head. I’d love to hear what you think of it!

What am I working on now? I never work on just one thing. The characters all get too pushy and each group wants a turn to tell their story, so I work on whoever is talking the loudest. I currently have a short story being edited that will appear in an anthology in the next few months.

 I am also working on a full length novel called “Lavender Wheels: Jessica’s Inheritance” and those pesky characters tell me it is going to be a series! They plan to keep me busy, I guess. Stop in and see me from time to time and I’ll let you know how it is going!

It’s been great telling you a little about me and my stories…but the characters in my head are starting to raise a ruckus, so I guess I need to go tend to them! Before I leave, let me introduce you to a few writer friends you may find interesting.

Lyn Lomasi: Heart ‘n Mind Paw Rescue (Lyn is a writer, homeschool Mom, works at Yahoo plus is opening a pet rescue soon!

Joshua Hicks: Writer Joshua Hicks Josh is not only a talented writer, he does fantastic reviews of other authors!

Tammy Lee Morris Samples: Tammy Lee Morris, Author Tammy is the queen of vampire stories among many others! If you love a good chiller, check her out!

Miro the Dragon, by Teresa Berg

I got to thinking that a lot of you have children and might appreciate a recommendation on books for them to read, so I decided to include a "Recommended Reading for Children" tab on my blog. I have grandchildren that enjoy reading and I happily buy or suggest books for them too.

Most of these books will be by writers that I have a personal (or at least an Internet) acquaintance with. As a writer myself, I am always interested in what other writers are doing, even if it isn't the type of book I am normally drawn to. I enjoy children's books and have even considered trying my hand at them, so who knows, you might see me posting one of my own here.. 

This little book caught my eye, so it will be the first of many! How cute is this cover?

Miro the Dragon by Theresa Berg

Miro the Dragon lives in a place called Drakonia, the land of dragons. He is a tiny little creature who is frightened by everything around him. Miro wants most of all to be a "real" dragon and sets out to accomplish that. He meets some unusual friends along his journey and learns many valuable lessons.

You can buy this book in paperback or as a digital download if your child has an e-reader. Just click on the blue link above the picture and it will take you to Amazon where you can read more about the book or the author. Be sure to stop back by and let me know how your child liked Miro the Dragon. I'll gladly pass the information on to the author!

Til next time...happy reading!

Let’s Go to the (Blog) Hop…

I can’t say often enough how great writers and bloggers are about helping each other out. It might be advice, proofreading for each other, sharing each other’s work or spreading the word about great promo opportunities.  When fellow writer, Langley Watts Cornwall, posted in a group on facebook about a Blog Hop, I was intrigued and quickly jumped on board.

So what is a Blog Hop, you might be wondering? Well, it kind of reminds me of an “old fashioned” chain letter type thing. Okay, now you are probably thinking “Oh no way,” but some of those chain letters were really cool, remember? I have done the recipe ones, where you add your name to a list and then send a recipe to the next three people, and then you end up getting several recipes mailed to you.  Ever done one of those?

Anyway, a Blog Hop just helps you to find really cool blogs that you may not otherwise know about. You will find great writers and see what they are up to. You will find other creative and interesting people who have decided to join us as well. So what do you have to do?

Technically, (and trust me, I am NOT a technical type person) all you have to do is read my blog, learn a little about what I am working on, and then follow the links I will provide to check out a few of my awesome friends. Their blog will have links to other blogs, and you can just keep blog hopping at your own leisure and enjoyment. Sounds cool, doesn’t it?

My Blog Hop post is scheduled to post on March 6^th, so be sure to Follow or Join my blog so you can keep up with all the neat stuff that writers, bloggers and creative types alike are up to! You can also click on Langley’s name up above and see what she is up to, and who is on her list for you to blog hop around to.

I have some very interesting people lined up to link you to when I post, and they in turn have found some more interesting people to introduce you to. You’ll learn about writing books, running websites and even a bit about herbs and natural treatments!

Tell your friends to stop by my blog and join in on the fun! Y’all can grab a cup of coffee, or whatever your preferred drink is, and hop around and meet some interesting people!

Until next time…write on! Donna

Silly Tree Anthologies Name that Title!

As I said in my last post, writers and authors are great about helping each other out. Silly Tree Anthologies is a brand new publication, organized by several writer friends. There goal is to help people get published. No, they don't pay money, right now, but that is not always the goal. Remember that writers have to get their name out there and need help with promotion!

Silly Tree Anthologies recently ran a contest to name their first book. The group had already chosen a theme for the first book and sent out a call for submissions. Which, by the way, I have already answered! The theme is "Love Gone Wrong." Anyway, they announced this contest to name the title of the book.

I submitted what I thought fit really well, and guess what? I won! The group at Silly Tree Anthologies thought my little old title was a great fit. By being selected as the winner, I will recieve a free digital copy of the book when it comes out. I am thrilled with that, but really I did it to help them out, and because I enjoy coming up with titles and such....at least for everyone else!

Anyway, the cover is fantastic and I wanted to give you guys a sneek peek! If you want to know more about Silly Tree Anthologies, you should check out their site HERE

The Self-Published Writer's Juggle...

I, along with many others, have chosen to be a self-published author. You will hear varied opinions about Indie authors versus traditionally published authors. Some writers have been traditionally published and changed to being an Indie author, or even Indie authors have been "discovered" by a great publishing company and decided to work with them. It really is a matter of what you are comfortable with.

Me, I am kind of a control freak, so I prefer full control over what I write, where it is published and what kind of cover goes on it. Sometimes, it can even be a financial decision that makes someone choose self-publishing. Most Indie authors are extremely talented writers, but they just don't have the money to pay editors, proofreaders, PR people and graphic artists. They need to make money from their writing now, not months or years in the future.

So, the only way to write and get published is to do it their self, and by that, I mean  Indie authors do nearly everything. It is not just a matter of writing the story and then waiting on royalties while writing another great story.

Before the first story is ever published, it must be perfectly formatted, proofread, edited and a brilliant cover added. Some Indie authors are able to pay for help with some of these things. Many rely on friends and other writers to help them. Some even barter to get services....I'll read yours if you read mine, or I'll edit for you, you design a cover for me. It works!

Self-published authors do not have a huge PR firm backing them either, so we must advertise and promote our own books. Deciding how and when to promote your latest work of art, can be a juggle in itself. Too much promotion and people will think you are just spamming them and won't bother to read the book, no matter how great it might be.

Too little promotion and the book will just sit there. Hmmm, where is the happy middle ground? It is a juggle for every author to figure out of they are doing enough, not enough, or way too much. It can be especially confusing for a new Indie author like me, just learning the ropes.

But, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. You will be so thrilled when that very first story goes live on Amazon, Smashwords or Barnes and Noble. Yes, it is a lot of hard work, but as the saying goes, "No pain, no gain."

Unitl next time...Happy writing and happy reading!

Authors are Proud of Their New "Babies" and Would Love to Thank Every Reader

When an author publishes a new story, it is much like having a new baby. We fuss, we watch, we worry and at the same time we are thrilled at what we accomplished. Yes, we may talk about the book, just like we would a new baby. We will post pictures on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or anywhere else we can let people know what we have accomplished.

What you may not know is that authors are just as thrilled by the compliments as a new parent is. As we watch our sales numbers climb, we are just as thrilled as a new parent watching a baby grow. When someone compliments our writing style or a story they just read, we are proud and happy!

Sometimes we hear these compliments from friends and family and it is easy to respond back with a "Thank you." Most of the time we may never know who has purchased our stories. We may even see a review someone left somewhere and there is no way to contact the person back. But! Authors do appreciate each and every purchase and kind word readers have to say about their work.

My newest story, Night Dreams, has been available for a little over a week as a digital download on Amazon. It has sold 7 copies and has 3 very nice 5 star reviews on it. I would like to say a great big "Thank You" to every one of those 7 people, but I only know the names of the 3 who left reviews. So, please know that while we may not be able to say thank you to all of our readers, we do appreciate each and every one of you!

A good way to give an author a chance to say thank you is to join their Facebook writing page or follow them on Twitter. Drop them a line and let them know you read their story and enjoyed it. Chances are, they will respond with a great big "Thank you."

I would love to have you all come join my writers page on Facebook so I can get to know you and say "thanks for reading!" You can find me HERE.

Self Publishing: Fear It or Face It? I did Both...

Have you ever had something you wanted to do and for some reason, you just couldn't get the hang of it? Well, that's where I was with self-publishing several months ago. Oh sure I could easily publish articles using website templates, and I can find my way around Blogger okay, but for some reason, the mere thought of self publishing on Amazon like many of my writer friends were doing terrified me.

I belong to a writers group on Facebook, and the more they all talked about self publishing the more I wanted to try it. So, I had a talk with myself and said, "Look here! There is no reason you can't do this. Just get off your butt and get at it!" Yes, I can be pretty harsh with me when I think I deserve it. Well, I didn't want Me to be mad at Myself for long, so I took my own advice and decided to just jump in there and give it a try.

If you are thinking about self publishing and are procrastinating like I was, the best thing you can do is get a few friends behind you that have already done it. I bet I asked a zillion questions while I was formating my short story and getting it ready to upload. But guess what? I had a good friend that hung out on facebook's chat to answer each and every one I asked.

With each step I managed, my confidence grew. It really wasn't as hard as I had convinced myself that it was. It didn't take long, until I had everything filled out properly on Amazon's site. I had to upload a cover for my story, but once again, my friend came through for me and designed one that I just love. I will tackle figuring out how to make my own covers eventually, but for now, I was glad she had offered. Baby steps is where I am comfortable!

Let me tell you, I was in a sheer panic when I finally hit that upload button to send my story into cyber space. I watched the little wheels spinning and thought, "Oh, please let it all look okay!" Even worse was the fact that I should have been able to preview it, as it would look on a Kindle. Nope, just one more thing messing with my nerves! Somehow the page glitched and I never got to see a preview. Okay, time to panic, now!

My writer friend assured me that it was probably fine, and even if it wasn't I would be able to quickly edit, even after the story went live. okay, that made me feel a teensy bit better. Well guess what? My short story, "Night Dreams" is live on Amazon right now and available for digital download and it feels great!

So, if you have been considering self publishing your own short stories or even a full length novel and have been putting it off because it scares the daylights out of you, like it did me...I say just go for it! If you need help, let me know. I learned a lot and what I don't know, I can sure hook you up with folks who do!

Here is a peek at my brand new baby: Night Dreams

Meet Jennifer Walker, author of “Bubba to the Rescue”

So, Jennifer Walker decided to do a virtual book tour to promote Book Two of the Green Meadow Series, called "Bubba to the Rescue." I was thrilled to be asked to host one of her stops here on my little blog. A virtual book tour is just like a real life book tour; except it saves you some actual walking! You can follow the book tour around from blog to blog, just by clicking your mouse. Pretty cool huh?

The idea is to read the book and post a review on your blog, but I tend to be a little different at times, so first I want to talk about why you or your child should read books written by Jennifer Walker. I got to know Jennifer because we are both Twin Trinity Media authors. She helped me edit my short story before it was published. Granted, our only interaction has been through email and facebook, but I know if distance allowed, we would be great “in real life” friends.

Jennifer is a likable, helpful, talented person. So, what’s that got to do with her books, you ask? Don’t you have a favorite author that you love to read? As soon as anything new comes out that they wrote you want to run right out and grab it, right? Read just one of Jennifer Walker’s books and you’ll be hooked and want to read anything and everything she writes. Let me tell you why.

"Bubba Goes National" and "Bubba to the Rescue" are centered on a girl and her love of horses. Yes, it is fiction, but Jennifer is also an avid horsewoman. Her passion and knowledge shines through in these books. It’s almost like she is sitting right there beside you telling you about her own adventures with the horses she loves. From the moment she introduces you to Leslie, the young 13 year old, in "Bubba Goes National", you’ll be hooked and will want to follow Leslie all around Green Meadow Stables as she works to pay for her riding lessons.

You’ll follow Leslie right into book two, “Bubba to the Rescue,” and nearly panic with fear as you find her and her boyfriend fighting a fire to save the stables and horses that she loves. You’ll worry when a young horse follows them through the flames, and ask the same question Leslie did, “Where did he come from?” Where did “Spark” come from? Does Leslie get to keep him, does she find his owner? Well, you see…..(You didn’t think I was going to tell you did you?)

Jennifer Walker will introduce you to Leslie, but she will become your friend as you continue reading, and that’s because of the way Jennifer writes. She pulls you right in and you can’t help but become part of the story. Jennifer will definitely become the author you want your young teen to read!

Yes, the Green Meadows Series is written for children and teens, but I enjoyed them thoroughly and can’t wait to have my two granddaughters read them, because I know they will enjoy them too. Many of us enjoyed the Little House on the Prairie Series because Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote them with such knowledge and passion. You are going to find that same knowledge and passion in "Bubba Goes National" and "Bubba to the Rescue." You really need to order them, curl up with your daughter, granddaughter, niece, etc. and start reading!

Here is all the information you need to keep up with Jennifer and to order her books:

Walker Writing Services

Bubba to the Rescue at Twin Trinity Media

Bubba to the Rescue at Amazon

Stop back by after you have read one of Jennifer Walker's books and let me know how you liked them. I know you are going to enjoy them and Jennifer will soon be one of your and your teen's favorite authors. Leave a comment and let Jennifer know you stopped by. She will be stopping in sometime today.

Virtual Book Tour of "Bubba to the Rescue" Coming Soon!

Jennifer Walker, the author of Bubba to the Rescue and I are both published at Twin Trinity Media. I was thrilled when Jennifer, a very talented author, actually helped edit my short story. When she began talking about setting up a virtual tour for her book, I knew I wanted her to visit my Weaving Words Writer's Gallery!

So, you might be asking, what is a virtual book tour? Well, it is much like getting to see the book and meeting the author in a brick and mortar bookstore, but it is done on line. Isn't that great? No driving or fighting mobs to have a sneak peek at a great book.

Twin Trinity Media has the book Bubba to the Rescue on it's way to me now. I hope my postman doesn't nab it for his own reading pleasure! (Just kidding, let's not offend my postman, he does bring my bills!) Anyway, I will read the book in it's entirety and then I will post a review of what I thought of the book, on the day of Jennifer Walker's virtual tour.

All you have to do is come visit my blog that day, read what I have to say, leave comments, see what other people had to say...and hopefully buy your own copy of Bubba to the Rescue. Isn't the Internet great?

My tour date for Bubba to the Rescue is March 14, 2012. Mark your calendar to grab a cup of coffee and stop in to meet Jennifer walker and hear what we are all saying about her book. Jennifer loves my enthusiasm, and has even told me I was funny, so the tour is bound to be a lot of fun for all of us!

If you can't wait for the virtual tour, you can click here -> Twin Trinity Media and check it out now, but I sure hope you will join us for the fun on March 14th. Stop in and see me again, you never know what book I might be reviewing next! Hey, I might even tell you about one I am working on....

A Writing Challenge Success in June!

Several writers challenged their self to do more in June. I joined the challenge. While I can't say I kept up with the schedule of some of them, I feel content with what I did accomplish. I made way more money than I did the month before and that's always a good thing!

My short story, "The 4.0 Wedding" published as a digital download in June and I take that as a huge success! It is even available at Amazon.com and Smashwords. com as well as at Twin Trinity Media. The owner and publisher at Twin Trinity Media even told me she thought the story would make a great made-for-tv movie and that I should write a script. Anybody know how to do that?

I even picked up a couple more beats at Yahoo Contributor Network, so it will be writing, writing, writing in the month of July. That's okay, though, because that is the goal....the more I write the more money I make. Besides, it is something I love doing, and I guess I am pretty good at it...lol.

Don't ever let anyone tell you that you cannot make money with online writing, because you are the only one who determines that. I have read many forums where people are saying you cannot earn much money with online writing. That totally depends on the writing site and how much effort you put into it.

If you work at it and continue to add good quality content the opportunities are there. YCN for example, offers beat assignments to writers that put forth their best work. I now have 4 beat assignments. I contacted the appropriate person and asked for them. They gave them too me!

If you have had the dream of being a writer, I would advise going for it. Just remember, it is a slow process to build up your own style and voice and to get noticed. Success won't come over night, but in the end you'll be rewarded by doing something you enjoy....

My First Digitally Published Short Story!

After challenging myself this week, getting notified that my first fictional short story has been published online was a welcome reward. I can now say I am a published author with Twin Trinity Media. I entered a contest for short stories awhile back and was thrilled to be chosen to have a digital download on Twin Trinity's book site.

"The 4.0 Wedding" is a short story that I am very proud of. It can be downloaded for a modest 79 cents. Twin Trinity Media, LLC is owned by Michelle Devon and I can tell you she has been a great help in inspiring me to continue writing fiction.

So, what is the story about? Well, Paul is the perpetual bad boy, but when he realizes his drinking and drug-dealing ways are ruining his true love's life, he leaves town before it's too late. After starting a whole new life, he finds out she's getting married--and he knows what he has to do....

That's all I am going to tell you. If you want to know what he did, and what happened, you'll just have to go spend 79 cents to find out! Then you can come back here and let me know how you liked it. I will say that the art work for the cover is fantastic. If you like motorcycles and bad boys, you will love my story, but I bet the end will surprise you!

You can order the digital download here. The 4.0 Wedding

Be sure to come back and tell me what you think. Thanks for reading!

Taking on a Writing Challenge - Can You Keep Up?

A fellow writer friend, Lyn Lomasi, challenges herself daily to do more than any "normal" person can even imagine. Sometimes she throws the challenges out to other writers in our Facebook writing group. Her last one asks, "Can you keep up?" My honest answer was, "No, I cannot!"

Motivation is a good thing, so even though many of us cannot keep up with Lyn Lomasi, we do try to come up with our own challenges to motivate ourselves. We try to keep track of each other and Lyn is great about asking, "How you guys doing?" The idea is not to compete with each other, it is to help us all focus and accomplish more than we are now doing. We all say, "I need to do more."

I, for instance, have a TV beat that I write for Yahoo TV. The show comes on at 8pm central time. After I have lounged on the couch for an hour, I know longer feel like writing, so I have been waiting until the next morning to write my article.

Yes, procrastination is a bad habit I am challenging myself to break! Last night, I watched the show and then immediately went to my laptop and wrote the article and submitted it. Yay, me!

Taking on a writing challenge does not have to mean writing as many articles as your fellow writers do in a days time. It really means challenging yourself to do what you know you are capable of. Just don't get to zealous with your challenge to yourself, or you'll find yourself frustrated and overwhelmed.

I have neglected this blog for awhile. Part of my challenge to myself is to keep it active. You all can help motivate me by watching for new posts. If you don't see one every few days, drop me a line and say, "Hey, how about a new post?"

Book Review: Elements of Dimension

I do not normally read science fiction, but I wanted this book because it was part of a series published by Twin Trinity Media, LLC. “Elements of Dimension” is one of several books of short stories written by award winning authors from the Accentuate Writers. Some of these authors are fellow writers that I am familiar with and I enjoyed their previous work, but I just wasn’t sure about reading sci-fi or fantasy.

When the book arrived, I sat down to look it over and I found myself starting to read the first story in the book. It is a sci-fi tale called “Brain Restoration” by Daniel Thrasher. It was so well written and interesting that I sat there and read the entire story.

As I continued story after story, I was amazed at how much I was enjoying the different story lines and the wonderful writing style of these talented writers. I didn’t think I would ever call myself a reader of sci-fi or fantasy, but I enjoyed the stories in “Elements of Dimension” very much.

If you have read either of the previous books in the series, “Elements of Time” or “Elements of the Soul” you will expect to read stories by talented writers. You won’t be disappointed. “Elements of Dimension” is the 3rd book in the series and it is every bit as high quality and enjoyable as the first two.

I can now say I enjoy sci-fi and fantasy, and I bet you will too, even if you never thought you would. Once you have read the first 3 in the series, you will want to read more by these authors. Twin Trinity Media, LLC plans not to disappoint their readers! Book 4 and 5 are in the works.

I can’t wait until “Elements of Life” and “Elements of Love” are released. You may even see my name in one or the other of them! Start your collection today. I know you will enjoy this series as much as I did!

You can order the Element series at Twin Trinity Media, LLC

Three Words Wednesday Micro Fiction - grimace, phase, stumble

I have missed a few Wednesdays, but I hope you all enjoy this little story!

It Doesn’t Matter by Donna Thacker

Paula grimaced as her 16 year old daughter, Tiffany, came running down the stairs. She knew an argument was about to erupt and her head was pounding already.

“Where you going?” Paula asked as quietly and politely as she could manage.

“Out, DUH!” was Tiffany’s curt and sarcastic reply. “What do you think?” Tiffany paraded in front of her mother to show off the outfit she was wearing.

Paula took a silent inventory. Short black denim skirt, black netted stockings, black boots and a black halter top adorned her daughters near womanhood body. Tiffany’s hair was dyed a jet black, but at least it matched her heavy black eyeliner and lipstick.

“Doesn’t look much different than when you usually go out.” Paula replied quietly. “It never matters what I think, anyway.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah Mother, I know. I look trashy, I’m too young to dress like this, where’s my pretty blonde hair….does that about cover it?”

“Tiffany please, I have a terrible headache.” Paula whispered.

“As usual!” Tiffany spat with disgust. “I am leaving!”

“When will you be back? You never told me where you were going. Who you going with?” Paula’s questions were almost desperate, as she thought of her beautiful teenage daughter out on the streets yet again, dressed the way she was.

“Doesn’t matter when I’ll be back, now does it Mother?” Tiffany’s blue eyes flashed anger as she peered into her mother’s flushed face. Her face softened for just a second as she peered at her mother. No! even her mother’s flushed, painful face couldn’t phase her anymore. Shaking her head, she turned on her heel and marched loudly out the door.

The stomping of those boots leaving nearly caused Paula’s head to explode with pain. Sadly she shrugged, “Guess it doesn’t matter.” She whispered to the empty room. Slowly, Paula got up out of the chair she had been sitting in.

She reached for the bottle of beer that was on the table, took one last swig and pitched it to the floor where it clattered amongst the many others that lay there at her feet. The sound caused her head to pound worse. With her hands out for balance, Paula stumbled her way through the filthy house to find her bed.

Diagnosing Dogs with Intestinal Lymphangiectasia
I am not a Veterinarian. I am the owner of a dog that has been ill for several months. If your dog is suffering from weight loss, swelling with fluid or has diarrhea and you and your vet have not found the source, this information may help.
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Trapped: Three Word Wednesday, Micro Fiction

Sweat poured off of Jack as he tried to move the huge rock. “It won’t budge!” he grimaced, with his teeth clenched. He stood up and looked around at the desolate mountain top. There wasn’t anyone for miles and miles. No help, no one to hear the calls for help…

“Jack, help me!”

Jack looked down at the man pinned beneath the boulder. He felt a sadness that was too large to express. This man had been his dear friend for so many years. They had gone to school together, they had partied together. Hell, Carl had been Jack’s best man when he had married his high school sweetheart!

“I can’t move it by myself Carl!” He told the man pinned beneath the rock. Jack was torn between the decisions he had. Did he stay and keep trying to free Carl, or did he leave as his mind kept telling him he must.

Carl groaned beneath the weight of the rock that had him pinned to the mountainside. “God, Jack it hurts!” The man groaned, as sweat poured down amongst the blood that was oozing from the cut on his forehead.

“I know Carl, I know!” Jack spoke soothingly. “It hurts, but it will soon be alright. I promise. I’m going to leave you now.”

“Jack? What? No, Jack!” The man pleaded in panic. “Don’t leave me here alone.”

“I have to Carl, I have no choice.” Jack spoke softly. “You were my friend Carl, my very best friend…”

As Jack started nimbly down the scattered rocks and boulders, he heard Carl’s agonizing screams. His friend pleaded with him to come back, begged him not to go, but Jack continued down the path he knew so well.

As he walked and scooted down the treacherous mountainside, his clothes became dirty and torn. He would continue until he was exhausted himself. He had to. It would be miles of rough country, but he would make it.

Jack suddenly slid and tumbled, scraping his head on a jagged rock. He caught himself quickly. When he felt the trickle of blood, he began to smile. The theory would be that he had nearly killed himself in an effort to save his best friend, who had gotten trapped as they were mountain climbing. He would be the hero; everyone would applaud him…except maybe his wife.

A Moment In Time

Cassie sprawled in the thick underbrush of the woods trying not to move or swat at the biting mosquitoes. She had been there for hours, waiting, watching, and being very alone and quiet.

That didn’t matter because Cassie had gotten use to being alone. She had also gotten used to the quiet. It had taken awhile, but gradually she came to realize that quiet wasn’t so bad. Quiet was better than all of the lying and the arguing. She had decided that they should all have some “quiet.”

At first, Cassie had hurt and angry. “Why would he abandon me?” Then, she found at the truth. The truth was just beyond the edge of this thick forest she was hiding in. There he was, laughing and happy with his arms around another woman, while she lay in this forest all miserable and missing him.

“Well, no more!” Cassie whispered. She would not cry. She would not feel sorry for herself. Cassie watched as he moved out into the lawn with this woman who had stolen him away from here. She was the reason Cassie was now alone. Cassie cried, while she laughed.

Cassie squinted against the suns glare to watch their every move. He was getting ready to leave for work. Cassie knew the routine so well. The exact minute the exact way he had always left…except it used to be from her house.

Here it comes! She thought excitedly. She watched as he leaned closer to the woman he had left her for. At the precise moment the two of them kissed goodbye, Cassie raised the rifle and fired….

Nobody Cares : Three Word Wednesday

Some of my writer friends participate in “Three Word Wednesday.” This is where you are given 3 words and then you must write something and post a link on the prompt site (www.threewordwednesday.com) I decided it might be fun to add this to my gallery.

Laura stared into the cabinet with dread. It didn’t matter how long she stood there, the contents just would not change so she slammed the door and sat at the tiny kitchen table. Holding her head in her hands, she gave in and let the tears slide down her cheeks.

“What am I going to do?” She asked the empty room. She knew it wouldn’t answer her, after all nobody ever answered her. Nobody answered her when she asked why the factory had closed.

Nobody had answered her when she asked where she and her 3 children were supposed to live now that she had no money to pay the rent. Nobody had answered her when she wondered how she was going to pacify her hungry children. Nobody cared…

Nobody here in this trailer park cared that her children would be home from school soon. Nobody cared that they would be hungry. Nobody had even spoken two words to her since she and her 3 children had been forced to move into this tiny little space that was supposed to be home.

Laura was startled from her misery by a rustling sound at the front door. “Burglar or bill collector?” She panicked. With a slight laugh she pulled herself up from the table. “Either one is going to be sorely disappointed.”

Cautiously, she pulled open the creaking front door and peeped out. For a second, she couldn't grasp what was happening. With a squeal of surprise, she threw the door open wide and caught a glimpse of the woman that lived in the next trailer scurrying across the gravel driveway.

“Maybe someone does care.” Laura thought as she struggled to drag the huge box of groceries into her tiny home. For the first time in months, a smile spread across her face, as she made plans to fix her children a wonderful dinner.

Under Construction: Come Back Soon!

I am building this gallery to be a show place for the words I have created. I hope you return soon as this gallery begins to grow and shine with all of the words I have to offer. I will offer something for everyone. There will be links to other sites that host my articles, plus there will be a host of small bites of fiction and poetry for you to nibble on.

Please keep Weaving Words Writing Gallery in mind when you feel like browsing through a creative world of words!