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.