Nov 5, 2011 |
[For the original article, click here.]
As the lead-in suggests, this was a challenge through Writer’s Digest Community, to come up with a short story (750 words or less), based on their very short prompt: The sign said “No shirt, no shoes, no service”—but that didn’t matter. He had to get inside.
The thought of a man being so determined so as to ignore the rules led me to wonder, what type of man would he be? I thought of the typical hero, the men of movies that we women dream about. Matt Damon and Harrison Ford came to mind. Jason Bourne. James Bond. Even a little touch of Batman and Superman. And then I thought, how could I change it up to be unpredictable? How can I tell the story of a Man who is so perfect, and so self-confident (or rebellious) that he would choose to ignore the rules, even those posted on a sign.
What is the story of a man so full of himself that nothing matters except him? Does he always get his way? Has anyone ever told him “no”? So I chose to write a humorous story; the pursuit of a leading man in love, with a surprise ending.
It wrote itself once I had the two characters and the first setting. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Nov 5, 2011 |
[For the original article, click here.]
When Writer’s Digest Community offered this weekly prompt, there was no question I would combine my loves of holiday music, Harry Connick Jr, and NYC/Central Park. Take two of your favorite songs, and match up a line from the chorus of one with a line from the chorus of the other. Then, write a scene that starts with the first lyric, and ends with the second.
I hope the location came across clear enough; Central Park in autumn, when the leaves and snow intermingle. I am a romantic, obviously, and I have no problem sharing that.
The two songs I chose were “Autumn in New York” and “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve”. The latter is my all-time favorite holiday song. The former is a dream… so far.
Maybe someday I’ll get there – New York in Autumn. Or winter. Maybe for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Maybe not.
But that won’t stop me from dreaming of it; and striving for it.
This New Year’s Eve I’ll be working: writing my way to New York City, and every other place I’ve ever wanted to visit. I’ve got to start somewhere, somehow. I choose now to start.
What will you be doing New Year’s Eve?
Nov 4, 2011 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
The first “storm” of the season is on its way to Southern California, bringing with it high winds and light snow. I’m hopeful (but not realistic) about seeing a flake or two this weekend. My trees are billowing as I write this, and about ready to drop their leaves.
I love this time of year: the time when the desert is a little more colorful, when people bundle in sweaters and scarfs, when the smell of fireplaces and warm cooking are almost everywhere.
And so are the traveling carnivals. You know what I’m talking about: those caravans of Big Rigs that take over the local mall parking lot for less than a week. The rusted colorful contraptions they set up when no one’s looking. It’s as though they sneak in at the dead of night and stay just long enough to play their creepy music. Then just as suddenly, they’re gone.
Every year they show up here at the end of October, and two things happen.
First, the wind blows harder and colder, forcing pedestrians to wrap their coats tighter as they scurry to and from the safety of their buildings or cars. Their eyes dart about to find what their hands don’t want to reach for unless they have to. Cold handles, flying papers. Anything the wind can play with.
Second, I always think of Ray Bradbury’s “Something Wicked This Way Comes”. I read the book in junior high, the year my father passed away. I could relate to the absent father storyline. It was fresh pain. Being raised in the midwest the descriptive book and subsequent movie seemed to add to the already imaginative thoughts I carried: the atmosphere of falling leaves, the early nightfalls, and all the What If’s… The story both scared and delighted me, creating that sweaty nervousness that only a great page can.
To this day, I count it as one of my favorite stories. It must be. It still affects how I feel at the end of October.
The desert isn’t a colorful place. Grass yards are not the norm, and rainstorms are few and far between. And so today’s storm is teasing us, saying this is what could be. Very much like Mr. Dark tempting the boys.
The winds bring apprehension and suspense. Maybe tomorrow there will be the smell of rain. At night, perhaps a snowflake or two. Full of promise… or lies.
An autumn wind always makes me think Hitchcockian. What secrets blow with it? What will it take away when it leaves? The local carnival left today. I wonder if the storm drove it away, or is following the show.
And I can’t help but recite, as the sun sets and the leaves rustle in the howling winds…
“By the pricking of my thumb,
Something wicked this way comes.”And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Nov 3, 2011 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
It’s a new month, which means a new Thursday Theme for my recipes. Since November tends to bring with it an abundance of busy-ness and activities, I thought perhaps Party Foods would be nice. Simple recipes you can make for gatherings, potlucks, open houses, or just because!
Today’s recipe was inspired when I took my daughter to visit family in Las Vegas about five years ago. We stopped at a snack bar and I delighted in this wonderful blend of Italian flavors, seasonings and salty pretzel goodness.
Since we had no such snack vender back home, it was up to me to recreate the taste. I did the best I could and you know what? I think I did pretty well!
Taste for yourself:
INGREDIENTS:
1 pkg – active yeast
1-1/2 Cup warm water
1 tsp salt
1 TBS sugar
3 – 4 Cups flour (more or less)
Pepperoni slices
Shredded cheese
Pizza or marinara sauce
I egg
1 TBS water
1 TBS Kosher salt
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar and salt. Add flour, mix well until you have a stiff dough, not sticky. Roll dough out onto a clean, dry floured surface, to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch strips. Down the middle of each strip, spoon 1 TBS sauce. Place pepperoni on sauce. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold over then twist into pretzel shape.
Beat egg and 1 TBS water. Glaze each pretzel. If preferred, sprinkle more shredded cheese and Kosher salt on top of pretzels.
Line cookie sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place pretzels of foil. Bake at 425 for approximately 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.
Oct 30, 2011 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
[For the original article, click here.]
This is another prompt from Writer’s Digest Community: You and a friend break into your neighborhood swim club late one night to go for an after-hours dip. While splashing around in the pool, you go into shock when a dead body floats to the top. Worse yet – it’s someone you know.
It happens that during the week I found this prompt, I had seen a few episodes of The Twilight Zone. I’ve not written much in the way of sci-fi or thrillers, so I wanted to give it a try.
What could be worse than discovering the “you” that you feel you are, is actually dead? How does a person reconcile the moment of death with the collision of their own body? Does the spirit and mind live on, and can it play tricks on you?
It’s hard to explore these questions in 750 words or less, but I did enjoy the challenge of what might be.
