Monthly Archives: August 2013
Mid-Week Blues-Buster Week 28
Welcome to the Mid-Week Blues-Buster Flash Fiction Challenge, Week 28.
This is a flash fiction challenge. The prompt is a song. You are not required to write about or even mention the song. It’s there only to get the ideas moving around in your brain pan. If you want to write about the song (or the video- it’s all good here) go for it but don’t feel like you have to.
The rules;
500 words, but it’s a slushy 500, meaning you can go up to 700 or as low as 300.
Post your entry right in the comments section of this post.
MAKE SURE TO PUT YOUR TWITTER HANDLE NEXT TO YOUR WORD COUNT AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR POST. IF YOU’RE NOT ON TWITTER GIVE ME AN EMAIL ADDRESS OR SOME OTHER WAY TO GET A HOLD OF YOU!
The challenge starts whenever I post this on Tuesday and ends at 4:30PM Pacific Time on Friday. You read that right. Pacific Time.
I’ve decided to stick with the movie motif for this week’s song prompt.
We’ll be using a tune sung by Italian crooner Fiorello, with Jude Law and Matt Damon riding shotgun, ably backed up by the Guy Barker International Quartet, from, “The Talented Mr. Ripley”.
The song is; “Tu Vuo’ Fa L’Americano”. Here’s the link; http://youtu.be/MXtxR1gHZIk
This week’s Judge is author, mentor, and friend, KD McCrite!
So you’ve got all the particulars. The challenge is open from the moment you read this post until 4:30PM Pacific Time on Friday August 30th.
Now go write!!!!!
Mid-Week Blues-Buster Week 27 WINNERS
Week 27 of the Mid-Week Blues-Buster is in the books….
Judge DS George-Jones had some great entries to choose from.
So speaketh Judge Debbie;
Mid-Week Blues-Buster Week 27
Welcome to the Mid-Week Blues-Buster Flash Fiction Challenge, Week 27.
This is a flash fiction challenge. The prompt is a song. You are not required to write about or even mention the song. It’s there only to get the ideas moving around in your brain pan. If you want to write about the song (or the video- it’s all good here) go for it but don’t feel like you have to.
The rules;
500 words, but it’s a slushy 500, meaning you can go up to 700 or as low as 300.
Post your entry right in the comments section of this post.
MAKE SURE TO PUT YOUR TWITTER HANDLE NEXT TO YOUR WORD COUNT AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR POST. IF YOU’RE NOT ON TWITTER GIVE ME AN EMAIL ADDRESS OR SOME OTHER WAY TO GET A HOLD OF YOU!
The challenge starts whenever I post this on Tuesday and ends at 4:30PM Pacific Time on Friday. You read that right. Pacific Time.
This week’s tune… well, let me tell you right up front… if violence and profanity put you off this might not be your week here at the Blues-Buster. I’m gonna go ahead and tag this NSFW.
The tune is Samuel L. Jackson’s rendition of, “Stack-o-Lee” from the Black Snake Moan soundtrack. Sam rocks it… backed up by North Mississippi All-Stars Cedric Burnside & Kenny Brown.
Here’s the link; http://youtu.be/bAss7LFXGTQ
This weeks Judge is writer, editor, & good pal, DS George-Jones…
That’s all from me. The challenge is open now and runs through 4:30PM Pacific Time on Friday August 23rd.
Go write!!!
A-Z Book Survey
A bunch of writer pals have been posting their lists…. so here’s mine!
Author(s) You’ve Read the Most Books Of:
It’s got to be William Faulkner. Hunter S. Thompson and Ross MacDonald are close seconds. Jim Thompson, Anais Nin, and Ernest Hemingway are up there too.
Best Sequel Ever:
I’m not sure if this really qualifies as a sequel but, FAREWELL, MY LOVELY, by Raymond Chandler– the second of his Philip Marlowe novels, is tops in my book.
Currently Reading:
CHILD OF GOD by Cormac McCarthy, MORTAL STAKES by Robert B. Parker, BENEATH THE UNDERDOG by Charles Mingus (yes, that Charles Mingus), and THE SHELTERING SKY by Paul Bowles (I’m always reading THE SHELTERING SKY. When I finish it I go right back to the beginning and start over).
Drink of Choice While Reading:
Coffee, usually. Often nothing.
E-Reader of Physical Book:
Physical books. Not a contest. They’re going to have to pry my paper books out of my cold, dead hands.
Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Dated in High School:
I think Truman Capote’s Holly Golightly would have been interesting as a high school kid.
Glad You Gave This Book a Chance:
GREAT EXPECTATIONS by Charles Dickens. Thought it was going to be dry and stuffy. Instead, I discovered how fantastic Dickens was as using language.
Hidden Gem Book:
CITY OF THIEVES by David Benioff. Everyone remembers the movie made from Benioff’s other novel, THE 25TH HOUR. No one’s heard of CITY OF THIEVES. Their loss. It’s a rollicking story told with grit, intensity, and humor.
Important Moment in Your Reading Life:
The day in 1981 when I discovered the work of Edgar Allan Poe. Set me up with a love of the macabre for life.
Just Finished:
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN by Cormac McCarthy and OUT OF SIGHT by Elmore Leonard.
Kind of Books You Won’t Read:
Hard Sci-Fi. I just don’t get it.
Anything by Nicholas Sparks is right out too.
Longest Book You’ve Ever Read:
Without getting up to check page counts… it’s got to be either BLEAK HOUSE by Charles Dickens or TO GREEN ANGEL TOWER by Tad Williams. If I had to bet I’d put my money on Tad.
Major Book Hangover Because Of:
DELTA OF VENUS by Anais Nin. Stayed up all night to finish it the first time I read it back in high school. Anais Nin opened up a whole world of possibilities for me.
Number of Bookcases You Own:
Twelve, so far. We need more.
One Book You’ve Read Multiple Times:
There are so many…. but I’ll go with Emily Bronte’s WUTHERING HEIGHTS for this one.
Preferred Place to Read:
In bed. Simple as that.
Quote That Inspires You:
“Every day we slaughter our finest impulses. That is why we get a heartache when we read those lines written by the hand of a master and recognize them as our own, as the tender shoots which we stifled because we lacked the faith to believe in our own powers, our own criterion of truth and beauty. Every man, when he gets quiet, when he becomes desperately honest with himself, is capable of uttering profound truths. We all derive from the same source. there is no mystery about the origin of things. We are all part of creation, all kings, all poets, all musicians; we have only to open up, only to discover what is already there.” – Henry Miller
Reading Regret:
THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY. Don’t judge. Was working in a bookstore when it came out and I wanted to know what all the fuss was about. Ehhhhh………
Series You Started and Need to Finish:
David Drake’s HAMMER’S SLAMMERS. Don’t know why I haven’t finished this series. Just never got around to it.
Three of Your All-Time Favorite Books:
THE SHELTERING SKY by Paul Bowles, FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS – Hunter S. Thompson, and KITCHEN by Banana Yoshimoto.
Unapologetic Fanboy For:
Richard Laymon. Schlock horror at its finest. His books’ll make you editor-types howl with indignation but the guy knew how to spin a yarn.
Very Excited for This Release Over All Others:
Whatever noir writer Christa Faust comes out with next.
Worst Bookish Habit:
Starting a dozen or so books at the same time.
X Marks the Spot – Stop at the Top Left of Your Shelf & Pick the 27th Book:
THE SOUND OF WAVES by Yukio Mishima.
Your Latest Book Purchase:
HYPOTHERMIA by Arnaldur Indridason
Zzzzzzz…. The Last Book That Kept You Up Way Too Late:
THE ZEBRA-STRIPED HEARSE by Ross MacDonald.
Mid-Week Blues-Buster Week 26 WINNERS
Here at the Mid-Week Blues-Buster we’re hitting the half-year mark in style…
A dozen great entries… Judge Christina Esdon had a hard job. Here’s what she came up with.
Amazing stories this week. The images you all created with your words were mesmerizing. What a tough decision I had to make this week!
First Prize: @drmagoo
Wow. I love how this started, but even moreso I loved the internal journey and the words you used to describe that internal dialogue were so visceral and raw. Thank you for sharing this with us. I was really moved by your writing. Congratulations.
Second Prize: Miranda Kate @PurpleQueenNL
This short piece packs an emotional punch. I loved the efficiency of words. From someone who is a ramblin’ writer who beats around the bush (me), this piece was a great lesson in the power of effective words. Thank you.
Third Prize: Michelle @Chelle87Fox
Loved the twist in this story. It made me want more! What’s going to happen next?
Thank you to all of the participants. It was truly a joy to read all of your work. You are a talented, creative bunch! Keep up the great work.
There it is…. Thanks, Judge Christina!
Eric… here’s the Winner’s Badge;
Congrats to all of our winners & writers… Thanks to The Judge!
See you all on Tuesday…
Mid-Week Blues-Buster Week 26
Welcome to the Mid-Week Blues-Buster Flash Fiction Challenge, Week 26. That’s half a year. Not too shabby!
This is a flash fiction challenge. The prompt is a song. You are not required to write about or even mention the song. It’s there only to get the ideas moving around in your brain pan. If you want to write about the song (or the video- it’s all good here) go for it but don’t feel like you have to.
The rules;
500 words, but it’s a slushy 500, meaning you can go up to 700 or as low as 300.
Post your entry right in the comments section of this post.
MAKE SURE TO PUT YOUR TWITTER HANDLE NEXT TO YOUR WORD COUNT AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR POST. IF YOU’RE NOT ON TWITTER GIVE ME AN EMAIL ADDRESS OR SOME OTHER WAY TO GET A HOLD OF YOU!
The challenge starts whenever I post this on Tuesday and ends at 4:30PM Pacific Time on Friday. You read that right. Pacific Time.
This week’s prompt comes from all the way back in 1981. The band is The Police.
The tune is… “Secret Journey”. Here’s the link; http://youtu.be/Keolc7BpTcI
This week’s Judge is author, friend, architect of the Orange Karen project, and all-around awesome person… Christina Esdon.
That’s all you need from me. We’re live from the second you read this post until 4:30PM Pacific Time on Friday August 16th.
Now…. go write!!!!!
Mid-Week Blues-Buster Week 25 WINNERS
Week 25 of the Mid-Week Blues-Buster is over….
Good turnout this week! Thanks to everyone one came out to write & read.
You guys don’t want to hear anything out of me… here’s Judge Stephanie Fuller.
So speaketh the Book Hipster;
Hey everyone!
Jeff picks some phenomenal songs and this week was no different. Holy crackers! It was mesmerizing! I couldn’t wait to see what y’all came up with and you didn’t let me down. I really had a difficult time narrowing it down to my three favorite…
*stands up and applauds all the writers this week*
I guess this actually means I have to tell you, doesn’t it?
Okay…fine…
3rd place – @Lastkrystallow – Lisa Shambrook
Wonderful imagery! I think I read this piece about a million times! Each time I managed to catch something that I missed the time before. I could feel the emotion insicde me respond differently with each season change. Kudos, Lisa!
2nd place – @klingorengi – Jeffrey Hollar
Sometimes a piece just makes your heart swell and feel good inside. It makes you want things to keep going. Your character had been through so much and was finally where he belonged…home. *sigh* I really wish I could have been able to see more of this journey. Too bad for work limits…ha! I hope he finds his lass and future. Way to make me feel all the feelings, Jeffrey.
and now…
my first place choice…
is…
*points* Wait! What’s that over there?
Just kidding!
okay…
1st place – @Lizzie_Loodles – Lizzie Koch
Yours was by far my favorite! I had goosebumps at the end! My first read took me a few seconds to register the “daydream” part, but once I realized what was happening, I was drawn like a moth to a flame. My kind of story! Great job, Lizzie!
Well, I guess that is it for now. Everyone did a great job! Thanks, Jeff for letting this girl play along this week!
Hipster, out!
There it is…. Congrats to all of our winners & thanks to Stephanie for judging.
Lizzie– here’s the Winner’s Badge;
That about covers it.
See you all on Tuesday for another exciting episode of… The Mid-Week Blues-Buster!
Mid-Week Blues-Buster Week 25
Welcome to the Mid-Week Blues-Buster Flash Fiction Challenge, Week 25.
This is a flash fiction challenge. The prompt is a song. You are not required to write about or even mention the song. It’s there only to get the ideas moving around in your brain pan. If you want to write about the song (or the video- it’s all good here) go for it but don’t feel like you have to.
The rules;
500 words, but it’s a slushy 500, meaning you can go up to 700 or as low as 300.
Post your entry right in the comments section of this post.
MAKE SURE TO PUT YOUR TWITTER HANDLE NEXT TO YOUR WORD COUNT AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR POST. IF YOU’RE NOT ON TWITTER GIVE ME AN EMAIL ADDRESS OR SOME OTHER WAY TO GET A HOLD OF YOU!
The challenge starts whenever I post this on Tuesday and ends at 4:30PM Pacific Time on Friday. You read that right. Pacific Time.
This week’s song prompt is provided by the Afro Celt Sound System.
The song is.. “Eireann”. Here’s the link; http://youtu.be/pSqR1O1PDJU
This week’s Judge is The Book Hipster herself… and last week’s champion, Stephanie Fuller!
That’s all from me…
We’re live from the second you read this until 4:30PM on Friday, August 9th….
What are you still doing here?
Go write! Now!
Mid-Week Blues-Buster Week 24 WINNERS
I hope you’re all pleased with yourselves!
You guys hit me with a MWBB record number of entries (16!) on the one week I ran into a Judging snafu… Well played, my friends. Well played.
This is usually where I say I’m going to shut up and let the Judge take over but that doesn’t really fly since I’m the Judge.
So…. here’s what I’ve come up with.
3rd Place goes to Anna Meade –
Love the tone & feel of this….. and this killer line; “You should tell Gladys that a beehive really isn’t flattering for her face shape.”
2nd Place goes to Lisa McCourt Hollar –
Atmospheric story with great pacing & well-crafted action sequences. The revelation of the supernatural angle is very, very effective.
1st Place goes to….. Stephanie Fuller –
I love the way this flows. I’m a big fan of short sentences & Stephanie uses them to maximum advantage here. Brevity and clarity… two of my favorites…
Congratulations to all of our winners.
Stephanie, here’s the Winner’s Badge
Thanks to all of our writers & readers….. This was a fantastic week at the Blues-Buster and I expect to see you all back next week….
The Tsuruoka Files 