Write a story or poem with a garden as the setting.
Hats off to Poetisatinta for their amazing responses to all my weekly prompts. A super talented and creative writer. Seriously, check out their blog!
Write your response in the comments below. Your entry may get a shout out next week!
Write with Heart,
Lady Jabberwocky
Once upon a time, there was a wizard charged with a task, to brew a potion of invisibility.
With a pixie by his side, he traveled the realm for ingredients.
A dragon scale, from a mountain’s peak. Two cups of water from the mermaid lagoon. Nectar from the lemon blossom plant. One four-leaf clover.
Once all components were complied, brewed, and sparked with magic, the potion was complete.
Pride in his chest, he sampled the final product at his workshop.
The wizard reeled back, spitting it out. The concoction tasted like sour milk. His feet turned invisible.
The pixie laughed.
Write with heart.
Love,
Lady Jabberwocky
Write a story or poem that includes the color ‘Red’.
Write your response in the comments below. Your entry may get a shout out next week!
Write with Heart,
Lady Jabberwocky
Hey Writer Bees!
Today, I’m sharing the inspiration behind more of my short stories. From my experience, inspiration came come from anywhere. Even the littlest thing can grow into an amazing story or poem. And sometimes, fiction can say a lot about the author. Like in my case.
In writing and in my reading preference, Sci-Fi is not the genre I immediately reach for. However, I decided to challenge myself. So, I tried my hand in sci-fi storytelling and frankly, I wasn’t too disappointed. This story came from simply playing around in another genre. It was a good exercise to dip my toe into sci-fi. Whenever you want to challenge yourself as a writer, try writing outside your comfort zone. Create a story in a genre you don’t usually write in. It’s a way to broaden your horizon and get those creative brain working.
Fun Fact about me: One of my guilty pleasures is paranormal investigator TV shows. Which is ironic because my heart can’t handle horror movies or excessive gore. While I do believe in ghosts and adore ghost stories, I’m not sure all the ghostbusters gear they use on those shows actually work. And yet, I can’t seem to look away. When investigators discuss “spirit possession”, I wondered what that’s like for the ghost, not the person. Really, this tale was born from the question, “how would a spirit describe possessing a living person’s body?” Out came this little supernatural comedy.
Ever scroll through social media and see posts from old friends or classmates? Photos from their picture-perfect lives and tropical vacations and their adorable children? For this story, that’s exactly what I did. Yes, I was feeling down about myself. It’s easy to feel inadequate when comparing yourself to others. But I try to keep in mind that not everything on social media is what it seems, I have my own goals that may differ from others, and that’s enough. Many of us, myself included, struggle with their mental health. That’s why I like writing stories with positive messages, to spread a little light. It’s one of the best parts of being a writer.
If you are interested in where my ideas for stories come from, be sure to check out PART ONE, PART TWO and PART THREE of this series. And if there’s a specific story that you are curious about the origins of, let me know in the comments. Maybe if there’s a part five, I will consider including it.
Is there a story behind your stories? What has inspired your creative endeavors? Talk to me in the comments.
Write with heart.
Love,
Lady Jabberwocky
Write a story or poem that includes the word ‘Lavender’.
Write your response in the comments below. Your entry may get a shout out next week!
Write with Heart,
Lady Jabberwocky
Hello Writer Bugs!
Today, I’m sharing with you a writing trick that will hook readers from the first sentence. Yes, you heard right. Grab the audience’s attention instantly with In Media Res. Confused by this Latin phrase? Don’t worry, I’m simplifying this narrative technique. This is the crash course in In Media Res.
Glad you asked! The term In Media Res translates to “In the midst of things.” This means a story hits the ground running and begins in the middle of a scene. Forget about lengthy exposition or flowery description. Start in the middle a conversation or an action sequence. Later on, you can drip feed readers information and backstory through flashbacks and dialogue.
Why does this trick work? Because it piques the audience’s curiosity. And that’s any writer’s goal, to catch the reader’s interest. It makes them feel like they have to catch up with the plot to learn more about the characters and their world. Think Alice chasing after the white rabbit.
Yes, there is a wrong way of applying this writing technique. If you start a story too late, and don’t give any bits of context on characters and setting, the audience will be lost and confused. They wont’ keep reading if they have no idea what’s going on.
Be smart about when and where you choose to start the opening scene. You want to hook readers while giving them enough context to keep their attention. A fine line on balance on, I know. However, when you use in media res right, it can turn your story into a page turner.
Want to see this technique in action? Check out some of these attention grabbing titles.
In media res can be a powerful tool in your writer arsenal. And if done right, you’ll have your readers on the edge of their seats.
What are your favorite stories that jump right into the action? And what do you think of this writing technique? Have you used in media res before? Lemme know in the comments. As always, I’d love to hear from you guys.
Stay safe and keep writing!
— Lady Jabberwocky
What would the title of your autobiography be?
Write your response in the comments below. Your entry may get a shout out next week!
Write with Heart,
Lady Jabberwocky
The front door slams shut. He kisses his wife, breathless.
The sound of groaning fills the space. Skin slick with sweat.
“Promise, babe, next Valentine’s Day will be much more romantic.” He panted.
She smirks, her wedding band caked in blood. “I’m holding you to it.”
Outside, shuffling in the woods. The smell of rotten flesh.
“After this is all over.” He grabs an axe.
Thump-thump on the door as soulless eyes peer inside.
“For better, for worse.” She aims a cross bow.
A decomposing arm smashes through the window, shattering the glass.
The undead hoard surrounds the desolate cabin.
Wanted to write a romance for Valentine’s day but was also in the mood to write about a zombie apocalypse. Had fun writing around with both genres in this story.
Write with heart,
Lady Jabberwocky
Describe Winter in one sentence.
Write your response in the comments below. Your entry may get a shout out next week!
Write with Heart,
Lady Jabberwocky
Happy Valentine’s Day, Writer Bees!
Love is in the air, even in fiction. No matter the genre, a love interest can add complexity to both the overall plotline and to other characters.
If your main character is feeling the love, then check out these helpful tips on creating a character’s sweetheart.
Love at first sight doesn’t make for an interesting story. Maybe attraction at first sight, sure. For the most part, feelings must develop gradually, not instantly. No matter what stage in the relationship, take the time to build up and explore the couple’s chemistry. A great lover could become an even greater foil for another character. Also, keep in mind the kind of relationships your characters would pursue. What’s their sexual preference? Are they interested in one night stands and flings, or are they looking for a committed relationship? OR are they even looking for love in the first place? These factors will dictate how their romantic relationship lives and breathes over the course of the story.
Look, how many hot billionaires with six packs are there in the world? Don’t create a character that is the ideal partner. Give them flaws. Real flaws. Consider physical and personality quirks. Are they short and stubborn? Are they pessimistic with a crooked nose? Be creative but be careful making a completely unlikeable character. Find that balance. A romantic interest shouldn’t just be a cookie cutter person. They must be able to stand on their own, as a complete character. Their entire world cannot revolve around another person. Whether the love interest is a main character or a side character, at the end of the day, readers want complex and relatable characters.
No romance is perfect. Every couple has their struggles and challenges. With an internal or external battle, conflict is needed so things aren’t so lovey-dovey. Are there outside forces, such as society, race, war, that are straining their bond? Maybe one is afraid of commitment? Give the couple obstacles that they may or may not overcome together. Set the stakes high to ensure the problem is meaningful enough to the characters. Make this conflict an integral piece of the plot line. That way, the relationship won’t seem forced or out of place.
Bottom line, love isn’t always rainbows and butterflies, and that’s a good thing. Embrace the whirlwind and write a real romance.
What’s your advice on writing love interests? Lemme know in the comments! And Happy Valentine’s day everybody!
Write with Heart,
Lady Jabberwocky
Lady Jabberwocky 