Movie Inspired Flash Fiction #WEP #WEPFF

 I'm absolutely devastated that this is the final WEP flash fiction challenge! I love doing these. Given my own volunteering experience in the writing world though, I can see how it must have been a great deal of work for the team. I am very grateful to have found them and to have enjoyed so many of their challenges over the years. I feel like I've grown as an author by working on flash fiction because of WEP. I learned many lessons that blew my mind. (Such as, even with a strong male name from an Egyptian god, readers still need more context clues to know the gender of a character. It was relevant to the story, but every commenter thought the character was female. Whoops.)

Given that this is the final WEPFF, this is likely the final whole-scene sneak-peek installment of my forthcoming high fantasy story. I could post the drawing of character sizes again. Instead... there's been a commercial playing for a resort near me, and I feel like this ad does a great job showing sizes. Please imagine one brown wolf to be slightly larger and older-looking. 

Origin Story of the Seven

By J Lenni Dorner

Word count: 627 Full Critique Acceptable and VERY WELCOME 😊

Movie Inspiration: Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist PG-13 2008 ‧ Comedy/Romance

"How did you become one of the Seven?" Phin Fynn asked between bites.

Monoghan licked his lips. "The free woman who sings the song of happiness went missing. Humans blamed my pack. They were preparing to enter our territory, to cut and burn the forest in search of her or her remains. I went to find her, knowing she was not with us. That was when I met Ellanorah."

"The rogue?" Candra asked as she moved closer.

Monoghan nodded. "I didn't know her. We bonded over a maze that requires specialized movements to traverse. She was on a quest for a certain fluffy bunny. Sounded tasty to me." 

Candra gasped.

Monoghan laughed. "It had unique properties. Magic that brought harmony to those who found it. Those who failed, who found the wrong one, were fated to break societal norms and destroy all of their relationships."

Phin Fynn stomped his feet. "Get back to the good parts!"

"Impatient one. Both the fluffy bunny and the singer were thought to be in a secret keep. Ellanorah walked right in. I could have never gained access without her. We learned there was another keep. Clues were given to get there. When we arrived, Ellanorah left me to fend for myself. She knew someone there, the man to whom she was once betrothed." 

"What?" Candra grabbed Monoghan. "Ellanorah? Bethrothed? Ellanorah the rogue?"

"How is it that you know her name, yet had no idea who I was?" Monoghan asked as he freed himself from her grip.

"Most of the Seven are considered myths. Especially you. Stories parents tell to teach lessons or instill fear. But Ellanorah? She's a hero to the repressed everywhere. A symbol of hope. To suggest she isn't real is to say the world could never be better. Who needs such darkness in their heart and mind?" Candra crossed her arms.

"Right. Well, your symbol of hope was kissing the man. He promised her a blade or something, I wasn't paying much attention. As I was leaving, Ellanorah asked to join my search for the singer."

"Why?" Phin Fynn asked, bouncing on the log where he sat.

Monoghan chewed a piece of meat. "I didn't ask. I was just glad of the company. We found the singer, not in a keep, but in a needle tree. She had been run off by a villager. Learning that the people actually missed her and wanted her back, she agreed to go home. Except now Ellanorah had told her about the fluffy bunny, so she wanted to find it. Bringing harmony to her people, well, that's what the free woman who sings the song of happiness is all about. Instead of going home, she followed our clues, figuring them out for herself after chewing on the riddles alone." 

"You weren't with her?" Candra asked as she poked the fire.

"Not at that moment. Ellanorah wanted to show me the cave where wolves are thought to have originated. A very special place." Monoghan rubbed his cheeks. "Very special."

Candra's eyes widened. Monoghan looked away, staring at the sky with a grin he could not hide.

"What?" Phin Fynn looked back and forth between them. 

They both replied, "Nothing."

"Anyway," Monoghan cleared his throat. "We eventually found her path. She was easy for me to track by then. And sure enough, that led us to the fluffy bunny."

Phin Fynn clapped. "Yay, you both completed your quests. Then what?"

"Ellanorah showed me that the villagers I knew were using me. That I deserved more life than they 

allowed me to have. The quests, I wouldn't miss them. I was missing journeys, trips more important than destinations and goals. Together, we set off to learn more about the world. The other five joined us later." 

It wasn't easy to combine my high-fantasy story with a modern-day romance set in NYC and parts of New Jersey. Honestly, this would have been easier with Existence character Jezebel taking on Norah's role. If you haven't seen this fun film, here's a quick SPOILER HEAVY summary. Nick is heartbroken and trying to get back with his ex. Norah is really into music. Nick is in a (very crappy) band who plays a show, and both Norah and his ex are there. Norah's friend Caroline goes missing. Nick is hoping to find a secret show by the band "Where's Fluffy?" rumored to be in NYC that night. (The band keeps locations a secret, fans have to follow bunny signs and use clues to see them.) Norah also wants to see the show, but Caroline has to be found. They locate her in a Christmas tree 🎄 costume. Nick and Norah eventually hook up at a famous recording studio her dad owns. (Her dad is why she's able to get into every club they search.) She breaks up with a guy who is using her. He gets over his ex. They find "Where's Fluffy?" but decide the real journey is each other. 

I hope you enjoyed this flash fiction based on a movie that is based on a book. 😄

Please check out the WEP site and visit all the others in the hop.

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2023/11/wep-december-challenge-over-to-you.html

Dec #WEP #WEPFF ANTiation

#WEP DECEMBER 2022 CHALLENGE #THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW...Post Dec 1st - 15 the

ANTiation

by:

J Lenni Dorner

FCA 755 words

Tagline-- A true face is revealed.

*Names changed to protect the innocent, and seriously guilty. Except for Boogers, 👃🏽 because that's the only name I knew him by and I'm sticking with it. (He was so PROUD of that nickname. Even had most of the teachers calling him that. Wore a hoodie with the name, in gold, and an ⬆ arrow pointing to himself. 🤷🏽‍♂️ ) This is another "fiction" 😉 story.

Mike the Mighty stands over us. "Today's the day you sad sacks have a chance at a new life. Boogers, reveal the challenge."

While Mike's other goons hold us hostage on the sticky bathroom floor, Boogers unzips his backpack. Small glass jars, once containing baby food, are rolled to each of us.

"Thirty-five black ants in each," Mike says. "Whoever eats the most gets to join our ranks. The rest of you will suffer."

Boogers opens a bathroom stall with an out-of-order sign taped to the door. A plastic menorah is affixed to the flush valve. Three of the fake candles show a pretend flame. It's as if we're to consider this a gift. The toilet has overflowed. Paper hangs from the sides. I thought the bathroom was especially rank today, now I know why. 

Kim has left an opening in Mike's gang. I never understood why he was friends with them. My friendship with his sister resulted in getting to know him outside of school. He is smart, funny, and respectful to his family. So smart, in fact, that he moved up a grade at the end of the first semester. I hope he has better friends in high school. 

"Any volunteers to go first?" 

Dennis cries beside me. As usual, he begs to let go and cries while wetting his pants. Liam is new. He stays still and silent, like me. 

"Barfing Barry! Start us off. And anything you don't keep down, please, aim for the broken bowl. It will look great on your head later." 

No sooner does Boogers unscrew the cap than Barry barfs. 

"I told you to aim for the toilet!" Mike kicks Barry several times. 

Liam shoves his way to his feet. "You can't make people eat ants."

Mike rewards this bravery by having Liam dunked in the broken toilet. His light blue shirt is soon caked in brown crap and used bathroom tissue. A bit of corn sticks in the tips of his hair when he is allowed up. He cursed between gasps. 

"I can make anyone do anything. This is my school. I am the king of the students." Mike grabs me by my ponytail. 

The thing is, I had hidden in the woods quite often. Ants were not new to my tastebuds. Normally, I killed them before eating them. They're a little sour, so I usually roast them with pine bark. 

I unscrew the glass jar and eat the ants. Every last one, my eyes locked on Mike's the entire time. 

"Gees. At this point, you only had to eat one to win." He claps me on the shoulder. "You wanna spit them back out? Barf on Barry?"

I shake my head, grab another jar, and unscrew the lid. 

"Whoa, whoa! Put it down. You're in. No need to go overboard." Mike knocks the jar away and helps me to my feet. 

The bell rings, indicating lunch is over. Mike puts his arm around my shoulder, walking me to class. We have math together this period. He usually sits next to me, erasing his paper, then blowing the eraser dust at me. Not today. Instead, he gives me a buttermint from his pack. 

People smile at me the rest of the day. They've never made eye contact before, especially without sneering. Being friends with Mike means kindness from others? All this just for eating some ants. 

We walk home together. Mike used to walk with Kim. The rest of his crew uses the bus. 

"I can't believe you ate all those ants. Are they crawling around inside you?"

I shrug. 

A car pulls up beside us. 

"What the hell are you doing with that kid? Get home! Your sister needs changing and the trash has to go out. I'm going to buy cigarettes." 

Mike nods. "Yes, Sir."

The man in the car points his lit smoke my way. "I better not catch him on my property. And if I ever see you with him again, I'll break your leg, Hanukkah or not. Am I clear?"

He doesn't wait for an answer. Just flicks the lit butt our way before speeding off. 

I look at Mike. It's the first time I really see his face. Not the king of class, not the mighty leader. Just a scared boy. His life is not much different from mine. I want to wipe his tears and hug him. I want him to know just how much I understand.

His face fades from view when his fist collides with my head. 

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Proof of Existence on Goodreads Please consider adding to your TBR.

🎉 I intend to release Proof of Existence on April 4, 2023. 🎆

It picks up where the first book left off. It is still an urban fantasy, though there is a bit more focus on the paranormal romance angle in this one. The main characters pass for the 18–29 age bracket, so it's still New Adult. (Though college is no longer one of Wend's primary concerns. She has something entirely different to learn now.) I hope to get a launch party going. If you are interested in helping out, please fill out this short form:
https://forms.gle/9qkdk6FheDtZvR7Y9

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Amazon First Reads https://t.co/h86sEOcSSV
Consider THE BLUE BAR by an author I adore @damyantig #Free for Prime members in US, UK, Canada and Australia #thriller #newbook

— J Lenni Dorner (@JLenniDorner) December 10, 2022

Killer Thriller Review to Live #WEP #WEPFF

I haven't been around as much as usual. Last weekend marked the eighth funeral this year. I don't have enough of myself left to split into smaller pieces. I spent the start of this month shuffling back and forth between hospitals as two people, one a very dear friend ("found family") and one an aunt-in-law, fought for their lives. The aunt is better. My friend is still fighting. There just isn't more of me to give right now. I'm hoping and planning to do NaNoWriMo next month. (https://nanowrimo.org/participants/j-lenni-dorner) There's a project I want to finish before the end of the year. 

https://litreactor.com Nuts and Bolts: “Thought” Verbs

I came across this. And now I wonder how often I've made that error. 

Because absolutely nothing will help motivate me to focus on finishing something like an article that points out a potentially serious flaw in my writing! (Heavy sarcasm.) 

I considered not entering WEP this round. I don't want to share my "sob story" of why I've been neglectful in my blogging and visiting. (I'm running a blogging challenge at A to Z, and I haven't even managed to take part. 🤦🏽‍♂️ The shame!) I really was going to skip this WEPFF, even though I LOVE this prompt. I feel so guilty about not devoting my usual amount of time to visiting other blogs that I've worked my disgrace into the story.

I was watching tv in the hospital room while a nurse tended to my friend. And a line from the show wormed into my mind. It brought up a memory of something I did on Twitter years and years ago, back when I was a noob and didn't know any of the unspoken social graces of social media. I had reached out to ask some people why they didn't follow me back. (Never do this.) A few actually did follow back instead of answering. But more attacked me for being passive-aggressive. (Definition: "indirectly expressing negative feelings instead of openly addressing them.") I didn't know my question was an expression of a negative feeling, or that I had a negative feeling. I thought I was just trying to learn why some people opted not to follow back, especially if they joined a "follow-train." (A thing that Twitter has largely phased out.) The 😡 anger that was spewed back at me by some people caused me to abandon Twitter for a few weeks.

 

Vocabulary lesson

The character in this story has a very different response. I hope you enjoy the story that almost didn't exist. 

Dedicated to David, RIP, cowboy, husband, and father taken too soon. 

Tagline: Not reviewing really kills you.

 https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2022/10/wep-october-2022-challenge-thriller.html

Review to Live

Body disposal is one of life's little annoyances. Decomposing human remains have to be dealt with though. I read that over a hundred billion people have died since the beginning of human life. Yet some detective might focus on just one missing body, blame me entirely, and then I'd need to be disposed of as just another corpse. Ridiculous. 

Thus, I am exceedingly careful with the remains of my lessons. Such a shame that it comes to this. If only people could be better to each other.

For example, I recently sent a message to someone. "Hey, Dave! Just a reminder to leave a review for the thriller That Was It by Jackson Michaël. It's the one about the guy who summons monsters to scare a girl he likes so he can save her from them, but she ends up saving them both, as well as her enbyfriend."

I'm doing a service. Grandmama always said, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." She said it was the most valuable lesson of her faith. That same faith is well-known for killing those who don't follow it. So it stands to reason that, if someone doesn't follow this golden lesson, I have a duty to send their soul for punishment. You see?

Jackson Michaël always leaves reviews. Jackson Michaël follows back all who follow first on social media. Jackson Michaël leaves a like for every like received, and gives a share for every share given. Jackson Michaël does unto others as he would have them do unto him. Me. I am Jackson Michaël. But I am also ReminderBlade77. 

Do you know how Dave replied? 

@ReminderBlade77 That's a #PassiveAggressive way to ask for reviews #AttentionWhore. I'm blocking you and the author.

Not leaving a review is bad enough. Insulting me for a friendly reminder? I was doing unto Dave as I want done unto me! I like getting a reminder if I've forgotten to do something, especially something as important as maintaining good manners. I explained this to Dave as I chopped him up and disposed of his body. See how polite I am? Some killers would leave a body to rot, to be picked at by animals, or to suffer a prolonged death by not properly finishing the job straight away. 

Do you remember getting a copy of the thriller That Was It by Jackson Michaël now? One simple review and we could have avoided all this messiness. Did you enjoy it? How was it interesting as a thriller? Would you recommend it, and to who? What kept you turning the pages? Will you read more of Jackson Michaël's works? Do you usually read thrillers?

If you had just taken the time to answer a few simple questions, to scribble down a few thoughts and feelings, you wouldn't be living in a thriller right now. Or dying in one.

FCA 480 Words

J Lenni Dorner (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Reference& Speculative Fiction Author, OperationAwesome6 Debut Author Interviewer, and Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge

Questions toward the end of this flash fiction are borrowed from my reference book:
Writing Book Reviews As An Author: Inspiration To Make It Easier

Indigenous Peoples' Day and #WEPFF #WEP SCREAM

 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/10/08/a-proclamation-indigenous-peoples-day-2021/

Considering my own blood, I feel that it is of the utmost importance that I publish this post TODAY. 

I'd also like to take a moment to remind everyone that the Vikings sailed to North America almost 500 years before an Italian. If you happen to like math:
2021-1492= 529 years ago
2021-1000= 1021 years ago
So the time between the Vikings getting to North America and an Italian getting to North America is roughly the same amount as the Italian getting to North America and our present day. How much more do we know now than we did in 1492? How much more advanced is our travel now? Imagine if our current modes of travel were finally as good as the modes of travel from about five hundred years ago. 
🤔

But never forget that in Europe at the time anywhere that wasn't Christian-ruled was fair game to be "discovered." That was it. That was the baseline for if a place and people existed or not. Anywhere not practicing Christianity was "undiscovered" and meant to be conquered and all non-Christians were non-humans meant to be slaves (though a few were allowed to convert instead, and sometimes Jewish people were exempt). Thus the technology of the Vikings, despite being five hundred years ahead of the curve, didn't count. (That's simplifying the logic.)

Imagine if another religion of sorts comes to power and in five hundred years from now someone invents the computer, the Internet, and bunches of digital media devices. The thing you're using right now to read this doesn't count. It wasn't created by a follower of that religion. Sorry Gates and Jobs, you should have signed up for something you hadn't heard of in your lifetimes! Uncivilized heathens.

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The WEP flash fiction I'm offering up is NOT to be considered true or accurate, nor is it meant to reflect anyone who may or may not have existed, and the antagonist certainly isn't Queen Isabella I or King Ferdinand II or Henry VII or any other real royal. And the people the protagonist is talking about are entirely fictional. The images/ memes/ infographics provided are just for fun. The way someone might draw a 🚦 light next to an excerpt of the Great Gatsby. 

Savage Findings

I hold my findings close to my chest as I am marched down the corridor. The guards open the doors and I am announced.

"Well? What news have you?"

I am not given the courtesy of a glance. To them, I am a replaceable servant. I reference my precious findings as I speak, hoping they will understand.

"The land he found was populated. Not by a handful of people, but by a booming population."

They snort. "Booming? Have you sworn your allegiance elsewhere?"

"Of course not, Majesties. I seek only to fulfill the directive to report in detail." I am waved to go on, the amusement dying down.

"Our weapons are superior, far stronger than their own. However, ammunition must be adequate, for they have an endless supply and we will have only what we transport."

"So they are the ones We told you not to speak of to anyone? Is that how they defeated the historic heathens?"

"I feel assured these are the same the others encountered long ago. Or perhaps are a related colony. I believe the peculiar weather and knowledge of the land were larger factors in that defeat."

They look at me. I know I must turn my gaze downward, to show obedience, but I do not.

"Lower your eyes and your voice! What proof have you that they are the same?"

I page through my findings and hold up a drawing of one man I met. "This one spoke our language. The dialect was outdated, but we were able to communicate."

They slam goblets and whisper an argument before I am addressed again.

"It means nothing. We are superior. There are birds that mimic our language, it does not mean they are intelligent."

"Of course, Majesties." They motion for me to go on. 

I tell them about the library with more books than their own. They denounce it as works of the Devil or markings of fools, saying even a child could create something that resembles a book. I tell them about the economy.

"No poverty? No slaves? How do people know how valuable their leaders are if they do not pay tribute? That is a ridiculous economic system. Do the castles run themselves? Can you imagine if I had to clean the floors?" They laugh at this idea. I am foolishly trying to explain a concept beyond their imagination. 

"Your Majesty, they have no castles. All live among each other. Each person does what they are best at doing, each contributes and shares. A collective of the wisest does not just advise a leader who has inherited a position."

"We rule as appointment by The Almighty."

I bow my head lest They order it removed. "Yes, of course. My reference was to other realms you have had me study, of course. How they differ from those places."

After considering this, I am allowed to continue. I detail the infrastructure. How roads have been created to blend with nature, giving them camouflage. I discuss the trade network that exists, even with others who have such a different economic structure from our own. It is difficult to explain that our precious metals, our gold and silver, mean nothing to them.

"They must have mines deeper than the deepest valley! Why else would they pretend to have no interest in the pittance We gave you for trade?" Another concept I cannot convey. 

I talk about the food, how they have mastered farming in ways of which we have yet to dream. I show my drawings of the clothing, how it suits the environment. They laugh at how little is worn in the summer and ask questions mostly about my crude sketches of breasts. 

"Both sexes prance around topless? Such savage impropriety." 

"Your Majesty, they know not of modesty. Also, they believe in more than two sexes."

Long minutes pass as They laugh about that observation. I am implored to show a drawing of this, asked to sketch one now for Them. 

I do something I have never done before. I lie to Royalty. "With regret, Majesties, I did not encounter one nor any artists renderings, so I am unable to do as you request."

As They are already displeased, I opt to talk about the waste systems. How they lack garbage, how they deal with excrement, and about the elaborate bathing. I show drawings of fountains and of bathing areas. "It is like a waterfall, or like a steady rainshower. Yet the water is warm."

"Every savage brought here is starved and stinks. You describe a people that do not exist." 

I bow low. "Forgive me. When I arrived on the dock this morn, I stank. While I was to report to you immediately upon return, I admit to first having a bath and putting on proper attire so as not to offend."

"You bathed and dressed because you are not a savage."

"With respect, I also did so because I could. No chains kept me from such a choice. I walked free from my ship cabin, where I had been afforded a bed and decent meals. They are in the cargo hold and given just enough to survive, sometimes less. How you see what arrives in port is not accurate to those who live on that land."

The Majesties all rise. One approaches me. Instinctively, I drop to my knees. I hope to return to the land, which means staying alive.

"Savages are what We say they are. We say they stink, therefore they offend the nose. We say they have no language, no literature or art, no culture of which to speak. They lack a functional government or economy. Without Our rule, they will not survive. We say the savages are lower than dogs."

My findings, years of work, are gathered and tossed to the fire. I scrabble to the flames, but it is no use. My ash-covered hands slap my cheeks as I scream.

They command, "Be silent or be next."

Savage Findings by

 J Lenni Dorner

#tagline = A fictional 15th-century anthropologist delivers his findings, then screams when ignorant royalty destroys his work.

Word Count = 999 ~ FCA
https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2021/10/wep-2021-continues-artistic-inspiration.html

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Please also check out the GIVEAWAY on Operation Awesome: https://operationawesome6.blogspot.com/2021/09/spotlight-on-new-book-debut-author_29.html

You could win a book from your local indie shop or Audible, or a $5 Amazon e-giftcard from me!

Finally, I'd like to share something that I am internally screaming about:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by J Lenni Dorner (@jlennidorner)

#WEP 2021 - FREEDOM OF SPEECH! #wepff #flashfiction

SEVEN by J Lenni Dorner

The mighty leader enters to horns and cheers. His golden, bejeweled crown is nested atop his head today. He tucks his dark cloak behind him as he takes his spot on the soft, elevated great-chair. 

"Bring forth the flowers and sweet fruits," he commands. A muffled laugh rolls through the crowd. "And dim the light. There's no need for us to smell or see them this well."

Once the Great Hall is satisfactory, the large doors are opened and seven enter.

The crowd steps back as they hold each other and whisper. The leader waves his hand for silence. "As I am so magnanimous, I have granted Freedom of Speech to our guests today. These seven have been chosen by their own to speak for them. No repercussions shall come from what they say here today."

The tallest of the seven moves forward, a sashay in his step, perhaps because that is his walk, or perhaps because the beatings made him unable to move any other way. Scars make his facial features almost unrecognizable. 

"You grant us the freedom to speak as we please? You're givin' something we always had, until you took it."

The crowd gasps. The leader nods. "It was the only way to assimilate you. And see? You have learned proper language, even if you have yet to master it. You are most welcome."

"I wasn't offerin' thanks. We had language without you."

The leader motions for his cup. "We can cancel this invitation, if you wish. There is no obligation on your part to speak here today."

"We want to know when you're all leaving?"

The leader holds his cup to his lips. "Leaving? We have no such intention. This is our home now."

"This land is our home. Always was. And will be again, when you shuffle off." The other six clap and cheer.

"I have generously given you homes to live in, the food in your bellies, the clothing on your bodies, and the words that fall from your mouths. Remember that."

"Nah. We lived here before you came. We had nicer homes, better food, more suitable clothing, and the words of our own people. You took what isn't yours."

"We have given more than we have taken." The leader drinks his fragrant drink, allowing the nectar to coat his tongue. He knows the fruit, the spices, and even the vessel in which it was made just by a sip. "You had no idea what your land could yield."

"You've no idea about the land. It's ruined for what grew here. Five species are dead. You brought new bugs and there's nothing to fight them."

The leader slams his cup on the arm of his chair. "We save lives with our ways! We've brought knowledge beyond yours."

"How would you know?" The scarred one laughs. "None of you ever asked what we know. Based on how you live here, we know a lot you don't. You bring ways to fight the sick you brought. Our kind and yours both die from our sick now. We didn't back when the cure grew regular. But instead, you make your drink. And you'll drink it to all our graves." 

535 words FCA

Who are the seven for you? Native Americans in the past? Citizens of Afghanistan now? Creatures of a fantasy world? What if it's your people and the mighty leader is a space alien? 

What would you do if you became like one of the seven? 

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2021/08/wep-2021-continues-artistic-inspiration.html
Check out the other flash fiction entries here. 

#atozchallenge W is for Writing, What a Wonderful Word, West, Water, When, Written, #flashfiction Why

W is for lgkeltner.blogspot.com ~ Writing off the Edge
I love THIS blog because:

• I love books and stories from L G.
• I'm pretty sure this is among the first dozen blogs I ever followed regularly.  
• (The blog uses "dark mode" which is difficult for me to see, but I know some people like that.)       

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“What a Wonderful Word” is truly a book for all ages. From expanding the vocabulary of curious little ones to a coffee table book for adults, this book is sure to get lots of use! It is a collection of untranslatable words from all over the world and it celebrates the magic of language with fascinating facts about each word and the culture it comes from!

https://d10323.myubam.com/p/6832/what-a-wonderful-word?e=2068440

"Shipping only available to USA and  military bases from the provided Usborne link." - Kathryn Mowers (Consultant for the Dorner family)

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W is for these books on my TBR:

• West: A Novel by Carys Davies
• "he sets off into the wild frontier beyond his small farm in Lewistown, Pennsylvania" 
• "silent daughter" 
• Debut novel
• Native American Literature
• Water (The Akasha Series Book 1) by Terra Harmony
• reminds me of my Existence books
•  Paranormal & Urban Fantasy
• When the Legends Die: The Timeless Coming-of-Age Story about a Native American Boy Caught Between Two Worlds by Hal Borland
• "A young Native American raised in the forest is suddenly thrust into the modern world" - I can relate
• (first published 1963)
• Bought as a cyber Monday deal in 2019
• Written In Red (A Novel of the Others Book 1) by Anne Bishop
• Recommended by several bloggers
• thrilling fantasy series

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Giveaway:

https://wn.nr/EvfEgH Win the Ultimate Literary Bundle from Storiarts! "Where style meets literature. Every Storiarts purchase helps kids worldwide learn to read, write, & create." And small-batch coffee in three genres-- Fantasy, Romance, and Gothic. 

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Content warning: Violence
Why did he do that? -- Flash Fiction of 719 words

"That's not a moon, that's a ... new amusement park!" The commercial played, followed by the contest details. Ten lucky winners and their guests would be flown to the space station. Everyone on Earth knew about it. The black sphere orbited the moon, the two "ears" visible when the light was just right. California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, China, the ship out at sea, and now the Mouse had a place in space. 

Ten winners were flown to the resort in Florida, as it was nearest to the launch site. Ten winners and one alternate, actually. Because there were rules about who was allowed to go to the space park. Health mandates needed to be met. Wade was that alternate. He brought his younger sister as his guest.

"Wade?"

"Yes, Whisper?" Wade rubbed his temples, preparing for the nine millionth question his sister would ask today.

"If they don't pick us to go, since you're number eleven, can we still go on rides at this park?"

"Yes. I'll take you on every ride you're tall enough to get on."

"Can we have a tea party?"

"Sure."

"Can I get a pretty dress?"

Wade sighed. "Do you have money for a dress?"

"Isn't that included?"

"I don't think so. We'll ask them later."

"Can I get a corn dog?"

"Sure, if they have them."

"Do you think it tastes like corn on the cob?"

Wade shook his head. "I don't know. Wouldn't you rather go to space than get a dress and a corn dog?"

She chewed her lip for a moment. "I don't think the others are going to give up a spot."

"We'll see."

The winners all gathered for a special dinner. The next day would be the final round of health tests to prove they could handle the vacation of a lifetime. Wade rose from the table, saying he needed to use the washroom. He followed a waiter out. No one seemed to notice or care when Wade snuck into the kitchen. He made his way to where the cake was being decorated. 

"Wow! Eleven sphere cakes. How do they hold together so well?" Wade asked.

"We use a dowel to keep everything in place," the decorator explained. "What are you doing back here, anyway?"

"Looking for the washroom. I got lost."

The decorator signaled to a busser, who showed Wade to the washrooms.

"You were gone forever," Whisper said when Wade sat at the table again.

"Sorry. Got lost. It's a big place."

"I ate your cheese."

Wade ruffled her hair. 

"Your sister asks a lot of questions," the girl next to him said.

Whisper grinned. "Wade, this is Marsha. She and her mother are from New York City. They live on Park Avenue. But she doesn't spend her days on the swings or slides or anything. She shops and goes to the theater."

Wade nodded. He offered his hand to Marsha. "Pleased to meet you."

"I'm sure you are," Marsha said as she turned away from him, ignoring the offered hand. "Can you imagine if they actually let those two go to the new park?"

Marsha's mother patted her daughter's hand. "Darling, we've discussed what a publicity stunt is, haven't we? No need to rub anyone's face in it. They're getting a nice meal."

Fire burned inside Wade. These two didn't need a free trip. They probably only entered so they could be first guests. More fame for them. Maybe they didn't even enter the contest, but bought their way in? 

The winners and their guests clapped as the cakes were brought out. Spherical black cakes with round ears on top. 

"Hey, Marsha, you know how people where I'm from celebrate with cake?"

Marsha pulled the basketball-sized cake nearer to her. "By taking one bite a day and saving the rest so you have food all month?"

The fire grew hotter in Wade. "Nah. We smash."

Wade grabbed the back of Marsha's head and pushed her face into the cake.

"Why did he do that?" the reporter asked at the press conference. 

"He didn't know there were dowels in the cake, or even what a dowel was. This death has been ruled an accident. Wade and his sister have been cleared to take the now vacant winner's spot and are headed to the space park."

~~***~~

This story was inspired by a real story of a birthday party gone wrong, where someone lost an eye because of a cake dowel to the face. Please, never smash a face into a cake!

This is also an upbeat version of the future of amusement parks. Here's the stark reality: https://www.insider.com/disney-layoffs-employees-pain-heartbreak-pandemic-2021-4 But also, if you've never searched "Mickey Mouse Death Star," go look now and imagine the possibilities. (Pic below.)

It is also the answer to the question asked in my theme reveal survey. 

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QUESTIONS: 

• Have you been to this favorite blog of mine?
• Have you read any of these books?
• What's your favorite rarely used word?
• Would you go to an amusement park in space if you won a free trip?

        

Please consider getting a shirt.

Thanks to:https://unsplash.com/photos/lUaaKCUANVI , https://unsplash.com/photos/npxXWgQ33ZQ , https://unsplash.com/photos/eMP4sYPJ9x0

#atozchallenge V is for Verse, Vlad, Vampire, Virtuous

V is for https://nilabose.blogspot.com ~ Madly-In-Verse
I love THIS blog because:

• Lots of great stories
• I learn a lot when I visit this blog 
• The blog is in the challenge, but sadly not on the Master List. https://nilabose.blogspot.com/2021/03/to-b-z-or-not-to-b-z-is-that-even.html      

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“Vlad, the World’s Worst Vampire” is a chapter book series, intended for ages 6-9. It is comprised of four books that follow the story of young vampire, Vlad, who is part of the bravest vampire family that ever lived. Except that Vlad is scared of the dark and all he wants is some friends to fit in with!

 

https://d10323.myubam.com/p/8569/vlad-the-worlds-worst-vampire-complete-collection-4?e=2068440

"Shipping only available to USA and  military bases from the provided Usborne link." - Kathryn Mowers (Consultant for the Dorner family)

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V is for these books on my TBR:

• Vampire of Blackpool by Catherine Green
• vampire masquerades as a reclusive author
• LGBTQ+ 
• Virtuous (Quantum Series Book 1) by Marie Force
• New Adult Romance
• movie star and a teacher

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Giveaway:

https://wn.nr/EvfEgH Win the Ultimate Literary Bundle from Storiarts! "Where style meets literature. Every Storiarts purchase helps kids worldwide learn to read, write, & create." And small-batch coffee in three genres-- Fantasy, Romance, and Gothic. 

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QUESTIONS: 

• Have you been to this favorite blog of mine?
• Have you read any of these books?
• Who is your favorite vampire?

        

Please consider getting a shirt.

Thanks to:https://unsplash.com/photos/lUaaKCUANVI , https://unsplash.com/photos/npxXWgQ33ZQ , https://unsplash.com/photos/eMP4sYPJ9x0

#atozchallenge U is for Uniquely, Unicorns, Ugly, Understanding, Unspeakable

U is for uniquely maladjusted but fun
I love THIS blog because:

• the A to Z story this month is fun to read
• Jamie is very passionate (and my cousin-in-law) 
• I never know what the posts are going to be about next       

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“Unicorns in Uniform” is part of a Phonics Readers series! These silly, animal-based stories incorporate phonics to teach sound-to-letter correspondence! They are great as a read-aloud for older toddlers and preschoolers, that progresses to independent readings. Children can even follow along with a recording using the QR code on the back cover! There are SO many in this series and even combination collections that will save you a few!

https://d10323.myubam.com/p/7827/unicorns-in-uniforms-qr?e=2068440

🦄 If you're doing the Scavenger hunt, here you go!

"Shipping only available to USA and  military bases from the provided Usborne link." - Kathryn Mowers (Consultant for the Dorner family)

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U is for these books on my TBR:

• Ugly (A Many Lives Ascendants Story) by Laxmi Hariharan
• a secret that will change the destiny of Earth forever
• story about the beginning of the Immortals
• Understanding Show, Don't Tell: (And Really Getting It) by Janice Hardy
• I had borrowed and started reading this book and ran out of time. I bought my own copy so I can finish it. I enjoyed what I read so far.
• A writer's reference book
• Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey
• 1980's suspense
• strange parties and deviant guests

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Giveaway:

https://wn.nr/EvfEgH Win the Ultimate Literary Bundle from Storiarts! "Where style meets literature. Every Storiarts purchase helps kids worldwide learn to read, write, & create." And small-batch coffee in three genres-- Fantasy, Romance, and Gothic. 

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QUESTIONS: 

• Have you been to this favorite blog of mine?
• Have you read any of these books?
• What's your favorite of the 13 continuous stories in the A to Z challenge 2021?

        

Please consider getting a shirt.

Thanks to:https://unsplash.com/photos/lUaaKCUANVI , https://unsplash.com/photos/npxXWgQ33ZQ , https://unsplash.com/photos/eMP4sYPJ9x0

#atozchallenge T is for Tyra in the Paperclip-Sanatorium #WEPFF, Tea Time, Tale, The, Tales, Ten Thousand, Taillights

T is for teatimeruminations.wordpress.com - Tea Time Ruminations
I love THIS blog because:

• I can always use more feminist friends who are cool dudes.
• The blog is nearly all in English, but there are also posts in Nynorsk (one of the two written standards of the Norwegian language) 
• Very unique stories that are enjoyable to read       

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“The Tale of the Valiant Ninja Frog” can be read as a stand-alone, but is also a sequel to the popular book, “The Prince, and the Witch, and the Thief, and the Bears”. These books follow a diverse family, Jamie, Abby, and their Dad, as they create bedtime stories together! These books have a cartoon-style illustration and are complimented for their father-forward storyline!

https://d10323.myubam.com/p/8665/tale-of-the-valiant-ninja-frog-the?e=2068440

"Shipping only available to USA and  military bases from the provided Usborne link." - Kathryn Mowers (Consultant for the Dorner family)

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T is for these books on my TBR:

• The Princelings of the East by Jemima Pett
• (Have I mentioned Jemima enough this month?)
• I won the first three books in the series, and I want to read them!
• Tales from P.A.W.S. by Debbie Manber Kupfer
• I won this book.
• I like cats.
• Ten Thousand Days by C.D. Gallant-King 
• Speculative fiction with romance
• "Time is a bit of a jerk"
• Great cover
• Chasing the Taillights by Kate Larkindale
• "siblings are forced to rely on one another"
• LGBTQ+ main character
• Kate is my fellow Operation Awesome team member

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T is for Tyra in the Paperclip-Sanatorium

  A medical sci-fi with a Matrix twist by J Lenni Dorner

Bright lights came at Tyra. She put her hand up to shield her eyes. Which way to run? No time for choices. Everything went dark.

~***~

"Time to rise," a gentle voice repeated, louder each time. Tyra's sleep pod opened. A blue line on the floor grew brighter in a direction away from her pod. She followed it. 

"Good morning. Please mimic." It was the same voice from the pod, her A.I. home. A graphic on the wall showed a person doing simple stretches. Tyra easily did the movements.

"Please disrobe." Tyra placed her pajamas in the hamper. She did her morning constitutional. Then she stepped into the automated cleaner, which washed her, brushed her teeth, and put her hair in a bun. Clean clothing came from a wall compartment. Taupe pants, white blouse, taupe jacket, white under-clothing. She dressed quickly. Taupe flats were the final touch.

Blue floor lights directed her to the next room. A breakfast shake in a travel mug awaited. It had no flavor, no scent, nothing to discern it or make it worthy of a thought. She lifted a black rectangular object from a charger. The front door slid open. 

Tyra stared at the rectangular screen as she drank and walked down the hall. Others from her building, all wearing the same taupe and white outfits, also walked the halls. They too stared at their screens. Everyone went to the elevator in an orderly fashion. The rectangular screen reported the trains were running on time. The weather was slightly overcast and the temperature was mild. In politics, the right-wing disagreed with the left-wing. No new laws were passed, no old ones altered. Sports were all postponed that day. The stock market held steady. The comic of the day was an orange talking to a banana, "Orange you glad I'm not a banana?" The word orange being a substitute for the word aren't, a play on an annoying knock-knock joke. 

The train station was in the basement of Tyra's building. It ran underground to the basement of her office. She went to her cubicle. Stacks of papers awaited her, along with a fresh box of paperclips. The first paper had the letter A. The second had the letter B. There were markings under the letters, but it wasn't something she could decipher. She collated the stack, A to Z, then secured it with a paperclip. On to the next pile. A, B, C… Halfway through the day, she followed blue floor lights to a room with a table and a plant. A dispenser refilled her travel mug. She sat alone by the plant and drank. Then the blue lights directed her to a washroom, and then back to her desk. The stack of papers had refilled, as had the paperclips. Her morning progress had been taken from the "out" box. 

She stared at her rectangular screen as she went home. Again, the A.I. guided her to stretch and change clothes. Theater music came on as she went to the eat-in kitchen. A hot meal waited on a tray. An oval piece of chicken, peas, brown rice, and apple pie with a Gruyère crust. 

"Do I like cheese on my apple pie?" Tyra asked. The house didn't answer. She ate it and decided that yes, she did like it. She watched a nature show about tigers and then got into her sleep pod.

~***~

"Doctor? There's news?" Tyra's husband asked as he rushed in. It was the first such call in weeks since his wife was run over.

"Yes. She picked a dessert last night, and questioned if she liked it. She also chose music and watched a nature show."

"That's it?" Noah sank into a chair. "I thought perhaps she remembered me or questioned why I'm not there."

The doctor shook his head. "Minds are funny. Everyone expects that people will first notice a lack of loved ones. But patients always start with a sense memory. A taste, a smell, the feel of a fabric. This is good news. It means she's coming out of the coma. The Paperclip-Sanatorium program is working perfectly. Soon we'll be able to load the Freedom Morning program, and she'll discover how to think her way awake."

"Will she remember the monotony of the virtual reality?"

"No, only the Freedom Morning stage."

~***~

"Time to rise."

"What day is it?" Tyra asked as she rolled out of her sleep pod. The house didn't answer. Once she was in the automated cleaner, she repeated her question, again to no answer. She sniffed her breakfast shake. "Orange-banana again? No vanilla-strawberry? No chocolate-raspberry? House, are you sure it isn't the weekend?"

She tapped on her rectangular device as she walked down the hall. When was the last time the information on this thing changed? And where was the date?

"Excuse me, does anyone know what day it is?" No one around her glanced from their devices. 

Tyra saw the stack of papers at her cubicle. "Is this really my job? Didn't I train for something more? When do I get a day off?" 

No one answered. Everyone was busy paperclipping stacks of paper. Tyra stormed off to the breakroom, not caring that it wasn't time.

"Hello? Is anyone here?" She expected to find the plant alone in the windowless room. When was the last time she saw the sky? 

"Can I help you?" Laurence Fishburne sat in the breakroom sipping a cup of coffee. 

"There's coffee? Why am I drinking this orange-banana crap? Hey, you're that guy…"

Laurence nodded. "Yes, but in here, I'm the boss. Why aren't you at your desk paperclipping?"

"I want to know what day it is. More importantly, I want to know when I get a day off."

"What would you do with a day off?" 

Tyra rinsed her mug and filled it with coffee.

"I'd travel. Maybe meet someone. Wait, I have a husband. Where's Noah?"

Laurence pointed to a green door with the word "freedom."

998 words. FCA

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Giveaway:

https://wn.nr/EvfEgH Win the Ultimate Literary Bundle from Storiarts! "Where style meets literature. Every Storiarts purchase helps kids worldwide learn to read, write, & create." And small-batch coffee in three genres-- Fantasy, Romance, and Gothic. 

WEP writing prompt Freedom Morning #flashfiction #WEPFF https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2021/04/wep-2021-continues-artistic-inspiration.html
On the 21st, the A-Z letter is R. On the 22nd, it's S. Then, on the 23rd, it's T. (When I've posted mine.)
"Use the letter of the day, as well as whatever A-Z theme you've chosen, to inspire your WEP entry!"

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QUESTIONS: 

• Have you been to this favorite blog of mine?
• Have you read any of these books?
• Would you be interested in a longer version of Tyra's story? (I cut almost 2k to get the word count down. I'm thinking of making it a Smashwords novelette.)
• What's your favorite place to travel (when it's safe to travel)?

        

Please consider getting a shirt.

Thanks to:https://unsplash.com/photos/lUaaKCUANVI , https://unsplash.com/photos/npxXWgQ33ZQ , https://unsplash.com/photos/eMP4sYPJ9x0