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Looking Write Back at You

Monthly Archives: January 2015

End Of January Review

29 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by waynemullane in Blogging101, Creative Writing, Fiction

≈ 6 Comments

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blogging101, creative writing, fiction

As January is almost up, I thought I’d check in with a review of my progress. I came out kicking and screaming into the world of WordPress like a new born baby. But I have been nurtured through the Blogging 101 course and advice from other bloggers to become a functioning teenager.

Being on WordPress has made me more productive in my own writing: I’ve revisited old stories and done major re-edits; I’ve catalogued my exercises in writing books into an easy at-a-glance reference to improve productivity too.

From the beginning of February I’ll be posting up stories more regularly – I’ve put up one story and a poem so far – as I was deliberately using January just to find my feet and get an idea of how the website would take shape. I’m in the process of putting reviews on some creative writing books up too.

Today, I took the bold step of contacting a proofreader/editing service. Recent articles I had read elsewhere said that this is one of the best ways to improve writing. I think that this will be a good platform to give more of an edge to my stories.

I’ve even started to see the value in articles like this that I write: I’m putting something out there and it keeps me in a writing frame of mind. Even when I can’t come up with fresh story ideas, blogging is keeping me productive.

One of the real bonuses of being on WordPress (as well as the opportunity to do a myriad of courses via the Blogging University) is connecting with people. There is a real sense of community and a lot of encouragement too. It’s been great sharing experiences with other bloggers.

I’m looking forward to February already!

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Daily Post Daily Prompt: Express Yourself: Create a new word

28 Wednesday Jan 2015

Posted by waynemullane in Blogging101, Creative Writing, Daily post, Fiction

≈ 2 Comments

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blogging101, creative writing, fiction

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Play Lexicographer.”

I came up with ‘Planuary’ a couple of weeks ago to describe my desire to plan out in January what I was going to do with the rest of my writing year.

Had a break, but coming back

27 Tuesday Jan 2015

Posted by waynemullane in Blogging101, Creative Writing, Fiction

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blogging101, creative writing, fiction

Hi All,

I’d written in previous posts that being on WordPress makes me more accountable to produce work and put it out there.

This month was going well until I was hit with a bug at the weekend. It’s put me a few days behind with my Blogging 101 coursework, but I’m catching up slowly and surely.

I’ve just signed up to a couple of courses next month too.

I’m going to use this week to focus on getting the layout of the website into shape as well.

I’m really just writing this post to keep good to my intentions.

I’m in a happy place on WordPress Land. I’d apply for citizenship if I could.

Peace and love, everybody

Blogging 101: Blogging in a different style: Good Knight to Love (Story Poem)

23 Friday Jan 2015

Posted by waynemullane in Blogging101, Creative Writing, Fiction

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blogging101, creative writing, fiction

Living in the shadow of the castle filled me with awe,

That from a young age I learnt the way of the sword.

Ever impressed by soldiers passing by –

One day to join their ranks as fighter or spy.

I trained hard and educated my mind.

Village elders knew to which path I was inclined,

And military scouts were often impressed

Of how with fighting skills I had been blessed.

 

Upon my sixteenth birthday I was given my father’s blade,

And presented to the Queen in a parade

Of the Kingdom’s finest new talent from far and near,

Who would defend the Empire for many a year.

Before that day, I had only seen the castle grounds in sleep,

But now there was another reason my heart skipped a beat:

Princess Elisha – as dazzling as the midday sun.

In a new direction my life had spun.

 

To this future monarch I would dedicate my career

To win her heart through deeds of which she’d hear.

I fought in foreign lands and defended these fair shores

Just to see Elisha’s face when the Queen gave me reward.

Each time a smile or a curtsy – but underneath there was more.

How could a lowly soldier win the heart of one so pure?

Then a chance came to join the Queen’s elite guard.

Yet, from Elisha’s presence I was completely barred.

 

For I was elected to go on a quest for rare, far-off treasures

That would leave no time for love-seeking pleasures.

I travelled over snowy waste and mountain peak,

Tracing her name in stars, the only solace I could seek.

Through the years artefacts were gathered, beasts were slain,

But my mind was preoccupied with when I’d see Elisha again.

All the riches of this quest – gold, silver and pearls,

I would gladly swap to be in her world.

 

Twenty years later, all the loot for the Queen had been gathered,

And I was returning home, middle-aged, done-in, knackered.

But with realisation I would see Elisha soon –

I could have danced all over the moon.

Sadly, upon returning to present gifts to the Queen,

I saw something I had prayed I’d never see:

Elisha in the arms of a prince from a neighbouring state.

My chance had been and past, I was too late.

 

How foolish was I for believing she’d hold out for so long?

Now there would be no music or words to my heart’s song.

 

 

 

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Blogging 101: January is Planuary – Responding to the Daily Post

19 Monday Jan 2015

Posted by waynemullane in Blogging101, Creative Writing, Fiction

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

blogging101, creative writing, fiction

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Re-springing Your Step.”

This month I’m having a proper go at getting into the mindset of being a writer. January has been renamed Planuary! Before this month I was committed and eager, but I lacked discipline and structure.

All those loose story ideas in drawers have been amalgamated into one folder. Incomplete stories saved on computer have been re-filed. Restructuring the landscape has shown me that I have more subject matter that I can work with – and I was quite dry in terms of inspiration earlier in the month.

Over this last weekend the latest phase of the new era got under way: cataloging all the exercises in the creative writing books I own. As a result, I’ve created a reference system under headers such as ‘Plot’, ‘Character Development’, ‘Getting Over The Blank Page’, etc. The aims of this at-a-glance guide include making it that bit easier to finish stories and giving me incentive to concentrate on my weak areas.

Planuary has meant that I’ve spent more time than before on focusing on the in-and-outs of creative writing rather than writing actual stories; however, I believe that laying such a foundation will give more essence and depth to my writing.

Blogging 101: Be A Good Neighbour & Be Inspired By The Neighbours

15 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by waynemullane in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

blogging101, creative writing

I’m doing a double whammy with this post.

For ‘Be A Good Neighbour’, I left messages on the following four blogs:

Gaizabonts

Live to write, write to live

Daily Write

Bluechickenninja

All four blogs are worth a visit – each article I read engaged me in different ways – and explore different areas of the writing world. As a result, I am now following all four blogs.

For the ‘Be Inspired By The Neighbours’ segment, I decided to post up about Bluechickenninja’s ‘The TBR Jar’ as it helped to solve the problem of what book I should read next. The author’s technique is to write the names of unread books on to separate slips of paper, place them into a jar and pull one out at random. (Bluechickenninja explained how it helped her decide between the sixty or so books on her shelves).

Choosing a book in a library or a bookshop is a rewarding experience that requires thought and time. However, for those of us who have a stack of books that, despite our intentions, we probably would never get through, this technique gives us motivation to do so.

My usual technique is to mix it up: something heavy, something light. Applying the TBR jar method to my own makes it all the more enjoyable when you select one of those hidden gems that has been gathering dust for a while.

My next read: a comic book version of ‘The Hobbit’.

Result: Chuffed!

Blogging 101: About Me update

12 Monday Jan 2015

Posted by waynemullane in Blogging101, Creative Writing, Fiction

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Hi All,

I’ve updated my About Me page to give a little bit more for my aims as a writer.

I’d love to hear from other writers, authors about how they work – daily routine, ups and downs, where they get ideas from etc – publishers and anybody who has an interest in reading.

I’m relatively new to all of this, so I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge of what makes great writing.

I’ll occasionally put up stories and poems too. All feedback – good or bad- is welcomed as it is part of the learning experience.

Thanks for reading,

Wayne Mullane

Mystical Marvin’s Magical Market Stall (A cautionary tale)

09 Friday Jan 2015

Posted by waynemullane in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

blogging101, creative writing, fiction

Roast chestnuts, scented candles, perfumes and soaps all blended to invigorate my senses as I strolled round the Christmas markets each year. Either that or the glass of mulled wine I would knock back made me feel particularly nostalgic for the time of year. Regardless, the buzz of the festive season was here once again and I would wallow in the magic of it all. Set in the foreground of the abbey, the markets were given that Dickensian quality that you got in films.

It was always best to attack the stalls in a slow stroll; any other speed would lead to me being swept away with the throngs of people looking to nurture their festive side. I also took the opportunity to scout out those unique, stand-out gifts.

I followed this routine each December. It truly got me in the spirit for Christmas, until one day eight years ago when the markets took on a different feel: the energy, the smells and entertainment were still the same, but – and I have never really been able to put a finger on it – there was a curiosity to it all that gnawed at me. It was like everything had slowed down and I was being drawn in; but everybody seemed to be going about their business as normal.

A fuzzy sensation enveloped me, causing me to step down a side street lined with Georgian buildings to clear my head. In the distance I could hear flute music and found myself following it, the mellow tones easing my ache.

I bumbled into an alleyway. At the end I saw another market stall. This one was different to the others, though, and it was one that I had not seen in all the previous years.

“Greetings, stranger,” called the vendor. “Please come closer and browse my wares.”

I checked over my shoulder, curious to see why nobody else was at this stall, before walking closer. The transition of day to night in December was often seamless, but the moon and stars had appeared like a jack-in-the-box.

“I imagine that you come here out of intrigue, hoping to find that unusual gift for a loved one.”

“Well, yes, I’m always on the lookout for something a little different,” I agreed.

“Good, good. I’m sure you will find such a gift here.”

The stall owner had long, matted grey hair and matching beard. He wore a rainbow-patterned kaftan and a pair of half-moon sunglasses. His voice had a wizened quality to it, much like a studious professor. I suddenly found myself taken in by all manner of strange objects that any previous thoughts of my headache were fast disappearing.

He presented me with a glass ball to which a pipe was attached; inside swirled a multitude of colours in a smoky haze.

“Before you blow on this you should think of a situation in your life where you were wronged. It will take you back and help make things right.”

I nodded my head and raised my eyebrows, but gently placed the glass ball back on the table. Was this guy telling me he could make me travel back in time?

“If that is not of interest, then how about this?” he said holding out a piece of velvet cloth with gold leaf patterns on it. “If you hold this close to your heart and think of your one true love, then they will be yours forever.”

This sounded tempting, and being a single man, I guess I could have thought of anybody to be with – but that would mean changing mine and somebody else’s life path in an unnatural way. This whole encounter was beginning to take on an eerie feel now and I found myself wanting to leave; even going back to the people swamp of the market sounded like a better idea than getting stuck here. But then, the enigmatic gentleman cast my eye to a tinderbox at the back of the table he stood in front of. It was positioned very discreetly behind joystick holders, ornate mirrors and other paraphernalia. Again, it had the same rainbow pattern as the old man’s kaftan.

“Marvin senses that this has roused your curiosity.”

I should have known better than to trust somebody who refers to themselves by their own name; I was, however, transfixed for reasons unknown by this box.

He took it in his hands and released the catch. Inside was a baby blue powder that smelt of freshly washed linen.

“When you use this you will be able to know what others think and feel. For the advancement of your own life and to avoid certain situations this is a useful substance.”

“Well…” I mumbled. I was not sure he was telling the truth now or if he was trying to fob me off with a small tin filled with washing powder.

“A small demonstration is in order for,” Marvin said.

Before I could summon my voice in protest he blew some of the powder in my face. I winced as my eyes, throat and nostrils burned. I coughed as if trying to remove a chicken bone. The whole effect lasted maybe three or four minutes and then stopped. The pain I had experienced was no more; the tears dried instantly. As I focused in on my surroundings I realised that I was alone: the old man and the stall had vanished. Next to me I found the rainbow coloured tinderbox and a note scrawled on parchment next to it.

Consider this a gift. Enjoy it. May you have a wonderful Christmas. From Marvin. 

I shook with anger as I rose to my feet. This old codger had tried to spook me with a load of bogus magic items before blowing powder in my face that left me gagging; and now he was gone. I took the tinderbox with the notion of depositing it in the next bin I came across; however, as I stepped back into the crowded market new sensations pushed that thought far away. 

For now I could hear the voices of the people I looked at. Yet, there mouths were not moving. I was able to tune in on one person to another as if I was turning a radio dial. I thought it best to get a coffee from a side stall. But anything I did to cram the thoughts out did not work. Hearing the barista curse me as she took a big handful of loose change made me want to scream. I sat down on a nearby bench and attempted to focus on the thoughts of just one person. But it was no good as people mingled in and out and became lost from sight. Within a few minutes I was drained.

 I walked home, barely looking up as I made my way back through the streets.

XXXXXXXXXXX 

“Spare any change, please,” I said to a woman passing by. She responded with a thousand-yard-stare.

I pulled my blanket up closer, watching the hordes stampede by the stalls. The clatter of change made me lift my head as a child put money in my tin. I smiled weakly.

Nowadays, this time of year made me reflect on all I had lost in those eight years. What was once a happy vibrant scene, the markets just seemed empty and soulless; swarms of people too preoccupied by their own agenda to consider those around them. 

I was not now sleeping on the streets because hearing voices had made me go out of my mind. It was quite the opposite. After I had returned home from my encounter with Marvin, I decided to keep the tinderbox. I went back to the markets each day that Christmas in the hope that I would see him again – to gain further knowledge or to give the box back, I do not know – but he never appeared. However, in the next few days the voices wore off and I put the box in the back of a drawer. 

It wasn’t until a few weeks later that the tinderbox crossed my mind again when I was going for a job interview. It was a management job for a well-known high street bank. I really needed this. I reckoned that if I could read the interviewers’ thoughts, then I had a good chance of getting the job – even if it meant putting up with the burning sensation and hearing the thoughts of other people for a few days. Well, I succeeded in the interview and I managed to avoid human contact for a few days after too. But as soon as I started the job I realised the powder would help me reach the top: I honed into the thoughts of others, stole their ideas to improve products and presented them to senior management.

The powder and its power gave birth to a whole new me. I only needed a small amount each time. I reasoned that, as I shot through the company ranks, I would be on a fat enough salary by the time the powder completely ran out, so it wouldn’t matter anyway.  Even though I kept an eye out for the old man at subsequent Christmas markets, as long as I was earning I was not bothered if I saw him or not.

Four years on, the day came when I ran out of powder. Although I was looking forward to no longer hearing voices, I had learnt not to let the stream of external thought bother me. However, I had not realised how addictive the powder was. The withdrawal effects consumed my very being: I began suffering with uncontrollable shaking and sweating, memory loss and palpitations. I received no sympathy from colleagues who were certain I had stolen ideas from them or that I had been ruthless to; I had even isolated myself from certain family members because of my change in personality. My work suffered, but due to my service to the bank I was put on an indefinite career break. The truth was nobody knew how long it would take me to recover.

 At first I had to sweat this sensation out. Eventually, and surprisingly, the effects wore off. I decided not to return to work right away, opting instead to search for the old man. All manner of combinations of words did not help me on the internet. I asked local new age shops and other local businesses if they knew of this character, but nobody had. Often, when I asked about a magic blue powder, I was asked to leave premises. 

I spent time in a number of countries considered mystical. Every person I spoke to said the same thing: they did not know of Marvin or the powder. It was utterly useless, but I had to try it; I needed that powder to help me in my job, in my life.

Within a year and a half of leaving work, I had spent out and fallen behind on my mortgage payments. Former colleagues, who I thought I could depend on, were not interested in giving me my old job back – I had not stayed in touch and I’d been away far too long for them to even want to take me on again – or giving me a place to sleep.

And so, here I have been ever since, watching people as I trudge through the streets. 

Still, at least I don’t hear voices anymore.

Blogging 101: Writing to your dream reader

08 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by waynemullane in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

blogging101, creative writing, fiction

Hi All, I’ve got to admit that I found today’s assignment really tough. I hope this offering is okay:

Title: Read this if you like reading (and writing)

Hi All,

My name is Wayne. I’m an aspiring writer on a journey to fulfill my dream of being a full-time author.

From time to time I’ll post up stories and poems; I’ll post up the odd football/soccer-related article too. I’ll also use this site as a platform to share any useful info and resources I find related to creative writing.

Through the development of this blog I am hoping to forge links with other writers and lovers of fiction.

As my journey is in its infancy I expect that what I currently know will be pulled apart and re-shaped. By keeping an open mind I am allowing my writing abilities to be enriched by progressive learning.

I hope you get something out of this too. It would be great to share ideas and thoughts with you.

Thanks for reading,

Wayne

Blogging University Day 3: contacting neighbours

07 Wednesday Jan 2015

Posted by waynemullane in Uncategorized

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blogging101, creative writing, fiction

Hi All,

The 5 new neighbours that I’ve just begun to follow are:

Bibiliokept

Thought Catalogue

Uncle Tree’s House

Steve’s Corner of the World

Infinite freebie.com

Good luck to everybody doing the Blogging 101 course.

Take it easy, Wayne

Wa

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