Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/yUHUbxZp23 collaborative article for authors who lean *clean* and readers who love them. The #CleanWIP theme for Tuesday, December 17 is TOY pic.twitter.com/z3ETNeWCf1
#CleanWIP Clint toyed with whether or not Emily’s idea would work. “So, you think my easing up on Alissia and Landon, will help matters?” Emily replied, “Unless you want them to elope.” “Elope?” Clint’s eyes blazed. “Landon had better not try it, if he knows what’s good for him!”
Dad had a sly grin on his face, “Boy, I thought we’d go into town this morning and take care of a little monkey business.” That meant buying some new big boy toys. I poured a cup of coffee; Dad still hadn’t mastered the art; it would, however, wake you up. #Better2sday#CleanWip
#CleanWIP (theme TOY) Joy sat at the table in Mama’s sitting room with Val, watching her brother line up small wooden figures of knights on horseback. The child would occasionally lean his curly head down on the table and eye his handiwork. Joy hid a smile at how serious he was.
#CleanWIP (Theme CARD) She ran her finger over the harp, imagining sweet notes coming from it, before breaking the seal. My dearest lady, it began, making Nelwina smile despite herself. She knew Ronan didn’t really mean the words, but it stroked her ego just the same.
He stepped toward her. “He was by my car. I told him to leave and not come back, but…" Warren pulled a business card from his pocket. “He left this in the crack of my window.”#CleanWIP (theme CARD) #Iamwriting
Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/yUHUbxZp23 collaborative article for authors who lean *clean* and readers who love them. The #CleanWIP theme for Sunday, December 15 is PRESENT pic.twitter.com/Zevl4Tkd4t
#CleanWIP “If you see something you want at the store, let me know.” A beautiful young lady should have pretty things. He would love to buy Emily presents. Clint’s gaze slid over her dress. The dark color did not suit her and looked outdated. But what did he know about fashion?
#CleanWIP (theme PRESENT) Merry distracted the child with the dragon box and gave the drawstring bag to Valerian. “This is not nearly so magnificent.” “Whatever you give me, Merry, is the greatest treasure of all.”
“A #present from the Queen.” He unwrapped locks of curling red hair and a blood stained handkerchief. The messenger’s sneer widened. “The Queen offers a trade. A kingdom for a maiden. You’ve often said you don’t want the kingdom, and the maiden loves you.” #cleanWIP#vss365
Where was Austin? She’d seen him leave a minute ago. Something stirred inside the church bus. Jenny flattened her back against the metal building and inched closer for a better look. Her heart hitched when through the open bus door she spied Austin through the open door of the mission bus, kneeling before the strongbox. He reached into it, scooped up a stack of bills from the mission fund and counted them. He returned some of the money to the box, stuffing a larger roll into his shirt pocket. The metal lid slammed shut. Jenny fled back inside the the shelter, tears streaming, and her heart pounding against her ribcage. Tears streamed down her face. The man she loved was a thief!
There’s no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun collaboration. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays) or share something else CLEAN you feel our readers will love. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/pf0c33AcDF
“Remember,” Farid said, before turning back to the mountains and desert beyond, “what you want and what you should do are not necessarily the same thing.” #cleanWIPhttps://t.co/ILovl3pLcb
Our hearts can fill us with joy or terror, with hope or hopelessness, with courage or fear. The human heart must be tended, shepherded, coaxed, encouraged, and uplifted. This is a constant challenge. https://t.co/vOj8nFqBMZ via @MelindaVInmanpic.twitter.com/OdSa3bzjfs
And yet, he kept coming, just to see it–the gravestone his daddy had sold one of his horses to buy–just to read the name “Fred Finley, Jr.” and wonder about life and death, and why things happened the way they did. #CleanWIP
Why must the clouds be so dark? Why must the times of life be so dreary in the winter? December of 1944 and it shouldn’t be so depressing; but it snowed. Roscoe the neighbor’s dog slinked past my window, seeking a sign of hope. I was much like Roscoe; I had no hope. #CleanWip
Let’s drop in on Will and Domo. (This time we’re visiting William Bradshaw and Fool’s Gold.) “This is a new level of weirdness even for you, Will,” Domo said. “I’m just gardening,” he replied. “Why does everybody act like I’m biting the heads off dolls?” “That’s something the guys would accept, even appreciate. This just plain doesn’t make sense. Why are you growing food when you get it for free?” Will leaned the hoe against the fence and wiped sweat off his brow. “I thought it would be a nice gesture to the innkeeper.” “I don’t follow you.” Will pulled his king contract out from his pocket. “My contract lets me eat free anywhere I go, but I always go to the same inn since it’s the only place nearby. The innkeeper feeds me three free meals a day, and it’s got to be costing him a bundle. It won’t be so hard on him if I grow some of my own food.” Domo stared at him. “Is this that ‘fairness’ thing you keep going on about?” “What’s wrong with thinking about other people?” Domo pointed his walking stick at Will. “You were taken off your world and tricked into being our King. You don’t get paid. Three quarters of the planet’s population hates you. You’ve almost been killed dozens of times. What’s fair about that?” “Nothing,” Will said. “But just because other people aren’t fair to me doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be fair to other people.”
Today’s #CleanWIP theme and collaborative article is Decorate. [More info]
Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/yUHUbxZp23 collaborative article for authors who lean *clean* and readers who love them. The #CleanWIP theme for Thursday, December 12 is DECORATE pic.twitter.com/f3GxgTsP8d
@CleanWIP Emily decorated Alissia's burgundy dress by stitching white lace to the bodice. Small bustles were the fashion this year, allowing extra material for bows and such. Emily had chosen a color called Napoleon Blue. She hoped to have enough extra to make a drawstring purse
#CleanWIP (theme DECORATE) Inside a spartan wooden hall decorated with rows of skulls, Liall Guinness, the former Lord of Moor Point, stood glaring at yet another Vandal chieftain.
“Unless we form the habit of going to the Bible in bright moments as well as in trouble, we cannot fully respond to its consolations because we lack equilibrium between light and darkness.” ~ Helen Keller
Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/yUHUbxZp23 collaborative article for authors who lean *clean* and readers who love them. The #CleanWIP theme for Wednesday, December 11 is LIGHT pic.twitter.com/gLcRgyBYYP
Her laughter flowed over me as water cascading out of a warm, gentle shower. I soaked in her beauty. In the pale light, she emptied her soul to me as the night slipped away.
“Gracious, Jerome, it’s 3:00 in the morning, I’ve got to get some sleep, goodnight, soldier.” #CleanWip
Predawn light stole softly over the sky, a tinge of pinkish red illuminating the mountains above the city. The inhabitants, comfortable in their sleep, did not stir, for the sun had not yet shown his head and most of the sky was still blue with the dark beauty of night. #1linewed
#CleanWIP Emily basked in the beauty of art glass windows. Diffused light splayed a rainbow of colors across the pew she and Clint occupied. A shadow crossed her face when someone slipped into the pew behind her. A finger tapped her shoulder. “You’re still in town?” Emily froze.
How had I become the center of a myth? Should I point out that if I’d forgotten everything then I wouldn’t remember my hands being poisoned? A fatal fallacy to bring to #light. “I don’t yet.” #cleanWIP
#CleanWIP (theme LIGHT) Dolan sat at the high table, resplendent in gold and purple. The amethysts in his crown sparkled in the light of candles and torches. Nelwina’s heart thumped painfully. The young king was very pleasant to look upon.
Today’s #CleanWIP theme and collaborative article is Tree. [More info]
“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” ~ Martin Luther
Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/yUHUbxZp23 collaborative article for authors who lean *clean* and readers who love them. The #CleanWIP theme for Tuesday, December 10 is TREE pic.twitter.com/IspSKpFm0C
#CleanWIP (theme TREE) Then Nelwina found a patch of moss beneath a gnarled bearded oak tree and sank to her knees. It was true. All her life she had been unloved.
There, near the tree’s base, was a beautiful, elongate, fox-like animal. It was bright green, with a cream underbelly. It was a sleek and lovely creature, and it struggled mightily against the vines it had become caught in, looking at him in genuine fear. #CleanWIP#fantasy
A shrike’s song cut the air. Another shrike answered the evening call. The two battled their voices in an intricate weaving of notes. As darkness closed over the last band of ground, then climbed the shrikes’ #tree, they sang fiercer, challenging night’s encroachment. #cleanWIP
A fog had rolled in during the wee hours of the morning, and, while it was quickly fading in the strengthening sunlight, it still billowed softly around the landscape, giving the churchyard, the church, and the trees beyond an other-worldly feel that made Louis shudder #CleanWIP.
It was a brown Thanksgiving. Here and there a tree still sported various shades of orange, but most of them had surrendered their leaves and now looked like strange works of modern art, their bare limbs stretching out every which-way against the slowly brightening sky.#CleanWIP
#CleanWip “Well, here you are, Miss Hammons. Delivered safe and sound.” Clint walked around to help Emily down from the wagon. As his strong hands encircled her waist. a young man astride a black stallion, slipped out from behind the barn and disappeared into a grove of trees.
Today’s #CleanWIP theme and collaborative article is Forest. [More info]
“No traveler, whether a tree lover or not, will ever forget his first walk in a sugar-pine forest. The majestic crowns approaching one another make a glorious canopy, through the feathery arches of which the sunbeams pour, silvering the needles and gilding the stately columns and the ground into a scene of enchantment.” ~ John Muir
The family asked me to do the eulogy for my lifelong friend. I feared I’d break down. I made it to the end; I turned to his shadow, draped coffin, “Sundance, may you fish in heavenly blue waters and hunt in the forest of green.”
In less time than it took for tears to dry, a cluster of women and children stepped into the shade of the trees, followed by mules carrying supplies. The soft floor and woody walls of the #forest absorbed muffled crying. Most left behind a father, husband, or brother. #cleanWIP
#CleanWIP (Theme FOREST) They came upon an unfamiliar forest path. How long had they been riding? The exhausted horse heaved, and Nelwina felt an unaccustomed twinge of guilt for misusing the poor animal.
#CleanWIP He’d nearly reached them. He dropped down below the #forest canopy, torn between making a suitably discreet approach and terror that the witch might be in the very act of cutting out Yuliya’s heartroot.
Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/yUHUbxZp23 collaborative article for authors who lean *clean* and readers who love them. The #CleanWIP theme for Sunday, December 8 is TRADITION pic.twitter.com/qjDb87XmTt
@CleanWIP Emily took Clint’s hand. Blessing the food was a tradition at her house while Mama was alive, but flew out the window after she died. Roy never mentioned praying at meals and neither did she. It would only serve to remind them of the empty chair around their the table.
With permission from the author, we’re again eavesdropping on Will and Domo to start off our theme-free Friday. The author, by the way, is Chicago-born and raised Arthur Daigle and the fun exchange below is from William Bradshaw and War Unending.
“You’re up early,” Domo said to Will. “Blame Vial. The boys said you had some mail for me?” Domo held up the stack of letters. “I was just finishing with it. Let’s see…hate mail, hate mail, you may already be a winner, death threats. The University of Eastwich granted you an honorary expulsion. You got an anti-invitation from Kervol Ket.” Will stopped in front of Domo. “I know I’m going to regret asking, but what’s that?” “You know how good old Kervol got married?” Domo asked. “He married Princess Marisa Brandywine?” Will didn’t try to hide his surprise. He’d once held the princess prisoner. He didn’t want her, and his attempts to return her to Kervol had been rebuffed. Brandywine was the most annoying person Will had ever met, which considering he was surrounded by thousands of goblins was saying something. It amazed him that someone even as stupid as Kervol would marry her. “Shocking, I know,” Domo said. “Anyway, the lady’s expecting their first child, and Kervol sent out invitations to celebrate the birth. He sent you an anti-invitation. You’re not supposed to attend the festivities, and the only gift he’d like is to hear you died in a horrible accident involving a potato peeler. Basically he’s rubbing it in your face that you’re a social pariah.” “Charming.”
There’s no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun author collaboration. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays) or something else you believe our readers might love. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/tAEg8VBszv
Tired of the “gotta build my social media numbers” mindset that has infiltrated the #wrtingcommunity. Let me (possibly) be the first to tell you: social media #’s won’t sell books. Personal connections will. I should know. I’ve lived it.🤦♀️😄#writerslife#YouGotThis#powerup
The sudden cry of a woman in travail rent the stillness of the air. At the sound, Noach tensed and stood uncertainly, turning towards the tents of their small settlement. The waiting had grown agonizingly long; the birth of children often did so—especially with firstborns. His nerves frayed with the waiting, his body as taut as a drawn bowstring. Death was too often an unwelcome shadow at the miracle of birth. Soon, he thought. It will be very soon now. —And then what, old man, whispered the voice of his own nagging doubts. This one will be born, and then there will be others. Men will multiply upon the earth. In time, there will once more be rebellion and bloodshed and wars. Sin will have its due. “No,” he breathed vehemently. “There will be peace and harmony at last in the earth.” It was a familiar argument he had often waged against himself in the past nine months. The outcome was always the same. —Is that what you think? Have you learned nothing? Men are incapable of such nobility: only of evil and more evil. “This time it will be different—it must be,” he said. His hands balled into fists at his side. “The errors of the old world cannot be repeated. They cannot; they will not.” —Oh, but they will, his own malevolent thoughts whispered, mocking him with laughter. Open your eyes, fool, and look around you. The errors of the lost world are but beginning anew. Death hovers, eager to devour the sinful. Watch; and wait. Listen for the cry of this child for which you await so desperately. It will be the lustful cry of sin being reborn into the world. And there is none born of men who can ever change it. “Of men… no,” Noach whispered, smiling, remembering another, far older, promise. “But of a woman…”
Today’s #CleanWIP theme and collaborative article is Air. [More info]
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
tl; dr: #CleanWIP theme for Thursday, December 5 is AIR
Long version: We’re playing hashtag games to find authors who prefer the clean end of the spectrum & highlight their teasers for readers who love them. So let’s see your clean “AIR QUOTES.” pic.twitter.com/zVqnWm8NCe
#CleanWIP (theme AIR) Then Dolan leaned back in the chair. A chill came over him that had nothing to do with the frigid air. For the first time, he was suddenly weary of being king.
Looking for the first buds of spring, I’d done it again, same as last year; my signal that winter would soon end. The cold morning air began to give way to warmth. It’s when you don’t know whether to wear a long sleeve or short sleeve. Life is so confusing. #Thurds#CleanWip
#CleanWIP Merchants moved their goods off the boardwalk, closing up shop. On cue, the White Elephant saloon burst to life. Tinny piano music and raucous laughter spilled through its batwing doors. Wolf whistles from unkempt men pierced the air. They leered at Emily. She cringed.
He was shoved unceremoniously into the backseat of the Fiat, and the dark-eyed man and the redhead crowded in beside him. A mixture of pungent cologne and cigarette smoke filled the air inside the car. #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) December 5, 2019
Today’s #CleanWIP theme and collaborative article is Space. [More info]
“It’s a very sobering feeling to be up in space and realize that one’s safety factor was determined by the lowest bidder on a government contract.” ~ Alan Shepard
Image Credit: NASA, ESA, J. Hester, A. Loll (ASU)
Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/yUHUbxZp23 collaborative article for authors who lean *clean* and readers who love them. The theme for Wednesday, December 4 is SPACE pic.twitter.com/lCkTj5RfQv
White clay buildings lined the wide street. Only their solid structure could keep the buildings there in the flow of humanity. Men, women, children and animals all pressed to occupy the same space. #cleanWIP (space)
#CleanWIP (theme SPACE) “I have just realized there is no way I can make everyone happy, is there?” Kieran slowly shook his head. “Nay, Sire.” Dolan buried his face in his hands, and Kieran backed away, giving him space to grieve the burdens of ruling a kingdom.
She thought that over. Thirty minutes round-trip in a cramped space with a handsome man whose cologne befuddled her from two feet away in a hayfield. While Gordon MacRae sang love songs in the background.#cleanwip#ACountryMile
@CleanWIP Lanterns lit the barn’s interior. Chairs placed around three walls allowed the fourth wall for tables to hold the food. The floor had been cleared to allow space for dancing. The violinist seemed immuned to the noise as he closed his eyes and played a sweet ballad.
I dropped Earl off at his work; I thanked him repeatedly for his help. “Jerome, I’m glad I could assist. I’m still concerned about your Dad’s death.” I picked up on it, “What do you mean?” Earl stared off into space, “It doesn’t feel right,” he turned and walked away. #CleanWip
“Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him.” ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower
tl; dr: #CleanWIP theme for Tuesday, December 3 is RAIL (any type of rail or perhaps trains and such with assumed rails) Long version: We’re playing hashtag games to find authors who prefer the clean end of the spectrum and highlight their teasers for readers who love them. pic.twitter.com/zlw06l7Ico
#CleanWIP “Miss Hammons, I hope your trip was tolerable. Riding the rails can be uncomfortable. The train’s rocking sometimes makes you wonder if it wil tip over.” “That didn’t bother me as much as the soot blowing through the window, on my clothes. But, it couldn’t be helped. “
“I feel so helpless, sitting here when I should be there, at Gertuk with Jartz.” He shot a look at Sparks, wishing he had a saddle dragon so he could just fly there.Instead they would have to walk to Gertuk, charter a boat, then travel another day by rail.#CleanWIP#DragonSparks
In the locker room, before the game, Coach ranted and raved about the 3rd rail of football. We looked at each other; we didn’t have a clue. We ran out on the field to discover this wasn’t a “Meet &. Greet.” We were run out of town by the Buffalo Steamrollers. #CleanWip
There was something cinematic about the way the fluorescent lights flickered, and the doors whooshed open, and the people crowded in, and everyone swayed in unison as the car rocked on the rails. #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) December 3, 2019
Release day for Not in the Plans! A sweet and cozy read, with all the Christmas feels. 🙂 Not in the Plans: A Christmas Novella https://t.co/FuJ8sEXQNJ
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) December 3, 2019
We took Aunt Melinda’s golf cart and crossed the road to check the progress of my new house. “What do you think?” “Fud, it looks so small.” I smiled, “Pele, when you lay a home out on the ground, it looks small, but it will grow,” I saw his, wait- and- see attitude. #CleanWip
She almost forgot to watch for Harmony’s car to start. Almost turned down the wrong road on her way to Blinky’s. Almost turned her truck around and went home instead of parking. How had Grace figured out…#CleanWIp
#CleanWIP Emily focused on the road before them. Clint was surprised at her anger at learning Clemons had proposed to three different women. One might think she was personally involved. Emily had met Jessica on the train, and it was her sister who fled the church. Still…
I grasped the top of the wall and rolled on top. A long road led through the just-green fields of winter wheat. I shivered uncontrollably. I had to find warmer clothes, or at least shelter from the cold. Men opened the gate and sent the hounds bounding.#cleanWIP (road)
After what seemed like an eternity, but was probably only seconds, the man turned his attention back toward the road and drove off, leaving Arthur rattled and breathless on the sidewalk. The only thing he could think about was his unbolted door. #CleanWIp
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) December 2, 2019
#CleanWIP (theme ROAD) The child giggled every time the wooden wheels bounced over a rock or rut in the road, making Mercy grimace. At least someone found delight in the rough ride.
Earl Chinnici ~ Her phone streamed to a large screen in the studio providing us with a clear view of her right shoulder and part of the rear window. We watched as she veered left, apparently to miss a dark-blue sedan that was entering the highway. She then pushed hard on the accelerator and swerved back to the right, the distance separating her vehicle from the sedan increasing far too quickly. “Hi Rita. This is Rachel of the Write Connections morning show. I’m here with Jenny Foster, author of…” ~ https://twitter.com/earlshelpdesk/status/1201516544024567808
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” ~ Helen Keller
Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/yUHUbxZp23 collaborative article for authors who lean *clean* and readers who love them. The #CleanWIP theme for Sunday, December 1 is TRAVEL pic.twitter.com/rzmX7W7Su7
Margaret’s father made an announcement that drew a collective gasp from the table: he and Margaret’s mother would be selling the home they had lived in for sixty years and buying an RV. Margaret’s mother made a counter-announcement: no such thing would be happening. #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) December 1, 2019
In a greasy spoon, I overheard two guys talking about this island. I didn’t hear everything, but one said, “It’s an uninhabited island east of Turks and Caicos, a perfect place to pull a Robinson Crusoe if you could get there.”
Domo walked around the chair and studied it. “What’s this?” “This,” Will said proudly, “is what we humans call a chair. It’s the latest fashion where I come from.” “That was either sarcasm or proof you shouldn’t do standup comedy,” Domo said. He poked the chair and watched it wobble. “Doesn’t look like woodworking is your thing, either.” “No, but if I want a chair this is the only way I’ll get it. I can’t get one from the nearby human villages, what with me being broke and them expecting money for doing work.” “Scandalous the way peasants behave these days,” Domo said. “We do have our own carpenters, you know.” Will filed down the leg some more and tried sitting on the chair. The legs still weren’t even. “I thought of that. I asked four goblin carpenters to make me a chair. I wanted a bed to replace the pile of rags I have to sleep on, but I figured I’d start by asking for something small.” “And?” Domo prompted him. “Chairs shouldn’t have more legs than centipedes.” The four dysfunctional chairs Will had received (and burned as firewood) weren’t proof that the goblins hated him. Quite the opposite, they liked and even respected him. That didn’t change the fact that goblins were stupid and crazy. When asked to make something as simple as a chair, they felt the need to make improvements. While he couldn’t actually sit on the chairs, and they’d looked like they were dreamed up by an impressionist painter and built by a one-eyed, drunken chimpanzee with arthritis, Will could at least take comfort in knowing there was no malice involved.
Speaking of birds, here’s a little teaser from Joanna McKethan‘s Stone of Her Destiny – Kenna, the heroine, is learning falconry from Lane. “There now, ye see? He’s all yours. He’ll love you forever. Don’t mistake him for a pet, all lovey-dovey; they are always and still, birds of prey. But they will be faithful. Remember that.” “Oh, I thought Bonnie Blue was a lady.” “No, remember Bonnie Prince Charlie was a man,” he said, teasing.
There’s no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a fun collaboration. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays) or something else you believe our readers might love. [https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/CQ2AI7bQpb
You are ready for spring if you can get excited about a few buttercups. I had to call Madonna She laughed, “Leroy, you’re such a kid; watch your driving.” I was in a good mood all day. A small clump of Buttercups had defeated the winter blues. #CleanWip#GrayHeron
#CleanWIP#WIP ~ Skin Cancer, Black Salve, and Me ~ The cancers otherwise caused me no trouble until… I felt a burning sensation from one that caused me to contemplate reaching into my left arm with the fingernails of my right hand and plucking each cancer out by the roots.
“I had no beginning. I will have no end.” The voice rose up from the seated figure, whispering into the void. He lifted his gaze, focusing on the formless zenith. His right eye was a spinning orb, half Darkness, half Light; the other was a piercing shade of blue. His robes too were ever-shifting, at once light and dark and all-colored, patterned with the same mystic symbol. “The words are indistinguishable, and meaningless.” ~ from Michael Lynes‘ latest release, First Blood(The Blood Series Book 2), which released November 1st of this year. More specifically, the excerpt is from the third chapter, Time.
We’re on a roll. Let’s enjoy one more teaser before the weekend.
Carrie picked up the bag and walked to the door. When they were outside the general store, Aunt Em stopped her. “Did we get any mail?” Carrie reached into her skirt pocket and handed over the stack. Josh’s aunt frowned at the letter on top. “What does Miss Leah want with Josh after all this time? I’ve a good mind to toss this in the wood stove.” Carrie’s thoughts exactly. “No, we can’t. The letter belongs to Josh. He has a right to read it.” Aunt Em snorted. “You would have to remind me. It’s temptin’ to accident’lly drop it along the way. Leah’s hurt Josh enough. I don’t want him hurt any more. ~ from Laurean Brooks‘ Not What He Ordered
Today’s #CleanWIP theme and collaborative article is Thankful. [More info] Photo by Jill Wellington
Laurean Brooks – When I was growing up, Thanksgiving Dinner might consist of a couple of squirrels or a rabbit that Daddy brought home from his early morning hunting excursion. Daddy rose early on Thanksgiving day, took his rifle off the rack… [read more]
The #CleanWIP theme for Thanksgiving 2019 is THANKFUL Thank you for sharing your words and moments. Be careful wherever you are. Happy Thanksgiving. pic.twitter.com/xatzTLpzc4
A horn call pierced the air. Prince Askold sighed. “Ruska is safe. I am thankful. I will fight when they come.” “Maybe they won’t kill you.” “The Khan is a man of his oath. He promised I’d die in the hour that my father attacked. Please, help me stand.” #cleanWIP#vss365
Thanksgiving Gives Us Eyes for God | Desiring God. Thanksgiving focuses more on what God does, and praise on who God is. Thanksgiving helps us see and praise who God is. And this act of seeing and praising God is thanksgiving’s greatest joy. https://t.co/DuzL0duiS0
“It has seemed to me fit and proper that [the gifts of God] should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. …”
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty-eighth.
“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” ~ from 1 Timothy, KJV
Liora frowned at Stanley. She could ignore him and let him get his food on his own, but that would only end up with him having a stomach ache. So, she returned to filling his plate, purposely giving smaller portions than normal. #CleanWIP
A cool breeze blew off the river soothing Emily’s hot face as the Mississippi waters sloshed onto the tipping ferry. Emily clutched her churning stomach to keep down her lunch. How did the early settlers manage to navigate this river on a raft and hold onto their food? #CleanWIP
Reaching, the end of the clearing, I glanced back at the tent; it looked like it belonged. I loaded the 9mm as if I expected pirates to invade the island. A hatchet hung from my belt, and my backpack had enough food to last a month. I’m ready; just didn’t know for what. #CleanWip
They went into the kitchen, and Mason made a big show out of sampling the ham and potatoes. “Seriously, Red, this isn’t half-bad! I’m impressed.” #CleanWIP
#CleanWIP …we discussed the vehicle, college, karate, food, relationships, life, and the upcoming rodeo. We were still talking when Dave and Lisa returned from lunch and Charlie hit it off with them nearly as quickly, albeit in a less flirtatious way.
“The thing with children is they’re a bit like baking a fruitcake: you throw all the ingredients in but you never know how they’re going to turn out.” ~ Len Goodman
All those years of marriage and now, the preacher tried to comfort Jim at Linda’s funeral. “Jim, remember the time you criticized Linda’s cooking?” Jim smiled, “Reverend, I’ve wished a thousand times I hadn’t complained about her one and only Shake-&-Bake, dinner.” #CleanWip
The scents of oranges and baked bread—along with faint notes of the sweet grass hay that was stored here during her childhood—greeted her as she opened the door to her loft home, effectively banishing any lingering stress. She stepped out of her shoes…#CleanWIP#ACountryMile
#CleanWIP “Your delicious braided bread will ever be remembered in the history of our festival.” He searched through one of the baskets on the table and pulled out a blue and green linen scarf. “I realize this has nothing to do with baking, except to keep your hair out of it.”
“Prudence, you are a special lady. I never thought you would consider me.” He cleared his throat. “And you make a most delicious peach cobbler.” “Oh, Ollie!” “ How could you think I would reject your proposal? If you take me as your wife, I will bake you one every day.” #CleanWIP
Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/yUHUbxZp23 collaborative article for authors who lean *clean* and readers who love them. The #CleanWIP theme for Monday, November 25 is ROAST pic.twitter.com/ZCr4iDszP9
#CleanWIP The savory aromas of roast meats and breads made Nelwina’s mouth water. But she pushed those lesser pleasures aside when she saw Dolan seated at the high table, resplendent in gold and purple. Her heart thumped painfully. The young king was very pleasant to look upon.
#CleanWIP Alissia bustled about, setting the table. The beef roast and vegetables smelled delicious. Her cooking skills equaled Ma’s. She would one day make someone a good–. No! She would further her education, if he had any say in the matter.
Emory ordered fried fish with French fries, hush puppies and coleslaw, and Jackson ordered roast beef with brown gravy and mashed potatoes. Everything came to the table piping hot and delicious. #CleanWIP
I’ve been lucky enough that I can gather all sorts of experiences and find inspiration by traveling around and by spending time with people I admire. ~ Bonnie Raitt
Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/yUHUbxZp23 collaborative article for authors who lean *clean* and readers who love them. The #CleanWIP theme for Sunday, November 24 is GATHER pic.twitter.com/ijAmsrNt1Q
The first guests were Margaret’s parents, Stan and Betty, who brought along Great Aunt Addie. Aunt Addie could barely hear and had to squint to see, but she faithfully sat through every family gathering, nodding and smiling at all of the commotion around her. #CleanWIP
#CleanWIP Emily did chores. She shared in housework, fed the chickens, and tended the vegetable garden. Who else volunteered to gather eggs or keep fresh straw in the hens’ nests? Neither did they offer to shovel chicken manure out of the hen house and spread it over the garden.
Long version: We play hashtag games to find authors who prefer the clean end of the spectrum & highlight their teasers for readers who love them. pic.twitter.com/qLf7DoG76e
Margaret honestly didn’t care if her dinner preparations went sideways and they ended up ordering Chinese takeout. Nothing–not Edith inviting herself to dinner, or Mason’s decision to quit school, or her ever-deepening concerns about Ruby could touch the joy she felt. #CleanWIP
“We’re losing.” It wasn’t just the fight today and the loss of soldiers to lasers or the slave wagons. They were losing the Slaves’ War. At what point should he call it quits? Would living as slaves be better than dying for freedom? #CleanWIP
I looked through the arrows. None of them were of quality, though most appeared to be so: a loose feather, a slightly crooked shaft, a tilted metal tip. What else was sabotaged? “Quit stalling and pick one,” Gleb bellowed.#cleanWIP (quit)
#CleanWIP (theme QUIT) “Never give up hope. That is more important than any Healing we can do for you.” She kissed Joy, and they shared a look promising to be strong for one another before Mercy quit the room. Kieran and Tristam followed, Kieran weighed down with heavy thoughts.
I saw the pain in Dad’s eyes, “My life is finished, without your Mother. I’ve lost everything.” I began to cry; Dad held up his hand, “Son now is not a time to cry, be strong.” The stoic look, on his face, chiseled from stone. There wasn’t an ounce of quit in his body. #CleanWip
#CleanWIP Ma raised a hand. “All right, I’ll follow orders. For now. But, don’t think this means you’ve got the upper hand.” Doc groaned. “I pity the man who thinks it. You are one stubborn woman.” “And you are a naggin’, persistent old coot, who don’t know when to quit talkin’.”
#CleanWIP Surely, the doctor must be wrong. How could this be possible? I was only sixteen. I quit my job at the steakhouse to spend more time with Mom and help around the house. She was determined to fight the cancer and the depression that came with the diagnosis…
Today’s #CleanWIP theme and collaborative article is Prepare. [More info]
Featured photo is an altered copy of a photo by Andy Chilton, cropped to compliment this article.
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” ~ Abraham Lincoln
Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/yUHUbxZp23 collaborative article for authors who lean *clean* and readers who love them. The #CleanWIP theme for Wednesday, November 20 is PREPARE pic.twitter.com/4INPvwyFuf
#CleanWIP (theme PREPARE) Dolan took Kyria’s hand, but she pulled back. “Then tell me, show me. Help me understand.” Anger flashed in her eyes. “Do you really want to know?” Her mouth twisted when he nodded. “Then, prepare to hear a tale of sorrow and woe and . . . ugliness.”
“And then what? Wait? They’ll not attack if they see us prepare. If we can draw them into an attack, we’ll know who is part of this and end it.” #cleanWIP (prepare)
She prayed quickly for a miracle–that the money her ex-husband Derrick had promised her would somehow be there. Three hundred fifty-three dollars. No miracle tonight.#CleanWIP
I soaked up the sun on the north beach as the week flew past. On Saturday night, moonlight filtered through the Casuarina trees, a gentle breeze blew in from the east. I began to prepare mentally to leave my uninhabited island, knowing I’d return to Casadora very soon. #CleanWip
#CleanWIP -PREPARE Yuliya collected all the gifts into her ancient, hollow branches. Slowly, painstakingly slowly, she was building herself a metal core, a lightning attractor to overcome even the height of the cathedral’s great spire. Yew trees were patient.
“I wish I could make it better.” Shoot, where did those tears come from. “I mean, it’s gonna be fine. We just, you and I, we worry about things. We chase every trail marked ‘how it could go wrong.’” Merry laughed. “Yeah, we do. All in the name of being prepared.”#cleanwip
“Take it into the city,” she’d urged. So I did. I planned a great book signing right in the heart of Atlanta. Thirty days before the signing, I was to spend two hours with Rachel Sparks of the Write Connections morning show…#CleanWIP theme: PREPARE #amWriting#amReading
He shrugged. “I’m a simple man. I like money, and I like power. I do what I can to keep them both. But this, between you and I . . . this is deeply personal.” His blue eyes suddenly looked fiery in the lamplight. #CleanWIP
#CleanWIP (theme MONEY) “Hang him,” Tavis muttered. “Not hang, my Lord Chancellor, but I am inclined to execute him, considering the gravity of the theft.” Dolan sat back. “After all, this money was stolen from the labor of thousands of people, a crime against all Levathia.”
#CleanWIP Miss Hammons, It appears you are suited to fill the position of my wife and assistant. I trust you have strong limbs to stand for lengthy periods. Enclosed, find money for train fare. Arrive by August 15. We’ll wed promptly. Bring wedding dress. Wendell O. Clemons, DDS
Today’s featured photo is from Maybe You Should Move Those Away From You, the story of CleanWIP Magazine founder Earl Chinnici’s journey to quit smoking tobacco cigarettes and become an author. To help encourage those joining the Great American Smokeout this year, you can add the ebook to your library free through Thursday and learn the story behind the change.
The word search puzzle below contains penny, nickel, dime, and quarter ten times each. Have fun!
Ruby snuggled in next to him. “Sorry I lost my cool,” he said. “But it gets to me how your family hates me, just because I’m different.” Ruby nodded, but an uneasy feeling gnawed at her. #CleanWIP
“Sir, we’ve had a thin winter of it. Just enough food to line the bottom of my family’s bellies. My neighbor promised to trade a cow for two sacks of wheat. A little milk would go a long way for my small ones. He gave me an almost-carcass.” #cleanWIP (Family)
#CleanWIP Did Clint's mother have firsthand experience of the wilder side of life–things that Emily had only read about? Surely not this woman whose face glowed like an angel's. Maybe she had heard stories from a wayward family member or friend.
#CleanWIP Mercy studied her soon-to-be son-in-law. He stood tall and handsome, wearing a gold-trimmed blue tunic embroidered with red roses, his family’s emblem, and the ducal crown of Frankland. He focused on the back of the chapel, searching for his beloved.
“You assume that we will need their support.”She smiled coldly.”However, we do wish peace. That is why we have persuaded a member of the royal family to join our cause.” This new blow almost felled what was left of my mental stability.Jeffrey? Alexander?#cleanwip#SilverPrincess
Rye ran out to greet us; “You aren’t going to believe this! Dad asked Emanuel if he had ever eaten souse meat, and I thought Lela would crawl under the table. He said he loved it.” “Ok, Rye, what’d you say?” “Aw, Dee. I just asked Lela if she liked kissing souse-lips.” #CleanWip
#CleanWIP#WIP ~ Mom’s doctor told her to “get her things in order.” Those were his exact words. I know this because my mom repeated the words dozens of times over the next couple of weeks as she informed family and friends. Each time I heard her say them, I cringed.
Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/yUHUbxZp23 collaborative article for authors who lean ‘clean’ and readers who love them. The #CleanWIP theme for Sunday, November 17 is HEALTH pic.twitter.com/0uuFHTiP0v
The Coroner looked puzzled, “Jerome, did you notice anything about your Dad’s health in the last few days?” “No, sir, what do you think happened?” “I’m not sure, but your Mom said he complained about chest pains.” “She’s not my, Mom.” The Sheriff’s eyes bugged out.#CleanWip
#CleanWIP “… We’ve both been so angry though. When I saw a chapter of your book is on the calming effect of pets, I decided to buy it. It’s a great book, Jenny.”
“I got him! I got the long eared thieving bunny!” the goblin shouted triumphantly while dancing around in a circle. “Hold on,” Will began, but the goblin was too taken with his victory to notice. “He thought he’d ruin the boss’ garden, but I showed him!” “What’s this about?” Domo asked. Feeling faintly embarrassed, Will said, “An animal got in my garden last month and did some damage. When the warrior goblins found out they assigned guards to watch over it, which would be a really nice gesture if they didn’t keep attacking innocent animals and salesmen.” “Animals are guilty until proven innocent!” the warrior goblin shouted. “And even then they’re guilty!” “The rabbit wasn’t anywhere near my garden,” Will told him. “He was thinking about it!” The goblin poked the rabbit in the belly. “You were conspiring! Confess!” Will said, “Just take it a few miles away and let it go.” The warrior poked the rabbit again before he marched into the woods. “The King’s going easy on you, but this is still going on your record! You have the right to remain silent! Anything you say will be ignored or misinterpreted!”
tl; dr: No #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a collaborative article. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays). This concludes the short version. [For best results: https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/OPByTqTuI5
#CleanWIP Her mother’s pasty complexion stood in stark contrast to her chocolate brown eyes. “It’s about…your father.” Jaela shuddered. Don’t let her say it! Jaela’s mother looked her squarely in the eye. “It’s time you knew the truth. Jay Andrews was not your real father.”
There he was, four years past his marriage deadline, sitting on the porch of his lonely house, once again reliving the moment Amy shoved the ring into his hand and tearfully told him she wasn’t ready to settle down.
Five months later, she married someone else.#CleanWIP
We publish each day except Saturday. ~ Sunday through Thursday, we host a theme-based hashtag game & create collaborations with many #CleanWIP tweets. https://t.co/Ujy9BVU7X3 Fridays are sans theme. https://t.co/i8vx0AKUil We want CLEAN laundry. Give us something we can use.
We hope you enjoy the following breakfast teaser from the first chapter of Linda Ellen‘s award winning historical romance, Sweet Love at Honey Landing: A Mail Order Bride Story – with a Twist! (Maple Heights Series Book 1). Since we’re jumping in mid-conversation, it might be helpful to note that Noah is already sporting a milk mustache when we begin eavesdropping. We haven’t read the entire book, but based on the title of the book and the happenings in the first chapter, we strongly suspect a wedding will ensue before the end of the third book.
Today’s #CleanWIP theme and collaborative article is Determination. [More info]
“A determined person will do more with a pen and paper, than a lazy person will accomplish with a personal computer.” ~ Catherine Pulsifer
STS 61-A launch photo is by NASA
The #CleanWIP theme for Thursday, November 13 is DETERMINATION
Use this hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/yUHUbxZp23 collaborative article for authors who lean ‘clean’ and readers who love them. pic.twitter.com/hKe5r5IjUv
#CleanWIP The more he thought about Kyria and her situation, the more he wanted to love her. Even in the brief time they’d known one another, Dolan felt certain she had inner strength and determination upon which to build whatever was lacking in her character.
Halavant left after the biting comments, but he’d been far from cowed. He walked with a determined step and a straight back. Hopefully, he’d do nothing rash to prove himself a better king. #CleanWIP (determination)
Climbing into her favorite gray, knit culottes and tossing on a faded t-shirt, she very determinedly went back out into the kitchen. She was staying in tonight. Jerking open a cupboard door, she yelped in surprise as a bag of egg noodles dive-bombed her. #CleanWIP
#CleanWIP ~ I’m sure you’ve seen our faces on billboards and subway walls. We’re uncanny symbols of America’s determination and resilience. Some people claim we’re not human; some claim we’re not real. We want you to know we are. We do have feelings.
#CleanWIP A piece of the puzzle fell into place. Clint scorned mail order brides because his mother married an abusive man–his sister’s biological father–in reply to an ad. This revelation fortified Emily’s determination to keep her secret under wraps. Clint must never know.
#TwitterTips Make it easy for others to retweet your content, an important way we help one another: 1) Design a tweet that summarizes your main message, goal, tip, or campaign—your best content. 2) Proofread it. 3)”Pin” it so it always shows at the top of your profile feed. pic.twitter.com/5YPZps1PQh
Today’s #CleanWIP theme and collaborative article is Honor. [More info]
“Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history. We, of this Congress and this administration, will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance, or insignificance, can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation.”~ Abraham Lincoln
“What kind of silly games?” He couldn’t imagine what girls did to amuse themselves at a party to honor an expectant mother. “First, I lost the toilet paper game.” Brandon chuckled. “I’m not even sure I want to know what that entails.”#CleanWIP
“Sir, it’s an honor and a privilege. What may I get you for breakfast this morning?” “I’d like two eggs over-easy, country ham, sawmill gravy, biscuits, and hash browns with jalapenos.” “Sir, you must be in the wrong establishment.” “Well, I guess I’ll have a Pop-Tart.” #CleanWip
The Khan lowered his brows. “Do Ruskans break oaths so easily?” “Any who have joined your armies are oath breakers. Each child from their first year of speech swears an oath to love, honor, and protect the Tzar—not once but on each name day.” #cleanWIP (Honor)
“Going once.” At times like this, honoring the age-old policy felt a lot like rubbing salt in the wounds of the clients who’d lost out. “Going twice.” They could never afford to increase on $70K. “Going three times.” Moira lightly tapped her gavel on the rostrum.“Sold."#CleanWIP
"Wynn & I were going to attend the Academy, then come home w/our fortunes & futures set. I would take over my family’s orchard…” Grayden trailed off, staring down at the orb in his hand. “Nothing life and death, nothing grand or glorious, just… simple.” #1linewed#CleanWIP
#CleanWIP (theme HONOR) Stretching up with care not to shift the laces on his sleeve, Dolan took down the Sword of Alden from its place of honor on the wall. This would be the first year he would renew the Covenant using his father’s sword.
#CleanWIP Emily’s hand gripping the letter, shook. What was she thinking? Marriage was to be a permanent contract. A promise made to God to love and honor each another. Binding herself to a man she knew was risky enough, but to a stranger? This was insanity! Panic seized her.
There was much talk this week among authors who prefer the clean end of the spectrum… CleanWIP Magazine was planning an elaborate, all expenses paid, dinner for each of them & a character from a WIP or published book. https://t.co/ledEA5kcGy#amReading#amWriting About that… pic.twitter.com/k59cYPpzpc
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ~ Nelson Mandela
Jonas didn’t have the leverage he imagined. Levi would never betray Arthur. And he’d put a bullet in his own head before he ever let anything happen to Sally. “Alright, then,” Jonas said. “I suppose you think you’re brave. But I have made braver men than you talk.” #CleanWIP
#CleanWIP (theme BRAVE) Regnatorix crouched down, so Dolan lifted Val to his back. When the dragon stood, the crowd cheered for the brave little prince. “He’s not going to fly today, is he?” Mercy asked. “No, Mother. Even Regnatorix realizes how dangerous that would be.”
#CleanWIP Emily didn't want to commit to a man she'd never met, but circumstances sometimes forced one to make tough choices. “Desperate times call for desperate measures,” Mama used to say. Was she brave enough to go through with her decision? She prayed for Divine Intervention.
Grace volunteered to wash dishes while Noella swirled the dough in hot oil to create the shape they were named for. Merry #bravely tackled decorating the finished pastry with the also-handmade sweet syrup…#CleanWIP
The Captain looked at his men. He questioned how brave these young soldiers would be, their first time in battle. Cannon fire began exploding overhead. The veteran enemy charged down the hill, his young troops, answered the call, when the Captain screamed, “Charge!” #CleanWip
Maybe being of noble birth made him braver. But plenty of visiting noblemen were as cruel as the boys that taunted me and as cowardly as a rabbit. No. Staver was brave and kind, because he was Staver, and I’d just not seen it under what I thought was weakness. #cleanWIP (Brave)
Today’s #CleanWIP theme and collaborative article is Veteran. [More info]
“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” ~ Douglas MacArthur
***
Debbie Brown – We had our parade yesterday, in the cold and snow. As 2nd in command, replacing my CO, I had the honor of bringing a wreath to the monument. Our time spent shivering doesn’t compare to what our veterans endured, but we can show appreciation for what their sacrifices gave us. We should be grateful and take a moment to show it.
Laurean Brooks – I don’t have the word “Veteran” in my WIP, but my dad served in WWII, stationed in Guam, and my two brothers and a sister were in the service (two in the Air Force, one in the Navy), during the Vietnam era. I would like to honor them today for their work and sacrifices.
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The 11/11/2019 #CleanWIP theme is VETERAN. Use the hashtag with lines from a WIP & we might include your tweet in a special collaborative article along with many Veterans Day tweets without the #CleanWIP. ~ Thank you for your service, veterans. pic.twitter.com/8XtWe4f5fE
I’m a lucky veteran that didn’t witness the horror of war. My friend did, H. Handley, a gentle soul, KIA, on his way to the airport to come home. His name is on the Wall, and forever in my heart. To those brave soldiers that are in eternal rest, “May God be with you.” #CleanWip
Today, we celebrate and honor the brave men and women who are serving, have served, and who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you! #VeteransDaypic.twitter.com/LER20TV49J
tl; dr: #CleanWIP theme for Sunday, November 10 is SERVICE Long version: We’re playing author hashtag games to find authors who prefer the clean end of the spectrum and highlight their excerpts for readers who love them. For best results: https://t.co/Oj6maiYSYBpic.twitter.com/PSLLNF1BD5
#CleanWIP “Sir, I need a ride!” When the man in the wagon hopped down, she rifled through her purse for two quarters and dropped them in his open hand. He doffed his hat and smiled. “Thank you, young lady. Hal Smith, proud to be of service.”
Through waves ten times taller than their ships, through freezing ice, hail and storms, still they came, as ravenous as the ocean itself, until the day when the skies and seas calmed and through the mists the Ghul’aan saw an emerald land, sparkling with life and beauty.
tl; dr: No #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we do publish a collaborative article. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays). This concludes the short version. [For best results: https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/xVMcAdnVMs
And yet, he kept coming, just to see it–the gravestone his daddy had sold one of his horses to buy–just to read the name “Fred Finley, Jr.” and wonder about life and death, and why things happened the way they did. #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) November 8, 2019
#CleanWIP In 1938, Jenny Largent leaves her family farm in Tennessee for Chicago. She is shocked–not from the unfamiliar electricity–but when a tall, blond man steals her vanity case at the depot. Surprise! He shows up at her aunt's church to bilk the congregates for his cause.
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) November 8, 2019
From an #authorinterview with Sara Petersen: “Most helpful of all, were videos of the older generation describing life at that time.”#writerscommunity There are so many interviews on YouTube. Here’s one of a 108-year-old Victorian woman in 1977: https://t.co/JNkNsztEXP
Jesus told stories because it was the most powerful way to communicate truth that touches the heart. #ChristianFiction#writers walk in his steps, following his model. Write powerful stories like his with unexpected heroes and life-changing lessons. #WritingCommunitypic.twitter.com/tqgmKJprSA
Today’s #CleanWIP theme and collaborative article is Blue. [More info]
“To write a love song that might be able to make it on the radio, that is something that is terrifying to me. But I can definitely write a song about that chair over there. That I can do, but to sit and write a pop song out of the clear blue sky, that is very difficult and I admire the people that can do it.” ~ Barry Manilow
tl; dr: #CleanWIP theme for November 7 is the color BLUE (we’ll combine other meanings later with synonyms) Long—We’re playing games to find authors who prefer the clean end of the spectrum & highlight their excerpts for readers who love them. Longest— https://t.co/Oj6maiYSYBpic.twitter.com/7qhSf1NWGY
#CleanWIP Dolan timed his descent to reach the castle yard at the same moment Cephalorix landed, the rest of the dragons ranged behind him. All the young were nearly as large as their parents now, except for one blue male who wasn’t growing as quickly as his brothers and sisters.
#CleanWIP He brushed Penny's withers. “What do you think of Emily Hammons? She's the prettiest lady I've ever laid eyes on.” The horse nickered. “I meant besides you. I shouldn't have said her eyes were as blue as Texas bluebonnets. It slipped out. Emily's presence addles me.”
His ice-blue eyes were large and melancholy and drooped slightly at the outward corners. He was handsome, in a sad and ghoulish kind of way, and his tall figure had a commanding presence. He approached Levi with slow, deliberate steps #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) November 7, 2019
“Good-night, Jason. I’ll entertain your friend if he’s interested?” I didn’t hesitate, “Jason, I think I will hang out and protect your sister.” “Good luck with that, Jerome.” Beverly focused in like a laser. Even in the darkness, I saw a twinkle in her blue eyes. #CleanWip
#CleanWIP ~ Charlie’s not a supermodel, but he’s not hard on the eyes either. He’s fit and he grooms well for the most part. And then there are those gorgeous cerulean eyes and ever-so-slightly curled golden hair. He’s muscular as well, but not like a body-builder…
“Never spend your money before you have earned it.” ~ Thomas Jefferson
Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/yUHUbxZp23 collaborative article for authors who lean clean and readers who love them. The #CleanWIP theme for Wednesday, November 6 is BORROW. pic.twitter.com/Zxt2GN7wLV
Never, not once in my life did I beg, borrow, or steal, and then I met you. All 3 became my compulsion, I begged our banker to extend loans, borrowed the neighbor’s stuff constantly, but stealing the pink diamond landed me in jail. It’s not easy being easy. #BraveWrite#CleanWip
11yo: “You should have them find more bones.” Me: “Oh, don’t worry, there’ll be more bodies.” Hubs: *glances around restaurant* “This meal devolved really fast.”#amwriting#RomanticSuspense
— ☕ Kellie M. Parker/ VanHorn 🍁 (@KellieMParker) November 6, 2019
#CleanWip Jessica winked. “Oh, I have my ways. Trent at the livery stable has taken a liking to me. He let me borrow the rig. I can’t be away too long though. His boss may return and find it missing. Then Trent’ll be in trouble.”
#CleanWIP (theme BORROW) While he felt his way along the tunnel as quickly as he could, Dougal tried to remember the nearest farms and whether any of the farmers had a horse he could borrow.
“I don’t have any family besides my mom here. But it’s okay, because I borrow Sarah’s grandparents. I’m shameless that way.” “Is that so?” “Yes, it’s awesome,” she said. “June fusses over my love life and feeds me pie, and Henry calls me Curly Sue and gives me candy.” #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) November 6, 2019
Tomorrow is Best Buddies Book Club at my school. It’s my favorite day of the week. My 9th grade students get to mentor and read aloud books to a special needs class followed by an activity. This should be in every school, everywhere. 💜 #bestbuddybookclub#mentor#kidslit#books
I wheeled my new ride in disbelief. I avoided every bug in the air, or so I thought. This car handled like a dream. Turning in at Thomas’s house, I saw his eyes get big as he ran up to the car.
“Jerome, don’t even try to convince me this baby is yours.”
On the other hand, if a thousand new people visited her website because of the video, well. That was the whole point. Tucking her hands into her jeans’ pockets, she said, “Thanks again for helping me get my website updated to this century.”#cleanwip#introvert
#CleanWIP (theme NEW) I sat on the cold marble bench in the garden alcove. The cold seeped through my furs. New snow covered the ground past my ankles, and the sun sharpened the sparkling white into knives to prick skin and eyes.
#CleanWip In Landon’s absence, Alissia moped about the house. Only the mention of the upcoming dance and the new dress she would wear, cheered her. Clint’s consent for Alissia to attend the dance brought calm to the household, if only temporarily. Emily enjoyed the reprieve.
Lu was not in the army nor did he want to be in the army. He feared that reporting to General Bhaudral would interfere with his oath to protect Aya. In the end, they had compromised by forming a new, independent unit. (theme: new) #CleanWIP
#CleanWIP (theme NEW) “My lady, is anything wrong?” Dolan cleared his throat. “Has some new tragedy struck?” Rhianna shook her head and made a deep curtsy. “No, Sire, no new sadness.” She rose and met his gaze. “The old ones are more than enough, are they not?”
“I don’t think she liked me much.” “June never likes new people. You have to worm your way into her good graces. Fortunately I excel at that sort of thing.” “I just bet you do!” Ace said, without thinking. Maddie dropped her gaze and looked nervous. #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) November 5, 2019
#CleanWIP ~ I could tell he regretted saying it as soon as the words spewed from his mouth and even angry, I know good writing material when I hear it. I grabbed a pen and a new composition book from the top of the closet and began taking notes in shorthand.
I pulled my mouth out of the quick grin and back into solemness. I must act much older than my seventeen years. Tomorrow, I’d turn eighteen, and they’d respect me more, or at least shout less. #CleanWIP (theme: old)
I rubbed my lower back, “You don’t understand. Dee is old, and old people have to rest sometimes.” A big grin came on the boy’s face, “Dee, you’re not old. You just look old.” That boy always knew how to make me laugh. #CleanWip#GrayHeron
#CleanWIP (theme OLD) “You will never be old to me, Lord Owain.” Dolan held back a smile lest the man think he was mocking him. “I only hope to be as young as you are someday.” Owain roared with laughter, catching Dolan’s double meaning.
Melchius drew himself out of his reverie and blinked owlishly at Frank. The old wizard wore his usual patched and frayed robe and sat on his horse as if getting on it had been an afterthought, something unconnected with the deep thoughts he was perpetually pondering. #CleanWIP
“What else are you planning to do? Hang around with your old grandma every day for company? I want to see you as happy as you were in that photo over there.” “I was three!” “That doesn’t matter. The point is, you’ve lost that spark you used to have.” Accidentally Yours #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) November 4, 2019
#CleanWip The old man seated across the aisle rolled his head back and whined, “Looks like they'd have a little consideration for folks taking a nap, and not blow that inferior whistle at every dinky little town along the tracks.”
#CleanWIP "Just thinking I should've suspected something. Margie donned her Sunday dress before asking Mama for the grocery list. Then she hitched up the wagon and took off. Two hours later, Mama sent me looking for her. I found the horse and wagon parked in front of the depot."
CleanWIP Magazine has something special to share. Our Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) information package arrived in the mail yesterday. Our name is confirmed: CLEANWIP MAGAZINE LLC. We filed the necessary forms online and it was impossible to convey the importance of mixed capitalization in our name. Mail carriers will surely wonder if somebody accidentally excluded a vowel and it should be CLEANWIPE. We hope they will consider whether there is any real need for a magazine about clean wipes though. Perhaps we can enlist your help teaching everyone WIP means work-in-progress or, in plural form, works-in-progress and that CleanWIP Magazine is focused on those WIP that lean clean. Thanks in advance. ~ CleanWIP Magazine
Ellie giggled, chewed her bottom lip, and turned red. “I’m not blind, you know.”
June tilted her head to the side and smiled. “To be honest, neither am I. Julio is a treat for the eyes. And that accent! He’s like something out of a telenovela.” **Accidentally Yours #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) November 3, 2019
“Life is beautiful. Except for the spider I almost drank. That wasn’t beautiful. It probably didn’t think I was beautiful either, as I almost swallowed it whole, but then it shouldn’t have been sitting in my water cup.” – Letter from Vasilisa, #cleanWIP
‘My beautiful daughter singing to her grandad with Alzheimer’s…Never stop connecting with your loved ones!’
We love this wonderful moment so much! It’s incredible to see the value of good company and music with family for someone who has dementia 💙 pic.twitter.com/BgOfThNaAN
Today is officially the beginning of NaNoWriMo, when hundreds of thousands of writers (or more) begin work on a new novel. That’s a lot of new works-in-progress and we’re excited.
tl; dr: No #CleanWIP theme on Fridays, but we still publish a collaborative article. Use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from a WIP or published work (book links encouraged on Fridays). This concludes the short version. [For best results: https://t.co/iCuPzhtLNK] pic.twitter.com/M3gjKOWinC
Mrs. Bradley creaked up the steps with solemn regularity, and Mary fixed her gaze on the drooping white ties of the older woman’s apron, terrified lest she let her attention stray from the moment. If she didn’t, she might cry.
#CleanWIP (theme TERRIFY) Val had wanted to fly on that dragon for years. If he had a secure harness, the risk would be very slight, but there was always some risk. “It terrifies me to think of my son so high in the air.”
I breathed deep and pushed at the worry that clutched behind my stomach like a terrified child clinging to the skirts of her mother. #cleanWIP (Terrify)
#CleanWIP "I was terrified during that storm!” Prudence exclaimed. Emily's face burned. She and Clint had raced toward the ranch in the dark, but the downpour caught them anyway. “Did you come to see Mrs. James? She's napping.” Prudence sniffed. “No, it is you I want to talk to.”
Brandon climbed the steps with a tent, sleeping bag, and hiking pack. No need to return the stuff, Theo had said. One trip out into the woods with buzzing bugs, and a bear that scared the wits out of him, was enough to cure him of camping for a lifetime.#CleanWIP#amwriting
#CleanWIP Lighting slashed across the sky. Emily flinched. Clint hated to scare her, but they had to go. He mounted the horse, pulling her up behind him. Bowie galloped through the night as thunder rolled. Clint prayed, silently thanking God that the Palomino knew his way home.
“If those who have grain would sell it, then the people wouldn’t rise against them.” “Yosyph.” She caressed my cheek. “The nobility have families, too. They fear for their wives and little ones. They are scared. Help them have reason to trust you.” #cleanWIP (scared)
My parents taught me not to be scared of monsters. It empowered me to take control of my life and stand up to those things that appeared terrifying. I only wish they had taught me how to deal with a bunch of sneaky little gremlins. #1linewed#CleanWip
#CleanWIP (theme SCARE) “Someday I will be king in my father’s place. The thought of ruling this land does not scare me quite as witless as it did before, and most of the reason for that is you.”
Lyrren is the highest rank an enlisted man can attain in this world’s military. They attended the Academy for 4 years but did not go on to become officers (an additional 2 years of study/training). I plan to finish the Turrim Archive & rapid-release the 5-book series in 2021.
“Ruby, you know me. You know I don’t care about any of those things. I don’t like him because he’s a jerk.” “You wanna say that to my face?” Ryan barked. “Gladly. You think you scare me?” “Stop!” Ruby said, as forcefully as she could. “Ryan, stop.” #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 30, 2019
I saw the worry in her eyes, “Jerome, don’t you realize where you guys are going. I’m stressing over Jason; he is hardheaded and has no fear. Vietnam is a killing field, where soldiers go to die. I don’t want my brother, over there, I want him home, where he belongs.” #CleanWip
With escape so close, he was able to finally feel something other than crushing fear. He felt rage; for himself, and for Arthur, and for Sally, and for all the other people boxed into corners by evil forces outside their control. –Arthur Flint Files #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 29, 2019
I hid my smile at the ridiculous scene. In the day, fear didn’t lay so heavy, as if the sun provided a layer of safety the dark could not. #cleanWIP (fear)
#CleanWip The store owner waited for her reaction. Emily’s tongue clung to the roof of her mouth, paralyzed by fear. Even if she could speak, she must be careful not to incriminate herself.
“It’s no laughing matter. There’re crazy people over there. They know me. I’m a link to their food source, so they don’t bother me for the most part. But you? A preacher? They’re gonna have you for lunch.” Fear gripped her heart. “Don’t go, Brandon. Just don’t.”#CleanWIP
#CleanWIP (theme FEAR) Kieran placed his sticky hands on top of hers. “He’s faltering,” she whispered. “I feared the lad had lost too much blood.” When the heart began to flutter, Mercy sent a surge of Healing power there, desperate to stabilize it.
Matthew 6:34 KJV – Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
#CleanWIP (theme WORRY) Kieran had to look away from the anguish in her eyes. “Owain has a good physician, experienced with battle injuries. You needn’t worry, love.” He held the end of one of the laces on an arm guard so Tristam could secure it.
Jason laughed politely, but his eyes darted around and his shoulders were tense. Margaret felt a twinge of alarm. “Are you all right? Is . . . is Amber all right?” “Oh! Yes, yes, we’re . . . fine. Nothing to worry about.” He put on an unconvincing smile. –Untitled #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 28, 2019
Her laugh was so free; it floated in the air like a feather. “That settles it, Jerome, meet me after work tomorrow, at the City Café, and we’ll go buy you some awesome new threads.” She looked at Dad, “Noel, don’t worry; your boy will be the best-dressed kid at school.” #CleanWip
#CleanWIP#amWriting ~ I didn’t remember him mentioning any necessary errands, but since my afternoon was filled with grief and worry, nothing seemed easy to recall.
He was lying. I didn’t like the emotion of worry, and it transformed to heat in my chest. “In your practice, did you take injury elsewhere?” – #CleanWIP (theme WORRY)
#CleanWIP If this dentist ain’t what he appears, hop on the next train home.” Emily nodded, knowing she could never return. Not only the high price of train fare, but her sister-in-law would never allow it. Roy might worry about her, but Louise wouldn’t give her a second thought.
Today’s #CleanWIP theme and collaborative article is Concern. [More info]
Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right. ~ Abraham Lincoln
Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/yUHUbxZp23 collaborative article for authors who lean ‘clean’ and readers who love them. The #CleanWIP theme for Sunday, October 27 is CONCERN pic.twitter.com/5XptInwZfr
I’m concerned at how little concern appears in my writings. I finally found this in a *connect to the author* section: Whenever feasible, I intentionally avoid using words that would cause a young child to hesitate with concern when reading aloud to Grandma. #CleanWIP
“What do you do when you’re not, um, barista-ing?”
Ace glanced at the crowd gathering behind them with concern, then smiled patiently at Ellie. “Oh, a little of this, a little of that. I’m kind of a Jack-of-all trades. So, IS there anything else I can get you?” #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 27, 2019
“What do you do when you’re not, um, barista-ing?”
Ace glanced at the crowd gathering behind them with concern, then smiled patiently at Ellie. “Oh, a little of this, a little of that. I’m kind of a Jack-of-all trades. So, IS there anything else I can get you?” #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 27, 2019
“My schedule’s not very tight right now, so if you need me for anything—prayer, a neutral ear to voice concerns to, or just… I don’t know.” He shrugged. “If you lose the jack to your car and need someone to hold it up while you change the tire, I’m your man.”#CleanWIP
#CleanWip If she and the dentist disliked one another, could Emily endure a marriage of convenience–spend her life with a man she didn't love and who didn't love her? If his biggest concern was if she was sturdy enough to help him in his practice, why didn't he just hire a man?
#CleanWIP The songs he played chased away dark thoughts and sad feelings. I didn’t know anything about this mysterious man, but I did know he poured his soul into his music, and that’s when I knew I loved him. https://t.co/wmNytmBQIYpic.twitter.com/jx78UQPcmW
How is this for a frosting of purple flowers at @BlueMountainsBG? Felicia fruiticosa subspecies fruiticosa. Not sure why this is not a more popular garden plant. Look at the flower power. Commonly called Shrub Aster and a native of the Western Cape Province of South Africa. pic.twitter.com/D9FdDesTKN
Was she…was she daring him? Tyrel assessed her too-sweet tone, the sly twist of her lips. Oh yeah. He was without a doubt being dared. It didn’t fit with any of her other behavior so far. Nevertheless, he felt a need to rise to the challenge.#amwriting#cleanWIP
The dreams were so vivid and real that living in them, even for the briefest of moments, was worth the dismal shock of waking from them. #CleanWIPhttps://t.co/5SSPh3hjwv
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 25, 2019
The sunlit throne room echoed with angry noblemen. Ten of them huddled like grouchy sheep at the bottom of my dais, an impromptu committee to help me mend my ways. Two guards stood on either side of me, and eight more watched close by. None had drawn weapons—yet. #cleanWIP
Light and darkness play a huge metaphorical role in my Unsung Legacies historical fiction series. I use it to illustrate good and evil, knowledge and ignorance, truth and lies, fear and trust. It’s especially evident in Sunlight and Shadows (as the title suggests), where the main character, Betty, comes out of the comfortable darkness of ignorance into the harsh light of truth. “She walked through the silent house and out the back door. She stood on the back porch and looked around at the landscape. It was the same sunlight as before. It was the same paddock, the same lazy horse eating grass, the same field, the same woods. Somehow the world had gone on as though nothing happened. But her perfect day–her perfect life–had evaporated like a puddle in the summer sun, as if it never was.” In the next snippet, the light represents hope peeking out through despair, and foreshadows the good that will come out of this tragedy, even if it’s not clear right now. “Soon enough, the sun peeked through the drawn curtains, finding its way through the crack between the two dense panels of fabric, and creating a narrow line of light across Mama’s casket.” Then, in this last snippet, the sunlight (the truth) turns her father (who has changed for the worse) into a literal shadow of himself, and it’s only when he closes the door that he is recognizable. “Daddy walked in, a moving silhouette until he shut the door and blocked the sunlight out.” ~ Jessica Marie Holt, Unsung Legacies
“Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.” ~ Helen Keller
Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a #WIP and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/yUHUbxZp23 collaborative article for authors who lean clean & readers who love them. https://t.co/ijIpNl8G7X The #CleanWIP theme for Thursday, October 24 is SUN
#CleanWIP (theme SUN) King Dolan stood tall and proud wearing a golden crown upon his dark hair and a well-fitted purple surcoat. The jewels and gold trim sparkled in the sunlight, adding to the dazzling effect his presence had upon her.
Looking out into the ocean, I saw a speck in the distance. It had to be Pele. As it got closer, I could see the gleam of the outriggers, glistening in the sun. Yep, it’s Pele, and soon, I’d be back in the comfort of my little bungalow, to a hot meal and a shower. #CleanWip
#CleanWip The postmistress squinted against the sun. “Haven’t heard of a business needing a typist or bookkeeper, Miss Hammons. Usually, when they put a Help Wanted sign in the window, somebody grabs it up within the hour. Abilene is a booming town, in case you haven’t noticed.”
The suns had hardly risen, but he’d been awake for hours. The cough was getting worse, and sleep was a stranger. He wasn’t the only early riser. Unfortunately. #CleanWIP
The kitchen was small, but cheerful. Sunlight streamed in through the glass back door. A vase of fresh flowers sat on the counter, and colorful painted rooster kept watch over a tray of Christmas cookies that had been set out on the island #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 24, 2019
Five weeks ago today, I spontaneously decided to add #CleanWIP to one of my #thurds tweets and within a few hours I was researching what I needed to do to incorporate CleanWIP Magazine. #truestoryhttps://t.co/cdeEdfzK69
“The difference between the right word and the almost-right word is the difference between the lightning and the lightning bug.” ~ Mark Twain
Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/a8se3sed2W collaborative article for authors who lean ‘clean’ and readers who love them. The #CleanWIP theme for Tuesday, OCTOBER 22 is LIGHTNING pic.twitter.com/2FGN4XcwbE
#CleanWIP We’re in for a bad storm. They can slip upon you before you know it,” Clint warned. “We’re overdue for a rain, but I don’t want to get caught in the middle of a lightning storm. We’d better head back before it hits.”
#CleanWIP (Theme LIGHTNING) When the bonds clattered to the ground, Kyria straightened, flexing her hands. “You’re hurt.” Dolan gently took her nearest hand and turned it over to expose a torn and bleeding wrist. At the contact, a jolt like lightning went through him.
“Mr. Johnson, your grade for this class will be an “A.” Your words are pumped from your heart, filtered through your brain, and they pour out onto paper with lightning speed. I envy that ability, and I only wish that I could teach that.” #CleanWip
We made it through the tornadoes last night East of Dallas with only a fried electric gate. Lightning can be nasty. #DallasTornadohttps://t.co/yTdQrHDfOn
#CleanWIP Lightning flashed. Emily threw herself into Clint’s arms as the thunder rumbled. “I–don’t like…storms,” Emily stammered. Bowie’s hooves pranced. Clint gripped the Palomino’s reins. “There, there, boy. Just take it easy and get us home.”
Lightning would be so romantic if it would just keep its distance from everything important, including all living creatures. Of course we all know it doesn’t. All too often lightning ignites fires, damages homes and other structures, destroys appliances… sometimes it even kills. The earliest scary lightning story I can think of happened when I was perhaps ten years old. While swimming in an in-ground pool, lightning struck close enough that I felt a slight tingle in the water similar to the sensation of sticking a 9-volt battery to one’s own tongue. (Wasn’t everyone their older brother’s battery tester? No? Hmm.) I recall another close call in my early to mid teens. It was much closer, actually. I was watching TV with my dad while Mom was at the kitchen sink when all of a sudden and with a loud blended crackle and pop, a bolt of blue came from an outlet directly behind the television and struck the sink just as Mom took one step back from it. I know there were many other times lightning was closer than I like it to be. I live in Florida. Some have called it the lightning capital of the world though the age of the Internet has shown everything—including this claim—is debatable. Undoubtedly, the strangest lightning occurrences I’ve witnessed were during tornadoes. I’ve been in and near many, especially since February of 1999. I didn’t move. Perhaps they did. Only some of the tornadoes arrived with lightning, but the lighting that came with those that did was unlike any lightning I’ve ever experienced outside of a tornado. Instead of booms of thunder, there were only extremely fast clicks and crackles; the flashes were like flashes of a strobe light at a dance party or the local disco. (Give it time. Disco music will make a comeback, I can feel it.) This article seems it might tolerate one lightning fast tale. This occurred only a half-dozen years ago and it was among the most scary—holding its own with those during the tornadoes. Boom! (Scared yet? No?) About three seconds later, another boom, this one louder and undeniably much closer than the first. I begin to count. One Mississ—BOOM! Shaken, I begin to count again. One—BOOM! And another. BOOM! I lie flat on the floor on my belly, now considering how soldiers must feel when in a war zone under fire by heavy artillery. A final approaching BOOM, quite deafening and then about two seconds later a BOOM further away, but obviously following the same line of travel. I lie flat another couple minutes and finally get the nerve to get up. About twenty minutes later, I hear sirens of fire trucks and getting louder with each passing second. Roughly a minute later, they’re slowing in front of my home then turning onto the small private road at the edge of my yard. Turns out the final approaching BOOM struck a cousin’s barn less than a thousand feet from me and had pretty well burned it down before it became apparent to other neighbors what had happened. But it sure seemed closer.
By Earl Chinnici Today’s lightning theme seemed a great reason to work on my first draft of a work-in-progress currently titled “Fifty Close Calls.” If these collaborative articles have also helped motivate you to add words to a work-in-progress, I’d love to hear from you. Check the contact page for the latest info.
February 22, 2014 – Lightning exploded the side of a tree and propelled several shards of wood into the ground in multiple places, the farthest discovered piece being about fifty feet away from the base of the struck tree. The sticks forming the V (an X when viewed closer) in the background of this photo are also two pieces of the same tree. Others nearby were not photographed.
Today’s #CleanWIP theme and collaborative article is Rain. [More info]
We are excited to announce today the opening of our CleanWIP Magazine storefront. We’ve designed several awesome products already and have many more planned.
CleanWIP Magazine, a new e-zine for writers who market their books as ‘clean’ and the readers who love them, hosts the #CleanWIP author hashtag game Sundays through Fridays. ~ Care to join us? ~ The theme for Monday, October 21 is RAIN. pic.twitter.com/WtM57QimXv
A slow rain fell, forming an intricate pattern of diamond clusters on the window. I studied each one as they trickled down the pane. Suddenly, a clap of thunder shook the house down to the foundation. The diamonds raced for cover and vanished forever. #MuseMon#CleanWip
#CleanWIP We’re in for a bad storm. They can slip upon you before you know it,” Clint warned. “We’re overdue for a rain, but I don’t want to get caught in the middle of a lightning storm. We’d better head back before it hits.”
It was hopeless, and Levi knew it. But he was running anyway. His heart thudded in his ears. His steps pounded on the wet pavement. His lungs screamed for relief. The misting rain flew into his face like tiny cold needles, obscuring his vision. #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 21, 2019
“A man climbed three stories to Halavant’s window, picked the lock, and decided to practice knife fighting with a sleeping cripple. What he didn’t expect was a quick-witted warrior. Halavant is an astute study in the art of Lausatök.” – King’s Shadow, #cleanWIP
#CleanWIP (theme RAIN) “I’m glad it hasn’t rained lately, my lady.” Oleta grabbed the side with whitened knuckles when the cart jolted over a rut. “Else the roads would be muddy, and that would be even worse.”
Misty rain turned to larger droplets and fell from Brandon’s hairline onto his face. Ava resisted the urge to smooth it away. To erase whatever was driving him toward a place he didn’t belong. A place where nobody belonged. #CleanWip
While it’s true that some things smell better than others do, it’s nice to be able to smell a distant rain. It’s also nice to enjoy the smell of frangipani without a burning cigarette or an ashtray full of butts nearby. I shudder when I think of all the butts I used to smell. ~ Earl Chinnici (from Maybe You Should Move Those Away From You)
Today’s #CleanWIP theme and collaborative article is Wind (the breezy kind). [More info]
“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” ~ Henry Ford
Use CleanWIP Magazine’s #CleanWIP hashtag with lines from a work-in-progress and your tweet might be included in a https://t.co/a8se3sed2W collaborative article for authors who lean ‘clean’ and readers who love them. The #CleanWIP theme for SUN, OCT 20 is WIND (as in breeze). pic.twitter.com/t1TdgCnpjM
Maddie’s gaze was fixed on the field. A little breeze blew her curls around her face, and her pink lips were turned up into a small, thoughtful smile. Ace took a mental snapshot. He wanted to remember her just like that forever. #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 20, 2019
#CleanWIP Thunder clapped and lightning zigzagged across the dark sky as they raced ahead of the storm. The wind whipped at their backs, swirling dust around them. Clint kneed Butter again, urging him on faster, while praying they would reach the ranch before the downpour hit.
Being a Floridian fifty years, I’m no stranger to wind. So it seems to me I should be able to write so much about it, on demand even, but I’m finding it difficult. I began to write yesterday while still being affected by post-tropical storm Nestor. I wrote two paragraphs and stared at them about the span of half an hour then discarded them so swiftly as though I’d suddenly realized they were infected with a highly contagious pathogen. Why would anyone want to read this? I tried again and achieved similar results. A third time I began anew and only made it through two sentences before being disgusted by the way I arranged the words. Perhaps I am tired, I thought. So I slept. As I young child, I recall days with family flying kites on a gentle breeze from the schoolyard. Had my wind-related experiences stayed in the neighborhood of kites and pinwheels and gentle ocean breezes, perhaps it would be easier to write about wind today. But then, how could I ever hope to convey the differences between the center of a hurricane and the center of a tornado had I not been intimate with both? Minutes after I rose and with great determination, I attempted this article once more. Only minutes later, that disheartening realization of failure set in yet again. Anyone near me knows of the anxiety I now feel, but how could one topic cripple me to this point where words will not flow? But isn’t that how it often goes and with nearly any work-in-progress? When it comes to matters of the mind, a work might be ‘in progress’ quite a long time. Perhaps I am tired. Perhaps tomorrow the words will flow freely. Perhaps this tale isn’t so much about wind as it is about writing and about those spaces between words. ~ Earl Chinnici
This marks the second ‘Relaxed Friday’ we’ve hosted but unfortunately the first was apparently so relaxed, we failed to create a collaborative article. What can we say? Relax already. Don’t judge.
Here’s the scoop on #CleanWIP ‘Relaxed Fridays.’
NO THEME – We’re encouraging authors to take advantage of ‘Relaxed Fridays’ by sharing interesting lines without the usual concern of whether an excerpt matches our announced theme.
WIP OR PUBLISHED WORK – Since every published work was once a work-in-progress, we want to see the polished product—but only on Fridays because CleanPublishedWorks Magazine didn’t sound right to our ears.
PURCHASE LINKS WELCOME – Since we’re sharing lines from published works on Fridays, we want a quick way to purchase something that catches our attention.
#CleanWIP NOT REQUIRED – Say what?! – This isn’t a mistake—or at least we hope it isn’t. Authors who have joined us in the CleanWIP Facebook group can also share links on the Relaxed Friday thread there to other hashtag game posts as well as pretty much any fun sort of thing readers are sure to love.
RELAX – It’s nearly the weekend. Why stress?
Relaxed Fridays. There is no #CleanWIP theme on Fridays. Just use the hashtag to share INTERESTING teases from any WIP or PUBLISHED WORK (with link) you could confidently market as CLEAN. We’ll embed many in the magazine linking back to you. https://t.co/JB78lcFwxE#amreadingpic.twitter.com/PAuDkawQjw
It would be the last time that I would see #34 take the field for his beloved Black Knights. Standing at mid-field for the coin toss, with the chin strap hanging down, and shoulders squared, Rye personified the look of a stallion ready to race. #CleanWip#GrayHeron#Amazon
“Life is beautiful. Except for the spider I almost drank. That wasn’t beautiful. It probably didn’t think I was beautiful either, as I almost swallowed it whole, but then it shouldn’t have been sitting in my water cup.” – Letter from Vasilisa, #cleanWIP
#CleanWIP ~ “You must be out of your mind, Jenny. You think I should apologize after the way that country-clubbing jerk treated me? Whose side are you on anyway? I should have known you’d bring up my temper again.” pic.twitter.com/6J3jnAiCPB
They stood there, a somber, silent foursome. Levi thought about what a strange thing it was to just stand around in the dark, in the rain, waiting for a car that would most likely take him to his death, as though they were waiting for a ride to the airport. #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 18, 2019
Fun Granny Excerpt! By Jessica Marie Holt “Henry, listen. That is Samantha Cooper at the door. She needs our help because she’s having . . . lady-troubles. Would you mind very much making yourself scarce for a while?” Henry stared at her skeptically. “Lady-troubles?” “Yes. Very personal lady-troubles.” The doorbell rang again four times in a row. June jumped slightly. “Here, Henry,” she said, hurriedly shoving cookies into his hands. “Take these with you. Fresh out of the oven. You can eat them upstairs, In bed, if you want!” Henry’s eyes widened, and his brow furrowed. “I can eat them . . . in bed,” he said slowly. “Yes, yes! I’ll even let you read to me later from that book you like so much, and I won’t fall asleep this time,” she said. Henry stared at the cookies with a familiar gleam in his eye. “Lady troubles.” “Lots of lady-troubles,” said Ellie, nodding. Henry shook his head. “All right. But I’m keeping an eye on you two.” “Yes, Henry. You do that. But later.”
He sometimes imagined a new home, in a new place, where no trace of her existed, but it was useless. She floated in his shadow; she hovered at the edge of his consciousness; she inhabited his waking and sleeping dreams. –The Mission #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 11, 2019
“Well. I have something to discuss with you.” June was intrigued. She never knew where Ellie’s mind would go, but it was almost always somewhere interesting. “What is it?” “The pact.” Her eyes sparked. June set her coffee cup down firmly. #CleanWIPhttps://t.co/u99eP8DLuB
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 18, 2019
From a WIP by CleanWIP Magazine’s very own Earl Chinnici – ~ We didn’t set out to be heroes, but heroes we became. I’m sure you’ve seen our faces on billboards and subway walls. We’re uncanny symbols of America’s determination and resilience. Some people claim we’re not human; some claim we’re not real. We want you to know we are. We do have feelings. ~
I stepped onto a west-facing balcony and gazed over the three-walled city as the rising sun lit the snow-dusted farmland beyond the cliff’s shadow, then the outer wall. It would be hours before the cliff’s shadow allowed the sun’s warmth on this balcony. #CleanWIP
Liora bolted upright in bed, straining her ears. The room was pitch black, and Stanley snored nearby. If the fat cat was still asleep, then perhaps she’d imagined the noise. #CleanWIP
#CleanWIP My father-in-law’s small truck was running in the driveway. (a 5-speed). He glanced out the window and drawled, “There goes my little truck. Wonder how far it’ll go.” My husband looked out the window then went running after it.
Coldness embraced me as I shed my emotions and entered the realm of shadow-walking. The shed emotions glowed in rainbow lights—lights that only another in the shadow realm could see. #CleanWIP
The fire cracked and popped merrily. The dog snored gently. The paper felt smooth in his hand, and made a satisfying rustling sound when he turned each page. When he reached the sports section, he looked at his watch. Six o’clock. Right on schedule.–Arthur Flint Files #CleanWIP
— Jessica Marie Holt — Author (@Jessica06311722) October 11, 2019
