Organic Words

Practically the End of the Month Checklist

2012-01-25T08:49:00.000-08:00

Here's a list of books that I have scarfed down in this glorious month of January. The book titles in blue are half finished, the books in green have been read.


Eight Cousins, David Copperfield, Rose in Bloom, Northanger Abbey

Eight Cousins

David Copperfield(I'm slowly chugging along)
Rose in Bloom(I keep getting impatient and skipping a chapter or two at a time, so now I have to re-read it completely IN ORDER cover to cover. :) )

That's pretty much it. And from the looks of my list on Knights of the Writer's Table, I think I am way(way way way way way way way way way way) ahead of schedule for my reading list. So I will add more books! Last night I added Persuasion by Jane Austen and Northanger Abbey, also by Jane Austen.

Happy Writing(and Reading)!!!
~Claire

Poetry

2012-01-13T13:59:00.000-08:00

Here's a poem that got sent in by a friend of mine.

Sorrowful Eyes

The time I looked into his mourning eyes,
My soul cried out in unison with his.
I'm overwhelmed by a number of sighs,
There's no denying what already is.
Even I can hear his stomach rumble,
All of his wants and needs are very clear.
I don't think i could be that humble,
He lives e'vry single day in fear.
His mother passed away when he was young,
His father left just 'cause he's a drinker
He's never been very high up on the rung,
Only because he's not a fast thinker.
And the saddest part of all of these things
is that there are more searching for their wings.

Pretty cool! Tell her your thoughts in the comments!

~Claire

"These are the times that try men's souls...."

2012-01-11T14:52:00.001-08:00

I honestly haven't been writing a lot. I've had some ideas... you know.... little snippets that come to me when I'm zoning out, but nothing major. Nothing that is "KA-BOOM" worthy. Nothing that really sticks out. I have been doing a lot of reading. I've been catching up with Mrs. Jo and Mrs. Meg and Mr. Laurie and Mrs. Amy in Little Men and Jo's Boys. (Spoiler Alert) Both books are very sweet, though its a bit disappointing that Laurie and Amy get married instead of Jo and Laurie. (End Spoiler Alert) Anyway, I'll be posting my 'to read in the first 6 months of 2012' list over on Knights of the Writer's Table.

Happy Writing!
~Claire

Jokes are sometimes long and hard to comprehend...even for an author

2011-12-07T20:26:00.001-08:00

I was directed to this poem by a friend and after reading it I just had to share it with you. You'll understand the title of this post after you read it.......

English Pronunciation by G. Nolst Trenite
Dearest creature in creation,
Study English pronunciation.
I will teach you in my verse
Sounds like corpse, corps, horse, and worse.
I will keep you, Suzy, busy,
Make your head with heat grow dizzy.
Tear in eye, your dress will tear.
So shall I! Oh hear my prayer.
Just compare heart, beard, and heard,
Dies and diet, lord and word,
Sword and sward, retain and Britain.
(Mind the latter, how it’s written.)
Now I surely will not plague you
With such words as plaque and ague.
But be careful how you speak:
Say break and steak, but bleak and streak;
Cloven, oven, how and low,
Script, receipt, show, poem, and toe.
Hear me say, devoid of trickery,
Daughter, laughter, and Terpsichore,
Typhoid, measles, topsails, aisles,
Exiles, similes, and reviles;
Scholar, vicar, and cigar,
Solar, mica, war and far;
One, anemone, Balmoral,
Kitchen, lichen, laundry, laurel;
Gertrude, German, wind and mind,
Scene, Melpomene, mankind.
Billet does not rhyme with ballet,
Bouquet, wallet, mallet, chalet.
Blood and flood are not like food,
Nor is mould like should and would.
Viscous, viscount, load and broad,
Toward, to forward, to reward.
And your pronunciation’s OK
When you correctly say croquet,
Rounded, wounded, grieve and sieve,
Friend and fiend, alive and live.
Ivy, privy, famous; clamour
And enamour rhyme with hammer.
River, rival, tomb, bomb, comb,
Doll and roll and some and home.
Stranger does not rhyme with anger,
Neither does devour with clangour.
Souls but foul, haunt but aunt,
Font, front, wont, want, grand, and grant,
Shoes, goes, does. Now first say finger,
And then singer, ginger, linger,
Real, zeal, mauve, gauze, gouge and gauge,
Marriage, foliage, mirage, and age.
Query does not rhyme with very,
Nor does fury sound like bury.
Dost, lost, post and doth, cloth, loth.
Job, nob, bosom, transom, oath.
Though the differences seem little,
We say actual but victual.
Refer does not rhyme with deafer.
Foeffer does, and zephyr, heifer.
Mint, pint, senate and sedate;
Dull, bull, and George ate late.
Scenic, Arabic, Pacific,
Science, conscience, scientific.
Liberty, library, heave and heaven,
Rachel, ache, moustache, eleven.
We say hallowed, but allowed,
People, leopard, towed, but vowed.
Mark the differences, moreover,
Between mover, cover, clover;
Leeches, breeches, wise, precise,
Chalice, but police and lice;
Camel, constable, unstable,
Principle, disciple, label.
Petal, panel, and canal,
Wait, surprise, plait, promise, pal.
Worm and storm, chaise, chaos, chair,
Senator, spectator, mayor.
Tour, but our and succour, four.
Gas, alas, and Arkansas.
Sea, idea, Korea, area,
Psalm, Maria, but malaria.
Youth, south, southern, cleanse and clean.
Doctrine, turpentine, marine.
Compare alien with Italian,
Dandelion and battalion.
Sally with ally, yea, ye,
Eye, I, ay, aye, whey, and key.
Say aver, but ever, fever,
Neither, leisure, skein, deceiver.
Heron, granary, canary.
Crevice and device and aerie.
Face, but preface, not efface.
Phlegm, phlegmatic, ass, glass, bass.
Large, but target, gin, give, verging,
Ought, out, joust and scour, scourging.
Ear, but earn and wear and tear
Do not rhyme with here but ere.
Seven is right, but so is even,
Hyphen, roughen, nephew Stephen,
Monkey, donkey, Turk and jerk,
Ask, grasp, wasp, and cork and work.
Pronunciation (think of Psyche!)
Is a paling stout and spikey?
Won’t it make you lose your wits,
Writing groats and saying grits?
It’s a dark abyss or tunnel:
Strewn with stones, stowed, solace, gunwale,
Islington and Isle of Wight,
Housewife, verdict and indict.
Finally, which rhymes with enough,
Though, through, plough, or dough, or cough?
Hiccough has the sound of cup.
My advice is to give up!!!

Isn't it hilarious??? As I said in the title of this post.......some jokes are long and hard to comprehend... even for an author!!

Tell me what you think of this poem! Comment!!!

~Claire

Last Day of NaNoWriMo!

2011-11-30T14:10:00.001-08:00

Last Day of NaNoWriMo!!! I hope you had fun! I didn't do anything... so good job and congratulations to those that did. And if you did do NaNoWriMo...or even only just a little bit of it....you can send it in so everyone can read it and love it!!!! claire (dot) negus (at) gmail (dot) com I will only put it on the blog with your permission... please send it in!!!!!!!

~Claire

The Writer's Almanac

2011-11-30T10:16:00.001-08:00

I love to listen to the Writer's Almanac on NPR radio in the evenings. Here is the link to the website:
http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/
You can listen to the poem for the day, as well as search for and read previously featured poems.

I will post this link in the link section of the blog...

~Claire

Like the wind......

2011-11-24T19:25:00.001-08:00

(In the U.S.) Thanksgiving has come and gone again...the scrumptious food has been eaten and any leftovers have been packed safely away for lunch and dinner tomorrow. Its dark, and everyone is stuffed with turkey, potatoes, greens, stuffing and pumpkin pie....

Have a Happy Thanksgiving Week!

~Claire

Typing... Takes..... Forever.....

2011-11-22T19:47:00.001-08:00

Do you get tired of typing http://www.organicwords.blogspot.com (You shouldn't. It should be bookmarked. Or you should go on it so often that it pops up in the address bar drop down..... )? Anyway, whether you've bookmarked it or not, now you don't have to type so much to go to Organic Words! Thanks to Google's Shortening tool, you can shorten any long-winded URL into a few letters! The old link still works, as well as the new one! Here are the links to Organic Words and Knights of the Writers Table:

O.W. --

http://goo.gl/MfqRW

K. of the W. T. --
http://goo.gl/VLSYa

Also, here is the link for the URL Shortener:
http://goo.gl

Happy Writing!!
~Claire

Yikes!

2011-11-13T09:41:00.001-08:00

Wow. November 13th! NaNoWriMo just slapped me in the face and I'm afraid that I haven't done much of anything...at all. Literally. I have absolutely nothing for NaNoWriMo this year. Ziltch. Nada. Zero. Goose egg. 0......000000.....yup. So.......I was thinking I would do something in December. I have a lot ofshort stories that I are too short to be novels, and I have a lot of poems that have been banging around in my desk and on my dresser and in my bed and in my bedside pocket and on my floor(etc.) that I have been meaning to do put in one big giant colossal book.And so I am thinking about doing that instead of NaNoWriMo. I'll call it operation OrWoGiSmItToMo. That stands for Organic Words' Giant Smush It Together Month. The only twist is that you can do it when ever you want. And just like NaNoWriMo you don't have to do it. Because I know not all of you are like me. Anyway. Have a great November, and keep writing!
~Claire

Sorry this was so short, but I really haven't done anything for NaNoWriMo this year! I feel terrible!!!!!!!!

NaNoWriMo is here!!!

2011-11-02T14:08:00.001-07:00

NaNoWriMo is here! Have you started writing yet? Its day two already!

I will post the weekly pep talks that I receive so that everyone here gets a taste of NaNoWriMo peppiness and joy.

~Claire

Update: YWP Nanowrimo has a 'dare machine'. Here's one dare that caught my eye...

We dare you to make your main character a sleep walker. Bonus points if this becomes a major plot point.

Keep on writing! (All NaNoWriMo links are posted in the link section of this blog)

~~Claire

Poem from Shel Silverstein!

2011-11-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

Maybe you've heard of Shel Silverstein? Well, I recently heard this poem and wanted to share it with you all!

Clarence Lee from Tennessee
_________________________________

Clarence lee from Tennessee

Loved the commercials he saw on TV.

He watched with wide believing eyes

And bought everything they advertised-

Cream to make his skin feel better,

Spray to make his hair look wetter,

Bleach to make his white things whiter,

Stylish jeans that fit much tighter.

Toothpaste for his cavities,

Powder for his doggie's fleas,

Purple mouthwash for his breath,

Deodorant to stop his sweat.

He bought each cereal they presented,

Bought each game that they invented.

Then one day he looked and saw

"A brand-new Maw, and better Paw!

New improved in every way-

Hurry order yours today!"

So, of course, our little Clarence

Sent off for two brand-new parents.

The new ones came in the morning mail,

The old ones were sold at a garage sale.

And now they all are doing fine:

His new folks treat him sweet and kind,

His old ones work at an old coal mine.

So if your Maw and Paw are mean

And make you eat your lima-beans

And make you wash and make you wait

And never let you stay up late

And scream and scold and preach and pout,

That simply means they're wearing out.

So send off for two brand new parents

And you'll be as happy as little Clarence.

~Claire

The Complete Adventure of Evelyn Frances Sympa

2011-10-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

So my short story that I posted a draft of earlier still has no title, but I have finished it, and here it is, presented to you....
(from start to finish)

(No title)

"It’s time for you to grow up!” was the last words spoken toher by her mother. Her mother and father were sending her off to boardingschool while her father was gone in England for training. She didn't want togo, France was a long way off from California, and she certainly did not want togo to for two whole years.

Evelyn didn't need tobe told that she was a problem child; she did what she did on purpose. Beingsecond of five kids...well, you don't get much attention. So when Evelyn feltneglected, out came her 'dark side'. After the news came that her fatherwas going to be sent to England for training, her mother sent away any troublemakers that would make the next two years difficult. And that meant Evelyn.
The argument had started with an "I don't want to."Voices were raised on both sides of the argument, but in the end, the parentalways wins. A taxi came to picked her up the next day. A plane took her toParis, and then a bus took her and the other five girls to Madame Belle'sSchool for Girls. The ride was an hour long, but finally the girls arrived.

As the bus drove up to the frontgates of the school, Evelyn could tell she wouldn't like it. The large brickbuilding was surrounded by tall trees, casting dark shadows on the front of theschool. There was a narrow path leading up to the door, but it was too narrowfor the bus, so the driver stopped and Evelyn and the other 5 girls warily gotout. There were four floors visible from the outside, each with five windows.All the windows were shut. The white curtains did not rustle or move as the busdriver honked and drove away. The recent snow covered the ground, the trees,and the roof. There were no flower boxes in the window sills as at home, norwas there a sun in the sky to warm Evelyn's face and give her hope.

As thegirls walked up a well-worn path to the door, the gloom became darker and moreominous. They hurried up and pulled the bell. It took around two minutes, butthe door was opened and they were let inside to a sort of mud room. There wereno lights on, but there was a window, so with the little light from theoutside, they could see faintly where everything was. A large brown sofa was placed underneath thewindow; three girls seated themselves there, exhausted from their daystravelling. There were two large arm chairs and a stool across from the sofa.It was quiet. Next to the sofa, there was a large bookshelf, which contained 23hats and pairs of galoshes. Next to the bookcase were two hooks, screwed intothe wall, where two dark overcoats were hung. A door at the end of the roomopened. A tall woman with a wrinkled, but stern face walked slowly in. Shewalked slowly mostly because her emerald green dress was very tight andcumbersome. When she reached the girls near the end of the hall, they all stoodup and curtsied. “Hmm. Yes, it will have to do. My name is Madame Belle. Welcome to my school. How do you do?” She had aheavy French accent. The girls mumbled something about “Fine thank you,yourself?” Madame Belle frowned. “We will have to work on your speaking. Miss Charlotte will take you to your rooms.Unpack quickly, then please come downstairs with the other girls for tea time.”Madame Belle turned and walked away, ringing a bell when she left the room.Moments later a maid came through the door. She wore a plain blue dress, whichwas covered almost completely by a large white apron. She smiled and said politely, “Oh my dears!How nice to see you! My name is Miss Charlotte; you can call me Miss Lottiewhen Madame Belle isn’t around. I’ll show you to your rooms.” And she bustled around,picking up a few bags of theirs and then bustling right out of the room. Evelynlooked around the room at the other girls, shrugged and followed the littlewoman. The room outside the mud room wasnot large, but the girls barely had time to look about. Miss Lottie was alreadyhalf way up a stair case calling out, “Come girls! Tea time is in fiveminutes!” The girls hurried up the stairs and followed closely behind MissLottie. When they had climbed one set of stairs, Miss Lottie stopped, opened adoor and led them into a room with yellow walls, one window looking out ontothe front of the lawn, two small white beds, two white chests with drawers andan overhead lamp. “You two little ones, what are your names?” The two smallestgirls in their group- they could not have been older than 8- said, “Mary,miss.” And “Molly, miss.” “What sweet names!” cried Miss Lottie, “Mary andMolly, you shall have this room here. When the tea bell rings, come down thosestairs and wait at the base in line with the others. “Yes, ma’am.”, theyresponded in unison. Then down a hall, up another flight of stairs, one moreroom with yellow walls, white furniture, looking out towards the back lawn thistime. Two more girls, Janette and Rachel. Then up one last flight of stairs,down one last hall and Miss Lottie stopped in front of one last white door andsaid, “Miss Evelyn, Miss Nicolette, this is your room. When the tea bell rings,go down and stand in line with the eldest girls. Have a wonderful time here!”And Miss Lottie practically ran down all three flights of stairs.

Teatime was really just another name for ‘Table Manners Class’. After tea wasMathematics, Poise, Silent Reading and finally dinner. Dinner was absolutelysilent. Madame Belle sat at the head of the table, quietly eating her dinnerand occasionally correcting people’s posture. Miss Lottie ran in and out,serving food and cleaning off the table. Directly after dinner was bedtime.Evelyn had barely had time to meet people and familiarize herself with herclasses and new home. She was thrustright into a new life with no introduction at all. That night, after the househad been still and quiet for a very long time, Evelyn whispered into the dark,“Nicolette, are you awake?” There was a rustle of the sheets in the bed next toher and their came a quiet, “Yes.”

“I don’t like it here.” Evelyn said.

“Neither do I.” whispered Nicolette.

“I don’t like Madame Belle, she’s too tall and she isn’treally what I would call a fun teacher. She’s very strict.”

“I agree. Let’s call her ‘The Giant’. You know, just when noone else is around.”

“Yes, lets. And Miss Lottie will be just plain Lottie; Idon’t like to say ‘Miss’, or ‘Madame’ for that matter.”

“Yes, I agree. Evelyn, where are you from?”

“California. What about you?”

“Lamballe. It’s about 4 hours from here.”

“Really? You speak English very well. Is it pretty there?”

“Oh yes, it’s beautiful! What about California? Is itbeautiful?”

The two girls talked through most of the night. When theywoke up the next morning the smiled to each other and went through the day witha new outlook on their situation.

About amonth into Evelyn’s long, two year stay, she began to notice a silence, onethat isn’t physical, but affected her just the same. Evelyn had sent 4 letters hometo her mother and father. None of them had been answered. This worried Evelyn,maybe her mother was still angry about Evelyn leaving without saying goodbye ormaking up after their fight? Ring! Ring!Ring! The bells for song and music. Letters would have to wait.

Songwas not Evelyn’s strongpoint. Piano was not her favorite instrument. As aresult, she normally had a miserable time. But for some reason today was moremiserable than others. Achuu! “MissEvelyn, if you must utter a sound do it quietly, s’il vous plait. There are people trying to practice theirinstruments. “, said Miss Ariettle, their music teacher.

“I’m sorry ma’am, butI can’t help it today. I feel quite dizzy.”, Evelyn replied.

“Yes. I see.Nicolette, will you please take Miss Evelyn to her bed chamber and then alertMadame Belle of the girl’s illness? I am afraid I cannot do much for her.”Nicolette curtsied, “Yes ma’am. Come on Ev, I’ll take you to our room.” AndNicolette escorted Evelyn down the hall and up the stairs to their room.

“Are you feeling okay?” Nicolette asked.

Evelyn nodded. “Yes, just really dizzy. I think I might justhave a cold, but it’s got to be a serious cold.”

“Are you kidding? It’s got to be more than a cold. Here weare, you lay down, and I’ll go see if the Giant will do anything about your‘cold’.”

As it turned out, the ‘Giant’didn’t really do much about Evelyn’s illness. “Yes, I suppose we ought to calla doctor. Miss Charlotte! Miss Charlotte!!” Miss Lottie ran in and stood erectby Madame Belle’s side. “Miss Charlotte, call a doctor first thing tomorrowmorning. For now, you will tend to this girl and make sure she does not getvery sick. If anyone else catches her illness, move them in here as well. MissJolie.” She said, turning to Nicolette. “Yes Madame Belle.” Nicolette stood upas straight as she could. “You will pack your things and move into Miss Kreagerand Miss Imeshe’s room. Do so quickly.” “Yes Madame Belle” Nicolette curtsiedand began to move about the room, silently putting her things into the largesuitcase they were in when she came. “That is all. Miss Sympa, I require that you stay to your room” Evelynnodded drearily. Madame Belle continued, “Miss Charlotte, you are to stay withher. Miss Ariettle, please return to your class.” And with that, Madame Belleturned and walked out of the room.

Achuu! Achuu! “Miss Evelyn, you poorsoul, would you like some soup?” “Yes please Miss --cough cough-- Lottie.” Her voice came out dry, cracked andstrained. Miss Lottie had been taking care of Evelyn for almost a week now, andonly one girl, Molly, had also caught her sickness. The doctor had diagnosed theillness as a fever, a slight case of stomach flu, and (in Evelyn’s case)clogged sinuses. Being sick, Evelyn and Molly got boatloads of attention, butit wasn’t like the attention you get at home. This attention made Evelyn misshome. If she was ever sick, she would be taken care of by her mother, who wouldtake leave from work for almost a week just to make sure that she got better assoon as possible. Here, the care was given so that she could return to herstudies.

When Miss Lottie returned withEvelyn’s soup she said, “Miss Molly is there anything you would like to drinkor eat?” Molly shook her head and said, “Ma’am, would you happen to have aletter, from my mum? I sent her one just a week ago, and I haven’t gotten areply.” “Me too.” said Evelyn, leaning forward. Miss Lottie shook her head.“I’m sorry Misses; the mail doesn’t come until Thursday, remember?” “Okayma’am. Thank you ma’am.”, said Molly. Evelyn just lay back quietly on herpillows. Miss Lottie smiled and left the room. Thursday, thought Evelyn.

Thursday was an eternity away forthe two girls, each day they wondered if the clock on the chest of drawerscould go any slower. But finallyThursday came and they both rejoiced when they each got a bundle of lettersfrom home. Evelyn joyfully read through letter after letter. Apparently a stormin North Carolina delayed the mail for a while, and of course Columbus Day wasa federal holiday, so the mail didn’t get shipped until recently.

Pure joy filled Evelyn as she readeach and every word. Her mother had responded saying that her father was goingto be coming home early….maybe a year early. So Evelyn could come home then aswell. Evelyn rested the letter in her lap. Home. She wondered what had changedsince she had been home last. Would her siblings be taller? Stronger? Whatchores did they all have when she was gone? She hoped that someone had rememberedto water the tomatoes. For the firsttime in a very long while, Evelyn felt like nothing could go wrong in theworld. Everything was perfect.

Do ya like it??? Please tell me!!!

~Claire

Just a wrandom idea

2011-10-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

Like my word up there? Writing and Random put together.....wrandom.

Wrandom
Definition: a random writing idea.
Pronounced: random

See! I even have a logo that looks sort of like Merriam Websters! :)

Anyway, I have a feeling that I might post something soon...maybe the rest of my short story? And possibly a short story in poem form?(I've always wanted to try that.)..........

Keep writing!

~Claire

Written anything lately? And a note about Turkeys.

2011-10-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

A few notes before we dive into the pleasures of writing.

NaNoWriMo!!!!!!!!! That's right people! Its coming up soon... how many of you are counting down the days?
Thanksgiving Free-write...yes, we normally do holiday free-writes, so get your turkey caps on!

Anyway, about our writing....

I did a Friday Freewrite today for my writing class. You are welcome to do it as well. The 3 words are Clouds Piano Mirror I had a lot of fun with this one.

(This story is not related to the previous story I posted. Thank you for your comments on that.)

"Beep-Beep-Beep!" 6:00am. Time to get up. Michelle swung her feet over the side of her bed and directly into a waiting pair of slippers. Walking sleepily over to the window in her nightgown, she sighed, not fully ready for the busy day ahead. She pulled open the curtains. The clouds hadn't parted yet. It was going to be cold today. Michelle shuffeled to her bureau and picked up her list of things to do. She read to herself, "1.Walk around block.2.Work from 7:45 until 12. 3.Walk around block again. 4. Work from 1 until 6:00. 5. Have dinner. 6.Go to 8pm piano concert with Hannah and Noel. 7.Bed." She placed the list back on the bureau and stared at herself in the mirror. Her hair was a mess, her nightgown was rumpled and her eyes still looked sleepy and tired. Nevertheless, the day must go on!---or whatever that saying was... Within ten minutes, Michelle was showered, combed and dressed, ready for a brisk morning walk around the block. After one last confident look in the mirror, Michelle turned to go and begin her day.

So, as usual, comment! Tell me what you think! I do a lot of Friday free-writes, so I am open to tips,comments,concerns and questions!

Happy Writing, don't forget about NaNoWriMo!!!!!!!!!

~Claire

Short Story Draft 1

2011-10-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

In my Literature/Writing class we are required to do some assignment of sorts at the end of the month. This month the assignment was to write a short story. So I thought I'd share my first draft with you. Its not completely finished, but here's what I've got so far:

(No title)

   "Its time for you to grow up!", were the last words spoken to her by her mother. Her mother and father were sending her off to boarding school while her father was gone in England for training. She didn't want to go, France was a long way off from California, and she certainly did not want to go to for two whole years.
   Evelyn didn't need to be told that she was a problem child, she did what she did on purpose. Being second of five kids...well, you don't get much attention. So when Evelyn felt neglected, out came her 'dark side'. After the news came that her father was going to be sent to England for training, her mother sent away any trouble makers that would make the next two years difficult. And that meant Evelyn.
   The argument had started with an "I don't want to." Voices were raised on both sides of the argument, but in the end, the parent always wins. A taxi came to picked her up the next day. A plane took her to Paris, then a bus took her and the other five girls to Madame Belle's School for Girls. The ride was an hour long, but finally the girls arrived.
   As the bus drove up to the front gates of the school, Evelyn could tell she wouldn't like it. The large brick building was surrounded by tall trees, casting dark shadows on the front of the school. There was a narrow path leading up to the door, but it was too narrow for the bus, so the driver stopped and Evelyn and the other 5 girls warily got out. There were four floors visible from the outside, each with five windows. All the windows were shut. The white curtains did not rustle or move as the bus driver honked and drove away. The recent snow covered the ground, the trees, and the roof. There were no flower boxes in the window sills as at home, nor was there a sun in the sky to warm Evelyn's face and give her hope.

Hope you like it!
~Claire

School, Poems, and 'Such'.

2011-09-25T13:22:00.001-07:00

So, how is everyone????? I'm sure everyone has started school by now, so have a great academic year! I just wanted to post a few things...poems and such.

I thought cobwebs would be a fitting photo.

First up, I will be editing Knights of the Writer's Table and Organic Words...giving them a makeover of sorts. I have whole tabs that need updating.
Secondly, I have a poem or two that I would like to share.
Lastly, with regard to the various spam comments, if you don't have something related to the blog or writing/reading(i.e. stocks, random letters) please, please, please don't comment. Especially if I don't know you. This blog is a place for young people to discuss each others writing, not read spam comments about stocks.

Here is a poem I wrote just this past month, when I was inspired by a letter given to me by a friend. It mentioned 'English tea' and 'California rain'. And so was born........ Its Not Easy Being Queen.

She really needed a vacation
A short trip to calm her nerves
So she traveled far to Cali
And sat there munching on h'orderves.
The rain was running down the glass
But with her tea to keep her snug
She walked about the room in thought
Her slippers padding on the rug.
Rain soothed her aching brain and eyes
And now resting down to heal her head
She fell asleep to rain and tea
All curled up in her queenly bed.

I have a book I'm working on, but its gonna stay secret for now. Which reminds me........
Don't forget! NaNoWriMo is coming up pretty soon! Get your thinking caps on!

~Claire

One entry from Random Freewrite

2011-09-11T15:48:00.001-07:00

A close friend of mine, Justin Thyme, was kind enough send in his take on the "Random Freewrite" post! I've highlighted the words that were required for the free-write. Here is his short story.

The once was a boy named Roy. Roy was a boy of 13 and loved swimming in the ocean. He once saw a clown-fish and today he was hoping to see some more. He swam out past the waves and began his decent. He was chasing a fish when he had to go up for air. He went up to the surface, took a couple of gasps, and eager to dive back down, and plunged below the surface again. Immediately he was hit with shock. A 20 foot great-white shark was swimming leisurely below him in the lime green water. He was amazed and frightened by the sheer size of the beast. He swam slowly toward the shore slowly very aware of the giant slowly swimming in his direction. Now Roy had seen his fair share of shark films and had never been scared of them until now. He knew from watching documentaries that the shark could swim much faster than him and that it would be better not to get it excited. He was now nearing the waves and the shark did not seem to want Roy there so it sped up, and as it did, Roy did, too. He quickly caught a wave and body boarded into shallower water. Once he was on shore, he saw the massive shark in a wave about to break, and knew he would never forget that day.

I think its pretty good! Rate it! Comment! Give him tips! Send in YOUR work!

~Claire

Forrest D. Hampton---back from the dead.

2011-09-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

Mr. Hampton decided to pay me a little visit today...He wasn't happy with the amount of readers or the amount of posts on the blog. So he brought out his ink well and pen and scratched up another Fate Series Short. Here it is now, presented to you in high definition.

Fate series #3
It was a bright, sunny Saturday afternoon at the salon. Miss Hasworth was planning on having her hair nicely done after weeding in the garden and washing the dishes in her million dollar Spanish villa. She went into the salon, said hi to old Mrs. Jonathan , who got her hair done every 3 days, and shook hands with the lady who would be doing her hair this afternoon. She had just picked up a magazine out of the basket on the table and had started reading when she heard an “Oh!” and a loud THUMP. She quickly turned around and saw the hair stylist slumped against the glass of the window. “Oh my goodness!!” she yelled and bolted up out her chair with the curlers still in place. She bent down quickly to look to see to see if the lady was okay when old Mrs. Jonathan said, “Oh settle down , she probably only saw a piece of dirt in your hair!" And old Mrs. Jonathan went back to her book.

Once again, a funny classic generously donated by Forest D. Hampton. Rate it! Comment! Send in your funny short stories (and your long ones) to claire.negus@gmail.com.

Random Freewrite

2011-08-30T12:41:00.001-07:00

Today I am posting a random free-write 'assignment'. In your free write(which can be super long or super short or medium length) you must include the words

Clown

Lime-Green

Great-White Shark

Have fun! Send in your free-writes to have them posted for the world to see! You may just have a short(or medium or long) story winner!

~Claire

This is just a quote that has been floating around....

2011-08-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

I recently watched Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers. One of my favorite quotes is this:

Frodo:I can't do this, Sam.
Sam:I know. It's all wrong. By rights we shouldn't even be here. But we are. It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.
Frodo:What are we holding onto, Sam?
Sam:That there's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo... and it's worth fighting for.

Another favorite is this:

Sam:I wonder if we'll ever be put into songs or tales.
Frodo: What?
Sam: I wonder if people will ever say, 'Let's hear about Frodo and the Ring.' And they'll say 'Yes, that's one of my favorite stories. Frodo was really courageous, wasn't he, Dad?' 'Yes, my boy, the most famousest of hobbits. And that's saying a lot.'
Frodo: You've left out one of the chief characters - Samwise the Brave. I want to hear more about Sam.
Frodo:Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam.
Sam:Now Mr. Frodo, you shouldn't make fun; I was being serious.
Frodo:So was I.
Sam:Samwise the Brave...

Just a little thing I thought I would share.....

Have a good rest of the summer and a great school year!!!!!

Claire

Chirp Chirp

2011-06-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder. The idea corner and the Recently Read Recommendations are open for ideas. Send your ideas for stories, poems, and other written work to me ( claire.negus@gmail.com ) and I will post it! Also, send me the titles of your favorite books and they will get posted in the RRR!

Don't hesitate to share your creative ideas with the world! You might just have a winning idea!

Long Post Part Two -- What we should strive for as authors and poets

2011-06-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the title to this post could not have been any cheesier. But its true. This post is about what we authors(and poets) should try to achieve in our writing.

First I'm gonna just make a list....

Think of a really good book or poem. What about it was so great? What about it made you think of it? Now take those answers and plug them into your work. For example, I really like the Sisters Grimm books. I like them because they are descriptive. Therefore, I would want to be descriptive in my writing. Or in the case of a poem- I like Shakespeare's sonnets and other poetry. I like the drama and feeling that goes into the poem. So, in my poetry, I would want to be dramatic and emotional.(I'm still trying to achieve this goal :) ) Get the idea?

Now. Think of that warm fuzzy feeling we discussed in Part one of this long post. Now, try to create that feeling of action and suspense. Write a web and sit there and wait until the unsuspecting fly(the reader) falls into your trap. ( Sorry, I've been reading Charlotte's Web to my younger siblings. Its a great book. 5 stars all around) Its up to you to create that feeling for your work to be successful.

One last note. Make your work something people can relate to. This makes it easier for them to recieve that warm fuzzy feeling. Don't make your book absolutely outlandish. Keep at least one small portion of it close to home. Keep a little bit of this wonderful planet in there, even if your book takes place on Jupiter. Keep them tied to one last thread or else the book is too fictional to be interesting(In my opinion anyway.) .

I hoped some of this helped. I just had a great idea for something awesome here on the blog, but I'm not quite finished with any of that yet. I'll keep posting Parts throughout this upcoming week, and then I'll go silent for a while because I'll be away at camp. Though I may enlist the help of another book lover whose mom is an author to keep this place tidy while I'm gone.

~Claire

Something that is very important to me--Long Post Part 1

2011-06-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

Part 1--This part is fairly short. I will post the other parts later and then post them all in one huge master post.

When I read a book, I want the author to make it easy for my mind to see each and every character. I want to see the grass. I want to smell the flowers. A good author can make the book so descriptive, you can relate to the situation and you can ( not physically ) feel the grass and smell the flowers. When I finish a book, I want to feel like I have just experienced everything that the characters have. And when I read a REALLY good book, I get a feeling like I want to be one of the characters. For example, when I finished reading the Mysterious Benedict Society, I found myself wishing I could be one of them or even have my own little group who goes on such mysterious adventures. I don't know about you, but I know a great book when I put it down with a warm fuzzy feeling. I know its a great book when I think to myself, Boy, it would have been so cool if I did all of that. or Wow! I could really see everything they did! or when I pick up the phone, dial my friend's number and say You have to read this book! or if they've already read it we go on talking about for a while. That's when you know its a good book.

~Claire

I plan to post more later, but that was your 'appetizer'.

Please Hold

2011-06-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted in a while, but I'm getting ready for a nice long post....Please hold!

~Claire

Poems from Poetry Month

2011-05-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

Hey all...

So as you probably remember me reminding you, April is poetry month. And I have some poems to share. Unfortunately I wrote them all, which means none of you have been writing poems and sending them in. Humph. But, I will share my poems and then we will take care of the other problem okay?

First up is a poem I wrote about a boat.....Actually, my family's boat.

The Contessa Teresa

The dearest Contessa,
Her sails white as snow,
At tnight the mast laight
Sets the whole boat a-glow.
Proudly she sits,
Her master's great joy,
She glides with ease on the water-
The waves are her toy.
And adventure she's seen
A cry of joy she has heard
Her color is white
Like a great sea bird
When she sails she is swift,
With bubbles behind,
Her sides are a smooth
As a watermelon rind.
A joy is this ship
Let's put up a cry!
For the great boat Contessa
And her sails as they fly.

I thought it was pretty good.... I've been trying to get into writing sonnets and I came up with a couple. Here's one....

Untitled

Over mounts
And through the towns
A group of counts
With lovely crowns
With worried faces
Riding fast
And going places
Where the thief has passed
They race to follow
The terrible theif
And they find with a swallow
He's been dashed on a reef
So the thief's now dead
And the water's turning red. (ALT. ending: With coral in his head)

I need to work on those last two lines a bit more, they always stump me.... To find theform of a sonnet, I did a post on sonnets a while back. The link is here. Shakespeare is known for his great sonnets, which he used in his numerous plays. I hope you send in poems even though it isn't poetry month, and stories and other literary work as well! I will be out from this Friday until the 17th, but please still write!

~Claire

April 1st marks the beginning of a very busy month...

2011-04-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

In addition to today being April Fool's Day, April 1st also marks the start of Script Frenzy and Poetry Month. All month long people will be writing scripts and/or poems. Poetry month has found a special place here and I hope to keep it that way. So if you would like to send in any poetry or any script ideas or anything at all, please email me. And, though it is National Poetry Month, there is no 'NaPoWriMo' website.

Claire

New post coming up soon!-UPDATED WITH POEM

2011-03-24T11:51:00.001-07:00

-My friend Jenna wrote an awesome poem about fishing! Stay tuned to read it!-

Here is the poem my friend Jenna(14) wrote about fishing. I think its great! Share your thoughts!

My Ode to Fishing

By Jenna

Wherever I am,

As long as I’m out,

Over the blue waters I go

To catch some trout.

But never after a full moon.

That’s when they have their feasts.

With the moonlight shining over the water,

They eat floating bugs like beasts.

As I look on I see the lake

And realize there’s nothing bluer.

So with a deep breath I prepare my line

And tie on my shiny lure.

I don’t know why

But it’s such a blast.

I start feeling excitement

Every time I cast.

My line is ready

And soon in the water.

The sun’s beating down from the clear blue sky.

It’s getting hotter and hotter!

Waiting and waiting

I try to be patient.

But I’ve been here so long

I feel like I’m ancient!

“Why aren’t the fish biting today?

Should I get new bait and tackle?”

Then all of a sudden I feel a yank!

Excited I yell, “Holy Mackerel!”

I reel in quickly

With all my might!

But this little dude

Can sure put up a fight!

A couple reels later

I manage to pull that sucker ashore.

After seeing how fun catching him was,

I want to catch some more!

But that was earlier on.

It’s nearly dusk now, I have to go.

I give one last look at the shimmering water.

The sunset seems to have a farewell glow.

How fun fishing was today!

I hope to come back very soon!

But of course, like I’ve said before,

NEVER EVER after a full moon.

So good luck to you

And may your life never be dull!

I hope your bait jar is always empty

And your ice chest always full!

Also, if you know of any upcoming or current writing contests, Jenna would like to know of them. Email me a link to the contest and I will pass it on. Thanks everyone!

Claire

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

2011-03-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

Today is Dr. Seuss' birthday! And I must tell you I LOVE Dr. Seuss. Dr. Seuss amazes me. I never really learned to draw(I still can't) and his drawings are so simple and yet so loved! His stories are funny and the colors are vibrant and it is pretty much impossible not to like a great author such as he.

Grammar

2011-03-01T12:35:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, I've never really liked grammar. But, to publish a book, it has to be grammatically correct, so authors might as well learn about it.

In our house, we have a really useful book. It's not the dictionary. No, it's called "Woe is I" This book is all about grammar. But it's a cool grammar book. It's not a pressuring 500 page book that demands that every one memorize the 'who-whom' rule or the apostrophe rule. This book is a must have. A grammar made easy book.. A sweet smelling grammar tutor who bring sticky buns for when you do well....It's amazing. Just plain old amazing.

Another great grammar tool is a site called 'ChompChomp Grammar Bytes" This site creatively teaches grammar rules. Teachers, this is a must go to site. Print outs, electronic lessons, presentations, and soon grammar merchandise. A grammar teachers heaven. Grammar teachers: your site awaits....http://chompchomp.com

Have fun! And remember--Grammar is your friend!

Claire

Lovely Stationary

2011-03-01T11:21:00.000-08:00

As a writer I also have a passion for writing letters. So you can imagine my joy when I found this site, Lovely Stationary(Thanks to How About Orange) Apparently Lovely Stationary came from a company called Lovely Package which designs all sorts of things from wine bottle labels to the covers of shoe boxes. Lovely Stationary
(the branch out) has every thing from envelopes to business cards. I am jumping with joy at this site! These cards and envelopes are super cute!

Simply adorable!

Until next time,Sincerely Claire

Quotes and an upcoming Birthday!

2011-02-28T12:58:00.000-08:00

I have some quotes I want to share with you....And a reminder!

First--the quotes. These vary from Abe Lincoln to Vicki Baum(someone I have never heard of before) to Dr. Seuss. Without further ado.....Quality Quotes!

"There are shortcuts to happiness and dancing is one of them."-Vicki Baum

"Watch your thoughts; they became your words. Watch your words; they become your actions. Watch your actions; they become your habits. Watch your habits; they become your character. Watch your character; they become your destiny." — Frank Outlaw

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
— Dr. Seuss
"A room without books is like a body without a soul."

— Marcus Tullius Cicero"

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."
— Oscar Wilde

"Whatever you are, be a good one."
— Abraham Lincoln

Are you wondering where I got all these amazing quotes? From an awesome site my cousin introduced me to called Goodreads. Goodreads is free, and recommends books just like Netflix recommends movies! They have quotes, books, reviews and so much more! Check it out!

Also, Dr. Seuss' birthday is on March 2, so mark your calenders!

Claire

For all those artists out there....

2011-02-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

Hello! For all of you who love to draw, whether it be online or on paper, here is a cool website to go draw at!

http://sketch.odopod.com/

Have fun! See you there!

Claire

Some Scenery and A Valentine's Day Poem

2011-02-14T09:28:00.000-08:00

Fist, the scenery. I took this passage out of G. K. Chesterton's The Father Brown Mysteries. Father Brown in a Roman Catholic priest who has a knack for turning up where ever a crime has been committed. He eventually solves the crime and the bad guy is taken to jail. Anyway, back on topic. Scenery. This particular passage was taken from 'THE SIGN OF THE BROKEN SWORD'. Here is some very descriptive writing:

The thousand arms of the forest were grey, and its million fingers silver.

Isn't that beautiful? I can clearly imagine a frost covered forest, even though I live where it never snows.

Now for the Valentine's Day Poem...Its actually a poem I wrote a couple years ago and posted it , but I thought we could dig it up and re-post it.

Half your heart's with me,
Half my heart's with you,
We'll always be good friends,
Through and through and through,
Don't worry with your troubles,
For I am at your side,
I'll help you to the end,
Best friends are you and I.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!!!!!!!

Claire

A huge apology and Time is UP!

2011-01-05T07:18:00.000-08:00

First and foremost, I owe an apology to Clare who I told that her poem would be posted on the 3rd, which is now being posted on the 5th. I am very sorry.
Second. Time is up for Christmas Let's Write entries! Keep sending them in and I will add them to this post. But for now the only entry so far is Clare. I was not really inspired this year. But I'll make up for it...

Here is Clare's poem. Rate it! Comment! Please, if you have any tips, put them in a comment, refraining from profanity. Thank you.

No More Snow

’Twas was a many Christmases

Where snow blanketed the ground

Sparkling, shining, a white wonderland

Bright-faced children dashed out to play

Snow angels, snowmen, snow ball fights!

Sledding, skiing, ice skating!
What a delight,

The icy world!

Now as it is nearing

The holiday time,

The air is still warm,

Holding a summer tinge

Alas! Where is the snow?

The wonderful, freezing, icy snow?

The sun is shining bright,

Not a cloud in the sky

It has not snowed yet!

What a disaster!

No more white Christmases,

No more snowy delights

Of Snow angels, snowmen, snow ball fights!

Sledding, skiing, ice skating!

Woe to us!

Snow.

Very vivid for me. And that is saying a lot. Where I live, we don't get snow, so for me to be able to picture this in my head really goes to show how descriptive that poem is. A round of applause for Clare! (*clap clap clap clap clap clap*)

Once again, if you have any comments, concerns, questions, complaints or any other forms of commentary, please comment below, and remember to do it nicely. Thank you.

~Claire

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T00:41:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I just wanted to remind you that it is now January in the year 2011. And your Let's Write (Christmas) are due by Monday.

Happy New Year!

Claire

Blogger alert!

2010-12-24T07:11:00.000-08:00

Blogger has sent me emails saying that I need to 'frequently update my blog'. To show blogger that this is not just a ghost town of a blog, please comment more frequently! I do not want to loose this blog!

Notice

2010-12-19T15:57:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,
I have been receiving spam emails that advertise businesses that small blog owners might be attracted to. Please do not use my email to advertise your business. If you are a reader who is looking to advertise your business by emailing random people, please do not use my email. It is for those who want to contribute stories, poems, etc. to this blog.
Thank You.

On a happier note.....

Six days until Christmas! That also means 15 days until the Christmas Let's Write is due! See more here.

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! And thanks to all those who do NOT use my email as a means of self gain!

Claire.

Christmas season!

2010-12-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! I have a couple things I want to share:

1. We are going to have a Let's Write for Christmas break. Write about Christmas! Anything you want!
2. Christmas is the season for giving. So give Organic Words your stories or poems! (send them to me---- claire.negus@gmail.com -----)

Here is a poem.......

Twas the season of Christmas,
When all on the web,
Authors were stiring,
And banging their head,
To find a good rhyme,
To spread Christmas cheer,
To ones far away,
And to ones very near.

Merry Christmas! Deadline for the Let's Write is January 3......Email me a fake, real, or half true Christmas story or poem and I will post it ASAP GO NOW!

A Poem on the Review Page. Go get it!

2010-11-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

I am putting up,(have already put up, am going to put up etc.), another poem on the Reviews page, which you will find is located over in <- that direction, on the sidebar somewhere. It is called

The Dilettante.
Guess what???!!! ITS DEFINITION TIME! (Everyone say, "YYYAAAAYYYY")

As usual, this week's definition is provided by Merriam Webster Online.

Dilettante

\ˈdi-lə-ˌtänt

Definition of DILETTANTE

: an admirer or lover of the arts

: a person having a superficial interest in an art or a branch of knowledge : dabbler

Thank you Merriam Webster. So, a Dilettante is someone who loves the arts. Which means they love music and art and singing, and doing plays, and dancing, and reading etc. The poem on the reviews page is about a dilettante and what he does. {Note: There is another poem below The Dilettante which I posted a while ago. Since you can't have post per say on that kind of page, it makes it difficult to know where you start and where you end. Please bear with me.}

~Claire

Video; Inner Editor

2010-11-09T08:55:00.000-08:00

Go watch this video on ignoring your editor while you write. When you ignore your editor inside of you, it saves valuable time.

http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3874090

See you later!

My NaNo stats.

2010-11-04T11:46:00.001-07:00

As you can see, I am WWWAAAAYYY behind schedule...

Stats

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Today's Stats

Words Written Today 223

Words Until Goal is Met 1444

Current Word Count 1583

Words Required Today 1667

Current Trend 4 days behind schedule

Word Goal to Date 6667

______________________________________________________________________________________

Total Progress

Total Words Written 1583

Words per Day to Finish on Time 1863

Total Words Remaining 48417

Current Day 4

Average Words per Day 396

Days Remaining 26

Claire

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T11:20:00.000-07:00

Today is Halloween(or All Hallows Eve).
Today is the day before NaNoWriMo. {YWP-ywp.nanowrimo.org} [Regular-nanowrimo.org]
NaNoWriMo (YWP + Regular) starts at midnight tonight and ends at midnight on November 30. You have exactly one month to write a book. Go to ywp.nanowrimo.org, get an account, and set your word goal. Your word goal tells you how many words you want to have written in that one month. December is time for editing. So this can be a rough draft. I am doing the regular NaNoWriMo (13 and older. YWP is for all ages. The only difference is that in regular, you have a preset, unchangeable word goal of 50,00 words. In ywp, you can change that.). You do need an account for either of the programs. They can be handwritten or on a computer. Either way, at the end it has to be put into a word count validator to make sure it is a real book and not just the letter A written over and over and over again. Remember, no writing until 12:01!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No one sent me any Halloween poetry or any All Saints Day poetry for that matter, so here is some of my own

There once was a bat named Jill,
Her home was a tree on a hill,
One evening she sat,
A very lonely bat,
So she made friends with a mouse named Bill.

That is not my best work. I did a really good one last year in a notebook somewhere, but I can't find it.

See you at NaNoWriMo,
Claire

Quick Example...

2010-10-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

I was reading some National Geographic on Japan's Oceans and I saw this beautiful picture with a short couple of sentences that were amazingly descriptive.

Sunlight streams between cracks in the ice. Thicker chunks glow emerald green, bejeweled by algae. The characters of this frosty realm begin to appear: a translucent, blue swimming snail, a pink fish with a tail like a geisha's fan, a bright orange lumpsucker that looks as if it leaped out of a Pokémon cartoon.

I read this and I was immediately copying and pasting. This should inspire you to be more descriptive and use words that paint a picture.

Thanks,
Claire

Lots of upcoming events...

2010-10-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

Alright, let's take a look at the agenda for the next couple of months.

Okay then. So First we have a Halloween/All Saints-Day-Poetry-Let's-Write starting today and going until October 31. Send your spooky and/or saintly poetry to me ( claire.negus@gmail.com ) by October 31 to have it posted on the blog!
Starting at 12 am on November 1 and going until midnight on November 30 is National Novel Writing Month. Also known as NaNoWriMo. Head over to http://www.ywp.nanowrimo.org for the young writers program or http://nanowrimo.org for the 50,000 word goal NaNoWriMo. (13 and older{nanowrimo.org})

Go get started on your Halloween poetry and meet me back here on October 30 or 31 for a quick run down of NaNoWriMo!

Claire

Okay, this is slightly off topic, but it is my interesting post.....

2010-09-28T10:47:00.000-07:00


My rectangle family

So, this is my rectangle family. My off topic but interesting rectangle family. Here's a better picture....

I have a whole 'world' almost of them. I'll share more occasionally, but I wanted to see your reaction to these first....I have a farmer's market scene, a family reunion scence, etc. But since they are slightly off topic I thought I shouldn't post them too often.....

Claire

Delay...

2010-09-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

This post is not the interesting one I promised. That one will have to be delayed until I can get onto the other computer and scan in a cool picture....So in the mean time I will post a story that I dug up from a notebook. I can't tell when this was written, so if you absolutely hate it, hang in there and tell me okay? Good. Let's get started.

Freckles

Marvin looked up at his father, who was still, unfortunately for Marvin, taller than himself. "Dad, I'm not sure I was to leave. I can wait to go to college. One more year won't hurt." Marvin's dad put his hands on his hips and sternly looked at Marvin straight in the eye. "I want you to go to college boy. Make me proud, and don't you go spoiling the family name, okay son?" Marvin persisted, "But Dad.." "Son, do you remember working for that scholarship, day and night, and studying well past your 8:30 bed time." Marvin blushed. He hoped no one else around heard that he had a 8:30 bed time...."Yeah, I remember..." "Well, finish it! Power through those four years and make me proud!" "Thanks Dad. For the pep talk. And everything else too." Marvin straightened his tie and picked up his luggage. He walked over to where his mom stood, handkerchief in hand, crying passionately into her hands. "Mom. I'm leaving now." he said gently. "Oh Marvin! You big strong boy! I'll miss you!" "I'll miss you too mom...Bye now." Marvin walked away towards the entrance to the plane. "Yes, Goodbye Marvy. Be good! Remember your manners! Make friends!" His mother called after him. "Yeah, thanks mom!" Marvin called back as he walked down the tunnel into the plane. Marvin found his seat and stowed his luggage. Here he was, 19 and going to college at last. He would be old compared to the other freshman at North Western but so what. Marvin was going. That's all that mattered. A slight thump woke him up from his thoughts. He turned to see a red headed boy, about Marvin's same age, with green eyes and who-knows-how-many freckles staring back. "Hey kid, I'm Greg and I'm going to North Western. You?" The boy had a slight British accent "I'm Marvin, going the same place as you. Freshman?" "Yep. Hey listen, my mother gets real fretful and I promised her I'd stick with a buddy most of the time. So do you mind if I hang around you?" "Not at all." "Hey thanks man." Said Greg shaking his hand. "So what's your family like?" asked Marvin. The two boys quickly shared information concerning family, friends, secrets, etc. As Greg chatted away about school courses and how he got his scholarship, Marvin felt that he was going to have a good time with Greg at his side.

The End.

So, how was it? Tell me! I hope to scan that pic in soon so you guys can see it. I think its really cool. Anyway, here is the exercise I said I would share really quickly...

So, I happen to be a big fan of woods and greens and trees because here in So Cal we don't get a lot of nice lime green forests. Most of my family lives on the East Coast so when I visit them I get to see all these wonderful forests and whatnot. So. We will write about the above picture. Whether it be about what goes on in this place or who lives there or how it was created etc... Please write about this image and send it to me
(claire.negus@gmail.com) and I will post it ASAP. Try to finish by October 31. Share this exercise with anyone, just make sure that you tell them about this blog! I'd love to hear from more people!

Write on!

Claire

Hang in there

2010-09-27T10:30:00.001-07:00

I will have an interesting post coming up soon....See you then!

Post # 101

2010-09-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

Post # 101. What a moving title. Unfortunately I don't have anything very touching to post. Or anything new. Or any of that. I would just like to say that this past summer has been a good one for me and I hope it has been good for you too. I know school is starting up again and I know we are all busy with homework and extra classes and activities and sports and whatnot but this is the time when the true author inside comes out like a genie from a lamp(Boy, that was cheesy. Really cheesy. Way to go Claire, you just lost your reputation.) So in honor of our 'true authorship' I feel the need for a summer lets write. Or you can do a school lets write. Just don't make me talk to myself. I like to get responses and I feel as though no one is listening. So please. Don't hold back. The genie inside you is ready to burst forth( NOT) I'm kidding. Just comment when you can and don't drive me insane( if I'm not already) by hiding in the bushes. I don't bite. Maybe. Well, never mind. Just do what you can to keep this blog alive. I know its not funny, I know its not cool, I know I am a geek and no one checks it because its about writing. (You are thinking: For pete's sake why did she chose writing!!!!!!!) Anyway. I will get out of here before I repeat myself 101 times. Oh yeah. I already did. Each post. (hahaha) Okay. Seriously. Comment. Say hi. Do something. Don't scare me. Okay? Okay.

Claire

Moving Story by Clare ( the other one. I am Claire...She is, well you know. Clare)

2010-08-06T19:19:00.000-07:00

I recently got an entry from our friend Clare who sent in a very moving story.....

The Unnamed Story

I was glad that it was raining. The rain covered my hot tears streaming down my cheeks. Bright red and blue lights flashed and sirens wailed into the night. I tried to wipe my face with the dripping sweatshirt I held, but ended up burying my face in it. The cold wet surface melted into my burning forehead.

“Laura, honey, are you okay? Do you feel hurt?” Someone bent down next to me. I turned away, and said through my sweatshirt, “I’m fine.” But, I wasn’t fine at all. My heart throbbed, and a cold sweat surged through my body as every detail of the car crash came back to me.

It had been a good night. We were going back home after a content dinner. My chin was nestled in my hands as I was listening to the buzz of news. Suddenly, my ears ached at the abrupt sound of a screech. I quickly sat up, in time to see a truck speeding towards us. It was a truck that should never have been there that summer rainy night. Metal tore through the air, and splintered glass littered the slick road. The smell of something burnt started to fill my nose and my eyes started to sting, but I sat there, doing nothing as if my mind was still processing what had just happened. Then, someone jerked me out of the car, and outside in the rain was where I saw two people being carried away into the ambulance. I cocked my head, and hugged my sweatshirt, wondering who was getting carried away. Then it hit me like a bolt of lightning. They were my parents.

Now, I was standing out in the rain, crying. I wasn’t the girl to cry, but I let myself spill my tears. When I felt like I was going to burst, warm arms surrounded me, bringing in a sense of comfort and reassurance. I didn’t know who it was, but I leaned back, letting the wonderful feeling envelope me.

That night, a kind-faced nurse handed me a teddy bear. It had soft light brown fur, two shining black eyes, a perpetual smile, and a velvet red ribbon around its neck. I hugged it tight as if it was the only thing I had left.

The next morning, after a sleepless night at the hospital, my Aunt Kelly came to pick me up. I stood before the hospital door, clutching to my suitcase so tight that my knuckles were white. Soon, maybe too soon, an old mud-stained green truck pulled up, with my aunt in the driver’s seat. I reluctantly hopped in.

Aunt Kelly was all the way from Colorado. She owned a ranch there, which my mother visited each year during the summertime. Whistling a carefree tune as she drove down the busy roads of New York City, my aunt was a very free woman. She had the same heart-shaped face as my mother, but her skin color was toned to a warm tan and dotted with freckles from the sun. Her copper hair was arranged in two loose braids and her green eyes seemed to sparkle with adventure.

Biting my lip, I realized that where I would go to live with Aunt Kelly was completely different. Staring out into the tall skyscrapers of New York City, I whispered, Good bye New York, in my mind. Sleek shiny cars whizzed by Aunt Kelly’s pickup truck, and suddenly I felt resentment bubble at my throat. Breathing deeply in and out, I closed my eyes and tried to shake out the feeling.

Incredible, right? Comment! Clare and I would love to hear from you!

Claire

I lost you guys here....

2010-07-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

I was looking at the statistics for Organic Words and I noticed that the number of comments has decreased since October of 2009. That also happened to be the time when I introduced Microsoft Monday, Typewriter Tuesday and so on. I was wondering if people stopped commenting because of that whole thing. So I am going to turn to subjects that people find more interesting(to see if it raises intrests.) What's going on right now? Oh yeah. THE WORLD CUP! Personally I am not into soccer. Soccer is not my sport. But I understand that that is the big deal right now so if anyone wanted to email me(claire.negus@gmail.com) a story or poem or something on soccer go ahead and do it right now. And I mean it. Go on. Right now. Do it. It doesn't matter what people think. I WANT TO SEE YOUR STORY/POEM/WHATEVER ON THE WORLD CUP OR SOCCER IN GENERAL! Write a story from the commentator's point of view. Include the long (and slightly annoying) goal yells. (ex. GGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Or write about anything. Or email me a suggestion...about the blog, writing tips, writing topics, etc. Comment! I read them and answer them as much as possible! Please! Go ahead! Don't be shy!

After that long pep talk I expect much from my friends.

Claire

Writing....And a little side tracked thing.

2010-06-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

I was thinking. Writing can be pencil stokes(calligraphy) and it can be pen strokes(calligraphy) and writing and drawing go hand in hand for books. So I was thinking that if anyone wanted some pointers or projects they could go to this site:

http://www.artprojectsforkids.org/

They have a great selection of projects and recently did one on paper mache. Really cool huh?

Now. For this month(now until the end of JULY) we'll do a let's write about......The Jungle. Use your imagination and go through the jungle. And get home by the end of July. Okay.

Bye now! Happy Writing!

Claire

A poem about: Birds

2010-06-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

Bird Talk
by Aileen Fisher

"Think...," said the robin,
"Think..," said the jay,
sitting in the garden,
talking one day.

"Think about people-
the way they grow:
they don't have feathers
at all, you know.

"They don't eat beetles,
they don't grow wings,
they don't like sitting
on wires and things."

"Think!" said the robin.
"Think!" said the jay.
"Aren't people funny
to be that way?"

Isn't that funny!? Its pretty close to being my favorite. My favorite still remains to be this one: (click link)

Have a good summer!!!!!!

Claire

Reviews Page.

2010-04-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Folks

There is a new page,(linked to on the left <-) for Organic Words (It is not a new blog. It is a new page on the blog.) where I will post reviews to different poems, stories and other written pieces of work. Maybe someday your piece will be over there! Wouldn't that be great?

So head on over
<-
and click the link under Home that says Reviews. Have a great time everyone!

Claire

Sorry...

2010-04-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

I believe I have a long, long ,long ,long over due Let's Write that I promised to a reader. So here it is. Once and for all,

ROCKET-SHIP LET"S WRITE!!

Write about what happens when you somehow get onto a rocket ship. Tell us where you are headed, how you got on the ship, when your ETA to where you are headed and when you are coming home. What is life like on the rocket ship? Who is with you? What do you see outside the ship? If possible draw a picture and scan it in and I'll post it with your story. Start now, end May 31, ready, set, go!

Thanks for playing, keep on writing,

Claire

Couple notes to share and a great poem.

2010-04-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Long time, no see as they say.
I have a couple things to say before I begin.
1.Happy Easter! Hope you all have a great weekend with your families.2.I took the timer off of the bottom of the page, so if you need a timer, if ever we do a typewriter Tuesday, it will come back up, but right now, its gone.

Blogger is coming out with a bunch of great new tools that I am going to utilize, so please bear with me if something doesn't end up working.

Now because it is the Easter Season I thought I should share a poem written by William Wordsworth called 'Daffodils'. If any of you have hear/read this before, I hope you agree with me that it is a great poem. Now let me introduce to you, my wonderful audience, 'Daffodils'.

I wandered lonely as a cloud
  That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
  A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
  And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretched in never-ending line
  Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced, but they
  Out-did the sparkling leaves in glee:
A Poet could not but be gay,
  In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
  In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
  Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Wonderful poem huh? Have a great Easter and an awesome Spring Break!

Claire

Author of the Month: Jeanne Birdsall

2010-01-28T07:53:00.000-08:00

Jeanne Birdsall is a wonderful author. She wrote the Penderwick series(the Penderwicks, a Summer tale of four sisters, two rabbits and a Very Interesting Boy and The Penderwicks on Gardam Street) These two wonderful books are about a family by the name of Penderwick who, on summer vacation and meet a very interesting boy, a gardener, two rabbits, a bull, a very snooty lady, and a very bad man. Their adventures are unique and these books are a one of a kind treasure to read. The second story( The Penderwicks on Gardam Street) is a tale of their life at home, during the school year. This book includes all the characters and more. The sequel and its predecessor are books you'll want to read over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. So, both books recieve 5 stars out of 5 and they are certinally must reads if you have not read them yet. More books and authors to come!

Keep on writing (and reading)!

Claire

Its Raining Pens and Paper.

2010-01-21T08:29:00.000-08:00

Bet you've never heard that expression before. It is raining hard and the wind almost blew over our porch umbrella but we are safe and sound. So I thought I might share something on the word rain.

Rain:

Water falling in drops condensed from vapor in the atmosphere.

Definitions provided by Merriam-Webster. Go to http://www.m-w.com/

Speaking about Merriam Webster, they(merraim webster) are now provided videos called, "Ask the Editor" I've watched all of them at least twice. Hopefully they are making more! I tryed to post my favorite video on the word 'Defenstration' and they wouldn't let me. So! The word Wind.

Wind:

A natural movement of air of any velocity: especially: the earth's air or gas surrounding a planet in natural motion horizantaly.

So when the two words clash(rain and wind) you get this:

The sound was unintentional. What you hear in the background is just homework....

That's all for now! Keep writing!

Claire

So I hope you all had a great holiday and happy New Year.

2010-01-11T11:48:00.000-08:00

So I hope you all had a great holiday and happy New Year. Just earlier today I read an interview on one of my mom's favorite blogs with Julianna Baggott. ( Also known as N.E.Bode and Bridget Asher ) So I was thinking about my works. I went to the folder on the computer where I keep all my things about writing and I found the Dark Rose introduction. You remember the tale of Adeline and James. Well, their story has a whole new twist. Forget everything you ever read about them and be prepared to go on a new adventure. The same introduction and starting first Chapter, but with a whole new continuation. I'll post it later, but now, I need to go dig up another file from there and see if I like it.

Thanks,
Claire

Namby-Pamby: The tale of an actual word.

2009-12-19T09:47:00.000-08:00

Yes. Namby-Pamby is a word. It means:

1. lacking in character or substance; insipid
2. weak, indecisive

So. Namby-pamby can be used as a name for someone, like in this sentence:

The girls acted as namby-pambies, but really, they were stronger and smarter.

or

The candidate criticized her opponent during the debate, calling him a namby-pamby who could not stand up for what he believed in.

This word is an adjective used for calling people names. Well, yeah, pretty much. Calling people names. So, Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!

Sincerly,
Claire

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T07:22:00.000-08:00

To those who the senser picked up out of the US, this is just a regular Thursday. But to us Americans is a great holiday! Thanksgiving! The Macy*s day Parade, the turkey, the smell of cooking food all throughout the day. The family time, the bright glorious day, that is the day that we call Thanksgiving. Every last Thursday of November is Thanksgiving. So I said, "Hey, what about a weekend Let's Write! Not on Thursday or Friday(you can do it on Friday, but I forbid you to do one on Thursday because gosh darn its a holiday!)but over the weekend could we possibly have a potluck of Thanksgivings? Tell me what your Thanksgiving was like! The next let's Write after this(in a few weeks) will be about the rocket(which I will explain later ) and then Christmas, and then New Years and then Valentines and so on. But always something inbetween if we can. I will participate in this one. If anyone does not want to participate and would rather judge, send me an email. Otherwise, it'll just be a potluck. So have a happy Thanksgiving and I hope to hear from you on Sunday!

Pretend that it is Tuesday!

2009-11-18T06:37:00.000-08:00

Today(really yesterday) is a Typewriter Tuesday. So try to come up with a bunch of words using the letters in the word THANKSGIVING. I came up with 33, so try to beat my score. I bet you can. Proper nouns are not allowed. You are allowed to do something like this though:
sing
singing

Just because there are two gs in thanksgiving. So, put your thinking caps on and get writing.

Now I have another important note. I understand that I am homeschooled and that most of you are not. (I know 2 people who are homeschooled including me. It could have been three, except my cousin had to go to some school 'cause she begged to go to a regular school and then I hope now that she realizes what a big mistake was because its brought down my commenter popularity and now we bloggers are having a great depression of our own. (I will introduce you to the world of blogging/bloggers later))So I understand when you say that you don't have time to check up on this blog every day or two or when ever I post. But try to include at least 1 min. per week of reading this blog and and hopefully we'll be up and running again! Thanks to everyone who listened to me ramble and thanks to Olivia my cousin for putting us bloggers in the great depression (where money is comments.)

claire

I would like to introduce...The Fate Series!

2009-11-05T10:49:00.001-08:00

I would like to introduce a great friend of mine, Forrest D. Hampton who writes the new Fate Series, published only here on this blog and Knights of the Writers Table. The Fate Series is a Series of one page Fates, each time about a different family. Usually funny and odd, the first two I will present to you both result in someone fainting.....I present to you the first and second stories of the Fate Series!

It is a sunny afternoon in southern California. Morgan and her family are going to the beach. "When are we going to get there?" "Soon." replied Mom.

20 minutes later........

Morgan was sun tanning. "Hey Morgan! Come here its a fish!"she heard. Morgan loved fish so she ran over but she tripped and fell. Every one ran over. "What's wrong?" Asked her dad. "My fingernail broke!" was all she said because, she fainted.

funny right?

Number 2 of The Fate Series....(a different family)

Mom was walking around. "Tom Billy Nomun! Come here!" "Yes mother! What's wrong?" "Don't you give me that 'What's wrong'! Come and clean your room!"Mom walked down the stairs. Dad was walking over to the sink. Mom opened the trash. "OH!" she screamed shakily. Dad ran over. "What's wrong?" "Someone through away chicken skin." Then, she fainted.

So, now a word from the famous Forrest D. Hampton....

Q. So Forrest, why did you decide to write the Fate Series?

A. My friend gave me the idea.

Q. How many Fate Series Stories do you plan to write?

A. I do not really know.probably about 5 or6.

Q. What if people really like them? What if they want more Fate Series?

A. Then I hope they are inspired because I'm not writing any more than5 or6.

Well, you're are obviously not coming back for question and answer time. Thank you Forrest.

Thank you for having me.

That was Forrest D. Hampton, author of The Fate Series and friend to me and others. Good day everybody.

Claire

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T17:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! I thought I'd treat you guys to a couple of Halloween poems!

The Bat
A limerick by Basil Leaf(me)

There once was a bat named Jen,
And oh did she hate that hen,
She got out her deadly lyre,
A murder she did conspire,
And finally got rid of that hen.

Next one up........

I don't have one because we had to return the book that has a lot of good scary poems....so....I challenge you to make one up!

Happy Halloween!
Claire

Also! Today begins NaNoWriMo 2009 so get writing!

Claire

Monday with Microsoft! Mystery books!

2009-10-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

Write a book review about a mystery book! Make sure to use descriptive words! Start today and complete by next Monday! Send it to me and I will post it next Tuesday along with the Tuesday typewriter for that week! Watch out for this weeks Tuesday typewriter!

Happy Writing!

Here is some Info, also posted on Knights of the Writers Table

2009-10-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start cool things for if people have spare time. I'll try to post them every Tuesday. They're called Tuesday Typewriters.....I will explain later.....

We will be hosting Write-a-Thons...also will explain later...

Monday Microsoft Words...""...

And all hosted by....

In the Office funnies. Something where I try to be funny...Sorry. I know you were looking forward to comics or something...
So.

Tuesday Typewriters is to see how many words you can make out of one given word(on a Tuesday) in 5 minuets. To participate, at any given time go to http://www.online-stopwatch.com/ or I will try to put it on both Organic Words and here, and set the timer for 5 minuets then press start and start writing! When the time goes out, stop your work. Microsoft and most writing software have a tool which counts how many words are there. Comment saying how many words you made and see how many words other people can think of in the same amount of time.

Write-a-Thons are by request only. Write-a-Thons are much like NaNoWriMo and Tuesday Typewriters except for the fact that they are for 2 months. Any topic. Again, the goal is to see how long you can make it.

Microsoft Mondays are like a Let's Write except that they have to be about a book you've read and there is a 7 day time limit(One Monday to the Next) You may start these at any time during that week. This Monday(today) is not a Microsoft Monday, but Tuesday Typewriters start tomorrow.

Online Stopwatch

The timer for the activities posted in the previous post is living at the bottom of the page.

Thanks!

Yes. All of this was copied and pasted from Knights of the Writer's Table. The timer is living at the bottom of this page and on KOTWT(^)

Sorry it was so long and I hope to hear from you...

Going, Going, Gone....

2009-10-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

Sorry everybody!I forgot to tell you that I'm on vacation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Right now I'm in Delaware....visiting my Grandmother!!!!!!!!!

Let's start from the beginning....
We left on Thursday for DC. Then spent the night in VA with my Grandparents(mom's side)
Left on Friday for friends house and then both families went to HUGE surprise party.
We had friends over from Friday to Monday in Delaware with my Grandmother (dad's side)
Now its Tuesday and we're sitting around eating lunch and talking.
We might go to the beach where I will challenge my brother to a sand castle contest. Or if he says no, my dad.
Then I have no idea what we'll do for the rest of the day.
We leave Delaware for VA (mom's side) tomorrow at noon.
Then blank blank blank.
Each blank is for a day. Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

Just an update about where I am...

Happy Writing!
Claire

Here Ye Here Ye Everybody come hither Ye.

2009-10-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

I really don't know what all that ye stuff was about.........ANYWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I joined nanowrimo! (just like last year and the year before and so on and so forth) And I'm here to show you this pic I found on there.....More like a pdf, but oh well....lets see if it makes it through the picture guard's gate.

'Parently not that way.....Let's try the other way....

(5 minuets later)

Not that way either. Come now, you don't have to be so glum now....

That didn't work either.....Hmmm. Let me think.

That doesn't work either, eh? Well then, let me show you what I have to say mister computer:(I mean 'tell you Mr. Computer...')

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

(that's that sound you make when you stick your tongue out and blow, you know, the one that little kids do that gets spit everywhere? Yeah. That one.)

One more try.....

All righty then. Be so mean Mr. Computer. But I have to show you this image................I'll link to it right...........

here

Okay. Click the link and see the flyer/image.......Okay? Okay...
See you later then....Happy writing. And yes. I called you knights of the writers table all only for this. I am so sorry but I thought that sign was pretty cool. Keep writing, CLAIRE

PS. The book club blog is now called Knights of the Writers table. Meet me there.

Find Me a Mystery Book

2009-10-04T08:57:00.001-07:00

We need some help from someone who needs to read a mystery book. Any ideas? I suggested Ellen Raskin, author of the Westing Game and some great other mysteries. OH! And, she doesn't want Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys or whatever their called these days.....Something different.

Thanks for your help,
Claire

Polls are added! As well as...

2009-09-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

So, I added the polls which you will find on the sidelines(<- that way) and I added some cool gadgets to the posts. The person who guesses correctly will get to chose the next Let's Write topic(unless the rocket ship one get's chosen. Then it will be after the rocket ship Let's Write)

I hope to hear from you!

Claire

I recommend to you...A number of things......

2009-09-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

First of all, I recommend that you all read the previous post and give our friend some help. I also recommend that you try this prompt sent in by the author of the spotlighted piece of writing in the previous post(clare liu) here it is:

Maybe have people write a story with a rocket in it (so maybe rocket explosion, landing on a distance planet, etc.) It usually should end rather sad. In one part though, the main point of this prompt is to slow time down.

I think this is a great Let's Write. I need a show of three hands other than mine to vote for the let's write first before we begin. So comment saying you want to do this let's write! Also I was thinking about posting about certain crafts or inventions using our descriptive writing powers....I also need three votes for this. I will set up the polls for these ASAP but I hope you will also comment to tell me. So to wrap up:

I need three votes to begin the Let's Write for the rocket(via poll voting or comments)
And I need three votes to begin descriptive writing instruction posts to see if you guys would like to read them(via comments or polls)(These posts would have a special name like Tell-Me-Abouts or Descriptive Directions or something like that...Something fun and talk show worthy)
I know this seems like a lot but please please please vote! I won't so this is entirely on you guys! The fate of interesting things on the blog depends on YOU......

CLAIRE

I am so sorry....

2009-09-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry. This post is waaaaaaaaaayyyyyy overdue. Clare is a great author and I hadn't the time to post the excerpt she sent in....Here is the post that was intended for so long ago(only a couple of days...)

Hello readers. (HI all one-million-trillion-billion-quadrillion-quintillion fans out there! The cheers are deafening....Hello! Welcome to....ORGANIC WORDS the crowd chants...Smiling I talk to them through the microphone. "Do you know who our special guest today is?" "WHO!?" they shout. "Drumroll please......Our own dedicated reader............" ) Want to find out who that special guest is? Drumroll please..................Author CL (or clare liu to those who didn't know) Here is the excerpt she gave me around 10 days ago...

Excerpt from Finding Home:

By: Clare Liu

Prologue:

A pine needle lazily drifted down onto the fluffy snow. Nearby, the pups, Icey and Hawk, rolled around and play-flighted with each other as their mother laid with her head between her paws. It was a calm peaceful night. The husky pack leader, Star, strode to the ledge and howled softly, her howl wild and untamed through the blackness.

BANG! The metal machines tore at the snow, tearing up chunks of earth and uprooting trees. The ear-piercing clang rang through the foggy sky.

“No!” Star howled again, this time her howl was full of terror and anger. “No!” The pups wagged their curled doggy tails as Star picked them up by thier scruffs and started running. A machine clawed where Star had been a moment ago.

“Run!” Setting down the pups, Star yelled and Shadow grabbed one of the pups. Both of them ran with the husky pack in front of them. Every dog’s breath was heavy and labored as they ran for their lives. But they also ran from their home. Shadow paused and took a melancholy glance at their destroyed home. Their home. The two words echoed between the dogs. Would they ever find a new place, a place to call home? They just had to keep on going…

So.......Raise of hands, who liked the excerpt.....I see one, two, three, is that four? Yes, five, six, seven, eight, oh and its just too many to count.....So any way Clare mentioned that she needed some help with the ending....Who's willing to help? Raise of hands....Once again, too many to count. Alrighty, I'm with those numerous hands waving in the air. So Clare, I suggest that you, yes, continue this epic tale of the family and end it with finding a care free home in a place called what ever you want to call it where the food is plentiful and the maintinence, low. Keep it up!

Claire

Well, Its One day Late, but...

2009-09-02T06:46:00.000-07:00

The Contest is void! There is no chance to enter for co-authorism(which means you become and author of this blog) and nobody wins...

Happy Writing,
Claire

My favorite post....

2009-08-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

My favorite post was from December 2008 with the longest title ever. The link is here.....

The first one. Wednesday, December 31 2008...What a cool post. Don't you think?

What's your favorite post?

CLAIRE

Video of Little Reader!

2009-08-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

Tip: You may need to turn the volume up.....
The last couple seconds didn't work with him, but oh well...

CLAIRE

Warren written by Madi!

2009-08-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

Madi sent this touching story in for some feedback. Read it and tells her what her what you think by commenting! I think its great Madi! Write on!

Warren
by Madi

(Some HTML stuff is making a problem, so if you see something unusual in the text or font, tell me. -Claire)

Warren spent his last day alive smoking a cigar on the front porch. I was surprised his twigs of fingers could even clutch the hand-rolled tobacco; his entire body seemed ready to disintegrate. The cancer did that. It changed everything. Not just the physical parts of Warren— though not much was different in that area. He still wore a faded Astros cap on his bald head and his tough, sun-beaten skin hung loosely on his lanky bones— but also the stuff on the inside, in his mind. The old Warren, the one who used to race his quarter horse of a lawn mower against imaginary jockeys or hoot with laughter like a child playing Cowboys and Indians as he shot at rats and squirrels from his living room window, that Warren had been weathered by treatments and withered by time. It was like he had already died— his body was just sticking it out until the end.

The idea of approaching the old man made me uneasy. From behind his rotting split-rail

fence I could see Warren’s sagging body supported by an ancient rocker. His big, empty house loomed behind him, as neglected and decrepit as he was. Besides the porch I had replaced for him just five years ago, the place looked forlorn. Shingles slid into the gutter, the forest green paint flaked away, and broken shutters created eerie frames around the windows. Since his Ellen died four years ago, Warren hadn’t done much to the place and on his last day alive, the house seemed ready to join him in the grave.

I took a deep breath and swung my legs over the fence.

Warren’s eyes, ringed with purple, shifted to me as I climbed the steps onto his porch. The solid wood seemed foreign surrounded by the decay. I stood in front of the man; he didn’t so much as puff smoke in my direction.

Clearing my throat, I leaned in. “Need anything, sir?”

Arching a caterpillar of an eyebrow, Warren looked up at my face. He let the cigar hang between his cracked lips and replied, “What’s your name, boy?” His voice was tainted by years of smoking.

My eyes traced the wrinkles on the man’s face, lines collected with time that ran deep through his countenance. I felt like I was invading his privacy; he didn’t deserve my last memory of him to be of this dilapidated, senile man. A lump formed in the back of my throat.

“Jordan, sir. I’m your neighbor. I helped you build this deck, remember?”

I nodded my head in the direction I came from, repeating the words in my mind, trying to convince myself I still knew this sickly man.

He bobbed his head twice and used his booted foot to prod the rocker. His eyes squinted, scanning the horizon with such intensity I turned my head to follow his gaze. But there was nothing. Just a never-ending field of gray weeds.

“Wouldn’t you rather be lying down? Or I can help you to your front porch, where things are a little more scenic than...” I let my words trail off, not sure how to reference the view that hardly compared to the colors of the noisy river on the other side of his house.

“Boy,” he choked out. He removed the cigar slowly, hands quivering. Its sharp, herbal smell tickled the inside of my nose. “There ain’t nothin’ I need. And it feels good.” He closed his eyes and rocked himself back and forth, back and forth

I wasn’t sure what to do. Should I go home? It didn’t feel right, leaving Warren. But the truth was, I hadn’t spoken to him since he paid me for the porch five years ago. What was right about that?

A hot breeze lapped at the perspiration beads forming along my hairline. I turned to face the weeds, letting the wind cool my face. The dry field in front of us swayed like an ocean and then I understood why Warren liked sitting out here. The smooth movements were relaxing, calm. The way I’d wasn’t to feel if I knew I was at the end.

“Boy?”

I turned.

Warren kept his gaze fixed on the sea of weeds, shifting in his seat. He inhaled, as if he was going to speak, but then stuck the cigar right back in his mouth. I stared at my scuffed boots, uncomfortable. Finally, his raspy voice broke into the silence.

“I don’t want to be forgotten.”

I lifted my chin. He still refused to look at me, gray-blue eye shining under a new layer of moisture.

“Don’t let them bury me in a box and stick me in the dirt and never even remember my name.”

I stepped toward the old man. “I’m sorry, sir?”

“Don’t let them forget me.”

And even though I had no idea how to accomplish such a task, I nodded my head. “Yes, sir.”

He leaned back. The only sign of life was the smoke that drifted from his nose every few seconds. I knew I could go home now. Mom, of course, would ask me why I didn’t push or insist on doing something, anything, but she would never see Warren like I saw him now. She wouldn’t understand me when I said that he was peaceful. That he was ready. Without another word, I spun on my heel, descended into the overgrown yard, and climbed the decaying fence.

Warren died that night. In the old rocker, cigar between his second and third fingers, Astros cap balanced on his hairless head. An off-duty policeman found his lifeless body. Sometimes I thought I should have been the one who found him, because that would have meant I cared enough to go back. The preacher dedicated Sunday’s sermon to the old man, but I wasn’t at the church. Instead, I was at Warren’s, with a truckload of fresh pine wood, repairing his split-rail fence. I wasn’t going to let him be forgotten.

So, comment away young readers and writers! And keep on writing Madi!

Claire

Sonnet pattern

2009-08-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

Sonnet (English): a sonnet consisting of three quatrains and a couplet with the rhyming pattern of abab cdcd efef gg.

(Thank you Merriam Webster ) To learn more about English sonnets go to this page.

Now, I put it upon myself to write a sonnet today. And I did, though the last line was a stumper. I wanted something gloomy, but all I could come up with was something happy.(I could come up with something gloomy, but my mom(who I had called in to help me rhyme the word 'tale' )said all fairy tales end happily, and so this one should too. Hmph.) So, here goes something!(Its usually Here goes nothing, but here goes my breath when I hear(read really) what you guys think, soooooooooooo please comment or I shall die for lack of air.)

A Damsel's Distress Call
A sonnet

A girl was to be seen,
Her face and ivory white,
Her eyes alert and keen,
But oh, so full of fright,
Said she, "Look up, look here!"
But her cry, knew she, was in vain,
And down came a salty tear,
Full of sorrow, full of pain,
She sat a lonesome one,
Giving up her calls,
In the noonday sun,
A girl trapped between walls,
Said she, "I know I live in a fairy tale!
Look there he is in his chain-mail!"

Okay, so the last two lines need to be revised desperately.

Your friend,
CLAIRE

Another picture,

2009-08-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

though not up for descrabs. I made that word up to day. It means describing and grabs. Used exclusively in this blog for posts as such is this one. I was bored, so I decided to write. But I found a new folder up at the top of the screen and I clicked on it and it was pictures of the zoo that I never showed you guys because I had lost the poet/author within me which has now finaly returned to me. I gave it a good scolding and chained it to me forever. Now. Drumroll please, for a beautiful picture I took with my camera which was moving slowly at the time, a cropped picture, cropped by me, here it is!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, so the crop was nice, but the blogger was mean and wouldn't let poor bambo picture in through the gate to this wonderful blog. So obviously, somethings wrong........And apparently mean old gate keeper thinks the blog is too wonderful for the cropped picture, because obviously he thinks someone cropped it to take out the bad parts, but only whole pictures are allowed and gatekeeper got mad and threw old Croppy out and that is the plain truth. I cropped him to take out the bad parts. Darn that blogging gatekeeper. Oh well. For those who didn't follow along with that bit of a story, here I say again;

BLOGGER DOES NOT ALLOW CROPPED PICTURES INTO PEOPLES BLOGS FOR SOME REASON UNAPPARENT TO ME. I WILL GO WRITE NOW. GOOD BYE. WHY IS THIS STILL IN CAPS LOCK. OH WELL. GOOD BYE.

Best Describer Contest and other posts......

2009-08-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

Start thinking about this picture...

This is a new contest I have made up where the person who can describe an object I post a picture of the best in one word wins co-authorism of this blog until October 1, 2009 if no one responds (via comment) this contest will be void for this months contest. If two people enter the same thing, and I like what they did, they will both be co-authors. I am the judge(because I own this blog and ergo, cannot win co-authorism) and you lovely and devoted readers are the enter-ers. You must enter by August 31, 2009 to win. Drawing will be held on September 1,2009.Any one later by two days is out of the drawings.....

ALSO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Think your an artist? Then request for a story to illustrate! Someone(or me) might be in need of an artist! Email claire.negus@gmail.com for more details, if you need and artist or a story! Author and Illustrator will be headlined here as 'written by' and 'illustrated by'. Thank you very much and enjoy your summer!

Restrictions may apply. Those who forge signatures of other may be entitled to side effects such as sorrow, regret, or a strong feeling to give out profuse apologies. You were warned. Thank you.

Yours Truly,
Basil Leaf

Edited version of Inside the Mini City

2009-07-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

So off of a great tip from Madi, a commenter here, I decided that, hey, this does need some work. So after I brushed it up, I decided to give you guys an early morning post. Here it is:

Dirk really wanted to live the average thirteen year old boy’s life. It was the summer before eighth grade and Dirk was ready to have as much fun as he could before his binder was full of homework. There was just one little flaw. He had been recommended to go to part time summer school. Every other day, save Saturday and Sunday, he was required to go to summer school, from 9:30 to 1:00. Most of Dirk’s friends were going too, but they were going to full time. Some of Dirk’s friends turned out to be lazy, and Dirk was okay with that. It meant that he got to spend time with his friends, talk with them about, well, teenage things. He had only been a teenager for 3 months, and he liked it. It meant that he got privileges that twelve year old sisters didn’t get like sitting in the front seat or staying out late, or reading past ten thirty.

So on the first day of summer school, he got up at eight, was driven to school at nine, reached school at nine fifteen and shot hoops with his friends until nine thirty. At nine thirty-one exactly the bell rang and he walked into his class room, proceeded with classes, lunch, and snack and left. A few weeks continued like this. He was given homework in his worst subjects, praise in his excelling ones and pats on the back from his parents.

The story really starts here, on a one-hundred degree day field trip for a trail hike, when a girl named Edna asked, “If we are supposed to wear sunscreen, do African- Americans wear sunscreen too? If their skin is darker, do they have to?” Now, coming from a to-be eighth grader, that was a pretty dumb question, but Edna always forgot things and that explains why she went to full time summer school. The teacher, Mrs. Burs, thought it a great time to give out homework. “Well.” she said, “Why don’t you look it up. Here is your homework. Additional to the leaf classification chart, I want you all to write report on the different cultures, societies, countries, and backgrounds of the human race. To be turned in next Monday.” The class managed to subdue a groan and continued to plod on behind their teacher. Edna, who had recorded the assignment on video, was re-watching it and making notes in a notebook as she walked along. A couple people asked for a copy of the video. They didn’t say why Dirk noticed.

That night Dirk flipped through the library book on culture he had checked out from the library. It talked about things like melanin and sun rays and tanning. It made no sense to Dirk, but he re-read until he understood. Finally after re-reading more times than he could count, Dirk sat down at his computer and pulled out his thumb drive from the desk drawer. As he closed the drawer, his finger got slammed in the desk and in his pain; he dropped the thumb drive, so that the cover fell off. Picking up the cover he placed it on the desk and went on his hands and knees looking for the part that stored his assignments. When he found it, he picked it up, not by the insert side, but by the opposite end and he felt himself shrinking. Experiencing too much shock to scream, all that came out when he opened his mouth was a whimper. He felt like his heart was going to fly out of him, along with his dinner. But, they didn’t. He heard the thumb drive clatter to the floor and when his eyes slid into focus, he was so small, that the storage ‘buildings’ on the chip towered over him.

He then discovered that he was moving. Looking down he saw that he was made out of the same material as a computer chip. He discovered that he was moving due to the fact that he was on a circuit ‘road’. His eyes wide open in shock, he saw other people, his size, using the flow of the circuit roads to pull them along and then when they reached a building, they went inside. He saw that the road he was on was the way to what looked like a village of small buildings. These one had windows, so he guessed that they were houses. He stepped off of the circuit road and into one house. “Hello?” he called. “Hello?” he called again. “Who’s there?” someone called. He turned around. “I’m Dirk. I don’t know where I am or who you are or what this place is! I was supposed to be doing my homework when my thumb dive fell and…” he trailed off. A lady, made out of circuits like he was, had entered the kitchen. “So you came in through the vacuum did you? Well. I suppose you’ll want to get out, won’t you? Well, lucky for you, it’s easy. Jump yourself out. And get out of here before the Circuit Inspector gets here. If he finds out that you came here you won’t be allowed to get out of here alive. Only a very lucky two have done it and well, they went insane doing it.” Dirk was confused. “Why won’t the Inspector let me get out?” The lady shook her head. “Our society is a secret one. We live without sun, without a moon, and without the ability to disobey what the computer commands us to do. As we are right now, unhooked from a computer, we must work to calm wild beasts that we call Folders, Files, and Programs. They are the computer’s pets, and we are ordered to protect them. Now jump out, before the Inspector comes. ” But Dirk wanted to know more. “How many people who live here came from my world? Were you created by somebody? Who? What do you do when you are hooked up to a computer? What happens when there is an error on the computer? Or when the computer freezes?” The lady shook her head. “I cannot answer your questions. Go out the back door; follow the main circuit to the big black building. Enter it. Talk to no one. Enter the blue wire. It will take you upwards. When it stops for the second time, get off the wire and follow the red mini circuit to a room that says, ‘High-powered Vacuum’. There will be an access code that you must enter. Enter the numbers 3387. The door will open. Step into the room and press Dismantle. I hope to see you again.” Dirk was confused, but his circuit brain told him to do as she said. As he traveled down the main circuit road, he watched the children play with a wire ball. He smiled. It was going to be easy to write that report now.

Following the circuit lady’s instructions he went into the tall black building, and entered the wire, but other people also got on, with briefcases and suits. They all wore electric name tags that flashed information about them. One man’s tag read Inspector. Dirk wanted to shrink back into the wall. Dirk watched as the Inspector looked around the crowded cord. Dirk felt the cord elevator jerk to a stop. The second stop. Dirk got out, as carefully as he could without being noticed. As he looked back at the elevator, he saw the Inspector pushing his way through the back of the cord, and finally reaching the door, the Inspector began to fast walk,(or ride) along the red mini circuit that Dirk was on. Dirk was going too slow to get away from the Inspector. He tried moving one leg forward. He moved faster. Then the other. Even faster than before. It was like ice skating, Dirk decided. He began to skate along the mini circuit and when he finally saw the room with the words, ‘High-Powered Vacuum’ he lept for joy. But that jump caused him to tear himself off the red circuit and onto an orange one near by, leading in the opposite direction of the room. The Inspector’s face flashed a quick triumphant smile and jumped after Dirk. Dirk knew there was no way out now. He had to get ahead of the Inspector to reach the room. But if he jumped, the Inspector would also jump, and end up jumping in front of him, and then who knows where Dirk would go. So he decided on a different tact. Leap Frog. The Inspector’s long legs were split, Dirk noticed, and that is probably making him go faster. If I just duck down and stop and the right moment, he’ll sail over me and I can jump onto the line. But how do I stop? Dirk began to think. As he thought, a flashing appeared on his arm. He looked at it. A red button, with the word STOP on it had appeared. Cool! Thought Dirk, Now I can get away. Stealthily, he pressed stop. He began to slow down on the circuit. He saw the Inspector about a yard away. Two feet, and Dirk ducked , his hands over his head. The Inspector, shocked, looked back, but Dirk had already jumped onto the red circuit and started to skate along. Finally reaching the door he punched in the numbers and stepped inside. Before the doors closed, he waved, to nobody, but also to the circuit city. “Good-bye” he whispered. The doors closed and taking deep breaths, he pushed the Dismantle button and closed his eyes. At first, he thought that it was broken, because nothing happened but slowly, he heard a growing humming sound and then it seemed to him as thought his electric body parts were turning inside out. And at last, when he opened his eyes, he was sitting in his chair with a blank computer screen in front of him. He picked up the fallen thumb drive parts, taking care not to touch the mini city and put them together. Then he plugged in the thumb drive and opened a Microsoft Word document. He began to type….

How do you guys like the newest version? I'd love to hear from you. Also, please head over to Book Club via the sidelines for a shortcut because there is an important post I need to be answered.

Claire

Vegti-bowl

2009-07-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

So, while my brothers and mom walked a letter down to the mail box, I, looking at the tomatoe I grew, decided to take a picture slash video of a fruit /veggie bowl. And so here my pictures are and a story I wrote in third grade ,as a school project, to go with it......

The Princess Who Didn't Eat Eggplant by Claire
One day a giant gave a farmer seven magical beans for hist birthday. Now I know giants in sotries aren't very nice but this giant belonged to a farmer. So as I was saying, the farmer planted the seeds, watered the seeds and fertilized the seeds. Six of the seeds didn't grow but the seventh grew right away. Three dadys agter he planted the seeeds the seventhe see turned into a magical eggpolnat while the other szeeds were sprouts for venus-fly traps. On the day the harvest that is given to the Queen, the farmer gave three flowers out of his garden and the specfial eggplant he had grown. The Queen was so pleased with the eggplant she cooked it and put it in her daughter's lunch. The princess' tutor came to teach her history, math, science, social studies, and langauge. At lunch the princess ate all her lunch execpt her eggplant. She threw the eggplant away, for she didn't like eggplant. Later the princess was hungry. When class was over she asked for a snakc. Her mother asked if she had eater the eggplant. She said no. For dinner the Queen gave the princess milk, cow meat and bread. The princess went to bed early. The next morning she was sick. Her mother came in and said, "If you hade eaten the eggplant, you wouldn't be sick. "She had to stay in bed. She had to eat yucky pills and she really didn't like the medicine. She said she was sorry for not eating the eggplant and for throwing it away. After all, the farmer had done very hard work. The princess promised to eat eggplant for dinner.

The End

Moral(s)
Be thankful for what you have and eat healthy things.

This was a third grade dress up and read the folk tale you wrote report. I don't have pictures of my princess out fit and eggplant, but that's okay....Right? I have a veggi-bowl instead.

Here something is...

2009-07-09T09:21:00.001-07:00

This is something that is undergoing editing to perfection to be sent to Stone Soup when I can.....

Dirk really wanted to live the average thirteen year old boy’s life. It was the summer before eighth grade and Dirk was ready to have as much fun as he could before his binder was full of homework. There was just one little flaw. He had been recommended to go to part time summer school. Every other day, save Saturday and Sunday, he was required to go to summer school, from 9:30 to 1:00. Most of Dirk’s friends were going too, but they were going to full time summer school. Some of Dirk’s friends turned out to be lazy, and Dirk was okay with that. It meant that he got to spend time with his friends, talk with them about, well, teenage things. He had only been a teenager for 3 months, and he liked it. It meant that he got privileges that twelve year old sisters didn’t get like sitting in the front seat or staying out late, or reading past ten thirty.

So on the first day of part time summer school, he got up at eight, was driven to school at nine, reached school at nine fifteen and shot hoops with his friends until nine thirty. At nine thirty-one exactly the bell rang and you walked into your class room, proceeded with classes, lunch, and snack and left the school. A few weeks continued like this. He was given homework in his worst subjects, praise in his excelling ones and pats on the back from his parents.

The story really starts here, on a one-hundred degree day field trip for a trail hike, when a girl named Edna asked, “If we are supposed to wear sunscreen, do African- Americans wear sunscreen too? If their skin is darker, do they have to?” Now, coming from a to-be eighth grader, that was a pretty dumb question, but Edna always forgot things and that explains why she went to full time summer school. The teacher, Mrs. Burs, thought it a great time to give out homework. “Well.” she said, “Why don’t you look it up. Here is your homework. Additional to the leaf classification chart, I want you all to write report on the different cultures, societies, countries, and backgrounds of the human race. To be turned in next Monday.” The class managed to subdue a groan and continued to plod on behind their teacher. Edna, who had recorded the assignment on video, was now being asked for copies of the video, ‘for classroom purposes’ they said, and she agreed to send everybody a video clip. Dirk rolled his eyes. Who knows what they want the video for, he thought, but it wasn’t for that reason.

That night Dirk flipped through the library book on culture he had checked out from the library. It talked about things like melanin and sun rays and tanning. It made no sense to Dirk, but he re-read until he understood. Finally after re-reading more times than he could count, Dirk sat down at his computer and pulled out his thumb drive from the desk drawer. As he closed the drawer, his finger got slammed in the desk and in his pain; he dropped the thumb drive, so that the cover fell off. Picking up the cover he placed it on the desk and went on his hands and knees looking for the part that stored his assignments. When he found it, he picked it up, not by the insert side, but by the opposite end and he felt himself shrinking. He heard the thumb drive clatter to the floor and when his eyes slid into focus, he was so small, that the storage ‘buildings’ on the chip towered over him.

Following the circuit lady’s instructions he went into the tall black building, through the wire, into the empty room, punched in the code, and entered the elevator like closet. Pressing the Dismantle button, he held his breath and closed his eyes. He jerked around in the little capsule hitting the walls like a rag doll. When he reopened his eyes, he was sitting in his chair, staring at a blank Microsoft Word page. His fixed thumb drive was in the USB port, blinking a green light to tell him that it was ready for a command. Slowly he put his hands on the keys and he began to type…One night after school, I went on an extraordinary trip. It was a trip into cyberspace…

So how did you like it? Remember that you are welcome to send your own excerpts or stories to me at claire.negus@gmail.com...

THANKS AND GOOD BYE!!!!!!!(for now)

AKKKK!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

That excerpt was the wrong excerpt. That is an excerpt from what I am sending to Stone Soup very soon!!! I'll go get the right excerpt ASAP!!!!!!!!!!

The Dark Rose has taken a new turn....

2009-06-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

The dark rose is now taking on a body, with a whole new twist.....Here's the update:

Clem and Dawn sped through the trees on their bikes, one twin after the other. An afternoon bike through the trail in the woods had led to an imaginary crime scene, followed by shrieks of laughter and an epic bike home.

Their mother was waiting for the two on her door step, with her brown hair pulled back into a pony-tail; she was holding their little brother’s hand. She was still in office attire and was holding a wooden spoon; it was evident she had been making dinner when Bartholomew had called out that his sisters were home.

As the girls hurried to put their bikes away, Bartholomew peppered them with questions. “Was the ride bumpy? Did you see any snakes? What about crocodiles? Did you catch a frog for me this time? How did you get that scrape? Will you tell me it as a bedtime story tonight? Are you going to take a shower? Mommy made pasta with a fruit salad. Do you like fruit salad?” His sisters answered every question and then one went her way with her towel and clothes to shower and the twin to the other shower down the hallway.

After dinner the family sat by the fire light, waiting for the master of the house to come home.

Oh My Goodness!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

Today my mother, bless her heart, made fresh rasberry juice. A work of wonder. A magical potion. It is the best juice in the world. Freshly squeezed rasberries, straight from the patch! Lemonade, water sugar, and wa la a work of extravagant taste. I was so moved that I decided to write a poem about it. How about that?

Ummy in my Tummy Juice
My mom made this thing
She called it sparkling delight,
And this is what I think,

Its red like roses,
Foaming like the sea,
Its taste is undescribable,
So pardon me my friends,
I am greatful to my mom,
Her cooking talent never ends!!!

Thanks and goodbye~!

Boy-o-boy that was a long break.

2009-05-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

Well its been a long time since I've seen you, hasn't it? Lets get to the point of the post or the POTP for short.
I am in a drawing haze at the moment...... Here are some pictures I drew from around a imaginary house....

Do you like them? Tell me, are pencil strokes(meaning drawing) types of writing....?P.S. this is a random post. Probably nothing to do with writing.

Crackers

2009-05-04T13:16:00.001-07:00

A poem about crackers is needed as my mom and I made crackers today(wheat thins, my favorite) Here is a poem and some pictures

Wheat Thins
Thin,
Crunchy,
Salty,
Munchy,
Snacks for everyday.

Tasty,
Yummy,
Are good in,
My Tummy,
My favorite thing to eat!

This poem has a bouncing rhythm to it.

Here are some pics I promised you.....

Don't they look, well, to tell you the truth, tasty?

They look good, don't they?

You'll be wanting them.....To bad. You can't have them unless you make them.

claire

Didn't I promise?

2009-04-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

I did, didn't I.

Okay well here it goes.

A sweet smelling bird,
Of extravagant colors,
Adorned with orange and blue,
A favorite place,
Of the hummingbird,
And a place for buzzing bees too.

That there is the poem I promised you.

Happy?

No??!!!

Be that way...

A poem about a poet

Born one day,
In the sun of April,
Came little baby Fizzy,
She liked to walk about,
And spin,
It made her parents dizzy.
Fizzy went to school,
And was asked to write,
A poem about a poet,
And this she did alright.
Then next she supposed to write,
About a ship at sea,
She did so and was happy,
So happy, filled with glee.
She found her talent in writing,
Her parents were so proud,
They played their trumpets loud,
Their Fizzy had made them proud.

Excerpt from the unfinished/restarted.

2009-04-23T12:10:00.000-07:00

Remember that first paragraph, when James and Adeline were just introduced to the story? As little children around the age of five? This is what I wrote after that...

Twelve year old Adeline lugged a huge rusted water pail to the horse’s trough. Pouring it in, she sighed. Her new horse, Jockey, was hard to take care of. Jockey came trotting over the edge of the field and slopped up some water. The heat waves glistened over the green and yellow field. She spotted a hazy black figure walking through the tall grass and flowers. As it drew closer, Adeline squinted to see who it was. Only when the figure was 10 feet away from her did she realize who it was. That stride was James’. That hair was James’. That smile that Adeline knew only too well was James’. Getting up, Adeline walked through the gate into the field and greeted him next to the barn house. “Hey Addie.” Adeline rolled her eyes in a friendly sort of way. “Hello James.”

Like it? That's all I have right now...

Sorry!

2009-04-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys. I just found out that somebody deleted forever all of my Dark Rose writings. I am thinking of starting over... In the meantime.......Anybody read an interesting poem/article pertaining to writing? I was sent a poem that my mom found on the internet some time ago... I just haven't had the time lately to dig for it in my inbox.

Here comes a poem!!

2009-04-16T11:32:00.001-07:00

Okay, I must be blanking. Here is another wonderful poem from Clare...Presenting, Spring Collections!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spring Collections

By: Clare Liu

The Garden

Strolling along the stone path,

Vivid flowers are in full bloom,

As the pure golden rays

filter through the leafy trees.

Delicate, lacy lavenders,

Bright crimson roses

and beautiful tulips

all bring joy and happiness to the

Spring Garden.

The Butterflies

Flitting here and there,

Gracefully gliding between the plants

Unique rainbow colors

Artistically painted on their wings

Creating their own special garden.

The Fountains

Glittering clear water

Flows down the smooth gray rock

Spraying out cold mist

To cool this warm day

Liquid creatively twists

Following the structure

To amaze all.

I will be posting some of my own work shortly. (I've been in a bad temper lately. So I haven't been writing much.) I wanted to make sure that it wasn't just the contributes doing all the work. Thanks guys!!!!!!!!!!

Poetry month

2009-04-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I know this is a little late but I have been waiting for a time when the computer is up to speed. It slows down every once and a while, gets tired of reviewing pictures of snakes(that was my brother, Andrew). Finally, I get computer time. Any way. April IS poetry month and funny enough, as I was born in April, I write mostly poetry. Perhaps its a coincidence. I will never know....

Also, the dead line for the Dark Rose has been extended due to extensions of other stories being read, written and brothers being tackled. Thank you for your patience.

yours truly,
claire

Book Club details

2009-04-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

The link to the book club is here.
Everyone has a fake name.
No inappropriate talk/books.
That's basically it. Talk to me if you have questions.

Something just for fun....

2009-03-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

I must have Blog-fever. Really I must! Okay...I have a lot to talk about today. Let's get started.....

1. The word of the day is:

pooh-bah \POO-bah\ noun

1A. a person holding many public or private offices.
1B. a person of high postion or of great influence.

Funny huh? I DID NOT make that up. Really. I didn't. jop

2. I want to know if anybody is doing the Let's Write for the month of March about YOU so that I can plan out the next couple of days.... Remember, April 1,2009 is WEDNESDAY( for all those few participating...)

3. I need suggestions. I need your brains. No, no, not literally. Just suggestions/ideas.

4. I would like to start an online book club. I will go into details once I see that people want to participate. Please comment if you do.

Well. That's it!

More Amazing poems by the duet team!

2009-03-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

Here are two more amazing poems by Clare and her friend Sarah-Grace...

Arctic Fox

By: Sarah-Grace Arnett and Clare Liu

Clever and cunning

Finds it's way around the cold

Wily scavenger

Penguins

By: Sarah-Grace Arnett and Clare Liu

Wears a 'tuxedo'

Waddles away from the seals

Eating juicy fish

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay people, write, write, write! Clare and Sarah-Grace are doing all the work! Let's get wriiiiiiiiiittttttiiiiiinnnnnnggggggg!!!!!!!!!!!!

This poem is AMAZING!

2009-03-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

I am very lucky to be the author of this blog. I am very grateful to all of our contributors. Most of all, I am amazed at how well thought out and beautiful this haiku is.

Snowy Owl

By: Sarah-Grace Arnett and Clare Liu

Ivory feathers

Swooping down on upon the prey

Gracefully it flies

Three cheers for Clare, Sarah-Grace, and this great poem! Good job you guys!

Just so that we're all clear as mud on this...

2009-03-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

OK. So people keep asking me, "How do I send stuff to be posted?" And my answer is simple. Email. Email me at claire.negus@gmail.com (a toll free email address) and I will post your work LSASAP (Lickity-Split As Soon As Possible.) I've had lots of questions on this. ALSO! I will soon be posting on the sidelines a FAQs corner. For those people who have many questions, ask them by email me and I will reply. If I get that question twice, the question goes on the FAQ corner. There will be some FAQs there already. I hope to get some feedback from this post so don't be shy. Tell me what you think about O.W. How you would change it and why and all that jazz. Thanks and with a final distinguished bow, goodbye.

(Honestly, that bow thing just flowed out of my fingertips. Seriously. It just came out.)

Let's Write for the Month of March.

2009-03-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

Let's Write-March 2009- is about you. Observe yourself for about two weeks and then put it into a story. Use a different character as you and transform what you did into a story about what someone else did. The deadline is April 1, 2009. Send you work, if you participate, when you are done to me, claire.negus@gmail.com. Please participate. Last time, no repliers. I know we're all busy, but in that spare time, do as much as you can to either help out around your house, or write, or do homework, or do what needs to be done, BEFORE writing. I know that we have busy families and those families are more important than writing.

Claire

I WANT YOUR HELP-FOR REAL-LIKE ALWAYS

2009-03-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

This post has nothing to do with writer's disease. (Which is not real for you not so smart ones out there. Hee hee) So I need your help. Like I said earlier in the title.

Problem number one. I feel like this blog is missing something. And that something is you. I am missing your comments, your input, your feedback. And I rely almost completely on you to keep this writing blog up. Otherwise, I might as well talk about how the people next door are never home. And who wants to read that. I feel like you guys don't like this blog. I feel like that is why I am losing contributers and feedback. That was the point of this blog. And I'm not gettin' it. Why doesn't it work? I want to know how you feel about this blog. Be honest. I want to know weather or not you like it. Because any old 'good' friend will say, "Sure its a great blog! I read it everyday!" And then they get stumped on questions about the most recent posts and they are found guilty of lying. That is what I want to know. Are you a 'good' friend or an honest friend. I'd rather have an honest friend. So please. Tell me. If I don't get a reply ASAP I think I shall go balistic.

claire

About my brother and other things. Tips you might say. Or maybe I'm just talking again. This is way too long isn't it. Oh well. Hi peoples.

2009-03-03T10:56:00.001-08:00

I am tired and bored so here is a poem about my brother. See if you can guess which one.

He likes to build and play,
He likes to laugh and scream,
I don't know what to do with him,
I call him Jelly Bean.

He's chunky, funny, nice,
Innocent but guilty,
I'd never let you take him,
He's mine, mine, MINE!!!!!!!

Not very good, but I couldn't find a good last line.

Next, I must tell you what I did today as I began to get bored after trying to write a movie script.

I scribbled on a piece of paper.
I wrote my name in Greek.
I scribbled on the piece of paper again.
I wrote the alphabet and the numbers 1-9 over and over and over again.
I wrote down/quoted funny lines from movies.
I wrote down a bunch of expressions.
I wrote down boo hoo and boo a bunch of times.
I scribbled again.
I wrote the alphabet backwards.
I showed the person in charge of me at the moment.
I scribbled furiously, trying to find something to do.
I wrote a bad poem/short story and scribbled over that too.

I did it all in blue ink.

It was very annoying. And it doesn't work. So don't do it unless your desprate. Also. If you have a suggestion for this blog, that'd be great. I feel like I need to do something with blogger. Either do something with this blog or another blog or make a new blog and keep it to myself or something. I dont know. I need help. I am in the ULTAMITE writing disease stage. Help me please. Thank you. Yours truly. Me. The author. The editor. The poet. The girl with writing disease. The girl who scribbled. The girl who keeps typing and typing and typing. Thank you again. Yours truly again. Me again. The author again. The editor again. The poet again. The girl with writing disease again. The girl who scribbled again. The girl who keeps typing and typiung and typing again. The End of This Post for Real. Claire. Me.

Word of the Week--sort of

2009-02-19T12:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, sorry its been so long, I haven't been on the computer lately. Here is the word of the week, my resource, as you know is Merriam Webster's page, http://www.m-w.com

Myriad \MEER-ee-ud\ noun

1. ten thousand
2.a great number

Well, that's it for word of the week. Word of the week is presented by the following

Me, the author.
You(your comments), the contributer.
Merriam Webster, the great speaker.
http://www.m-w.com, the awesome word site.

Thank you and have a great day/night. Good bye everybody.

~claire

Organic Words

Practically the End of the Month Checklist

Poetry

"These are the times that try men's souls...."

Jokes are sometimes long and hard to comprehend...even for an author

Last Day of NaNoWriMo!

The Writer's Almanac

Like the wind......

Typing... Takes..... Forever.....

Yikes!

NaNoWriMo is here!!!

Poem from Shel Silverstein!

The Complete Adventure of Evelyn Frances Sympa

Just a wrandom idea

Written anything lately? And a note about Turkeys.

Short Story Draft 1

School, Poems, and 'Such'.

One entry from Random Freewrite

Forrest D. Hampton---back from the dead.

Random Freewrite

This is just a quote that has been floating around....

*Chirp Chirp*

Long Post Part Two -- What we should strive for as authors and poets

Something that is very important to me--Long Post Part 1

Please Hold

Poems from Poetry Month

April 1st marks the beginning of a very busy month...

New post coming up soon!-UPDATED WITH POEM

My Ode to Fishing

By Jenna

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Grammar

Lovely Stationary

Quotes and an upcoming Birthday!

For all those artists out there....

Some Scenery and A Valentine's Day Poem

A huge apology and Time is UP!

Happy New Year!

Blogger alert!

Notice

Christmas season!

A Poem on the Review Page. Go get it!

Definition of DILETTANTE

Video; Inner Editor

My NaNo stats.

Happy Halloween!

Quick Example...

Lots of upcoming events...

Okay, this is slightly off topic, but it is my interesting post.....

Delay...

Hang in there

Post # 101

Moving Story by Clare ( the other one. I am Claire...She is, well you know. Clare)

I lost you guys here....

Writing....And a little side tracked thing.

A poem about: Birds

Reviews Page.

Sorry...

Couple notes to share and a great poem.

Author of the Month: Jeanne Birdsall

Its Raining Pens and Paper.

So I hope you all had a great holiday and happy New Year.

Namby-Pamby: The tale of an actual word.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pretend that it is Tuesday!

I would like to introduce...The Fate Series!

Happy Halloween!

Monday with Microsoft! Mystery books!

Here is some Info, also posted on Knights of the Writers Table

Going, Going, Gone....

Here Ye Here Ye Everybody come hither Ye.

Find Me a Mystery Book

Polls are added! As well as...

I recommend to you...A number of things......

I am so sorry....

Well, Its One day Late, but...

My favorite post....

Video of Little Reader!

Warren written by Madi!

Sonnet pattern

Chirp Chirp