Category Archives: Nandy Ekle

The End

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

The End 

By Nandy Ekle

What a rush! There’s no feeling better in all the world. I actually wrote “the end” and took a deep giggly breath of air.

And it wasn’t just putting the two words on the page, because anyone could just stick “the end” anywhere. No, it was knowing where to put them. And more than just where, it was HOW to put them.

Think about it. You have the most amazing concept in the world. You think and plan, outline if you must. You discuss it with friends and research all possibilities. You start typing the words and hit a roadblock. You’ve come to the end of your comfort zone. I know a lot of very smart people who might stick “the end” on it and walk away. But not this time.

This time you’re serious about it. The characters continue to whisper and get you past the block. Then boom, the next roadblock. But you’re determined. Yeah, there’s holidays and problems, but you keep pushing that pencil on.

Then the characters stop talking. “Come on, guys,” you say. “We’re not at ‘the end’ yurt. But they’re tired and don’t want to talk anymore. I, myself, have been guilty of sticking those two words there.

But this time, when the heroine and hero stopped talking, I decided to make it up on my own. Oh, it was nothing close to good, but it was like a bucket of ice water on my little people to wake them up and get them moving again. They saw what I was writing and jumped up, yanked the pencil from my hand and the story continued.

And there it was. The glorious end of the road. I took a deep breath and boldly put my pencil to the paper. Very carefully, desperately trying not to get too excited, I wrote “The End” in exactly the right place.

Congratulations. You have just received a post card from the muse.

OT, Head Bug, Et Al

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

OT, Head Bug, Et Al

By Nandy Ekle

Almost a month into the new year. There’s been mandatory overtime at my day job, visitors in my home, deep cleaning, and rearranging, all topped off with the onset of that old head cold I’ve named Rhino Virus. Rhino Virus is not my friend. In fact, I’m actually a little bit of a baby where Rhino Virus is concerned.

The good points? Well, the overtime at work adds to my vacation fund. The visitors are fun and interesting, sometimes leaving me a new story to think about. The deep cleaning and rearranging, well, those benefits are obvious. As for Rhino Virus, I can still manage to have a little fun with that.

For instance, I can think of this head cold as a character, give it a name, and create a whole scene around it. We all know how our bodies fight disease, so let’s just imagine a championship ball game (going along with the season) take place inside my nose and sinus cavity. The game players wear white uniforms and the cheerleaders are dressed in red. The virus team wears an ugly puke green.

The fun in this is with the social media sites I belong to. I can make short random updates giving play-by-play reports of the action going on.

Leave me a comment and let me know what mundane parts of daily living do you turn into stories?

 

 

Game Play

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

Game Play

By Nandy Ekle

I love most word games. However, it’s hard to find one that keeps my interest very long because, well, as modest as I can be, I’m pretty good at them. I have a huge vocabulary, I’m a good speller, and I can think fast and spontaneously. That’s not to say I’m the champion word gamer, because I’m not. I often go for the most grandiose words and don’t think about score, which means I use a lot of letters of very little value.

But I found something new. Well, not really. It’s a renewing of a very old game. It’s called Bananagram, but it’s nothing more than Scrabble. The version I’ve got is a solo game with the option of finding random players from my contacts list, which I don’t do often because I’m always afraid of bothering other people.

There are four ways to play on my app: Quick Game, which is a short timer and set number of tiles; Pop Atack, where letters drop into a well that grows and I have to use them up before the pile touches the top of the screen; Time Race, which is another short timer, but when you use up the letters more appear for you to use; and then, just plain Practice where they give you a set number of letters and no timer and when you touch the letter the diagram shows you everywhere it can be played.

With my semi-obsessive personality, I’ve played, usually the Time Race, with every second of free time I can find. And while it’s a challenge because the time is so short, I’ve invented a new rule. Each game will have a theme. Every word I make now has to be related to the other words in the diagram.

Now. I wonder how many stories that will create?

Congratulations. You have just received a post card from the muse.

Relax

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

Relax

By Nandy Ekle

Shopping, cooking, eating, decorating, partying, wrapping, mailing, planning, eating, cleaning, making up extra beds, staying up late hours, hugging, kissing, laughing, crying, eating, re-cleaning, unwrapping, redecorating, good-bying, and re-cleaning again. From the beginning of November through the beginning of January, life is nonstop chaos. And for those of us whose comfort is routine and order, The Holidays are exhausting. Add to that a full-time job, unfinished stories and a cruel conscience, and, well, no wonder the muse vanishes every time we boot up the computer.

Now, it’s over. The time has come to put things back in order and continue on with your life. But you’re tired. No, that’s not right. You’re EXHAUSTED. You put your hands on the keys and watch them just sit there. Ideas bounce around in your head with characters and scenes.

What you really need is rest. Give yourself permission to take one week off. Heal, rest, relax.

But don’t forget that while you’re resting and relaxing, your characters are frozen exactly where you left them, which, depending on where they are and what they’re doing, can be very awkward.

Congratulations. You have just received a post card from the muse.

Holiday Blessings

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

Holiday Blessings

By Nandy Ekle

We love our relatives–our mothers, fathers, siblings, in-laws, out-laws, and everyone in between.  Each family is as unique as the individuals that make it up. No two families are alike. And that’s what makes our holiday times special.

Most of our family members are pure gold and we can’t wait to be with them. We feel so warm and comfortable with them and hate when the time comes to go our separate ways again. There are other members of our family who . . . well, we shake our heads and wonder if our genes actually match.

But I learned something a few years ago. After a fairly stressful year, a new job, a few changes in the dynamics of my immediate family, and an injury–the holidays felt more like impending doom than fun and joy. I slipped away into my own world and read a book (don’t even remember which book) and I found the answer to my holiday joylessness.

If I could change my attitude, I was sure I would find a way to enjoy the whole yuletide process. I knew the people I would be around, I knew that I love them and would do anything for them. And that’s when it dawned on me. I would be in a goldmine. I would be surrounded by characters and stories that I could embellish like a Christmas tree.

And boom! There it was! I was suddenly excited about the holidays.

I repeat, I love every single member of my family, the ones I’ve known my whole entire life, the ones who have joined us over the years, and the newest ones. The thought of spending time with the whole crazy bunch thrills me. There is always fun and laughter, joy and love. And through it all, the muse sits on my shoulder taking notes.

Congratulations. You have just received a post card from the muse.

The Interview

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

The Interview

By Nandy Ekle

“First, find out what your hero wants, then just follow him!

Ray Bradbury

  

Cast:    Interviewer

Main Character (Claire)

Setting:  A concrete room, similar to an interrogation room in a cops-type TV show. The walls are gray, the light is gray, the floor is gray, and the ceiling is out of the picture. There is a large mirror on one wall right next to the door.

Interviewer walks in carrying a laptop computer. She sits in one of the chairs and opens her computer.

The door opens and Main Character walks in shyly, head down, eyes peeking out from under her hair.

Interviewer:    Come in and have a seat.

Main Character walks a little further into the room.

Interviewer:    What is your name?

Main Character (sits in chair timidly)   I’m Claire.

Interviewer:    Hello, Claire. What have you come to tell me?

Claire:    Well, I’m going to tell you how I came to be where I am.

Interviewer:     I’m not sure I understand.

Claire:    Well, I’ve had a little . . . adventure. I stood in line out there (motions with head toward the door) waiting my turn, and now it’s here. So I get to tell you my story.

Interviewer:     Okay. (She clicks ink pen and holds it over the paper) You may begi

Claire:   It all started when I woke up one morning and realized I was out of coffee. That’s all I wanted, just some coffee. But that’s the one thing that, when I want it, I want it NOW. (Claire’s face darkens) I. NEEDED. MY. COFFEE. (She pauses and then her face morphs back to its original demure expression)

Interviewer:     I know exactly what you mean. I’m the same way about coffee.

Claire:   (Smiles softly) Then you’ll understand my story.

Interviewer:     (Returns smile) Of course I will.

Claire:   It happened like this . . .

I simply take dictation while my characters talk. After all, they’re the ones telling the story.

Your assignment: What came next? Post in the comments below. And, by all means, have fun.

Anthologies a Good Place To Start

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Anthologies a Good Place To Start.

by Natalie Bright

While you’re working on the novel have you thought about submitting a few short pieces to build your pub clip file and boost your ego?

Our critique group, WordsmithSix, came together in part from connections made through a local writing organization to combine with an existing group who lost several members, and through long time friends and new neighbors. We’ve been meeting since 2009.

We began with a common goal—get published. We’ve consistently produced, read our work to the group, revised (and revised some more), and submitted. Between us we’re now multi-published across several genres in short stories, inspirational, devotionals, and kid lit. Since 2010 we became active bloggers. Each success motivates us to keep writing. Every meeting inspires us to work harder.

Which brings me to the point of this blog. I’d like to share a few of our recent works with you.

The Least He Could Do And Eleven Other Stories

Featuring Miss Bitsy by Nandy Ekle

From StoneThread Publishing comes an eclectic collection of twelve short stories. At times you’ll laugh out loud, and at times you’ll have to stop reading to let your heart calm down. This edition includes a story from WordsmithSix member Nandy Ekle. Miss Bitsy tells the tale about a kindly neighborhood grandmother who isn’t all she appears to be. This story gave me chills when I first read it in critique group, and I’m thrilled that it’s out there for everyone to enjoy. Way to go Nandy!

The Least He Could Do And Eleven Other Stories 51xt5BNVf3L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers

Featuring The Challenge by Rory C. Keel
Features 101 Motivational Stories for Writers. Sometimes we need to be challenged to write, and this would make a great gift for those special writers in your life. This edition features The Challenge, by WordsmithSix author Rory C. Keel.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writerscss-inspiration-for-writers-2

West Texas Christmas Stories

Featuring A Cowboy’s Christmas Blessings by Natalie Bright

An anthology of more than 30 Christmas stories–short and upbeat, set in West Texas or by West Texas writers including Elmer Kelton and John Erickson. You’ll laugh out loud at the clever piece by editor Glenn Dromgoole about a holiday fruitcake, while other stories will evoke warm memories about past holidays.  My story, A Cowboy’s Christmas Blessings, was inspired by the cowboys and their families who live and work on Texas cattle ranches. It’s an age old tradition and a proud heritage that continues today.

Texas Christmas Stories west texas christmas stories

Remember, books make great gifts!

www.nataliebright.com

Botany Lesson

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

Botany Lesson

By Nandy Ekle

I dug a hole in the dirt and dropped my little seed in, covered it up and walked away from it. Then the bad weather hit and I completely forgot about what I had just planted. I didn’t water it or check on it at all.

One day, after the storm ended, I walked down the pathway and suddenly remembered the seed. As I walked by the spot where I had buried it, I got a surprise. A stem poked up out of the ground with a couple of leaves. I knew from my biology classes in high school that under the dirt was an intricate network of roots. And these roots, while very necessary to the story, would never be seen by the above ground world.

The roots are important to a plant because they give it nutrition. They absorb minerals and water from the ground. They also give the plant balance and structure. Another thing roots do is give the plant depth. However, the roots are not beautiful. They are never meant to be seen.

The stem of the plant is fiber that conducts the nutrients to the rest of the plant. It also gives structure and height. The leaves are the main kitchens. This is where the outside elements come together to feed the body and roots. Photosynthesis takes place in the leaves and sends the nutrients to the rest of the plant.

And then there’s the flower. The purpose of the flower is procreation. This is beauty and fragrance that lures in the pollinator. Once the bee finishes its job, a new seed for a new plant is created.

Now. Did you see the story up there?

Congratulations. You have just received a post card from the muse.

The Great Escape

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

The Great Escape

By Nandy Ekle

Sub zero temperatures, blowing winds with an edge as sharp as a knife, a little snow here and there. Winter has arrived a few days early and is twisting our lives with grueling intensity. My favorite radio station has two tickets to paradise, but you have to be the ninth caller to get in the drawing — and I’m always number 6.

However, there is a way to visit the tropics while Antarctica eats the siding off my house and tries to cut off our water supply. I can take a pencil and a piece of paper and describe my vision of the Hawaiian beach. I’ve seen the pictures of two palm trees connected by a hammock hanging in the middle between them.

I close my eyes and hear the water rush up the sand, then glide back to the depths. I smell the salt air, feel the slight breeze as the clouds float across the blue sky. Out in the distance I see an ocean liner on the horizon. Sea gulls gossip in the air, but there are no other sounds.

Looking at the line where the briny water has washed up on the beach I see a crab side stepping away from the water. Where is he headed? What is he after? Where did he come from?

I roll off my hammock and walk to the water. As it laps up on my feet and I feel the sand being sucked out from under my toes, I notice a tiny hole open up next to my heel. The hole covers as quickly as it opens, but bubbles rise to the surface and pop. I want to dig down in the hole and find what  made it, but a picture suddenly appears in my head of a sea monster waiting for some unsuspecting finger to plunge down. I go back to my hammock and lay down again.

My eyes close and even the calling of the birds disappears. The air turns cold once again and the biting wind picks back up. I have just arrived home from my trip.

Congratulations. You have just received a post card from the muse.

A Book Makes A Great Gift

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A Book Makes A Great Gift

by Natalie Bright

Our critique group, WordsmithSix, came together in part from connections made through a local writing organization to combine with an existing group who lost several members, and through long time friends and new neighbors. We’ve been meeting since 2009.

We began with a common goal—get published. We’ve consistently produced, read our work to the group, revised (and revised some more), and submitted. Between us we’re now multi-published across several genres in short stories, inspirational, devotionals, and kid lit. Since 2010 we became active bloggers. Each success motivates us to keep writing. Every meeting inspires us to work harder.

Which brings me to the point of this blog. I’d like to share a few of our recent works with you.

The Least He Could Do And Eleven Other Stories

Featuring Miss Bitsy by Nandy Ekle

From StoneThread Publishing comes an eclectic collection of twelve short stories. At times you’ll laugh out loud, and at times you’ll have to stop reading to let your heart calm down. This edition includes a story from WordsmithSix member Nandy Ekle. Miss Bitsy tells the tale about a kindly neighborhood grandmother who isn’t all she appears to be. This story gave me chills when I first read it in critique group, and I’m thrilled that it’s out there for everyone to enjoy. Way to go Nandy!

The Least He Could Do And Eleven Other Stories 51xt5BNVf3L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers

Featuring The Challenge by Rory C. Keel
Features 101 Motivational Stories for Writers. Sometimes we need to be challenged to write, and this would make a great gift for those special writers in your life. This edition features The Challenge, by WordsmithSix author Rory C. Keel.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writerscss-inspiration-for-writers-2

West Texas Christmas Stories

Featuring A Cowboy’s Christmas Blessings by Natalie Bright

An anthology of more than 30 Christmas stories–short and upbeat, set in West Texas or by West Texas writers including Elmer Kelton and John Erickson. You’ll laugh out loud at the clever piece by editor Glenn Dromgoole about a holiday fruitcake, while other stories will evoke warm memories about past holidays.  My story, A Cowboy’s Christmas Blessings, was inspired by the cowboys and their families who live and work on Texas cattle ranches. It’s an age old tradition and a proud heritage that continues today.

Texas Christmas Stories west texas christmas stories

Remember, books make great gifts!

www.nataliebright.com