Day One-Unlock the Mind
Prompt: To get started, let’s loosen up. Let’s unlock the mind. Today, take twenty minutes to free write. And don’t think about what you’ll write. Just write.
Twist: And for your first twist? Publish this stream-of-consciousness post on your blog.
When I see anything to do with time constraints I immediately think about the ability to control and manipulate time. I have a dream of someday creating a story solely based on people with abilities. This dream is based on my obsession with the television show Heroes. However, I have no idea what I’m doing with it yet, the plot, the characters, the mission at hand, I don’t know any of it… Quite yet. However, this first prompt will be focused on my intro character when it first approached this topic. Trevor Turner, a character of my story I plan on titling Proximity. So sit back and enjoy my throw together piece.
Imagine waking up one day and you suddenly posses an inhuman ability. Now out of all the abilities you could possibly come across, which one would you desire? Immortality? Telekinesis? Flight? How about time travel. That’s one scary ass power. So much can go wrong with it, and the butterfly effect is probably the worse setback to an ability in the world. Now, take time to consider the sheer immense power this ability gives you. That shit is not going to be easy to control. It’s horrifying what awful things could happen, it’s even more terrifying when you have no grasp on the ability whatsoever.
It all started one morning. As a simple early twenties college student, you have things to do all the time. So waking up one morning in a different time period, is not going to benefit your college education. Somehow I must have been dreaming of the future, because that is where I ended up. And this future I saw was complete and total shit. These abilities people could posses can easily get out of hand. Someone with pyrokinesis is probably going to go around burning things down for the thrill of it. Someone with immortals is surly going to abuse that ability and whore themselves around caused hundreds of unplanned pregnancy and an arrogance a mile wide. Then there are those with silly abilities that do not seem too threatening at first. They have something to prove. They will find a way to capitalize on their ability to cause as much harm as they possibly could.
Where was the government? I’m the first to admit I hate the government and would rather the world ran without one but something like this, the government would be the only one with the resources to manage this threat. Where’s the FBI, CIA, the fricking police! No control is the equality to massive destruction. Were they finally toppled or are they even more corrupt then before? Although it was as if someone could read my mind. My world spun out of control when fifty thousand bolts infected my body. The government.
They were still as crafty as before. Blindfolding me as they brought me to a high security cell where they would interrogate and torture me until my secrets spilled out. But for once, I was wrong about the government. Once they learned about my ability they immediately hired me as their “redo”. What could be better to cure the future them to prevent it in the past. They asked what I needed for compensation. I told them nothing. If I can save the world, then I will. If I’ve been gifted with this power it must be for this very reason. Now don’t get me wrong, I have no belief there is a God or all being that’s more powerful than anyone in the world. I just believe in good people, doing the right things. I’m a good person, of course I’ll do what’s right! However my only issue was trying to get back. I lived in the future for several days until I finally figured out how to get back. I cannot unsee the terrible things I’ve seen. The government put me under secure lockdown until I would one day be gone. They’d walk in to an empty cot and a dream. I had to be their silver lining.
That’s how it all began. That’s how I got where I am. That’s where I started righting the wrongs.
Day Two-A Room with a View
Prompt: If you could zoom through space in the speed of light, what place would you go to right now?
Twist: Organize your post around the description of a setting.
I had a slight difficulty trying to think of what I would write for this prompt. However, I thought. There is no guidelines! I could travel through space into one place I loved.
My Memories.
A three hour trip that could have been only two and a half hours if my girlfriend and I didn’t go the wrong way on the interstate. However we knew this trip would all be worth it once we arrived. Her mom had managed to get us a small little beach house on the infamous Hampton Beach! We were stoked! My girlfriend has always had this thing for oceans, the waves, and the salty air had been her calling since she’s met it! So I knew this would be amazing for her.
We arrived at near dark in Hampton New Hampshire, and immediately unloaded our bags because we had plans. We needed to go to the ocean beckoning for us to throw ourselves in. Let the waves wash our worries away! The pavement to the beach was littered with trash and in rough shape, but we were too happy to care. Laughing and joking all the way down.
The salty air was definitely enchanting. No matter where we walked it followed us. The crash of the waves began to invade my ears, overwhelming me with happy anxiety. Closer and closer we got the louder it was. Suddenly the pavement turned to steps, which led to sand. I had already ripped my shoes off for the sheer thrill of the sand between my toes. I always found sand to be an annoying luxury. You like it where you want it, hate it where it goes.
I was overwhelmed with the sheer beauty of where I was. The strip was lit up with lights and music! All I could feel is incredible happiness and relaxation in the air. The atmosphere buzzing with excitement and wonder. I stared at the lights for what seemed like forever. Time, I didn’t mind to lose. My girlfriend had already shot herself in the direction of the waves eager to immerse herself in them!
Although I have an affinity with air, I had a powerful connection with water too. I guess I could blame that on my best friend who’s obsessed with the stuff. I smiled as memories flooded my mind and looked back to my girlfriend. Bliss and carefree wonder expelled from her. She swung her arms blissfully through the salty seawater. Screaming in yelling in joy. I’ve never seen someone so happy in my life.
I had quickly followed her into the ocean. I felt it’s power travel through me. It erased everything negative in my life. Even if for only a brief moment. I couldn’t be happier than standing their ankle high in water living in the present. Nothing could bother me in the ocean.
The whole trip we had not one sad moment. Pure bliss!
Day Three-Commit to a Writing Practice
Prompt: Write about the three most important songs in your life — what do they mean to you?
Twist: You’ll commit to a writing practice.
Disclaimer: They stated I could change whatever I would like too. So I’ve changed it to writing a story about ONE song. One that I’ve always wanted to write about.
Kirsty Are You Doing Ok?
He felt powerless. Tossing her against the wall was his escape. He needed to hurt her to feel alive. Putting his dirty hands on her was the only way he felt powerful. The walls were unforgiving as he bashed her into the sheetrock. Elbows and knees punctured the fragile substance, dust clouded the area. With tears streaming down her face, her sobs filled the empty apartment. Who could do this to someone. Would anyone save her? Then his calloused hands would do the unthinkable. Reaching for the only thing that could completely destroy someone; he reached for her jeans.
Classes had just begun now and there was a whole new world out there for me to face. Thats when I saw her. Beautiful flowing black hair she quickly fumbled to push her sleeves down. Her face, it bleed sadness. She walked through the hall aimlessly lost in her thoughts. I didn’t think much of it until I saw her again.
She clutched in her arms a composition notebook, her lifeline. I watched her helplessly every period. She wrote in the book obsessively. Her drawings were so dark. Pictures of her alone and eyes full of tears. She spent so much time alone. I didn’t know what could possibly be happening to her to maker her so distant from the world.
She could laugh with her “friends” and pretend everything is great but I know better. I’ve been watching you Kristy. I know somethings wrong. That one day on the field I found out. You left your notebook out for me. Did you do that on purpose Kristy? Did you want me to find it? I wish I never had. Now I regret everything. Even if I was too young…
I was never there for you.
I’m sorry Kristy. I’ll miss you.
Day Four-Serially Lost
Prompt: Write about a loss: something (or someone) that was part of your life, and isn’t any more.
Twist: Make today’s post the first in a three-post series.
Imagine losing someone important to you. Who’s the first person you think of. Most of you will probably think of that one person that broke your heart. Thats who most people will think about. I remember my first time. It was a simple and typical High School relationship. Started out as a simple gimmick, popularity at having a girlfriend, those little puppy love stages, then theres the experiment, and finally the heartbreak. Imagine all this unfolding… While you have a special ability.
High School is no cakewalk. Imagine waking up someday and suddenly you can do something amazing. The first thing you do, tell your girlfriend. What does your girlfriend do. Freak out. That is a quick summary but I will go through it in detail.
It all started when I saw her walking the hallways, typical I know. She was so gorgeous. Her long black hair. Her perfectly crafted body. Those tattered scene clothes. She had that “stay away from me” attitude which I found so irresistible.
I had to do it. I stared at her for about a week. On and off as she wrote in her journal. That day, I walked right up to her and I read her fracking mind. Yeah, you heard that right. I read her thoughts! And guess what she said.
“Oh that cute boy in fifth period is coming up to me!” she thought.
“Hey doll, you want to go out sometime?” I smirked at her.
“Yeah!” she smiled at me.
Her lips covered in black lipstick smiled up at me. Her face was so gorgeous and I couldn’t stop gazing at her. Suddenly out of impulse I pulled her off the bench and kissed her. She kissed me back. We were standing in the middle of the lunchroom making out. All my dreams were coming true.
Suddenly the world began to fade and blur around me. Exploding in a blast of colors and patterns. The reality of my life, much less exciting, began to unfold before my eyes. I was sitting at my desk staring at a whiteboard. It was all just a fantasy?
“It worked…” I whispered as I slipped out of the classroom.
Day Five-Be Brief
Prompt: You stumble upon a random letter on the path.
Twist: Approach this post in as few words as possible.
Stumbling through the hallway I came across a folded parchment on the floor. Curiously I picked it up and began to unfold it. Pieces of me trembled as I read it.
I know what you did. I’m going to find you. Your Telepathy won’t work on me…
Day Six-A Character Building Experience
Prompt: Who’s the most interesting person (or people) you’ve met this year?
Twist: Turn your post into a character study.
I wasn’t playing around! Someone writes a note to you that’s so freighting that’s no big deal to me. Knowing I possess telepathy is! So I’m going to find him and I’m going to try my best to wreck his mind. I focused my thoughts and cleared my mind, looking for a stray thought that could tell me where he is.
“You’ll find me waiting for you, sitting in a chair swiveling as I expect your arrival. Come get me telepathy boy!” I heard clear as day.
“Gotcha!” I smiled as I creeped down the hallway.
The school hallways were always somehow so clean and organized. No pictures were left crooked or graffiti left uncleansed. For a public school we did very well. I noticed an open door to my left, snapping me out of my thoughts. I listened again.
“Come get me telepathy boy!”
I quickly dashed around the corner and creeped into the door. There sitting at a desk was Mr. Davison, my English teacher. He was a well-dressed man. An interesting man! He always had a happy twist to throw onto the class.
“I guess you’re wondering why I called you here today telepathy boy!” Mr. Davison asked.
“How do you know about my ability?” I asked him.
“I know so much about the world, it gets tiresome after a while. What does one man do with all this knowledge?” Mr. Davison said concerned.
“What, do you possess some kind of ability too?” I said standoffish.
“Observant boy! My ability however is much more complicated. Much more, consuming,” he said menacingly.
“Well you’ll regret chasing me down!” I laughed as I began to focus my thoughts.
“I want you to smash your face against the desk, repeatedly until consciousness evaporates your body!” I pushed.
“I want you to throw yourself onto the ground. Begging for me to spare your life!” he retaliated.
I suddenly couldn’t move. It didn’t work? Why didn’t it work?
“I bet you are wondering why it hasn’t affected me. I’ll answer that for you, I possess a unique ability. They call it Intuitive Aptitude. The ability to understand the complexity and exactness of organisms, objects, and even powers without the need of long-term or special education. It’s very powerful. It also makes me a very difficult target! It’s amazing really. So, as I was saying. I understand how you operate. Your ability, I can dissect it at will. Best part, I don’t even need to rip you open, like a friend of mine from my past. Thanks to this ability, I’ve worked on ways to revamp it. Make it more user friendly per say. Now I’m going to use it against you!
Day Seven-Give and Take
Prompt: Write a post based on the contras between two things- whether people, objects, emotions, places or something else.
Twist: Write your post in the form of a dialogue.
MY SPECIALITY 🙂
My friend and I have been gifted amazing abilities and we decided it was best, and time too, take a step back and approach our “condition”. However I never realized how different our views would be. We sat at the local Panera Bread in their incredibly comfortable chairs playing on our iPad and chilling.
“It’s hard going around the world, realizing that you possess some amazing ability that lets you do amazing things. We could use it to save someone! Make the world a better place!” I smiled as I sipped my Breakfast Blend coffee.
“It’s sickening is what it is. Given an amazing power in this shitty world! What makes us so special? I believe we need a reset. Wipe out humanity and begin again!” he said through clenched teeth downing the remainder of his Dark Roast.
“Are you implying people can’t change? I believe we’ve been given these powers in order to right the wrongs, fix what we’ve broken. Not demolish it.” I said defending my feelings.
“Well I think you’re a crazy fool. We can’t fix this! The world is sick, medicine won’t help it we need to put it out of its misery! Pull the plug! Only then will we be on the right path!” he said as he tossed his iPad onto the floor.
“David, how can you say that?” I struggled sitting up in my chair placing my iPad on the coffee table.
“Look Michael, it’s just not going to work. Trust me on this, I think I’ve known long enough the future of this planet. You haven’t dreamt the future. I have. I know better than you do. What this world is coming to, you don’t want it,” David said as he got up to fetch himself another coffee. I eagerly followed him.
“Seriously David, dreaming the future is huge! With that we can find the things the break down the world and reinforce them! Start something great! Achieve something! Come on David, I can’t do this alone!” I pleaded.
“Michael, stop. It just too difficult to fix!” David said as he capped his black coffee.
“David, no! Listen to what I’m saying! Let’s fix this! Do this right! The future is in our hands. We’re young adults. We’re going to live that future you’re so afraid of!” I said as I dumped my cold coffee and poured myself another cup.
“This ability thing destroys everyone, seriously. Imagine being able to blow up things with your mind! Corrupt political systems by controlling their thoughts. How about nuclear explosions, imagine making one in your hands. This stuff is dangerous! It needs to be eradicated.” David said angrily.
I could tell I was getting on his nerves but I just couldn’t imagine a world so bad it needed to be destroyed. That was his ability talking. Mine was much less jolting. I sat down in my chair and rethought how I was going to approach this. What could I do with someone who just feels like the worlds so broken, that no one can fix.
“Okay David. I understand. Your ability must make you see horrible things. Have you ever thought of looking for better things in the world? Reasons to dream of the good in the future. I’m sure it’s not all bad. Imagine being able to heal someone? I bet that’s helpful in the future! Imagine being able to invent helpful technologies. Imagine what an iPhone is in the future! Seriously Dave, take it down a notch and look at it from another light. Okay buddy? I’m here for you man!” I said as I slipped my glasses on and began to read from my iPad once again.
“I can’t control my dreams Mike! If I could I would be looking at more interesting things than the shambles of our future cities. I’d be looking for myself. See where I am. I bet I’m with some amazing woman, who’s inexplicitly died. Where were your healers than Mike? Not everyone is as good as you think they are. Trust me. I’ve seen some shit. I’m not looking for sadness or horror. I’m just trying to sleep. Get my rest, without be torn awake by a brutal murder of someone I don’t even know! It’s terrifying never knowing what you’ll find when you’re sleeping. All you can do is fly Mike. Embrace that.” David said as he threw himself back into the chair. Quickly retrieving his iPad and reading.
Day Eight-Death to Adverbs
Prompt: Go to a local café, park, or public place and write a piece inspired by something you see.
Twist: Write an adverb-free post.
The mountains here are majestic. Little grassy hills that have grown overtime. Amazing how a whole state can revolve around the simplicity of an earth made sculpture. Sitting here viewing at them in awe. Wondering, what’s up there? Of course what would I know. I’m simply a man sitting at a picnic table feasting on the sights. I have a common theme revolving around my pieces, and that’s superhuman abilities. Terrakinesis is one of them. Only one I’ve ever known to possess them is the carnival creep from Heroes! Could someone with an ability craft the mountains. Is God really a man that’s possess Terrakinesis lost in time? Who really knows. They are incredible thought. Gazing upon them is simply uplifting. Raising your spirits high into the air. Altitude simply condensed air. What can you see down here from up there? Is it as majestic as the view from down here to up there? Only those who have conquered it will ever really know. Someday, maybe I’ll get to be one of those who understands them.
Talk to the mountains. See if they talk back!
Day Nine-Point of View
Prompt: A man and a woman walk through the park holding hands
Twist: Write the scene from three different points of view
“They have taken it all from me. Look at them, in love. It’s sickening!” he coughed as he desperately dragged off his spent cigarette.
He always drove his beater to the park edges and stared sickly at the people having fun on their day off. He stroked his chin hairs constantly, as dark thoughts infected his mind. He gingerly pulled another cigarette from its pack and lit it up. He smoked constantly, as if he couldn’t get enough nicotine. He coughed harshly each draw. No one knows why he does this every Saturday but he’s been warned twice now by the police.
I walked through the park grasping her hand as if we were to let go it would be forever. She and I have been together for such a long time now and I was thinking about finally cutting the deal. Asking her `the question’. The park was gorgeously populated today, walking through the fresh cut grass with the sweet summer air tickling my nose! She smiled at me with those cute puppy dog eyes happy that we had made it this far.
“How are you doing baby doll?” I flirted.
“Amazing, how about you my handsome man!” She smiled up at me.
“Enjoy the shit out of this weather is what I’m doing, but you’re a nice companion too!” I joked.
“Whatever!” She said adorably.
We continued through the park watching the ridiculously happy puppies sniffing one another and the old couples chuckling on the benches. A small group of children played by the river tackling each other and rolling in the grass. Their parents hollering at them for ‘staining’ their clothing! A young couple flirted wildly, splashed each other with water as they were knee high in the flow. Grabbing each other and kissing each other viciously as they basked in the sunlight. I gazed over embarrassingly at the topless girls sunbathing drinking their ‘Starbucks’ coffee.
“What am I going to do?” she cried in her head, “I’ve got to tell him, he’s going to be devastated!”
She had stumbled on a misplaced rock in the ground and fell to her knees. I quickly picked her off the ground and checked her over for any wounds. She was scuffed a bit and I motioned her to the bench. We sat down as she gingerly rubbed her knees.
“You going to live baby?” I smiled at her as I grabbed her hand.
“I don’t know!” she said concerned.
I was taken aback by her tone. I was only kidding she couldn’t really be dying from a scuffed knee, could she? I put my hand on her shoulder and smiled at her. She shrugged me off. I was getting a little irritated now. She smiled at me, it was filled with sadness though.
“What’s going on hun?” I asked as my heart raced.
He’s been so fantastic to me. All these years and I’ve betrayed him. How can I do this to him? This is such a beautiful day! The sun is shining and the air is so warm and inviting. This is going to cloud up the rest of his day. Why was I so stupid? Meeting up with him even though I knew I shouldn’t have. He’s always been interested in me since I began working at the office. A simple office meeting turned into a tragedy. He held my hand so tight today, does he already know? Walking with him makes me feel so happy yet so awful. I’m going to destroy an innocent man on a beautiful day. I’m a monster.
“Ha! She fell!” he said as he took another drag, “soon everyone will be falling!”
The man in the car reached over to the passenger’s seat and held the barrel of gun in his hands. Gripping it viciously as all he wanted to do was whip it out and finish this. They would all pay for what they’ve done to him.
“I’m sorry Andrew,” she cried as she threw her head into her hands.
“What’s going on Grace?” I said. My heart wouldn’t slow, not anymore.
“I did something bad,” she sobbed uncontrollably.
“What did you do Grace! Tell me right now!” I said angrily as I stood up.
“You know the guy I work with?” she began, interrupting herself with a gasp for air.
“Which one you work with like a…” then it hit me, “you didn’t?”
“Yes Andrew, I did,” she was gone now. A ball of sadness, hatred, and disappointment filled her. Crying uncontrollably as he breath became rasp and painful.
“When!” I cried out frustrated!
“Last week.”
The observer stepped out of his car toting his rifle in his old shaking arms. He pulled it up to his shoulder and looked into the scope. Finally finding the one he was looking for he aimed it carefully and pulled the trigger. Exhaling cigarette smoke from his nostrils. Two shots, all he needed. Filled the man in question. He stumbled by the bench and blood gushed from his wounds as he crumpled into the fresh grass. Eyes glazed over as death came for him.
“Andrew!?!” was all that could be heard between the screams.
Day Ten- Happy (Insert Special Occasion Here)
Prompt: Tell us something about your favorite childhood meal.
Twist: Tell the story in your own distinct voice.
Where do I even begin? My mother is a fantastic cook! We even used to pick on her telling her to open up a “Debbie’s Diner”! I believe her specialty is Italian cuisine. I will mention her spaghetti and lasagna are to die for. But that’s not what I want to focus on. What I want to share is when she decided to try something new. Now whenever she mentions it we all jump up and down in joy! It’s a special occasion now that takes prep and time.
Homemade pizza!
I don’t remember why she tried this, I don’t remember what made her thing about giving it a shot but I’m glad she did because she makes one hell of a pizza! It takes some serious planning, usually we’ll do it on a Sunday! She will get a list of the ingredients and then prepare the dough. I’m always first since I’m boring and usually go with only peperoni. Then we’ll cook them in the oven. She moves it to the boiler, says this is the key to a perfect crust. We will always have soda available sit ourselves down and indulge in the delicious pizza. It was heavenly!
Day Eleven-Size Matters (In Sentences)
Prompt: Where did you live when you were twelve years old?
Twist: Pay attention to your sentences length and use short, medium, and long sentences.
Vermont. That’s where I lived when I was twelve. Vermont was a very secluded, private, and beautiful state to live in. The best part of those years though was my best friend. We had fantastic imaginations. We crafted worlds while only using our mind. We were into quite a few things in that day! Naruto. Final Fantasy. Bleach. Pokemon. Digimon. BeyBlade. Dragon Ball Z. Made up worlds. It was amazing. My parents owned several acres of land providing us plenty of space to play. My friend’s grandmother once owned a farm and the space there was quite crazy as well. We were also kids that played with action figures on the bus and handheld game systems once they were available. We had amazing “nineties” fads to follow! We were close and always kept ourselves entertained. I could only imagine how many hours we’ve spent in total just having a good time and enjoying life. Those were the good old days.
Now everyone struggles daily just to keep themselves entertained watching a television set. Reminded of the days when life mattered. When good things would be just around the corner. Now we work too many hours a week and have absolutely no time to ourselves. Suffering silently in the adult world, a world that will never change. Simply injustice. No one can do anything though, unless you’re filthy rich and can afford to go out and travel, party amongst friends, or walk in the park (which Vermont is lacking on). But we all do this day in and day out. Work, sleep, and eat. That is our life now. No time to mingle in fantasy worlds. No time to enjoy the childlike friendliness of the past days. It’ll all be okay though. We will all pass away in the memory of others. Living forever in the hearts and minds of your loved ones. At least that’s one thing you can count on. Love is always in abundance. It’s not all bad. I just miss the days of my childhood. When we all ran around carefree and happier than ever before!
Day Eleven-Size Matters (In Sentences)
Prompt: Where did you live when you were twelve years old?
Twist: Pay attention to your sentences length and use short, medium, and long sentences.
Vermont. That’s where I lived when I was twelve. Vermont was a very secluded, private, and beautiful state to live in. The best part of those years though was my best friend. We had fantastic imaginations. We crafted worlds while only using our mind. We were into quite a few things in that day! Naruto. Final Fantasy. Bleach. Pokemon. Digimon. BeyBlade. Dragon Ball Z. Made up worlds. It was amazing. My parents owned several acres of land providing us plenty of space to play. My friend’s grandmother once owned a farm and the space there was quite crazy as well. We were also kids that played with action figures on the bus and handheld game systems once they were available. We had amazing “nineties” fads to follow! We were close and always kept ourselves entertained. I could only imagine how many hours we’ve spent in total just having a good time and enjoying life. Those were the good old days.
Now everyone struggles daily just to keep themselves entertained watching a television set. Reminded of the days when life mattered. When good things would be just around the corner. Now we work too many hours a week and have absolutely no time to ourselves. Suffering silently in the adult world, a world that will never change. Simply injustice. No one can do anything though, unless you’re filthy rich and can afford to go out and travel, party amongst friends, or walk in the park (which Vermont is lacking on). But we all do this day in and day out. Work, sleep, and eat. That is our life now. No time to mingle in fantasy worlds. No time to enjoy the childlike friendliness of the past days. It’ll all be okay though. We will all pass away in the memory of others. Living forever in the hearts and minds of your loved ones. At least that’s one thing you can count on. Love is always in abundance. It’s not all bad. I just miss the days of my childhood. When we all ran around carefree and happier than ever before!
Day Twelve-Dark Clouds on the (Vertical) Horizon
Prompt: Write a post inspired by a real-world conversation
Twist: Include an element of Foreshadowing in the beginning of your post
Me and my, let’s say interesting friend, were planning a typical gamer day before our early morning, underpaying job. He was the weirdest of them. He had interesting, and slightly creepy, interests and attitudes. He acted quite weird. It was almost as though he was some other species. I know he’s just that weird kid people talk about on the internet but he was still my friend.
“So what’s going on man?” I asked amusingly.
“I have to tell you something and I don’t know how to say it?” he spat, worried.
“Just say it, trust me it couldn’t be that bad and I’m tired as shit.”
“Okay but you’ll have to stick around to listen to the rest of it.”
I rolled over in bed. My friend and I spent all night playing video games, munching on junk food, and drinking soda. Typical nerdy teenagers. We had just gotten a new fighter game, a new first person shooter, and even a new Mario game! It was pretty cool. I had just bought this new game system and decided what better way to enjoy it than with friends? However it was getting late and we both had early mornings at work tomorrow. Sixteen and working, what a shame. I rolled over uncomfortably in bed, trying my best to seem interested and not ready to pass out. Why wasn’t he tired yet?
We were sharing a “bunk bed” like thing. The bottoms was a futon (that folded into a couch) and the top was a full size mattress. I chose the futon while he chose to be on the top. He stood up. And began to rub his chin and pace.
“I don’t know how to tell you this, but I don’t even know if I can. They’ll be mad at me.”
“What are you talking about?” I said nervously.
He paced back and forth. Stoking his chin viciously.
“You need to tell me what’s going on man!”
“I’m an Alien.”
I sat in awe, not believing a word of this.
“You’re a what?”
“An alien, I’ve been sent here to justify if your planet is worth keeping or not. My superiors wish to demolish it and rebuild it! Make it a better world. I’ve been sent to see if it’s worth it or not.”
He changed when he said that. It’s like he believed every word of it.
“I have good news for you. I’ve judged it worthy of a couple more years. Do you know why?”
“Of course not.”
“Because of you Seth. You’ve been such a great friend of mine, and because of that you made me think humans are capable of change. Maybe if I give them some time they will all pick up the slack and make the world better. Fix it to prevent us resetting it. It’s because of you I’ll let them all live!”
“You can’t be serious?” I asked.
That’s all I remember about that. I don’t even remember falling asleep?
Day Thirteen-Serially Found
Prompt: Write about finding something. Twist: If you write day four’s post as the first in a series, use this one as the second installment… Loosely defined.
“The time is now, the power is within.” A quote from a story I wrote many years ago. It was nearly seventy-five pages long (the dialog wasn’t right so I could only imagine how long it actually is now that I know how to do dialogue. I’ve lost every copy and I beat myself up over it every day, because I really want to reread it! It probably doesn’t help that I recently lost everything on my MacBook and I’m so upset over it you have no idea. However, despite all that I know it wasn’t very good, but it was a fantastic start. I’m also upset that I cannot, for the life of me, locate the piece of jewelry that’s inspired me to write this story! It’s infatuating! I admit I was also influenced by the trilogy The Enchanted Forest. Now to get to my story… Let’s temporarily revamp The Power Within!
It’s amazing how much can change in your life when you simply take a chance. However, I’m sure no one would expect it to change this much! It was a sunny day out, and although I’m a self-proclaimed loser, I always hit on beautiful Hilary Fey. Never got anywhere with it though. Until I saw something glisten in the sunlight. It was a charm of some kind. A dragon wrapped in gold clasping an onyx stone. It was beautiful. I will be the first to admit, I’m usually a good kid. I’d pick it up and bring it to the office and find out who it belongs to. However, the school never finds the owner and they get to keep it themselves. Or it never ends up being proclaimed lost, just so they can add it to their horrid collection of confiscated goods. I picked it up. It was held on tightly by a gold chain. I felt different as I picked it up. I felt the world get brighter and suddenly. I screamed like a little girl.
The world swirled and swallowed me tossing me into the soft moss of a forest floor. There standing before me was a statue. A man holding a sword. He looked as if he had been in a battle before he had been transmuted into this art piece. I didn’t recognize him as any sort of warrior from the lore my grandfather shared with me but for some reason, despite my fear of where I was brought. It spoke to me, hypothetically. It wanted me to come over to it. So I did. I’m an adventurous child, thanks grandpa. I looked it up and down. It/he was not wearing a typical uniform from the old war stories I knew about. He was simply dressed in a pair of makeshift deerskin pants. Moccasins adorned his feet and around his neck there seemed to be a necklace with a gem. I don’t know what got over me but I just wanted to touch that necklace. I quickly reached up and touched it. It began to glow and shine, as though it was real!
Suddenly light engulfed the stone body and played around his body in a vicious dance of twinkling lights. It ran up and down his body desperate for entrance. I began to freak out and step back when suddenly, like that television show Danny Phantom. Whenever he “goes ghost” lights appear over his body and change him as he goes. The same was happening to this statue and I was freaking out. Flesh appeared where stone once was and a man appeared. His sword instantly appeared at my throat.
“Who art though?”
Fun Fact about Seth: The quote “The time is now, the power is within…” is directly taken from that story I had written many years ago, and I put it into the Yearbook my graduating year. It was put there to inspire me to finish it. Then I moved onto other things and forgot about it. Which makes me sad. So someday I hope it was not all for nothing!
Day Fourteen-To Whom it May Concern
Prompt: Pick up the nearest book and flip to page 29. What’s the first word that jumps off the page? Use this word as a springboard for inspiration.
Twist: Write the post in the form of a letter.
They aren’t thieves.
(I didn’t have a book so I went to the web)
Dear Bradley,
I heard the news and I’m begging you to reconsider. Murder is never the option for anything no matter what awful thing they’ve done. It rips apart your soul, it haunts you the rest of your life. Especially for someone in your position, killing someone will ruin everything you’ve ever worked for. Tearing you down piece by piece. I know what they’ve done. I know it’s not right but it’s hardly thievery! They aren’t thieves. They simply picked something up and forgot to return it. It’s easy to do with something so small. They returned it didn’t they? They didn’t even get very far before they realized it was in their pocket. I know you didn’t see them do it but they returned it! That’s a cause for forgiveness. Please Bradley give them another chance. They’ve apologized and it was an accident. Thank You! Good day!
Sincerely,
David Killington
Day Fifteen-Your Voice Will Find You
Prompt: Think about an event you attended and loved. How did it make you feel?
Twist: While writing this post, focus again on your own voice.
All these prompts about finding my own voice are definitely not needed. I found my voice years ago. So Instead I will break down what I think my voice sounds like. You tell me what you think!
First of all, I love the whole “I” point of view (POV). I revolve around it a lot. I use the I POV to make the story more personal, and it allows me to add twists like using he when I want to introduce a new character. I did try using the 3rd person point of view in Excalibur, a story about angels and demons. It was fun to try out but it wasn’t really my style. I will admit I intend on doing it again. Just because I specialize in a POV doesn’t mean I don’t want to use others. My characters for my story also revolve around me, as a person. I personify myself within my characters. Three little hints you might have picked up.
Zale and Zethan. Two main characters of my two flagship stories Day Trekkers and Night Owl, respectively. They start with the first letter of my name (Seth Kaileen is a pen name). They also are described as what I wish I looked like (back in high school). Long black hair, built body, attractive in every way. They also share my personality. Each one has my friends in some way or another. I find it easier to write about my life, and twist it into what it could be like, or how I saw it. This makes my works personal. I will admit I’ve strayed from the habit of starting them with “Z” I have a handful of names I like just because of how they look or sound.
Dialog. Dialog. Dialog. My stories are very focused on dialog. I enjoy giving my characters a voice, tossing their emotions into how they say their words. I will let you in on a little secret. I did not know how to do dialog. I needed help with it. Sad thing is, it was never picked up by any of my English teachers until my senior year in high school. I wrote my teacher of that class a thirty-five page story called S.O.L.O.C.A.M. She looked at it and said “you’re going to be a tough one aren’t you!” Then she explained to me how I was doing my dialog wrong. So she helped me with it, I edited my story and she was impressed. Ever since then, I’ve improved my skills.
I revolved my stories around a theme. Every story has a main idea. I find ways to capitalize on this and make something unique that follows the topic of the story. Maybe this isn’t special, maybe it’s too mainstream but it’s what I do and I like it!
That’s all I have to say for now!
Day Sixteen-Third Time’s the Charm
Prompt: Imagine you had a job in which you had to sift through forgotten or lost belongings. Describe a day in which you come upon something peculiar, or tell a story about something interesting you find in a pile.
Twist: If you’d like to continue our serial challenge, also reflect on the theme of lost and found more generally in this post.
Detention. What a joke. Guess what this shitty school was making me do. Sift through the lost and found. Why I don’t know, they told me they wanted it organized by type. Clothing. Electronics. Jewelry. Supplies. It was stupid, tedious, and completely unnecessary but I had no choice. I rifled through shirts, pants, MP3 players, and hundreds of other little things people have lost. Suddenly my hand grasped something metal. It felt heavy and important, I instantly got curious. I pulled it out of the pile of stuff and there in my hand was a badge. On it were the letters ATF, beneath it Ability Task Force. Why was there a police badge of some kind found in a high school?
The name Ability Task Force kept getting to me.
I don’t like this post…
Day Seventeen-Your Personality on the Page
Today’s Prompt: We all have anxieties, worries, and fears. What are you scared of? Address one of your worst fears.
Today’s Twist: Write this post in a style distinct from your own.
“Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your unguarded thoughts”
You wake up each day and the only person that is with you forever is yourself. You have to wake up face yourself in the mirror. You ask yourself if you look good. You get one response.
You look great.
You look awful.
It depends on which you; you are that day.
Then there are those fears. I wish every day I didn’t have any. I wish fear wasn’t an emotion at all. I feel like I waste away my life solely based on my fears. I can’t enjoy theme parks. I won’t ever be able to do something wild and crazy.
Then you think back to yourself. Your anxiety over fear, your worries about fear, fear itself.
All that’s against you is yourself.
Day Eighteen-Hone Your Point of View
Prompt: write this story in first person, told by the twelve-year-old sitting on the stoop across the street.
Twist: For those of you who want an extra challenge, think about more than simply writing in first-person point of view — build this twelve year-old as a character. Reveal at least one personality quirk, for example, either through spoken dialogue or inner monologue.
MISSING
Day Nineteen-Don’t Stop the Rocking
Prompt: Free writing day (400 words)
I remember when I first purchased that house. A beautiful crafted house over the ocean. Who would have known this is where everything would change. I had just been successful with my first book called Proximity a story that revolved around a group of people that possessed special abilities. Who would have known my Heroes inspired novel would make it like this? I had struck it rich and always dreamed of going to the ocean, settling down with a beautiful woman and maybe, just maybe, have a couple of children.
I have the house, but no woman or children. See I had a rough childhood. I never made it with the ladies I was always that outcast child who spent all his time reading or playing video games. I never really struck the fancy of the many beautiful women my school had to offer. I had maybe two long lasting relationships that soon fizzled and died like my dreams. So once college came around, I wasn’t expecting me to find this amazing woman that would stick by me despite my shortcomings. That’s where I was wrong.
Her name was Rachel and we immediately hit it off. We were both at a creative writing seminar, since that was both our majors. It was one of those seminars where the author read from his book and tried to give you the run down on the best ways to write. It was a load of crap and both of us knew it. However, his story was a very interesting one. It revolved around a small group of people that were kidnapped and dropped off on some diesel ant planet, many light years away. Who knew if it was aliens or the government. After the seminar we had the typical, buy my book and I’ll sign it for you, kind of thing. Rachel and I ended up being in line together and I’m sure she was into me because she pulled that oh gosh, I dropped all my books, act. I helped her pick it up and we’ve been close ever since. We weren’t together yet, but I promise you I was working on it.
I returned to my dorm that evening with a despicable smile on my face and her phone number. I sat down on that shitty futon/bed thing you get in your dorm and began to watch the television show Heroes.
Day Twenty-The Things We Treasure
Prompt: Tell us a story of your most prized possession.
Twist: Do this as a long-form piece!
“The time is now, the power is within…”
My grandfather had to be the most interesting man I knew. He told me so many stories over the years about a magical place he called the enchanted forest. I wanted to go there so much! I knew it was only fantasy but how he told it was amazing. He did it in such detail and knew so much about the enormous land that it was! He told me stories about the days when he was young. He wielded an emerald staff and lead a small group of warriors he called the Contract of Mystics.
He told me the group was formed with balance in mind. He had two warriors. Reronul the brave, a warrior from a distant land in Artesia he was known widely as the slayer of dragons. Although my grandfather said he never really seen him slay one. Eldaernth the precise, a wielder of the almighty longbow. It is rumored in lore that he could shoot anything no matter his view or distance. Swaisame the fear, he was rumored to be possessed by a vicious spirit known as a daemon. He was not well trusted in the party, for good reason. Thane the Cheat/Quick, oh boy was he a hated member of the team. He was a well-documented bandit. He’s stolen so many priceless treasures and gotten off scotch free do to the lack of the items. It was rumored he had a safe place to store his treasures but no one ever found it. No one ever will if Thane hid it. However he was valuable, for his speed outmatched many before him. Then of course himself. Alforn. My great grandfather was a wizard in that group. He wielded a beautiful emerald staff with great precision and power! He was known, as the faller of empires. According to him he disbanded several villages working with dark magic and a corrupted king.
Of course this was all fiction. It never ceased to amaze me all the adventures he claimed to have gone on. One day he showed me the key to it all. He called it the “pendant of power”. It was mesmerizing when he revealed it. It was a dragon made of solid gold wrapped around an onyx stone, blacker than night. He said someday I would inherit this treasure and be welcomed into the world of magic. I was so excited all throughout my childhood for that day to come. Now, I’m a boring nerdy teenager who thinks of women and fantasy worlds.
Speaking of such. I was supposed to meet a cutie named Hilary at the local coffee shop. I quickly grabbed my things and walked out the door to jump into my beautiful mustang. I sped off to town and picked a parking spot. It was a quiet little shop, made of bricks and glass. It was pretty slow for a Saturday morning. I walked in and feasted my eyes on her beauty. Who would have known, a popular girl in school shares a fascination with magic and fantasy? Of course she doesn’t publicize this, in fear people wouldn’t like her anymore. High school; how ridiculous.
“Hey Damien!” she smiled at me as she put down her china.
“Hello Hillary!” I perked up immediately.
I smiled as I looked her over once more, just to realize how attractive she was! Her eyes were a deep hazel, her hair a dark chestnut, she had a short curvy build. She wore designer threads, and wore limited jewelry. My favorite feature however had to be that little stud in her lips. I was one of the few to know the things she faced in middle school. We’ve been on and off talkative and I never really learned to appreciate her. I talked to her once in a wild through school but now it was my junior year, I was running out of time. So I just came up to her one day said, hey let’s get some coffee. It worked. Now here we are on our third date, talking about interesting fantasy philosophy.
“So have you been reading?” she asked interrupting my thoughts.
“Of course, what’s your take on the whole elves versus dwarf’s thing?” I asked. Sounding too nerdy.
“I can’t answer that, I love elves too much. I would be completely prejudice.”
“Ha! So how’s classes going?”
“You know, being stuck in several advanced placement classes make it hard for me to nerd up and play some W.O.W!” she laughed cutely.
“Ha, must be nice being all smart an all!” I teased.
“Ha, says the smartest guy I know!”
“Quit your jesting!”
The waitress walked up with my usual, a maple-cappuccino. I sipped it delightfully and we began to chit chat about all kinds of nerdy topics, quietly of course. It would be another day tomorrow. A day where we are just strangers. The stigmas of intelligences or hobbies is dreadful at this school. It was already getting late and we’ve discussed everything from elves to werewolves. I was dreading saying goodbye. I just wish she was more accepting of herself. We quietly gathered our things. Notebooks, pens, collectible cards, and our tablets. I waved goodbye to her and smiled as I watched her leave, even though all I felt was sadness. We couldn’t be seen together by accident so I had to wait. Seems like a crazy relationship huh?
I walked out of the coffee shop and began the dreaded descent back home, where I would be mocked by my family members for my love of all things fantasy. They would be like, ‘it’s all your grandfather’s fault’, and ‘real life is real kid’, and so on. I got good grades and I stayed out of trouble. Just because I’m a social outcast doesn’t make me a bad person. My mom used to be into it, until the rich man she met put an end to that! I sighed as I pulled out my favorite card, Morrowind the Noble. A warrior from a distant lad who silenced foes, and proved just how important for-hire knights were. Best of the land in my books. Although, like they all say. Fantasy isn’t real!
I walked through the doorway and headed to my bedroom. Everyone was aimlessly staring at the television screen when I walked in. No hellos, no how was your day, just silence as I walked in. Suddenly I was startled by a knock on our heavy mahogany door.
“Son, get the door for us please!” my dad yelled in the living room.
I descended down the stairs and opened the door. My eyes lit up.
“Grandpa!” I yelled in glee.
“Hello my grandson, how have you been?” he smiled warm and gently.
He was an odd fellow, that’s for sure but I loved him to pieces. He wore a robe made of silk, like a wizard, he had a well-trimmed beard flowing from his chin. His wrinkles accented his wise looking face (if there is such a thing?) He did carry a cane around with him, although it was not crafted of emerald or several feet tall or anything but it was still a beautiful piece. His walking stick meant a lot to him he told me one time. Around his neck was the beautiful pendant I’ve almost forgotten about. He walked through the door and I could see my mom’s eyes light up.
“Hello Alforn!” she smiled as she went in for a hug.
“Well if isn’t my beautiful daughter, how are you dear?” he said softly.
“I’m doing fantastic, although we really should talk about your influence on my son!” she laughed, half-seriously.
“Hello Mr. Yrio!” my crappy step dad said.
“Hello Gerard!” Alforn said slightly scowled.
“Please come in dad! Have a seat!” she motioned to the old rocker we kept for looks in the living room.
“Thank you darling!” Alforn said as he plopped himself into the chair.
“How have you been spending your time Mr. Yrio?”
“You know, another exciting day in the life of retirement, not that you will ever have to worry about it mister big C.E.O!”
“Yes, I’ve been promoted to the president actually! Quite silly isn’t it? Me a president of a multi-billion dollar company, who would have known?”
“Yes, funny indeed!” my grandfather said, not impressed in the slightest.
“I suppose you’re wondering what I do with my time now that I don’t have to work huh dad?”
“Yes dear, ever get into the writing I know you’ve wanted to do?”
“Actually yes, I’m releasing my first book in a few months! I call it The Conqueror of Worlds! It’s a science fiction novel!”
“Fantastic darling!”
“I find her science fiction worlds quite exhilarating!” my step dad said, in fakery.
“Hey grandpa! Want to come up and see my room now that I’ve got the bigger one!” I said a little too childishly.
“He just sat down, shouldn’t we give him a moment?” my step dad said rudely.
“I don’t mind! I’ve been dying to see my grandson!”
Alforn said as he picked himself up with his walking stick and followed me up the stairs. I led him to my new room. It was above the garage and massive! I had it lined with a television, game systems, and lots of comfortable furniture. On floating shelves I had figurines and collectors editions of my favorite card games. The side wall sat my huge bed, a couple end tables, and fantastic lighting!
“You really brought this place together didn’t you!” he perked up, “Gerard has been dreading this wasted space since I’ve known him!”
“Yeah it took a long time for him to consider making it into a bedroom instead of yet another one of his massive offices,” I said.
“Good job with putting it together, better than some crummy office!”
“Thanks grandpa!”
“So we need to talk, I’ve noticed a decrease in happiness lately? Anything you’d like to talk about?” he said suddenly.
“It’s just Gerard, high school, life. I met this amazing girl but we can’t hang out because it’ll ruin her image. Gerard thinks I’m a social nightmare, and school. Well school always has and always will suck!” I said disgruntledly
“Stick to it my child! Life has a way of working out, no matter the circumstances.”
“Thanks grandpa!”
TO BE CONTINUED…
Thank you everyone for reading. I’m hoping out of all this madness I created a couple beautiful pieces. I intend on continuing my blog, not sure what I will write about but I know I’ll figure it out.
Seth Leon Kaileen
Seth Kaileen Writing 