Writing Exercise 095

This week's writing exercise is a less serious one. I was prompted by my dear writing buddy Frankie, and this is the drabble I came up with:

2017/10/02 – My dog just started talking to me, and he's not pleased. (Drabble)

I had a weird dream. I was walking through a dark, foreign city and I was lost. Somehow I ended up in a park. As I passed the trees I noticed someone was following me. Scared as hell I walked faster until I met a dead end at a lake. So I turned around to face whoever was following me. From the underbush a dog emerged and it growled. Although I don't have pets I knew this was mine. “Where the hell have you been?” the dog exclaimed, “I've been looking for you. Let's go home.” Utterly puzzled I woke.

Writing Exercise 057

It's time for another writing exercise. This week's double drabble is about probablilities, about life and space. It is meant to make you stop to think for a moment so you might appreciate life on Earth more. Here ist is:

2017/01/13 – coincidence (double drabble)

There are countless stars in the sky, billions and trillions lightyears away. They are coming to life or dying or are somewhere in between. Some shine so much brighter than others; others are just like our sun. Planets might orbit them, large gas globes or tiny snowballs.

What are the odds that there are others like our Earth? Planets that circulate around their star in an inhabitable zone, neither too hot nor too cold? Planets that consist of all the necessary elements needed to create life? Planets that are encased by an atmosphere which enables life and protects it? And if such places exist, what are the odds that life would bloom the way it does on Earth?

Time made monads and protozoons evolve into plants and fish and mammals and insects and amphibians. Extreme climate changes eliminated whole populations and made room for new species.

And from them humankind emerged and spread over the world. There are 193 states in the UN, and 13 more stare-like territories exist. According to statistics there were 7.39 billion people living on Earth last year.

Then what are the odds that you and I exist at the same time – that we meet?

Coincidence.

A Morning in Advent

Today is the third Sunday in Advent. I hope you enjoy this day.

As the candles burned, I looked outside to find the sky was burning, too. Not literally of course. But the sun painted the clouds in the brightest of gold and red lights, and the vista left me stunned for as long as it lasted.

Isn't it beautiful? :o
If you have to get up early you get to see the most spectacular fleeting art which nature can produce as a reward for your discipline and endurance. Revel in the views, enjoy them and begin the day with a smile.

How grim it might look in the beginning...

...it won't stay that way. Only moments later the world might look different and show its true colours. You just have to look on the bright side. ;)
That said, I wish you all a pleasant third Sunday in Advent. See you next week!

Fairy lights

I hope you had a lovely second Sunday in Advent. :)

On Saturday my fiancé, two of our friends and I went to a Christmas market with a medieval theme. There were a lot of booths and people wearing garbs, and we were ones of them. The hot beverages and sweets were very welcome, we watched a fire show and awesome concerts. It was pretty cold, but also pretty amazing. There were campfires and tents all around, so you could warm up whenever.

The market was located around a lake, and on the surface of the frozen water there were hundreds of lights. It was so beautiful and the atmosphere seemed as if enchanted. You could very well imagine fairies dancing in the dark.

This picture is but an insufficienct glimpse at what it was like. But it is enough to give you an impression of this almost magical night...

The Long Way Home

Finally I had the time to do another speed painting of a view I had when driving home. It's very simplistic, but I hope the atmosphere comes across. This painting is called "The Long Way Home", and I used acrylic on a 30 x 30 cm² canvas.

NaNoWriMo is here!

NaNoWriMo has begun.
Three days in, I'm at over 33k words already. :o

On Tuesday I went to a kick off write in in Essen. There I met a bunch of other authors from the region. At some point we were about twenty people even! Everyone was so motivated, and with the exception of two breaks we wrote and wrote and wrote. It was awesome and amazing. I was totally in the zone, and the people I met were really fascinating and nice. Someone even brought muffins. :D

The location was great, too. You had to pay a low entrance fee, but all the drinks were free and there was a brunch buffet, which was tasty. We had a fireplace chamber all to ourselves and the atmosphere was really cozy and productive. There were even activities like yoga or art exhibitions in this building.

I'd like to go again and write together, but as the other write ins are scheduled for Saturday-Monday, I probably won't make it. Weekends are reserved for my beloved fiancé. <3

Anyway, the members of the Dead Pete Society are equally excited about NaNoWriMo. We're writing and cheering each other on, inciting and motivating. And it feels so good to be in the flow.
It's so much crazy fun, and November has just begun! :D

Writing Exercise 039

The first writing exercise this month is another drabble. The topic is one of my favourite places -- the shore. Here is what I did with it:

2016/09/05 – the shore (Drabble)

A quiet sough – the sea breathes in and out as the waves rush against the shore. A soft breeze blows, carrying the smell of brine and spray, playing in your hair. On the horizon a pair of sails, riding the waves on their way to freedom. The sea is calm, but grey clouds are looming, waiting to drop their load. As you walk the shore waves wash around your feet. They try to lure you into the deep blue to play with the mermaids, to discover the mystery under the sea. But you resist, leaving but footprints in the sand.

Writing Exercise 037

It's time for another writing exercise already. :)
Today I wrote a double drabble about one of my favourite places. Find out where that is and why!

 

2016/08/23 – at the book store (double drabble)

The book store is one of my favourite places to be. When I go window shopping it is hard not to stop by. I rather go book shopping than buy clothes. I also prefer paperbacks to ebooks; I want to feel and smell them and put them on my shelves.

But what do I look for in a good book?

Mostly I want a thrilling story, which captures me and holds me completely until I've gobbled it whole. But beautiful language and intriguing characters and interesting topics are just as important. What books I pick depends on my mood also. Sometimes I want dark and mysterious stories, sometimes I seek light entertainment, sometimes I crave deeper layers or knowledge or poetry.

I appreciate the written art, and I feel most comfortable being surrounded by it.

Now at the book store you would find me somewhere browsing whodunits, fantasy or sci fi sections, but I'll also peek at comics and mangas if I want a quick read.

I sometimes dream my books would one day be displayed there, too, and people would stop by, pick them up and think: “Oh, this looks interesting.” And I'd be right there smiling to myself...

Home, Sweet Home...

As much as I was enthused about the beauty of the Loreley and the landscape surrounding it, I also enjoy the place I call home.
Situated at a beautiful lake and surrounded by nature reserve my village is a place where others go on holidays. The beautiful views never cease to amaze me despite being surrounded by them every day.

As I watch the seasons come and go, nature itself paints the most amazing pictures. I just need to open my eyes and witness these moments of mesmerizing beauty. Be it the falling snow in winter that swallows everything and gently lays the world to sleep...

... a glimpse of the lake from the lush woods on the hills encompassing the lake during summer -- a place where silence reigns and you almost feel the earth breathing...

... the mysterious stillness of the lake in autumn, that makes you feel frozen in time...

...or a sunrise in the wee early hours of spring, that reflects on the surface of the lake and sets the sky ablaze.

These are things that inspire me; these are things that keep me thriving to become better at art and capture moments on canvas; these are things that make me want to write and conserve these moments in my memories. So I can share what I experience and enjoy day-to-day with you.

I know not if there is a reason...

The past weekend has been very eventful for me.
My fiancé and I went to St. Goarshausen, which is situated at the river Rhine.

As I do Tai Chi the "Tai Chi Forum International" led by Volker Jung was the place to be and learn about the five elements (water, earth, wood/wind, fire and metal) and their influence in the hand form.


On Saturday we went to St. Goar, which is situated on the other bank of the Rhine, and visited the castle ruins of Burg Rheinfels, where there was a medieval fair this particular weekend.

At Burg Rheinfels there were a castle museum, lots of booths, knights' games, bards playing minnelieds and really splendid views over the Rhine.

Isn't it beautiful? This really was a fun day (although I sprained my ankle). :D

On Sunday, before heading home, we also visited the Loreley rocks. Which is a MUST SEE when you are there!
The rocks create a seven times echo which caused lots of ships to crash. According to legend the Loreley was a maiden who sang like a siren to lure sailors against the rocks.

Maybe you have heard about the poem by Heinrich Heine about the Loreley, which was turned into a beautifully melancholic song? Here it is, as translated by A.Z. Foreman:

I know not if there is a reason
Why I am so sad at heart.
A legend of bygone ages
Haunts me and will not depart.

The air is cool under nightfall.
The calm Rhine courses its way.
The peak of the mountain is sparkling
With evening's final ray.

The fairest of maidens is sitting
So marvelous up there,
Her golden jewels are shining,
She's combing her golden hair.

She combs with a comb also golden,
And sings a song as well
Whose melody binds a wondrous
And overpowering spell.

In his little boat, the boatman
Is seized with a savage woe,
He'd rather look up at the mountain
Than down at the rocks below.

I think that the waves will devour
The boatman and boat as one;
And this by her song's sheer power
Fair Lorelei has done.

As you can see, my fiancé and I had a great trip. I wish I could have shared more impressions with you because the landscape is really breathtaking and beautiful. If you ever get the chance to go there, do so! I can highly recommend it. :D

Just a little walk...

Two days ago I hopped on the bandwagon of playing 'Pokémon Go!'. :o
As I used to play Pokémon Red, Yellow and Silver when I was younger I feel a little nostalgic catching Pokémon again. But my main reason for playing 'Pokémon Go!' is that I wanted to go outside more since my Zumba course is on summer break and I lack activity.

So this game seemed the ideal incentive -- and it is! Just yesterday I walked five times the distance I would normally have when I went for a little walk. Wow. :o

Even the hot temperature (34°C!) didn't phaze me. Instead I put on some hotpants, a shirt and my hat and off I went on Pokémon hunt. :D

Surprisingly there are a bunch of Poké Stops in my home village, and a total of two Gyms where to challenge others! As I only reached level 8 today, I'm no match for the gym leaders yet. But it's fun to try. As I caught, hatched and evolved quite a few Pokémon I certainly got to see the landscape and some sights.
Here is my catch of the day:

And no, I didn't run into a lamppost or fall into the lake...yet. :P

Writing Exercise 032

It's time for another writing exercise. :D
As I went for a little walk recently this week's task was quite fitting. And maybe it encites you to go outside and experience it yourselves? So here goes my double-drabble:

2016/07/18 – a walk in the woods (double-drabble)

As you enter the woods a whole new world engulfs you. The noise of the town is replaced by the soft rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds; they are soothing sounds. In a million shades of green, the lush underbush and foliage whisper in the winds.

You breathe deeply and the fresh smells of flowers and wood make you feel so much alive.

As you continue further into the forest the world becomes quiet and calm. Just the light and continuous swooshing of the treetops, just a cry of a jay or the peck of a woodpecker then and there… A butterfly flutters by.

As you tread the path deeper into the forest your senses adjust to the quietness and become keener. You hear bugs buzzing around and a small bubbling brook; you smell the fragrance of firs, beeches and oaks; you see traces of deer and boars.

You realize this is how Earth was supposed to be like: so peaceful, so sublime, so mysterious. The woods feel like a living, breathing entity. And you are part of it. Just for a while.

The sun comes out and leads you out of the forest. You return to civilisation.

Vast as Worlds

Today I want to talk about an important aspect of writing -- the world your characters are inhabiting.
It is not only part of the setting, but where your story takes place can also influence the characters' behaviour and -- utlimately -- the plot itself.

source: pixabay.com

Worldbuilding is way more than mere mapping. It includes many aspects such as culture, lore and languages. Especially for fantasy/scifi stories worldbuilding is essential. Still, if you decide to use the 'real world' as setting, you have to keep all of these things in mind.
Imagine your story takes place in, let's say, Italy. It would be very strange if your characters  -- Italians -- had Finnish names or German traditions or lived in cities which reminded you of ancient Chinese architecture. Think about this beforehand, and be dedicated to whatever you decide.

This is even more important when you make up your own world like I did with my 'Neverbeen Universe'. Surely, the readers won't know exactly how it is supposed to be in this world. But they will catch on to things that make no sense or are confusing. So it is important to be stringent with yourself and with your world. Think about the different people who live there.
How are they governed? Do they remind you of real people in their mannerisms? What are their traditions and values? What do they believe in? What about sports, art or food?
These are just a few questions you should be able to answer.

In Neverbeen Universe there are a lot of different people and creatures. For example, there are the Waterfairies. They are a deeply religious and traditionally rooted people who live in Waterfairy Kingdom. Their capital Yponerotis is a megacity larger than Tokyo and it is both ashore and under the sea. While they are very traditional a people, Waterfairies are very advanced in medicine and healing magic. Their motto is 'panta rhei' -- everything flows. And like the waters, they believe they can always find a way to solve issues. Altough they have ongoing feuds with other fairy people, they are very helpful towards any creature in need. Their religion is centered around a waterdeity, who occasionaly helps heal people at the Healing Academy of Yponerotis. The Academy building is a masterpiece of architectural art. As the Waterfairy country is a kingdom, they have an absolutistically ruling dynasty -- the di Kuningas -- and the Waterfairies would always follow their lead, even if it led away from their traditional paths. They usually have more than one first name and the naming pattern is something between Icelandic and Japanese. Their life expectancy is a few thousand years...

Now this is only one people living in Neverbeen Universe. And -- like the name suggests -- Neverbeen Universe is more than just one world. There is Earth -- a lot of my short stories take place in the fictional city of Thuddington -- and there are other planets connected to it via magical portals; they belong to Thisside, but there are also Heaven and Hell, which are vast and complex realms of their own, belonging to the Otherside.

source: gizmodo.com

You see, I spent more than a decade building this universe and it still grows and thrives. Of course you don't have to wait for ten years until your world is finished and you can start writing.
But you should take time to get to know your world, to explore the places your characters inhabit and to build this world until it fits. You'll soon experience that writing becomes a lot easier if you not only know your characters by heart but also take like a fish to the sea in the world you created for them.

Writing Exercise 014

It's time for my weekly writing exercise again! :D
The task was to write a scene set in the place I wanted to go most. Quite a few places came to mind, e.g. Fukuoka in Japan where I would like to spend a part of my legal clerkship, or Geneva in Switzerland at the headquarters of the UN, or the International Maritime Court in Hamburg, Germany, or Michigan, USA and Scotland, GB where my dear writing buddies live. But deep down in my heart I know these places pale against the one most important to me.
Find out where that is in this double-drabble:

2016/03/16 - write a scene set in the place you want to go more than anything (double-drabble)

It's a late afternoon and the sun is shining. The air is fresh with the dawn of early spring, but warm enough to be outside. Clear blue skies reflect on the surface of a lake as deep as a valley. On the other side deer are grazing between the fir trees of the hills, unperturbed by the occasional strollers.

A Japanese maple tree whispers in the light breeze; its blood red leaves wave about happily like children's hands. The camellia tall as a man is in full bloom.

My boyfriend is with me; two holidaymakers sitting on the terrace, enjoying the togetherness and the view. We look at each other and share a kiss. A contented smile curls our lips. Time flies by when you revel in the moment, and this we do.

The doorbell rings. Our friends are finally here. My parents follow suit. We congregate in the garden. There we talk and laugh a lot until the sun goes down and we return inside; someone suggests parlour games and we have a good time. And I realise all the people important to me are here with me, and this is where I want to be.

I am home.