On Words

You are trapped on an island: there are many other islands standing in the ocean all about you, yet there is no way that you can reach those other islands. Thankfully, you have all that you need on your own patch of land in the water: fresh mangoes and coconut grow in great bounty in the jungles, while crabs line up at the shore, ready for you to cook. Yet you simply cannot quell your desire to reach those other islands, so like your own, but separated by an intangible but infinitely powerful force. You and the millions of other islands are not only separated by water, but by a pure incapacity in the ways of the universe.

Each of those islands is a human being, quagmired in their own psyche.

We cannot truly communicate with others: the bodily sensations, psychological trauma, emotions, even the tastes that come into contact with our tongues are impossible to accurately convey to other humans. That’s why language was invented: a way to conjure up ideas in the minds of other people in order to connect with them.

Still, language has its problems. It only roughly encapsulates the full scope of human thought. There are no words sufficient to describe everything, so we must use our words in conjunction with one another in just the right way to give someone a memory, something that they can relate to, and say “Yes! I understand that!"

But unless someone has knowledge of what is being communicated, all hope of connection is lost.

I love the idea of language’s evolution, of new words being invented to condense the array of words that were once combined to describe a concept, of original phrases coming into the language to describe something that did not exist yesterday. What is terrifying, however, is the possibility of losing meaning in language. I notice all of the time that the words envy and jealousy are used as though they are synonyms; they are not. Jealousy is spotting a woman wearing a handmade dress made of vintage fabric and looking down at your un-hemmed skirt made with fabric purchased off of the $1/yard rack at Walmart with a surge of self-loathing and a desire to do better. Envy is shooting the woman in the lungs and stealing the dress. It’s fantastic that these two words have different meanings that convey different feelings: the words jealousy and envy enrich our experience in the world by making it easier to describe things. But when jealousy and envy mean the same thing, all that you have is two words that mean the same thing, thereby making it just a bit more difficult to write a letter about that woman with the nice homemade dress made out of vintage fabric. You’ll have to put your pen to your chin and decide whether jealous or envious is more cute of a word.

The islands drift further apart.

Wow! Lens of the Day!

Last night I had a wonderful surprise. My lens on Squidoo, 10 Ways to Keep a Great Diary, was chosen as Lens of The Day. For those who are unfamiliar with Squidoo, it's a platform like Hubpages where you can write pages (lenses) about your interests, etc. It's not quite the same as blogging but it's a lot of fun and it's a good way to make some extra money from home.
It's such an honor and a blessing to be awarded with lens of the day. I'd been working on that lens a lot the day it was chosen and I never knew that anyone thought it was lens of the day quality.
Thanks so much to whoever nominated my lens! It's been great to see the feedback and to get a little boost in traffic.

P.S. Last week I was awarded the lovely crotcheted snowballs from fellow blogger Holly Day's Closet's giveaway. Thank you, Holly Days! They are awesome.

Dear America Books are FAKE!!!

When I was nine, there was nothing I loved to read more than those Dear America books for kids. My adventure-loving mind gobbled up every bit of the supposed diaries of real girls throughout history. A compulsive diary writer even then, I loved the thought of reading actual girl’s diaries. What a fascinating thought that their journals had been preserved so long.

Your life is nothing but a lie, Julie

One day, I picked up a book “written by a little Jewish girl during the Holocaust.” At the time I was very interested in the authors name printed on the inside cover of a book. That was mostly because I dreamt of someday seeing my own name printed on the inside of my own novel. After I read the name, I wished that I had never let my eyes drift past the pages of the book. The book was not written by a real little girl. The name was totally different than the name of the star of the book. For a moment I sat in shock. After rereading it, I had a sudden vision of a lying, sniveling insect of an old lady who pretended to be a little girl all for money. How could anyone stoop so low? I couldn’t even fathom it. I screamed and hurled down that grimy book.
Later that evening I told my mother about my horrific discovery, hoping that somehow I’d been mistaken. Perhaps she would assure me that the book really was written by a girl in history, and simply edited by an old lady. Instead, she confirmed my fears. Having been obsessed with the books, I felt that my entire life was a fallacy. The next few nights I couldn’t sleep. Instead I plotted revenge against that insect; I may have been small but I planned to make that con artist pay.
The realization that I was reading a lie denied every hope I had. I’d imagined my own diary becoming an epic novel which girls of the future would read. That dream gave me energy and a reason to write.When I found out my favorite true stories were fiction, my faith in myself was decimated.
Eventually my rage subsided and was replaced by a faint sickness in the pit of my stomach which was released whenever I was reminded of how I'd been fooled.
Sure, these books may be educational. They, when seen for their true selves, are a fun way of taking a peek into history. Yet I don’t think I can ever come to terms with those feelings of being tricked. I can’t see myself ever allowing a child to believe Dear America books were really a little girl’s diary.
So now you know why last week I was so upset at seeing my little sister reading a Dear America book about a little Jewish girl in the Holocaust.

Merry Christmas Everybody!

This Christmas finalizes a hard year for Blue Pencil Diaries. I didn't write much as I was concentrating on my other blog, Longer Eyelashes. Longer Eyelashes, though, wasn't my calling. I don't care half as much about something minuscule like eyelashes as I do writing. After re-reading this blog, I promised to resume posting on Blue Pencil Diaries. I did write one post but it didn't hold up to my standards so I deleted it immediately. Hopefully I can force myself to stay away from the delete button next time. Ideas are whirring around in my head! I am currently working on a fiction story that I hope to finish before 2012 (the Apocalypse?) It's not that great but it should help me to restart after this year's writers block. Currently I've written 13 pages after about 2 months. Anyway, this Christmas, please stay away from the keyboard (or pencil), and spend some time with your family. Don't be like me.
Rest assured, I will be celebrating the holiday with family later today.
Have a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I made the below picture/animation with the help of some Gimp brushes created by Obsidian Dawn.

My new blog theme

For those who have been reading my blog all along, I'd like to announce that it is about to have a big change. Since the old theme of my site wasn't working for me I have changed it to a regular "blog blog" where I talk about my life and thoughts instead of telling people how to write.

The Winner Has Been Announced!

Congratulations to the winner of the A Day to Remember Contest. Eileen's heartwarmingly simple story of a cat adoption struck me the moment I read it. I love how she delivered the story in such a sweet, loving way. I loved the way she closed the entry. Perhaps she really does finish her entries with "See ya later." Also, the enclosed photos of her cat added a personal touch. Congratulations, Eileen!

Visit Eileen's blog at http://www.ezsketchpad.blogspot.com/ today!

Dear Diary,

I was eager to start my day, as I knew that I would be going to the animal shelter to look for a cat. The image in my mind was clear, either a gray or an orange tabby kitten. I had already decided the name for my cat, no matter which it was. It was unlike Mo or Scooter, this name was completely unique. Wessah, it meant cat in the Cherokee language. Though it was somewhat lame to call your cat “cat”, it just seemed like the perfect name for my special kitten.

There was an air of anticipation as my family and I walked into the shelter. There was a thick scent of animals, but I didn’t mind. There were cages lining the walls, cats and kittens inside.

I spotted a cage where black and orange kittens were playing. At once, a small light orange kitten struck my eye. He was alone, resting, while the rest of the kittens were playing. Everyone seemed doubtful of this little Wessah except for me. They thought he appeared sickly, even though one of the workers kept saying that he had been playing with the others earlier that day. All the other kittens kept pouncing on him, begging him to play while he slept.

I stuck my finger through the cage at him, and he put out a paw and touched my finger. It was quick, but I realized then that the little orange kitten, lighter, smaller, and younger, had chosen me. All the other kittens had played with my finger of course, but this one had some significance about it, I could just feel it. He was definitely the one.

There were two cats that we wanted to take out of the cage. These were the orange kitten (my Wessah), and a little black and white cat. I held the little orange kitten. He was apparently not much for being held, and with my little experience-holding cats, he walked out onto my arm and I was afraid he would fall. Fortunately, someone put out a helpful hand and took him from me.

How would we choose which cat to get? We would look into the kitten’s eyes to see which looked healthier. There was a moment of tension as we peered into the kittens eyes. The little black and white kitten’s eyes were slightly juicy, while the orange kitten’s eyes were bright and healthy! Relief poured over me.

We would get the orange kitten! I knew that this was my Wessah, my cat for life.

See ya later,

Eileen

P.S. There were a few complications with adopting the little kitten, but we eventually were able to take him home a few days later. He is now two and a healthy cat, mine forever.

Don't forget!

The "A Day to Remember" contest is almost over! Click to the contest page above to enter. The contest will close on July 31st.

My New Signature

If you noticed, I added my signature to the bottom of my last post, and to this one as well. Tell me if you like it! Oh, and to make one of your own, just click my signature and you'll be directed to the signature website.

Submit Your Short Story!

If you're waiting to get published and don't know how to get there, the best way is to submit a short story or essay into a contest. The easiest way to get started is to search "writing contest" on Google. The best contests to enter are ones with no initial entry fee. That way, if you don't win anything, you won't feel like you lost money. Choose your contest carefully! If you pick one that is geared toward a subject you have little or no aptitude for, there's a good likelihood that you won't win. Also contests with prizes that motivate you are also good choices. If you are motivated, you'll write as well as you possibly can.

I've entered my short stories into contests and magazines many times, and have won. Winning contests is wonderful! You will feel confident, and you'll believe that you really can write well!

There is the possibility that you will lose a contest. Finding out that you haven't won is painful and one of the most discouraging things that can happen to a writer. It's like being told that you can't write well at all. What must be understood is that there are hundreds of entries, and yours may not have met the criteria exactly. It doesn't mean that you wrote poorly, it means you didn't write what the judges wanted.

When your short story is rejected, don't give up. Submit your work to other contests, and maybe you'll be lucky.

Some tips on submitting your short story are:

• Make your first sentence capture the judges. I read in a writing book that judges read the first sentence, and either consider it or toss it.
• Keep the judges interested all the way through your short.
• Follow the rules! This rule is critical.
• If you write a cover letter, don't bribe or beg the judges to publish your work.
  Be polite.

Good luck!

The Importance Of a Writing Journal

Keep a writer's notebook at all times!!! I will admit that I am really bad at keeping up with my notebook. The main reason for this is that most of my ideas come to me in the evening when I'm too tired and lazy to write it down.
This is horrible!!!!! If I have an idea in the middle of the night I usually think, "I'll remember it until the morning, then I'll write it down. "
I forget it over the course of the night. How frustrating can you get?

Why should you keep a writer's journal?
I'll give you some reasons why.

1. When having a writer's block, you can go and dig up an old idea.
2. You can use your writer's journal for your short story skeleton.
3. You won't ever forget those amazing ideas again!
4. You won't have to use pages of your everyday journal on your writing notes.
5. Your life as a writer will be ever so much simpler.

Enjoy your writing journal!

Capture Your Childhood

When I was six years old, my sister in law gave me my first diary. Since then, I've been dedicated to my diary and have written nearly every day.
It's very interesting to read my old journals. In a way, I can relive my past, and feel like a kid again.
My 6-year-old self is embodied in my writings. Here's a diary entry I wrote at the age of seven. I hope you appreciate it.

June 10th
Today was merry! Mom said we couldn't play outside because Dad put pesticide all over the house. Mom went to the Refrigoration Co. I think it was called that. She wanted to get some filters for the air conditioner. I am getting better at standing on my head. Bonanza was about Adam getting married! The lady Adam married had a daughter around my age. Dad read some of my diary. We sold the house.
Bye!

Perfecting my head stand is something I still haven't done, and the house wasn't sold until a year later. But, if you think about it, something is captured in this entry. For another of my childhood writings, go here: http://rockymountainkidskorner.com/OuterSpace%20Parents.htm

No matter how old you are, write in your diary because you are preserving a memory. And that's an incredible thing.

My New Look!

Blue Pencil Diaries now has a new look. Hope you like it, and remember that although my blog looks different, all your favorite entries are still here.

National Short Story Month

May is National Short Story Month!
In 2007, the Emerging Writers Network kicked off the very first National Writers Month.

“There’s a national poetry month, and I think there should be a national short-story month, too. It’s a very American form," says Larry Dark, director of The Story Prize, and one of the first people to initiate the month long event.

So how should writers and readers celebrate?
Write a short story of your own!

• Get together with friends and family and have a writing celebration. In the first week of May, prepare your short story skeleton. Make your plot fun and exciting, because you're going to share your story with others. You don't want them to fall asleep.

• Write your short story during the remainder of the month. Have fun; don't concern yourself too much about the quality. On May 31st, have a party. You can eat hors' d'oeuvres, bake a cake, and celebrate.  Read your short stories to one another, have a laugh, and enjoy yourself! Since it's springtime,  I'll leave you with this gorgeous photo of apple blossoms.

Happy National Short Story Month!! 
And Happy Cinco De Mayo!

A WRITERS BLOCK

I have a writers block right now and that's why I'm writing an entry about it. I've tried two different ideas for an entry but can't write anything that sounds halfway intelligent. I'm so aggravated with myself that I have no motivation to write a blog post. But it's been nearly a week, so I have to write something.
I had a chronic case of writers block in 2008. The affliction just kept getting worse until the end of '09. Happily, this year it is mostly gone.
Sometimes the products of a frustrating writer's block turn out to be popular articles. Read A Revolting Week for a great example of a success story.
I listen to music to not only calm my rattled nerves, but to help me write. Most writers agree that some types of music are helpful when you write. I recommend Yanni's Nightingale unless you're writing a fast- paced action scene.



If you try to begin a short story, but don't write a skeleton first, you may suffer a writers block. I experience this all the time because I often sit down at the computer with the intention of writing a story for no reason other than I just feel like it.

Sometimes it's hard to be patient with a writers block. I nearly gave up writing during my chronic writers block. If you just persist the writers block will go away. If you have true ardor for writing, you can beat the block.

Short Story Skeleton

A ghostly white form with craters for eyes is walking toward you. All you did was decide to start a short story, and this bony humanoid is telling you it's a necessary part of your writing experience. Don't scream in horror, it's only the skeleton of your short story.

Everything substantial has a skeleton, and a short story is one of them. A story's "skeleton" is merely the fundamental beginnings of your story. Every good writer thinks and plans their story before actually starting to write. Before you write the first sentence, you'll need to make out a blueprint for your story. Here are some rules and tips:

1. Your passion for your story is crucial. If you don't have a deep, burning desire to write your story, it'll never get done. How the writer feels about a book really shows. Think about your story all the time, and have faith in it. Don't ever make the fatal mistake of letting yourself think a perfectly fine idea is wrong because you don't have enough experience, or because your last story was rejected. 
2. An idea journal is also important. Buy a small notepad and whenever you have an idea for your book, write it down. Here are a few examples of how you should do this:

4.20.10
I was reading a book last night and thought of something. My heroine is going to be the daughter of a lawyer and his wife is a cashier at the local grocery.
4.22.10
This morning I realized my heroine's name. It will be Vicki. 
4.23.10
I think in the end Vicki will be in a field, beginning her first novel. I just feel it seems right....my thoughts may change later in the writing. 
4.25.10
I thought of a name for my story. It will be The Precaution. 

 3. Be patient, because creating your skeleton is a process which will make you quite eager to begin your manuscript. A tip to remember is not to start writing until you can tell the story of your characters life beginning to end; even what happens after the curtains are closed to the reader.

4.  If you are interested in art, you might want to draw pictures of incidents in your character's life. The visual experience may help you to gain insight into your characters and also to make you more motivated. If you don't like drawing, you can just write mini-stories about your character. I'm pretty sure you like to write!

These were just some ideas for creating a skeleton for your short story. Just remember, if you're afraid of it, you can scare the skeleton itself. When your short story's skeleton is afraid it collapses. Those brittle bones just might break if you don't do it right. Be brave and enjoy!

Write a Short Story

Short stories are my expertise. They're quick, easy, and the plot is easily and speedily developed.  A short story is any story under 7500 words in length. My story Goodbye Earth is 1700 words long, and is a very short story. If you enjoy writing and don't feel like writing a 200,000+ word epic novel, maybe you should try writing a short story. Anyway if it gets rejected by publishers you might not feel as bad. I only type at 38 wpm (errors deducted), so it would take me a long time to write a long story. I was astonished at how quickly people write long novels. I take about a month to write 25 pages. That's pretty sad.
So, if you're sick of trying to write a long novel, try writing short fiction.
Here are some questions you should ask yourself before attempting to write a short story.
Have I written numerous very short stories?
Am I comfortable with typing?
Do I love to write?
Am I ready to edit my short story honestly?

If you answered yes to all those questions, then the answer to the question "Can I write a short story?" is YES! Also I recommend taking a test to see how many words per minute you can type. Leave me a comment about your results!
http://www.typingtest.com/

If you want to get your start in magazines, it's good to know how to keep your first draft short. Isn't it horrible to leave your story frail and dying from page removal just to get it short enough to enter into a magazine or contest?

Dream Diary

The other night, I had a dream which kept pestering me. I couldn't get the thought out of my head and it was driving me batty! I tossed and turned in a half-awake state for about an hour. I decided that maybe this was "inspiration knocking", so I pulled out my journal and wrote it down. The dream disappeared. A lot of my short stories started out as dreams, and scenes in some of my stories are extracted from dreams.
Stephenie Meyers dreamed up Twilight, and Mary Shelley dreamed the idea for Frankenstein. Both of these novels were huge successes and later, movie franchises.
 The wonderful thing is that when you're young, you'll dream more than your grandparents do! At the age of 19-30 years old, one has their peak percentage of REM sleep. Guess what? Mary Shelley was 19 years old when she dreamed about Frankenstein, and Stephenie Meyers was 30 when she dreamed of Twilight.
I read that people should keep a tape recorder next to their bed and record their dreams vocally. This way that inspiration can be preserved. Often, you think that you'll remember the dream all night and when you wake up you can't remember it.
The sleeping state really helps to get your mind working. As soon as you wake up, write random things, and surprise yourself at what amazing things you thought of.
I'll leave you with  five common dreams and their interpretations.

1. Being chased means that you are afraid of something in your real life, and that you're trying to escape a consequence or something that is happening.
2. Help!!!! You're in the middle of the grocery store, look down and realize you're not wearing clothes. Being naked in a dream means you're afraid of being seen for who you really are. Also it could mean that you want to be seen for who you really are.
3. Water is a common symbol in dreams. A few drops of water signifies forgiveness. Murky water signals problems ahead. Waterfalls mean abundance in your future. Calm smooth water is a good omen.
4. Dreams of your teeth falling out reflects a lack of self esteem and a bad body image. People who fear of getting old and ugly may dream that their teeth are falling out, or crumbling in their hands.

Journal Journeys

Are you an avid diary writer? If you are reading this blog right now, I am guessing that you have some interest in writing. Writing in a diary is the best way to get out your feelings on paper and to stimulate your writing brain.
I am obsessed with diary writing. When I write in my diary, I am making myself immortal through my life in writings. I am passing on a legacy through the pages of my diary. I imagine futuristic societies reading my diary and using it as a portal to enter the past. I make sure to refer to popular music, fads, and fashion in order to preserve the essence of my day and age. One of my mom’s Facebook friends has the right idea. Back in the 80’s he took video of parties and other social gatherings. He captured not only a time, but also a completely different era through his videos.
I try to do this same thing with my diary. It is so much fun if you have a leaning for writing, and if you do not like writing and would like to start, diary writing is a great beginning. I am working on my sixth diary, and have been writing in my diary for seven years. Currently I have just started a 400 page one with large pages since my last one only lasted for about 2.5 months. It was about 90 pages long. To make your diary writing experience more fun, here are some of my favorite boredom busters:

• Tape photos into the pages.
• Do not write when you do not feel like it, but consider writing a commitment.
• Read your old diaries occasionally. Sometimes you have to realize how you love reading your diary before you can write.
• If you haven't had children yet, write for your future offspring. I know that I would love to have read my mother's childhood diaries!
• Also, imagine archeologists brushing dust off your tattered diary, reading it and turning it into a movie.

If you do the last one, just remember that you will be dead by then (hopefully), and the movie will not humiliate you eternally. At least I hope not.

Don't lose another moment of your life-record it all today!

Pea Brains Not Allowed

Yesterday I found myself reading a website which I had in past months determined to be only suitable for elderly folks. I had the impression that the articles were created for relaxing inspiration. Upon reading two of the site's columns I was surprised to discover them surprisingly witty.

One was written by a man, the other by his wife. The woman's column shocked me with its lack of sugariness, and the man's was incredibly fresh and smart. I know what I am-I'm critical and close minded about everything which doesn't apply to me. I was glad I'd finally read these articles.

What a disadvantage it is to be narrow minded! Reading can enrich our lives and minds, but this can't be achieved if you don't accept new things. It's often hard for me to read a book due to the mere fact that my younger sister was enthralled with it. It was a long time before I finally read Lord of the Flies. I was shocked to find it an intriguing and moving work of art. Just recently, my sister read Anne of Green Gables. I was dubious of the book at first. When I read it at last, I found myself completely taken with the detailed characters and vivid descriptions. I only wish to be as talented and vibrant a writer as Lucy Maud Montgomery. I may have never read some of my favorite books if others hadn't inspired me to keep an open mind.

Don't postpone reading new books and different genres. It is the key to writing in new ways. When I was around ten, a librarian introduced me to Sharon Creech's works. Her books weren't at all what I was accustomed to. They didn't match my R.L Stine criteria. But there was something about Sharon Creech's books that inspired me to change my writing. In my pre-Sharon Creech writings, there was always a Goosebumps-style tone. I learned the power of dialogue and close character portrayals through Walk Two Moons. I learned to reveal things delicately and slowly by reading Chasing Redbird. I'm always discovering new ideas from reading things which step out of my boundaries. Isn't it wonderful to be flexible and have a variety of tastes?


I'm beginning to sound like something that isn't my type, so I'll go now.


Read some new books on your Kindle. Buy on Amazon from $169.99

Goodbye Earth, pt. 13

Goodbye Earth
Page Thirteen

The final part!

“You’re sweet too,” I smiled, in a kind way, as if I was talking to an old woman who was down on her luck.

“Come on Star,” she said, “Let’s go swimming."
4 days passed, full of strange news coverage, sadness, and a sweet sprinkling of fun with Moon.

December 21, 2012

I awakened the morning of the polar shift with dread in my heart. That day, everyone on planet Earth, would experience fatal occurences. I got out of my sterile white bed, pulled the sheets up, and pulled on the clothes I’d been wearing the day when I last saw my family. Today was going to be a day of remembrance.

 I walked out of the sleeping quarters towards the main lobby and peeked out of the window. Niburu blocked my usual vision of Earth and I guessed that the polar shift might have already occurred. I walked over to the TV and turned it on. There was still a broadcast, so the polar shift could not have occurred. I watched as a man walked in his robe into the "living room". He stood silently behind the sofa, watching the television. The reporter man stood bundled in heavy coats during a roaring windstorm.

“Today is the predicted day of the apocalypse. I am beginning to believe it too. With wind gusts up to 500 mph. at the equator, we are not having an easy time. Already one third of the November population is dead, and we are expecting the toll to go up. Therefore, anyone watching, would you please sit down, take a break, and get to know your family! Do all the important things in life!” At that point, the wind really started howling. A tree was uprooted and slammed right into him. Moon, who was sitting next to me gasped. The television suddenly went static. Moon flipped through all the channels. I looked at Moon with a feeling of panic. I went to go and look out the window. A huge shock wave spread out around the Earth in a huge halo, and I could see it moving-spinning. That moment, I recalled Jerri, my best friend, Dad, who did not believe, Peace, my sister, Mom, my loving mother, and all mankind. I knew that there was no hope for them. They were all gone by then, and that moment they were witnessing firsthand what I was seeing from far away.

 All the people on the space station stood behind the thick glass panes. Some women cried, some were fainting, and others were utterly shocked. Then the woman who directed the space station came walking up.

“Everyone, please get away from the windows. We don’t want anyone breaking the glass!” she gruffly said. Directly, she grabbed Moon by the arm.

Moon wrestled free, crying and moaning, “I’m not taking this anymore!” She lifted the steel vase which she held in her hand.

“Moon, no!” I shouted. A tear stained Moon busted a large hole in the glass with her vase and bloody fist. The station's coordinater was shocked. Moon stepped out onto the ledge outside and jumped.

That moment I realized what a mess I had made of my life. Moon was dead, just like everyone else. By coming here, I had betrayed my family and ruined my life as well. I walked up to the hole in the window despite the screams of the observers. The lack of air parched my lungs as I looked out at the still space before me.

Voices of the past shot through my brain. I saw Jerri, Mom, Dad, and Peace. I knew they were waiting, smiling, beckoning for me. So I came to their call.

THE END