June writing exercise!

I could have sworn I posted in April. I missed May even though I had done a writing exercise but it was so bad. I think it's on the floor somewhere. So much for posting a writing exercise every month. Or posting something! For goodness sake. Anyway... I have one now.
Also here's a fun website I came across. I usually get my random words from the dictionary but found this site instead and it gives you the number of random words you want!
http://creativitygames.net/random-word-generator/randomwords/4

I chose four words and thought they were just hysterical. Hence the below writing exercise. Give it a try, if nothing else, it gives you a good laugh at very random words. I had so much fun doing this exercise that I didn't want to stop. It ended up longer than usual. And I was so curious to see where it would go. Now it's your turn!

My words: Hosepipe, remote control, fault, Satan

            Hosepipe in hand, I crept along the house, peeking in the windows swiftly, not being seen. Or so I thought.

            Sneaking around to the back of the house, I opened the screen door. Straight out of a movie, no lie, the hinges creaked. And not just when I opened it, it creaked before, during and after. Ssshhhing them did not help.

            My sweaty hand had a loose grip on the pipe. My weapon of choice. Or more accurately, the only thing I could find.

            The TV was on in the living room. I was in the kitchen on squeaky clean linoleum of all things. I couldn’t be quiet if the TV volume was all the way up and the person watching had earbuds in blasting their favorite tunes.

            The element of surprise was so far gone I didn’t know what to do.

            So I slipped off my shoes and tiptoed towards the lighted archway of the living room.

            The remote control rested on the coffee table. Large sneakered feet were planted on the floor in front of the couch. The fat, bald man with a dark bushy mustache had his head back, mouth wide open. Sleeping! On my couch! What the…

            It was my fault the robber was in the house in the first place. I lost my key and ran to the store thinking the house would be okay for a few minutes. Okay, ran to the mall and maybe I saw some friends there but I didn’t stay long-er than an hour or two maybe three. But that’s no excuse for someone to break in – well, open the door and walk in and sleep on my couch. What kind of a burglar does that? Not a very good one.

            Did I mention I also lost my phone? No? Why else would I be risking my life instead of calling 9-1-1.

            A hand came from the dark behind me and covered my mouth. The other hand and arm dragged me back into the kitchen. I might have peed then.

            The person turned me around and I saw it was my friend Jesus. Not Jesus Christ but Jesus Medina. My eyes bugged so far out of my head I could barely focus. He let go of my mouth slowly.

            “Satan’s shit, Jesus! What the…”

            He put a finger to his mouth and produced my phone from his pocket.

            I grabbed it and pushed him through the kitchen door outside. It creaked like it was going to break right off. It sounded as if the whole neighborhood would wake. Everyone except the stranger on the couch.

            I stared at Jesus like I wanted to murder him and hit 9-1-1 instead. 

Writing Exercise!

I hope to have a book review or two coming up but in the meantime, let's do a quick writing exercise.
This time I picked words from the two open pages of the dictionary. Use one, use all, there are no rules. only writing.

Words: Destination, destructible, detract, detritus

The worst scenario possible. Destructible city – detritus everywhere – homes, cars, buildings, trees. For a destination resort, this was death.

Kieran’s heart was crushed. This was her town, her home, her life. How could she survive now? How could she rebuild? How could anyone?

One step forward and something crunched underfoot. Kieran lightly lifted her leg. Smashed on the ground was her wedding photo. This was the first and probably only time she was glad her husband was dead, so he couldn’t see their dreams crumbled.

Rising dirt and refuse inflamed her nose and lungs and clung to her like a found child. No child of hers. Kieran’s eyes stung and drops fell, half tears, half natural response.

Neighbors walked like zombies in the dust. Kieran’s stomach reeled. She leaned over and vomited.

Writing Exercise - Haiku

I'm getting this blog done still in the month of February - with one day to spare. I hope this isn't my pattern for every monthly blog. I was going to post last Monday, on my birthday, but obviously, that didn't happen. But I wanted to, that counts for something, right? In the spirit of things at least.


While away last week, I woke up one morning and started a birthday haiku and then one about my cat. So, if you'd like to participate, think of something, someone, an event, something big or small, that grabs your heart, your attention. Playing with words, since you can only have 5-7-5 syllables in each one, makes it fun finding the right word.


Not that it always happens, but it's great to try.


Birthday in the Desert


Sun lit radiance
Family, warm and loving
Birthday candle glow


Kitty in the Desert


Sunbeams streaming in
Baking to purrfection. Stretch
Roll over and repeat.

Book giveaways - Yes - an actual blog post!

Delinquent. Negligent. Absentminded.

Just a few words to describe my blogging presence. Sheesh. I guess life, work, holidays, etc take over. I recommit to posting a writing exercise, book review, book giveaway once a month. Maybe not all three but at least one! No more excuses. Easy to say now, right?

So, let’s get to the good stuff. I have three books to give away. Unfortunately, I’ll only be shipping within the US, and you’ll need to leave your email address if you want to be in the drawing since I am a techno-twit (thank you Rebecca Langston-George for that term). The giveaways are open until Sunday, February 8, 2015, 5pm PST.

If you want to be in the drawing for any of the books, just leave your email (someone (at) something (dot) com. If you want to enter only for a specific book(s) list it/them in your comment, otherwise you'll be in the drawing for all three books.

I love to be able to share fabulous books!!! And note, these are fairly recent, not too too old releases. Two arcs and one hard cover (signed).


First book up: HOW IT WENT DOWN by Kekla Magoon
Description: Publisher Henry Holt: October 21, 2014

When sixteen-year-old Tariq Johnson dies from two gunshot wounds, his community is thrown into an uproar. Tariq was black. The shooter, Jack Franklin, is white.

In the aftermath of Tariq's death, everyone has something to say, but no two accounts of the events line up. Day by day, new twists further obscure the truth.

Tariq's friends, family, and community struggle to make sense of the tragedy, and to cope with the hole left behind when a life is cut short. In their own words, they grapple for a way to say with certainty: This is how it went down.

I enjoyed this book and loved so much of the language. At first, I did get a little confused with all the characters. It’s uniquely told from many points of view and unfolds the story before you. The scenes I liked most were the ones between Tariq and his best friend Tyrell. There is truth and sweetness and I craved more of their chapters. Tina, Tariq’s younger sister also touched my heart. The book is so relevant and definitely worth a read.

Second book up: ALLIES & ASSASSINS by Justin Somper
Description: Publisher Little, Brown: May 27, 2014


Prince Anders, the ruler of Archenfield, has been murdered, leaving his younger brother, Jared, to ascend the throne. Sixteen-year-old Jared feels unprepared to rule the kingdom and its powerful and dangerous court, yet he knows he can rely on the twelve officers of the court to advise him. He also knows he can just as easily be at their mercy-especially when it appears that one of them may be responsible for his brother's death. Unable to trust anyone, Jared takes it upon himself to hunt down his brother's killer-but the killer may be hunting him, as well. Murder, betrayal, and intrigue abound in Justin Somper's thrilling YA series debut. Exploring the political machinations of the medieval court and the lives that hang in the balance, Allies & Assassins is a gripping tale of a teen torn between duty and revenge.

This is the first book of three with engaging characters, mystery, and romance. The chapters are told by different characters and I enjoyed Asta and Jared. It’s not fast paced, if that’s what you’re looking for. But it is steady and easy to read with lots of intrigue. This copy is also signed! (The second book is out in May 2015).

Third book up: ANATOMY OF A MISFIT by Andrea Portes
Description: Harper Teen: September 2, 2014


In this Mean Girls meets The Perks of Being a Wallflower tale, narrator Anika Dragomir is the third most popular girl at Pound High School. But inside, she knows she's a freak; she can't stop thinking about former loner Logan McDonough, who showed up on the first day of tenth grade hotter, bolder, and more mysterious than ever. Logan is fascinating, troubled and off-limits. The Pound High queen bee will make Anika's life hell if she's seen with him. So Anika must choose—ignore her feelings and keep her social status? Or follow her heart and risk becoming a pariah. Which will she pick? And what will she think of her choice when an unimaginable tragedy strikes, changing her forever? An absolutely original new voice in YA in a story that will start important conversations—and tear at your heart.

This book is the kind where you either really like it or you really don’t. It’s quirky, snarky with real characters. It’s also described as Mean Girls meets The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Some like that portrayal and some don’t agree. I’ve been on both sides of the fence and I guess I want you to make up your own mind. Go for it.

If you have trouble posting a comment, you can always use the anonymous button if you don't have a google account. Or email me your comment at adrussell (at) verizon (dot) net - using that email you can also find me on facebook and comment there as well.