Showing posts with label creative writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label creative writing. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Nano Nano: 50K Words and the Elusive Polite Society

Well, writers, how did you do during November? 

Nanowrimo is marathon-running for the creative mind. The imagination is exercised by creating new characters, charting a destination, building a fantasy world, and writing everything in-between. It can feel like running an actual marathon. 

This year, I committed to writing Sacred Homicide. Unfortunately, I only wrote halfway to the goal of 25,000 words, due to constant interruptions in my environment. With an industrial air cleaner, laundry machines, and noise-cancelling headphones, you would think I could find the quiet time necessary to write. In normal circumstances, I would agree, but the peanut gallery who live around me believes that their ruckus is far superior to any neighbor's need for privacy. This entitlement to other people's time, energy, and property is a symptom of the me, me, me culture. 

Not sorry, but living out loud ends at my property line. I don't owe you anything. The time that is wasted by acting like out of control juveniles for my attention is time I can never get back. Theft comes in all forms, and stealing someone's time, energy, and the use of their private space is one of them. 

But you are living on stolen land! That is incorrect, where I live the land was purchased from the country south of our border. Not stolen: bought. Not once, but twice, did the landholder sell to the United States in the American southwest: The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hildago and The Treaty of the Gadsden Purchase. 

But, but, but...!!! I wish people would stop acting like their heads are in their butts. That would be most helpful. 

Stolen land, reparations are excuses to behave like situational victims, when in fact, other people haven't inflicted any course of action against you. Stolen land was hundreds of years ago. Reparations were over a hundred years ago. So, it appears the only person victimizing you is, well: YOU. Then you take that angst, attack your neighbor for their skin color and the lies of "social justice." Social justice in my day meant: vigilantism, and that domain was left for comicbook movie characters. There is no justice without a fair trial, and I preface that statement with being unbiased, uncensored, and politically neutral. 

If you truly wanted justice, then if your family was denied their reparations: it's called a lawsuit. It's not for politicians to hand you taxpayer money. You have to make a real evidentiary case out of why you deserve what was denied your ancestor. Until someone can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this occurred and is a descendant, then why is this being used as emotional blackmail on other Americans? The court system is for Americans to redress their grievances, especially against their government. Go redress them, if you believe that you have a case.

Instead of doing the right thing, we have manufactured a culture of "karens." Karen is defined as someone who has to insert themselves voluntarily into other people's lives and then cries victim. I have an entire neighborhood full of karens. From playing loud music; drunk/disorderly parties; neglecting their children; loud, heavy bass vehicles; revving noisy engines at midnight; or anything else that creates undue attention to themselves, as long as the spectacle places them in the spotlight. Then these karens complain when you tell them to shove off and start acting like mature adults and responsible parents. 

But... but... but, here we go again. It's my culture. It's for my community. As an American? Nope, I don't think so, and it's embarrassing. Cultural appropriation of another nation's holidays and rites of passage is reprehensible. But, my grandmother came from the old country. You didn't, so what is your excuse? Don't say: stolen land, because you never owned this entire parcel of land. You only own your property. Just like me.

So which is it? Live your life in your front yard and middle of the street, which then your dirty laundry is open to public criticism. Or, live your life like respectable adults, and keep the shitshow away from public view? 

I rather keep my private life my own, so I can write, create digital art, and do community service... if it's all the same to you. 

Therefore, I uploaded another writing project to Nanowrimo that I have been working on: The Town Santa Forgot. It's complete, except for placing the correct word count on that site. Editing is done, but I am still polishing here and there for publication later on this month. 

The book cover is finished. There is a Cover Reveal Party this weekend online. I hope to see everyone who loves books participate.

And remember that being a good person who lives with others in peaceful harmony is more than a choice: it's how a society prospers. Without an auspicious society, we have no culture. No culture, and there is no need for creative writing, art, or community service. In a collectivist society, those expressions are hijacked for spreading propaganda. Be an individual and let your imagination become unleashed!

It's something to think about.

Have a great rest of your day.

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A writer at heart, Undawnted's own creative spark, DL Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms. Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet. 

 Keep up with her activities by subscribing to her monthly/quarterly A Novelist Idea Newsletter.




Friday, October 20, 2023

Being Mangled is Just the Beginning of the Artificial Intelligence, Cybernetic Discourse

Thank you to Joseph Carrabis for publishing my article: Being Mangled is Just the Beginning on his blog for the Midnight Roost horror anthology.

Mangled is a sci-fi, horror short story about life, death, and technology, but more importantly, it is a story about Sarah Mitchell, a Specialist in the armed forces:

The only survivor of a roadside bomb, Specialist Sarah Mitchell lives most people's nightmare. Her entire squad is killed. In the bustle of a busy emergency triage center, she is forgotten.

When she survives until morning, others come to claim her. One by the use of technology and the other by energetic consciousness, but both manipulate the quantum singularity. In an experiment to merge human consciousness with machine, which will consume Sarah, what will she do? 

Will she continue to serve her country in another capacity? Or, will she choose the unknown and walk into eternity with a complete stranger?

No matter what Sarah decides: living forever has its consequences. 

This short story is an important dialogue starter about the potential harnessing of human consciousness into cybernetic technologies. 

If you would like to read the article, visit Joseph Carrabis' site: Being Mangled is Just the Beginning

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From the author of the cutting-edge science fiction classic, The Reality Hackers, DL Mullan has brought readers a new type of horror: eternal slavery through technology. 

Don't miss another heart-stopping moment! 

Join her Creative Tribe of Fearless Philes through Undawnted's Undawntable newsletter

Because What-If... life imitates fiction?

 

 

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

WordCrafter Blog Tour for Midnight Roost: Christa Planko and MJ Mallon are Spooky Fun Authors

Video Reading from The Cull by MJ Mallon

 


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MJ's writing credits include YA, paranormal, best-selling horror, supernatural short stories, flash fiction, poetry, pandemic inspired poetry and best-selling anthologies. 

Poetry/flash fiction collections include Lockdown Innit, Mr. Sagittarius Poetry & Prose, The Hedge Witch And The Musical Poet and Do What You Love. 

Her eclectic blog shares her love of reading, reviewing, writing, poetry, photography, and travel: https://mjmallon.com.

Visit MJ's Social Media Sites: 

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Giveaway

A chance to win a free digital copy of Midnight Roost at every stop. Just leave a comment at Writing to Be Read to show your support for the tour, the anthology, and all of the fantastic authors.


To buy the Midnight Roost anthology 
with both author's stories,
 visit: Books2Read.


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Interview with Christa Planko about her short story: The Easterville Glass Ghost


What inspired you to write “The Easterville Glass Ghost?”

My inspiration for “The Easterville Glass Ghost” began with a trip to the Estellville Glassworks, a historic site near me. I first visited the site when I moved to the area in 2008. It has haunted me ever since!

Today, the glassworks is more of a graveyard for the 19th -century factory that bustled with activity from 1825 to 1877. Most of its structures have nothing left beyond their foundations. But the most prominent structure, the melting furnace, has three stone walls remaining. The front of the building features four large arches. Beyond these walls lies brick and stone rubble and the deep pits where glassblowers would form molten glass into cylinders.

Imagine how eerie it is to walk through the woods and happen upon Estellville’s imposing arched structure! As many times as I’ve returned to hike in the surrounding woods, I always get chills when the ruins first come into sight. It has prompted many imaginative musings about the people that lived and worked there. What was it like to work among fiery furnaces, handling molten glass? Was it competitive work? Was it dangerous? So dangerous that anyone ever died?

These musings led to the creation of “The Easterville Glass Ghost.” The story came together based on my own research about the factory and 19th -century glassblowing, coupled with imagination and fictional characters.


Have you ever had a ghostly encounter?

I did have an unexplained experience once. It involved the sensation of a hand sliding down my shoulder to my back. And it so happened that it was at the site of the Estellville Glassworks. This experience is what I fictionalized in my story.

While I’m not sure I had an actual “ghostly” encounter, if a spirit was present that day, it was a protective one. Nobody else was around at the time. I was technically trespassing at the site, climbing on top of a brick pile for a better view. The hand I felt on my shoulder coincided with me losing my footing—kind of like a steadying hand, ensuring my safety.

So, do I believe in spirits? I’m not sure about ghosts, but I do believe in spirit. By that, I mean the spirit that comprises character and lives on after a person expires. Elements of the human spirit—such as love, joy, kindness, gentleness—transcend time and space. These are things that we remember about loved ones and others who have passed. They are the traits written about heroes in history books. They imprint on us, encourage us, and inspire us to be the same—to make a difference in others’ lives. This is also a theme I aim to capture in my story.

Thank you for your questions and the opportunity to participate in the blog tour for Midnight Roost!

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Christa Planko, MA, is a professional writer with a passion for creative expression. She has had her poetry and short stories featured in several publications, including Tanka and Haiku Journal, Poetry Quarterly, New Jersey Bards, and Every Day Fiction. Her story, “The Olde-Tyme Village,” won the 2021 WordCrafter Short Fiction Contest. Christa resides in South Jersey with her feline muses. 

Christa graduated from Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ) with a BA in English Literature and from Drew University (Madison, NJ) with an MA in English Literature.  

Website: https://christascorner.godaddysites.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristasCorner2023

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Purchase

To buy the Midnight Roost anthology 
with both author's stories,
 visit: Books2Read
 
 



Sunday, September 10, 2023

Autumn Cider on Undawnted's YouTube Channel Expands the Imagination

How would you like to see Edgar Allan Poe recite his own poetry? Or, how about Emily Dickinson? 

Without a time machine, no one living now can go back to see our literary icons do so... until Undawnted's own creative spark, DL Mullan found a way.  

Ms. Mullan has bridged the gap between the past and present with futuristic technology. With artificial intelligence (AI), the imagination has brought to life these Literary Masters (see the section of the same name) along with current poems by DL Mullan in Poetry Slam.

Throughout the Autumn Cider Seasonal Reads program, more guest appearances from the past, as well as their beloved poems, will grace the Undawnted YouTube channel.

For information about premieres, schedules, and book events be sure to Like, Comment, and especially, Subscribe to Undawnted's Channel, as well as Substack newsletter: A Novelist Idea.

With Undawnted, imagination is truly fearless. 

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A writer at heart, Undawnted's own creative spark, DL Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Ms. Mullan showcases her literary talents by publishing her creative writing. She has short stories and poems published in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. In addition, she writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. Ms. Mullan produces her own book cover designs for herself and others. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet.

Currently, she has embarked on writing her multi-book Legacy Universe, Supernatural Superhero Series.

With her education and experience in writing, DL Mullan shares her knowledge via her newsletters. If you too want to become a Fearless Phile, then subscribe to one of her newsletters on Substack.

Her innovative style teaches writers how to reach their creative potential, and write more effectively.

Learn. Grow. Master… with Undawnted.


 

Monday, June 12, 2023

The Jonah Collector is Set for June 2023 Release

As an homage to the Rime of the Ancient Mariner, The Jonah Collector is a lyrical prose, seafaring narrative set in the 1700s. 

Captain Christopher Houston is a seafaring man. He lives on the sea. He is the best ship captain in the world. He is also deceased. 

In this epic tale, we discover that in his youth, Captain Houston committed a heinous crime. He lied about his age to get onboard a ship because his father had died. The young man wanted to support his mother by earning a wage. Unfortunately, he was too inexperienced. He found himself labeled a Jonah, the weakest link, and forced to walk the plank. 

As his ship sailed away, the ocean took him down to the Locker. In the Depths, a beautiful mermaid made him a deal. Captain Houston did not understand the contract that saved his life, and was later able to nullify the mermaid's evil intent because he was not of age to consent to such an agreement. 

Years had passed since his encounter. Something inside of him stirred. He knew that his youthful mistake was about to catch up with his present. 

Unbeknownst to him, the mermaid, Aetheshella, devised a scheme to lure Christopher back to her through fate. She went after his son. Now, Captain Houston has a choice: save his son or himself. 

Will he be the next victim of The Jonah Collector

This short story will be released on June 23, 2023.

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A Novelist Idea Newsletter will be having a release party with prizes and trivia, plus Subscribers receive Early Access to purchase the e-Book. Be sure you are a Subscriber, because this is a Member's Only event.





This year's program is the: Hint of the Divine, in which participants learn the archetypes found in human culture, and storytelling.

Bring depth to your writing.

Join our Creative Tribe

Learn. Grow. Master... with Undawnted.

 

 

 

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Step Out of the Norm and Take a Galactic Ride

This Long Form poem is the staycation everyone dreams about:

Take a trip into the universe. No need to pack. Your imagination is your passport to discover what lies beyond our telescopes.

"Awesome... just can't say enough about your poem." 

"A Sci-Fi/Fantasy poem. Unusual, to me anyway, and an interesting change of pace..."  
 
"...reminded me of the psychedelic era." 

Jump on board.

Join the consciousness revolution, and open your mind to the possibilities that await in the rhymes of these lines:

Want to take the ride? Buy your copy today: Galactic Ride

 

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Like, comment/review, buy, subscribe if you like this vibe and become apart of Undawnted's Creative Tribe.

 

Thursday, May 18, 2023

The Reality Hackers Novelette Set for Release

On May 23rd, 2023, the extended version of The Reality Hackers will be published through Sonoran Dawn Studios, via Lulu. 

What if the quantum universe resides in our minds? That our consciousness is the means for reality? ...then what would happen if someone toyed with the multiverse, universe of your mind? Justin Chisum finds out, doesn't like what he sees, and tries to correct the paradox, but will his actions cost him his existence?  

Critical Acclaim includes: 

"...Reality Hackers is a great story." 

"...Quite original."

"'The Reality Hackers' sounds truly frightening!" 

"Definitely thought-provoking."  

"[DL Mullan]’s story sounds frightening...! I enjoyed learning about its inspiration. Scary and weird facts mixed in there."

"This story struck me as being very scary cutting edge science fiction, the kind that makes one ponder the 'what ifs'. I'm sure readers will enjoy it immensely."  

For more information about this scifi classic in the making, be sure to visit: The Reality Hackers.

Like, subscribe, and comment on Undawnted's social media pages to see more of what you love.

*****

Want an invitation to Undawnted special events? Then sign up for: A Novelist Idea today!

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A writer at heart, Undawnted's own creative spark, DL Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms. Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet.

Currently, she has embarked on writing her multi-book Legacy Universe, Supernatural Superhero Series

With her education and experience in writing, DL Mullan shares her knowledge via her newsletters. If you too want to become a Fearless Phile, then subscribe to her newsletter on Substack.

Her innovative style teaches writers how to reach their creative potential, and write more effectively.

Learn. Grow. Master… with Undawnted.

 

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

A Novelist Idea Newsletter's Theme for 2023 is the Hint of the Divine

Did you miss last year's A Novelist Idea Newsletter debut? Then miss no more. Undawnted began a new cycle with the theme: Hint of the Divine. 

We are looking for archetypes in all the in between spaces. 

If you act now, and sign up for this free newsletter, you will begin on the ground floor of this exciting, intelligent, and creative experience. Not only will you be updated with the latest in Undawnted's news, DL Mullan's publications, and exclusive releases, parties, prizes, and book events, you will receive a thought-provoking, intuitive, and top shelf education in the imagination. 

Open your mind to a larger landscape. 

DL Mullan has been a creative leader in the writing community for two decades. Join A Novelist Idea Newsletter for the pure joy of community, and programs that expand the mind. Or, you could participate and earn a Certificate of Completion at year's end. 

Whatever road you choose, Undawnted will satisfy those inner creative cravings you long to satiate. 

A Novelist Idea Newsletter Sign Up

Have a great and wonderful day, 

Team Undawnted


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About Undawnted

Undawnted is the home of novelist, DL Mullan. Ms. Mullan has a varied and remarkable background, from her educational pursuits (Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology, also see About Undawnted), as well as learning from the best in novelization, science fiction, horror, fantasy, and scriptwriting (Communication PrĂ©cis). From her award-winning poetry and scifi fantasy digital artwork to teaching honor's curriculum with her college's coordinator (Professor Emeritus), participating in panel discussions at conventions, or directing her community poetry group, she has the innovative vision, creative passion, and hands-on experience that lends itself to success. 

Check out her growing Curriculum Vitae on her Undawnteum site (updated regularly) for details on her extensive formal and self-procured education, real world experience, and application in the arts. 

Become a true Fearless Phile and join DL Mullan on the creative journey that is: Undawnted.

Join our community today!

 
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Your subscription is with Substack. Please review their policies for more information. 

If you have a request, or question, for Undawnted be sure to use our Contact page.  

 

*Undawnted's sites and schedules are subject to change without notice.


 

 

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

2023 Retired Poems on My Poetry Forum

At the end of October 2022, My Poetry Forum went dark. 

In light of this website going defunct, all poems have now been retired from public review and comment. Undawnted has other poems and forums in the public sphere, but in the future will concentrate more on our YouTube Channel and Undawnteum sites. This change will ensure that our readership will have access to free reads in times to come. 

We are so sorry this snafu has occurred. 

Please be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel, as well as bookmark Undawnteum. There is a wealth of information already on the site, currently under construction, for you to read about Undawnted's creative spark, DL Mullan, and her writings. 

While you are here, sign up for A Novelist Idea and take your creativity to a whole new level. 

Thank you so very much for your time. We appreciate and adore our readership. 

Team Undawnted  

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Undawnted's YouTube Channel offers poetry shorts to full-fledged poetry feature films in our Poetry Slam section. This new playlist will give you more of the rhymes you crave.

Subscribe for more award-level poems written by DL Mullan.

Monday, September 26, 2022

Baptizing the Dead, the Literary Lyrical Long Form Poem, is Published!

Undawnted, and our Fearless Philes, had a wonderful time at the Baptizing the Dead release party last night. You didn't get the invite? Well, you can receive one for our next event by signing up with A Novelist Idea Newsletter...

Subscribers always get the goodie bag! 

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Summary

What is this poem about? 

The Devil has come to town to baptize followers for the other team in order to steal their souls... do you know who your preacher is?

Even the Devil Can Quote Scripture

 

Critical Acclaim

What readers have to say about this poem?

"What happens when you give the Devil a run for his money!"

"Another great piece by our generation’s [Gen X] Genre Laureate."

"Ah such a talented woman I can only hope to be as good as you one day love your poems."

"Irreverent, but topical in our current cultural climate. Perfect."

 

Info Guide

Do you want to know more? Then visit Baptizing the Dead on Undawnted.  

 

Believe in Magic... Autumn Cider Seasonal Reads 

 

***** 

DL Mullan is an award-winning poet. With poems in numerous publications, including academic and commercial anthologies, Ms. Mullan is becoming Generation X's Genre Poet Laureate.

Want to read some free selections? Venture over to her page on My Poetry Forum.

The creative imagination stands the test of time. 

Learn. Grown. Master... with Undawnted.

 

 

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