Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Fabric

Welcome to Friday and this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction! This week's prompt is fabric. If you'd like to learn more about Five Sentence Fiction, or give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

"So... it really is fabric, then?"
"Of course, it's not just a  euphemism you know."
She held the shimmering fabric up in her hands, sending it rippling as she gave it a sharp tug. I reached out a hand to feel it, rough and thick in places, soft and delicate in others. 
"I guess I just never thought our existence would be yellow."

Voila! I hope you liked this little story, and if you did, please share it with others! If you'd like to read more Five Sentence Fiction, just visit the links below for past editions. Don't forget to follow this blog and come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. Have a great weekend!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Learning
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Bliss
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Limitless
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Wisdom

Watching Summer Fly By

Well, we're approximately half way through August, which means there's only a little bit of summer left. How much? It depends on September. We have years where September is glorious, like a bonus month of summer, and we have years where September is cold and bitter, sweeping away any warm memories of sunshine and lemonade with the last of the leaves. In the face of uncertainty I'm beginning to feel a little panicked. What if there's only a couple weeks left and then it's gone?

This week we were finally blessed with hot weather. Since the beginning of July it's been very mild, rather cool days non-stop. Which isn't awful, but it's not the kind of thing you can call up in your mind when it's minus thirty degrees Celsius and snowing outside. And it's not really shorts and a tank top weather either, which is a bit of bummer when you only get to wear that stuff for two months out of the year at the best of times. So, with this sudden gift of heat, I can't help but feel that it's entirely wasted sitting in an office (specifically, a very air conditioned one). What if it's the last we're going to get until next year?

I've been thinking I should see if I can get a day off this week, just a bonus day to run around soaking up sunshine before it's gone. It'd be even better if I knew someone with a great deck or a pool, but beggars can't be choosers. This might be my last chance to sip on a cocktail in the sunshine. Especially with being officially broke from Paris. There are no sunny destinations in my future this winter or for the next couple. I can't afford a vacation, but perhaps I can afford a day off.

Monday Book Review - The Suitors

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation!

THE SUITORS by Cecile David-Weill

 

This is the story of two sisters who are flabbergasted to hear that their parents have plans to sell their summer home, L'Agapanthe. The house is a place of charm, elegance and above all, good manners; where the relationship between the two sisters has blossomed. Neither is willing to give up the summer retreat and all it represents, so they hatch a plan to find a wealthy suitor who can afford to purchase the estate. Unfortunately, the suitors are not all they're cracked up to be...

I loved this story. Maybe it was the very French elegance of it, the astutely observant main character, Laure, or perhaps it was the suitors themselves, totally unaware of their place in the sisters' plot and failing miserably to hold up their end of the bargain. Either way, I loved it. It was like stepping into an entirely different world, the world of the fabulously wealthy, where manners and codes of conduct rule the day. I have to admit (not that I was planning to argue), the French really do have style and elegance down pat. You really must pick it up, if just to feel the sensation of that world.

The writing is sublime, even the typeface of the book is elegant. And the story is charming and sympathetic, despite how different most of us are from the main characters and their charmed existence. And who hasn't felt the panic of change, the longing to hold onto things just the way they are? Read it, and come back and tell me what you think!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Learning

Welcome to Friday and this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction. This week's prompt is learning. If you'd like to learn more about Five Sentence Fiction, or give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

"Would you give it a rest? I told you, I locked it in the storage room so you're perfectly safe..."
The sound of humming and scraping echoed above their heads.
"What the hell was that?"
"Oh God," she looked over at him, "it's learning."

Voila! I hope you've enjoyed this week's little story, and if you have, I hope you'll share it with friends. If you'd like to make my day (and my weekend) then follow this blog and/or come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. If you're still in the mood for more Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below for previous editions. Have a great weekend!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Bliss
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Limitless
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Wisdom
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Locked

Editing

I'm proud to say that yesterday I FINALLY got my manuscript off to the editor. It should have been on its way as soon as I got back from Paris, but jet lag, laundry and a broken water heater put a rather large wrench in my plans. So, it's very late and that I'm not too proud of, but at least it's on its way. And that's worth celebrating. (Which I did. With ice cream.)

My work with this book isn't done yet, in fact it's only just beginning, but it's so exciting to see it progress. I've been editing it for a long time, but I've reached a point where I can see it still needs work, I'm just not sure what that work is. That's where fresh eyes (and very talented ones at that) come in. The last Writer in Residence, David Poulsen, was kind enough to make an introduction and the editor in question was kind enough to take me on.

So that's where it is. This is the next step. To make my book as good as it can possibly be. We'll do this next round of edits and then take it from there. But in the meantime, I'm going to put my feet up and read a good book.

Monday Book Review - Kitty Peck and the Music Hall Murders

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation!

KITTY PECK AND THE MUSIC HALL MURDERS by Kate Griffin

 

This book is rather special to me because I found it in Paris, at the Shakespeare and Company bookstore. I didn't read it until I got home, so it was nice to have that little reminder of Paris, there on my nightstand at the end of the day. Not that my reading was limited to the end of the day. Honestly, I dare you to limit it your reading of the book to once a day! Good luck. A mystery like this is not easy to walk away from.

The story takes place in Victorian London, and centers around the lovely Kitty Peck, a seamstress at the Gaudy Music Hall, run by the fierce Lady Ginger (who presides over that and the surrounding area with an iron fist). The Lady has called upon her to act as bait for a mysterious kidnapper who's been stealing her most valuable asset, her dancing girls. And one doesn't say no to The Lady.,..

This mystery has a sort of Jack the Ripper quality to it, what with the cold dark streets of crime ridden London and the mysterious disappearances without a trace of who the kidnapper might be. This one will keep you guessing and not just about the identity of the kidnapper. All the characters seem to have a secret of their own, a hidden past they don't want revealed. The setting is vivid, as are the characters, especially Kitty. She is uniquely strong in the face of her adversities, quick witted and unwilling to go down without a fight. It's a great read and a fantastic mystery.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Bliss

Welcome to Friday and this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction. This week's prompt is bliss. If you'd like to learn more about Five Sentence Fiction, or give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

Bliss. That's how she described it to her girlfriends. 
She couldn't take the risk of telling them the truth, that she actually found the old man repulsive. If this was going to work, no one could question her loyalty or her love. She needed that money and she'd give the performance of a lifetime to get it. 

Thank you for stopping by to read this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction! If you liked it, I hope you'll share it with friends, and if you feel like making my day then please feel free to follow this blog or come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. If you're in the mood for more Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below to read past editions. Have a great weekend!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Limitless 
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Wisdom
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Locked
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Flight

Hung Over, But Not in the Traditional Sense

Sorry this post is a little late, but I've had a really great week so far. Sunday, my husband convinced me to go see the new Wolverine movie. I'd resisted at first, as I figured it'd probably be horrible and I hate watching my favourite fictional character of all time get ruined on the big screen. (Not due to Hugh Jackman, I think he's a fantastic actor, but due to terrible script and plot choices). But I'd heard on the radio that it was actually a good movie so we went. And it was. I refuse to give spoilers but it was fantastic. Definitely go see it if you're a fan, or if you're not. It's that good.

Unfortunately, Wolverine has a rather strong effect on me, leaving me feeling buzzy and distracted for days after an encounter, whether it be cartoon, book, comic book or movie. There's something about him, always has been, that just gets under my skin and crawls around. It's pleasant and unpleasant at the same time, and I always want more even though I know it will just prolong the feeling. So, I texted a girlfriend and asked if she'd seen it, and volunteered to see it again with her. Which is what I did last night. And it was fantastic again.

But, I'm also buzzy and distracted again, unable to push him from my thoughts or concentrate on anything else. It's irritating and lovely and I'm already itchy to go back to the movies and visit him again. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, sorry this post is a little late and he's all I can talk about, and does anyone feel like going to the movies?

Monday Book Review - Cinnamon Toast and the End of the World

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation!

CINNAMON TOAST AND THE END OF THE WORLD by Janet E. Cameron

 

I picked this book up because of the title. I mean, come on! That's a great title. Who could resist a book that combined breakfast food and the apocalypse in just the title? I didn't even read the back, just picked it up and started reading. And it. Was. Fabulous. I read it within the span of two days, just couldn't put it down. It was exactly the kind of book I love. The kind you're willing to cancel plans for. So, what's it about? Not the apocalypse, at least in the traditional sense. It's about a boy named Stephen and the fateful day he realized he was in love with his best friend. A boy. It's a coming of age story in a tiny Nova Scotia town with a unique cast of characters, both past and present, that decorate Stephen's life. 

What did I love about this book? EVERYTHING. No, really. I did. The main character is so real and complicated, you feel for him with every ounce of your once high school angst ridden self. It's also kind of funny and strange and nerve wracking, as you root for him, longing with every page to see it all work out fine in the end. And does it? Well, I'm not one to spoil the ending. Just pick it up.

You can tell how well written it is by how real it is. I forgot all the time that it was written by a woman, I had just assumed it was largely autobiographical because the character's voice felt so real. The setting felt real. All the characters felt real. The writing is just... I loved it. What a lovely book. You simply must pick it up. It's too good to leave this one unread. Add it to your list, read it and then come back here and tell me your thoughts. Although I think we're going to be of the same opinion.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Limitless

Welcome to Friday and this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction! This week's prompt is limitlesss. If you'd like to learn more about Five Sentence Fiction, or give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

Every time you think it's over, it just begins again. 
At first, it was a relief, the idea of eternity. But heaven or hell, it just goes on forever until finally, you realize they're one and the same. But there's no escape. It's what you signed up for, and now you have a very long time to contemplate your decision.

Okay, this one may have been a little dark, but it's the image that popped into my head at the word limitless. And you can't fight an idea that won't let go. So, I hoped you enjoyed it. If you'd like to read more Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below to read past editions. Don't forget to follow this blog and come find me on twitter, @MelanieKCole.


Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Wisdom
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Locked
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Flight
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - View

Getting Back on the Ball

For some people, traveling to Europe can really screw up their internal clock. Normally, I'd say I was the same, but I will admit that my recent trip to Paris did nothing of the sort. I was entirely jet lag free the whole time and returned to my home time zone with ease. (Amazing, I know. But it's true.)

No, what has been weirdly difficult is getting back on the ball. I can't seem to get blog posts done on time (aside from today's, finally!), I haven't managed to get my manuscript off to the editor when I'm practically jumping out of my skin I'm so excited to have her look at it and getting back on track at work has been an arduous undertaking. Sure, some of that was due to the usual work of laundry and such after a vacation, and true, my water heater did crap out on me as soon as we got home and leaked all over our basement, leaving me without water and an additional large expense when I really didn't need it. But I never post late on my blog! It's a point of pride for me. And not getting my manuscript off to the editor immediately? Say it ain't so! I should be wading around my basement in rubber boots, unshowered as I reread my final draft before stuffing it in an envelope and putting it in the mail.

The only explanation I can come up with, is that I'm still in vacation mode. You know what I mean. That head space where you sleep in, take life slow and stop for a three hour coffee/lunch whenever the mood pleases you. God, I love that head space! And it wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have a day job. But I've got to get back to it! So, even though I can't stand to let go of my Parisian attitude, I've got to buck up and get back to work. Because what I really want, (even more than a three hour lunch) is to see my book in print. And posting this on time is my first step.

Monday Book Review - Allison Hewitt is Trapped

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation!

ALLISON HEWITT IS TRAPPED by Madeleine Roux

 

I read this book a while ago (may have even mentioned it on this blog on one of my book lists) but I thought it deserved its own stand alone recommendation. To be honest, I love zombie things. I don't know why, I just do. I like zombie movies, video games, board games, books (obviously). The only problem is, they give me nightmares. (I know, I know, I'm like a nine year old that can't have sugar before bed time). So, my enjoyment of zombie flavoured entertainment is usually limited to broad daylight, well before nightfall, and usually with a few Disney movies thrown in afterwards for good measure. But even with my zombie handicap, I could not put this book down well before dark like I was supposed to. It was addicting, you just have to keep reading to find out what happens to Allison Hewitt and her comrades.

Okay, I better back up. Usually, I do the synopsis first. Here's all you need to know. The book centers around a girl named Allison Hewitt who, up until the zombie apocalypse, works in a bookstore where (after said zombie apocalypse) she and her coworkers get trapped. The book is written through a series of blog posts she sends out into the void in the hopes of rescue, as she and her friends battle for survival in their new zombie infested world. It's brilliant, very tongue in cheek, clever and doesn't take itself too seriously. Just the way I like it. 

As I mentioned at the start, the writing is fantastic. You're pulled in from page one and childish nightmares be damned, you'll keep reading until the end. The blog post idea gives the zombie genre a fun twist and the cast of characters is lovable, hate-able and very relatable. Even if you're not a zombie lover, I encourage you to give this one a try. It's funny, ridiculous and the perfect antidote to reality.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Wisdom

Welcome to Five Sentence Fiction Friday! This week's prompt is wisdom. If you'd like to learn more about Five Sentence Fiction, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

The snake warned me not to do it. 
"What good is wisdom anyway? Stay here, in the garden, in paradise."
He made an appealing argument to my simple mind, but there was a pull inside, a need for freedom, a tingling of curiosity for that big red apple that was impossible to ignore.
My children often ask if I regret it, but I just look at the spark of intelligence in their eyes, smile and shake my head no.

I hope you've enjoyed this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction. If you have, please share it with friends. If you're still hankering for more, just follow the links below to previous editions. Have a great weekend!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Locked
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Flight
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - View
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Blades

Paris

On Sunday night my husband and I returned from our trip to Paris. It was an amazing vacation. Obviously we didn't see it all (I think that's impossible in Paris), but we saw a lot. We wandered through side streets, hit the tourist hot spots, tried out what little French I'd managed to master before we left, and had a wonderful time in each others company. It was the best anniversary a couple could ask for.

There's just something about Paris. Its every avenue drips with history, every building, alley and doorway is something special. I did a lot of research before we left, which helped a lot when it came to understanding the etiquette of going into shops, ordering at restaurants and so forth. I've heard a lot of people say the French are rude or snobby but in my experience this couldn't have been further from the truth. Everyone I interacted with had impeccable manners. The French conduct themselves in a way that is just all together more classy. From the way they dress (no booty shorts or too tight tops or jeans, skank is not an embraced fashion choice there) to the way they talk in restaurants. In a tiny crowded bistro you never had to shout to be heard by your dinner companion. No one tried to talk over anyone else, there was a polite consideration for your fellow diners that you just don't see in North America. The difference was so pronounced that while we waited to board one of several flights home in Canada, I leaned over to my husband and whispered, "I miss the French." I'm a very proud Canadian so that tells you something.

Of course, the real star of Paris (after the history) is the food. Oh. My. God. The food. Everything was so fresh, with so much consideration put into the dishes, while at the same time being so startlingly simple. Being there for just that short time has taught me a lot about eating, about really enjoying my food and not settling for prepackaged garbage. Why have Doritos when you can have Pain au Chocolat? After such an extraordinary trip for my tastebuds I'm looking forward to simplifying, but also going for a slightly higher quality. And if I can find a bakery with good Pain au Chocolat, then I'll really be set.

Of course, our vacation curse struck again when we got home. (Every time we go on vacation, we come home and are struck by some kind of financial grenade). This time our water heater went kaput and leaked water all over our basement floor. So, that's getting replaced by the end of the week and we've been busy cleaning up and getting rid of the dank in our basement. (Which is also why this post is late). It's a financial expense we really don't need after a pricier vacation, but I'm not going to let it get me down. These things happen and this vacation was worth it!

Monday Book Review - Where'd You Go, Bernadette

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation!

WHERE'D YOU GO, BERNADETTE by Maria Semple

 

Yes, I know! I know! The last horse finally crosses the finish line. People have been going on and on about this book for a while, and I finally had the chance to sit down and read it. And truthfully, I almost stopped after a few pages. You see, it employs a form of story telling that I generally hate. It tells most of the story through letters. So, when I saw that I almost put it down again. But, because everyone was so gaga for it I decided to soldier on and I'm so glad I did. It was fantastic.

This the story of Bee and the disappearance of her fantastically zany mother, Bernadette. It unravels the story through correspondence, as well as Bee's input, all the events leading up to and then following her mother's disappearance. It features a cast of crazy characters, secrets and honestly holds your attention right to the end. It's so juicy, it's like reading someone's diary. A very, very interesting someone. Even though I questioned the style at the start, I came to adore it after just a few pages. You'll see what I mean when you read it.

So, I'm glad I put my initial distaste aside and gave the book a real chance, because I loved it. It's just so damn clever! Pick it up yourself and give it a read, then come back and let me know what you thought of it. 

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Locked

Welcome to Friday and this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction. This week's prompt is locked. If you'd like to find out what Five Sentence Fiction is all about, or give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

I pulled at the door, heaving on it with all of my body weight. I screamed and clawed at it, giving it one last hopeful rattle before sinking to the ground. It was all over now.
"Oh dear, was it locked?"
He was moving slowly, patiently, taking long enough that I looked down, noticed the glimmer of a broken bottle and picked it up. I smiled, maybe it wasn't over yet after all. 

Thus concludes another edition of Five Sentence Fiction. I hope you enjoyed this one, and if you did, let me know in the comments section, or share it with other people you think might enjoy it. If you're still hankering for more Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below to read previous week's editions. Have a great weekend!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - View
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Blades
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Home

Beating the Heat - Old School

Lately we've had a string of gorgeous, sunny and very hot weather. And I've loved it. While a lot of people complain about the heat and retreat into the air conditioning, I relish it. We have such ridiculously long, cold winters, I love the chance to be too hot. I hold the memory dear to me throughout the winter, remembering that hot, sticky feeling, when the air waves around you like a warm bath. It's beautiful. Because I know that in just a few very short months it will be winter again.

I always shake my head when people complain about the heat, because more often than not those people have air conditioning, and they have it cranked. I'm sure they feel the same way about me in the winter, when I complain about the cold and keep the heat cranked, but such is life. I don't have air conditioning, and I wouldn't use it if I had it. I prefer to beat the heat the old fashioned way, with ice cream, electric fans and partial nudity. Yes, I find it much more fun to stand in front of a fan in my underpants eating a fudgsicle than have my house feel like the frozen foods section in the grocery store.

I realize, of course, that I'm strange. I know I'm not the norm, but I highly suggest that one day you just give it a try. See if you can appreciate the heat, store it in your bones for that icy cold day in winter when all hope seems lost. Maybe you'll find your own fun new way to beat the heat. Who doesn't remember those blissful days of childhood running screaming through the sprinklers? Do you remember how exhilarating that was? Why not try it again?

What about you? How do you beat the heat the old fashioned way?

Monday Book Review - Major Pettigrew's Last Stand

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation!

MAJOR PETTIGREW'S LAST STAND by Helen Simonson

 

This is the story of Major Pettigrew, a retired major who's living a quiet existence in the village of Edgecomb St. Mary when he gets news of his brother's death. The loss of his brother brings two things: sorrow, and the hope that his father's guns will finally be reunited. On his father's death bed he separated his pair of antique hunting rifles between the two brothers, with the condition that they be reunited upon one or the others death. Major Pettigrew is determined to see his father's wish through, despite his sister in law and her family, as well as his own son's desire to sell the pair and reap the rewards. The death of his brother has yet another curious effect on the Major's life, it sparks a new friendship with Mrs. Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper in the village. Each of these new developments bring their own challenges and force him to question his own beliefs and morals.

I could go on and on about how much I loved this book. First of all, the main character, Major Pettigrew is the perfect, lovable old English gentleman. He has a rigid code of honour and good manners while remaining warm and tenderhearted. Not to mention the blossoming relationship between the major and Mrs. Ali will warm your heart. It remains throughout a lovable romp, a book I never wanted to end.

It's a wonderful story, filled with warm and social complexity with a cast of characters that make you never want it to end. If you're looking for a truly lovely read, you've found it.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Flight

Welcome to Friday! It's time for this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction. Are you excited? I'm excited. This week's prompt is flight. If you'd like to learn more about Five Sentence Fiction, or give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

So, it had come to this. There was only one way to be sure if they were real. No one else seemed to see them but her, and if they were right, if it was all in her head, then she didn't much care if she hit the pavement. 
She took a deep breath and stepped off the roof, screaming with terror at what she'd just done as she plummeted toward the ground. She threw her hands in front of her face and that's when the wings that no one else could see unfurled and stretched, caught the wind and lifted her into flight. 

Voila! I hope you liked it! I want to note right now, that this is just a story. It's not meant to be symbolic of depression, suicide or anything like that. Instead, it's merely a flight of fancy, of our imaginations being much more real than we realize. That said, I hope you enjoyed it and it inspires your own imagination to take flight. (Sorry to hit you over the head with it, but I've had a few previous stories really misinterpreted). If you'd like to read more Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below to read past editions. Have a great weekend!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - View
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Blades
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Home
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Oops

The Difference Between a Crappy Workplace and a Good One

The difference between a great place to work and a not so great place to work is pretty simple. Take this example from last week. Where my husband works, people are often condescending, insulting and there's a lot of yelling about not working hard enough or fast enough, none of which is great for an employee's morale. And then, there's where I work.

Last week, I was at my desk when I received a call. The man on the other end of the line abruptly started snarling about an invoice going to the wrong company, a mistake that was made by him when he ordered, not by us. I reminded him to always be clear about who he was ordering for when he called and... he lost his freaking mind. I sat in my chair, rigid with fury as he swore and insulted me. I asked him if there was anything else, and when he said no I promptly hung up on him.

Later, I was recalling the incident for my boss, mostly just to commiserate over what an ass he was, but something wonderful happened. Her face went white and her eyes got big as fury filled her features. She looked at me and said, "he said what to you?" I was touched that my boss could be so outraged at an asshole contractor screaming at me and went about my work feeling appreciated and generally pretty satisfied with the situation. But apparently, my boss wasn't.

Not long after I heard her on the phone with the same contractor, in a conversation that started like this: "Hi, yes I understand you talked to Melanie today and you weren't very nice..."

I listened from my desk with my mouth hanging open as my boss (very politely) informed him that no such thing had better happen again. Ever. Anyway, I think she made him feel pretty bad because within an hour flowers were delivered to our office for me from him with an apology note.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what makes a great workplace.

Monday Book Review - Sailor Twain

Welcome to Monday! A day made less painful by a weekly book recommendation by yours truly. Enjoy!

SAILOR TWAIN by Mark Siegel

 

I bring you this week, something a little different. This is a graphic novel. And it's brilliant. It really is. It's the story of Captain Twain and his encounter with a mermaid. I promise you, you'll never find a more imaginative and spell binding story of man, the sea and all the mysteries in between. I loved it. It was beautifully told and as I said before, seemed to be made of pure imagination. So mysterious, dark and enchanting. 

What I loved most about this book is not just the fantastic story, but the way Mark Siegel chose to tell it. I'm not usually a graphic novel sort of person (although I definitely dabble), but it was just the perfect format for this story. The drawing are simple, but beautiful, and I think it's because of this format that the story really leaps to that higher level. It haunts you (but don't worry, not in a bad way), not to mention becomes completely impossible to put down. I read it in a day, unable to stop even when I really should have put it down to get my work done. 

So, pick it up. That's all I have to say. It's a lovely book, definitely one of the best stories I've read in a while. Read it yourself and then comment below and let me know your own thoughts. Don't forget, if any of my suggestions remind you of another great book you think I, or others, would enjoy, let us know! I love getting book recommendations!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - View

It's Friday! And not just any Friday, it's a long weekend Friday. (At least here in Canada it is.) Aren't those so much sweeter? And what better way to kick it off than with some Five Sentence Fiction? This week's prompt is view. If you'd like to learn more about Five Sentence Fiction, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

"How's the view?"
"Oh, just fine... just fine."
He was being flirtatious, she knew, but clearly he didn't realize he had a hickey on the left side of his buttocks, or he wouldn't be swaggering around naked with it in plain sight. 
'So much for true love,' she thought, dropping her purse by the couch. She went into the kitchen to look for something suitably sharp. 

There you have it! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. If you liked this piece, then please share it! Whether it be facebook, twitter, it doesn't matter. And if you really liked it, follow this blog so you never have to miss another one; not to mention come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. If you're still hankering for more Five Sentence Fiction, just check out the links below for previous ones.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Blades
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Home
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Oops
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Desolate

The Random Bad Movie Generator

The other day I was talking to a fellow at work about bad movies. Apparently, he hadn't realized that ABRAHAM LINCOLN, VAMPIRE HUNTER was a book first before it was a movie. (And yes, I realize we probably should have been a little more productive with our time).

"Oh, really?" he said, "I just assumed it was a bunch of writers, sitting in a room picking random words out of hats. Like, okay name: Abraham Lincoln. Random noun: Vampire. Profession: Hunter."

I laughed. "Good thing they didn't get Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Gynecologist. Although, that I might have been able to sit through."

We had a good laugh, but it got me thinking. What if that was really how they got ideas for movies? I decided I had to give it a try myself, so I did. I got three bowls, one for famous historical figures, one for random nouns and one for professions. This is what I came up with. (And by the way, if any of these spark a story idea for you, please feel free!)

Joan of Arc, Bacon Teacher
George Washington, Cloud Embalmer
Julius Caesar, Eggplant Waiter
Thomas Edison, Toenail Biographer
Queen Victoria, Snake Pirate

I will admit, that was a lot of fun. I'm most intrigued by Queen Victoria, Snake Pirate and George Washington, Cloud Embalmer. Now, if I really wanted to challenge myself, I'd write stories to go with them...

Monday Book Review - Paris in Love

In keeping with the Parisian theme I have going, I introduce to you this week's book recommendation.

PARIS IN LOVE by Eloisa James

 

Yes, I bring to you yet another memoir about Paris. Are you sick of them yet? I apologize if you are, but I've been reading a lot of them and this is a very, very good one. It's the story of a woman and her husband who decide to take a sabbatical for a year and run off with their two children to live in Paris. It's different from a lot of the other ones I've read, thanks to its ingenious style. It's told in perfect, bite sized pieces, based on her tweets and facebook posts throughout the year. I know it sounds a little odd but she gets the flow just right and it really, really works. Just pick it up and you'll see.

My favourite part of the book was obviously the style and structure of her narrative, but she and her family also make for such a lovable cast of characters. Her daughter, Anna, is adorable, precocious and delightfully weird. She tells her story with the perfect blend of good humor, not to mention the style of the book allows her to zero in on these small moments, capturing her experience in a much more intimate and honest way.

Even if you're not planning a trip to Paris, you'll want to pick up this book. It's so funny and charming, just the thing to curl up with on an afternoon off. And who knows? You might start looking at plane tickets when you're done...

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Blades

Welcome to Friday and this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction. If you'd like to learn more about what Five Sentence Fiction is all about, or give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. This week's prompt is blades. Enjoy!

'If you know what's good for you, you'll steer clear of the meadow,' they told me, so of course I had to see for myself. 
At first it just looked like normal grass, only very, very tall and wide, as wide as my wrist. But as I got closer, I noticed all the blades looked rusty around the edges, which didn't make any sense at all until I reached out to touch one and pulled away a bloody finger. Every blade of grass was as sharp as... well, a blade.
That's when I looked down and saw the remains of those who'd simply run in without looking.

Yes, this one's a little... gory? Sure, we'll go with gory. But I hope you enjoyed it anyway. Please make sure to leave your thoughts below in the comments section, I love hearing from all of you! If you liked this post, I hope you'll follow this blog and come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. If you're still in the mood for more Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below to previous editions. Have a great weekend!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Home
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Oops
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Desolate
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Charmed

The Journal: Writer's Tool or Cheesy, Outdated Medium Used Primarily by Twelve Year Old Girls?

Do you journal? I do. And no, it's not the typical "Dear Diary, Such and such a thing happened to me today. Then more boring stuff happened. Peter in biology is soooooooo hot. The end." garbage. And if it was, it wouldn't matter. Because you don't have to be self conscious about what you put in a journal. When I write in mine, it's mainly stream of consciousness type stuff with no evident connection between one subject and the next. And yes, it often becomes a place for me to bitch relentlessly about the things I dare not put on twitter or facebook; but mostly it's the stream of consciousness stuff.

I often turn to it when I can't come up with an idea for a blog post, or if I feel something important has happened that I must preserve for posterity. I also write in it just because I want to. There's something relaxing about it. I don't have to worry about whether it's good or bad, nor do I need to concern myself with form or structure. Unlike writing that I one day hope will see the light of day with publication, the journal remains a place for wholly creative, unstructured thought.

I also believe it makes for good practice. Sometimes it's hard to write every day, especially when you're trying to write something good every day, something with a purpose. I find the journal takes the pressure off and helps me just get into the habit of daily writing. It doesn't have to be good, it doesn't have to be meant for something, but it does get me putting words down on paper. Not to mention, I find a lot of great ideas come to me when I'm just writing without any kind of goal in mind. It gets the wheels turning and the creative juices flowing. In fact, my journal has worked wonders whenever I've come down with a case of writer's block. Once you get words flowing, more keep coming to take their place.

So what say you? Is the journal a useful writing tool or just another place where we can bitch ceaselessly about petty problems?  Do you keep one?

Monday Book Review - 101 Letters to a Prime Minister

A few weeks ago, I told you about TOLSTOY AND THE PURPLE CHAIR, a lovely book about books and their power to bring you back to life. This week I present another, different book about books. Enjoy!

101 LETTERS TO A PRIME MINISTER by Yann Martel

 

As I said above, this is a book about books. (Which also happens to be a quote from the first line of the introduction). It is about a writer, Yann Martel, and the question that led him to write to our prime minister, Stephen Harper. The question was this: what is Stephen Harper reading? Which also begs the question, does he read at all? This, after all, is a man who has publicly stated that his favourite book is the Guinness Book of World Records. He is also a man who is running our country. I highly suggest you don't skip the introduction to this lovely book, which more clearly explains Yann's intentions, far better than I can here. The point is, he decided to send Stephen Harper a book with an accompanying letter explaining his choice, every two weeks. He never received a direct response for his efforts, but the gold mine of exquisite literature is something every person can enjoy.

There are so many things I love about this book. First, there are the books themselves. What a treasure trove of excellent book recommendations! What avid reader wouldn't swoon with delight at the prospect of so many wonderful stories and poems? Second, of course, is the letters. If you didn't already know it, Yann Martel has a way with words. He effortlessly expresses sentiments I've never been able to fully define, delving into the beauty of the written word and the lessons within. His love for art seems boundless and his passion builds a fire in your chest, reminding you of every life changing word or work of art you've been witness to. He reminds us why books (and every other kind of art) is so important. He opens our eyes to our government and challenges us to question it, to really think about what we expect from our leaders. It reminds me of a retort I heard from a senator on Bill Maher's documentary, Religulous, in which he said, "you don't have to pass an IQ test to be in the senate." Hmmmm, but maybe you should? 

This is a book for writers. It is a book for readers. It is a book for the politically minded. It is a book about the beauty of books, and all they have to teach us.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Home

Welcome to Friday and this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction! This week's prompt is home. Make sure to visit Lillie McFerrin Writes for more details. Enjoy!

"There's no place like home," I whispered, clicking my heels together for the third time and looking around. It was cold and dark, and I could hear things (large things) rustling through the bushes behind me that sounded far too hungry and menacing. 
"Goddammit!" I snapped, looking down at my feet, "wrong fucking shoes!"
I sighed as the creatures (which were indeed large and hungry and menacing looking) started shuffling out of the bushes around me. Should've stayed in oz.

I hope you enjoyed this little story, and if you did please share it with friends. Also, please feel free to follow this blog and come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. If you'd like to read more Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Oops
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Desolate
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Charmed
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Accident

Looming Deadlines

As a procrastinator, I kind of like deadlines. Not so much because of the heart stopping, head pounding stress involved, but because of the way they kick me into action. There's nothing like a looming deadline to get you to turn off twitter or facebook and actually get to work. As it turns out, I have several deadlines looming and they all happen to fall upon my quickly upcoming departure for a vacation to Paris. If you think one looming deadline is stimulating, then believe me, several is um... more so. By a lot. (Also gone with any possibility of spare time is my ability to write intelligent sentences.)

I should be stressed out, and in truth I am, but all these deadlines make me feel more alive. I have a purpose. Every morning I get up and a clattering of alarm bells goes off in my head, reminding me not to doddle; there's so much to do! So much to do! It's terrifying and exhilarating all at once. And although it may seem more stressful to have so many deadlines come due before a vacation, it's actually a relief. The best vacations are the ones you really feel you've earned. Not to mention, no one wants to come back from a trip and have their relaxation torn away by a waiting due date. I prefer to hold onto my post-vacation attitude as long as possible, thank you very much.

The key is organization and good time management. Neither of which I possess. So, I think it's going to get interesting.

As a side note, I'm having a wonderful time preparing for the trip. I'm reading so many Paris themed memoirs, guidebooks and fiction. The librarian looked me up and down as I picked up another stack of books today and muttered, "you must really love Paris, huh?" to which I smiled politely and nodded. No I didn't. I don't possess restraint like normal people. I gushed about my upcoming trip until she was very sorry she commented and practically had to shoo me away. Yep. That's my style.

Monday Book Review - The Palace of Curiosities

Welcome to the start of another work week and this week's book recommendation. I think you're really going to like this one.

THE PALACE OF CURIOSITIES by Rosie Garland

 

Two main characters, Eve and Abel, each strange in their own way. Eve is the Lion Faced Girl and Abel is The Flayed Man. Both have been cast out of Victorian society and find shelter in the Palace of Curiosities run by Professor Josiah Arroner. But this is really only the beginning of their story.

This book captures you right from the beginning. It's so mysterious, each character's story slowly unraveling, their secrets coming to light. I love the writing style, seemingly so simple, but so perfectly in the voice of the characters. It just keeps you turning the pages.

I know I'm being rather mysterious about this book, but that's what I love most about it. I don't want to spoil anything for you, because the uncovering of the story is the best part. Just do yourself a favour and pick it up. As the cover says, it really is a jewel box of a novel. 

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Oops!

Hi all! So, as you know, this is supposed to be Five Sentence Fiction Friday. But, unfortunately Lillie McFerrin is experiencing some difficulties with her site, so there is no prompt for this week. However, I hate to let my fans (yes, I know. Who am I kidding?) down, so I've devised my own little five sentence story for you to enjoy. Have a great weekend everyone!

Once upon a time there was a little girl sitting by a pond. One by one, she dropped tiny stones into the water, whispering quietly as she did so. Her behaviour was so peculiar that it caught the attention of a fox wandering by, who asked her what she was doing. 
She smiled, raised a finger to her lips and pointed down into the water, beckoning him over to have a look. He gazed down into the pond and saw a pile of tiny stones sitting at the bottom, which to his horror began to tremble and move, as though something very small was trying desperately to get out, and he suddenly realized (although far too late) that this was not a little girl at all. 

I hope you enjoyed this promptless little story and that you all have a fabulous weekend! If you're still hankering for more Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Desolate
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Charmed
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Accident
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Goggles

Parisian Chic - Not So Much

Sometimes there are events in your life that call into question everything you believe about yourself. Sometimes, they happen all at once. In the past month or so, the business I worked for was sold, leaving me without any job security. I've figured out that my dream of mastering even beginner's French before an upcoming trip to Paris is likely to go unfulfilled, and in the haste of preparations for the aforementioned trip, I've had no time to work on my manuscript at all. And then of course, there's Paris itself.

Despite the fact that I'm nearly giddy with excitement, I'm also pretty nervous. I'm not what you'd call Parisian Chic. To give you an example, I'm currently wearing a pair of jeans, my husband's socks and a t-shirt I bought almost ten years ago. Yep. Definitely not Parisian Chic. That doesn't mean I want to be immediately identified as a tourist though. I know I'll never pass for a true Parisian, but it'd be nice if pickpockets couldn't immediately pick me out of a crowd of a hundred.

I've been reading up a lot on Paris (and when I say a lot, I mean A LOT), from blogs to memoirs to guidebooks and they all point to one thing: the more stylish you are, the better service you'll get and the less trouble you'll get into with people trying to take advantage of the poor ignorant tourist.

Now, it would help a lot if I could speak French, but since that ship has sailed, I'm trying to up my chic for the trip. It isn't easy. Although I've never had a problem with my sense of style before, this trip has called into question my entire sense of fashion. I've realized I'm just not comfortable in a lot of the more stylish clothes. To break it down for you, I hate things that are uncomfortable. Freedom of movement is quintessential. Fabrics cannot be itchy or stiff and I'm uncomfortable in skirts. I just don't get how other women can wear them. Every time I put one on, I feel pretty until I step outside, the wind starts to blow and suddenly I'm in fear for my dignity. A walk through the park becomes a battle royale against showing complete strangers my underpants. (While at the same time, attempting to appear as though there isn't a problem). I find skinny jeans to be the most heinous invention ever put on this planet, same with animal print, and the bunions on my feet make "cute shoes" a hopeless dream.

So, you can see my problem. And although I can hold my head high and say with absolute conviction that I will never be the ugly tourist wearing kulats and socks with sandals, I'd also like to aim a little higher than that. I might not have Parisian style, but I'd still like to have style.

Monday Book Review - The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Welcome to Monday and this week's book review!

THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET by Brian Selznick

 

This is the story of a young boy with a love of machines and clocks, who finds himself orphaned, living in a train station and in possession of a wondrous (albeit, broken) machine that he believes has a message for him. This sweet little tale is made even sweeter by the beautiful illustrations throughout. It's very simply told, perfect for sharing with your child at bed time, (perhaps a chapter a night), filled with imagination and mystery. 

My favourite part is definitely the illustrations. They add a whole new level to the story, reminding me of what it felt like as a child to turn the pages of a story book, enraptured by the beautiful pictures within. The story is also very imaginative as I've said, with such an original plot and a really sympathetic main character in Hugo Cabret. You also can't beat that it's set in Paris, which I believe adds a little more wonder to the story, more so than if it was set in Chicago or Toronto.

So, if you'd like to recapture the wonder of a beautiful story book that you enjoyed as a child, or if you're looking for a book that extends past age barriers for different generations to enjoy together, this is the book for you. If for nothing else, pick it up and just have a look at the pictures.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Desolate

Welcome to Friday and this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction! This week's prompt is desolate. If you'd liked to learn more about Five Sentence Fiction, or give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

She released the red button, lifting her shaking hand and opening the door to whatever new universe awaited her. The last one had been a disaster, but it was always a roll of the dice when you went dimension hopping. This one, on the other hand, looked promising. It was still, so quiet it pressed in on her ears, making her cough just so she could check that she wasn't deaf. She looked around - no one in sight - yes, this would do nicely.

I hope you've enjoyed this little tale. If you did, please share it with friends. If you really liked it, I hope you'll follow this blog and/or come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. If you're still jonesing for more Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below to read past editions. Have a great weekend!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Charmed
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Accident
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Goggles
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Festival

The French Continues

I'm posting a little late today, probably because I was up late last night attempting to learn French. As some of you know, for several months now I've been trying to learn some rudimentary French with a few helpful apps on my phone, in preparation for an upcoming trip to Paris. Well, last night I looked at the calendar, counted down the days and then counted down how many lessons I had to go and realized that I was WAY behind. So, I'm upping the intensity. I have a lot to do if I want to even get through the lessons once, and obviously I wanted to repeat them several times.

I want it noted that I really wasn't slacking off. I've been trying to do them every day, and most of the time I'm successful. Sure, there are days when I just don't get to it, but on the whole I've done very well. Although, if you measure success by how much French I'm capable of, then I really don't have a leg to stand on. Okay, that's not true either. I definitely couldn't hold a conversation in French but I am picking up a little bit of the basics, hopefully enough so that I don't humiliate myself completely. I'm giving myself a gold star for effort and let's just leave it at that.

I know I shouldn't be stressing out over it, but I'm starting to get a little nervous about the trip, and the more French I have in my back pocket, the more comfortable I'll be when I get on the flight. Speaking of stress, I think I've found the perfect way to deal with our exceedingly long layover in Montreal on the way there. The airport has a spa. Heh heh, now that's a vacation.

Monday Book Review - The School of Essential Ingredients

It's entirely possibly that I've included this week's book in one of my reading lists before, if I have it'd be fitting, because I forgot I'd already read this one until I started reading it again. It was such fun, like bumping into a dear friend you'd lost touch with and only recognizing them after a moment of shared confusion. Enjoy!

THE SCHOOL OF ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS by Erica Bauermeister

 

It's true, when I picked up this book to read it I didn't realize it was for the second time. I'd been looking at Erica Bauermeister's new book in the bookstore, THE LOST ART OF MIXING, and decided I better read the first book beforehand as I'd always wanted to read it. Isn't that funny? I had the strange recollection that I hadn't been able to get around to reading it despite my sincere desire to do so. As it turned out, I had. I realized as soon as I was a few pages in but just couldn't remember how it ended and was enjoying it so much I couldn't put it down. It turned out to be a fabulous reread and I recalled the earlier joy I'd had reading those pages, learning the life lessons of its characters, the awakenings they'd had at the school of essential ingredients, a cooking class run by one of it's characters, Lillian, at her restaurant on the first Monday of every month. It's a lovely premise and the perfect Sunday afternoon read. 

I think my favourite part of the book is its characters. Each one is different, experiencing their own unique set of problems, all brought together by a simple cooking class. And in it, they each have this incredible awakening through the food and the act of cooking, coming together to form a comradery that reaches past the cooking class. It also makes you want to cook, makes your mouth water and your stomach rumble. Suddenly you'll be writing up ridiculously long grocery lists formed from ambitious pinterest recipes you suddenly have the bravery to try. The writing is beautiful, each character's story flowing flawlessly into the next, tying the plot together seamlessly. You learn the mystery of each character and watch as the magic of good food and good friends sets them back on the right path. It's a delicious experience. (Excuse the pun)

If you're looking for a well written, engaging book that'll make you toss out the chips and pull out the pots and pans, this is it. And I can assure you, it's a fantastic read, the first time and the second.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Charmed

It's Friday! Thank goodness too, because it's been quite the week. I've been battling a cold all week, missing work, (which is not good when you're trying hard to save money for a trip), I gave a reading of a short story on Wednesday night as part of a celebration of the Writer in Residence program, and my house has sunk even further into the depths of severe messiness thanks to my aforementioned cold. But still, it's Friday and that's a good reason to celebrate, especially with some Five Sentence Fiction. So, let's get on with it already! This week's prompt is charmed. If you'd like to learn more about what it's all about or give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

She didn't usually let people into her house, especially not this late. But there was something about him, with that slightly crinkled and just a little dirty black suit, his bowler hat clutched in his hands as he ever so politely requested an invitation inside. There was something strangely familiar about his smile, that twinkle in his eye. If she had been in her right mind, she would have resisted, would have remembered that she never invited strangers inside her house. But he was just so... charming. 

Voila! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and if you liked this little story, I hope you'll share it with friends. If you really liked it (and would also like to make my day) then please feel free to follow this blog and come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. I look forward to reading your insights and comments below in the comments section. If you're still hungry for more Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below to read past week's editions. Thank you for reading, and come back soon!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Accident
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Goggles
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Festival
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Shadows

The Summer of No TV - Week 1

The summer of no TV officially started last week sometime and so far I'm kind of surprised I'm not getting more done. I guess I figured without TV to distract me I'd be getting a lot more done. Somehow, my house is still a horrific mess, my writing is still stumbling along at a clumsy, procrastinating pace and my yard (although better than last year) is still decidedly unpretty. The laundry still sits in large piles on the laundry room floor and I'm just not sure what I've been doing with all those wasted TV hours.

True, I've been reading A LOT and I will not apologize for that. It's important. I think every human being should read every day, even if it's just a few pages. I'll also admit to napping a lot, but I'm pretty sure it's not more than usual. Of course, with the weather finally turning towards summer my husband and I have been taking the dog for increasingly long walks. But I still feel like I've gone through some kind of worm hole. Where's all the progress?

I'm hoping this is just the adjustment period and soon I'll be getting a little more proactive with all the work I should be doing. No matter what happens though, I still think it's a good idea to take some time off from the TV. It certainly can't be a bad decision... right?

Monday Book Review - Tolstoy and the Purple Chair

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation. Enjoy!

TOLSTOY AND THE PURPLE CHAIR by Nina Sankovitch

 

This is a memoir by a woman who loses her sister at forty six to a sudden illness and spends three years trying to run from the reality of that loss until she finally decides to stop, sit down and deal with it the only way she knows how: by reading. She decides to read a book a day for a year, and use books to bring herself back to life and teach her how to keep the memory of her sister alive. 

I think I could probably go on and on about how much I loved this book. Where to start? Her retelling of the love she has for her sister, the vivid memories she has of her and her family are all so beautiful and fit perfectly with the lessons she learns from the books she reads. Of course, there's the enormity of the list of books I want to read, thanks to her recounting of the many fabulous authors she enjoyed over her year, not to mention the way she champions the importance of reading and how it heals us, teaches us, encourages us, sympathizes with us and of course, entertains us. I enjoyed how richly she painted the pictures of her memories, never failing to entwine those memories with the books she'd read. It was fantastic. 

If you're not much of a reader, you will be after this book. The author has managed to perfectly portray the magic of a good book (no easy task) as well as recommend some brilliant choices to get you on your way. I personally have never wanted to sit down with a good mystery more than after reading her memories of hot summer days spent enthralled in the twist and turns of a good who-dunnit. More than that though, I think the biggest take away from this book is the love of family, and the need to cherish the important people in our lives, to find the joy in each moment and hold them close to our heart. Well done, Nina, well done.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Accident

Welcome to Friday and this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction! This week's prompt is accident. If you'd like to learn more about what it's all about, or give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

"It was an accident."
Her voice was flat and emotionless, her face blank as she stood on the edge of the roof, looking down at his mangled body below. She looked at me, seemed to stare right through to my thoughts, daring me to disagree with her. I thought about all the things he'd done, everything I'd seen and I'm sure the even more horrific things I hadn't.
I nodded,"of course it was."

I hope you enjoyed this little piece of fiction, and if you did, I hope you'll share it with friends. If you really liked it, then please feel free to follow this blog and come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. If you're still in the mood for Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below to read past editions. Have a great weekend!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Goggles
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Festival
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Shadows
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Angles

National Short Story Month

Did you know that May is National Short Story Month? I didn't until a few days ago when I saw someone mention it on twitter. So, with that in mind I'd like to share a short story with you that I wrote for last month's Your Story competition in Writer's Digest. The prompt was to write a short story in 750 words or fewer, in which you are stranded on desert island with a coconut, a mask and a dictionary, and explain how you escape the island using only those three objects. I didn't win, but I hate to see a good story go to waste therefore I'm sharing it here. I hope you enjoy it and happy National Short Story Month!

One Way

Hope●less: [hohp-lis] adjective, providing no hope; beyond optimism or hope; desperate

I looked up from the wrinkled pages of the dictionary, staring out at the endless water. It was a sheet of glass, disappearing into the horizon. There was not a soul to be seen, nor had there been since I washed up on this desolate little island, so small I could walk its periphery in an hour.

I'd lost track of the days, the hours I'd sat here on the sand staring out at the water, watching for something, anything. I was almost out of food, a single coconut left.

I was going to die here. It was a fact; pure, simple and inescapable. I turned the pages, trailing my finger along the words.

In●es●cap●a●ble: [in-uh-skey-puh-buh l] adjective, incapable of being escaped, ignored or avoided

The only choice I had left was how it would end. Would it be slow and pitiful, stretched out over days, hours, starving slowly until my body shut down, or...

I picked up the mask I'd set in the sand beside me, slowly turned it over in my hands. Aside from the dictionary and the coconut, it was the only possession I had. It was porcelain, with narrow slits for eyes and small painted on lips in bright crimson, like a doll's mouth. It had flaming red and gold designs over the forehead and temples that caught the light as I turned it. It was attached to a long wand decorated with ribbons and feathers, for holding it to your face during a masquerade. It was a glittering feather festooned work of the imagination, bought in Venice in another life to take home and hang on the wall.

The sand was too soft and powdery where I sat, so I picked up the coconut and carried it with the mask down closer to the water where the ground was firmer. I set the mask down, pressed it lightly into the damp sand and raised the coconut above my head. I brought it down hard on the mask, feeling the shattering of it beneath my hands as much as hearing it. I picked through the softly glittering pieces until I found the right one.

I trekked back up the beach and settled myself under a palm tree, pulling the old, weathered dictionary onto my lap. The pages were crinkly and wrinkled from the humidity, slightly yellowed from the touch of too many hands. They slid through my fingers with a soft rustle as I searched for the correct page.

When I found it, I nestled the open dictionary into the sand beside me, placing a stone on each side to hold it open to the right place.

There was only one way off this island. Just one.

With a steady hand I drew the sharp edge of the porcelain down my wrist.

Lib●er●ate: [lib-uh-reyt] verb, to set free, as from imprisonment or bondage

Monday Book Review - Sunshine

Maybe this week's choice was inspired by yesterday's abundance of it, or it could be that destiny simply made the book's spine sparkle just so as I walked by, reminding me that I simply must tell the world of it's brilliance, or it could be that the three books I read last week simply weren't up to snuff enough to offer up as a book recommendation, causing me to cast further back into my subconscious for a truly good read. Either way, you're in for a treat.

SUNSHINE by Robin McKinley

 

 Sunshine is not your typical vampire story. I know, I know. We're all sick to death of vampires. Twilight has ruled them horribly uncool for the foreseeable future. But I promise you, this book is so much more than the typical vomit worthy love story of the pathetic girl who can't seem to fit in meets charming, dark fellow who turns out to be a vampire with a heart of gold. Blech. Been there, done that. No, this story is filled with whimsy, magic, darkness and pure imagination. Gone is the melancholy beautiful man struggling through eternity. And good riddance!

The writing is exquisite (no big surprise, if you've read Robin McKinley's other works), the story completely original. I guarantee you've never read anything like it. I especially love the main character, Sunshine. She's strong, complex and without a single genre cliche. The story is told perfectly, unfolding just right at just the right times. It's the kind of book I love most. The kind you just can't put down.

So, if you're looking for something different, something intoxicating, this is it. A fantastic story told by an incredibly talented author. (I also highly suggest Deerskin, another work of hers that I just love.)

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Goggles

It's Friday, which means it's time for some Five Sentence Fiction. (I'm excited, how bout you?) This week's prompt is goggles. If you'd like to learn more about what it's all about, or give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

"Stephanie, honey, could you please take off those damn goggles?"
Stephanie could tell her mother was exasperated but she just shook her head. The goggles were important, they were the only way to tell when someone was telling the truth. She watched her mother on the phone with her dad, through the lenses of the goggles she could see the blue fog pour out of her mouth. She was lying to him about something, she just wasn't sure what. 

I hope you enjoyed this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction. If you're in the mood for more, just follow the links below and read past editions. If you really liked it, then I hope you'll follow this blog and/or come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. Have a great weekend!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Festival
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Shadows
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Angles
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Edge

The End of a Residency

Yesterday was my last meeting with the current Writer in Residence, David Poulsen. It was sad, as it always is. The writer in residence is such a great program and every year they find brilliant writers to fill the position. This past year was especially wonderful. David Poulsen is not only a talented author of many genres, he's also warm, funny and goes well beyond the call of duty to help emerging writers. Under his supervision I've learned a lot. I feel I'm a much stronger writer and editor than I was at the beginning.

Of course, the lessons I've learned won't end with his departure. His residency may be over, but my education is far from it. I have a long stretch of summer waiting to be filled with writing and editing. It's time to put those lessons to good use. And when September comes, bringing with it the arrival of the new Writer in Residence, I'll be waiting to see what they have to teach me as well. Although they have some pretty big shoes to fill.

Monday Book Review - Paris I Love You, But You're Bringing Me Down

Another Monday is upon us, which means it's time for this week's book recommendation. In keeping with preparations for an upcoming trip to Paris, I've been reading every Paris related memoir I can get my hands on. This one was particularly good, so you know I had to tell you all about it.

PARIS I LOVE YOU, BUT YOU'RE BRINGING ME DOWN by Rosecrans Baldwin

 

Not just your average memoir, Rosecrans Baldwin tells the funny, lonely and sometimes embarrassing story of the time he and his wife spent living in Paris. After growing up with a love of Paris since a family vacation at nine years old, Rosecrans always wanted to live in the city of light. When an opportunity presents itself, he and his wife jump on it. But when they arrive, Rosecrans realizes Paris isn't quite the same as how he remembered it.

I love a good memoir, especially one that has all the elements I adore, which this one has in spades. It's funny, unapologetically honest and no one dies. Especially pets. I cannot (and will not) read memoirs that end with a pet dying. I just can't do it. This one stands head and shoulders above the rest for being so well written, laugh out loud funny and with such a unique perspective. I've read a lot of memoirs focusing on Paris, but this one felt a little more honest. The author wasn't afraid to bare his flaws, or the flaws of the city he adores, and it made me respect him a lot more.

In addition to the bizarre scenarios, unforgettable characters and fantastic storytelling,what I liked best was the author's ability to be realistic about his favourite city. Is Paris beautiful? Absolutely! Is it one of a kind? Of course! Does it sometimes make you want to pull your hair out in frustration? You better believe it! And what's more, it makes me appreciate my own unique perspective, going to visit as a tourist. But more than that, it's universal. If you've ever felt like you were on the outside looking in, or experienced a lost in translation moment, you'll love this book. It's a great read, don't miss it!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Festival

Welcome to Friday and this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction. This week's prompt is festival. If you'd like to learn about what it's all about and maybe give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

No one likes the festival of renewal. It sounds pretty, but it's not. Luckily, it only happens once every fifty years or so, but God help you if that's the year you enter womanhood. Then, it's up to fate as you stand with the other trembling girls on the altar, waiting to see which one the creature will choose to take as his new bride. It's a necessary unpleasantness, to keep it happy; otherwise things would get far more unpleasant...

I hope you've enjoyed this little piece of fiction, and it sees you off into a fabulous weekend. If you particularly enjoyed it, please feel free to share it with friends. If you'd like to be notified about new blog posts, just follow this blog or come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. If you're still hankering for more Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below to read previous editions. Have a great weekend!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Shadows
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Angles
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Edge
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Words

Expiry Date

It's been a rough couple of days. Since Monday morning I've been walking around in zombie mode, trying to process the news that the business I currently work for has been sold, with the new owners taking possession yesterday. It was completely unexpected, unplanned and frankly, I'm a little shell shocked. I still feel like at any moment I'm going to wake up and go into work to tell my boss what a crazy dream I had last night. But it's real, as is the realization that my job now has an expiration date.

The previous owners are going to stay on as managers for two years (thank God! I love my boss), and in the mean time everything should run as it had before, except for a certain inescapable duality that comes with this kind of transition. The new owners have just launched a new company wide program for accounting and are currently getting it set up and everything streamlined, as well as working out the necessary bugs. This should take a while, probably at least a year, maybe two but when it's done, I won't be needed anymore. Which brings me to my expiry date.

My job is no longer a certainty. It was the job I'd hoped to work at until my writing career took off and now, that might not happen. The thought of looking for another job makes me nauseated. I've bounced around from job to job so much over the past several years. I was so happy to have found someplace I could call home, a place I loved to get up and go to, with a boss I adored. I don't know if I can go through that search again. After all, it's not the job itself I adore, it's the workplace.

So, that leaves me with an uncertain timeline for a goal I don't know if I can accomplish. Can I build a writing career for myself before my current job disappears? I don't know. But in lieu of other options, I think it's time to go for broke. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I think this is going to be a bumpy ride.