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A Story… Looking Good on the ROW80 Front
After my odd week last week -and my realisation of what was going on on Monday (if you haven’t read Monday’s post, do so as I had an epiphany on how powerful our mind can be and how it can affect our daily lives) the past two day has been relatively productive. This change in the breeze is a welcome relief. 
I’ve visited and commented on all my allocated team for Sunday’ check-in (a promise is a promise). *yay* I’ve written two blog posts (including this one), a guest blog post for Rance Denton over at The Action Prose and added 240 words to Our Story Begins; here’s a snippet:
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My Weekend X Factor Muse
Monday’s Meandering Musical Muse:
I’m going to have a Monday moan today (well in this section at least), my laptop is playing up (keeps switching itself off at the slightest move), the power connectors seems not to be connecting effectively so I have not been able to get online for a little while (yes Saturdays and Sundays posts have suffered because of this). I am unsure how many attempts I’ll get to complete this post (fingers-crossed not many). I have invested in an external hard drive (just in case) and as soon as it arrives I will be backing-up all my documents for safe-keeping (I really do not want to lose all the work I have done up until now). This has made me realise that the things we have on our ‘to do list’ (like backing up valuable work) always on the backburner -a case of I’ll do that soon -and here I am hoping I’m not too late…
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
My Weekend X Factor Muse:
Image sourced from: http://x-factor-2009.blogspot.com/
Since my laptop has been sidelined, I have taken to catching up on what’s on ‘the box’ (AKA the TV); it’s that season where Strictly Come Dancing and The X Factor hits our screens. Of the two programs, I am more of a Strictly Come Dancing fan than The X Factor. However, this weekend I really got into the auditions of The X Factor (the new judges also brings a breath of fresh air); then when my laptop played ball, I YouTube’d the rest of the auditions and a few good candidates caught my eye. The 2011 contenders (in my eyes) to keep a watchful eye out for are (I have linked all the names to their X Factor auditions via YouTube -click to view): Derry Mensah (funny interactions with Kelly Rowland), Luigian Paala, Craig Colton, The Keys, Frankie Cocozza, Michelle Barrett, Johnny Robinson, 2 Shoes. My personal favourites (there’s a few) are: Lascel Woods, Amelia Lily, Sami Brookes, Misha Bryan (OMG), Luke Lucas, John Wilding (OMG); (my top three so far) Bradley Johnson, Jade Richards (OMG and then some) and Janet Delvin (OMG and then some and some more -I absolutely adore Elton John’ Your Song and Janet’s version of this fab song is totally spine-tingling). If you have the time, please take a moment or two to click on the links above and watch some amazingly talented people (both young and old); their personal stories are extremely inspiring as well as emotional. For those of you who have less time here’s my two favourites (both very different yet very endearing in their own ways), I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
This year’s X Factor looks to be tough and entertaining -whilst pondering what is to come, I began to think of the past finalists; there has been some successful stars like, Will Young, Alexandra Burke, most recently Matt Cardle and who can forget Leona Lewis? Then I remembered a past favourite of mine, Olly Murs -turns out Olly has had a successful first album (not been following the music industry as much as I used to -ooops). His next single out from his second albums sounds like a chart-topper; with its upbeat reggae and ’90s influence, it is something special –I have been listening to it over and over and over again, -therefore, I had to share it with you too. Get ready to tap your feet to the beat -and for those who prefers the acoustic version (equally as good), I’ve added it below.
My Questions to You
Have you had a difficult week? Feel a little bit uninspired or just under the weather? Has technology hindered your progress or are you just ploughing through regardless of the difficulties? Whatever your week has been like I hope to at least put a smile on your faces with a few good tunes (break time listening) and some giggles and tears (it’s good to let it all out once in a while) with The X Factor contestants stories.
Enjoy this Musical Monday Muse session of mine, I’ll (hope) be back on Wednesday with an interesting Flash Fiction piece I have been working on as well as a new storyline over at DiRosaYikici. Plus I hope to provide you with a ROW80 update (sorry I did not show on Sunday). My mood has been low due to this problem with the laptop -fortunately, The X Factor and Olly Murs have put a smile on my face and a spring in my step so until Wednesday have fun, stay safe and smile always. The world is as good as you make it, so live life to its potential and cherish every moment.
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
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As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -as ‘all good discussions start with just one word’.
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Pdf document: My Weekend X Factor Muse
If there is a topic you would like me to look into and explore in my own yikici-kind-of-way then please feel free to leave a suggestion in the comment box below or for those of you who are a wee bit shy drop me a line via my contact page or email me at admin@yikici.co.uk
Care to join me for some collaborative work or want to be a guest blogger? If so, email me at the above address.
Recycling -but not as you know it…
Monday’s Meandering Muse:
A fabulous hello to you all -my lovely readers. I am sat in front of my laptop, typing away whilst sipping a hot mug of Chinese tea (jasmine tea to some of you); you can say I’m multi-tasking if you like. I call it just being comfortable with the addition of being in a great mood to write (therefore, I cannot guarantee what length this post will be, so let’s see together).
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
Out with the Old and in with the New(ish)
Image sourced from: ThisNext.com
I have been in talks with a few writers and bloggers and it seems, at times, there’s moments of ‘blankness’ -nope I am not calling it writers’ block. We, writers fall under the assumption that we suffer from that curse , but I assure you, there’s no such thing -it’s all in the mind -really and truly; we just hide behind it when we are not 100% and can’t get into writing. Let me give you an example, since blogging, I have had to think of different topics to discuss and share with you; there have been times when I have sat in front of my laptop and thought ‘I cannot think of what to write,‘ 9 out of 10 times that was caused because of my low moods -not my inability to find a topic to discuss. Therefore, I am certain that all writers’ suffer from a similar bout of ‘blankness’.
Enough said now where was I? Oh yes, so I was pondering, as I always do; thinking what suggestions I could come up with then it hit me in the face (no not literally silly!); when I was clearing out that box (you know the box where I found my old dissertation; see yesterdays post), I stumbled across all my assignments and course notes. You thinking what I am thinking? Yep, exactly, it’s a perfect place to start from; I agree, it’s old and maybe it needs redrafting -you probably write better now too, but essentially it will give you ideas which you can work on, develop further and, the most important aspect of it is, you can share it with us; make it into something new(ish). From Turner’s dissertation alone I came up with an idea of ‘Lessons from Turner’ and I am thinking of developing that into a short series, as there are many more insights from him that I would like to share with you. I can even see ways of adapting his methods in to the writing world; so keep your eyes out for that. For those who have not been to University, don’t fret, look through your school/college/short course notes -or even things you have researched for work, etc -you get the idea, recycle what you have learnt; think of it as the three R’s: Re-learn, re-write, recycle -oh, don’t forget to share your newfound inspiration with us
My Questions to You
Where do you get your inspirations? How would you revive old news? Any tips you would like to share with us?
This post has been short, sweet and to the point My next post will be on Wednesday (a ROW80 update –hopefully I will have WIP word counts to share *excited*), I will also post you details of the stories I’m working on over at DiRosaYikici; until then have fun, stay safe and smile always. The world is as good as you make it, so live life to its potential and cherish every moment.
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
***
As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -as ‘all good discussions start with just one word’.
***
Pdf document: Recycling -but not as you know it…
If there is a topic you would like me to look into and explore in my own yikici-kind-of-way then please feel free to leave a suggestion in the comment box below or for those of you who are a wee bit shy drop me a line via my contact page or email me at admin@yikici.co.uk
Care to join me for some collaborative work or want to be a guest blogger? If so, email me at the above address.
Challenge Taken: Ferocious Fireworks
Saturday’s Showcase Sketches:
I’m a wee bit behind schedule today (should have finished this yesterday), my muse deserted me last night -of all the times she should be doing that! *not speaking to her now* -punishment comes to mind *evil grin* -ok, ok I take that back *apologetic smile* I know I know I have my WIP’ to think about too *grumbles*. Now that that’s all cleared *ahem* let’s get back to the matter at hand; today’s post. Since Wednesday I have been thinking about the challenge Ken Broad set (all those delightful pictures!); it’s only come together yesterday and today (just), I’m still wondering if it reads ok (been experimenting as usual). Please feel free to share your honest thoughts.
If you are wondering about my ROW80 goals, I will provide an update following the challenge and flash fiction below.
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
The challenge is as follows:
Here are the rules for Ken Broad’ challenge (in his words):
- Have Fun
- Each month I will find 4 photos to post. Your job (should you dare) to write a story of no more than 500 words in any genre that might be inspired by one of the pictures.
- If rule 2 isn’t working for you, please refer to rule 1.
- New extra rule, use one or all (or somewhere in-between) of the photos. If in doubt on how to proceed, please refer to rule 1 as well.
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The chosen image(s) will be displayed as I see appropriate. Incidentally, the word count is 360 (with the title it is 364). Enjoy!
FEROCIOUS FIREWORKS
I cannot believe how easily I swayed Meena’s parents; well, I was naive not to consider the impeding war on their doorstep. They wanted her safe, how ironic…
Image sourced from: http://farm1.static.flickr.com
I gritted my teeth and exhaled slowly as the plane hit another cloud –turbulence! I jolted in my seat. I should have opted for the long drive back to the city rather than this rickety plane –it seemed to be on it’s last legs why did I agree to this!
Meena looked over the side, amazed at what she saw…
-did the plane just tip –or was that my paranoia? Great! That’s all we need –I knew the safari journey had to be better than this.
I gently pulled Meena back onto my lap. The pilot had specifically said no movements.
I closed my eyes…
Image sourced from: http://farm4.static.flickr.com
I remember the joy filled curiosity in Meena’ eyes when I first took her to Piccadilly Circus –she stood still momentarily as she watched the happy chaos that was unfolding around her, the illuminating neon lights, the electronic billboards displaying various advertisements, the statue of Eros, the cars, the people, the animated crowd. She looked up and gave me a huge warm smile, it melted my heart –I had made the right choice, she was happy, content and safe.
Image sourced from: http://farm4.static.flickr.com
“There must be something more you can do!” My eyes pleaded to the surgeon.
“I’m sorry…we did all we can.”
I blinked; moisture flowed down my face in silent torrents.
These words could not be…
…be true to my sweet…
…
-no –she was going to be fine!
He just…
…he’s just…
My thoughts faltered as the world shook around me –no that was me; trembling at the acknowledgement of the truth. My legs gave way.
How could I…
…what would I…
…where could I…
Image sourced from: http://farm5.static.flickr.com
It was just moments ago, we were watching fireworks –bonfire night had come so soon; we planned to visit her parents…
Safe –how ironic!
Those kids should have been supervised!
Isn’t there an age restriction on those!
Of all the dangerous things out there –my Meena’…
Hysteria shook me as I left the morgue…
My sweet child…how I was wrong…
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
ROW80 UPDATE:
Since Wednesday’s check-in I hoped to wow you my good intentions and spot-on targets -you noticed huh? Hoped -yep, that implies unlikely results -ho hum… I blame the lovely warm weather and my disorientation from my extended stay over at Katie and Neil (see Wednesday’s post).
What I have actually achieved:
Well, let’s see, I have not even typed a single character on Becoming or even the WIP2 -maybe tonight -I hope I do so tonight *wishful thinking*. I have; however written three blog posts (word counts: 1303, 630 and 1022 respectively -so I mustn’t grumble) and updated my various profiles on the world wide web (Twitter , Google+ , LinkedIn , Goodreads , NetworkedBlogs and Facebook) -yep I’ve been networking!. I guess thats still a positive thing -though I seriously need to focus -guys where are you?!! *peers out across through the screen*. I have also wandered across to a few ROW80 superstars and parted words of encouragements (I’m glad to have fit that in amongst all the chaos -yay!) Upcoming Plans: Within the coming week I hope to have kicked the mental blank that is happening with my projects, I will also be adding (hopefully -I know I have been saying that for a while) a storyline to the ongoing saga over at DiRosaYikici. Resident guest blogger Patrick Tulley will be about tomorrow and my next post will be on Tuesday where I will be issuing you with another Triptych Challenge and also collating all the entries for you to read (you are in for a treat!) -you still have time to enter just check out the prompts over here. Till then have fun!
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
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Did I achieve the challenge set? What gets your creativity flowing? How are your ROW80 goals going? Down in the dumps or are you soaring high in the sky? As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -’as all good discussions start with just one word‘.
Pdf document: Ferocious Fireworks