The Moonchild Chronicles – Chapter One
by Becteri.
Written on the fly, this story packs a punch.  It’s dogs vs cats and a whole lot more.

Mom in Heaven Looking Down
by Poetic Genius
In his own words, “If you’ve lost someone this is for you as well.”

Untitled – Ch.1 (Draft)
by Kaiya Knox
Sure you can enjoy a polished story but the draft is the essence of a person’s inner thoughts and energies. It’s only afterwards we make it acceptable for the rest of the world.

Today’s feature is slightly different. Since the dawning of Red Bubble, we have seen writers either come and go or stay on and shine before our very eyes. One of the writers who has been around from the beginning and doing very well for herself is Kate Smith (also known as Empress).

Not only was her short story entry in the Unleashed07 competition a winner, she since has had a few stories published as eBooks or in online ezines with various independent publishers.

Her stories can be found at Mobipocket, Fictionwise and with publisher Mystic Moon Press. You can also listen to her story “Bad Hair Nights” via Parade of Phantoms or if you wish to read the story, purchase a copy at MMP.

One of her first and successful stories with Mystic Moon Press is Wishbone. A mystery/crime/fantasy wonder mix.

“I love blending flashing dialogue between two characters with an ensemble cast, even if most of them are off stage for most of the action. It’s my way of building a world and inviting the reader in…” says Kate.

The story’s blurb below:

Ariel Thorne does not believe in coincidence.

She doesn’t believe in curses either.

But the increasingly odd and dangerous events around Wishbone Street have her believing one thing absolutely:

Something’s going to snap.

Wishbone has since called out a related story titled Zap – Pandora’s Edge.

“Zap for example takes place during the first half of Wishbone; one of my first published stories The Dominant Rose links to the last chapter,” Kate explains.

I highly recommend reading both. If Wishbone and Zap leaves you hanging for more, never fear as Kate hints there is another part in the works. “There’s the unfinished novel that started it all currently titled Welcome Home. I’ve taken it out of the file for the first time in years. It has good bones.”

Looking forward to seeing this instalment.

Kate is a work-horse when it comes to writing that I sometimes wonder if she has time for anything else. At Red Bubble, she co-hosts the Short Stories – Spherical Scriptings group with Damian (who has been featured here previously) and has been involved in collaborations with other artists. One of the collaborations has opened the way to her new blog site The Sirens Gate.

As you can see, Kate truly is a motivation for writers.

Facebook Profile

Blog posts will also be shown in the mini feed section of the profile as well.

The first audio introduction of the feature to go live will be on 21/05/08 at 15:00 pm EST, Sydney Australia. The introduction is 4:00 minutes or so in total, featuring two tracks from Sungod Abscondo’s forth coming album and one from TX DJ. All can be found at Jamendo.com.

NOTE: This is a test run and may/will contain technicalities on the day. If it runs well, I’ll see if it can continue as a regular feature.

Today we feature a story titled The Blue Vase by Hilary Dougill.

A light, heart felt story about family relationships and love.

Here are some of the comments the story received:

this was cool liked it…

Well written great stoy. Good work

This is a great story Hil, I just loved it…marvellous…love a great love story… We all need one of those…

Below is a snippet of the story.

The Blue Vase

‘Mother. How could you?’ challenged Virginia and Cicely together.

‘The man is a guest in the house. You saw him at lunch for God’s sake Mother.’ said Cicely.

‘And to threaten someone with a loaded gun is awful.’ said Virginia.

‘Oh it isn’t loaded’ was Mother’s retort.’you don’t think I am foolish enough to point a loaded gun at someone do you?’

‘Not loaded. Oh Mother that’s almost worse. You frightened the poor man almost to death with a empty gun. Whatever got into you?’

Click the link to read the full story.

Hilary is professional psychologist who lives in a small market town in the United Kingdom and has a PhD in Natural Medicine. Photography and writing are her hobbies.

A sample of her works which are available for view and purchase at Red Bubble

Today we feature a poem titled Jihad by Natella2020.

The word Jihad is an Arabic word which means struggle, a word which suits this poem well. I saw this poem a motivational and inspirational piece, indicating the need to survive great odds; failing and triumphing in the end.

Here are some of the comments the poem received:

beautifully written

Deep, Powerful imagery, very thought provoking, loved the first stanza and the second and the third, actually I can’t quite decide. I loved the title best of all, very fitting and stirring…

…this is one of the best written pieces I have read to date from you. Imagery, yes – powerful, yes – but the words used and how they are constructed in the verses are outstanding…

Below is a snippet.

Jihad

Broken ax meets solid summit
Solid power, solid fear
With a force of golden passion
And a tide of joyous tears

Click the link to read the full poem.

Natella2020 is a writer who is passionate about islam and science. I find her pieces are thought provoking and offers conscience messages readers can take with them.

In Natella’s words, “My goal is to start a revolution in scientific thought by adding a spark of artistic style and the eloquence and power of the written word. If I make an impression on the mind of one person, my journey will be worthwhile, and my goal accomplished.”

Today we feature a serial story titled Shades of Gray # 1 by Gayla Drummond.

A story of raw intensity, passion and gripping hooks that make you want to go to part 2.

Here are some of the comments the story received:

Great stuff Gayla, really well written, and so engaging.

well i’m hooked!…..off to the next bit!
really felt my heart go when she thought he’d cheated!

I’m enjoying reading your work; it is articulate, well polished, and flows nicely. I especially like the mood, the hint of suspense. Marvelous work!!

Below is a snippet of the story.

Shades of Gray #1

“Gray, I can’t just,” I begin protesting, but a finger touches my lips to silence me. His dark brown eyes gaze intently into mine.

Click the link to read the full story.

Gayla has had a few titles published which are equally riveting. Her recent work up for grabs is Feral Intensity; the first of a three part contemporary fantasy. She also has had works published in “ArtWanted.com’s Creative Minds”. Aside from writing, she is a CG Artist with six years experience. Her cover art has been used for works such as Flash Swords Fantasy Magazine.

At Red Bubble, she co-hosts the “A Novel Idea” writing group.

A sample of the savoury art work you can view and purchase at Gayla’s portfolio

Today we feature a poem titled Varga Girl by Nicole Ryan. A piece with a strong lyrical feel and an eerie, lingering, feeling of a woman who saw what they wanted to be and who they are now.

Here are some of the comments the story received:

What a cool, creative concept Nicole, and the words flow right off the pages of that magazine you described beautifully. Well done!

I wanted to be a Varga Girl too…..I’ve goosebumps reading this….
So real……

JFC!! and HOLY MOLY
just brilliant!

Below is a snippet of the story.

Varga Girl

I tore you from the centre
of a magazine
carefully avoiding ripping holes
in the underside of your elbows

Click the link to read the full poem.

Nicole Ryan co-ordinates her writing with her duties of motherhood. Her writing time is similar to loose change found at the back of a lounge. She is proud mum to four beautiful children and happily married. She hopes to, one day, become a successful, published writer. With work such as Varga Girl, I can see this in the making.

Images above are works from Nicole’s art portfolio which are available for sale at Red Bubble

Today’s feature is a serial story revolving around an incident and lives affected by it. The story is aptly titled The Incident -1 and is cleverly written by Michael Alesich.

Here are some of the comments the story received:

Ok, you got me hangin’ for the next installment!!

And………….going to the next…..

WoW ….curiosity is peaked lol…..Trisha xoxo

Below is a snippet of the story.

The Incident -1

Um…, you probably should be talking to my supervisor.

Well, bad luck I’m talking to you,
I might just…

Bad luck girl, it’s either you or the dial tone.
Next words: 60 Million Dollars keeps them alive.

Click the link to read the first incident and continue the journey.

Michael Alesich is a photographer and graphic designer with a writing talent as well. He is part of the Back Alley Atelier group.

Art works by Michael which is available for viewing and purchase at Red Bubble

Today’s feature is a poem written by Girlinthestars, which is titled Forgotten. It is a breathtaking piece of love and passion where the words themselves form a savoury concoction that linger in you mind.

Here are some of the comments the poem received:

Oh my God Amy – I can’t tell you how deeply this touched me! How incredibly poignant this is and how true! Just an amazing work, my good friend!

“As you rolled on top of me in the most splendid state of sweat.”
Imagined or not this is really powerful, your writing has such an excellent flow to it, everything I read of yours has such a pull from one line to the next. Very nice work.

You made me all misty again……..really now, is there someone behind all of this heartfelt pain? If so either you need to make a call or he doesn’t deserve you.;)

Below is a snippet of the poem.

Forgotten

I’m broken now
But I have not forgotten the way it feels
To swallow rain like candy drops
And then to

Stop

Click the link to savour the full poem.

Girlinthestars has been writing poetry since the age of fourteen. A collection of her works has been published in books which can be found at amysampsonbooks.com. When she is not writing, she is being a proud mother of a beautiful boy.

Images above are but a handful of Girlinthestar’s gorgeous images you can view and purchase at her portfolio.