Between Brothers

A Dialog Only Intro, Day 2 in the "I'm hearing voices" blogfest!

Dawson: Hey, Bro. Why don’t you come up for a visit this weekend?

Cooper: I think I’m busy.

D: Right. Doing what?

C: Stuff.

D: Come on. Chelsea wants to fix you up. And this girl is poppin’!

C: Aren’t you a little old to say “poppin’?” And what does that even mean?

D: Eye poppin’ or something? I don’t know, but she’s gorgeous! You need to get out more.

C: You’re right. I’m going out right now. I have to hide behind a dumpster.

D: Oh, did the baker have some dough stolen? Ha!

C: Good one.

D: I know, sorry. But seriously, come up. The kids would love to see their Uncle Coop.

C: We’ll see.

D: That’s a yes! I’ll see you Saturday. Even if I have to pop down there and drive you myself.

C: What? No campaigning this weekend?

D: I got time off for good behavior. Don't even think about cancelling.

C: Fine. Just make sure you call first.

D: Right. See you then.

And today is also, Sensational Haiku Wednesday! topic - relief

My stress relievers

Reading a book, exercise,

Chocolate and smiles

Sons getting along

Not complaining, but laughing

Draws sigh of relief

Disaster relief

Compassion brings us closer

Donations from heart

Auntie Tara's Short Story Prompt - February 2012

Welcome to Auntie Tara's Short Story Prompt!

On the second Tuesday of the month, I offer a prompt of some sort or other to write a short story about. Thanks again to last month's participants: JA Bennett, Christine Rains, Keru (Manny), and Heather!  The wide range of stories blew me away - such imaginations!

To participate, here are Auntie Tara's requests:

1. put a link to your story in the comments
2. link back here to let others know about the challenge (feel free use the pic)
3. keep it clean =)

Prompt for February:
Considering the month, the challenge before you is to write a short story between 250 - 500 words about a SECRET ADMIRER.
Challenge ends February 29. I'll put mine up on Thursday. If I get at least five participants, I will offer a prize of a query or first five pages critique to my favorite story.

This is more for our benefit to get writing! I know this is a busy month for blogfests and campaigns, but I'd love to read your stuff! Results announced first week of March.

The Doctor is IN!

Time for the "I'm hearing voices" blogfest!

Here's the schedule:
Monday 2/6: Characters on the couch
Wednesday 2/8: Dialogue Introduction
Friday 2/10: Emotion Flash Fiction



This fest is really helping me develop my characters! Today I have chosen to put J. L. Cooper, the main character from my techno thriller POP TRAVEL,

On the couch…

1.  So, Cooper, let's get to the root of the problem. What is your biggest vulnerability and do you hide it?
Cooper: Vulnerability? Life. People. I guess it started with my fear of pop travel. See, I’m a pilot. I don’t trust laser teleportation. Five years ago I asked my wife to take a plane instead of popping and she died when it crashed. I’m a recovering alcoholic and don’t really care what happens to me anymore. Is that a vulnerability? And it’s no secret.

2.  I see. Does this cause people to assume about you?
Cooper: Not that I care, but most people who didn’t know me as a lawyer, assume I’m not too bright. Now that I’m a drunk and a private detective in a small town they think I’m a loser. Maybe I am.

3.  Let's get another's opinion. Who is your best friend? What does he think is your fatal flaw?
Cooper: My little brother, Dawson, is my best friend. He probably thinks my fatal flaw is that I don’t care anymore. He tells me all the time to move on, get involved in life again and meet someone new. Whatever.

4.  Good. He's a positive influence. What would he say is your most redeeming quality?
Cooper: My good looks. Just kidding. He asks me where my determination and drive went. I was a damn good lawyer. Persistent. And I have good instincts about people.

5.  Let's build on that. What do you want most and what lengths will you take to get it?
Cooper: My goal is to be left alone. But I did just pick up this new client who has a problem with pop travel. That’s worth looking into. I’d love to find some dirt on those pop travel executives. I helped win a case against the greedy SOBs when they started a monopoly and shut down all the airports. I don’t trust them and I don’t trust pop travel. I’ve got nothing to lose, so I guess I would risk just about anything to uncover the truth and nail them.

Very good. Our time is up. Keep your chin up, Cooper. Try to have faith in yourself and others.

Hope you enjoyed listening in on Cooper's session. How sane are your characters? What makes them tick?

Have you signed up for Rachael's mini campaign yet? It starts Feb 15!