Page
Blank…
What are you hiding,
In those empty lined depths?
New worlds waiting to be revealed.
Old worlds waiting to be revisited.
Young love ripe to for exploration
Relationships that bloom,
Then wither through time.
Goodbyes to be said.
Laughter to light up the world.
Tears silently being shed.
A myriad of possibilities beckon
As I pick up my pen.
The writer’s blank canvas awaits.
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Tagged #bloggerlife, #CoralMcCallum, #imagination, #IndieAuthor, #inspiration, #poem, #poetry, #poetryblog, #poetrylife, #writerslife
Deciding what to write each week on here can be tough, especially if the “real “ world has been encroaching on the creative one.
Over the past couple of weeks I’ve been taking part in an online writing sanctuary. (I mentioned it last week Fragments | Coral McCallum ).One of the takeaways from the workshops was this…
My Measly Mason Jar of Motivation. It’s filled with writing prompts that were kindly provided by the course facilitator. (Thanks, Beth) It’s a mix of words, phrases, and questions to ponder.
I thought I’d give it a try for this week’s blog.
Here goes…..
And the words I have pulled from the Measly Mason Jar are OBLIVIOUS and A SMALL BOY……hmmm
A vast expanse of monobloc driveway was his Jurassic world. Dinosaurs from all eras roamed freely across the terracotta plains. In their midst was a small boy, hunkered down as he acted out battles and adventures with his plastic companions. Lost in the innocent world of a child’s imagination, he played contentedly while his dad was busy mowing the lawn.
As the dinosaurs traversed their terracotta plains, they encountered an obstacle…Two Step Mountain. Only the biggest and strongest and the small boy’s favourites made it to the plateau on top of the mountain. Once up there, the herbivores grazed on an undisturbed coir field, feasting until their bellies were full.
Oblivious to the fact that anyone was watching, the small boy played on.
Hours later, as darkness fell, the driveway and doorstep lay silent. The colourful dinosaurs were scattered all around. Indoors, the small boy was no doubt sound asleep.
With a weary sigh, the small boy’s dad herded the dinosaurs into their plastic crate ready for their next adventure.
Over the past few days I’ve been taking part in an online winter writing sanctuary. There are still a few days to go but the assignments have been fun. I thought I’d share this one with you.
Snuggling into the sanctuary of my fur-lined hood, I set off on my early evening meander. Thoughts, some more random than others, flit by as I walk. Slowing my breathing, I calm my frazzled mind by whispering my Reiki precepts to myself as I walk down the hill at a leisurely pace towards the river.
It’s blue hour. It’s quiet. The tree at the foot of the hill stands tall, its branches bare. It reminds me of the cover of Shinedown’s Leave A Whisper album. Good album that.
My mind wanders to an unanswered What’s App from earlier…. wonder what my friend is doing right now? I wish they were walking beside me. Been a while since I’ve seen them. Need to sort that…
The patches in the tarmac pavement trigger imaginative thoughts. What if each separate patch led you into an alternative world? ..a bit like worlds that Will cuts into with the subtle knife in His Dark Materials. I’ll need to find time later to watch the final episode of that…. The books were better.
The pampas grass that grows beside the pavement catches in my hood. I trail my gloved fingers through the leafy fronds. I wonder if the pink pampas grass I’ve lovingly tended from seeds to mature plants will ever bear pink fronds? Time will tell, I guess…
A queue of cars lines the road. The drivers impatiently wait their turn to enter the crowded ferry terminal to catch the boat across the river. Where are all these people going? Where have they been? Have they had a long day? A good day? Or are the just desperate to get home for dinner? Dinner…what to cook? Not much choice left in the fridge. Breaded chicken, chips and beans? Sounds like a simple plan.
Turning for home, I feel the wind in my face, its icy chill stinging my cheeks. Dodging the puddles on the pavement, I gaze upon the Christmas lights that twinkle in the houses to my left. Some white. Some colourful. Some tasteful. Some…well, let’s leave that thought there.
When I reach the turn off to head back up the hill, my steps falter and I sigh. My heart’s heavy. I take my time walking up the long drag of a hill, wondering if there are any deer watching me as I pass by the small area of woodland. Drops of rain are falling now. Nature’s tears. Home beckons.
Warmth envelopes me as I step inside. My meander complete for another day. Each walk is a kaleidoscope of thoughts, hopes, regrets and dreams…the unspoken colours of the day.
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Tagged #CoralMcCallum, #creativity, #Fragments, #freewriting, #imagination, #IndieAuthor, #writingexercise
Happy 9th birthday to my blog!
As I step cautiously into its 10th year (eek!), I thought I’d reflect on 9 lessons learned so far during this creative journey.
I couldn’t have made it this far along the way without your love and support. Every blog you’ve read, every book you’ve bought, every person you have told about the books and/or blog – every single word helps to fuel the fires of creativity and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Another year is drawing to a close so I’ll seize this opportunity to wish you all the best for the new year when it arrives. May 2023 be kind to us all.
Love n hugs
Coral xx
(image sourced via Google – credits to the owner)
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Tagged #blogger, #bloggerlife, #blogiversary, #CoralMcCallum, #creativity, #dreamsdocometrue, #IndieAuthor, #nineyears, #reflection
With her backpack on her shoulder, she pushed open the café door with a sigh of relief. She’d made it! It had been a long arduous journey. Her bare feet were weary after trekking along the beach for days, following her natural instincts to reach her destination. Feeling the tiled floor deliciously cool under her hot feet, she made her way to the only remaining empty table then lowered herself down onto the pine chair.
At the next table, there was a young girl sitting nursing a latte looking as exhausted as she felt. The girl’s clothing was caked in mud and there were twigs and leaves in her tangled ponytail.
Beyond her sat an agitated middle-aged man who was staring down at a map muttering, “This can’t be right “ over and over again.
To her left an old lady sat primly drinking a cup of tea from a bone china cup, complete with matching saucer, her finely wrinkled face awash with relief. At her feet, a small white dog with a blue collar lay curled up asleep.
Over at the table in the corner, a man sat heating his hands on a mug of soup. Beside him were skis and boots, both leaving icy puddles on the tiled floor.
In the opposite corner sat a runner, sweat running down his forehead into his eyes as he drank thirstily from a sports bottle.
They had all made it to the café, no matter what route their journeys had taken them.
Setting her backpack down on the floor, she let out a low groan of relief at the removal of the weight from her slender sunburnt shoulders.
Glancing up, she saw a waitress approaching, her welcoming smile melting away her exhaustion and warming her heart.
“Honey,” she began as she turned to a fresh page in her notepad. “What can I get you?”
“A lemonade would be good, thanks.”
“Anything to eat? You look like it’s been a tough trek to get here.”
Suddenly realising she was ravenous, she said, “Pizza, please. A pepperoni pizza.”
“Coming right up,” promised the waitress, noting the order in her pad. “Oh, where are my manners! Welcome to There. Everyone gets here eventually.”
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Tagged #coffeebreakread, #continuethestory, #CoralMcCallum, #flashfiction, #IndieAuthor, #shortstory
It’s ten days since my favourite little green-haired girl, Riley, was released into the world. Been a whirlwind few days.
So far, everyone seems to be loving her and it warms my heart to see that she is sitting on Amazon and Goodreads surrounded by 5* reviews already. Hopefully over the coming weeks and months, as more folk get around to reading her story, this will continue. (Yes, that was a subtle hint to pick up a copy if you haven’t already.)
Marketing is the bit I struggle with most. I promote my work on a shoestring budget so most of it is done via social media, a website called AllAuthor (www.allauthor.com/author/coralmccallum )and this blog page. Word of mouth is also a great marketing tool (Yes, that was another subtle hint that if you’ve read Riley and enjoyed her tale, tell people, please!)
Books, actual paperback books, make great Christmas gifts. (Yes, that’s another subtle hint) Riley would look fabulous all wrapped in silver with a huge green bow, don’t you think?
So, what’s next? I’ve been asked that a few times over the past ten days! I’m still in the undecided mode on that to an extent. Yes, I have started “something” that may become book baby 8 but it’s too soon to tell. For now, it’s about relaxing a bit, enjoying the festive season and we’ll see what 2023 and beyond brings.
If you’re reading this, scratching your head and asking “Who’s Riley?” , you can find out using the links below
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9SWP6K3
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B9SWP6K3
Up on stage, Three Dead Mice brought Killer to an end.
“New York, thank you!” screamed Rob, glancing over towards them. “Now, we’d like to invite a friend… sorry two friends… up here to join us. New York, let’s hear it for the beautiful Riley Johnson and the legend that is Jake Power!”
The small crowd went wild as Riley and Jake stepped up on stage. Hurriedly a guitar was found for Jake then Rob stepped back up to the mic.
“Time to Shoot To Thrill!”
With a nod, Rob and Jake both began to play the distinctive ACDC intro before the others joined in on bass and drums. Gone was the quiet Riley from the album launch. In her place, centre stage, was a rock queen in waiting as she poured all her vocal power into the raucous lyrics. Both Rob and Jake joined in for the chorus, standing either side of her.
“Pull the trigger!” screamed Riley as she spun away, allowing the two guitarists to play together. No one watching would have guessed that the performance was entirely unrehearsed. Their passion for the classic rock track was clear for all to see and hear.
“Folks, give it up for Riley and Jake!” roared Rob, grinning from ear to ear as sweat ran down his face.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9SWP6K3
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B9SWP6K3
** note- this tale makes reference to self-harm**
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Tagged #18Nov2022, #booklovers, #bookpromo, #comingsoon, #CoralMcCallum, #ebook, #IndieAuthor, #KU, #newfiction, #newrelease, #Riley
The party had started, and she knew she was uncharacteristically late. She had almost changed her mind at the last-minute. The thought of walking in alone filled her with fear; the thought of finally seeing him again after so many long dark months filled her with excitement. She didn’t dare dream about where the night may lead…
She had dressed carefully, choosing a flattering LBD with his tastes in mind. Now that she stood hovering in the doorway, nerves were beginning to overwhelm her. She felt incredibly self-conscious in the short skirt and heels. There was still time to change her mind…
If she left now, he need never know she had been there. She could slip away unseen…
Suddenly, she felt eyes on her. Looking up, their gaze connected across the room.
Rooted to the spot, she watched as he excused himself from the company he’d been keeping. She watched him weave his way expertly through the guests, pausing briefly to lift two glasses of champagne from a passing hostess’ tray.
Before she had the chance to breathe, he was standing inches in front of her, offering her a champagne flute.
With a trembling hand, she accepted the glass and smiled up at him. She could feel that tell-tale flutter deep inside her as she drew her gaze over his sharp black tuxedo, open dress shirt, the bow tie hanging loose around the collar. Their eyes met.
“I thought you’d had a change of heart,” he said softly, as he leaned forward to caress her cheek with a kiss.
“Almost,” she confessed as she drank in the intoxicating fragrance of his aftershave.
As he was about to step back, he whispered in her ear, “I’m looking forward to coming in you in that dress…”
Her heart skipped a beat.
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Tagged #continuethestory, #CoralMcCallum, #flashfiction, #IndieAuthor, #LBD, #newfiction, #shortstory
Did you know that 1st November is National Author’s Day?
This literary day of celebration dates back to 1928 when the president of the Illinois Women’s Club, Nellie Verne Burt McPherson (now there’s a name for a character!) proposed that a day be dedicated to recognising America’s authors. The first National Author’s Day was celebrated the following year and in 1949 was officially recognised by the US Department of Commerce and the rest is history…its been recognised far and wide ever since.
So, what is it? How do you celebrate it?
National Author’s Day is day to be dedicated to celebrating/reading books by your favourite authors. It’s a day to appreciate all those characters that you’ve wanted to grow up to be or those that you have fallen just a little bit in love with over the years. It’s also a day to pause to appreciate the hours and hours of work that go into creating those books and that the author spends developing those characters that you know so well.
In reality, there is no hard and fast way to celebrate.
You could simply take the time to read your child a bedtime story.
You could visit your local library or, if you are an author yourself, you could donate a book to your local library.
You could spare a few minutes from your day to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads or both for a book that you’ve enjoyed. (Hint- authors thrive on those twinkling stars and kind words.)
You could take it a step further an email your favourite author to express your appreciation of their books.
You could try your hand at writing your own piece of fiction. They do say that everyone has a book in them after all.
You could gift a book to a friend. I have actually done this today but the book in question won’t be delivered to said friend for a couple of days so I don’t want to say too much.
Or you could curl up with your favourite beverage, some leftover Halloween treats and lose yourself in a good book for an hour or so.
Happy reading
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Tagged #amreading, #booklovers, #books, #bookstagram, #CoralMcCallum, #eboooks, #ilovebooks, #IndieAuthor, #nationalauthorsday, #November1st, #reading
Grey from Silver Lake christened her “Witchy Woo” so it seems appropriate to allow you the chance to meet Witchy Woo herself aka Ellen for FREE this Hallowe’en.
You can download Ellen to Kindle for free today
Amazon.com link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FYHKR44
Amazon.co.uk link https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FYHKR44
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged #contemporaryromance, #CoralMcCallum, #Ellen, #freeebook, #freekindledownload, #Halloween, #IndieAuthor, #trickortreat
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Coral McCallum 