Saturday, April 20, 2013

Take a Chance

So, finals are nearly upon us, and I've got tons of programming to do for the next three weeks, so I doubt I'll have more posted until then. I do have a challenge though, for you writers who may happen to see this. Next time you have a few minutes to spare, sit down and write something different. Something you don't usually write, maybe something you don't even read. For me it was a romantic short story written on a bet, and I was surprised at how hard it was to write. I've always known little details were a weak point of mine, and trying to hit at attraction or feelings subtly really brought that fact to attention.

So if you usually write romance, take a shot at horror. If you love horror, take a shot at comedy. If you want, share your work or what you learned in the comments. Even if it comes out as poorly written as mine did, trying and experimenting is how writers get better, right? Well, that's my two cents for the day. Back to sorting algorithms and proofs.

*Cries*

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Chapter 2: Deal With the Devil


“I don’t make deals with spirits,” Sebastian said, pushing the journal away. He realized a moment later the journal was Master Ellard’s and snatched it from the spirit’s hands.


“You haven’t even heard what I’m offering,” Ezra said with an exaggerated pout as he circled around them.


“Whatever it is, it’s not worth it,” Haley said. “Nothing good comes from dealing with spirits.”


“Well, alright then,” Ezra said, shrugging. “I just hope you’ll be able to care for poor little Alicia on your own.”


“What do you mean?”


“It should be obvious by now.” Ezra approached the desk and leaned against it with both hands. “Gaston Ellard is gone, spirited away by who knows what. Without him, your apprenticeship will end, unless you can find another kind soul to take you in as your master. Without your apprenticeship, you go back to being a gifted young man, wasting away in poverty, and Alicia goes with you.”


“And you can keep that from happening?” Sebastian hesitated. “Just what are you offering?”


“My help. I will give you what you need to find Lord Ellard.”


“And what do you want in return?”


Ezra spun toward him and grinned. “I need a job done, and something tells me you’re just the man to ask.”


“What is it?”


“I need you to find a man. Gaston Ellard.”