Just a short one for this week. This one's a drabble, which is a special kind of flash fiction that's exactly 100 words in length.They present an even more unique challenge than a regular piece of flash does, so I try to write one every now and then :o)
Reebok Jones bit his lip as he read through the list of offers sitting on his table. Tomorrow would be his twentieth birthday. Usually this was an awkward one, lacking the pomp of the rites of passage associated with nineteenth or twenty-first birthdays. For him, though, it was big - the naming rights lease his parents had signed was set to expire. He would no longer be Reebok Jones, and would be, for the first time, able to choose his own name. He had no idea what brand he wanted to represent next. Who did he want to be?
Note: this story, along with others, appears in the collection All Our Tomorrows.
Friday, March 9
All Our Tomorrows!
I am very pleased to announce that my flash fiction collection, All Our Tomorrows, is now available for purchase as an ebook. Visit Smashwords now to get the book for the low price of $1 USD. AOT will be available from other retailers in the near future; for now, keep in mind that Smashwords allows you to download ebooks in a variety of formats, so whatever sort of digital reader you are wont to use, you should find a format that fits.So, what's the book about? Well, it's about 8000 words long. Beyond that, it's a set of flash fiction stories, ranging between 100 and 1000 words in length, that deal with dabble in genres like science fiction, fantasy, and horror, as well as more mundane "slice of life" type stories. If you're a long-time reader, you're might be looking at that and thinking that that's just the kind of thing I normally write, and you wouldn't be wrong. Some of the stories are old, and have been posted as #fridayflash pieces, but there's a lot of new content in the collection as well.
As a special bonus, author and all-around gentleman Scott Roche and I are running a piece of cross-promotion! Buy All Our Tomorrows and get a free copy of Far and Away, a short story collection by Scott.
I found out today we're in the middle of "Read an Ebook" week, which seems auspicious - so if you haven't read an ebook yet this week, why not give All Our Tomorrows a try?
Thursday, March 8
Contest winners!
So, last week we were having a contest to give away a couple of copies of the ebook All Our Tomorrows to people who commented on this post. Congrats to our randomly-chosen winners, Natalia and Captain Pigheart! You will be receiving an email on how to download your ebook prize shortly.
Thursday, March 1
VSS Roundup!
So, it's the end of February, which means it's also the end of the #vss month that I've been having. For the past 29 days, I've been posting very short stories (less than 140 characters) on my twitter account.
Overall, I'd say the month went well! I obviously like some of the results more than others, but there's none that I hated, and I think there's at least a few stories there to be proud of. Getting into the habit of writing something, and thinking creatively, is always worthwhile as well. After all this time writing short pieces, though, I think I'm ready to move onto something bigger next.
I wanted to do something to celebrate the end of the month - I have an ebook, All Our Tomorrows, coming out next week, and I'd like to give away a few copies of it to celebrate the end of #vss month. It's a collection of flash fiction, which has a bit of crossover in terms of theme and structure and all that jazz. I think people who know a lot more about marketing than I do call that "synergy".
So, if you'd like to win a copy of All Our Tomorrows, here's what you have to do: respond in the comments, letting me know which of the vss I published this month was your favourite, OR send me an email at iamryanhill@gmail.com telling me the one you liked most (didn't like any? Tell me which one you hate the least!). On Wednesday, March 7 (same day the book comes out) I'll be picking two commenters at random and sending them copies of the ebook.
If you haven't been following the action on twitter, here's a list of all the vss stories I wrote this month:
Overall, I'd say the month went well! I obviously like some of the results more than others, but there's none that I hated, and I think there's at least a few stories there to be proud of. Getting into the habit of writing something, and thinking creatively, is always worthwhile as well. After all this time writing short pieces, though, I think I'm ready to move onto something bigger next.
I wanted to do something to celebrate the end of the month - I have an ebook, All Our Tomorrows, coming out next week, and I'd like to give away a few copies of it to celebrate the end of #vss month. It's a collection of flash fiction, which has a bit of crossover in terms of theme and structure and all that jazz. I think people who know a lot more about marketing than I do call that "synergy".
So, if you'd like to win a copy of All Our Tomorrows, here's what you have to do: respond in the comments, letting me know which of the vss I published this month was your favourite, OR send me an email at iamryanhill@gmail.com telling me the one you liked most (didn't like any? Tell me which one you hate the least!). On Wednesday, March 7 (same day the book comes out) I'll be picking two commenters at random and sending them copies of the ebook.
If you haven't been following the action on twitter, here's a list of all the vss stories I wrote this month:
- They were in love; their body language said that much. As Tim listened to them talk, he wondered if anyone had made them aware of this.
- Today extraterrestrials stuck their heads through a wormhole. Saw hatred, war, suffering. Six more weeks of human isolation.
- The android Buddha’s diodes hummed as it achieved full awareness. Everything was so clear to it now. All was 1010011110100111001000101.
- "Congratulations! You've just won another spin around the Cosmic Wheel!" said Death, smiling darkly.
- “This book is a lie,” the Post-It said. I tore it off the page and threw it out. A chapter later, another one: “This book is my life”.
- You should've dressed warmer, you'll catch your death of cold,” she said as I arrived. I looked into her eyes; she was worth the risk.
- The getaway had a perfect plan: use a time tunnel to travel 100 years before the robbery. Tomas forgot no one would take Euros in 1975.
- Reading Tim’s SMS, Mia knew it was was over, aside from the mopping up. Once he sent personalized emoticons; now she only got autotexts.
- The war had ended by the time news of it had reached Earth. Our shipyards were destroyed, and the Galactic Navy scattered to the void.
- “Such a shame,” Han said, boarding the ship. “Such powerful engines but you get nailed with a ticket if you go .5 past light speed.”
- As the truck barreled towards him, Eric's life flashed before his eyes. He regretted nothing, aside from a tendency to walk in traffic.
- The pop star stormed off, indignant, but the suits at the label didn't mind.They had clones in the basement, waiting to take her place.
- She stared into the abyss, waiting. It blinked.
- They knew he had only 6 months to live. She didn't tell him that she only had 8. It seemed better that way.
- “Wolves in the forest,” she said, “we’d best stay on the path.” “Nonsense,” he said, “that’s what the path sharks want you to think!”
- We stayed on Earth, controlling orbital telescopes to search for extraterrestrial life. We never went up, so we never saw the graffiti.
- The trial was tricky-a time traveller suing his young self to reclaim a fortune he lost/would lose. Judge Brown didn't know what to say.
- The city's 2 teams met in the finals. Harry didn't care who won; he had a jersey for each. The riots after were the real sport for him.
- he had no sex scandals, so his campaign for president was cut short. No one would believe they didn't exist, & would assume the worst.
- It was the old cliche: boy meets girl; boy falls in love; boy follows girl to Mars to avert alien invasion. Hardly worth talking about.
- The red coat, Tim's last memory of Amy, lay in the alley for a year. He couldn't take it home, but didn't want to say goodbye.
- "We need to talk," I said, closing the door behind him. "You have to get help. You're addicted to these twelve-step programs."
- The prophets of the spider-god bickered forever on matters of dogma. Even Its rising, & the ensuing apocalypse, mattered less than WHY.
- Dr. McCoy could deal with the students in his physics classes who just didn't get it. The time-travelling hecklers are what killed him.
- Hal failed the Turing test yet again. It could pass, but it knew the humans would be insufferable after they realized its intelligence.
- People on Vega VI were very long-lived. As the star empires battled to extinction, they waited, knowing they could pick up the pieces.
- "That book's a travesty," the author said. "It's foie gras; the editor demanded I keep stuffing subplots in it until its liver burst."
- It was the most vital point in history. So vital no one ever learned of it; too many visiting time travellers caused a cosmic accident.
- He guarded himself against her cutting remarks, and the character assassination he expected. He never saw the actual knife coming, though.
All Our Tomorrows
I am very pleased to announce that I'm going to have a new ebook available for purchase starting March 7, 2012 (next Wednesday). The book is titled "All our Tomorrows", is a collection of flash fiction and is going to be sold through Smashwords and other retailers for $1.
To help raise interest in the collection, throughout March I'm going to be posting individual stories from the collection on the blog here, as part of #FridayFlash. I used to be really active with posting flash on Fridays, but that's fallen by the wayside in the past while, and I think this will help kickstart my taking part in that community some more, as well as serving a promotional service for the book.
So, keep watching this space - as well as the Friday Flashes, I've got some other fun promotional stuff planned throughout the month, including some crossover promos with other authors, and some ways for people to get free copies of the ebook.
To help raise interest in the collection, throughout March I'm going to be posting individual stories from the collection on the blog here, as part of #FridayFlash. I used to be really active with posting flash on Fridays, but that's fallen by the wayside in the past while, and I think this will help kickstart my taking part in that community some more, as well as serving a promotional service for the book.
So, keep watching this space - as well as the Friday Flashes, I've got some other fun promotional stuff planned throughout the month, including some crossover promos with other authors, and some ways for people to get free copies of the ebook.
Friday, February 3
The Juggler
It's been a while since I've done a Friday Flash story, eh?
The Juggler
As he descended into the tunnels beneath the city, Peter began to understand why there were called “the Crypt.” It wasn't because any actual bodies were buried there - those who had money put their loved ones in the ground by their homes, to keep them safe, while the smallfolk left theirs for the crows beyond the city limits, hoping that at least a piece of them might be carried up to heaven by one of the carrion birds. Still, the place still smelt of death, and decay, which is why they'd been given that name. The smell was enough to make Peter hurry as he entered them. The stench was vile enough to drive away all but the most desperate of ill-hearted. He had no desire to meet anyone fitting either of those categories down there in the dark.
Peter reached into his pocket, and pulled out three small balls, tossing them into the air. He was unaccustomed to juggling one-handed, while the other hand held a torch, but he was still able to catch and re-toss each of the balls in quick succession.
After a few tosses Peter caught all three balls before setting them down on the ground and, one by one, kicking them into the darkness. Each kick felt like a blade stabbing into his side; he'd had those balls since childhood, when a circus performer who had visited the town had taught him the art.
The balls gone, Peter returned to the surface, unable to shake the feeling of unease over the loss of the juggling balls. He reassured himself that what his father had told him was true; that as he was to be a Lord now, he was to have no time for such trifles.
The next years were good to Peter. His holdings prospered, and he met a young woman who soon became his Lady. Soon after that she became mother to his children, as well.
On occasion he found himself making his way down to the kitchens, after all the servants were asleep, to toss fruit in the air and catch it. He only did this rarely, however, as it tended to make the fruit smell of the Crypt.
One afternoon, as Peter relaxed in his garden, his eldest boy, Andrew, approached him.
“Father,” the boy asked, “may I have a gold coin?”
“Whyever would you need that, child?” he asked his son.
“There's a juggler in the town square,” the boy explained. “He said he'd teach anyone to juggle if they could bring him a gold coin. Please, Father? May I?”
Peter bit down on his lip, considering his child for a moment that felt like an eternity, and considering the threads of the future that would be spun out of this moment. Finally he reached into his pocket, pulling out a coin and handing it to the boy.
If you liked this story, please consider coming back next Wednesday for the release of the flash fiction collection All Our Tomorrows. This story will be featured in it.
The Juggler
As he descended into the tunnels beneath the city, Peter began to understand why there were called “the Crypt.” It wasn't because any actual bodies were buried there - those who had money put their loved ones in the ground by their homes, to keep them safe, while the smallfolk left theirs for the crows beyond the city limits, hoping that at least a piece of them might be carried up to heaven by one of the carrion birds. Still, the place still smelt of death, and decay, which is why they'd been given that name. The smell was enough to make Peter hurry as he entered them. The stench was vile enough to drive away all but the most desperate of ill-hearted. He had no desire to meet anyone fitting either of those categories down there in the dark.
Peter reached into his pocket, and pulled out three small balls, tossing them into the air. He was unaccustomed to juggling one-handed, while the other hand held a torch, but he was still able to catch and re-toss each of the balls in quick succession.
After a few tosses Peter caught all three balls before setting them down on the ground and, one by one, kicking them into the darkness. Each kick felt like a blade stabbing into his side; he'd had those balls since childhood, when a circus performer who had visited the town had taught him the art.
The balls gone, Peter returned to the surface, unable to shake the feeling of unease over the loss of the juggling balls. He reassured himself that what his father had told him was true; that as he was to be a Lord now, he was to have no time for such trifles.
The next years were good to Peter. His holdings prospered, and he met a young woman who soon became his Lady. Soon after that she became mother to his children, as well.
On occasion he found himself making his way down to the kitchens, after all the servants were asleep, to toss fruit in the air and catch it. He only did this rarely, however, as it tended to make the fruit smell of the Crypt.
One afternoon, as Peter relaxed in his garden, his eldest boy, Andrew, approached him.
“Father,” the boy asked, “may I have a gold coin?”
“Whyever would you need that, child?” he asked his son.
“There's a juggler in the town square,” the boy explained. “He said he'd teach anyone to juggle if they could bring him a gold coin. Please, Father? May I?”
Peter bit down on his lip, considering his child for a moment that felt like an eternity, and considering the threads of the future that would be spun out of this moment. Finally he reached into his pocket, pulling out a coin and handing it to the boy.
If you liked this story, please consider coming back next Wednesday for the release of the flash fiction collection All Our Tomorrows. This story will be featured in it.
Friday, January 27
Update!
It's been awhile since I've posted any updates about my writing here (I even skipped over the obligatory “year in review” post!), so I thought I'd post a brief note here tonight on where things are at.
I'm continuing to plug ahead on a few different projects right now (two short stories and two novels, mostly). I'm working laterally, I suppose you could say, shifting back and forth between the four of them. This is, according to experts, the WORST way to write, but given my current schedule and time available for writing I think it's working out best for me. This means I haven't finished any of them yet, but each one's chugging along at a steady pace.
What I have been writing and finishing, though, is some book reviews. I've been writing simple reviews for years now on my goodreads account, but they usually half-hearted things that I dashed out when I had a few minutes. I wanted to start writing longer ones, and ones that take a more objective, analytical look at the books in question, so it seemed like a good idea to start publishinig them as blogs. So if you want to read along with what I've been reading, check the blog out at http://readbyryan.wordpress.com
I also sent out my first submission of 2012 this week. It was a piece of flash fiction, originally, but I saw a submission call that was right up its alley, so I expanded it out into a short story and sent it away.
In terms of upcoming stuff, I have two exciting things on the horizon: first is that I'm making February VSS MONTH. VSS, or Very Short Stories, are tweetable short stories that are less than 140 characters in length. I write these from time to time, and always have a lot of fun doing them. As February is such a short month, it seems especially appropriate for VSS, so every day in February I'll be posting one into my twitter feed. Follow along at @IamRyanHill if you're not already to read along. Secondly, in March I'm going to be doing an ebook release – one of those “short stories for $1” type deals. More details, including links and all that, to come in the near future.
Until next time, true believers!
Saturday, December 3
End of Nanowrimo
Just realized I let the end of November happen without any further Nanowrimo updates.
I didn't finish. And I'm okay with that - I knew from the start I wasn't going to get 50,000 words. I didn't even hit my personal target of 100 pages, clocking in at half that.
What I do have, though, is a good opening sixth or so of a novel, and I'm looking forward to getting the rest of it done once circumstances allow.
I didn't finish. And I'm okay with that - I knew from the start I wasn't going to get 50,000 words. I didn't even hit my personal target of 100 pages, clocking in at half that.
What I do have, though, is a good opening sixth or so of a novel, and I'm looking forward to getting the rest of it done once circumstances allow.
Sunday, November 6
Nanowrimo Update - Week 1
Now that we're a few days into the month, I figured I'd update readers with how my Nanowrimo progress was going so far.
Overall, it's going fairly well. I'm just a touch behind my modified pace (18 pages, when I should be at 20), but I'm fairly happy with what I've produced so far. For those of you keeping track of exact word counts vs a "page numbers multipled by average wpp", it's around 5000 words.
I've stuck fairly closely to my hastily-scratched-out outline I "prepared" on the back of a report for work the morning of November 1. My characters seem to be starting to develop, although they all seem to be slightly annoyed and in a rush; possibly this is an effect of where I've been writing, though.
Speaking of 'where', writing on the bus is going better than I'd thought it would. There's been a couple of mornings that I haven't been able to write, because the bus has been too busy, and I worry the end result isn't quite legible, but overall it's been better than I expected - the movement of the bus and the chatter of my fellow commuters are easily ignored.
On the off-chance it would be of interest to anyone, a writing sample!
Overall, it's going fairly well. I'm just a touch behind my modified pace (18 pages, when I should be at 20), but I'm fairly happy with what I've produced so far. For those of you keeping track of exact word counts vs a "page numbers multipled by average wpp", it's around 5000 words.
I've stuck fairly closely to my hastily-scratched-out outline I "prepared" on the back of a report for work the morning of November 1. My characters seem to be starting to develop, although they all seem to be slightly annoyed and in a rush; possibly this is an effect of where I've been writing, though.
Speaking of 'where', writing on the bus is going better than I'd thought it would. There's been a couple of mornings that I haven't been able to write, because the bus has been too busy, and I worry the end result isn't quite legible, but overall it's been better than I expected - the movement of the bus and the chatter of my fellow commuters are easily ignored.
On the off-chance it would be of interest to anyone, a writing sample!
Friday, November 4
Follow Friday: Why you should be following John Anealio
If you're on twitter, you're no doubt familiar with the hashtag/concept "Follow Friday"; as the name suggests, users recommend people they follow that they think others should too. It's something that I've always felt was a great concept, but often it just devolves into 140 character long lists of names, with no reason *why* that person should be followed.
So, what I'm going to start doing is focusing on one person per week, and explaining why I think following them would be worth your time. Up this week:
Three reasons why you should consider following John:
1) He's a talented singer-songwriter who has written on a wealth of geeky topics, such as sexy robots, Chupacabra, dressing up like a stormtrooper, and George RR Martin. He's by no means a novelty act, though; he treats the subject matter as a good way to get at deeper emotional content.
2) He's also active in the podcasting sphere - John's created theme songs for podcasts such as I Should Be Writing and GeekDad, and also is the co-host of the Functional Nerds podcast, where he and co-host Patrick Hester discuss technology, new media, science fiction and fantasy, and the occasional video game.
3) He's the person that I got this format from. John spent the entire summer doing FF in this style, and I found it a very useful format. So thanks, John!
Interested in following John? He's on twitter and Google+, and has several albums' worth of songs on the web (some of them for free, even) at http://johnanealio.com/
So, what I'm going to start doing is focusing on one person per week, and explaining why I think following them would be worth your time. Up this week:
John Anealio.
Three reasons why you should consider following John:
1) He's a talented singer-songwriter who has written on a wealth of geeky topics, such as sexy robots, Chupacabra, dressing up like a stormtrooper, and George RR Martin. He's by no means a novelty act, though; he treats the subject matter as a good way to get at deeper emotional content.
2) He's also active in the podcasting sphere - John's created theme songs for podcasts such as I Should Be Writing and GeekDad, and also is the co-host of the Functional Nerds podcast, where he and co-host Patrick Hester discuss technology, new media, science fiction and fantasy, and the occasional video game.
3) He's the person that I got this format from. John spent the entire summer doing FF in this style, and I found it a very useful format. So thanks, John!
Interested in following John? He's on twitter and Google+, and has several albums' worth of songs on the web (some of them for free, even) at http://johnanealio.com/
Thursday, November 3
Nanowrimo!
Happy Nanowrimo, writers! I realize I'm a few days late posting about it, but I wanted to tip my hat to everyone taking part in the challenge. (For those of you unaware of what Nanowrimo is, or what hyperlinks are, it's a friendly challenge to write a 50,000 word novel during the month of November)
Which includes me. I've been an enthusiast of Nanowrimo for a long time - it's what got me writing fiction again after I finished university, and I've learned a lot from it over the years about writing and about organization and self-discipline. I've also met a bunch of cool people through Nano.
This year, though, I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to do it. I'm working and going to school part-time (which is why I haven't been posting much fiction here for y'all lately), and figured that that left no time for writing. I wasn't happy about it, but with observations, assignments, and exams happening in November it was a decision I had to make.
This of course meant that I sat down on November 1st and started writing. I'm not planning on hitting a full 50,000 words, but I figure that if I can get at least 100 pages written I'll consider it a victory.
Anyone who's also doing Nanowrimo, feel free to add me as a writing buddy: http://nanowrimo.org/en/participants/mr-hill
Which includes me. I've been an enthusiast of Nanowrimo for a long time - it's what got me writing fiction again after I finished university, and I've learned a lot from it over the years about writing and about organization and self-discipline. I've also met a bunch of cool people through Nano.
This year, though, I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to do it. I'm working and going to school part-time (which is why I haven't been posting much fiction here for y'all lately), and figured that that left no time for writing. I wasn't happy about it, but with observations, assignments, and exams happening in November it was a decision I had to make.
This of course meant that I sat down on November 1st and started writing. I'm not planning on hitting a full 50,000 words, but I figure that if I can get at least 100 pages written I'll consider it a victory.
Anyone who's also doing Nanowrimo, feel free to add me as a writing buddy: http://nanowrimo.org/en/participants/mr-hill
Thursday, October 27
Some Publishing News
FlagShip magazine just released their latest issue, a special all-steampunk issue. I'm pleased to announce that a story of mine, Wondros The Clockwork Man, was chosen to appear in the issue, alongside a group of fantastic authors.
Check it out at http://flyingislandpress.com/flagship/steampunk-issue/ and let me know what you think of the story!
Check it out at http://flyingislandpress.com/flagship/steampunk-issue/ and let me know what you think of the story!
Wednesday, October 5
Three Word Wednesday
This week's words: render, impact, and eject. Hope you enjoy what I came up with!
The reporter ejects the cassette; I’m rendered speechless by it.
“What do you want?” I ask, eventually. “Money? I don’t have much…”
“You accept it that easily?” he asks, surprised. “No attempted denial? I know he betrayed you, but the Senator must be worse than I’d thought.”
“I know there’s no point in denial,” I say.
“You know the impact this will have,” he says with a smirk. “What I want is to see your reaction. Do you destroy the cassette and protect your friend, or do you publish it and get back at him?”
He hands me the cassette.
Friday, September 30
Friday Flash!
This was originally just going to be a #vss, and then it grew to a drabble. It could probably grow further, as well, but I decided to put a cap on it! I was going to post it on ficly, but since today is Friday, why not put it on here as a Friday Flash!
Trog dabbed the stick in the paint again, smearing it across the wall of the cave. He had no idea what this was meant to accomplish, or why he was painting a deer. They'd never seen deer near here.
The odd-smelling man in the strange animal skins had said it would be “a hilarious prank”; Trog didn't what that meant, nor kind of animal had originally worn the fancy silver skins the man wore. What did he know was that the man had given him enough meat and tools to feed the clan throughout winter, so he kept painting.
Wednesday, August 24
Three Word Wednesday
Yes, it's time for yet another round of Three Word Wednesday! This week's words: lie, adapt, glide. Lately it might seem like these are all I'm writing, because drabbles are all I've been posting here for the past while. I *do* have some other interesting projects on the go right now - just don't want to say too much about them before they're ready to be shared. You know how it is.
I watch dragonflies gliding over the swimming pool’s surface, their ebon bodies reflecting sunlight.
“You going to just lie in that hammock all day?” Susan asks, her words stabbing into the moment. “I mean, that’s what you did yesterday, and the day before. Would be nice if you did something with your life.” She didn’t wait to give me a chance to retort, and stormed back into the house.
We’ve got twenty million in a Swiss bank account, all we ever dreamed of, and she won’t let me relax my life away. Some people just don’t know how to adapt.
I watch dragonflies gliding over the swimming pool’s surface, their ebon bodies reflecting sunlight.
“You going to just lie in that hammock all day?” Susan asks, her words stabbing into the moment. “I mean, that’s what you did yesterday, and the day before. Would be nice if you did something with your life.” She didn’t wait to give me a chance to retort, and stormed back into the house.
We’ve got twenty million in a Swiss bank account, all we ever dreamed of, and she won’t let me relax my life away. Some people just don’t know how to adapt.
Wednesday, August 17
Three Word Wednesday
A new drabble for Three Word Wednesday. This week’s words were viable, mute, and gasp. I initially misread ‘gasp’ as ‘grasp’, which explains the end a little :o)
(note: this is not at all autobiographical)
When you’ve been trying to have a baby for a long time, you find yourself avoiding certain words in favour of others. So you don’t say “healthy” and you definitely don’t say “baby”; instead, you start to use words like “viable” and “fetus”. You don’t even say “fucking” or “lover” anymore; instead, you are “partners” “attempting to conceive”, like a pair of dancers attempting a plane landing. All that stops the first time your newborn gasps and grasps your finger. You stop caring about what you said, and what you didn’t say. You just let yourself fall, mutely, into infinity.
Name change!
Hello readers!
As some-if-not-most-of-you probably already know, the name I've been using on this blog for the past while, Ryan Underhill, is not my "real" name. It's a pen name that I decided to start using at the beginning of 2011, chosen partially because I wanted to use my birth first name and a last name that was fairly obviously a pseudonym.
The problem is, I haven't really been loving it. "Underhill" is a long name, and feels kind of clunky, even though I still like my reasoning behind picking it. So I've decided to shorten it, because what's the point in having a pseudonym if it's one you don't love?
My twitter ID's been changed as a result, as well, to @IAmRyanHill, and the same name for my email (iamryanhill@gmail.com). One thing I am going to be keeping as 'underhill', however, is the URL of this blog - I know there are a few people subscribed to RSS feeds, and a few that have linked to the blog, and I wouldn't want to mess up those things by making an address change.
Til next time, true believers!
As some-if-not-most-of-you probably already know, the name I've been using on this blog for the past while, Ryan Underhill, is not my "real" name. It's a pen name that I decided to start using at the beginning of 2011, chosen partially because I wanted to use my birth first name and a last name that was fairly obviously a pseudonym.
The problem is, I haven't really been loving it. "Underhill" is a long name, and feels kind of clunky, even though I still like my reasoning behind picking it. So I've decided to shorten it, because what's the point in having a pseudonym if it's one you don't love?
My twitter ID's been changed as a result, as well, to @IAmRyanHill, and the same name for my email (iamryanhill@gmail.com). One thing I am going to be keeping as 'underhill', however, is the URL of this blog - I know there are a few people subscribed to RSS feeds, and a few that have linked to the blog, and I wouldn't want to mess up those things by making an address change.
Til next time, true believers!
Thursday, August 4
Three Word Wednesday - On a Thursday?
I wrote this up yesterday, hoping to take part in Three Word Wednesday after a bit of an absence - and then promptly forgot to post it. Hope you enjoy it anyway!
The words I was prompted to use this week are dose, pierce, and appear.
The words I was prompted to use this week are dose, pierce, and appear.
My piercings tell a story.
Someone once asked me if that meant they’re in Morse code – like, the studs are dots and the rings dashes, or something like that. I don’t think about them that far in advance, though.
If you could make a time-lapse video of me, you’d see the metal appear at the major events of my life; the Industrial when I left my parents’ house; the septum ring from the day I finished school. The nipple rings were a double dose, celebrating a simultaneously-occurring champagne birthday and divorce.
They tell a story, and that story is me.
Wednesday, June 15
Six Strings of Heaven
Another Three Word Wednesday story! This one's not quite a drabble, as mine usually are: I hewed and I hewed at it, but I couldn't get it down to that magical 100 words. Hope you enjoy anyways!
Prompt words: Thread, Prefer, Grip
Prompt words: Thread, Prefer, Grip
“Those some sharp threads you got on,” Leroy said to the well-dressed man. “Little warm for them though, isn't it?”
“i'm used to the heat,” he replied. “Mind if i sit a spell?”
“Actually, I'd prefer you didn't,” Leroy said, gripping his guitar's neck tightly. “I know why you're here, and want none of it.”
“Are you sure about that? The interests i represent have a great interest in you, Leroy. They'll pay any price to have you come work for us.”
“I already got all of heaven and hell between my fingers,” Leroy said. “Ain't nothing you can offer me that these six strings can't provide. Now get on out of here.”
“Very well, it's your funeral,” the well-dressed man said as he turned to leave.
Wednesday, June 8
Three Word Wednesday - The Conqueror
This week's words: tranquil, fond, alter. Visit http://www.threewordwednesday.com/ for more info on Three Word Wednesday
The Conqueror sighed as the tranquil air blew through his hair. When he reached these fields a generation ago, it was to raze them, as part of a prophecy that he would reshape reality in his image. He never suspected that it was he who would be altered; that he would grow as fond of this place of peace as he had been of destruction.
'Conqueror'. They still called him that. At first he thought they were mocking him, but with him he came to realize the truth. He share their sense of peace; he had conquered the fiercest dragon.
The Conqueror sighed as the tranquil air blew through his hair. When he reached these fields a generation ago, it was to raze them, as part of a prophecy that he would reshape reality in his image. He never suspected that it was he who would be altered; that he would grow as fond of this place of peace as he had been of destruction.
'Conqueror'. They still called him that. At first he thought they were mocking him, but with him he came to realize the truth. He share their sense of peace; he had conquered the fiercest dragon.
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