Category: Writing

author, writing, Writing

Unveiling Shadows: A Captivating Journey into the Pages of a New Novel

emilieturner95

My next blog post is actually going to be the first chapter of my new project! It’s taken a lot of time and planning to be able to start writing but it’s exciting to start fleshing out the characters in their world.

I started this project after a competition I entered a while ago. It was a short story competition with an interesting premise and I just ran with it! My brain wanted a new project to click on to and this was a perfect opportunity.

I’m still slowly editing my first novel, and I’m confident I’ll be able to submit it to publishers soon. But I needed a bigger project to also focus on amongst the short stories and editing. Writing a novel is what I love doing most and I’m loving getting back into world-building and character development on a larger scale!

I wrote the first chapter and now I’ve started proper world-building – a separate Word document filled with characters, important plot points, and a basic storyline. I’m not 100% sure where I’m headed with the story yet so I really needed to sit down and flesh it all out.

I’ve got an entire document set up outlining the characters, the world, and the basic storyline. I have no idea what the end is or who the antagonist is but that’s something that I will be fleshing out over the coming weeks! I love having a new project to focus on and it’s really exciting to delve into it.

I’ve been getting distracted easily at the moment and have several WIP novels that are gathering dust in my computer folders… I’m hopeful this one will get further than those! I am still passionate about a few projects but many get put aside when I lose interest or realise the story is going absolutely nowhere. Usually, they end up as short stories instead!

I’m eager to delve into a full novel again though and I’m hopeful this is my new project! Hopefully, you enjoy the first chapter next week!

author, poetry, Writing

My Best Friend: A Poem

emilieturner95

Dear bestie,

There is no one quite like you, a friend so loyal and true.
You are a light that guides me through the darkness that can cloud my view.

Friendship is a precious thing, a bond that we hold dear.
It helps us through the ups and downs and wipes away each tear.

In childhood days we laughed and played and shared our favorite toys.
We ran through fields and climbed tall trees and made such joyful noise.

As we grew up, our lives diverged and we took separate ways.
But still we kept in touch with words and shared our hopes and praise.

Though we may be far apart, the miles cannot divide.
The love and memories that we’ve shared and all the times we’ve cried.

Every memory is close to me and etched on my heart.
And I will always be your shoulder, no matter how far we’re apart.

For true friendship knows no distance, no time or space can part.
It’s like a flame that burns so bright, illuminating our hearts.

I am grateful for every moment we’ve shared.
I’m grateful for every smile, every hug and every single tear that we bared.

We’ve shared so much through all these years, our triumphs and our woes.
Our joys and sorrows, big and small and it’s this that truly shows.

May we always find joy in each other and may our friendship continue to grow.
May our bond remain true and strong through all of life’s highs and lows.

So here’s to you, my bestie, may our friendship never end.
We’ll grow and learn and support each other, my dearest friend.

Love, your bestie.

author, Short Story, writing, Writing

The Broken Mirror: A Short Story

emilieturner95

The mirror showed a reflection that wasn’t my own. Amber eyes stared deep into my own hazel eyes, burrowing deep into my soul. My hand brushed the broken mirror, enraptured by the sight in front of me. The girl in the mirror was beautiful, elegant and perfect. She was everything I wished I could be.

Her hand touched mine through the glass, a small smile crossing her face as one crossed my own. If she wasn’t so beautiful I’d think it was actually reflecting myself, but I knew better. I looked nothing like her.

I flinched as my finger caught the sharp edge, blood trickling down my hand. It jolted me out of my trance and I glanced back at the mirror, frowning as my own reflection scowled back. Was I hallucinating?

I shook my head and darted away from the mirror, quickly grabbing an old towel to stem the blood flow. I peered back at the broken mirror, relieved as nothing out of the ordinary reflected back. I wasn’t sure if I had imagined it or not, but I definitely saw someone else in the mirror. I must be stressed to start hallucinating like that.

I muttered obscenities to myself as I rummaged through my bathroom, sighing in relief as I found the bandages to strap my hand up. So stupid.

I cleaned the blood off the ground and started to make my way out of the bathroom when something caught my eye. Amber eyes staring at me in the bathroom mirror. I freaked out and spun away, flinching as the amber eyes followed me in every reflective surface. Eyes were everywhere, watching every move I made.

I ran into the bedroom, horrified as the eyes started to appear in the windows and even in the glossy walls. I couldn’t escape it. I spun around, desperately trying to escape the amber eyes. I could feel them piercing into me with every move I made.

Fed up, I grabbed the broken mirror, determined to toss it down into the street. Something made me stop and I stared deep into the amber eyes within. A face reflected back, a sly smile crossing over the perfect face.

Her hand emerged from the mirror, gripping my wrist tightly. I felt panic rise within me as tried to pull away, to no avail. She smiled and tugged on my arm, pulling me towards her. The world started to spin around me and I squeezed my eyes shut, my own scream echoing in the walls around me as I willed it all to end.

Silence greeted me. I slowly opened my eyes, flinching as amber eyes bored into me. She smiled again and flicked her hand into a wave before walking away, leaving me alone. I tried to follow but I was unable to move. I stretched my arm out towards her, flinching as I tapped against glass.

Horror filled me as I touched the glass. I was surrounded by it. I banged my fists on the glass wall in front of me, but I didn’t make an impact.

“Welcome,” drawled a voice behind me.

I spun around, eyes wild as I took in the sight before me. A crowd of unkempt people stood before me, sympathetic stares coming from every person I saw. “Who are you?” I stammered. “Where am I?”

“In the mirror world,” replied the woman who spoke before. “You’ve been replaced and kicked in here with us.”

“Why?”

“Why else? Someone traded places with you. She’s living your life now and you’re here. Forever.”

Terror engulfed me. “No, no!” I shouted. “I need to get back!”

“There’s no escape. She won’t be stupid enough to be drawn back in here. This is your home now. For eternity.”

The crowd surrounded me, suffocating me with their presence. Tears streamed down my face. No escape? Was there truly no escape. I squeezed my eyes shut and clasped my hands over my ears. I couldn’t take this.

I screamed and my eyes jolted open. Sunlight streamed into my room, highlighting the sweat that had gathered on the blankets around me. I kicked off the sheets, desperately trying to catch my breath. Was it all just a dream?

I looked over to the broken mirror in the corner, shuddering as I saw something amber glinting in the sunlight. I darted out of bed and grabbed a garbage bag, swiftly throwing the mirror pieces inside. It all felt too real to be just a dream. My mind was fuzzy and confused but I knew I had to get rid of this godforsaken mirror.

I ran outside and threw the bag into the trash, pausing for a moment as I caught my reflection in the shop window. My own amber eyes stared back at me, wild and confused.

author, holidays, writing, Writing

Happy Easter

emilieturner95

Just ducking in today to say Happy Easter! Or Passover or whatever you may celebrate over this holiday period.

I’m taking a break this week from the blog since it’s been chaos around the holiday time for me and the family! Will be back next week with a short story post for you all.

Hope everyone had a good holiday period and spent time with family and friends as needed!

See you all next week!

author, Short Story, Writing

Gone: A Short Story

emilieturner95

He wasn’t coming back. I knew he wasn’t, but I wanted him too. I was desperate for him to
come back, back to my arms, back to me…

My love was gone, pulled away from me. He had been conscripted to go fight in the war;
there was no way out of it. He was yanked out of my arms and sent off to battle; I knew he
wasn’t coming back. I had a feeling in my heart. Of course, no one believed me. They all
thought that I was crazy; they all thought that he would be back.

“The war will be over in no time honey.” That was what they all said, or something along
those lines. Mothers, wives, daughters… we were all worried for their safety, but it seemed
like I was the only one that truly believed the war was not going to end quickly. It seemed
like I was the only one who believed that the war would take many lives and ruin many
others.

I carried on doing my chores for the day, I had to clean the house up a little. It was all I could
do to distract myself from the loneliness. I heard a knock at the door, distracting me from my current task. I hurried to the door and opened it; eyes wide as I realized an army officer was standing in front of me.

He took his hat off and nodded at me. “Mrs Mathers?” he asked.

I nodded. “That’s me. Who are you?”

“I am Colonel Elliot, and this is Lieutenant Colonel Fredricks.”

The other man nodded his head as he was introduced. I could see he looked uncomfortable and my heart sank. “You’re both from the army?”

The Colonel nodded and cleared his throat. “When I met Lieutenant Jarred Mathers, I knew he was a fine soldier. He was strong, capable, and always looked out for his teammates. It’s with great regret that I must inform you that he has died in the line of duty.”

My eyes clouded over with unshed tears. My love was dead. I would never be able to hold
him in my arms, kiss him and keep him near. The one thing I feared more than anything in
the world had come true. He was gone, and he wasn’t coming back.

The Colonel clasped my shoulder and I gripped his hand, not fully believing what he had just said. My husband was gone. The love of my life was gone.

They stayed for quite a while longer, leaving when I was able to fully comprehend the news. The Colonel passed me a letter before he left – it had fallen into his hands rather than going through traditional post.

I made sure they both left safely and quietly closed the door behind them before slowly
moving to the living room. I picked up the envelope and stared at it, my lip quivering. It was the last letter he had sent me.

I finally worked up the courage to open it. I peeled off the white envelope and stared at the
paper now in my hands. I took a deep breath and started reading, tears splashing onto the
paper as I held it. He was being medically discharged soon. He was going to be home with me. He was excited to be with me while we had children and lived our lives together, outside of the fear of war.

I dropped the letter on the ground and let out a pained sob. My heart felt like it had just been
ripped out. He was so excited to come home. He was meant to be home in a few weeks, but
he is gone instead. I clutched the letter with one hand and my stomach with the other as my tears continued flowing.

He was never going to be able to meet his son.

author, Writing

Haunted Dreams: A Poem

emilieturner95

Whispers echo through my mind
breaking down a shattered wall
I built it once to save myself
a promise I would never fall.

Little words can mean so much
and tear out a person’s heart
‘I love you’ means the greatest thing
until the meaning comes apart.

Through my twisted thoughts
not a single truth passes
and every moment moving faster
as the life before me crashes.

My heart aches more with every beat
blood flowing thick and strong
my cries search out in darkness
like an untold heartbreak song.

You took all that remained of me
shattered heart and darkened soul
I believed the words you said to me
my pain now burdened as the toll.

If I could savour one last wish
to cleanse myself of what may seem
my only choice flow’s crimson red
and leads me into haunted dreams.

author, University, Writing

Getting Back Into The Groove

emilieturner95

“You can make anything by writing.”

C.S. Lewis

Holidays are well and truly behind us now! It’s still surreal to think that we’re in January 2022, but here we are! I’m starting to get back into my groove now and get back into my daily writing routine!

It’s definitely a different routine than I’m used to. I’m used to quite a rigid routine, but with a 3 month old a rigid routine isn’t really possible. His nap lengths vary and some days he sleeps 45 minutes and other days it’s 2 hours. I use his nap times as my writing time, and I have to be flexible about when I write and for how long.

It was definitely easier last year to find time for writing. My priorities did change drastically last year, but I was able to schedule my time and knew when I was working or doing University or writing. Now, it’s anyone’s guess really. My son may have a basic routine, but it can definitely change a lot.

I have had to find time wherever I can. I find he takes his longest naps in the morning, so I try to smash out some writing during that time. I will then usually edit during his afternoon naps, which tend to be about 45mins – 80mins. They are shorter nap lengths so I can edit quickly during that time.

638 Be Flexible Photos - Free & Royalty-Free Stock Photos from Dreamstime

I will be putting my son first throughout each day. If he is fussy one day and fighting naps I may not be able to spend time writing. It’s hard for an over-scheduler like me to accept this, but I’ve learnt over the past few months to really be more flexible and not schedule every second of my day.

My schedule will have to change again when Uni goes back. I will have to use his morning nap time as my University time, which means I’ll be writing in the afternoons and when he goes to bed. It’ll be tough juggling all the commitments, but I’m determined to give it a shot and work through it.

“You should write because you love the shape of stories and sentences and the creation of different words on a page. Writing comes from reading, and reading is the finest teacher of how to write.”

Annie Proulx

I love writing and it will always be my passion. I want to continue writing throughout my days and I’m sure that because I love it so much, I will find the time.

t’s exhausting, but these times are also fun. I’m eager to go through the year and see how my writing goes amongst my family commitments. It’s going to be a hectic and interesting year for sure!

author, holidays, Writing

Welcome To The New Year!

emilieturner95

“Enter this new year with a gratitude for this new chance to create your dreams.“

Avina Celeste

Hello 2022! It’s crazy that we’re already in 2022. I feel like it was only just 2021. SO much happened last year and it completely flew by me. It didn’t help that Australia continued to be in constant COVID lockdowns for all of 2021. Not being able to do much does make the year kind of fly by, just like having a baby makes time speed up so much.

2022 is already looking so different than 2021! Australia is finally opening up to the rest of the world again and the states are starting to feel less like independent countries. Granted, we are still going up and down with restrictions and lockdowns, but all in all it’s looking a lot better than 2021!

White Calendar on Glass Vase

I have so much planned for 2022. I don’t know how much I will get done, but I’m looking forward to hitting some goals. I am still studying but I also want to put my book into some publishers soon, add a baby on top and my year is going to be crazy!

I am looking forward to finally putting COVID madness behind us and moving forward this year. I’m excited to watch my son grow up and continue to put my effort into my writing and get it out into the world. My plans changed dramatically last year when I found out I was pregnant, but now that my son is here I know I can keep to a plan to edit and publish my book. Other plans go to the wayside since I have such a small child, though.

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.“

Edith Lovejoy Pierce

There are so many opportunities for 2022 and I can’t wait to see what the year brings. Now that the holiday season is over I’m going to crack down on my writing once again. I always take a bit of a break in December, since it’s such a hectic time, and January is the time to pick it up again!

I really can’t wait to see what 2022 brings. It’s crazy to think it’s already a new year, but bring it on!

author, holidays, Writing

It’s Almost 2022!

emilieturner95

“New year is the glittering light to brighten the dream-lined pathway of future.“

Munia Khan

How fast has 2021 flown by!? It’s crazy to think that Christmas is already behind us and New Years is just around the corner! This year came and went so fast – I’m still processing 2020 and here comes 2022.

I already know that 2022 is going to be very different than previous years. I currently have a 3 month old and he’s just going to get bigger and moving more this year! So many firsts are bound to happen and that’s so exciting.

I really want to crack down on editing my novels this year. It’s been hard to maintain momentum throughout 2021 due to pregnancy and having a baby and so many other things happening throughout the year. We were thrown a lot of curveballs but I’m excited about how 2021 went for us and our family and I’m equally as excited about moving into 2022.

White Spiral Notebook on Brown Wooden Table

2022 is going to be an exciting year. There’s so much happening this year and so much to do! It’s about time I get my novel into the world, and I’m on the final chapters for editing. My goal is definitely to get my novel published. It will be hard and a long journey but I’m determined to get it into the world!

“In order to be successful in the new year, stay focused, develop a positive attitude and be passionate with your dreams.“

Bamigboye Olurotimi

I did have the same goal for 2021, but due to many things popping up I wasn’t able to get as much done as I wanted. It can be easy to get down on yourself when you don’t meet your goals, but I changed my mindset. My goals simply changed in 2021. I had a baby, my family became priority and writing took a backseat.

2022 is open for more writing opportunities! My boy is growing up and already starting to take some decent naps at particular times of the day, he’s setting his own schedule which gives me time to write. I’m excited to get cracking on my writing more during these down times and pushing forward with my writing!

Stay tuned, hopefully my novel will be getting published soon and you guys will be the first to know!

author, holidays, Writing

Christmas: A Poem

emilieturner95

Mistletoe is hanging from the ceiling,
A wreath is covering the door.
Everything is red, green and gold,
There are Christmas decorations galore.

The Christmas tree sits in the corner,
With many presents on the floor.
Just waiting for that winter morning,
When the children cease to snore.

That cold, winter’s morning,
The children will be keen.
They will dash down the stairs,
To discover that Santa has been.

The yells and cries of excitement,
Will echo through the space.
As they rip open the wrapping paper,
As if it is a race.

The parents will love watching,
Although tired from Christmas Eve.
For they know it won’t be long,
Until their children no longer believe.