Welcome to the revamp of the WMG Blogazine
It has taken a bit of time to get here but all worth it. I feel it’s a great and exciting way to feature writers and their works. Since the group opened its doors in November07, it had intentions of helping writers promote and expose their works in various places and platforms around the internet. I have tested a few avenues, some which have shown slow and steady success and others which died a quick and painless death. The group began with a handful of members back in 07. Now in 2008, the group has over 600. As the group motto suggests, “Writers Evolving Together”, I hope to offer greater avenues and see if this group can be something much more for writers and their works. Inside this issue is a revamp of all the previous special features from the blogazine site, which will remain open for nostagiac viewing. Also are group notices and upcoming challenges/competitions from other Red Bubble writing groups and outside organisations Next quarter, I intend to showcase a fresh range of works and writers, plus offer an update on Red Bubble and the group. So, I hope you enjoy this issue and bookmark us for the next one. xx Ronnie Group Host
Red Bubble.Com Groups Short Stories - Spherical Scriptings Flash Fiction A Novel Idea Graphic Scratch Twisted Tales All Things Poetic, Prose, Philosophical Art and Stories Made For Children Blue Room
Writing Organisations Writing.com Worthy of Publishing Booksquare Duotrope’s Digest Baen Books Chronicles Network Mystic Moon Press Amira Press
Featured Writers Danny Nolan Kate Smith Hilary Dougill Natella2020 Gayla Drummond Nicole Ryan Michael Alesich Girlinthestars JC Montgomery
All works featured remain copyrighted to the respective writers and artists
Writer’s Tools & Reference Dictionary.com Miss Snark Preditors & Editors NSW Writing Centre (AU) FAW(AU) Talent Database
Features 01
The following are the recent special features of the old style blogazine. Words of stories, quotes and profiles remain the property of the writers and artists.
Kate Smith
The story’s blurb below: Ariel Thorne coincidence.
does
not
believe
in
She doesn’t believe in curses either. But the increasingly odd and dangerous events around Wishbone Street have her believing one thing absolutely: Something’s going to snap. Wishbone has since called out a related story titled Zap - Pandora’s Edge.
Since the dawning of Red Bubble, we have seen writers either come and go or stay on and shine before our very eyes. One of the writers who has been around from the beginning and doing very well for herself is Kate Smith (also known as Empress). Not only was her short story entry in the Unleashed07 competition a winner, she since has had a few stories published as eBooks or in online ezines with various independent publishers. Her stories can be found at Mobipocket, Fictionwise and with publisher Mystic Moon Press. You can also listen to her story “Bad Hair Nights” via Parade of Phantoms or if you wish to read the story, purchase a copy at MMP. One of her first and successful stories with Mystic Moon Press is Wishbone. A mystery/ crime/fantasy wonder mix. “I love blending flashing dialogue between two characters with an ensemble cast, even if most of them are off stage for most of the action. It’s my way of building a world and inviting the reader in…” says Kate.
“Zap for example takes place during the first half of Wishbone; one of my first published stories The Dominant Rose links to the last chapter,” Kate explains. I highly recommend reading both. If Wishbone and Zap leaves you hanging for more, never fear as Kate hints there is another part in the works. “There’s the unfinished novel that started it all currently titled Welcome Home. I’ve taken it out of the file for the first time in years. It has good bones.” Looking forward to seeing this instalment. Kate is a work-horse when it comes to writing that I sometimes wonder if she has time for anything else. At Red Bubble, she co-hosts the Short Stories - Spherical Scriptings group with Damian (who has been featured here previously) and has been involved in collaborations with other artists. One of the collaborations has opened the way to her new blog site The Sirens Gate. As you can see, Kate truly is a motivation for writers.
Cover designed by KSeriphyn Designs for a Mystic Moon Press publication
Hilary Dougill
The Blue Vase by Hilary Dougill is a light, heart-felt short story about family relationships
and love.
Here are some of the comments the story received: this was cool liked it… Well written great stoy. Good work This is a great story Hil, I just loved it…marvellous…love a great love story… We all need one of those… Below is a snippet of the story. The Blue Vase
‘Mother. How could you?’ challenged Virginia and Cicely together. ‘The man is a guest in the house. You saw him at lunch for God’s sake Mother.’ said Cicely. ‘And to threaten someone with a loaded gun is awful.’ said Virginia. ‘Oh it isn’t loaded’ was Mother’s retort.’you don’t think I am foolish enough to point a loaded gun at someone do you?’ ‘Not loaded. Oh Mother that’s almost worse. You frightened the poor man almost to death with a empty gun. Whatever got into you?’ Click the link to read the full story.
is professional psychologist who lives in a small market town in the United Kingdom and has a PhD in Natural Medicine. Photography and writing are her hobbies. Hilary
Natella2020
Below is a snippet. Jihad
Broken ax meets solid summit Solid power, solid fear With a force of golden passion And a tide of joyous tears Click the link to read the full poem.
is a writer who is passionate about islam and science. I find her pieces are thought provoking and offers conscience messages readers can take with them. Natella2020
The word Jihad is an Arabic word which means struggle, a word which suits Natella2020 poem of the same title quite well. Jihad is a motivational and inspirational piece indicating the need to survive great odds; failing and triumphing in the end. Here are some of the comments the poem received: beautifully written Deep, Powerful imagery, very thought provoking, loved the first stanza and the second and the third, actually I can’t quite decide. I loved the title best of all, very fitting and stirring… …this is one of the best written pieces I have read to date from you. Imagery, yes – powerful, yes – but the words used and how they are constructed in the verses are outstanding…
In Natella’s words, “My goal is to start a revolution in scientific thought by adding a spark of artistic style and the eloquence and power of the written word. If I make an impression on the mind of one person, my journey will be worthwhile, and my goal accomplished.”
Gayla Drummond
by Gayla Drummond is a story of raw intensity, passion and gripping hooks that make you want to go to part 2. Shades of Gray # 1
Here are some of the comments the story received: Great stuff Gayla, really well written, and so engaging. well i’m hooked!…..off to the next bit! really felt my heart go when she thought he’d cheated! I’m enjoying reading your work; it is articulate, well polished, and flows nicely. I especially like the mood, the hint of suspense. Marvelous work!! Below is a snippet of the story. Shades of Gray #1
“Gray, I can’t just,” I begin protesting, but a finger touches my lips to silence me. His dark brown eyes gaze intently into mine. Click the link to read the full story.
Gayla has had a few titles published which are equally riveting. Her recent work up for grabs is Feral Intensity; the first of a three part contemporary fantasy. She also has had works published in “ArtWanted.com’s Creative Minds”. Aside from writing, she is a CG Artist with six years experience. Her cover art has been used for works such as Flash Swords Fantasy Magazine. At Red Bubble, she co-hosts the “A Novel Idea” writing group.
Nicole Ryan
by Nicole Ryan has a strong lyrical feel and an eerie, lingering, feeling of a woman who saw what they wanted to be and who they are now. Varga Girl
Here are some of the comments the story received: What a cool, creative concept Nicole, and the words flow right off the pages of that magazine you described beautifully. Well done! I wanted to be a Varga Girl too…..I’ve goosebumps reading this…. So real…… JFC!! and HOLY MOLY just brilliant! Below is a snippet of the story. Varga Girl
I tore you from the centre of a magazine carefully avoiding ripping holes in the underside of your elbows Click the link to read the full poem. Nicole Ryan co-ordinates
her writing with her duties of motherhood. Her writing time is similar to loose change found at the back of a lounge. She is proud mum to four beautiful children and happily married. She hopes to, one day, become a successful, published writer. With work such as Varga Girl, I can see this in the making.
Michael Alesich
The incident. A serial story revolving around an incident and lives affected by it. It’s a story so cleverly written by Michael Alesich. Here are some of the comments the story received: Ok, you got me hangin’ for the next installment!! And………….going to the next….. WoW ….curiosity is peaked lol…..Trisha xoxo Below is a snippet of the story. The Incident -1
Um…, you probably should be talking to my supervisor. Well, bad luck I’m talking to you, I might just… Bad luck girl, it’s either you or the dial tone. Next words: 60 Million Dollars keeps them alive. Click the link to read the first incident and continue the journey.
is a photographer and graphic designer with a writing talent as well. He is part of the Back Alley Atelier group. Michael Alesich
Art works by Michael which is available for viewing and purchase at Red Bubble
Girlinthestars
need to make a call or he doesn’t deserve you. Below is a snippet of the poem. Forgotten I’m broken now But I have not forgotten the way it feels To swallow And then to
rain
like
candy
drops
Stop Click the link to savour the full poem.
Forgotten is a breathtaking piece of love and passion where the words themselves form a savoury concoction that linger in you mind. Here are some of the comments the poem received: Oh my God Amy – I can’t tell you how deeply this touched me! How incredibly poignant this is and how true! Just an amazing work, my good friend! “As you rolled on top of me in the most splendid state of sweat.” Imagined or not this is really powerful, your writing has such an excellent flow to it, everything I read of yours has such a pull from one line to the next. Very nice work. You made me all misty again……..really now, is there someone behind all of this heartfelt pain? If so either you
Girlinthestars has been writing poetry since the age of fourteen. A collection of her works has been published in books which can be found at amysampsonbooks. com. When she is not writing, she is being a proud mother of a beautiful boy.
JC Montgomery
with chapters…I could go on… you’ve started something here jc LOL! Oh wow! I can only add to what is said before. This is just great! Below is a snippet of the story. Match Met Gaelan? I’m sensing a…..no….NO! Gaelan, get out. Get out now! Match Met is part of by Jcmontgomery. It’s
a serial story written an enticing read full of power plays, tension and those heart pounding moments that make you want to quickly turn to the next page. She has the gift of hooking your attention with the first three lines and keeping it right to the end. Here are some of the comments the story received: omg….this is soooo good…..i don’t want it to end like that!!! pretty please?! Brilliant piece, I really think you have something great happening here jc…it picks off beautifull from where you left off, its got suspense, excitement, gives you the story and then leaves you with little bits and pieces of infomation you want resolved. I also think you are bring each piece of the whole its own climax, kind of like a sci-fi/ fantasy/horror serial or novel
Before Gaelan could answer the room went dark. Jumping from his chair he raced around to where Devlin had been just moments before. Reaching out to grab him by the collar, Gaelan instead felt his hands go numb. It was only because of his quick reflexes that he was able to prevent them from shattering into irreparable shards. Click the link to read the full story.
Jcmontgomery is a native San Franciscan currently residing as a Northern Nevadan. Firmly believing that fulfillment doesn’t come with a dollar sign, she hopes to one day find that perfect match between her talents and someone willing to support her addiction to skinny vanilla lattes. You can also find her reading and reviewing books as The Biblio Brat and posting to her online journal Loose Leafs from a Commonplace. She also co-hosts the A Novel Idea group at Red Bubble.
Danny Nolan
Winner of the Short Stories – Spherical Scriptings group competition themed Hail Fellow, was a hilarious story titled That’s My Boy by notorious Red Bubbler Danny. Here are some of the comments the story received: Great story! I thoroughly enjoyed this! Deliciously demented and funny Second read is even better. Well done Mr N. Danny has been a member of Red Bubble since March 2007 and is well known for his gonzo style interviews and humorous stories. He is the founder of the very popular A.R.S.E group. Below is a snippet of the winning story. That’s My Boy “How’s that, you bastards?” The heavy ball sailed high and seemed to stay a split longer in the air than seemed natural and landed “plop” in the soft sand next to the jack. Click the link to read the full story.
Group News 11 The happenings of WMG and other Red Bubble writing groups The Flash Fiction Group’s latest challenge has yielded results. As per the group host’s announcement: We had lots and lots of votes but this time we had a runaway winner, with Nicole Ryan’s Universal Specification, receiving 18 points. Second goes to JCMongomery for The Burning with 10 points, while only one point behind was MickyMc’s The Cabbage Farmer. A special mention goes to Filfil and Emma Robinson who missed out on a place by only one point.The first, second and third place getters’ works will be popped into the featured section of our overview page. Well done everyone. And great writing. Their next writing challenge is the July 2nd Challenge and the Group Avatar challenge, which finish on July, 31st. A Novel Idea latest challenge is now closed and pending for results. Short Stories has released its latest competition - Revenge of The Pawn. Their details below:
You have two months to get your entries in for this Chess themed writing competition. Interpret the pieces or the game any way, any genre you want. The pieces are the King, Queen, Rook/castle, Knight, Bishop and Pawn. First Prize : US$30 Bubble voucher Runner up prize: A copy of the Gaia publication. Closes : Midnight (your time), Saturday 14th September 2008 Guest Judge : To be announced. How to enter : tag your story “Checkmate”, add it to the group and link to this forum. Word Limit : up to 2000 Multiple entries?: Enter as many stories as you like.
If there are other groups with news, competitions and/or challenges they would like to share, please send me an email at rbwmgg@gmail.com or bubble me at the WMG red bubble account.
News 12 Gayla Drummond has some of her work recently published and available for sale - HERE! Well done Gayla.
Sydney Writers’ Center Online Feature Writing course
Anne van Alkemade has accumulated interest towards her journal post, A Grim View of Life. Curious? Please read her post
Over five weeks, our Online Feature Writing course will teach you which ideas work – and where to get them, understanding the magazine/news market (so you can write for the magazines and newspapers which interest you), how to research, structure and write a feature, what editors want from a writer and how to pitch your article or idea to a magazine and sell it!
Byron Bay Writers Festival From Allen & Unwin’s newsletter
From 25 - 27 July, Byron Bay will be hosting another wonderful writers festival. There is a full program available on their website, simply go to the Byron Bay Writers Festival website and check out what’s happening. Allen & Unwin authors participating this year include: Sarah Armstrong Colin Bowles Tim Costello Irina Dunn Ross Gittins Brenden Gleason Jarad Henry Danny Katz Stefan Laszczuk Leigh Redhead Joanna Savill Margaret Simons Nury Vittachi Charlotte Wood Immerse yourself and be inspired!
Details below from their newsletter
You can do this all in your own time and at your convenience – and you’ll experience the same high quality course offered here at the centre. Here’s what past participant Susie Wicks said about the online course: “It was great being able to do it in your own time and being able to pause and rewind to listen to parts over. The question and answer format was great too, really enjoyed getting feedback from Valerie.” Course: Online Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo When: The week beginning Monday 4 August 2008 Time: Whenever it suits you Cost: $395 Click here for more information.
Welcome New Members May
Adam Stone
Estelle O’Brien
Jen Wahl
Debbie King
gretchin
fromtheheart
sometimes
DifferentSound
Spiritinme
N Kumar Bellani
dreamlucidly
mansibehal
Jackiejax
Laurie McClave
~ Ari ~
Earl McCall
Karen Helgesen
Arnold Isbister
DBALehane
hickerson
butterflysoul
janetmary
minte
CW2 = Cartoon Wizard+Color Witch
incaalpaca
jonny711
Craig Mowat
mtyokawonis
Cheryl Hall
smitisan
DuncanW
conceited karldenton binjy Isaac Joseph Rosina lamberti bubagumpshrimp cubanacan22 Jan Stead JEMproductions KelseyD RavenMayfair Crowmanic BRDennis02 substanced barnsy MaKayla Songer bonbon3272 deliriousgirl Mei Than Dalton Sayre iofthebeholder Louise Kuskovski Sally Omar TravisRussell Michael Brooks
natapee
sillabub
ltaa86
Ryan Hamilton
Teresa Schultz
Lee Travathan
George Yesthal
sunism
Amber Elizabeth Fromm
chord0
npoulton
Cathie Brooker
Richelle
friartuck
blackirish
Zaldy Infante
Mauricio Jimenez
abeigh
Silvia Manuela
mazzfarrell
Crocked
Dawnsky2
Paul McClintock
DebStuckey
Reiana
brutusB3
oscarelizondo
Youngone
Joan1970
cherryvanilla
MountScurvy
sunata
Mahjabeen Mankani
phoenixreal
wasteofpaint
sally-ann rawlinson
Limelight
Tamara Palmer
Fyfe
Jasmine Kang
June
Hena Tayeb
Siobhan Drew
scorpion
Rebecca Barksdale
CiasArt
mitzy
Shade64
Oskar
C J Lewis
Erik Hoffman
Mechellerene
VanSnuG
MichaelTravis
TonyFlanigan
Megan Dacy
Elizabeth Duncan
here goes
melodious
Ed Moore
gaypony
Show
Leahkate
Carol Smith
July mtoth Gal Lo Leggio sakuragirl whirrakee Latoya Maxwell Ray Tollady Leslie Hagen MCinKC RuthFroehlinger ellejayerose dynamopiev Tim Shaw
Gem Eve Naomi Downie Cyndianne thelotuspress journey360 write artist4peace Joshepherdripley Lys . Aloramyst libramoon IAmSam saiminyaku Vladan Radulovic Abigail Ekue-Smith webbie Georgiana Fasslebinder SoxyFleming finbar o flaherty
Bubblesphere Happenings around Red Bubble Red Bubble Contacts
GAIA Publication Red Bubble’s recent publication received a grand applause from its members and is now ready for sale. DOS Attacks Jo O’Brien alerted us to a technical problem they recently faced with the site. The problem is called Denial of Service (DOS). It’s a function which uses multiple servers to break down a site. She explains more in her journal post. Deliriousgirl Interviewed by Juliee P Pryor or maybe the other way around Either way it’s an insightful interview on an artist vision and their methods. More information can be found in the journal post. House of Siren & Publication Kate Smith is on fire when it comes to having her stories published. She has another release with Mystic Moon Press and has been busy with her site, Siren’s Gate. Her latest release from Mystic Moon Press is When the Cup is Empty and the new installment of Bad Hair Nights.
If you have news and/or journal posts you would like to include here for the next issue. Please either bubble mail me the details or send them to rbwmgg@gmail.com
Email is the preferable form of contact: support@redbubble.com If required, phone contact is 8am–6pm, Monday–Friday AEST (UTC + 10 hours). Melbourne, Australia: 1300 66 77 01 or +61 3 8415 0684 San Francisco, United States: 415 578 3308 London, United Kingdom: 020 7193 3855 NB: Phone contact is not recommended as the phone is not constantly manned. The main office Melbourne: Unit 2, 192 Argyle St, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC, 3065, Australia In the US you can send any mail (e.g. home baked cookies) to: 3925 Old Lee Hwy, Ste 200, Fairfax, VA, 22030