Category Archives: Anthology

Historical Fiction Sample in Written Across the Genres

Rice fields in water ponds PhillipinesReme Pick is writing a book called The Yoke.  It’s a true story set in the Philippines. The excerpt in my anthology, Written Across the Genres is about Reme running from the Japanese planes with  her newborn son, Charlie, her mother and younger sister, Alice. They left their nipa house and headed for a boat that would be leaving in 45 minutes for Manila. They had to wade through four rice fields during the night for a safer escape. Here are a few paragraphs.

“Reme, I hear a plane,” Alice said, “what should we do?”

We have the bilaos on our heads, so from above, they will think we are rice women. Just keep moving. We are safer in the rice fields than out in the open. It may just be a reconnaissance plane, but from which side, we will not know.”

They had almost reached the end of the fourth rice field when Reme said, “Mom, I am so itchy. I want to scratch, but I can’t move with the baby on top. We are coming to the opening; can you take the baby so I can scratch?”

Alice screamed when she saw Reme out of the water. Black leeches covered Reme’s back and armpits. Alice had them all over her legs and body and Aida had a few on her back and legs.

“Wait until I light my cigarette. That is the only thing that will make these creatures let go,” Aida said. She struck a match and lit the brown cigarette. Aida and Alice had removed the basket with the baby and the statue of the Virgin Mary.

“Hurry, Mother, it is so itchy,” Reme said.  trying to pull the long wormy parasite from under her arm.

Aida yelled, “Don’t do that. You will pull your whole arm off before these bloodsuckers will let go.”

The leeches fell off as soon as Aida touched them with the brown cigarette’s lighted end. Reme scratched the bitten parts of her skin. She shivered in the cold air of the early morning.

 

This excerpt is one of many tension-filled experiences Reme describes in The Yoke.

 

 

 

 

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The Free “Time To Write And Color Mini Book” Is Available Now

tools for arleenes storysign up sign on gearThe sign up is ready. Paula fixed the glitch while she was traveling. She’s the best. People who have signed up for this blog years, weeks, days, hours or possibly minutes ago will still need to sign up to receive the mini book and alerts to my new posts.

Plus, the first person who comments the correct answer to what author the man in the mini coloring book is reading will receive a free copy of my anthology, Written Across the Genres.

 

FrontCover of Written Across the GenresHI

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Story Accepted for Publication

Row boat on lake for waitingLos Positas College accepted my story called “Waiting” for their 2015 anthology.

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Interview with Jordan Bernal

d-jordan-bernalJordan Bernal is president of The California Writers Club, Tri-Valley Writers Chapter. She has won awards for her recently published novel, The Keepers of Eire, and has several stories and poems in various publications.

In my anthology, Written Across the Genres, Jordan has an essay titled “Reflections”, a poem called “Dreams”,  and a novel excerpt from The Keepers of Eire. An interview with her is below.

Julaina:  Who is your favorite author and genre?

Jordan: I love Anne McCaffrey. Her Dragonriders of Pern series encouraged me to use my imagination. I was able to delve into the world of dragons and become a dragonrider—how fantastic is that?

Julaina:  Why do you write?

Jordan: When I read I want to immerse myself in another world, another life, not the ordinary. My writing is a way to share my love of dragons and imagination with others.

Julaina:  Where do you like to write?

Jordan: I write in various places: the Danville library or Peet’s Coffee are the most prevalent. I like to put in my ear buds and crank up the music in my iPod shuffle, so once I’m in the zone, the location doesn’t really register with me. I just need a place where I’m not interrupted.

Julaina: What are you working on now?

Jordan: Book 2 of my Keepers series, The Keepers of Caledonia.

Julaina: Looking forward to Books 2 and 3. Thanks, Jordan.

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Quote about Choices by Brodi Ashton

Brodi Ashton in Everneath said “Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.”

I’m editing submissions I have received for my new anthology, Choices.

The entries to my poetry contest about choices are with my poet/friend judges. Winners will be announced in early August.

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