Where do you stand on fanfiction?

While Surfing the internet I noticed a few debates between authors and fans regarding fanfiction. I’ve always thought of fanfiction as the ultimate tribute to an author or story. Think about it for a second… Your dreams, thoughts, ideas are now affecting another individual’s imagination. Out of all the things to think about, they are thinking about your work, your ideas, being a part of your world. To me that is amazing!

The story doesn’t end with the final stroke of your pen or keyboard. Now if your work is being used for monetary gain by someone else, then that I am against 100%. Well I guess each to their own.

Take a look at the picture below and notice the black and white pencil drawing. It was done by a 14 year old who created the cat character to fight the heroes of a popular cartoon show called Adventure Time.

The kid's name Gunnar Gilmore of Orange City had his picture sent to the cartoon network studio. The creators of adventures time loved it so much, that they placed the character in the cartoon show. Now what if the studio had sent this kid cease and desist letter? He did after all use a character that was not created by him and placed it in a fanfiction picture. I loved when this cartoon was advertised on the air as fanfiction comes to life. Because the child did not receive a cease and desist letter, but had his creation added to the show he loved, I could imagine that was a dream come true for him. Now the cartoon network is being flooded with thousands of pictures from kids who are interested in getting their characters on the show. I thought everyone was a child at heart. A child can dream can’t they?

So I am wondering, where do you stand on fanfiction?

First book is being edited!

Anyone that knows me personally knows I hate editing with a passion!  That is something that I am working on because it is part of writing.  My first book "Raina: Intertwined Hearts" has been sent out to be edited by professionals and will be returned to me by next month.  Right now I am currently working on book two and I can't find the words to express how it feels to actually see things moving forward.

As a writer I am growing with each passing day.  I know I will continue to have errors and misuse words but that is something I am working on.  I just want to say thanks for following and I am not going anywhere for a long time.  This weekend I am promising that I will be more active on the social networks and to the blogs I follow.  God bless you all for reading!


Excerpt from first book:
Sample!

http://renenightingale.blogspot.com/2011/05/raina-hearts-intertwined-sample.html

Major update coming!

I would like to thank the 52 followers I have!  I know it has been a long time since I've done an update and I apologize.  In the next two weeks I will be updating to make the page more professional and more and more pleasant on the eyes.  Right now it is gloomy even though I am using my favorite colors. 

The passing of time?

Well I know it has been a long time my beloved friends and family (even the crazy ones!).  One thing that came to mind and it was how do you properly established time in a story?  I know it is a strange question, but are there any particular rules that you followed while writing in order to stay within a certain timeline?

Personally I started to use page count to monitor hours/days passing by.  This however forced me to page count and it took the fun out writing.  Now I just write and let the changes in the environment reflect time passing.  I am also planning to do this using seasons as well. 

So do you all have a certain method/rule/trick that you use to show the passing of time?



Also this week I will be giving out The Liebster Blog award to 5 of my followers!

What is your writing space like?

I often hear authors complain about not having peace and quiet in their writing space (workplace). I've never actually thought about my surroundings when I write. As many of you should know by now I suffer from A.D.H.D. I am all over the place. But my workspace can't be quiet. I need music, television, or even someone around me while I write. Don't get me wrong, I can write in complete silence, but the best comes out when I have other things around me.

So tell me what is your writing space/workplace like?

What Motivates You To Write?

Only one question keeps coming to mind every time I hold a pen in my hand, or I sit down in front of that empty screen. What motivates me to write? I can easily say it is fun, I love to do it, I want to be published, etc… My motivation is to just get the stories and people out of my head. Yes, I am sick of having stories in my head that only I know about. I want others to spread the stories I daydream about.

I never knew there was so much power in a writer’s hands. One can make it rain, make it snow, or make it rain food from the sky. We have so many choices at our disposal. At times I do feel overwhelm. It’s a challenge choosing a few ideas to put on paper. I do it because I want others to see what I see through my eyes.


So what motivates you to write?

Missing you so much!

I will be off the internet for a few days. Hopefully I will be back by Saturday to update my blog. I apologize for neglecting my blogging responsibilities :P

I appreciate everyone that follows me and takes the time to look through my craziness.

Just know that even though I don't post a comment on your blogs, I read all updates. And yes I have wayyyyy too much time on my hands lol. Love all your talented and wonderful people, and I hope to see you real soon.

I am making great progress with my current novel and I will update you all really soon. I am hoping (fingers crossed) to release it by Halloween.

The Breakup Letter

I got this great idea from my friend L.J.! She wrote a Dear John type letter to Writer's Block, breaking up with it. Below is mines, but what would you write to Writer's Block?



My letter to Writer’s Block:

Dear Writer’s Block,
I am going to be up front and tell you that me and you are done! The time we shared I could never forget in a million years. You were able to bring out the best of me on numerous occasions. For some reason you always liked being on top, but I did everything in my power to change positions. Looking down into your eyes from above, brought me to level of pleasure I’ve never experienced in my life. I was doing things I never knew I could do. I want to confess that you were my first roadblock on my path of success. I became addicted to you, and you were drug of choice. Over the years, you have kept returning to me and I was there with open arms ready to embrace you. I was a fool in love with the excitement you brought into my life. I didn’t want to stand on my own two feet because I was depending on you to challenge me once again.

You knew very well what kind of person I was before you got with me. I was jealous of everyone who had you when you were not with me. I knew the things you could do to a person and I envied them. I noticed when your other lovers had gotten over you; they were more confident and brilliant than ever before. They made me remember our first time together and it made me longing for your return.


Even when I first got over losing you the millionth time, I entertained the thought of you coming back into my life. You reminded me of that Beyonce song “irreplaceable”. The lyric of that song describes how I am happy you are no longer with me. I have new lovers in my life and they are inspiring, creative and show me nothing but unconditional love. I sing these two verses from the song in memory of you:

To the left, to the left
To the left, to the left
To the left, to the left
Everything you own in the box to the left
To the left, to the left
Don't you ever for a second get to thinking you're irreplaceable

You must not know 'bout me
You must not know 'bout me
I can have another you in a minute
Matter fact he'll be here in a minute, baby


Good bye forever,
R.N.

P.S. Its you with the problem, not me!

Missing in Action?

I haven't really posted anything for a few weeks now. Personal issues in life have been hindering me, but now I am finally back!

If you missed me, then be happy to see me again. If you didn't like me, please let me know so I can talk about you every chance I get. You know I love you!

The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award!

I was given my first blogger award this week (The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award) by the beautiful, talented and beloved Anita Grace Howard!

There are requirements for accepting the award. The most important one is that it must be passed on to others. The other rules are listed below the list of award winners I've chosen.

Thank you, Anita. *drooling* over strawberries!

Bequeathed to:

L.J.
L.A. Sherman
Robbi Bryant
Catherine Mesick
comicbookgrrl
Sassypiehole


And along with the strawberry goodness comes these original rules:

The original rules:

1. Thank and link to the person who nominated you.
2. Share seven random facts about yourself.
3. Pass the award along to 5 deserving blogging buddies.
4. Contact those buddies to congratulate them

OR

My new rules...

Replace #2 above with one sentence that best describes who you are.

Must give the award to at least 6 people instead of 5.



1. I was nominated by Anita Grace Howard!


2.

I want to be called a storyteller.

I need to learn how to swim.

My kids are angels to everyone else, but little imps to me.

Don't really care for sports.

I really need to get a kindle.

Writing was always a hobby of mines.

I count the spouse as an extra kid in the house.


3. My list is above.


4. Everyone contacted.

Congratulations to all of the winners! More awards coming real soon! I am going to be honest, I don't like to visit any of your blogs, because it makes me feel like an amateur. Okay I said it, I am jealous of you all!

Raina: Hearts Intertwined (Sample)

As everyone expected from my cover, yes I am releasing a vampire novel expected to be released this Summer. I've decided to post a sample from the book. If you like it then hit the like button. Sorry at this time I can't locate the dislike button. Hope you enjoy.





Sample from Raina: Hearts Intertwined By Rene Nightingale


Raina Sanchez
[Journal Entry]

      There I was just staring up at the sky, and suddenly the warm blood trickling down my legs distracted me. I reached down slowly and touched above my knees. The blood was bright red, warm, wet, and sticky. Touching it gave me mixed feelings. I was disgusted and intrigued at the same time. The familiar pain I felt in my stomach signified it was that time of the month again. Sometimes it would last 3 to 7 days, but lately its been lasting two whole weeks. This was a monthly ritual that I never got used to having. Feelings of self-hatred and loathing came upon me again and I kneeled over in agonizing pain, accepting it. Some of my so-called days, I felt beautiful and alive but today was not one of them. It was a bad day and I felt ugly; I felt I was a monster and I was getting what monsters like me deserved. Painfully I screamed out at the top of the lungs, “Please God take the pain away!” Before I uttered the last word, tears started falling from my eyes. There I was, an unattractive, unwanted, unclean woman lying in a puddle of blood. If that was part of living than I truly had nothing to live for.

      My pain was unimaginable. Every month the pain I experienced was more than just physical pain. The pain I felt was more emotional and spiritual. I felt like pulling my hair out from its roots. Anything I could think of to get my mind off the pain was a welcome distraction. With one hand, I quickly released my hair from its braid, allowing it to fall to the ground soaking in the pool of blood along with the rest of me. I gripped a handful of hair with one hand ready to start pulling it out to escape my hell for a brief moment. I screamed aloud, “No!” I told myself I refused to lose my mind at a time like this. I sat back and let my legs dangle over the mountain’s edge. I could see the forest below me. If I were to jump, it would probably be a 500-foot drop. Such a drop would be enough to kill any normal human being. Today was the day I would end this thing I called my life. No longer would I have to feel this way ever again.

      I saw the Sun start to rise in the distance. Its light slowly moved across the forest floor below me. I thought about it and now it was the time to just jump. I stood up slowly and looked around the darkness that would soon fade away after my next step over the edge. It would be so easy if an angel would just come, take me away from this place, and end my suffering. The light of the sun slowly climbed up the mountain towards me.

      I gained enough courage to take the step which would decide my fate. My entire body moved and I accepted the consequences of my action. My step was not forward but backwards. I reached down and picked up the body of my prey that still was alive. The wolf’s blood still dripped into the puddle it made earlier. I turned and entered my cave seconds before the sun light could reach me.
    
      As the wolf lay whimpering in the corner of the cave, its eyes were filled with sadness and tears. So much blood went to waste outside of the cave and I still had the hunger upon me. The darkness surrounded me, and all I could focus on was the wolf’s heartbeat and its fear, which was calling out to me. This was another day that I had found the willpower to continue existing in this world. It is too bad that the wolf’s life would end that day. My fangs slowly started to descend from my upper jaw and my mind went blank. The beast’s fear and despair in its eyes dragged me into a state of ecstasy. With my fangs now fully erect, I bit down on the wolf’s neck as hard as I could. I heard the snapping sound of bones breaking within my mouth. I continued to drink from its sweet nectar until its beating heart stopped or the nectar no longer flowed, whatever came first. I didn't remember.

© Rene Nightingale 2011

Mother's Day and Alone Time

Believe it or not, I like to spend as much time as I can alone.  When I look at myself I don't see an antisocial person, but I see a person who definitely knows the importance of alone time.  One would think such talk would come from a loner.  Don't get the wrong idea bout me!  I enjoy spending time with family and friends just like the next person.  But I am my own best friend.  It been a few years since my mother went on to another place.  I smile every time I think about how much she loved me.  When I was sick she never left my bedside.  She always pressured me to do the right things regardless of what she did herself.  She was a great listener and always gave me the right advice.  Even though most or sad when their parents move on, I am not.  I am happy for the short time I had with her, and I am thankful she has left to join with the Lord.  I will see her again so I am not sad at all.   Happy Mother's Day all!

Doubts On Writing

Today started off as a great day, but as the day went by things changed.  I have to sit down and evaluate my life.  What do I want from writing?  I don't care about fame or money, hell I don't even care if I never get published.  What I do care about is telling a story to a person willing to listen.  Stories can go on forever and that is what I want.  When I am dead and buried, I would find truly happiness knowing my stories put a smile on someone's face.

Born Free - Random Poetry

BORN FREE
By R. Nightingale

I was born free,
no master or chains to hold me.
Silence falls upon my ears,
such freedom why the tears?

A desire to fill my emptiness,
loneliness is my temptress.
If I had one wish,
it would be to feel death's kiss.

Full of pride, still dead inside,
I question if I were still alive.
Already I have truly died,
without the Lord at my side.

I give my freedom away freely,
for the Lord will dwell with me.
Gladly I wear my chains,
for the joy my master brings.

Sitting waiting to hear his call,
my tears no longer fall.
Truly a master and a friend,
from the beginning to the end.

Good times and bad times.

I am a strong believer in the fact that all people will experience good times and bad times in life.  But the question that rings in my head is "when is my good times going to come?"  I have faith it will come my way.  I know if all it takes is enough faith to equal a mustard seed, then I have more then enough.

Its very easy to forget the good things a person has going for themselves.  I am blessed for waking up this morning and having a roof over my head.  It seems I am already experiencing my good times.  I am blessed!

Thoughts on my first book. Pt2

Okay I wanted to give up writing for good, but the pen kept calling me back.  There I was sitting down in front of the paper holding my pen and writing.  Then one day I looked down and saw I had finished my first book.  I read the story over and over and it was just what I had envisioned in my head!  If you have a story to tell, don't let anything stop you from getting it out to the world!  Keep pushing forward and never look back!

Thoughts on my first book.

Looking at what I had written, I felt a strong sense of pride!  I still remember putting my first words on paper and thinking this will just take a few weeks.  Those few weeks turned into a couple of years.  I dropped my pen many times, wanting to just walk away and forget that I even had a story to tell.
(To Be Continued)