Fairy Ring – Yearning for Wonderland

A Room of My Own: Steven Watson

Today we are featuring flash fiction writer and general good guy, Steven Watson (@ashviper on Twitter). Steven was actually one of the winners of the Fairy Ring Contest. He has a blog called Stuck In My Own Mind – be sure to check it out!

Q: Please describe your space, describing any features that make it extra special to you.
A: Extra geeky with all the books, comics, statues, figures, autographs, art, etc. Most of the stuff that makes me, well me. One day I hope to have an actually office where I can fix it to display stuff of the sort instead of all grouped together in one place.

Q: What is your favorite/most inspiring object in this room?

A: Everything is inspiring in its own way, but the most important thing to me here is the shelf which you can’t see the contents of in the picture. Within is a notebook (one you get your senior year in high school that I never actually filled out) filled with cards, notes, pictures, etc. All stuff I’ve accumulated from I believe as far back as my freshman year in high school.

If it/someone is of some importance to me or made an impact in my life there is a chance there is something about them there. And greeting cards, not many, just the ones that mean something. Back up disks of writings, pictures, etc. And several notes given to me over the years and any little item of importance to me and my past. One day I may take and actually scrapbook all the stuff together.

Q: What rituals do you go thru when you want to write in this space?

A: Music. It motivates me and I’ve found with my head phones on I’m able to block out any distractions when I go to write (well, except facebook/twitter, they still get in).

Q: Any other details you would like to share about your special room.

A: Nothing really special about it. It’s just me.

Thanks to Steven for sharing his Room with us. Want to share your Room? Email me at annabbps AT gmail.com with a photo and answer the above questions.

Keep an eye on this space for more writers/artists and their inspirational spaces!

See the spaces of other creatives in “A Room of My Own”!

Once Upon a Time Writing Contest

10,000 tweets! And here is the big news!

I don’t know if I’m a glutton for punishment or just love quality flash fiction, but I feel the hankering coming on for another flash fiction writing contest. In the wake of the phenomenal success that was the Fairy Ring Writing contest, I would like to offer up another whimsical outlet for your creative pleasure.

There will be surprises, twists, turns, tears and triumphs! <--- Yes, that is a teaser.

I will be co-hosting this flash fiction contest with the lovely Susi Holliday, aka @sjiholliday. Check out her blog here.

And so, without further ado (I say this entirely without irony to my Twitter friends), I announce the Once Upon a Time Writing Contest to be coming soon! You can receive news and updates via #ouatwriting on Twitter. Watch Yearning for Wonderland or @ruanna3 at Twitter for more details, theme, and prize information!

I shan’t give away the theme today, but you can perhaps get an inkling from the title. Fear not, however, it shall be glorious!

Art by Bill Carman, zaniness by me.

Illustrating "Violets" – Bringing Your Story to Life

The Fairy Ring Contest is finally over and, despite the fact I have lapsed into a semi-comatose state, it was easily one of the most rewarding writing experiences of my life. I met dozens of new writers and saw old friends create literary magic of their own.

I was awed by the willingness of all these creative people to donate their time, energy and brilliance to my little contest. One of these creators is Tina Ramey, an extremely talented designer.

Tina kindly donated an illustrated PDF to the winner of The Fairy Ring Twitter #FanFav contest, Ruth Long (@bullishink) and her entry “The Scourge of Clan Bethmoora”.

Check out the amazing job Tina did (jpeg of first page):

Tina found appropriate artwork, contacted the artist for permission and did a magnificent layout of Ruth’s story.

I was so charmed by the beauty of this work, I asked Tina pretty please for a illustration of “Violets”, my own Fairy Ring entry. She sent me this loveliness (jpeg of first page):

I loved it so much I wanted to offer her services to my writer friends. Tina has put together a page detailing her services; she has a short fiction special rate offered (see comments below) for Fairy Ring writers and fans of my blog. She can assist with all your digital publication needs, whether it be a tiny piece of flash fiction or your NaNoWriMo novella.

At only $15 for a 2 page flash fiction, you can’t afford not to have a great-looking presentation for your short fiction for your blog or portfolio site! Go see Tina and get your own pages of loveliness.