Writing 101: Day 13: Compose A Series of Vignettes; “In Another Life”

 

In another life, Ella would have been happy. Jack would be by her side, holding her close to him, whispering in her ear how much he needed her, how much he loved her. She loved the feel of his breath on her skin. The heat of their closeness sent chills down her body and awakened an urge deep inside.

In another life, Jack would be standing in front of her, tugging at the hem of her shirt, pulling it over her head. Ella following his lead with her arms above her with her heart thumping like a beat of a drum. As Ella’s shirt hit the floor, Jack’s lips are on hers like bees to sweet honey.

In another life, Ella would have been driving to the beach. She wouldn’t have let him drink so much. They wouldn’t have had that argument. She would have fought harder to keep him at the house where they could have stayed in bed, losing each other in their fiery touch. They would have fallen asleep in each others arms.

In another life, Jack would have seen the car cutting him off in time. The car wouldn’t have flipped in the blink of an eye. Ella’s screams wouldn’t have been the last sound he would ever hear again. Jack’s lifeless body wouldn’t have been pulled out of a mangled car. Ella wouldn’t have been screaming for her love as she fought paramedics into unconsciousness.

In another life, Ella would remember who she was. She wouldn’t spend her days in a cold room with strangers dressed in white, telling her that she was lucky to be alive. Staring into a mirror for hours on end, Ella willed her memory to return. Where did her golden locks come from? What did these hazel eyes see in twenty-three years of life? She would know why she dreamt of a dark-haired man who knew how to touch her in ways that brightened the darkness of her memories.

© Stephanie Cardozo and Stephanie Cardozo, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Stephanie Cardozo and Stephanie Cardozo with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

The Love of A Friend; (Continuation of Living In A Nightmare)

**This is the second part to “Living In A Nightmare” ** Enjoy! 🙂

 I woke up to the sound of my alarm coming from the floor beside my bed. Unwillingly, I threw the covers off and kicked my big furry friend to the floor, reaching for my phone. The closer the alarm sounded, the more it seemed to ring inside my head. I felt like I woke up with the biggest hangover of my life, although I’ve never been drunk before. I’ve seen Sloane wake up with one and I imagined this is exactly what it must feel like. Sloane said it felt like being hit by a truck and well, that’s exactly what I felt at the moment. Except the truck that hit me last night was in the form of a hundred and twenty pound woman.

I turned off my alarm and looked down to examine my aching body. I had two bruises on my left arm and a few scratches. I lifted my shirt and gently touched both sides of my ribs and there was a lump on the left with a nice shade of purple to go with it. I relived each moment whenever I inhaled too deep and I thought I must be dreaming, I thought I’d wake up from this awful nightmare. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a nightmare and I had to get ready to go to school, pain or no pain. There was nothing that would keep me in this house anyway and I got up as quickly as I could manage, I grabbed the first t-shirt and jeans I laid eyes on. Not my best ensemble but it was simple and I needed to get out of this poisoned room as fast as possible.

I shimmied into my skinny jeans and pulled my little grey t-shirt over my head and grabbed my phone to text Sloane. It was six forty-five and Sloane already texted me that she would be on her way in five minutes. That gave me just enough time to wash up and pull my hair in a ponytail.

I grabbed my backpack and quietly made my way to the bathroom so I could get ready and walk out the door unoticed.I didn’t want to leave a chance to bump into my mother. Even though I figured with as much as she had to drink last night, it would take an entire army to wake her.

I washed up and neatly tied my curls in a pony in record time. I heard Sloane pull up outside, I walked to the coat closet near the front door and slipped on my black Vans and bolted out like a bat out of hell. I rushed over to Sloane’s car and her smile faded as soon as I got closer to the door. I jumped in and slammed the door with more force than I meant to. Sloane’s eyes were on me like a hawk and I couldn’t bring myself to meet them.

“Please, just drive.” It was a plea in itself and Sloane knew not to ask, just do what her best friend asked of her and I loved her for that. She drove off and slowed down as we entered the school zone. It was still early so we sat in the car with that grew larger and as heavy as a tractor sitting on my chest. I knew she was waiting for me to start but I didn’t know where to begin.

“You want to tell me what happened babe?” She asked as she placed a careful hand on my shoulder. I looked from my trembling hands to her face and began to cry.

“Oh— hey, sweetheart. Damn it. It was your mother wasn’t it? Did she get wasted again?” She asked with far too much anger in her voice as she leaned in to hug me. I hunched over to lean in to her embrace and let myself cry violently in my best friends arms.

“I… I just don’t know why she has to be so damn cruel.” I said through heavy cries.

“It’s alright, Lydia I have you okay. You can totally stay at my place until things blow over with your mom.”  Staying at Sloane’s place wasn’t exactly ideal. Her parents were always fighting but anything was better than being at home with a monster of a mother. Although, Sloane’s mother has always asked a thousand and one questions when I was over. It’s almost as if she got a kick out of hearing my sorry stories of a shattered home.

“Thanks.” I said as I wiped my face with the back of my hand.

“You know I’m always here for you, babe.” Sloane turned the key in the ignition and left the school grounds, speeding off towards her house. I must have dozed off because it seemed like we were there in the blink of an eye. Sloane nudged my shoulder before she opened her door.

“We’re here, Lyd. Let’s hurry up before my parents wake up. I’m sure my mom will have s list of questions when she sees you.

“Yeah, okay.” I said as I forced myself out of the car. I just wanted the night to be over. I felt like I had been up for days. I would think I’d be used to my mothers outbursts by now. I have been dealing with them for as long as I could remember after all.

“Try not to make any noise okay.” Sloane unlocked the door, put her finger to her lips as if I didn’t already know the drill. I nodded and locked the door behind me. We tip-toed all the way down the dark hall and made it to her room without waking her parents. I sighed in relief as I dropped my bag and kicked off my shoes.

Sloane flicked the light switch to her bedside lamp, revealing a mess of clothes on her bed and floor. Smiling, I walked over and helped pick up the mess, throwing it to side so we could worry about it tomorrow.

“I just want to sleep for a week.” I said. Wriggling out of my jeans, Sloane tossed me some cotton shorts. I slid them on and climbed into her bed first so I could lay by the wall.

“I know. Me too, babe but unfortunately, we don’t have a week. We have about three hours before my parents get up so get some rest and we’ll go grab some food at the town square, okay?” She said with a wink. I nodded and slid over a bit to make more room for her. Sloane shut the light and as we lay there silent with morning light creeping through the blinds, I thought how peaceful I felt and wished that once I fell asleep, I would never wake up.

Sloane let out a deep sigh and grabbed my hand. “You know you’ll never be like her, right?”

I was shocked and not exactly surprised that my best friend already knew one of my darkest fears, becoming my mother.

“Yeah, I know.” I said as I gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

“I love you,Lyd.”

“Love you too, Sloane.” I sunk deeper into the pillow and at last, everything went dark.

© Stephanie Cardozo and Stephanie Cardozo, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Stephanie Cardozo and Stephanie Cardozo with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Writing 101: Playing With Word Count

Day 12

Not My Type

He stood there staring with his dark eyes. Pretending to be interested in my cup, I looked into it wishing I hadn’t worn the red lipstick. I grabbed a napkin from the table behind me and there she was, staring with eyes of gold, pulling me into her beauty.

 

© Stephanie Cardozo and Stephanie Cardozo, 2015. 

Writing 101: Update Over A Cup Of Coffee

Day 10

If we were having coffee right now…. I’d be asking if you were ready for one of my favorite holidays! Fall and Winter are my most favorite time of year! Let’s talk costumes, beautiful colors falling off the trees around us! Bring on the weather change! I’m so ready to ditch my sandals and cut off shirts for sweaters and boots!

xo

© Stephanie Cardozo and Stephanie Cardozo, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Stephanie Cardozo and Stephanie Cardozo with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Special Announcement!! New Book Alert!

Hello my friends! I am so excited to announce that the second volume of The Scribes Anthology Series is coming out October 1st!

If you are looking for a spooky read to bring in the holiday then I suggest picking this up! 🙂

“Do you love Halloween as much as we do here at the Scribes Collaborative? Then you won’t want to miss out on our upcoming Halloween anthology. With plenty of spooky, creepy, and downright ghastly stories, Trick or Treat is sure to leave you shivering under the covers.”

A group of writers have worked together to bring us some creepy tales that are sure to raise the hairs on your neck and I for one, can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!

Get your copy here.

The first volume is another series of short holiday stories; “Around The Fire”, be sure to check it out as well!

Want to know more about these awesome writers? Click here and be sure to follow their accounts so you don’t miss out on what else they have in store for us!

Happy reading my friends and sweet nightmares to you all!

xo

Source: http://scribesanthologyse.wix.com/series

Liebster Blog Award

I am so excited to share that I have been nominated for the Liebster Blog Award by Kathie Gregory who is also a blogger in this awesome community. I had the pleasure of meeting her in the Writing 101 course.  Please check out her Blog and get to know this awesome animal behaviorist and trainer! 🙂

Here are the rules:

Mention/Link/Thank the blog that nominated you

Answer the nominee’s 11 questions

Nominate 11 small bloggers and link them below

Create 11 questions of your own (for your nominated blogs to answer)

Notify your names via social media

Here are the questions given to me and my answers:

1 What is your favourite cuisine?

I absolutely love vegetarian meals. I was a vegetarian for about ten months and have recently transitioned back to a selected few of white meats only. All things vegetables are just my go to because it tastes great, I love seeing a colorful plate, and I feel amazing after eating a clean meal. 🙂

2. What’s your ideal day?

My ideal day is waking up very early, getting the kids ready for school, knocking out all the chores, working out, yoga practice, meditation, personal development reading, meal prepping, connecting with awesome people, reading fiction, knocking out schoolwork early, freewriting for a solid two hours straight, and quietly drinking tea while journaling and listening to Coldplay. 😉

3. What inspires or influences your writing?

Life inspires me. Beautiful sunny days, a clear heart and mind after meditation, the sweet calming feeling I get when rain falls and the sky goes gloomy; so many things inspire me. Living inspires me so as long as I am alive, I will write.

4. Is the glass half-full or half-empty?

Ha! Does the toilet paper go over or under? I suppose we will never really know. It’s really all on how you view things. I say, the glass is half full.

5. Who inspires you?

People inspire me. Those who fight for what they believe in, who create the life they so desire by hard work and determination, who choose to really live instead of settle for mediocrity are who inspire me.

6. What is your favourite book?

This question, I feel like it’s a loaded gun. It’s a trap for avid readers and writers. There are too many! I will say However, the last book that had me head over heels was The Wrath & The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh It was an amazing read and I simply can not wait until next year to devour the sequel!

7. Why did you start a blog?

I started my blog because I felt I had things to offer the world. With a love of life, reading, writing, meeting people, making true connections through common ground, jumping into a pool filled with others who want to be heard just intrigued me. I’m glad I made the leap because I’ve met amazing people and I’ve learned a lot about who I am as a writer while pushing myself out of my comfort zone and sharing my thoughts, interests, my work, my love;  turns out, people actually dig it 🙂

8. What is your favourite animal and why?

Cat! Oh, how I love cats! I love how regal they look to me, how they lounge around and come and go as they please.

9. If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would it be, and why?

Europe! I would love to go backpacking and see all of Europe! I have always been fascinated with the culture and architecture and I picture myself roaming beautiful places as I take note of each scene for stories I have yet to write.

10. What job did you want to do as a child? What job do you have now?

When I was very young I remember saying I wanted to be a nurse. Now I am a stay at home mom, wellness coach, writer, college student, and well, I suppose I’m still a nurse in some ways as I tend to my family when they are ill 🙂

11. If you could tell your past self advice in one sentence, it would be?

Believe in yourself, you can do anything and be anything!

Here are my nominations!

https://storiesandscribblings.wordpress.com/

https://humaaq.wordpress.com/

https://blabberwockying.wordpress.com/

https://charsgirl.wordpress.com/

https://koolitzable.wordpress.com/

http://acookingpotandtwistedtales.com/

http://johannamassey.com/

https://lifeamongtheflowers.wordpress.com/

https://peoplethingsandlife.wordpress.com/

https://disheveledstoryofeverything.wordpress.com/

http://marquessamatthews.com/

Below are my questions for my nominees!

1. What is your favorite time of day and why?

2. If you could be a superhero, who would you be and why?

3. What is your favorite sweet treat?

4. What inspired you to start your blog?

5. What is your favorite season and why?

6. Who is your favorite author?

7. What three words best describe you?

8. What is your favorite hobby?

9. What is your favorite childhood memory?

10.What animal would best describe your personality and why?

11.If you could wish for one thing at this moment, what would it be?

Thank you again to Kathie for nominating me!

Congratulations to the bloggers I’ve nominated and I look forward to reading your posts!

xo

© Stephanie Cardozo and Stephanie Cardozo, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Stephanie Cardozo and Stephanie Cardozo with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl; Book Review

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

View all my reviews

Click above to read my review!

Happy Reading!

xo-Steph

Writing 101: Reinvent The Letter Format; A Letter To My Younger Self

Day 9

Dear fourteen year old me,

This is a letter of apology. This is a letter of unprofessed love. This is a letter of warning, of empowerment, and of assurance.

Life is going to suck for a while. This is the cold truth and I wish it were different. You will go through things that no teen should. Things that no human being should go through but you will survive them. You will feel like no one cares, like you are not loved. Oh but sweet child, you are very loved and there are people who care and will show you the love you deserve. It will take time to get to this place. You will be an adult and have children of your own when you get there but darlin’, you will get there.

You will get lost along the way but you are so much stronger than you know. I’m so sorry you weren’t hugged enough.

I’m sorry you weren’t told, “I love you” enough. I’m sorry you were left alone and it will cause you to find attention in dark shadows, in beautifully masked demons that will hold you back from shining like the bright light you are.

I’m sorry that you will be sad for so many years and point fingers at all the wrong people.

Sweet girl, you are beautiful inside and out and you have something special to offer the world. You will have two beautiful girls that will drive you mad but are worth it all. Waking up to their smiles will give you strength and hope for a beautiful future. You will have people in your life that will help you be the best version of you and remind you why you are the awesome and most unique you. There is only one you and never wish to be anyone but. You may wish to disappear from the world in which you live, the darkness will frighten you to the bone but you are brighter than that darkness. Your inner strength equals to a thousand men, although you may not feel it. You will survive, you will live and give life. You will inspire and motivate others. You will make positive changes in the world and help build a happy home.

You will smile, you will be hugged and told, “I love you” every single day.

With Love,

Me

© Stephanie Cardozo and Stephanie Cardozo, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Stephanie Cardozo and Stephanie Cardozo with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Writing 101: Expand A Comment

Day 8

You can go here to check out the comment that the lovely JoHanna Massey left on my blog.

Wise? Who? Wait, Me?

Most of the time I pretty much spill a lot of word vomit and hope no one drowns in it while coming across my blog.

To be able to get any reaction at all is pretty awesome but to have people really like what you have to say even when you think you’re having one of those “meh” kind of days, it’s absolutely humbling and my heart just swells with happiness. No, seriously. My heart is on the verge of exploding rainbow-colored confetti and smiling emoji’s.

So, thank you for simply browsing even if you’re not actually reading 🙂

xo-Steph

© Stephanie Cardozo and Stephanie Cardozo, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Stephanie Cardozo and Stephanie Cardozo with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Writing 101: Hook ’em with a quote

Day 7

This is definitely one of those, go big or go home kind of quotes. I tend to deter myself from what I should be doing in order to get myself closer to my goals. Yes, I can openly admit that I literally kick myself in the ass sometimes. It’s a human thing, I’m pretty sure you’ve done it to. It’s all good though, cause when I’ve finished kicking my own ass I remember why I started my path to living the life I’ve always wanted, I dust my ass off and continue the journey.

Writing, it’s a huge pain in the ass, no pun intended. Sometimes I wake up and I feel like the all mighty writing beast that I am and write until all my characters have successfully screwed one another over, fallen in and out of dirty uncontrollable love, dug themselves into a deep hole of “holy fuckness, why did I do this to myself?” kind of mess, and so on. Oh, and other days I wake up and seriously consider changing my creative writing major to something more practical because why in the hell would anyone want to be a writer?

I fight through these inner wars and drill into this mind, this not so screwed up, creative, beautifully dark mind of mine that I am flippin’ good, no, great enough to write whatever the hell I want because the passion, the fire, the need is so damn real and it must be shared. I love my craft so much and believe in it so deeply that I will push it to the limit and beyond. I will dream big and fly. My heart is my guide, every beat will take me further and there’s no going back.

xo

© Stephanie Cardozo and Stephanie Cardozo, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Stephanie Cardozo and Stephanie Cardozo with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.