February 09, 2013

Weekend Writing Warriors: Feb.10, 2013


The folks at Weekend Writing Warriors are running a weekly Eight-Sentence-Sunday blog hop. Here is how to participate:

"The rules are simple. Each week, sign up here on the Linky list . Then, on your own blog, post eight sentences from something you've written, or something you're writing, published or unpublished. The genre doesn't matter, and where you are in your writing career doesn't matter, seasoned veteran or just starting out, WeWriWa is for everyone. Be sure to include in your eight sentence post,  a link back to this site: wewriwa.com Publish your blog on Sunday. Please keep it limited to eight sentences. An admin will visit and count them.  Those over eight sentences will be removed from the list. Please visit other participants on the linky list and read their posts, comment, critique, encourage and share. NOTICE: All information and works contained on these pages are ©2013 by their respective authors. While content on this site is not for mature audiences, please note that the links to snippets could contain content that is adult in nature, thus, should only be viewed by those 18 & over." 

And that's it. 
So here are eight sentences from my current WIP, A BIRD'S EYE VIEW. This is an excerpt from The Lore of Legends, an ancient collection of myths passed down from Keeper to Keeper. It is an oral tradition, there is no written record of any part of the Lore (until now, wink). Sahlaana is The Creator and Taijala is her daughter, Guardian of the Spirit.

One day the earth trembled with a mighty roaring from the beach.
A bear swam out of the sea and stood bellowing on the shore.
The people were afraid, the bear was fierce.
The gods were afraid, where had he come from?
Taijala, Sahlaana’s only daughter, decided to speak with the bear.
The bear was sad and angry because he had lost his mate, and he’d swum for many fathoms across the Endless Sea looking for her.
Taijala wanted to comfort the bear and lay with him.
Much appeased, the bear returned to his search.

ON FEB.25 I WAS AWARDED THE FOLLOWING SONG, WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY BASAN, INSPIRED BY THIS EXCERPT (teehee!):

 

This event triggered a rebellion among the gods, which resulted in the sundering of the land into the many islands that make up the setting of my story.

So fun! Please join, I'd love to read your work.
And don't forget to read more great excerpts by the other participating WeWriWarriors!

28 comments:

  1. I like that, very poetic and it drew me in!

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    1. Aww, thanks Gemma, that's exactly what I needed to hear! Loved your 8, have (*blush*) been in that walked-in-on situation, SO mortifying, for all parties! Made me cringe and laugh.

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  2. OK wow, that definitely has the ring of a tribal folktale, wasn't expecting the ending (which of course could set up all kinds of interesting further events). Well done excerpt!

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    1. :D Thanks Veronica! Tribal folktale is exactly what it is, I'm so glad that came across (and trust me, 'all kinds of interesting events' do indeed ensue. Thanks for reading!

      As I commented on your 8: I really liked the way you gave Nick a moment of uncertainty, so refreshing.

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  3. Very neat 8! What tribe is this handed down through? Love it!!

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    1. Thanks Sara! This tale isn't handed down through any tribe that I know of, though I wouldn't be surprised if there are similar legends in Native lore, the bear is a powerful figure in many of the old stories.

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  4. I like the way that this reads like folklore or an old tale–the style is very similar to passages of the bible, for example. And interesting tale, I wonder how the "current" people interpret the tale?

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    1. Thanks Clare, that is exactly the feel I wanted to convey as this is an ancient story. Most of the "current" people don't know these old stories and those that do think they are nothing more than fairy tales. I can't wait to burst their bubbles! Thanks for reading and commenting.

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  5. Definitely want to know more! Love legends and lure! Great 8! :D

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    1. Thanks Karen! This is just a tiny snippet of the Lore that my poor protagonist has to memorize. I'll be happy to add more next weekend! Thanks for reading and commenting.

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  6. I like everything about this; the setting, the narrative and the repetitive simplicity of language. Smitten!

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    1. Wow, Dana, thank you! You've totally made my day. :)

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  7. Very well done. I love the creation myths and this one's nicely told in what, to me, sounds like authentic "myth language."

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  8. I like creation myths, too---they say so much about the culture!

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    1. And they're a blast to write! Thanks for reading and commenting Sarah.

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  9. That's quite good. Wondering what will be the outcome/consequences/results of that last bit. Could get very interesting.

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    1. Thanks Kate. There are definitely some dire consequences as a result of that last bit!

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  10. I love oral traditions. Interesting snippet!

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  11. Really, really interesting. Great snippet. I can't wait to see where this is going.

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    1. Yay, thanks A.S.! I can't wait to put up more next week. Thanks for reading and commenting!

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  12. What a great idea, and great excerpt :) really paints a wonderful and colourful world

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    1. Thanks sjp! It's fascinating to me that you (and a couple of other commentors) mention the world-building...I have used so little description! It's a great exercise in "less is more" setting development... Thank you so much for reading and commenting. :)

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  13. Hey, I loved this snippet too! I have to say, I was wondering if it was the Biblical 'lay with...' figure of speech at the end. *boggles.* Is that just me?

    Thanks for sharing with us.

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    1. Lol, it's not just you, I meant she 'lay with him' in the Biblical sense...and all kinds of drama ensues! Thanks for dropping by and reading, and especially for your kind comments. :)

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