It's an interactive short story contest! Well, it's not a contest as much as a fun project where you can get involved.
It looks like I'll be moving soon, and since I write my novels on the computer and it'll have to be turned off and shipped to the new location (yes, the idea is disconcerting but I'll have my backups on my trusty jump drive), I think I'll use the time to work on a new short story, going back to my old tradition of paper and pencil.
About what? I don't know yet. That's where you come in.
Are you interested in being a character or helping to build a plot? Simple ... answer the following questions and post them on my message board (the password to get in is raucous at the moment) with your first name only (or nickname) and I'll choose whatever most strikes my muse to develop a story around. If I use your character or setting, I'll mail you a copy of the finished story, signed with a thank you. And you'll get bragging rights when I add it to my site as a free read.
Please note: all rights to the story remain with the author, with the right to publish granted and no financial compensation given, so if you're a writer, do not use your characters or plot info! I'm looking for readers interested in being an interactive part of writing.
Also note: I do not do horror, sci fi, or suspense and will delete any post rated over PG-13.
Post comments here, but answers to the questions ONLY on my message board: http://www.voy.com/198742/
No deadline as of now since I have no actual moving date yet. I'll update.
Have fun!
~~ ~~ ~~
What one song most describes who you are?
If you could go anywhere on earth, where would you go and why?
If you were interviewing someone for a potential date and had only one question to ask, what would it be?
What one event in your life most affected your personality or future actions?
Do you have a nickname? How did you get it? If not, what would you choose as a nickname and why?
If you were a car, what kind would you be?
Do you have any odd hobbies?
What theme would you use for your bedroom if money was no object? Describe it.
If you were in a story, which role would you play (lead, supporting, best friend, nemesis...)?
BONUS for those who have read my work: Which of my characters are you most like or would you most want to be?
**Not all questions must be answered to participate, but give me enough to go on.**
Friday, July 27, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
100 Things About Duncan O'Neil
Surveys are passed around online constantly. They can be great fun, but for authors, they can also be an incredible tool. I'm a writer who believes an author should know main characters inside and out. In that vein, here is one of my main characters:
Duncan O’Neil
(from the novel Rehearsal: A Different Drummer by LK Hunsaker)
**as of March 1974
1. WHERE IS ONE OF YOUR SCARS AND HOW DID YOU GET IT?
I ‘ave a couple on my legs from playin’ rugby in younger days.
2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
I do no’ put anything on walls where I stay, as I would only have t’ take them down again when I leave.
3. IF YOU COULD BE AN ANIMAL, WHICH WOULD IT BE?
Likely a lion or tiger.
4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
Rock mostly: Clapton, Zeppelin, Eagles, Skynyrd, and anything done well.
5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
Nah, only the day. I am sure mum could say off the top o’ her head.
6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
a reason no’ to keep moving
7. WHO DO YOU MISS?
I do no’ let myself think of it.
8. WHAT IS (ARE) YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)?
My guitar -- a ’65 Fender Mustang I picked up second-hand years ago, the leather vest that gives some warmth as I need, Mum’s ring that hangs on a chain under my shirt
9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?
5’9”
10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
Nah, bu’ I like open spaces as I can find them. Tops of mountains are good.
11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
Only if there is something particular in the dark t’ be worried about.
12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
I would ‘ave been too young t’ remember.
14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Doesnae matter, as long as she looks no’ too fake.
15. HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE PROPOSED TO?
I would nae expect t’ be proposed to, unless y’ mean other than marriage. Subtle propositions are more likely t’ appeal t’ me for anything else y’ have in mind.
16. COFFEE OR TEA?
Coffee, black and strong.
17. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
Sausage and anything else y’ want to put on. I am no’ particular.
18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Steak, medium rare, and potatoes, any way.
20. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH RIGHT NOW?
Nah, I donae have crushes. I am interested for a time or I am not. If she is no’ interested, I donae bother worryin’ about it.
21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
My sis saved up wha’ever money she could from helping with neighbor’s kids or chores one year and gave it t’ me to help buy the Mustang t’ replace the cheap acoustic I ‘ad been using. She ‘ad been wanting t’ get a good camera bu’ gave it up for the guitar. I am hopin’ to be able t’ get her any camera her heart is set on when I see her again.
22. WHAT WAS THE LAST ALBUM YOU BOUGHT?
Eric Clapton
23. NAME SOMETHING YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH.
To play with a band with a lo’ of skill and heart, and t’ write something that was worth writing.
24. FAVORITE CLOTHING?
Comfortable and well-fit.
26. DO YOU HAVE A PET?
Nah, I ‘ave enough of a time feeding myself dependin’ on the day.
27. NAME SOMETHING YOU REGRET.
Leavin’.
28. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THE PERSON IS ALREADY TAKEN?
Fallin’ in love is not something I need a’ the present, taken or not. If I started to go for someone taken, I would likely pick up and ge’ away from it.
29. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TELL SOMEONE HOW MUCH THEY MEAN TO YOU?
If they mean something t’ you, it should no’ be hard t’ say it.
30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED:
Why?
31. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT NUMBER?
32 WHAT IS THE NUMBER YOU CALL MOST OFTEN?
Ev’s, bu’ I am more likely t’ write him.
34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA?
All my life until a few years ago, since I was born in the UK.
35. YOUR WEAKNESSES?
Living with guilt of wha’ I ‘ave done wrong. I would guess it is true of everyone.
36. MET ANYONE FAMOUS?
No’ that I know of. I ‘ave met many people from everywhere and ‘ave no’ bothered to ask if they are famous or if they are not. It doesnae matter t’ me if they are.
37. FIRST JOB?
Worked my father’s farm from the time I was small.
38. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX?
Playin’ guitar. Running early mornings while the sun is still tryin’ to come up.
41. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED THIS OUT?
Takin’ a shower to ge’ rid of the smoke from the bar I am workin’ at.
40. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY?
No, bu’ I have helped with two or three.
42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
The guitar. Wha’ else would there be? Mostly girls lookin’ for a fling.
44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
I donae acknowledge my birthday.
45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT?
I donae know that I do. If it was the right circumstance, maybe two or four. I cannae see a girl wanting that with me.
46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No’ that I know of. I ‘ave not bothered t’ ask.
49. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?
Wha’ever is cheapest. Soap, most often.
50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
I can read it.
51. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Hamburger, bu’ anything will work
52. ANY BAD HABITS?
I would guess I ‘ave several, bu’ since I live alone, it doesnae matter much.
53. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Not likely. I would no’ have the patience t’ deal with someone like myself. Ev has the patience of Job.
56. DO LOOKS MATTER?
Yeah, bu’ not as much as attitude.
57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?
I go running or I walk in the rain at night.
60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
We didnae have toys. Mum took us ou’ to walk or play in the sand if we had time work didnae need t’ be done.
61. HOW MANY BIRTHDAYS DO YOU KNOW OFF-HAND?
Mum’s, Laura’s, Danny’s, Ev’s.
62. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE HALLOWEEN COSTUME OF ALL TIME?
We didnae have Halloween. The ones I have enjoyed seeing in the States are the homemade ones tha’ look like the kids thought them up on their own.
63. BATHS OR SHOWERS?
Showers, with hot water when I can ge’ it.
64. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE?
potatoes
65. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PARTNER?
genuineness and honesty – hard to find in the places I ‘ave been
66. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
At home they called me DJ but I donae go by that here.
68. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?
I donae usually have a TV available and I donae usually miss having it.
70. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Vanilla – it goes best with pecan pie
71. HAVE YOU BEEN ARRESTED?
No’ yet.
73. PLANS FOR TONIGHT?
Sleep – it’s past night already and into morning
74. WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU HAVE?
I donae have a car.
75. WHAT KIND WOULD YOU HAVE IF MONEY WAS NO OBJECT?
Harley Davidson Sportster
76. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RECENTLY?
Whatever the band I play with wants t’ do or whatever is on the box when the band is no’ playing.
77. LAST THING YOU DRANK?
a beer at Sam’s
78. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Ev
79. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX?
How she holds herself – the attitude she carries.
81. FAVORITE SMELL?
The trace of shampoo in the hair of a girl just out of the shower.
82. FAVORITE MONTH OF THE YEAR?
Anytime it is no’ too hot. September is good weather here.
85. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?
brown
86. EYE COLOR?
blue
87. FAVORITE BOOK?
I donae read books much, but Dr. Jekyll was good.
88. FAVORITE COLOR?
red
89. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
I donae have one.
90. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?
I can eat it bu’ I donae have much interest.
91. LAST THING YOU WATCHED?
Last interesting thing? Mel throwing two young asses ou’ of the bar for breakin’ up her chairs.
92. WHEN YOU HAVE GOOD NEWS, WHO IS THE FIRST PERSON YOU WANT TO TELL?
Laura
93. PLAY ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS?
Guitar.
94. REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT?
Maybe I will be someday.
95. KISSES OR HUGS?
Depends who they are from. A girl who is good at kissing is nice t’ find.
96. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?
Which d’ I have or which d’ I want? Are y’ offering?
97. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT?
A hamburger and greasy chips, or fries as they are called here.
100. DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE.
I donae have one t’ talk about in the last few weeks. It is up and down, bu’ I am no’ sure I would call it a “love” life, more a companionship search.
Duncan O’Neil
(from the novel Rehearsal: A Different Drummer by LK Hunsaker)
**as of March 1974
1. WHERE IS ONE OF YOUR SCARS AND HOW DID YOU GET IT?
I ‘ave a couple on my legs from playin’ rugby in younger days.
2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
I do no’ put anything on walls where I stay, as I would only have t’ take them down again when I leave.
3. IF YOU COULD BE AN ANIMAL, WHICH WOULD IT BE?
Likely a lion or tiger.
4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
Rock mostly: Clapton, Zeppelin, Eagles, Skynyrd, and anything done well.
5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
Nah, only the day. I am sure mum could say off the top o’ her head.
6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
a reason no’ to keep moving
7. WHO DO YOU MISS?
I do no’ let myself think of it.
8. WHAT IS (ARE) YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)?
My guitar -- a ’65 Fender Mustang I picked up second-hand years ago, the leather vest that gives some warmth as I need, Mum’s ring that hangs on a chain under my shirt
9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?
5’9”
10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
Nah, bu’ I like open spaces as I can find them. Tops of mountains are good.
11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
Only if there is something particular in the dark t’ be worried about.
12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
I would ‘ave been too young t’ remember.
14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Doesnae matter, as long as she looks no’ too fake.
15. HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE PROPOSED TO?
I would nae expect t’ be proposed to, unless y’ mean other than marriage. Subtle propositions are more likely t’ appeal t’ me for anything else y’ have in mind.
16. COFFEE OR TEA?
Coffee, black and strong.
17. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
Sausage and anything else y’ want to put on. I am no’ particular.
18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Steak, medium rare, and potatoes, any way.
20. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH RIGHT NOW?
Nah, I donae have crushes. I am interested for a time or I am not. If she is no’ interested, I donae bother worryin’ about it.
21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
My sis saved up wha’ever money she could from helping with neighbor’s kids or chores one year and gave it t’ me to help buy the Mustang t’ replace the cheap acoustic I ‘ad been using. She ‘ad been wanting t’ get a good camera bu’ gave it up for the guitar. I am hopin’ to be able t’ get her any camera her heart is set on when I see her again.
22. WHAT WAS THE LAST ALBUM YOU BOUGHT?
Eric Clapton
23. NAME SOMETHING YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH.
To play with a band with a lo’ of skill and heart, and t’ write something that was worth writing.
24. FAVORITE CLOTHING?
Comfortable and well-fit.
26. DO YOU HAVE A PET?
Nah, I ‘ave enough of a time feeding myself dependin’ on the day.
27. NAME SOMETHING YOU REGRET.
Leavin’.
28. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THE PERSON IS ALREADY TAKEN?
Fallin’ in love is not something I need a’ the present, taken or not. If I started to go for someone taken, I would likely pick up and ge’ away from it.
29. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TELL SOMEONE HOW MUCH THEY MEAN TO YOU?
If they mean something t’ you, it should no’ be hard t’ say it.
30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED:
Why?
31. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT NUMBER?
32 WHAT IS THE NUMBER YOU CALL MOST OFTEN?
Ev’s, bu’ I am more likely t’ write him.
34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA?
All my life until a few years ago, since I was born in the UK.
35. YOUR WEAKNESSES?
Living with guilt of wha’ I ‘ave done wrong. I would guess it is true of everyone.
36. MET ANYONE FAMOUS?
No’ that I know of. I ‘ave met many people from everywhere and ‘ave no’ bothered to ask if they are famous or if they are not. It doesnae matter t’ me if they are.
37. FIRST JOB?
Worked my father’s farm from the time I was small.
38. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX?
Playin’ guitar. Running early mornings while the sun is still tryin’ to come up.
41. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED THIS OUT?
Takin’ a shower to ge’ rid of the smoke from the bar I am workin’ at.
40. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY?
No, bu’ I have helped with two or three.
42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
The guitar. Wha’ else would there be? Mostly girls lookin’ for a fling.
44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
I donae acknowledge my birthday.
45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT?
I donae know that I do. If it was the right circumstance, maybe two or four. I cannae see a girl wanting that with me.
46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No’ that I know of. I ‘ave not bothered t’ ask.
49. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?
Wha’ever is cheapest. Soap, most often.
50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
I can read it.
51. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Hamburger, bu’ anything will work
52. ANY BAD HABITS?
I would guess I ‘ave several, bu’ since I live alone, it doesnae matter much.
53. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Not likely. I would no’ have the patience t’ deal with someone like myself. Ev has the patience of Job.
56. DO LOOKS MATTER?
Yeah, bu’ not as much as attitude.
57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?
I go running or I walk in the rain at night.
60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
We didnae have toys. Mum took us ou’ to walk or play in the sand if we had time work didnae need t’ be done.
61. HOW MANY BIRTHDAYS DO YOU KNOW OFF-HAND?
Mum’s, Laura’s, Danny’s, Ev’s.
62. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE HALLOWEEN COSTUME OF ALL TIME?
We didnae have Halloween. The ones I have enjoyed seeing in the States are the homemade ones tha’ look like the kids thought them up on their own.
63. BATHS OR SHOWERS?
Showers, with hot water when I can ge’ it.
64. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE?
potatoes
65. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PARTNER?
genuineness and honesty – hard to find in the places I ‘ave been
66. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
At home they called me DJ but I donae go by that here.
68. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?
I donae usually have a TV available and I donae usually miss having it.
70. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Vanilla – it goes best with pecan pie
71. HAVE YOU BEEN ARRESTED?
No’ yet.
73. PLANS FOR TONIGHT?
Sleep – it’s past night already and into morning
74. WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU HAVE?
I donae have a car.
75. WHAT KIND WOULD YOU HAVE IF MONEY WAS NO OBJECT?
Harley Davidson Sportster
76. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RECENTLY?
Whatever the band I play with wants t’ do or whatever is on the box when the band is no’ playing.
77. LAST THING YOU DRANK?
a beer at Sam’s
78. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Ev
79. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX?
How she holds herself – the attitude she carries.
81. FAVORITE SMELL?
The trace of shampoo in the hair of a girl just out of the shower.
82. FAVORITE MONTH OF THE YEAR?
Anytime it is no’ too hot. September is good weather here.
85. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?
brown
86. EYE COLOR?
blue
87. FAVORITE BOOK?
I donae read books much, but Dr. Jekyll was good.
88. FAVORITE COLOR?
red
89. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
I donae have one.
90. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?
I can eat it bu’ I donae have much interest.
91. LAST THING YOU WATCHED?
Last interesting thing? Mel throwing two young asses ou’ of the bar for breakin’ up her chairs.
92. WHEN YOU HAVE GOOD NEWS, WHO IS THE FIRST PERSON YOU WANT TO TELL?
Laura
93. PLAY ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS?
Guitar.
94. REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT?
Maybe I will be someday.
95. KISSES OR HUGS?
Depends who they are from. A girl who is good at kissing is nice t’ find.
96. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?
Which d’ I have or which d’ I want? Are y’ offering?
97. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT?
A hamburger and greasy chips, or fries as they are called here.
100. DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE.
I donae have one t’ talk about in the last few weeks. It is up and down, bu’ I am no’ sure I would call it a “love” life, more a companionship search.
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