NO GOOD DEED FREE FOR REST OF NIGHT

http://tinyurl.com/ljludxe 

My short story will be free on amazon through tonight 2/8/15. Grab a copy and you can say 'you read some Drew today'.

Thomas awakened from a horrible nightmare.

The people in it were covered with a translucent, grotesque images,with beast-like features.

He shakes off the dream and begins his day, but

is horrified when he steps onto the bus and sees

over half of the passengers are encased by

the same frightening monsters.

Beautiful Carla is on the bus as usual.

The apparitions are not new to her and she

fears Thomas's reaction places him in grave danger.

Ignoring her own peril, she ushers him off the bus and together

they flee through the back streets and alleyways of the city.

The creatures are everywhere.

And all of them have the scent.

They circle like a pack,

closing in,

each wanting their portion.

Thomas wants his world back.

Carla knows that world never existed.

NO STRUGGLE, NO REWARD

copyright 2015 by Andy Sweet

The string loosens, the bow snaps and I shoot my endeavor

into the void where predators perch, crouch, or stalk,

then sacrifice a dive, a pounce, or a charge to capture

and savor the succulent flesh.

I cast down my labor, dying and dead,

where above vultures circle without effort,

using the heated, stinking updrafts only and

descend, put down and gorge on the putrid carrion.

Would not the meat be sweeter had it

life and hope?

Drew Adams

Journal of Lamentations

NO GOOD DEED (goes unpunished?)

This sixteen page short story evoked a bit of a conundrum for me. One reader considered its author...uh...me, to be a psycho, while another considered the piece "just plain sick". 

So, honesty's in play here. Should an author censor himself, or allow a work to 'become', as it develops, without curving or shading effects to the sensibilities of potential readers.

Part of the problem? I write romance, without morbid creatures, or grotesque descriptors and in truth, I'm not sure I would want any of those readers to fall prey to my dark side. Therefore, I've added the word Horror to the subtitle. Fair warning I hope. In truth, I've seen worse psychosis and sickness on the news, particularly if you read or view politics. Sorry, I couldn't help myself. This story will be out soon and I hope those of you who dare to walk on the wild side will give it a read.

Thomas awakened from a horrible nightmare.

The people in it were covered with a translucent, grotesque images,

with beast-like features.

He shakes off the dream and begins his day, but

is horrified when he steps onto the bus and sees

over half of the passengers are encased by

the same frightening monsters.

Beautiful Carla is on the bus as usual.

The apparitions are not new to her and she

fears Thomas's reaction places him in grave danger.

Ignoring her own peril, she ushers him off the bus and together

they flee through the back streets and alleyways of the city.

The creatures are everywhere.

And all of them have the scent.

They circle like a pack,

closing in,

each wanting their portion.

Thomas wants his world back.

Carla knows that world never existed.

SOMETIMES YOU FEEL LIKE...

I WAS FEELING PHILOSOPHICAL.

Give a little credit, please!

I just watched Transcendence' and I must say it takes artificial intelligence to a new level. I enjoyed very much, but as a writer, I always look for the author. Whether screenplay, or novel, someone had to write it. Well, I never saw it in the credits. Why is it that the author behind the work is usually mentioned at the very end of the work or not at all. I mean, sure, the actors often make or break a film, as can the director, but without the creation of the story, there would be no characters to interpret, no story to tell, hell, no story period.

I know veteran authors will say, welcome to the world of writing. Yep, guess so and it explains much about the publishing world as well as Hollywood. No respect for the writer. Little pay, hey, we've got it now, you just go play around on your computer.

For your information, Transcendence was written by Jack Paglen. I admit I know none of the circumstances involved in the creation of this film. If he truly wrote it, I should think some credit would be due. Perhaps not. Maybe he was just the dialogist. Sorry, I invented that word. So, as I'm talking out of the wrong orifice now, for the correct one knows better, I'll shut the hell up. Wanted to vent. Thanks.

What makes a professional?

I read a post about what makes a writer a professional writer. Although some attribute lofty requirements, the gist of most, was getting paid. I thought about this a bit. I am paid for my novels and short stories, by the reader, via amazon. Not a lot, though the royalty percentages are good, you still have to sell. Also, there is some expense, so to be a 'professional', must you see a profit? And, is any profit, no matter how marginal, the litmus test of being a professional?

I'm an RN. A member of a profession. There are serious requirements. You must know medications, be aware of the side affects and correct dosing(just because a doctor prescribed it does not relieve you of the responsibility, should it be incorrect). Additionally, you must continually assess your patients, note changes and keep the doctors informed. There is a

long list of things you must know and do, like most professions.

Sometimes, you have to clean butts. I'm paid for this so I suppose you could call me a 'professional butt cleaner'.

I thought I was until I helped an aide with this chore. This person has no degree, just a certificate, but is paid, though if you've ever observed what they do, it's not nearly enough.

I watched this person perform the task quickly, thoroughly and in my eyes, like a master artist. This butt was cleaned gently, powdered, bedding changed and all the while, kept the patient comfortable, warm and at ease.

I felt ashamed and from that point on, made it my goal to be the best 'butt cleaner' I could be. I remain clumsy in this endeavor and will probably never achieve the level of the aide. Still, I aspire.

So, what makes a writer, a 'professional writer'? I really haven't a clue, but I think there must be a level of care and aspiration. As in any profession, a level of knowledge and skill must be applied. And, getting paid isn't bad either.

I may never reach the level of  'butt cleaning' as the professional I witnessed. I may never attain the level of writing as the successful authors I've read. I have errors and bad habits, so ingrained, they most certainly will seep into my work. Yet, I aspire to be better, and I care, for the story, the characters, and the readers.

I guess this makes me just 'a writer'.

THE ORNAMENT IS LIVE ON AMAZON. GET YOUR CRY ON!

http://tinyurl.com/lu3g87h


The Ornament is live on Amazon, just 99 cents, click on above link.

THE ORNAMENT LIVE ON AMAZON 12/12/14

The Ornament will go live (He said optimistically) tomorrow, Friday 12/12/14. This was intended to be a short story, but grew, and grew and...well...it's around 65 pages. There's mystery and romance and family. I must say writing it was a revelation for me and I hope for you that read it as well. 

Merry Christmas.

At sixteen, Riley Fowler was

lost, wet and cold.

She sought only shelter,

but found a loving home.

That was four years ago.

Now, she strikes out on her own,

A Christmas ornament stirs memories.

She dreams of the birth of her daughter

and losing her, all in the same day.

A journey begins.

She is determined to take back

what was torn away.

Deceit and danger block the path,

but the quest reveals a wealth

of love standing by her all the while.

She has only to receive it.

THE ORNAMENT: COMING TO AMAZON.COM THIS WEEKEND!

                         At sixteen, Riley Fowler was

lost, wet and cold.

She sought only shelter,

but found a loving home.

That was four years ago.

Now, she strikes out on her own,

A Christmas ornament stirs memories.

She dreams of the birth of her daughter

and losing her, all in the same day.

A journey begins.

She is determined to take back

what was torn away.

Deceit and danger block the path,

but the quest reveals a wealth

of love standing by her all the while.

                                                 She has only to receive it.

Look for my new Novella this weekend on amazon.com.

HOW DO YOU FIGHT YOUR MUSE? DON'T!

: Left-2013 Christmas Story

: Right-2014 Christmas Story
















ABOUT THE ORNAMENT:

I've been on a writing binge for the last three days and I can smell...I mean tell. I've come up for air to play on FB a little The problem is a decision I made last year, after writing a Christmas short story, to publish one each year. Innocent enough, Huh?

Then the monster got loose. Most short stories average between 3-5 thousand words. Last year's story hit 9k. This one is really misbehaving. 17000 words (around 50 pages) and I am only now glimpsing the end. The characters just will not shut up.

And, you know what? I'm through trying to stop them. They and the story deserve not to be stifled.

So, for the few of you that read my work, be patient. It may not go live until Christmas Eve. But they and I (the characters) will rest little until at last, I can type, THE END.

I guess I'll have to change the cover to a '...novella by DREW ADAMS.