Scribes Valley Notes

“How are you today?” We hear that question often, and usually our response is automatic: “I’m fine. How are you?” A simple and courteous exchange of pleasantries that is forgotten almost as quickly as it began. Rarely do we really care how the other person is, and vice-versa. Even if we are truly not “fine” we shy away from voicing it. We don’t want to bother anyone with our problems. Of course, there are some who have no qualms about laying out their issues in graphic detail, but most of us just respond, smile, and move on. But is this a good thing? Maybe not. Maybe we should stop and run an inventory of ourselves. Maybe we should take time to ensure that we are actually fine and be thankful that we are. We’re all so eager to complain about our aches and pains and how bad our day is going, but do we ever stop and realize that we are truly doing well? Think back to the last problem you had with your body. Toothache? Sore joint? Cold sore? Constipation? Now, think about...

Ladies and gentleman, the Amberstrong family proudly presents their fifth annual Christmas Joy Display! Over one-point-five million lights and sounds of the Season, guaranteed to give you the Christmas spirit!               Night exploded into artificial day and a shockwave of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” caused the crowd to take an involuntary step back. People shielded their eyes as they watched the Amberstrong house and grounds come alive with over twenty artificial Christmas trees and at least that many real ones. Dozens of plastic Santa Clauses, candy canes, reindeer, penguins, elves, gingerbread houses, and other items twinkled, blinked, and flashed, a plastic jungle synchronized to music that I could actually feel in my chest.             My eyes could take only about a minute of this assault before I had to turn away. A man next to me appeared to be shout...

Scribes Valley is pleased to announce the winners of our 2012 writing contest: Karen Dorsey                   The Book Ronna L. Edelstein          Wednesday Night Girl David Empey                   Cow and Cat Alex G. Friedman            The World Beyond the Shell Kathleen Ratcliffe            Hell Found Me Carrie Rogers                   At Your Grave I Stand Mary Smith                      A Haunted House Rachel Worrall          ...

I enjoy visiting aquariums and zoos. However, while the displays of many and varied fish and animal species amaze me, I usually find myself much more fascinated by another species. You know the species I mean: bipedal, sporting opposable thumbs, mostly hairless, and pays the admission price at the front door. That’s right, the human species. Below are my zoo and aquarium notes and observations on this species. Knowitallus Speakupus : This member of the species is usually leading a pack of its own offspring. As it approaches a display, it loudly announces the species being displayed, adding an I-am-way-too-smart-to-be-among-the-common-populace quality to its voice. Most of the time its announcement is word-for-word what is on the plaque mounted next to the display, but since it thinks no other member of the species can read as well as it does, it continues to enlighten everyone within earshot. Potcallingus Kettleblackia : There’s one in every group declaring, “Man, that ...

WRITING TIP: Be careful how you word things. In this case, just one unnecessary word completely ruins the intention of what this person wanted to say. Found this sentence recently on the Internet. It was posted by a person looking for a house to rent, and he/she sounded desperate: “In need of a new place to live badly!”   One could (and should) take this as: “The place where I’m living badly now no longer meets my needs, so I’m looking for a new place in which to continue living badly.”   Wow, nothing like trying to improve your way of life! It would be better—and keep the intended meaning—if stated: “In need of a new place to live!” Simple and to the point.   The deadline for our writing contest is quickly approaching. Join those who have already entered our annual contest. Click to see complete details .

For the tenth annual Scribes Valley Short Story Writing Contest, we are looking for stories that enthrall us, leave us breathless, make us say “Wow!” and stay in our minds even weeks after we read them. You've worked hard on your story, studied every word, developed characters so real you know them personally, and created a setting which pulls readers out of the real world. Don’t keep it to yourself! Let others read it. Let US read it!

IT'S MURDER! CRIME SCENE:       The Chiseler's Inn THE VICTIM:       Sheriff Moose Perry THE SUSPECT:       Sam Maple, leader of Cougarville, a small gathering of gypsies PROSECUTOR:       Regan Candolin, an alcoholic, domineering attorney with everything to lose ONLY PERSON WHO KNOWS THE TRUE KILLER:       Lolly Candolin, a young girl who wants nothing more than her father's love Will Lolly keep quiet, let an innocent man die, and win her father's approval; or will she speak up and risk losing her father forever? So much pressure on such a young girl. LESSONS FROM THE GYPSY CAMP, the fascinating debut novel by Elizabeth Appell, has all the answers. Presented in both hardcover and KINDLE editions, Lessons From the Gypsy Camp enjoys top rankings on Amazon: 4.7 out of 5 stars! “One reason for not being angry is that you might go to ...