Story List

Character Development/ Story List Exercise.

Versitle Playlist

                 This playlist in more of a generic list I use while writing.
                    It's so versatile it works for most of my characters.


Playlist:

Awake & Alive...................Skillet
All that I Am........................Rob Thomas
American Idiot....................Green Day
Beautiful Lie.......................30 Seconds to Mars
The Bird & The Worm........The Used
Breathe In ..........................Frou Frou
Brighter...............................Paramore
Kryptonite...........................3 Doors Down
I Want You To Want Me.......Letters to Cleo
Feel Good Inc.....................Gorillaz
Broken Strings....................James Morrison
I Don't Give A Damn About My Reputation......Joan Jett

Eliane Kingsley

Braking his leg is what forced us to move. You'd never think any of this would be  because of the registry, but changes needed to be made, drastic ones. The kind that forced us to change our entire purpose for having him.

At the age of eight, Liam had fallen off his bike, because of the angle he'd been at it resulted in him braking his fibula in his right leg. I knew from the sharp and urgent cry he sobbed, it was broken. I'd never heard him cry like that before. He tried to wipe the tears away and not show any discomfort he was in, but was unable to hold any of it back. The pain was intense and my only thought was get him to the E.R.

Eminently he was taken in. While I filled out papers and called Martin to let him know what had happened the nurse took him to radiology department. Twenty minutes later I was seated by his side as the doctor reviewed the x-ray.
After a moment he looked at me, "Yep it's broken." Abrasively and he continued, "I don't see any reason to fix it, in fact I recommend donating his organs so a more deserving person can have them."

Shocked and utterly horrified by his comment I retorted, "Over a broken leg?" I paused a moment, "I'm sorry, but I don't see the problem?" Instead of looking at me directly he flipped through Liam's file.

"The problem is when people like you go and experiment with what's natural and disrupt the basic laws of nature."

"There's nothing wrong with him, it's a broken leg. And as for you telling me I've experimented with nature, you can shut the hell up!"

"Mama, if you're going to get irate I'll have to call security and have you escorted out. This is my patient and according to the laws I have the right to decide if he's fit enough to resume a healthy lifestyle. And as section 236 of the Clone Registration Act indicates I have that authority to make that decision."

His tone was belittling and arrogant as a smug smile spread across his face.  Instead of saying another word I sat there quietly, thinking what I should do. I'm sure he saw it as my way of cowering, but I could have cared less what he thought of me. He was saying all of this in front of my son. I'd run across his type before, outspoken- uninformed- and heartless toward human clones. People who didn't see them as human, like an empty shell that was disposable.

"I'll get you the forms." and he left us in the examination room. Instead of waiting for a set of forms I would never sign. I grabbed Liam.

"Where are we going?"

"Well, we're not staying here, there's no way I'll let them do anything like that to you. Let's go!" Once we reached the car I called Marten.

"You did the right thing, I'll be home in a few minutes, keep him from moving until I can set the leg."

Getting Liam to sit still was easy, it hurt too badly to move and the walk out to the car from the E.R, just about started the tears all over again. I felt so heartbroken  that I couldn't do more for the pain, a few ibuprofens, seemed to help, but really didn't do much to relieve all of the pain.

Marten picked up a few supplies for a cast and a set of crutches. Wrapping his leg beautifully, considering it had been years since he'd set a broken bone.

After a few hours, making sure Liam was completely comfortable, with a few Oxicontins and a remote. I walked back to my room. Now completely alone and the situation under control I was able to cry. Marten came in and held me.

"Did we do the right thing?" It's bad enough now. Can you even image what it might be like-"

He cut me off, "There wasn't any other way and you getting him out of there was the right thing to do. Now we know."

Sheriff Keith Parker

The bitter-sweet chocolate lingering on my tongue brought an engaging smile to my lips. With each repetitive motion the pieces crumbled inside my mouth becoming smooth while rejuvenating my senses. Everyone knew I enjoyed the occasional chocolate bar, but no one knew how necessary my desire for chocolate had become.

Not only did I crave a daily piece, but I couldn't go without it. Having become a requirement for me to cope with the days demands at the station or home for that matter. Lucky for me I had two places to stash a treat I could get my hands on unnoticed. At the station I had a top desk drawer and in the cruiser the glove compartment held anything that wouldn't melt from the desert heat.

Only on one occasion had I left a candy bar in the scorching heat of the cruiser, instead of throwing it out I chucked it into the station's fridge. Sure, it discolored the chocolate, but to me the taste wasn't any different. Chocolate was chocolate and I craved it, like some of the junkies I'd arrested. Being sheriff in these parts didn't go without a bit of trouble. Following bored and delinquent kids was part of my daily tasks. I'd grown up in the valley and could understand how boredom lead to alternative entertainment.

Not until the day I took notice of  Sharleen had I even remotely cared about any future. We'd grown up together, but like a switch being flipped, the day she walked past me in her ponytail and cheer uniform I opened up my eyes to the possibilities of her being more than just a friend. I wanted her for myself.

I thought we would end up together, but those where childish fantasies, when Joe moved to town, my life crumbled, along with every dream I once thought would happen and didn't. For me watching her life change while mine was still in shambles forced me to find my own happiness. Two years after her marriage to Joe I married Shannon. I was content with the life I'd built, by then I was working for the police station. Shannon wanted children and so to pacify her I gave in.

By the birth of my second son Sharleen gave birth to her first child, a daughter. Like a rocket, Joe walked out on Sharleen and his three month old daughter. Although I wanted to believe she was getting what she deserved, I couldn't. I felt sorry for her. My marriage vows kept me from comforting her.

Instead I looked over her daughter from a distance. When I could, I did small things for Riley, Sharleen's girl. Once while on a multi-grade field trip with my own son Riley had fallen and scraped her knee. I helped clean her up and even got the opportunity to wipe a tear. She was beautiful. At that moment I wanted her to be my daughter, not Joe's, he didn't deserve her.

Her sweet six year old voice echoed my regret, "Thank you, Mr. Parker," melting my heart. I've watched her grow up, even when she's struggled, like last year with her little adventure, I did what I could to keep her from getting a record.

Sharleen's done a good job raising her. Although we've not had many conversations together. The one we did have, Sharleen came down to the station after Riley had served her last hour of community service.

"Thank you, Keith." she said. The quiet tension between us was broken once Riley walked in, she looked at the two of us confused. Sharleen distracted her, "Riley, thank Sheriff Parker for helping."

Riley looked at me, "Thanks, for making me do community service," in a sarcastic and bitter tone, standing there with her arms crossed in front of me.
Sharleen looked at me, " Really, thanks. Giving me a smile that lit up her eyes, that's when I knew Sharleen was still as sweet as she'd always been.

And the Winner is...

First I want to thank you all for playing and for helping spread the word about my blog. Supporting me with my dream has been amazing. So, THANK YOU for being part of it.

Just so you know I'll have more contests and more fun prizes in the future. (I've already planned the next one. It's really cool.)

By now I'm sure you just want to know who won. So...The winner is

SHARXGIRL!

Congrats on your win. Entering twice really was what made you win.

Recommnedations from a Teenage Book Queen

So I have finally hacked into this blog...relax! I am just kidding. I got special permission from Tamara with an important mission; recommend some of the amazing books that I thought many of you would all enjoy.

Many of these books are YA and I have of course read them all, and many of them featuring tons of genres and twists that make you crave more.On with the books:

Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead:

These books introduce a world of vampires in a new and modern way. This book has kept me guessing from page one and I highly recommend it for those who have a fix for action, romance, and of course kick-ass vampires.This is one of those books than you just can't stop reading till you have run out of pages!

Shiver Series by Maggie Stiefvater:

I got the first book while on vacation and I ended up curled up on the couch for hours. It is an easy read but has unexpected characters that take on an unexpected challenge. These books will have you 'howling' for more. (If you didn't really get my joke, it features werewolves.)

Jessica's Guide for Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey:

I absolutely love love loved this book! With it's second installment on the way I have been dying to read it again. It is funny, romantic, has some amazing characters, and is amazingly written. For those of you who like their leading ladies with a little bite then I suggest you check this book out.

Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey:

This book had some serious chemistry! It is funny, romantic, and leaves you guessing throughout every page! I love this book and have read it about 4 times! This book was almost an extra helping and features some of the mystery from the original Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story in order to help create the plot.

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson:

I first read this book on my iPod touch and I instantly fell in love. It is based in the time of castles and wizards but is romantic and is told in multiple points of view. It is very loosely based on Sleeping Beauty and has the most gentle of men. If you like books that include damsels not wanting to be saved by the knight in shining armor all the time and evil warlocks then you need to check this book out.

Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson:

I absolutely adore these books! They feature some incredible kids with even more incredible abilities. This series has a strong plot, is funny, modern, and includes some characters to die for! (I should know, I am currently in love with one.) If you like your heroines with a feisty temper then you should already be looking this book up!

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce:

This book was one I had check out before. When I finally caved in and bought this I was so glad I did! This book had so much action, it was funny, and it had a twist that had me gasping out loud! I highly recommend this for people who enjoy those horrifying twists, killer fights, and sisterly love (you know, the kind that makes you fight werewolves).

Hush, Hush Series by Becca Fitzpatrick:

I have fallen for one of the fallen. I've never really been interested in stories about fallen angels, but boy did I change my mind after this! It is incredibly funny, has a mysterious story, and has you on the edge of your seat...metaphorically. These characters are incredible and I can't wait for the final book coming in October!

Fallen Series by Lauren Kate:

These books were pretty good. I mean I haven't read  them 5 or six times like some of the others listed above, but it was worth it! It is insanely mysterious, with even more insane characters, and will have you begging for them to get together! Seriously, I was getting annoyed with these two. But these books are such a good read and will have you warring with yourself to pick a side, Cam or Daniel?!

Choker by Elizabeth Woods:

I admit it, this book had me a little creeped out. But in a good way....that probably doesn't make sense. This book was good but had some seriously weird parts that have you trying to figure out their motives and who was actually capable. I am leaving you hanging here but I recommend this book if you like mysteries, wanna find out what the heck I am talking about, or enjoy books that need to be read in broad daylight or you'll have to sleep with the light on...not that this book does that to you...

Heist Society Series by Ally Carter:

I have saved the best for last. I read the first chapter of this then forced my parents to search the city and pound those bookstores while they were out one night. I have only one word to describe the first book: incredible. Okay I will give you more; this series is funny, featuring some of the most wonderfully sneaky characters, and has some serious cons that will make you wanna watch The Italian Job, but the best thing is that these master con artists that go up against some of the most ruthless foes, are teenagers. Ages fifteen to about twenty-one. So for all you that have ever dreamed of robbing a bank or being like Mark Wahlberg (it's an Italian Job thing) then you have to get this book! Did you know there was a con called The Princess Bride...but you need a man with six fingers.

So, that is just some of the amazing and amazing books that I have read at least twice. I have many recommendations to come and encourage you all to check these out if you ever need a good read. Happy reading!

- Teenage Book Queen

Fighting with Riley

    Usually Riley and I could joke or fiercely tease each other. But with my comment, I'd hit a nerve and hadn't meant to. She dropped the stop watch 
right there in the dirt and walked away. 
  I jumped to my feet. Before she could open her door and stepped in front of it. She was mad. Her eyes narrowed at me; her jaw clenched and arms folded across her chest. I held her by her shoulders with hopes I might apologize.

    “Riley, I was just kidding, I didn't mean anything by it.”

    “I know, you never do, but I'm not in the mood for it today.” She said, hitting the screen door against my back. I pushed the door closed as she continued to pull on it. Her stubborn attitude, against my hopeful resistance playing out in front of us.

    Knowing I'd have to act fast or things between us would spiral out of control. I changed the subject.

    “Okay – then how about we go out? We'll leave the attitudes at home and have dinner together.” She looked at me confused. I knew I was putting myself out there, giving her another chance to dismiss the connection we had for each other. Every time I tried I hoped it would be the moment that she gave in and let her guard down.

    To my surprise she smiled at me, “Okay, I'll go with you.” The feelings that flooded my soul were amazing. It was like no other high I'd ever felt before. Nothing compared to this feeling, a cheesy smile from my face gave away all my emotions.