alice-stone

[alice-stone]

Wild Ride.

When Maisie stepped out of her flat door this morning, she had no idea that she was about to embark on the craziest adventure of her life so far. The sun had risen early that morning bringing her from a deep, peaceful slumber. As she descended the numerous flights of stairs to the street below, she smiled as the warmth of the sun heated up her skin as she walked. 

She flagged down a cab to take her to the office, she really didn't want to be stuck like a sardine in a tin of a full tube carriage. This way she would get to see those rays of sun illuminating the city. She slipped inside and the can driver grunted for a location. Maisie gave him the office details and slumped back into the plush seat, ready to watch the world go by. 

The lights changed to red and the cab came to a stop. The cab driver cursed at the rush hour traffic but Maisie welcomed it with open arms. The cab drivers door flew open and the cab driver was yanked out onto the busy road. A young man jumped into the seat and set off harshly, narrowly avoiding the other traffic. Maisie's fingers began to turn white as she gripped the edge of the seat with force. She gulped quietly and dared not make a sound. The cab jacker had obviously not noticed her petite presence there on the back seat. 

The car swerved around corners and tore through street, narrowly avoiding pedestrians and other vehicles. He looked fiercely through the windscreen as he pressed down harder on the accelerator. The black hatchback tore through traffic behind him, slowly gaining on him. Harry gulped as the black car was only two cars widths behind him. Maisie looked through the rear window and saw the car giving chase behind. She then looked to the rearview mirror and saw the horrified look on the can jackers face. 

As she observed him from the back seat she began to feel calm. It was obvious that he knew how to drive well as they had not found themself in midst of a nasty wreckage. He didn't look very threatening at all, if anything he looked scared. She took a leap of faith and spoke. "If you turn right at the next junction you can lose them in the Express tunnel that runs under the city."

It all happened so fast. One minute he was speeding along, hoping to save his life from the crazed loon that was trying to kill him and the next he was swerving left and right while trying to pull the car out of the tail spin it had found itself in. Maisie screamed from the back seat as she saw the bus hurtling towards her side of the vehicle.

Harry didn't say a word. He punched down on the accelerator and tore off into the direction of the street that Maisie had told him about. Minutes later when Maisie had finally plucked up courage to uncover her eyes from the palms of her hands, she saw darkness all around and the occasional flash of light passing the window rather quickly. For a brief moment she thought that this must be it, this must be the transition from life to death. The porridge that she had eaten for breakfast earlier began to twist and turn as her stomach churned with fear.

"Thanks for that, I think I have lost them." Harry said softly from the drivers' seat. Maisie quickly realised that she was in fact alive and not dead. She said nothing and sat there in silence as she let it sink in. When the car had spun the crazed loon had spotted her in the back of the car, Harry knew that he had seen her which now meant that her life was in danger too. There was only one thing he could do and though he didn't like the idea of technically kidnapping the beauty who was clinging onto the back seat of the can for dear life, he knew he couldn't leave her to receive the bullet that was meant for him.

They traveled for several miles long the tunnel and just when Harry began to think that he had lost him, he spotted the black hatchback gaining on him. "Hang on!" He called to Maisie as he turned into the traffic on the opposite lane and then pressed down hard on the accelerator. He tore a couple of hundred yards down the road and the swiftly turned at the next exit. Harry exited the tunnel and pulled up at a petrol station just down the road. "What's your name gorgeous?" He turned and asked.

Maisie stuttered as she answered him. Suddenly the excitement of the event that she was being forced to witness subsided abruptly. All thoughts had turned to the handsome car jacket who's eyes were staring at her intently. Her face began to feel flushed and her blood pressure rose but what she felt was not fear. Instead she found herself thinking lustful thoughts about the stranger who was staring at her. "Here's the deal sweetheart, that guy is trying to kill me and now he has seen you, your life is at risk. So, you can either come with me willingly which would be much better for the both of us, or I will have to take you by force. I cannot let you take a bullet because of my actions. So what do you say? Will you join me willingly?" Harry held out his hand for her to take and looked at her with pleading eyes.

Maisie now had a big decision and time was running out, the black car would be there within minutes and she had to give the handsome stranger an answer. She quickly mulled it over and decided to go willingly. She wondered if she was making the right choice. Only time would tell.

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The Killer. (Rough and unedited)

Thud. She hit the floor that hard the she felt her whole body ripple with pain. Her vision blurred as her head hit the cold hard ground. For a brief moment, she forgot who she was, where she was and what was happening. She panicked. Bile rose from her gut and lodged itself in her throat. She gagged. She scrambled across the floor, her fumbling hands feeling for some kind of clue to where she was. Her memory returned slowly at first and once she realised the severity of her situation, she felt the clutches of fear dragging her down into a deep pit of despair.

Thud. He was behind the door, inches away and blood thirsty. Thud. The wooden panel began to crack. With each thud, splinters of wood flew from the door. Her eyes adjusted to the dark, she spotted the iron fire poker laid across the marble. She reached out for it as he eyes flickered back and forth between to door and the fire place. The air vent cover from where she fell, had landed just in front of the door. She hoped and prayed that the door would catch on it and slow him down.

Thud. The panel gave way and in he came. She grasped the iron poker and held it out in front of her, trembling with fear. His large frame crumpled upon its self as he scrambled through the bloody hole that his fist had created. He lunged at her. A loud scream echoed around the room, she closed her eyes. What seemed like an eternity passed by but in reality, it was only a minute or so. She opened her eyes, expecting to be looking down at her self as he strangled the life out of her. He was knelt on the floor in front of her, he hadn’t seen the poker. She looked on in horror as his blood trickled down the poker, coating her hands. Out of the sixty something girls that he had set his murderous sights on, she had been the one to put him down.

[alice-stone]

Once Upon A Red Rose

The icy winter breeze whipped harshly against her fragile face as she made her way down the old concrete path. The snow had begun to fall a little earlier than expected, but Maggie would not let that stop her visiting her husband. Her frail frame wobbled rather worryingly as the strong breeze hit her with force. Not long now George. She thought to herself as she carefully made her way down the steep, snow covered steps that led to the old rusty metal gate. It creaked eerily in the breeze.

Each year she would go and visit, and each year she would bring a single red rose that was symbolic for their love. As she walked, she remembered that wonderful day when George had gotten down on bended knee and handed her the first rose with a little ribbon attached, the thought of the small diamond ring that hung from it brought a brief moments joy. The ring that once fitted perfectly now hung on her withered and bony finger, along with a single wedding band. The events of her wedding day played out like an old movie in the front of her mind. Happiness had overwhelmed her when George had said I Do and handed her another single red rose and a ribbon that held her wedding band.

As she entered the mausoleum, she remembered the day that George was taken from her, and now sadness had replaced the happiness that had once filled her heart. A voice echoed from behind her as she placed the rose upon the stone coffin in which her beloved now rested in peace. A voice called from behind her, it seemed familiar to her, but distant also. She now realised that the arthritis that had once crippled her had seemed to disappear, leaving her feeling a deep and pain free euphoria. The voice echoed around her once more although much louder now that it had been before.

Warmth spread through her cold frail body as she turned to see George standing in the doorway beside the old gate, her heart began to beat to an untimely rhythm and shock set in deep. “I love you Maggie my dear.” His loving and reassuring voice felt like music to her ears, he held out a hand to and beckoned her to him. As she took his hand, she realised that she could now be with him for the rest of eternity.

The couple walked hand in hand up the snowy stone steps and passed the motionless old withered body that had once belonged to Maggie. As they walked further into the distance, they stop for a brief second as Maggie turned back to see herself laid upon the cold hard ground, at that moment she knew she was free from the pain and sadness that had once filled her beating heart. She knew that she could be with her George.

[alice-stone]

Book Review: A Christmas Invitation

My rating: * * * * *

Would I recommend? Most definitely.

To be honest, I do not know where to start. I downloaded this book along with several others of the romance genre, expecting it to be the typical tale of girl meets boy, they fall in love and live happily ever after. Spoiler alert, they do, just not in the way that you would initially think. I started this book with an open mind as always and quickly found myself envisioning each scene. Trisha Ashley has an uncanny way of painting the image of the characters. Each one takes on their own image and spirit. Now this isn’t the classic tale of romance, although it gets there in the end. The story intertwines the past with the present, young with old and love with a tiny bit of hate. The story is easy to read, giving you just enough to leave you wanting to read the next bit, but without being boring. The story flows well and the plot is impressive, the way it is brought together is impressive to say the least. My only issue is that it’s a little on the longer side, not that I mind, I love a good long read. I just feel that it could of been slightly shorter, but then, in the same breath I would say it’s the perfect length for the story. I’m not quite sure if the author must have a little magical something running through her, for the way it’s written, grasps a hold of you, charming you to read more, it let’s you see the characters in your minds eye and makes you feel as though you have known them for all of your life. It somehow leaves you feeling complete once you have read the last chapter, but sad as it’s the end of the story. Overall, I enjoyed it.

[alice-stone]

A Stranger's Kiss.

I looked down at the last little bit of whiskey that was swirling around in the bottom of the tumbler. Someone in the back corner set the juke box up and music blasted in the background. I sighed heavily and looked up at the clock though tearful eyes. Eight in the evening read the clock, too early to leave for the train and too late for the bus. Not that it mattered, an empty flat to go back to and with no one to share it with , didn’t exactly seem inviting. Brad had left, again. I lifted the last bit if whiskey to my mouth in hope to numb the ache in my heart. The comfort of the warmth and burning as it slid effortlessly down my throat was a simple pleasure, one that I would be able to recreate as many times as I desired. I really don’t know why I loved him so much, he was nothing but a complete arsehole with shit for brains, but yet, he brought out a side of me that I never knew existed.

Whenever I was with him I felt that nothing was impossible. Over the years, he walked in and out of my life whenever he pleased, I knew I was just a toy to him, ready to be cast aside when he got board. Stupidly, I had let myself get swept up in his seductive chaos. I knew I should of kept my heart guarded, I knew from the beginning that we would never have a real relationship and that he would come and go, but still, I fell for him and I fell hard. This man had stole five years of my life, five years of me longing for him to change his ways and be mine, five years of turning away multiple chances of a real romance. Yes, Brad had left again but little did he know, this time would be the last. I pulled a fifty pound note out of my handbag and waved it at the bar tender.

I had been sat here since the early afternoon and I never noticed that the bar tender had been watching me from afar. He smiled and wandered over with another bottle of whiskey. He twisted the top off, poured another tipple. “Leave the bottle. Also, have one on me.” I mumbled as I held out the note. “I get off in ten minutes. Do you mind if I join you?” He asked gently. “Sure.” I muttered and then chugged back the fresh glass of whiskey, not leaving a drip behind. I couldn’t bring myself to look up and acknowledge him, I had no idea what he looked like but the thought of having some company pushed away all sensibility. He could of been a murderer for all I knew but I really couldn’t care, I needed to not be alone.

Ten minutes flew by. In that time I had managed to pour myself another drink and drink it. My hand wobbled as I aimed it at the glass. His hand cupped mine and steadied my wobbling. I hadn’t noticed him sit, or pour himself a drink and now I found myself feeling rather flushed at his touch. I finally lifted my head. His warm hazel eyes sparkled under the bright neon strip lights that’s decorated the bar. He smiled tenderly. “I saw you, and I think you could use some company. He isn’t worth your tears.” He lifted his hand to my face and wiped away the gloopy mascara smudge that hid beneath my damp eye lashes. “You are beautiful, you could have anyone. Don’t waste your time on him, he isn’t worth it.” He continued. I suddenly became a mute, I wanted to pour out my heart and soul to him but nothing came from between my lips. It dawned on me that he must of watched the whole debacle earlier in the day. Brad had brought me out to dinner and then once we had finished, he kissed me goodbye and left, again. He couldn’t even tell what or who had caught his attention this time. All he said was those famous last words. “I’m leaving, I'll call you.” Then he waltzed out the door and left me to pay the bill. I said to myself there and then that this was the last time he would ever say those words to me. I cried and then propped myself at the bar. He must have seen it all, my tears, Brad leaving and my wallowing in my own self pity. He wrote something down on a scrap of paper that he pulled out from his pocket. He folded it up and placed it in the palm of my hand and then curled my fingers around it with his. He leaned in and cupped my face.

I never saw it coming but when it happened, I lost myself. The softness of his lips teased mine as he kissed me. He tasted like whiskey and coffee. His tongue explored me, each touch ignited sparks if electricity. My tears had dried. He pulled away and looked deep into my eyes and held eye contact whilst he spoke. “I'm not him, I wouldn’t use you and I wont call you. The choice is now yours, you can call me. I’ll be waiting.” He kissed me again and then gathered his things and left. I sat there in shock, not quite believing what had just happened. I quickly remembered the paper. I looked down as my fingers unfolded it. Upon it was a phone number and a message. ‘Call me. If you give me the chance , I will be yours. Ben xx’

Now I had a decision to make, I had a possibility at a real romance, I just needed to pick up my phone and call.

[alice-stone]

A Sad Little Short Story.

Hayley hadn’t had it easy over the years. Her parents were not the type to play the part. She was dragged from pillar to post as a youngster, being taken in by anyone who would have her. She wanted a different life and many birthday wishes consisted of wanting this.

Later in life she found the man of whom she thought she would marry. Marriage never came, instead she became a mother to a son. The man she though loved her turn very nasty after her baby was born. He would repeatedly use her as a punching bag but never once laid a hand on their child.

On the eve of her sons third birthday, her man decided to hit again, this time he nearly hit their son. Hayley watched as a tall gentleman in a suit led her son down the garden path. As he walked, his comfort teddy bear scrapped along the floor. Just as the gentle man was about to put him into the child seat, he turned around and waved goodbye to his mummy, his little eyes began to well up. As the officer put the cuffs on tightly, suffocating her wrists, silent tears streamed down Hayley’s face. She had been determined that no one would ever hurt her son, not even his own father who now lay dead upon the kitchen floor. The love this mother held for her son was enough to fight for but the first time she fought back; she lost her son.

[alice-stone]

Will give this A try.

use comic sans to write

i hate this so much but this knowledge is too powerful to keep from you all.

last night @phaltu discovered that setting your font to comic sans in google docs improves writing speed and creativity by an insane amount. “no” i said and “die” but then i tried it and god. i wish it wasn’t this way. i wish it wasn’t true. i wish i could protect you all from this but it’s real. 

something about this font is so disarming. something about this font lets you look past the shape of the words and into their soul. i’ve never written so much as i did last night, on my phone, at 2am, in comic sans.

if you have writer’s block. if you lack inspiration. if you need this. don’t be afraid to use it. sometimes the things we find most horrifying are also the things we need the most. trust me. let comic sans into your life.

[alice-stone]

Y’all little writers go on and have fun now

[alice-stone]

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”

-Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

[alice-stone]

Merey Christmas every one! 🎄😊

[alice-stone]

Reblog if its ok to message you during this holiday season incase Im feeling lonely or out of place during family events because no one should be alone on Christmas

[alice-stone]

Book Review- One Christmas Star

My rating:

* * * * *

Would I recommend it? Most definitely!

Another review I have for you all. I downloaded this book on whim after Scrawling through Amazon for what felt like forever.

So here it is, my honest opinion...

At first I really struggled to get gripped to this book. On my second attempt I re-read the first few chapters while secretly hoping that it would get better. At first the author has to make introductions to all the characters which takes up quite a few chapters but without these characters, the book wouldn’t have gotten me as hooked as it did.

When the story gets going, it really captures your heart. Each character is loveable and the plot is wonderful. I couldn’t put it down once I had gotten into it. Mandy Baggot , the author had done wonderfully with writing this story but the one thing that stood out to me was the crucial issues she touched upon during the story. Wildlife preservation and domestic violence. The hedgehog population is rapidly declining and Mandy puts across the point very well, its subtle but enough to make you think. She had used the same technique with domestic violence. Mandy also leaves a heart felt note at the end of the book for the reader, thanking them while highlighting the issues she touched upon in the story.

The characters! They were all so loveable, I don’t want to give away the story I so will not leave any spoilers but I will say that the characters really get under your skin (in a good way).

I will happily read the authors other books and I suggest you do too if you like romance and real life.

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Book cover. What do you think?

Will be releasing my book later next year once I've written the third book of the trilogy. I make my own covers. Please comment and tell me what you think to the cover?

TIA x

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That moment, the sigh of relief.

So I have just finished rewriting the second draft of my second book. Now onto the proofreading final editing stage! Someone pass me the coffee!

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A Nanowrimo reminder

While it is really awesome if you reach 50,000 words, it is also really amazing if you wrote 500 words this month despite whatever life was throwing at you.  The real win is that you have more words in your story than what you had before.  And that is something to be proud of.  \^o^/

[alice-stone]

Book Review - Christmas At The Whitefriars.

My Rating is:

* * * *

Would I recommend? YES

I found this book in one of the free Kindle book offers. I read the read up and thought that it sounded like a nice story, so I downloaded it and got to reading.

I feel like I almost fell in love with the characters in this book and although the story line suggests that it is obvious that the two main characters get together in the end, the lead up to it was a bit of a roller coaster. I am not going to give away the story, but I will suggest that if you are a little on the soppy side and enjoy a good romance story, then this little festive romance story by Jill Steeples is a great way to go. It has a warmth to it and the writing style is easy to read.