everythingold-writing

[everythingold-writing]

12. We Follow The Law

12. We Follow The Law

Prompt: Could you please write a Good Wife Spin? I love the idea of Sharon Raydor achieving her dream of being a lawyer. I see her as Diane Lockhart. 

She liked it best after hours. The phones didn’t ring, the halls were deserted, and the few who stayed late worked quietly in their offices. 

It reminded her of when the firm was just a start up. The open floor plan in that rundown building on the outskirts of town. 

But she liked this better. The skyscraper that overlooked the busy city, the fame that came with having a big firm, but most of all she liked helping people. That’s what being a lawyer is like; helping people. 

She stayed late not because she had work to do, but she knew that there was a letter written half-heartedly on a piece of yellow legal paper, sealed hastily in a stark white envelope that she didn’t want to read. Another letter. Another lonely night. 

Another reason to get a divorce.  

Just down the hall, where the lights to the family law department were off, she thought of leaving her paperwork there. 

Her fingers brushed over the sign that had been saved while the building tenant reclaimed the twenty-sixth floor. 

Raydor, Baker & Hobbs. 

The three names held more weight in Chicago than any single politician. It put them under constant scrutiny, but at least they could keep doing what they loved. 

A corner office was her highest demand when Hobbs and Baker brought her in. Both were happy to give it to her. Between her connections and clientele, she was offering them more than what the whole office was probably worth anyways. 

Gavin’s office was across the hall from hers while Andrea’s was down a floor with the first years. 

Sometimes she wonders if her and her husband’s firm would have ever taken off and grew to the magnitude of this one. 

Sometimes, she’s happy it did not. 

Gavin has been pushing for her to divorce her husband for years— almost a decade. There were some personal  reasons, some financial ones, a lot of social ones, and some she just couldn’t explain. 

Jackson Raydor was Attorney General, hand picked by the governor. If they got a divorce, the scandal would be immense. Very few people knew of the troubles between them. They always attended social parties and events together; papers loved pegging them against each other. 

Chicago loved them, but neither loved each other. 

Gavin started to really press the option of divorce once the new private investigator came in. 

She needed information on a company Hobbs and Baker were thinking of taking on— one that seemed a little off but were offering to pay a good sum. She had spoken to the PI over the phone to see hoe soon the file would be ready. 

The next day she walked into her office as if he did that everyday. She was angry her meeting was disturbed, but the minute her eyes laid on him, with his mirror reflective sunglasses, black leather jacket and dark-was tight jeans, her mouth went dry. He was incredibly handsome and extremely cocky. 

The company they were going to represent had a side business, one that involved drugs and large amount of cash. She was opposed to it immediately. 

She called a partner meeting and laid out what the PI had relayed. Surprisingly, it was a practically unanimous vote. They were going to take the company on regardless. 

Sharon kept the PI, Andy, on. She wasn’t going to allow herself to be blindsided and she needed the “I told you so” rights. 

That day came faster than she predicted. 

“We’ve got a problem,” Andy said over the phone. 

“We?” Sharon said, slightly amused. 

“Well, you,” he said. 

“What is it?”

“They’re selling internationally. Wanted by the Mexican government as of an hour ago.”

“Fuck,” Sharon whispered, a hand running through her hair as she sat straighter in her chair. 

“I hope you know how to defend in Mexico.”

She sighed, “Alright. I need to speak with the partners.”

“One last thing,” Andy said. 

“No more bad news,” Sharon warned. 

“Let’s get dinner tonight.” Sharon stayed silent for a minute.  

“Fine. Pending the partner meeting, I should be out of the office by 7.”

“Okay if I pick you up from there?”

“Sure,” Sharon said. 

“I’ll see you then,” Andy said. He ended the call without another word. 

“Okay,” Sharon whispered. She set her phone down and spun in her chair. The sun was slowly setting in the distance. It was only four o’clock, but there was a lot to be done. 

“Assemble the partner for me please,” Sharon said into the intercom to her assistant. 

“Yes ma’am,” was her quick response. 

~~

The partners were in an uproar. Gavin and Andrea were pissed she had kept surveillance on their client. She knew they were secretly pleased this didn’t blow up in their faces. At least they were ahead of it. 

~~

“Who’d you put on the surveillance?” Gavin asked her later as he and Andrea followed her back to her office. 

“Andy.”

“Is there a conflict of interest?” Andrea asked. 

Sharon squared her shoulders, “No. It’s not like I’m sleeping with any of the interns. My personal life, if I even have on anymore, does not conflict with my career.”

“Does Jack know who Andy is to you?” Andrea eyed her suspiciously as she asked the question. Sharon resisted rolling her eyes. 

“No,” Sharon said slowly, “because there is nothing for him to know.”

Gavin nodded slowly, “Good work.” 

He tapped Andrea on the shoulder to get her to follow him out. She followed him reluctantly. Sharon slumped into her chair. 

Don’t pick me up. I’ll meet you. Text an address. 

Serve, it’s on the riverwalk. She smirked at his fast response, but was pleasantly surprised by his choice. Serve was a new restaurant that had opened not long ago, but it was quickly pegged as ‘the most romantic meal place.’

~~

“What do you have?” Sharon asked as she took her seat across from Andy in the busy restaurant. Andy slid his folder across the table. Sharon opened it carefully to reveal nothing. 

“I can’t work for you anymore.”

Sharon felt her heart drop. She searched his eyes as he took a slow breath. “I’ve taken a job with your husband. Seems he wants to keep the enemy close.”

“I see,” Sharon said, reaching for her glass of wine and letting the noise in the restaurant surround her.she downed the glass, her green eyes on his the whole time. With a sigh, she lowered her glass and pulled a twenty from her purse. She was standing in the cool Chicago night air before Andy reached her. 

“I don’t like things complicated. Working for you would make things complicated.”

“And what? Working for my husband doesn’t complicate things?”

“No!” Andy said, drawing out the vowel, “you’re husband doesn’t think things through.”

“How so?”

“He hired me on suspicion of being with you. If he finds that to be true, he won’t be able to fire me. I’d know all his secrets.”

Sharon smirked at his logic, “If Jack finds out...”

“I know,” Andy said as she trailed off, “let him find out.”

His kiss surprised her. It was deep and powerful.

In a city of lies and secrets with a job protecting the people, she could get used to this. 

Please review!

DON'T FORGET to submit any prompt of your choice via PM or tumblr (everythingold-writing)

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[everythingold-writing]

Isn’t it fucking terrifying that no matter how many promises they made, no matter how long you’ve been together, someone can get up and walk out of your life without a second thought and you have to carry on living because the world doesn’t stop for any of us

Unknown (via help-n-quotes)

[everythingold-writing]

“I think part of the reason why we hold on to something so tight is because we fear something so great won’t happen twice.”

[everythingold-writing]

10. Going Back to Paris

10. Going Back to Paris Prompt: Hi! One of my favorite songs is Paris by Dido. Could you write something like the song? Thank you A/N: I never heard this song until I saw this prompt, but I’m now in love with it too. I hope it did it some justice. Enjoy!

1. When she met him in London, England, it was purely a coincidence. Simply two officers from the United States attending the same International Police and Protective Services conference. She had gotten her first glance at him when she had walked into the hotel on check in day. She had seen him chatting up some blondes at the bar, smiling seductively. At first, she thought he was going to be some hot shot that didn’t know his place. But then, he was giving her that same seductive smile the next night, and the night after that, and all the nights they were at the hotel. She just couldn’t help but fall into his arms. And from his arms to his bed. It was the best one night stand she had in… forever. They had spent the last night together before they were set to return to the States, skipping the final lecture and ending drinks. She snuck out in the morning, leaving him in the tousled sheets with that seductive smile faintly playing over his sleeping features. She got back to her condo in Los Angeles, California and crawled into her own bed. That night she couldn’t sleep. All she wanted to do was to crawl back into his and never leave.

2. When she ran into him at a conference in Berlin, Germany, it was slightly awkward at first, considering she had left him without saying goodbye. He seemed oddly hurt by that fact, but never voiced it. However, by the second night, as they laid fully satisfied in bed next to each other, he pulled her close and fell asleep. She wasn’t going to say anything, but it seemed like they had both missed whatever it was that they had in London. When she was set to return to the States this time, he saw her off at the airport. They had been woken early by the sun and bathed in each other’s presence. He had drawn patterns aimlessly on her back— tattooing his touch on her skin. She had simply hummed in content and snuggled further into his chest. When her flight was called, she threw her arms around his neck impulsively. He buried a hand deep in her hair and held her close. It was the most cliche moment in her life, but it was also a moment she would never forget. He didn’t know if he would ever see her again.

3. When she saw him at another conference in Vienna, Austria the following year, she was stunned. He didn’t say, “I’ve missed you,” because his eyes had said all the words that his mouth couldn’t voice. That conference she vaguely recalled. They had spent most of the time in the hotel room together than at any of the lectures or group meals. It was when he screamed her name in ecstasy that she knew she couldn’t be away from him that long ever again.

4. It had been three years since the last time she saw him. But looking at him from across the hotel in Budapest, Hungary, she knew that nothing had changed. They talked more this trip— about his family, her family, their hopes and dreams, troubling cases, favorite foods and colors. They stayed in bed the whole conference. They ordered room service at the strangest hours and only when they were hungry for something other than each other. She missed her flight and the connecting one but didn’t have a care in the world. He however, didn’t miss his flight. She saw him off at the airport much like he had done for her years ago. She walked back to the hotel alone. She tidied the hotel room— his— that they had been in all week. When she settled on the breakfast bench overlooking the busy Hungarian streets below with her book, a business card slipped from the dog-eared page. He had left his number and address. When she saw the town and state she nearly squealed in delight. He was close enough where they could continue meeting each other occasionally, but not close enough where he would cause an issue at her work. She didn’t know what God to begin thanking for putting him on Earth with her. San Francisco, California never seemed closer than now.

5. She was in Paris, France when she finally saw him again. She knew he was coming this time; they had been talking for a little over two months. Neither bothered to even check in at the conference. She didn’t even step on her hotel floor. They stayed in his room for the week. Sleeping, eating, and loving. They talked a little, but mostly, their conversations were in moans and breathless names whispered in the heat of the moment. At the end of the week, neither wanted to leave. Neither wanted to part with the other. She saw him off to the airport, saw him board his flight. They promised to call each other once they were State side, wanting to find time for each other.

After. It was two weeks before she heard anything from him or of him. She was heartbroken and angry that he didn’t keep his promise to call her. She missed him dearly. It wasn’t a phone call, but rather a news article pinned to the bulletin in her precinct. San Fransisco Police Detective Shot Dead. Her heart stopped. Her life stopped. It was him. She couldn’t see straight, she couldn’t breath. She kept her head low and her eyes downcast. She puked her light lunch up in the stall. But it wasn’t the headline or his name that killed her. “He never mentioned he was married,” she whispered.

That same day, she got a notice that the next International Police and Protective Services conference was to be held in Paris, France again. She declined.

Please review! DON'T FORGET to submit any prompt of your choice via PM or tumblr (everythingold-writing)

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9. The One That Got Away

Prompt: Could you please do a prompt where Sharon is an attorney defending Andy? Have it end however you like.

A/N: Might think twice about adding that last part again…

Enjoy!

"Stop talking," Sharon hissed. She didn't know if this guy was an idiot or just extremely bad at taking directions that could save his life.

He was some hotshot cop that had been very drunk and a very trigger happy one night. His aim was terrible and he shot and killed an unarmed suspect; wounding one of his fellow officers in the process.

"I got that dumbass though," he had told her in the depositions with a smirk.

From then on, she knew this would be her hardest case. He had been anything but helpful- giving snide answers to all of her questions.

And if she thought he was hard to handle in an office, he was even worse in the court room.

"You got everything under control there, Sharon?" The judge asked. She rose slowly, trying to settle her anger deep within.

"Yes, Your Honor," she replied. "I would like to make a motion to break for the day. My client and I have some things to discuss following the evidence presented today."

Judge Clarkson eyed her sympathetically. Sharon Raydor was the best lawyer he knew. She could deal the law inside and out and would make a fair judge. And to his knowledge, she was in the runnings this year for an appointment. That is, if she could win this case. He knew the committee really screwed her over. There were still months before appointments were to be made, and most of the misogynist men did not want to give her a chance to look good.

Even he didn't know how this case would look on her. He would love to see her become a judge, but he wasn't sure how she was going to do that with her defendant being one of the worst he had seen.

"We'll stop for the day and resume sessions at 9 am tomorrow," Clarkson decided with a small shrug in her direction. She nodded her head in appreciation and let her shoulders drop.

~

"What are you even thinking? Do you even think?" She asked him. He simply laid his head down on his arms and sighed into the table. "My life and career are on the line with this case. Do you understand that? If I don't get you off, I'm not getting an appointment for a judgeship."

"You think my life and career aren't on the line?" He growled. He lifted his head, his brown eyes full of anger and directed at her. "I got a buddy at the station, comes and visits every once and a while, he said that he heard from some politician they're going to give me the death sentence. Make and example that they're cracking down on the bad cops around here."

Sharon stopped pacing for a moment. She leaned her back against the cold cement of the private cell. He sat in a metal chair at a metal table with cuffs around two sore looking wrists.

"I know the judge. He doesn't do death penalty. Life, though, is a possibility."

"Do you know the new one? The one that the prosecutor is going to motion to replace Judge Clarkson? You screwed me today by motioning for a break. And that judge screwed me by granting it. Now they got him on being biased against prosecution because they have been asking for breaks from day one in anticipation of this."

She let the information soak in before she responded.

"How come you've never told me this until today?"

"Because you weren't listening, Lady! You're too hell bent on that appointment to listen to me."

"I've got a lot of people betting against me," she gritted out.

"Yeah and I've got a lot of enemies in Hell," he sighed again, "Look, I don't want to die, you want to win. Let's make a deal— you like those right?"

"I know the prosecutor, he won't make a deal."

"How?"

"He's my ex-husband."

"You were married to Jackson Raydor? I used to go out drinking with him. Complained an awful lot about you."

"Mr. Flynn, you need to learn how to keep your mouth in check and immediately. You are not helping yourself or me by making comments that are irrelevant. If we do lose this judge, there is a very likely chance you could be sentenced with the death penalty. Grow up."

~

When he came into the courtroom the next day, he seemed to be more remorseful.

"What happened?" Sharon whispered as he sat next to her at the table.

"My partner was shot last night. He's going to be up in the hospital for a few days. Told me the prosecution got us a new judge."

And sure enough, in walked two judges.

"Approach the bar," Judge Clarkson called. Both she and her ex-husband walked up to greet the judges.

"Judge Clarkson, Judge Withers. Good to see you both," Jack Raydor said conversationally. Judge Clarkson gave him a weary look.

"Judge Withers will be taking over this case since there has been a motion to remove me on the basis of bias for the defense," Judge Clarkson stated. He handed the gavel to Judge Withers and walked back into his chambers. Clarkson shot a look over his shoulder toward Sharon.

She had her head slightly bent but her eyes shone red with anger. He only hoped she could win this case.

Judge Withers laughed at all of Jack's jokes and nodded his head in agreement to his statements, both of which were affecting the jury that was going to be sentencing Mr. Flynn.

~

"You need to tell me everything you know and now," Sharon seethed as she and her client returned to the jail for the day.

Andy gave a little shrug in defeat, "That's all I got, Lady."

The two of them avoided looking at each other in the small cell.

"So that's it?" he asked.

"No," Sharon stated firmly, "You can't give up now."

"And what if I'm done fighting?"

"I've got enough left in me for both of us," she said softly. And although he might not have shown it, he was eternally grateful.

The next day in court didn't go any better and neither did the day following. By the end of the third day, when Andy Flynn was brought back to the cell so he and Sharon could talk, he had completely accepted his fate: there would a needle with his name on it.

"Tell me the truth," he finally said to her, "am I going to live."

She shook her head slowly. Her eyes apologizing in their own way. He let out a shaky breath.

"I'm sorry you won't get the judgeship."

I'm sorry my ambitions put a poison needle in your arm.

Sharon looked at him resolutely, "I doesn't matter to me anymore."

She waited a beat, neither of them breathing, before standing and leaving. Her heels clacked on the concrete as she stumbled her way out of the jail.

~

The last day of the trial arrived. The closing arguments were heard, and the jury deliberated.

Andy turned to Sharon, his nose brushing her ear in the process.

"Whatever they say," he said, nodding in the direction of the where the jury was, "I know it wasn't because of you."

Sharon gave nothing away, but she swallowed a lump in her throat and her heart dropped. She wanted to ask how he could be so at ease with the whole thing. She wanted to ask him a lot of things, but before she could even formulate a question to be heard, the jury returned.

And the word guilty hung heavy in the air.

Please review!

DON'T FORGET to submit any prompt of your choice via PM or tumblr (everythingold-writing)

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The Great 146 Romance Tropes Aesthetic challenge

Dear Shipper who runs a whole blog dedicated to your fave OTP I challenge you to make 146 aesthetics of one specific ship before the year is over. Here are the 146 most popular romance tropes of all time. Can your OTP pull off all of them? That remains to be seen

1. abduction to love

2. accidental pregnancy

3. afraid to commit

4. all grown up

5. amnesia

6. antihero romance

7. arranged marriage

8. athlete

9. bait and switch

10. beauty and the beast

11. best friend’s lover

12. best friend’s sibling

13. best friends/ friends first

14. billionaire

15. blackmail

16. blind date

17. bodyguard crush

18. boss/employee

19. boy hates girl

20. boy meets ghoul

21. boy meets girl

22. break his heart to save him

23. brother’s best friend

24. bully turned puppy lover

25. can’t live with them, can’t live without them

26. celebrity loves commoner

27. celibate hero

28. childhood enemies fall in love

29. childhood friends

30. childhood marriage promise

31. Cinderella story/wrong side of the tracks

32. classes clash

33. clueless love

34. consanguinity

35. crazy love

36. Cyrano/matchmaker

37. damaged lead finds happily ever after

38. dark secret keeps them apart

39. different worlds

40. disguise

41. enemies to lovers

42. everyone can see it

43. fairytale

44. fake engagement

45. fatal attraction

46. first love

47. fish out of water

48. fling

49. forbidden love/Romeo and Juliet

50. friends with benefits

51. girl wants bad boy

52. guardian/ward

53. guy wants cheerleader

54. huge guy, tiny girl

55. if I can’t have you, no one will!

56. imaginary love triangle

57. impotent love

58. innocent cohabitation

59. instant/false sweethearts

60. it happened in Vegas

61. jilted bride/groom

62. law enforcement

63. long distance relationship

64. long-term lovers

65. love at first sight

66. love interest has a profession protagonist abhors

67. love interest reminds of estranged family member

68. love potion

69. love reforms villain

70. love triangle

71. love/hate

72. lovers in denial/ they’re the last to know

73. mad love

74. maid/janitor

75. mail-order bride

76. marriage of convenience

77. men in uniform

78. mistaken declaration of love leads to love

79. mistaken identity

80. noble rescuer steps in

81. nobody thinks it will work

82. not good enough for him/her

83. oblivious to love

84. older man, younger woman

85. on the rocks

86. one night stand

87. one wants true love/other wants a fling

88. oops! fall in love with the wrong person (which could ruin everything!)

89. opposites attract

90. orphan

91. overly shy love

92. parent/childcare worker

93. partners in crime

94. passionate lovers

95. Plain Jane get the hottie

96. playboy

97. politics

98. pretending to be married or engaged

99. protector

100. redemption

101. rejected as unworthy/ turns life around

102. reluctant sex worker

103. removing the rival

104. rescue romance

105. return to hometown

106. reunion romance

107. revenge

108. rich man, poor woman/ rich woman, poor man

109. rivals/ protagonist vs. antagonist

110. road trip romance

111. rock star hero

112. royalty

113. runaway bride/groom

114. scars from the past

115. second chance at love

116. second time around

117. secret admirer

118. secret baby- He doesn’t know she’s PG

119. secret that can end everything

120. sibling triangle

121. sibling’s ex-spouse

122. similarities attract

123. sleeps with everyone but you

124. sorry, I’m taken

125. stranded together

126. student/teacher

127. sudden parent

128. the one that got away

129. time travel

130. tortured hero(ine)

131. tragic love affair

132. tragic past

133. two-person love triangle (involves some mistaken identity) ex: superman

134. ugly duckling

135. unobtainable love interest/ one-sided

136. unrequited love

137. unrequited-love-switcheroo love triangle

138. unwanted harem

139. virginal/innocent

140. wallflower noticed by the rake

141. was it all a lie? (undercover love)

142. widow(er)

143. (wo)man in peril

144. working with the ex

145. workplace romance

146. She’s dating Mr. Wrong

The challenge is simple, chose a trope, make an aesthetic, tag it #146RTCH and share your genius with others. good luck guys!

[everythingold-writing]

Jenny Shepard and Leroy Jethro Gibbs had a Daisy/Gatsby complex; the “what if” we had it all?

[everythingold-writing]

cant wait til im 30, on a balcony in a foreign country, drinking wine, wearing nothing but a silk robe, & have filled 18 notebooks

[everythingold-writing]

Words to replace said, except this actually helps

I got pretty fed up with looking for words to replace said because they weren’t sorted in a way I could easily use/find them for the right time. So I did some myself.

IN RESPONSE TO Acknowledged Answered Protested

INPUT/JOIN CONVERSATION/ASK Added Implored Inquired Insisted Proposed Queried Questioned Recommended Testified

GUILTY/RELUCTANCE/SORRY Admitted Apologized Conceded Confessed Professed

FOR SOMEONE ELSE Advised Criticized Suggested

JUST CHECKING Affirmed Agreed Alleged Confirmed

LOUD Announced Chanted Crowed

LEWD/CUTE/SECRET SPY FEEL Appealed Disclosed Moaned

ANGRY FUCK OFF MATE WANNA FIGHT Argued Barked Challenged Cursed Fumed Growled Hissed Roared Swore

SMARTASS Articulated Asserted Assured Avowed Claimed Commanded Cross-examined Demanded Digressed Directed Foretold Instructed Interrupted Predicted Proclaimed Quoted Theorized

ASSHOLE Bellowed Boasted Bragged

NERVOUS TRAINWRECK Babbled Bawled Mumbled Sputtered Stammered Stuttered

SUAVE MOTHERFUCKER Bargained Divulged Disclosed Exhorted

FIRST OFF Began

LASTLY Concluded Concurred

WEAK PUSY Begged Blurted Complained Cried Faltered Fretted

HAPPY/LOL Cajoled Exclaimed Gushed Jested Joked Laughed

WEIRDLY HAPPY/EXCITED Extolled Jabbered Raved

BRUH, CHILL Cautioned Warned

ACTUALLY, YOU’RE WRONG Chided Contended Corrected Countered Debated Elaborated Objected Ranted Retorted

CHILL SAVAGE Commented Continued Observed Surmised

LISTEN BUDDY Enunciated Explained Elaborated Hinted Implied Lectured Reiterated Recited Reminded Stressed

BRUH I NEED U AND U NEED ME Confided Offered Urged

FINE Consented Decided

TOO EMO FULL OF EMOTIONS Croaked Lamented Pledged Sobbed Sympathized Wailed Whimpered

JUST SAYING Declared Decreed Mentioned Noted Pointed out Postulated Speculated Stated Told Vouched

WASN’T ME Denied Lied

EVIL SMARTASS Dictated Equivocated Ordered Reprimanded Threatened

BORED Droned Sighed

SHHHH IT’S QUIET TIME Echoed Mumbled Murmured Muttered Uttered Whispered

DRAMA QUEEN Exaggerated Panted Pleaded Prayed Preached

OH SHIT Gasped Marveled Screamed Screeched Shouted Shrieked Yelped Yelled

ANNOYED Grumbled Grunted Jeered Quipped Scolded Snapped Snarled Sneered

ANNOYING Nagged

I DON’T REALLY CARE BUT WHATEVER Guessed Ventured

I’M DRUNK OR JUST BEING WEIRDLY EXPRESSIVE FOR A POINT/SARCASM Hooted Howled Yowled

I WONDER Pondered Voiced Wondered

OH, YEAH, WHOOPS Recalled Recited Remembered

SURPRISE BITCH Revealed

IT SEEMS FAKE BUT OKAY/HA ACTUALLY FUNNY BUT I DON’T WANT TO LAUGH OUT LOUD Scoffed Snickered Snorted

BITCHY Tattled Taunted Teased

[everythingold-writing]

Never let this cruel world steal your spark.

[everythingold-writing]

Master Post of Writing Advice

For a full and updated list of writing advice, click here.  All advice is by Marina Montenegro and originally posted on Writing the Words blog. 

Getting Started:

Prewriting 101

Setting Up Your Space

Starting Again (if you’ve stopped)

Where to Start

Writing the Beginning

Writing What You Don’t Know

5 Truths About Being A Writer

Characters:

Character Building

Non-Binary Characters

Writing A Hero

Writing Non-Humans

Writing Women

5 Ways to Name Your Character

5 More Ways to Name Your Character

Dialogue:

Dialogue

Improving Dialogue: Eliminate Exposition

NaNoWriMo:

NaNoWriMo

Tips & Tricks for NaNoWriMo

Planning & Outlines:

How to Start Outlining

Is My Idea Good Enough?

Should you Outline?

7 Things to Do Before You Start

Plot:

Details

Fight Scenes

Sex Scenes

Sexual Assault in Literature

Story Arcs

Setting:

Description

When Setting Really Matters

World Building:

Creating World Maps

World Building

Other:

Editing

Making Time to Write

Point Of View

Prologues

Rejection Letters

Why I Write

Writers Block

Writing with Sound

5 Signs You Treat Your Reader Like an Idiot

[everythingold-writing]

Practical Shakespeare Quotes

Do you want to quote more Shakespeare in your life but never find opportunities to say “brevity is the soul of wit”? Do you rarely hang below balconies exchanging love vows with the daughter of your enemy? This is just the list for you. “What an ass am I!” —Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2 “I am not a slut,” —As You Like It, Act 3, Scene 3 (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.) “Hell is empty and all the devils are here,” —The Tempest, Act 1, Scene 2 “Commit the oldest sins the newest kind of ways,” —Henry IV Part 2, Act 4, Scene 5 “This is the excellent foppery of the world,”

–King Lear, Act 1, Scene 2

“Making the beast with two backs,” —Othello, Act 1, Scene 1 “The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool,” —As You Like It, Act 5, Scene 1 “To tell thee plain, I aim to lie with thee,” —Henry VI Part 3, Act 3, Scene 2 (Works great for courting hot widows.) “I would rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me,” —Much Ado About Nothing, Act 1, Scene 1 “I wasted time, and now doth time waste me,” —Richard II, Act 5, Scene 5 “Marry, sir, in her buttocks.” —A Comedy of Errors, Act 2, Scene 5 (No judgement here.) “My horse is my mistress,” —Henry V, Act 3, Scene 7 (Uh, there might be something wrong with that.) “Thou dost infect my eyes,” —Richard III, Act 1, Scene 2 “Better a witty fool, than a foolish wit,” —Twelfth Night, Act 1, Scene 5 (“Wit” is Shakespearean slang for penis.) “[Wine] provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance,” —Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 3 “I had rather live with cheese and garlic in a windmill, far, than feed on cates and have him talk to me in any summer-house in Christendom,” —Henry IV Part 2, Act 4 Scene 1 “Now, gods, stand up for bastards!” —King Lear, Act 1, Scene 2 “Villain, I have done thy mother!” —Titus Andronicus, Act 4, Scene 2 (This means exactly what you think it does.) “And thou unfit for any place but hell,” —Richard III, Act 1, Scene 2 “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers,” —Henry VI Part 2, Act 4, Scene 2

“Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell.” —Othello, Act 4, Scene 2

“Out, dunghill!” —King John, Act 4, Scene 3 “This is too long.” —Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2

[everythingold-writing]

6. “My”

Prompt: Can I prompt? The five times Andy says, “my” and the one time she wasn’t his. A/N: I think I understood this prompt! Keep them coming :) Enjoy!

1. “How would I introduce you?” “How about as your friend Sharon?” The ceremony for Nicole’s wedding was absolutely gorgeous. The church was dressed with roses and the late evening sun made all the stainglass windows glisten, but not take away from the beauty of the bride. Sharon had always overheard stories about Nicole, but this was the first meeting her. “Hi Dad,” Nicole greeted as Andy had pulled Nicole into a hug, further holding up the line into the reception. No one seemed to  mind. “I’m glad you made it.” Andy smiled, “Me too.” “Who’s this?” Nicole asked gently, a bright smile never leaving her lips. “This is my friend, Sharon. Sharon, my daughter, Nicole,” Andy introduced. Sharon caught the hitch on the word friend coming from his mouth. “Congratulations,” Sharon said, gently shaking Nicole’s hand. “Thank you! Enjoy the evening. I’ll stop around soon,” Nicole said. “Oh, okay,” Andy said. “We’ll find our seats.” Andy’s hand landed on the small of Sharon’s back as he gently lead them into the church hall. “If you want to leave early, I’ll take you home whenever. Thank you for doing this Capt— I mean Sharon.” “We’ll stay as long as you’d like,” Sharon whispered, her hand gripping his shoulder as he offered her seat. After their meal, the night went smoothly. Andy introduced her to most of his family and to his in-laws. She was introduced to two very happy little boys who were becoming Andy’s step-grandkids. But he always said, “My friend Sharon.”

2. Sharon tapped her pen mindlessly against the legal pad. Andy shifted his weight against his palms that were firmly placed on the table. He waited a beat, his eyes trained on Sharon for a beat before they eyed the suspect. “Now, my captain asked you write,” Andy gritted. He shoved the paper closer to the glassy eyed man. “Write.” Sharon nodded her head in assent; her eyebrows raising in slight amusement.

3. The restaurant glowed with romantic ambiance. “Oh,” Sharon whispered. “Is it too much?” Andy asked nervously, his hand scratching the back of his neck as he held open the door. “I could take you somewhere else. Somewhere we’ve already been?” He suggested. “Andy,” Sharon breathed, “This is perfect. It’s gorgeous.” Andy smiled shyly. “Reservation for two. Flynn,” Andy told the maitre’d. The man smiled at the two and with a flourished, led the two to a secluded table. Andy stopped and pulled out the chair for Sharon. “You’re table awaits, my dear.”

4. “What are we?” Sharon asked. She tried to sound distracted, like the fingers that brushed along his bare chest. “Sharon,” he said as he brushed her nose. “Andy,” he pointed to himself. “I mean,” Sharon searched for the words. “Never mind.” They both sighed contently and Andy pulled her naked body closer to his. “Friends with benefits? Are we back in high school; girlfriend and boyfriend? Partners? Lovers?” “We’re old is what we are,” Andy snorted. Sharon lightly tapped his chest. “I like partner. And lover.” “We are not calling each other ‘lovers’ in front of the kids. Or the team.” “Partners it is then,” Andy settled with a smile. “Can I call you my lover?” Sharon giggled and looked into his eyes. “Only if you fulfill the role.”

5. She sighed as she looked at the hot-headed Italian detective across the way. His arms were flying in exaggerated motions as he was giving his statement to her officer. “I can take it from here,” Sharon announced, taking pity on the frightened officer. At least he lasted longer than most. “What’s the issue, Detective Flynn?” “You,” he spat, “Being a pain in my ass.”

6. “Andy!” Jack called from across the party venue. “Andy, my lad. How are you doing?” Andy held his liquor up and swirled it gently. Jack nodded in understanding. “I’d like to introduce you to someone. Sharon, this is thee Andrew Flynn I tell you about. Andy, this is my wife, Sharon.”

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[everythingold-writing]

7. Getting Back Out There

Prompt: Can I prompt something? After Sharon’s separation with Jack, she goes out on a date with a lawyer or someone (maybe Gavin set them up) and runs into Andy. Thank you in advance! A/N: Side note kind of, but I’ll be updating the last chapter of I am Innocent next week. Be on the look out for that!! Enjoy!

Sharon fluffed her hair one last time and sighed softly. This was as much volume that would go back into it after a long, hot day in Los Angeles. She wishes she had chosen to shower before, maybe her hair would be a tad better and her skin wouldn’t have a sheen of oil covering it, but she really didn’t mind that much. She had expressly told Gavin she wasn’t ready to get back out there just yet. Nor did she really have the time. Her latest promotion in IA had her thrilled and worried at the same time. A better pay, but more people to hate her. Seemed the two went hand-in-hand when it came to internal affairs. “Okay. I won’t be out late. Call me if you need anything,” Sharon said softly to her son. Ricky nodded from the counter, not looking up from his work. He had a senior paper due in a few days and had poured all of his energy into that and college applications. The bar stool was empty next to him. The place where Emily would sit to do her papers too. Emily had left for New York just that year, and the condo wasn’t the same. Sharon desperately missed her daughter, but was happy Emily was making a life for herself. “Have fun,” Ricky mumbled, not from lack of interest, but rather to not break his focus. Sharon reflexively kissed his temple and turned to the door. As it clicked softly behind her, she wrist unconsciously jiggled the knob to make sure it was locked. Sharon let out a breath and straightened her dress.

Her eyes wandered the small bar before they landed on her date. Sharon had only met him twice before at Gavin’s firm. Gavin had introduced them before taking her to lunch both times, but he seemed different at this moment. More relaxed and confident, Sharon thought. He waved her over gently. “Hi,” Sharon said. “You look great,” he greeted, his lips brushing her cheek. “Thank you,” Sharon whispered. She didn’t quite feel great but his opinion would have to convince her. At the corner of the bar, Andy caught sight of her legs. God, he could pinpoint all of the female police officer legs anywhere. Especially hers. Her toned calfs flexed enticingly in the red Steve Madden pumps. The pale grey dress she was wearing flared just above her knees. Her steps had it swinging distractedly from her hips. Hips that were gorgeously defined by a silk red sash tied tight on the small of her back. Andy spun the glass tumbler in his hands. Rumor had it she had just gotten a divorce or something Catholic equivalent. It seemed that she was on a date. A posh looking man had his hand hovering over the curve of her spine and it certainly did not belong to Jack. Andy bit his lip. He almost had the nerve to tell the guy to let up so the dress would swing some more. Andy’s eyes stayed glued on her body as the two approached the hostess. She calmly led them back the way they came, her date passed by him and Andy was ever so grateful her eyes were fixed on the little waterfall in the center of the room, else things were bound to get awkward. He watched with slated eyes as her date pulled out her chair and gently pushed her in. Her back was towards his to he leaned back in his seat in order to get a full look at her. Her auburn hair was curled loosely and looked stunning cascading down the v-back of her dress. Why doesn’t she wear that to work one day? Andy doubted people would hate her after then. He was personally indecisive about Sharon. He had ran into her a few times for bending a rule or three and a few times like these. She seemed relaxed and subdued. Both she could never feel at work. Eventually, her date’s eyes meet his for seconds too long. Sharon made to turn, but the date was quick to pull her attention back to him. He shot Andy one last pointed look and delved back into conversation with Sharon. It was her gentle laughter that had Andy’s attention back on her. From the way Sharon’s head was tilted, Andy could tell a big smile was playing across her lips. Lips that he had noticed early were painted red to match her shoes and silk sash. She was clearly dressed to impress and it seemed he was too. First date, the detective in Andy concluded. He tore his eyes painstakingly from the vision that was Sharon. Her date looked like he could easily take Andy if it came to it. And given Andy’s slightly inebriated state (nothing he wasn’t used to dealing with), it would be an easy win. He didn’t know how long he was fighting to keep his gaze from her, but a soft spoken voice from beside him brought him out of his thought. There Sharon stood, her heels together, toes turned slightly out, thin fingers gripping a bold red Coach clutch. “Excuse,” she said to the bartender. “Can you point me towards the restrooms please?” The bartender smiled eagerly, “Just down this hall. First door on your left.” Andy just couldn’t keep his eyes from her any longer. They made quick work of glancing her over; a practiced skill he had acquired through working with her. Dare his eyes last longer on her than appropriate and he’d end up as hated as her. Heck, the department would probably think they would go good together. But this time, he spent a second too long glancing her over. He blamed it on the dress and silk sash. “Andy,” she let out incredulously. He nodded his head in greeting, not trusting his words to be appropriate. Andy thought that would be it. Sharon had already, in a way, said hello, now she would use the restroom and get back to her date. But she didn’t move. His eyes met hers and he could tell the cliche, What are you doing here? was playing on her tongue. He shrugged, wordlessly answering her unspoken question. “Are you having a good evening?” He ventured. Andy could not tell what possessed him to strike up a conversation with her, but he wouldn’t be a complete asshole. “I am. Can you wait a second? I’m just going to um go….” Andy watched as her fingers awkwardly angled in the direction of the toilets. He smiled genuinely. “I’m not going anywhere.” She matched his smile. His eyes were glued to her as she strode down the hall. He tried not to be too impatient, but he thought she was gone for longer than necessary. When she finally did appear, she stood on the other side of him. His tumbler, which had been making it’s way towards his mouth, sloshed the auburn liquor onto his dress pants. “Here,” Sharon offered as she handed him a wad of napkins from the dispenser on the bar top. He took them graciously and patted his trousers. “Are you on a date?” He asked suddenly. Andy realized he didn’t want her to go back and sit with that man. “Yes,” Sharon sighed. “A friend of mine decided it was time for me to put myself back out there.” Andy nodded, “I know what you mean. I have a few friends who did the same for me.” She smiled in understanding. Electricity hummed between the two and he racked his mind for something else to say. Something to make her stay. But it wasn’t fast enough. “Everything alright?” Sharon’s date asked. She nodded towards the man, but her attention stayed focused on Andy. “Would you like a drink before we go?” Yes, her mind screamed, but not with you. Sharon’s lips pursued as she gently shook her head no. “I’ll walk you to your car,” her date insisted. Andy watched as her eyes grew slightly, but she made no objection as the man led her away. Andy watched as she brushed her hair over her shoulder, exposing all of her back as her eyes stayed locked with his to the front door. Once Sharon had stepped out, he snapped his eyes back to his glass. “What the hell is happening?” He muttered. Andy motioned to the bartender for another glass.

Please review! DON'T FORGET to submit any prompt of your choice via PM or tumblr (everythingold-writing)

[everythingold-writing]

And thou, a ghost, amid the entombing trees by Edmund Dulac (French, 1882-1953) from The Poetical Works of Edgar Allan Poe, 1912.