Author: Marcy Erb

NaShoStoWriMo Story – and Galumphing submission – The Soldiers’ Return

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I promised to post one of the stories from my NaShoStoWriMo challenge and I’m only a few days late doing that…this one was inspired by our Galumphing poetry challenge for November. The words were: glass, lake, soldier. This one came in at 713 words – so only a few minutes of your time. Comments and suggestions welcome – I thank everyone for their encouragement regarding my personal short story challenge.

The Soldiers’ Return

By Marcy Erb

When Carl saw the soldiers coming across the pasture in formation, he wasn’t that surprised. He’d seen this before as a child in Germany and so he knew he needed to remain calm. That way, if he was called upon to take any action or speak to the soldiers, he would be able to do so in a dignified manner. Plus, he remembered; nobody else in his family spoke German.

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NaShoStoWriMo Week 2 Complete – with unexpected word count!

On By Marcy ErbIn On Storytelling, Writers - Marcy Erb3 Comments

Well, week two of NaShoStoWriMo (my version of NaNoWriMo, but with short stories) is complete and I met my goal. I have 10 short stories written so far. Because a lot of NaNoWriMo revolves around word count, I felt compelled to tally up my word count so far for the 10 stories and…wait for it…16,438 words! Holy Toledo! I really didn’t expect it to be that high already. Some of my stories are under 1000 words, but most are in the 1000 – 2500 word range. One behemoth is 3200 words.

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NaShoStoWriMo! My Version of NaNoWriMo

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It’s been inspirational to see so many people participating in NaNoWriMo – and I was thrilled to see our own RSPC founder Steven D’Adamo roaring through it with over 10,000 words written so far. Go Steven!

I decided to challenge myself to a version of NaNoWriMo – with short stories. It’s NaShoStoWriMo (because one good abbreviation deserves another) and anyone is welcome to join me. I have challenged myself to write 5 short stories a week for November. That will be 20 stories by the end of the month. I have not set a particular word count for the stories, allowing it to range from 500 – 3000 per story. I have also not placed any restrictions on topic or style. I have hit my mark for the first week and am only a little behind for week two. We will see where this goes – but I am definitely not expecting 20 O. Henry masterpieces! Maybe one or two gems will result, maybe not.

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Submission for October’s Theme – Poem on Charity

On By Marcy ErbIn Schizophrenic Poetry Challenge, Writers - Marcy Erb1 Comment

CharityRubai

Maybe it was not wanting to let go of the seven sins and virtues theme we did all summer, but the poem on charity took a while to mature and be ready for posting. I did deviate from the assignment a tad – this poem is in the form of a ruba’i – a form derived from the Persian quatrain with the rhyme scheme aaba. In honor of All Hallows’ Eve, I call the accompanying illustration “Deconstructed Pumpkin.” Cheers!

 

Theme for September 23rd – Chastity – and you thought it was simple!

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The virtue of temperance has historically encompassed a wide range of activities – after all, it “simply” means moderation via personal restraint or will. Although associated in modern parlance with food and drink, in particular alcohol, last week’s poems decided to look at temperance as it applies to less calorie-laden subjects: in speech and in modifying self-doubt. 
 
Chastity is another virtue that has been reduced to a sound bite in the modern day, but was historically much more complex. Chastity today seems to revolve around sexual activity, and if the news is any indication, contemporary conversations about chastity focus on teenagers and pre-marital sex.
 

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Free Verse – Diligence – Marcy Erb

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Perseverance Game

Are you talking about ripples on the river
or a bolt of lightning felling a tree?

I would were I defining perturbations.

Ah, then you are suggesting we draw animals
in dapper suits or ask for the old man in the moon?

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Free Verse – Patience – Marcy Erb

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Patience in the 1990’s

We were patiently waiting for our lives to start
All around us, suburbs burned to cinders
It snows created houses in Los Angeles,
In October, the chaparral is patient with fire. Continue reading “Free Verse – Patience – Marcy Erb” →