A Flash Story for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Last March, Scripting Change released Breaking Free, an anthology filled with stories and poetry exploring the impact of domestic violence in its many forms. Since October is 2016's National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I've decided to share my story that was included in the anthology, hopefully helping to raise awareness.

Of course, it would be awesome if you would consider getting a full copy of Breaking Free, as 100% of proceeds are donated to support survivors of domestic violence.

Be A Man

You throw your dinner ’cross the kitchen, furious at its imperfect temperature. She cowers in the corner.

“A man is always in control.”

Doors slam as you rampage through the house. She used to hide us in the cupboards, trembling.

“A man’s home is his castle.”

“Weak,” you’d call me if I run to her side.

So I wait, until you tire of your attack. Wait, to catch her sobs in my embrace. And I hide—my drawings, my feelings, my self.

But your fists find their target, and I flinch. So a smack spins my head as you command, “Man up!”

Precise punches make for easily hidden bruises. Her stomach, her ribs, her thighs—anywhere clothing will cover. Because you’re always in control.

The world outside will never see, but you demand I watch, and learn.

So I wait.

For the strength to fill my muscles and my heart. For the will to stand against your voice. For the courage to take your blows.

Fists hit flesh, blood blooms, but now I do not flinch. You taught me better.

She gasps, hand fluttering to her lips.

You stumble back—shocked. Out of control. Afraid.

But best of all away from her, from them, all huddling at my back. My fingers flex as I stand, a wall you can’t take down. A shield to save them.

At last, a man.

How About a Flash Story?

It's been a while since I've shared any short fiction I've written, partially due to the end of the weekly Flash! Friday contests. So how about a story? This piece was included in Scripting Change's anthology Beyond the Words. (If you haven't yet grabbed a copy, you should—all proceeds are donated to support literacy!) 

In any case, I hope you enjoy, and I'm looking forward to your thoughts!

Immortalized in Ink

Photo by Heather /
CC license

When was the last time you died?


They say the pages give you lives—open the cover and step through. Escape into the words and find your solace, or adventure. Everything you never knew you needed exists within a book.


Until the story ends.


I’ve lived a thousand lives, and none at all. Each time the cover opens, the path begins anew, an invitation to the reader to walk, hop, duck, devour, run—or linger. Meander through new minds.


How do you read?


Infuse the lines with life. You trade yourself for moments, thoughts that aren’t yours yet wait for you—your heartbeats, gasps, and sighs the only way to matter. The pages flip at fingertips then flutter shut, marked, altered. Characters still, frozen and impatient.


Yearning.


Under your eager eyes they breathe again, huddled in armchairs or splayed out on the floor, cradled in your hands once more until that final page, your fingers’ parting touch a bittersweet caress.


My story stops but doesn’t end.


Shut on the shelf, I wait for you, your children, friends. I’ve memorized the words, the whole of my existence, unchanging. Emotions laid out in snapshots, catalogued yet incomplete, mold to their reader’s temperament, rely on your vicissitudes.


Trapped in my life, I live it over with you.


You laugh, learn, ache, love, grieve, then shed my story like old skin, discard it on a growing pile. Husks wither, dry, decay, but pages stay, a fresh supply.


Immortalized in ink, I wait, and never die.

Hitting Pause

Can you believe it's the end of March 2016?? I know, I know—it's March 21st, and technically that's not the end. But it definitely feels like it is. And my mom asked me about December plans today, which didn't help my sense of "where has this year gone already???"

It can be rough, catching everything on the first go-round through. Things always slip through the cracks (just me?)—especially the little bits of fun, since we're so busy worrying about the big important things. So, I decided to hit pause and remind you of a couple things you might have missed: 

The new Scripting Change anthology, Breaking Free, released last week. The anthology includes a new flash fiction piece by me, but more importantly 100% of its proceeds go to support the survivors of domestic violence. Can you spare a couple dollars for this great cause?

The Little Things Blog Hop—with over 100 participants & giveaways both big and small—is currently going on. So take some time for the little things, and go enter to win!

The I Heart Geeks anthology also released recently, including my story "The Whedonite" and an awesome story by my friend Kristyn F. Brunson!

And as a bonus, for those of you in the US, a new Goodreads giveaway will be starting Wednesday for print copies of Mending Heartstrings! Starting March 23rd, enter on Goodreads or below:

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Mending Heartstrings

by Aria Glazki

Giveaway ends April 04, 2016.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

New Scripting Change Anthology: Breaking Free

Scripting Change's newest anthology, Breaking Free, is releasing tomorrow! This time, Scripting Change chose to focus on the important and all too pervasive issue of domestic violence, with the theme: Survive, Recover, Rebuild.

The collection includes a mix of heartbreaking and uplifting pieces, all eloquently addressing the experience of domestic violence from a variety of points of view. 

100% of Scripting Change's proceeds from this (and every!) project are donated. The recipient organization for this anthology is REACH, based in Massachusetts. REACH provides both support to those affected by domestic violence and education to communities, promoting healthy relationships and raising awareness of domestic violence and its signs.

Breaking Free is available through:

The Scripting Change Store

Smashwords — Set your own price!

Amazon: US | UK | CAN | AUS

And don't forget to add it on Goodreads!

Scripting Change Book Blast

So, I'm posting this a bit late, since Beyond the Words released the same day as Mending Heartstrings, but nevertheless I wanted to make sure to spread the word!

The community writing project, Scripting Change, is incredibly excited to announce the release of their second anthology: Beyond the Words!

Absolutely every piece of this e-book, from the coordination, to the contents, to the beautiful cover art, was volunteered, and 100% of proceeds will be donated to nonprofit organizations championing literacy in their communities.  Read on to find out why!

About the Project:

Scripting Change is a writing initiative that aims to bring together the vast community of writers and readers in support of responsible nonprofit organizations. 

The project accepts submissions from writers, relating to a theme that reflects an important cause.  The selected pieces are combined in an anthology which is published as an e-book, in this case: Beyond the Words.  Proceeds from this and every Scripting Change e-books' sales are donated to the matched organization that champions each e-book's cause.

By focusing on the compelling words of writers, Scripting Change is able to raise not only funds but also awareness for the causes of the organizations they support.  The time and talents of everyone involved are offered freely, so the project has absolutely no overhead costs, which means every dollar raised is donated to positively impact our society!

About the Nonprofits:

It is impossible to overstate the importance of literacy, yet so many struggle with this crucial skill. So, Scripting Change has decided to donate proceeds from Beyond the Words to not one, but three nonprofits throughout the United States, all of which foster literacy in their communities.

Read for Literacy, in Northwestern Ohio, provides learning opportunities for readers of all ages and backgrounds, with three tailored programs: Creating Young Readers, for children in kindergarten through 2nd grade; Adult Basic Education; and English Language Learners, for non-native English speakers.

Literacy Action, in Atlanta, Georgia, offers an incredibly wide array of literacy programs for adults — from literal reading assistance, to workplace literacy, family literacy & education, and much more, this organization provides its community with crucial support, enhancing so many lives!

Page Ahead, in Seattle, Washington, focuses its literacy efforts on children, allowing elementary-school children to browse book fairs at the end of the school year & choose their own books for the summer — which are then provided to them by Page Ahead! They bolster this program by also working with parents, helping them engage their young readers.

Now it's your turn!

Scripting Change depends entirely upon the support of the community as a whole.  The writers, and our cover designer, have done their part; the coordinators have brought it all together; the bloggers have graciously helped us spread the word – now it's up to the readers.  We hope you will enjoy the anthology!

Beyond the Words is available through: 

Smashwords ~*~ Amazon: US; UK ~*~ Barnes & Noble

Learn more about this project at: ScriptingChange.blogspot.com
Find them on Facebook or on Twitter: @ScriptingChange

Help Support the Second Scripting Change Anthology!

Thanksgiving is nearly upon us, to be all too (read: overly) soon overtaken by Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These entirely consumer-driven days have recently begun to be followed by Giving Tuesday, an effort to shine the spotlight on the less self-centered goal of supporting our communities through contributing to nonprofits. 

I hope you will support any responsible nonprofit (please do your research!), on any day of the year of course, but if you haven't yet thought about your charitable contributions, Giving Tuesday donations are often matched by corporate sponsors.

For those who may not have the opportunity to contribute financially, Scripting Change will release their second anthology on December 2nd, which is Giving Tuesday this year (and yes, is the same day Mending Heartstrings releases), affording us all the opportunity to support a wonderful cause! This year's anthology is fighting for literacy, and as always, 100% of Scripting Change proceeds will be donated, since everyone involved in the project is a volunteer. You can do your part to help simply by spreading the word! Sign up for their book blast here.

You can also follow Scripting Change on Twitter or on Facebook to stay informed on their current and upcoming projects!

Scripting Change Submission Call!

I genuinely intended to post this earlier, but the day got away from me as they so often do lately. But I wanted to make sure to share that Scripting Change — the wonderful community writing project — is currently accepting submissions for their second project!

The rundown: 

• The project accepts poetry (up to 3 pages) and short fiction (up to ~1500 words)
• You can submit up to 3 pieces, and they'll select up to 2
• 100% of the project's proceeds are donated!
• Proceeds = cost of book — % taken by the distributor
• This year's project is focusing on supporting literacy advocacy, with the theme Opening Worlds with Words
• Writers receive: 
• Exposure! Your work will be published in a collection alongside established and aspiring authors plus your information, with link, will be posted on the Scripting Change website.
• The book! You receive a copy of the final e-book.
• Karm points! This is all for charity!
• Check out all the details here!

Let's be honest, a short story or poem won't take that long to write, but it could make a difference in the lives of children and adults who struggle with literacy. I know our community (writers, that is) is a strong and generous one, and literacy should certainly be a cause near and dear to our hearts. I hope you will join me in supporting this project! 

Follow Scripting Change:

Follow @ScriptingChange

After NaNo

Somehow, in the midst of NaNo and the desire to have made it through that crazy, 30-day challenge, we (or at least I) forget that coming out the other side leaves us in December.  Unfortunately, this is just a fact of life – another year is coming to a close.  Still, in these last few weeks of 2013, much can be accomplished.  

Then again, much already has.  Despite my struggle this year, I did manage to reach 50,000 words in my latest book, with about 25 minutes to spare.  In the world of NaNoWriMo, that alone marks me as a "winner," though of course there is a lot of work yet to be done in this book (and I actually still have to edit my previous one).

That being said, I am not yet (maybe not ever?) going to offer any reflections on NaNo's powers, mostly because all I want to do after the craziness of the last month is sleep.  However, much is happening this week!

First, tomorrow is #GivingTuesday, which is an initiative started to encourage people to take time to support community and nonprofit efforts.  While I think lending your support behind any responsible cause is wonderful, I'm taking this opportunity to remind you about Scripting Change, and the easy way to help – buy their book, Seeing Past Sickness! (Click on the cover image in the side bar for a list of places to buy.)  There are 2 of my pieces in this collection, but I do think it is a wonderful, worthwhile cause that could genuinely benefit from your support – which will directly benefit those in need!

Also this week, the Flash! Friday anniversary bash: 5 days to write a flash fiction story, based on the photo prompt, for honest-to-goodness prizes, including publication!  Stories must be 350 words exactly, and I hope to participate myself, but more importantly, encourage you to do the same! Let's see what happens.

Scripting Change Cover Reveal & Release-day Blast!

The community writing project, Scripting Change, is incredibly excited to announce the release of their inaugural project: Seeing Past Sickness!

Absolutely every piece of this e-book, from the coordination, to the contents, to the beautiful cover art, was volunteered, and 100% of proceeds will be donated to the MSTR Scholarship Foundation.  In case that isn't motivation enough to purchase a copy, the fabulous Donna L. Sadd and I both have pieces included!

About the Project:

Scripting Change is a new writing initiative that aims to bring together the vast community of writers and readers in support of responsible nonprofit organizations. 

The project accepts submissions from writers, relating to a theme that reflects the mission of a chosen nonprofit.  The selected pieces are combined in an anthology, which is published as an e-book, in this case: Seeing Past Sickness.  Proceeds from this and any future e-books' sales will be donated to the related organization.  Ideally, the project will be repeated, with each e-book supporting a unique nonprofit organization.

By focusing on the compelling words of writers, Scripting Change is able to raise not only funds but also awareness for the causes of the organizations they support.  The time and talents of everyone involved are offered freely, so the project has absolutely no overhead costs, which means every dollar raised is donated to positively impact our society!

About the Nonprofit:

Chronic illness doesn't disappear at age 18, but aid and understanding for those affected often do, despite the exorbitant and crippling costs of perpetual healthcare. In additional to the emotional and physical toll of chronic illness, those affected face significant challenges in seeking the personal and intellectual development afforded by continuing education.

The recipient organization for Seeing Past Sickness is the MSTR Scholarship Foundation, which aims to help those students affected by chronic illness, who nevertheless have the passion, drive, and determination to seek or continue their educations, by providing financial scholarships in recognition and support of their perseverance.  This decision was based on the impressive mission, fiscal responsibility, and enthusiasm for the project of the MSTR Foundation.

Now It's Your Turn!

Scripting Change depends entirely upon the support of the community as a whole.  The writers, and our cover designer, have done their part; the coordinators have brought it all together; the bloggers have graciously helped us spread the word – now it's up to the readers.  We hope you will enjoy the anthology!

Seeing Past Sickness is available through: 

Smashwords ~*~ Amazon: US / UK ~*~ Barnes & Noble


Learn more about this project at: ScriptingChange.blogspot.com 
Find them on Facebook or Tweet using: #ScriptingChange

Happy Halloween!

November and NaNo are almost upon us, but first it's time for tricks, treats, scary props, & costumes!  I wanted to take this chance to remind you of a very special Trick or Treat combo that's in your hands: 

I'm somewhat amazed, but Scripting Change has somehow managed to find an even easier way to support their project!   

The Treat:  It takes less than 30 seconds to join this Thunderclap campaign, and yet those 30 seconds and 3ish clicks will still help them positively impact the world.  Joining means one single tweet and/or Facebook post will go up from your account on their behalf on November 4th. 

The Trick: If the campaign doesn't reach its goal of 100 supporters, none of the pledged posts happen.

So please consider treating Scripting Change to your support!

Scripting Change Seeks Bloggers!

Scripting Change has set a publication date! Both Donna L. Sadd and I will have pieces included, which is incredibly exciting.  Now, Scripting Change is asking for the blogger community as a whole to lend a hand in sharing the news by participating in a release-day blast on November 4th!

I've written about this project before, because I think it is such a wonderful cause – bringing together writers in support of nonprofits.  We contribute our words, the organizers contribute their time, and 100% of the proceeds go to the nonprofit associated with each specific collection.  This year's nonprofit is the MSTR Scholarship Foundation.  From Scripting Change's website: 

"The MSTR Scholarship Foundation aims to help those students affected by chronic illness, who nevertheless have the passion, drive, and determination to seek or continue their educations, by providing financial scholarships in recognition and support of their perseverance."

So please consider donating space on your blog or website to spread the word about this wonderful project!  Email the project (Scripting.Change AT gmail) or get in touch through their website to lend your support.

BBF: Coming to a Close

It's the last day of the Blogger Book Fair! While one of the benefits of a virtual event such as this one is the fact that you can continue to read all of the fantastic guest posts, excerpts, etc., it is the last day to take advantage of some promotions such as discounted books and giveaways—so don't forget to check those out.

In this fast-paced week, writers and bloggers have come together, demonstrating our strength and reach as a community (despite the relatively small percentage of community members actively participating in this particular event). The purpose of this event was promotion, and fun, but the implications of our community's potential shouldn't be ignored. 

Given the opportunity, we can have an immense impact simply by doing what we do best. So, I would like to use this final BBF post on my site to remind everyone about a project organized specifically to provide that opportunity: Scripting Change. This community effort depends on writers, and bloggers, to contribute to their efforts for the sake of raising money to support fiscally responsible nonprofit organizations. This year's recipient is the MSTR Scholarship Foundation, which offers financial assistance to students affected by chronic illness. 

Each and every one of us can help, whether by liking the project's Facebook page, submitting a piece of poetry or short fiction (guidelines here), or spreading the word.

Our Words Can Change the World

Scripting Change Seeks Submissions

I've written about Scripting Change before, but I'm doing it again, because this is a wonderful project, based entirely on the work of volunteers, that nevertheless will offer significant exposure to all accepted writers.  The theme for the inaugural project is: Determination & Hope Through Pain.  The deadline is August 16th.  Have you written your piece?

The overview: 

• All proceeds from the inaugural project will go to the MSTR Scholarship Foundation which offers scholarships to students affected by the cost of chronic illness. 
• Writers will receive exposure on the website and promotional materials, and in the e-book.
• No admin or oversight or editing costs – 100% of money raised from the sale of the e-book will be donated!

So what are you waiting for? Go!  Write!  Let's Script the Change we want to see in our world!

Writers, Unite!

I am relatively new to the virtual writing community, so I have not (yet?) ceased to be amazed by the true sense of community and camaraderie shared by aspiring and published writers alike.  Writers from all over contribute their time and words to events (such as BlogFlash or AprilPrompts) or to free contests which promise only exposure and fun (such as Flash! Friday), not to exclude of course community attempts to encourage writing productivity (such as NaNoWriMo & NaPoWriMo).

I hope, then, that this community will join me in supporting the Scripting Change Project, which offers writers the opportunity to make a positive difference in the world while doing what we do best: writing! 

Flash Blog: Community

Being part of a community means being able to rely on the support and friendship of that community, but it also means accepting the rules of a community and shouldering the necessary responsibilities.  The wonders of the World Wide Web have linked us all into what is now called a global community, allowing us to 'meet' and communicate with people from all over the world, whom we may not have otherwise encountered.  Our interactions through BlogFlash2013 are a perfect example of this phenomenon.

Virtual communities allow people to change their own lives, those of others in the community, or those of strangers.  They allow grassroots efforts to spring forth with more vigor and be more effective.

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On that note, I'd like to share a nascent community writing project to which I am very excited to contribute when the time comes—and I hope you will consider doing the same!  Scripting Change aims to bring together writers for a zero-cost project that will raise and donate funds for deserving causes, while offering writers exposure for their work.