Writing Wednesday #1 ~ Shark Woods

So here we are, my first Writing Wednesday. If you find any prompts you think I could use, feel free to link them in the comments.

I hear their snarls in my dream, the weeping and gnashing of teeth. The scent of blood passes beneath my nose, the sense of apprehension building, preparing to crash into me with the force of a waterfall.

As the waterfall of trepidation collided with me, I awoke.

I’ll tell you one thing, I wasn't in my bed, I wasn't even in my home. Instead, the woods greeted me with their darkness, the musky scent enveloping me in its welcoming embrace.

Then, that moment between sleep and wakefulness dissipated, leaving me with the realisation that, not just was I in the woods, but the Forbidden Forest, where they roamed. Reaching a hand to my face, the water on my cheeks met my trembling fingers.

It was too late.

They said, if you only strayed so far into the forest that you were still dry, you could turn back, you could be safe.

My feet were running beneath me before my mind even got round the fact of my almost certain doom. They would come for me soon enough, and there would be no escape; not for the hopeless wanderer.

I had told my mother months before that my habit of sleepwalking would get me into trouble, that a lock on my door would be a necessary precaution. But no, I would grow out of sleepwalking, and having a lock on my door would only encourage me to hide myself away, probably performing illegal acts or something like it.

Now look, mother, I don’t suppose I’ll live to grow out of my habit, and this is a lot worse than any illegal act I could perform behind a locked bedroom door, I can assure you.

I hear it now, the hiss of the Great White, the sound that tells me to start saying my prayers.

I pray that mother isn't too hard on herself; it wasn't her fault really. No one could predict that a little bit of sleepwalking would lead to my death.

It’s sniffing me out, searching for the scent of my blood. I read in school that a Great White can smell you from five feet away, with the smallest surface wound, even a papercut.

I pray that father is proud of my achievements, even compared to my sister’s; I hope he is proud of me.

I remember the reason I consigned myself to bed last night; up late studying, I had fallen asleep on my textbook, the papercut I’d earned from a slip of my hand wakening me. Looking to the offending hand, the small cut glared back at me, the slim red line signalling my downfall.

I pray that Kelly doesn’t think ill of me for not living up to the bar she set; she always was the best at everything, and in these, my final moments, my envy is non-existent.

I can see it now, the hulking Great White slinking through the trees. Its body is bigger than the books say, that I can tell from the off. Of course, the books are written with legends, tales told by those who have ventured into the dry part of the woods. There are no survivors who have ventured as far as I.

I pray that he knew, even though I never told him. I pray that he could tell, I pray that he could find someone to help him through my death.

It’s approaching me, and on top of its undeniably fishy scent, I could smell my own fear.

I pray that it will be peaceful, I whispered to myself, one hand reaching up to cross myself, I pray that there is no pain.

Writing Wednesdays

Hey Articulators!
So, I was thinking of starting a Writing Wednesday on this blog, like +Taylor Lavati (Taylor Lavati).
I don't think it'd be weekly, more fortnightly, but it sounds like a good way to stimulate myself and maybe get a few of my fanfictions out there (if I make chaptered ones, I'd probably schedule them for another day, but oneshots will be for Writing Wednesday).

So, whadya think? Good idea, bad idea, as long as you post?
Only a short post today to warn you all!
Later Articulators, Eve

Maths Exams - Where's the Maths?

I am currently in the middle of taking a GCSE in Statistics; quite the daunting prospect when you're in Year 9. But, being admittedly one of the best in my year at maths (a reputation that I reckon is slowly dwindling, but oh well, it still follows me) they reckon we can complete a GCSE at the age of 14. OK, yeah, I'll roll with it.
So, at this point, I have completed the controlled assessment (got a B, which I suppose is a good grade to go into an exam with) and prior to the mock exam on Friday, we've been given an old paper (2006) to practice on. Now, I'd like to know...
Where the bloody hell did the maths go to?

In the paper, I have counted 18 questions that ask you to calculate something - this does not count plotting graphs or completing tables (which takes up 8 questions).

The paper has 32 pages.

Most of the paper is taken up with questions asking you to discuss things.

When the hell was maths discussions? The reason I like maths, the reason I'm good at it, is because you can sit and calculate stuff, and be logical.

When did maths exams become all about the writing?

Now, a year ago, when I took part in UKMT Junior Maths Challenge and came out with a gold (the only person in the participating years to get such, earning me 3 certificates for best in year and best in school) my mum talked to me about pursuing a career in mathematics, seeing as I am good at it.
But honestly, pursuing a career in mathematics would mean actual maths, not whatever the hell I'm doing now.

I miss when maths tests were listening to a recording and answering the questions.

So, that's today's rant. I shall put aside the accursed paper and get on with the other homework I have for this glorious (ha!) long weekend!
Have a good bank holiday, Articulators,
Eve x

TMI TAG!!!!!!!!!

OK, a couple of my subscriptions on YouTube have done this in the last few days, so I thought I might use this as a 'getting to know you' type thing!
(This may take a couple of days, so putting dates whenever I'm on a different date - 21st April)

1.What are you wearing?

(Sidenote, all I can think about is the Hillywood Hunger Games Parody)

Mix and Match Colours for Life Pajamas

Love to Lounge Poncho

2. Ever been in love?

Currently 87% in love, according to +Shizuku Takahashi!

3. Ever had a terrible breakup?

Every morning ... with my bed

But seriously, no. You need a boyfriend for that!

4. How tall are you?

5' 5" apparently! I thought I was honestly taller.

5. How much do you weigh?

Honestly, that's really not something I want to be putting out there, but I'll tell you it's healthy for my height, and I am perfectly happy with it! :)

6. Any tattoos?

Nope, not 18, but I would like to get some done.

7. Any piercings?

I got my ear lobes done when I was 12, and that's it. I'd like to get my cartilage and maybe my lobes done again, and possibly a navel, but I'm honestly too squeamish for anything else.

8. OTP?

Chicken Nuggets and Chips ;-)

But seriously, Hinny is my OTP, or Nuna (so should have been canon), or Renora (RWBY) or most canon ships, actually!

9. Favourite show?

Any Great British show on BBC (Bake Off shouldn't be watched when hungry), The Tomorrow People, Once Upon a Time (up to season 2) & Orphan Black.

10. Favourite bands? (22nd April)

Florence + the Machine, Mumford and Sons; but to tell the truth, the music I listen to depends on the mood I'm in at that time.

11. Something you miss?

Good shows on TV (Mona the Vampire, where did you go?), my naivety. Oh, everything from when I was younger, really. My sister too, but shell be back in a month or so!

12. Favourite song?

I hate questions like this, you know. It's so hard to pick a single song as my favourite. At the minute, though,  my favourite is I Will Wait - Mumford & Sons

13. How old are you?

The lawnmower ;) (look up Bingo Lingo, if you must know)

14. Zodiac sign?

Virgo

15. Qualities you look for in a partner?

Arghhhhh, trying not to base it all off him!

Funny, smart, compassionate, considerate, cute.

(and if someone has sent you the link to this, you are all this and more, trust me)

16. Favourite quote?

I see a load of quotes, and like a lot of them, so trying to remember a really good one is hard.

I think my favourite of the moment is one I saw at +Beamish Museum in the Band Hall.

You have nothing to lose but your chains.

I just think it's an empowering statement.

17. Favourite actor?

At the moment, Amanda Seyfried is pretty high up, and Emma Watson, as always! But actors, Daniel Radcliffe, he's really branched out.

18. Favourite colour?

Any blue, but I really like turquoise and teal.

19. Loud music or soft?

Again, depends on the moment, but generally, soft.

20. Where do you go when you're sad?

Not much of a question, I'm always in my room.

21. How long does it take you to shower?

20 - 30 minutes usually.

22. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

Discounting breakfast and the ritual (the series of steps for caring for my braces) about half an hour for school.

23. Ever been in a physical fight?

I kicked a guy in the nuts before, but have never been in a full on brawling fight.

24. Turn on?

I'm not even 18 yet, I don't have turn ons, but I like a boy with a nice laugh who uses it often.

25. Turn off?

Being rude or putting people down, you seriously don't have the right to do that.

26. The reason I joined Blogger?

A couple of my friends got blogs, (Maya) and I followed a couple of blogs and fancied trying it out, because I only have a really bad webcam to work with, so youtube is out, and I'd just sit doing random stuff. And I wanted a place to put my writing like short drabbles and facfictions (I read a lot, and get loads of ideas for them)

27. Fears?

Other than spiders? Flying insects, and actually,

(sidenote while looking up phobia name; the name for a fear of people sneezing is, get this, 'achoophobia' - you took that opportunity, sir! Anyway...)

OK, I can't be bothered to go through the many lists and find the correct name, so I'll just come out with it. I have a fear of losing control. Literally, I was on the verge of a panic attack once because of the little control I had over a situation. 

I've built a persona of confidence to mask it, and I think I have quite a few people, teachers included, fooled by it. 

Truth is, I don't have the confidence to go up and talk to him, because that means putting the direction of the conversation in fate's hands, and I've always been on the side of deciding your own fate, so I just can't do it.

That's the truth, and if I just shattered your perception of me, I'm sorry.

28. Last thing that made you cry?

One thing people don't know is I'm quite susceptible to tears, but I don't cry all that much outside my home, I can literally count the number of times I've cried at school on one hand (secondary only). And now, I'm ashamed to say it was my mum, it was a petty argument that I won't go into.

29. Last time you said you loved someone?

In an email to my sister.

30. Meaning behind your Blogger name?

Basically, in Year 7, when I'd just started secondary school, and every so often, when I met new people, they'd ask me where I was from, declaring that I was 'posh'.

Since this, I have listened to myself speak, and I literally sound like I'm from the South (I'm from the heart of the North-East of England) - e.g. c-arse-tle, where most people around here say c-ass-tle. Ugh.

After watching many, many, danisnotonfire videos, I realised, I am not posh, I'm articulate, I was brought up with a wide vocabulary, and reading many books, so I just pronounce words as I want. That's just it!

31. Last book you read?

Amethyst by Heather Bowhay (so recommend, also, it's free on kindle)

32. Book you're currently reading?

Linked by Heather Bowhay (I recommend the full trilogy, it's so freaking good!)

33. Last show you watched?

Once Upon a Time, Series 2, Episode 19.

34. Last person you talked to?

+clarisse adamson on hangouts :)

35. Relationship between you and the last person you texted?

Very, very complicated (yeah, it's him)

36. Favourite food?

Pasta

37. Place you want to visit?

America, I want to go on a full American road trip and see all the things! (and Emma)

38. Last place you were?

The bathroom, performing the ritual.

39. Do you have a crush?

Not at all ;-)

40. Last time you kissed someone?

My parents last night to say goodnight

41. Last time you were insulted?

When a year 8 said, right to my face, 'you mumble' (3 weeks ago)

42. Favourite flavour of sweet?

Strawberry, all the way. Failing that, I'd go for raspberry, or cola (which is weird, because I've never liked coca cola, but always liked the popsicles and sweets - I'm a strange child)

43. What instruments do you play?

My voice, and I can play Hedwig's theme on piano, which I'm very proud that I learnt mostly by ear.

44. Favourite piece of jewellery? (23rd April)

Probably my hematite heart pendant, it goes with everything.

45. Last sport you played?

ummm, I did aerobics last time I was at school, but I'm doing Speed, Agility, Quickness on Friday.

46. Last song you sang?

I think it was Let it Go in IT to annoy Clarisse, or possibly Underdog when our teacher was playing it.

47. Favourite chat up line?

I haven't used chat up lines, but I think the fandom ones are really clever. And as corny as it is, I really like the 'Did it hurt when you fell from heaven' one.

48. Have you ever used it?

Nope, as I said earlier, I probably wouldn't have the confidence to use a chat up line.

49. Last time you hung out with anyone?

I suppose at the workshops I did in the holidays, I basically hung out with my friends for 5 days of my holidays, it was great fun. I might ask if I can post the pictures we got back today.

50. Who should do these questions next?

I'm officially tagging +Maya Gibson to do this tag, but after that, anyone who wants to, feel free!

That's the TMI tag, Articulators, see you round!

Hate between Fandoms

OK, so after finding a post that spreads some serious **** on the bread of an opinion, and I'd like to speak out about it.

In my short time, I've read a lot of books, Harry Potter being one of my loves from a very young age. When I was 10, the Twilight Saga joined the list of the books I've read, and I was mesmerized by the relationship of Bella and Edward, but stayed for the trials and tribulations they faced.

I didn't realise the hate between the Harry Potter and Twilight fandoms were so immense until I became a full fledged 'Interent Hobo' as my friend +Layla Hopper calls it.

Yes, the debate between JK Rowling and Stephanie Meyer stealing inspiration from each other is well founded due to some similarities between characters (see Sirius Black and Jacob Black), but each fandom takes it too far.

Yesterday, I found this post in a Harry Potter community

I know, Twilight isn't the best written, and could certainly do with a more learned rewrite, but taking such a wound up punch at it is uncalled for. She lists some of the reasons she hates it as

#3: Sparkly vampires.
Yes, Meyer's vision of a vampire is different from that of Bram Stoker, but JK Rowling changed the view of witches and wizards, and since when did we question that? I honestly think the change of vampire is refreshing, especially after reading many stories since that apply the same old logic as Mr. Stoker penned.

Also, #15: Bella has no problem with Jacob imprinting on her hour old daughter
If you'd read the saga, you'd have known that Bella did have a problem, and broke Seth's arm expressing that. She got over it, because that's what people do. And Jacob didn't 'fall in love with a baby'; the imprints take on whatever role their imprintee needs them to be, be that a big brother, a protector, and potentially a lover in a far off future.

This girl labelled anyone who went against her views as, and I quote, 'mentals'. Now that, to me, is offensive. I'm sorry you find the material lacklustre, but that doesn't mean you can call out on someone's sanity just because they like it.

The lovely +Sarah Belasi came to my side with this,

So you obviously hate twilight and the following books. Thats okay, everybody is allowed to have a opinion. But as +Eve Patchett already said, you offend people and that is NOT okay. Oh, and I have one question: why did you read it then? When i read a book and don't like it, i lay it aside after about 100 pages. Please give me a answer, I really want to understand that.

After this, the writer proceeded to tell anyone who thinks that Twilight features love to reread #11 (I hadn't read her points in the first place, anyway) and read HP 7 about Snape and Lily. Now, I don't know about you, but I think there's different kinds of love, and different views on how it should be. Edward cared about Bella's well being and was prepared to hurt himself in the process of making sure she doesn't get hurt.

That sounds like love to me.

UPDATE:
OK, so the writer of this post just came in talking to me and Sarah about how 'She's a Ravenclaw and they finish books'. Absolute bull! I'm a Ravenclaw too, and I finish most books I read (some are seriously boring, but I'll return to them later). You, miss, are just fishing for things to point at, and that's what I hate about society, they'll take out a magnifying glass just to find something to jeer at.
She then went on to blame Stephenie Meyer for some drastic measures taken by teenage girls. I haven't heard of anyone trying to follow their ex-boyfriend's voice off a cliff, just because they read it in a book. Now that's just taking it way too far for me. You can't blame an author for things people do of their own accord.

Honestly, Stephenie Meyer, I applaud you for withstanding all this hate. Although your writing skills could need some enhancing, your works have certainly inspired me, and I hope you continue to do well.





Now can we all stop acting like children and appreciate the books we like and leave alone the ones we don't!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, Eve

Phone Drabbles

As I mentioned in my First Love post, I write on my phone when I'm bored. Seeing that most of them don't particularly lead to any stories I write, so I thought I should post them. (C) Eve Patchett 2014

Ahem, This was me getting philosophical again.
What is time but a measure of lie? What is life but a measure of existence? What is existence but a speck on the history of the world?
Yeah, don't let me get philosophical, it's not a good idea

This next one I started writing after seeing this play with my sister and her boyfriend and a couple of their friends (I actually met one of the actors and the writer afterwards, so cool!)

The wood was dark, and the snow was deep.And the boy? The boy was lost.

What was lost, though, he pondered while meandering through the snow, his footsteps disappearing mere moments after they were even made.

And he was cold, the snow clinging to the thin cotton of his clothes. He knew what cold was; he knew all too well the sensation of snow melting against his skin, of it trickling down his back. He hadn't known cold before he entered that place; or at least, he didn't think he had.

The woods grew steadily darker, and the snow steadily deeper. And the boy; the boy remained lost and cold.

Creatures appeared in the dark, leering down at him as they emerged from the shadows.The boy felt ... fear. He was fearful, and somehow, watching these creatures, he couldn't understand how he wasn't always afraid, not now that he knew how close these monsters always were.

The boy was tired, too. every step seemed even more leaden than the last.

And that's where it stops, probably because there's only 48 characters left (in my notepad on my phone, you can write up to 1000 characters). But I saw that show at the beginning of January, started writing the same night, and have added to it every so often since! :)

This last one I wrote in 501 characters when we got our first snow this last Tuesday (finally!)

As the snow flurried past in a tempest of white, she wondered what it would be like to be snow. They say every snowflake has its own unique pattern; she wondered whether the other snowflakes would taunt you as humans do for being different, or if the flakes had realised that each was different to another, and that it was pointless to call each other out on it in their short lifetime when their only similarity was their differences.

Oh yes, she thought, life would be better as a snowflake.

And that's about it for my phone drabbles! No stealing please!!! Love you guys! <3

Bad Apple - Teesside Creative Writing Result

OK, so one of our trips last term was to Teesside University, this time for a creative writing workshop that, because our school is so far away and we need to get back for the buses, only lasted about half an hour.
The teacher talked about English at the university, then showed us a video

It's an AMV from the anime Touhou. It's actually a really good song.
We were asked to write down lines we liked, and then write a story about the title, 'Bad Apple' I incorporated lines from the song,
I literally spent half my English lesson today copying it out in neater handwriting, as when I first wrote it, it was a scruffy 'Eve draft'!

So here is 'Bad Apple in the Crop'

I am me, that's all there is to it.
They're whispering again, she thinks. Where is the individuality in this world of carbon copies? The heartless one, Violet can't stand the names, yet the pride refuses to let her fall for it.
My heart is elsewhere, not listening.
Trying to block it out, to block them out, Violet stills, gaze still on the ground. Their taunts disappear in a heartbeat, just as they always do, but it doesn't stop her from seeing them.
Listlessness dances round.
Dullness of body and spirit, Violet reminds herself, continuing through the campus grounds, desperately seeking the solitude of her dorm room. If I am the freak, then what are you? You who goes out of your way to fit into the mob. If anything, you are the weird one, weird for not wanting to be different, weird for wanting to be a setting on a washing machine.
I keep being swept through the cracks of time.
It just disappears, for Violet at least. Cracks of ignoring them, cracks of waiting for the day to be over. Disappearing time where she just wants to disappear herself. Sighing, Violet reached for the door handle.
I'm just the bad apple in the crop.

So there you go. If I see this anywhere else, then you are most likely dead! Hehe! So baiiiiiiiii!