Owlfather

Bonus: I read the bee in a Barry White voice 😅

🤗

More unhinged pages from children's books until I finish. Today's page is from Little Sunflower by Suzanne Fossey.

Sunflower is a bit of an exhibitionist 🤫

#writing #writingcommunity #dads #dadlife

Bonus: I give the bee a Barry White voice 😅

Ah, yes, Avalon - the most nothing shore town that no one goes to.

More unhinged pages from childrens books until I finish mine. Today's page is from The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems.

Me too, Pigeon. Me too.

#Booksky #Writesky #WritingCommunity

✨ A Sprinkle of JoyousJoyness ✨

It's kinda perfect.

Have a JoyousJoyfulJoyness day!

#happy #dance #dog #cute #joyousjoyness

#WIPSnips 7/24 "inside" Writing an epic fantasy with my kids as MCs. So our dog (Captain) became a horse, of course. #Writesky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #Fantasy Torithe was disappointed. She wanted to play outside, and now she had to go back to Pan's Bakery and sit by the counter until her mother was finished with her work. She spotted Mallor's ball on the ground and kicked it as hard as she could. "Captain!" Donya was in the grass, yelling after their horse. "Come back!" Torithe looked up. She saw Donya hopping along the edge of the road, calling Captain's name. The horse wasn't listening to her. Instead, Captain cantered along the road and out through the gates of the village. He seemed to be following the hunters, and the other horses. "Captain, stop!" she called. She tried to put two fingers in her mouth and whistle, like she had seen her father do it many times before. But for her, no sound came out. She gave up and ran after her sister. When they got to the village gates, the guards in the watchtowers were gone. Torithe put a hand on her sister's shoulder to stop her. "Donya, don't. Mommy said to stay inside the village walls." Donya was more worried about Captain. "No, she said to keep Captain out of trouble, and he's in trouble!" She dashed away and followed Captain along the sandy dirt road into the forest. Torithe paused and looked back over her shoulder. For a moment she thought about running back to the bakery like Mallor said, but now it was Donya she needed to keep out of trouble. With her heart beating fast, she took a hop and ran after her sister. Outside the village, the sun seemed to hide behind the tall trees, making it look darker. They could hear the fading hoofbeats of the other horses, but they couldn't see where they went. Captain slowed down his stride, and stepped off the road. He started to walk along a narrow trail, marked by trampled leaves and dirt.

#WIPSnips 7/24 "inside"

Writing an epic fantasy with my kids as MCs. So our dog "Captain" became a horse, of course.

#Writesky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #Fantasy

Maybe it’s not too late to learn how to love and forget how to hate. - Ozzy Osbourne

Wednesday is with us again, so grab your family and friends and drag them out to buy a book! - Michael

#WIPSnips 7/22 "needle" Writing an epic fantasy with my kids as main characters. Needed to make it a little realistic 🙃. #Writesky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #Fantasy "It's so pretty…" said Donya. She held up what the shivergoat had dropped. The girls saw that it wasn't just a branch. It was a carefully made necklace of grass and leaves, with little pinecones and mountain laurel woven into it. It looked like it had been crafted by a master weaver. Or maybe it was made by a jewelry maker of the treasure guild, who had no better materials to work with. They found it beautiful, even though it was made of things you find on the ground. Donya's hand pulled back quickly as Torithe grabbed the necklace from her. "No! I saw it first!" Donya argued. Torithe ignored her and put on the necklace. To their surprise it seemed to grow, with leaves and pine needles cascading down from the pinecone jewels. In a moment she was covered in what looked like living greenery, from neck to foot, perfectly hiding her in the meadow. "Wow… I think it might be magic." Donya was very excited. "Let me try!" She grabbed the necklace and pulled it over Torithe's head, not very gently. "Ow! Hey! Give it back!" Torithe complained as the green plant camouflage disappeared. But Donya had already put the necklace on and turned as green as Moon Meadow itself. "Wow! See if you can find me." She suddenly ducked down low and disappeared from Torithe's sight.

#WIPSnips 7/22 "needle"

Writing an epic fantasy with my kids as main characters. Needed to make it a little realistic 🙃

#Writesky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #Fantasy

Posting unhinged pages from childrens books until I finish mine. Today's page is from Grumpy Monkey, by Suzanne and Max Lee.

So relatable to anyone with anxiety.

#Booksky #Writesky #WritingCommunity

WIPSnips 7/21 "certify" - Just vibes today Epic fantasy starring my children. I don't always believe every word they tell me, but I try to take every word seriously. #Writesky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #Fantasy Torithe nodded. "When Sparkles was going to take us home, she said to return the favor. Can we help Sparkles get home tomorrow?" "Oh honey," said her mother. "I don't want to let you out of my sight…" She hugged Torithe tightly. Donya leaned on her father. "Oh! And the talking tree said to tell you that she is real. Remember, daddy?" Borus was concerned. "Do you mean this morning, in the town square?" "Yes! You said you weren't sure if the talking tree from the song was real." Donya pulled her father's arm. "She told me to tell you that she is." She smiled happily and yawned, rubbing her eyes. After that, there were no more questions. Torithe and Donya changed their clothes and laid down for bed. Despite their excitement, they were asleep before the smoke from their candles guttered out. Their mother and father paced back and forth in the kitchen. They knew at once that the girls' story was true. But unicorns and talking trees were beyond their understanding or control. All they wanted was to protect Torithe and Donya, but they felt powerless. Their only hope was the one thing they feared. The unicorn must be brought to the king.

WIPSnips 7/21 "certify" - Just vibes today

Epic fantasy starring my children. I don't always believe every word they tell me, but I try to take every word seriously.

#Writesky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #Fantasy

#WIPSnips 7/20 "moon" Writing an epic fantasy for my kids. Trying to incorporate as many fantasy elements as I can. #Writesky #WritingCommunity #WritingPromps Tilya led the girls up the hill away from the wagons and the herd toward a flat grassy field at the edge of Moon Meadow. She talked about the shivergoats, and how the shepherds gave them funny names like April Showers and Blue Twilight. Donya talked about her favorite color of tulips. But Torithe was thinking about her dad's warning. "Why are the fairies dangerous if they were the ones who gave us shivergoats?" she asked. "They helped us a long time ago," said Tilya. "But things have been tricky since then. The shivergoats are all we have left of their friendship." Torithe's curiosity wouldn't go away. "Do you know why they are called shivergoats? I thought it was because they shiver when it gets cold, but your dad thought it's because the blue devils make people shiver with fright."

#WIPSnips 7/20 "moon"

Writing an epic fantasy for my kids. Trying to incorporate as many fantasy elements as I can.

#Writesky #WritingCommunity #WritingPromps

#WIPSnips 7/19 "search" MCs are my kids, and I got their blessing by telling them they would ride a unicorn 🦄 #Writesky #WritingCommunity #Writing #WritingPrompts #Dadlife The bells were ringing at the east gate of Coltus Town again. But this time it was not because of a beast hunt. It was to signal that the missing girls had been found. Night had fallen, and torches were lit atop the village walls. Master Florent had returned with the missing horse, Captain. And Torithe and Donya arrived safe and sound, on the back of a magical unicorn... Amelind was in tears when Borus returned from the forest with the search party. The whole family hugged tightly when they were finally reunited. But now a large crowd was gathered outside the gate. They were relieved at first to see the Torithe and Donya safe, but soon they were staring with wonder at the animal that brought them home. The unicorn had bright sunlit hair, golden hooves, and a shimmering coat that shifted from one color to the next. On top of its head there was a spiral horn giving off a soft warm glow. The people of Pifferdelle only knew unicorns from old songs and nursery rhymes. Seeing one in person filled them with wonder and curiosity. Yet only Torithe and Donya could get near the unicorn. Watchmen were approaching her with ropes and lassos. She paced in circles and swung her head around, until the villagers backed away. Master Florent mounted his horse and rode through the gates toward the castle road. Three of the Knights of Pifferdelle made their way through and stood at the front of the crowd.

#WIPSnips 7/19 "search"

MCs are my kids, and I got their blessing by telling them they would ride a unicorn 🦄

#Writesky #WritingCommunity #Writing #WritingPrompts #Dadlife

I'm keeping her alive in my heart, and in the magical forest kingdom I wrote for my kids. My oldest still remembers her, so she'll understand the reference.

Posting unhinged pages from kids books until I finish mine. Today's page is from Fluffy McWhiskers: Cuteness Explosion, by Stephen W. Martin.

This book is a cosmic horror. Even looking at a *photo* of the cat makes you explode.

#writesky #writingcommunity #dadlife

Loved it as soon as you said the dog speaks. I wrote my dog into my story as a horse. Will probably include my dog that passed, too.

#WIPSnips 7/18 "Together" Writing an epic fantasy with my kids as main characters. Maybe they'll learn a thing or two. #Writesky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts The queen replied softly, "No pardons are necessary, good woman. I am the intruder here, and for that I must apologize to you. It seems you have a matter of great importance to deal with. Please, forgive me and continue." She spoke kindly and nodded at her, looking toward the children. Torithe and Donya's mother turned back to face them. Her face was pale except for her bright red cheeks. "Girls," she said nervously, trying to remember what they had done wrong. "…You knew those cranberry cakes were for dessert, after dinner was finished. Today's festival is about sharing with your neighbors." "But we were sharing!" Torithe argued as she watched her mother's eyes get wide. "We gave one cake to that girl, and we were going to get another one so we could have our feast together." She suddenly remembered herself and closed her lips tightly, looking back down at the ground. "It's not just about the cakes," said her mother. Torithe's talking back made her forget all about the queen. "It's about being patient. And taking things without asking. What will happen if we have a hard winter and we are down to eating rations from an empty pantry?"

#WIPSnips 7/18 "Together"

Writing an epic fantasy with my kids as main characters. Maybe they'll learn a thing or two.

#Writesky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

Spoiler: "IJHS" 🙃

More unhinged pages from children's books until I finish mine. Today's page is from Hedgehugs, by Steve Wilson.

It's the story of two hedgehogs who try out different prophylactics so they can, ahem, "hug"...

#booksky #writesky #dadlife #writingcommunity

#WIPSnips 7/16 "memory" Writing an epic fantasy with my kids as MCs. I used to jokingly tell them to stop growing, and stay a baby for a few more years. The elf-children in my story take 100 years to grow up. Which is great, unless you're the only one.. #Writesky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts Torithe pulled on her dad's arm. "Is that the princess? I can't see her from here!" She stood on her toes, but all she could see above the crowd was a small person in a yellow dress. "I'm sorry, honey. We're too far away this year," her dad said. "I know she's older than me, but she's still an elf child, and she's not much bigger than you." He messed up Torithe's hair and put a hand above his shoulders to hold Donya steady. The queen raised a hand to speak, and all the commotion was hushed to silence. "People of Pifferdelle," the queen spoke, her voice flavored with hints of the elf language. It echoed clear and sweet in the town square. "We gather today, as we have done since ancient times, to give thanks for our fortune and our blessings. And we have many to count here in this bountiful forest. But first we must fulfill a duty most sacred. Let us take a moment to remember those who we have lost, their memories woven into the fabric of our community." Donya whispered in her dad's ear. "Is the King going to come, Daddy?" She didn't get to see him very often, even from far away. "I don't think so, sweetie." her father answered quietly. "The King hasn't come to the Thanksgiving festival in a long time." He gave Donya a hush and said no more, but he looked worried until the speech started again.

#WIPSnips 7/16 "memory"

Writing an epic fantasy with my kids as MCs. I used to jokingly tell them to stop growing, and stay a baby for a few more years.

The elf-children in my story take 100 years to grow up. Which is great, unless you're the only one..

#Writesky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

The "engagement" he's talking about is bigotry and propaganda. They want that stuff on their site, because rational people condemning it is "engagement".

He was my congressman! So glad he's in the Senate now.

Now you got me thinking. I'd guess they start at 'nothing' and end at 'thousands of tons' 👀

Awesome. Looks great. I might have to try this!

More unhinged pages from children's books until I publish my own. Today's page is from Pugtato Finds a Thing, by Sophie Corrigan.

Purrsnip.... Purrsnip haunts my dreams.

#writesky #booksky #dadlife #writingcommunity

#WIPSnips 7/15 "sister" I write so my two daughters can be the MCs of their own epic fantasy. Had a lot of "sisters" to choose from, but this scene drives the story forward. What do you think of this take on a will-o-the-wisp? #writesky #writingcommunity #writingprompts #fantasy Mallor squinted at the gates and grinned. "It means there's a nuisance. Danger outside the walls, like a bear or something." He started striding towards the sound, but remembered he was looking after the girls. "Stay right here. I'm just going to ask." He ran off to the crowd and started talking to the man on the horse. Donya went back to chasing insects, as the bell in the watchtower stopped ringing. Three more horses came riding along the road. One of the riders wore a steel halfhelm and carried a shield painted with the King's seal. Torithe knew that it was one of the Knights of Pifferdelle. But whether it was Sir Ferron or Sir Deric or some other knight, she could not tell. She walked out onto the grass near her sister, who didn't seem too worried. Mallor came dashing back to them, catching his breath. "There's a will-o-the-wisp! A deer with flaming antlers!" He waved his hands above his head excitedly. "They spotted one south of the creek. Squire Marlon says that I can come on the hunt with them!" Torithe frowned as her sister huddled close. Mallor was supposed to be looking after them. "You can't just leave us!" Mallor bent down to their height and gave Torithe a serious look. "Please, this is the first hunt I'm allowed to go on. Just take your horse by the reins and walk straight back to the bakery." He looked over his shoulder. "You can do that, right?"

#WIPSnips 7/15 "sister"

I write so my two daughters can be the MCs of their own epic fantasy. Had a lot of "sisters" to choose from, but this scene drives the story forward.

What would you think of this take on a will-o-the-wisp?

#writesky #writingcommunity #writingprompts #fantasy

#WIPSnips 7/14 "rumble" Writing an epic fantasy starring my kids as the main characters. The number one requirement was for the story to include finding a unicorn 🦄 #Writesky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #Fantasy Donya held her father's hand as they walked into the bright sunlight of the courtyard. The sun was getting high in the sky, and Donya began to feel a rumbling in her belly. She had had some blueberries and toast for breakfast, but that was before their sunrise march up to Castle Dumont. The courtyard was empty except for the grooms, who were all gathered around the stable trying to get a look at the unicorn. Master Maurice was with them, in his decorated green vest, gaping as Asmin refilled the watering trough. Alwin the giant was nowhere to be seen. The King led them up a wooden staircase to the top of the castle wall. The walkway at the top was wide enough for two grown-ups to walk shoulder to shoulder. The brown bricks curved along the edge of the cliff, offering a spectacular view of the valley. At the center there was a round turret, wide enough for the three of them to stand, with a window in the middle.

#WIPSnips 7/14 "rumble"

Writing an epic fantasy starring my kids as the main characters. The number one requirement was for the story to include finding a unicorn 🦄

#Writesky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #Fantasy

#WIPSnips 7/13 "random" Writing an epic fantasy for my kids. I found this in my worldbuilding essays. Not part of the main story, though it could form an Ainulindalë of sorts. #Writesky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts In one such pocket, eons later, amidst a current of the lifestream that still permeated the void, complexity arose. Infinite randomness had generated its second song. Through cooperation, love and symbiosis, greater beings arose and began to compete for resources. They proliferated among the streams and novae, and they thrived where they had stability. Their lives were full of peril. They strayed and settled and grew often to their doom. But in defiance of the natural law they continued to build their libraries. The new gods within the old, formed ecosystems and biomes.

#WIPSnips 7/13 "random"

Writing an epic fantasy for my kids. I found this in my worldbuilding essays. Not part of the main story, though it could form an Ainulindalë of sorts.

#Writesky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

#WIPSnips 7/11 "Apparition" Writing an epic fantasy starring my kids as main characters. The Elf King searched for a talking tree of wisdom in the valley, and never found one. Because it was never just one tree. #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts The leaves sputtered in what might have been a laugh. "Why yesss, I am real. Do tell your father…" Torithe wasn't so sure. "You're not just a trick of the fairies?" She didn't understand how fairy magic worked, but she knew they cast spells on trees. "I am a ssspirit of the valley. Living within the rootsss of the foressst." The face smiled warmly, as white flowers twinkled in its eyes. "I know the fairiesss well. But I grew here long before them..." Leaves and pine needles skittered across the rocks. "You're the talking tree…" Torithe realized out loud. "But… you're not a tree at all." She looked all around at the curtain of leaves, woven into brown branches like a basket. "You are right, young one. I am everywhere in the valley at once." The breeze blew in rhythm to the words. "But only here do I nurture my fruit. You are in a sssafe place."

#WIPSnips 7/11 "Apparition"

Writing an epic fantasy starring my kids as main characters.

The Elf King searched for a talking tree of wisdom in the valley, and never found one. Because it was never just one tree.

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts