Why do I study biology instead of a writing degree?

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Yup. This post is a day late. I’ve yet to purchase either time turner or Tardis, so such is my life.

Speaking of my life, what am I doing with it? I love stories above all else. I love to read and analyse and find patterns in plots and letters. People complain when we watch films together “Sonora, stop meta-watching”. So why am I not doing a literature degree? Or a creative writing degree? Or something “artsy”?

Well, here’s my rambling answer to that. If you’re currently trying to decide what to do with your life (i.e. what university degree to choose, or university versus all the million other things out there), then maybe my story will help you think about it. Continue reading →

Writing Prompt #17

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My finger itches. Yes, I can be a real whiner, but I have a reason.

I’ve spent this week mostly sleeping and eating, which has admittedly been very nice. Unfortunately, typing is exhausting right now so I won’t be joining in on this writing prompt, but it’s a fun one!

Name of the game: Spelling Bee

The Rules: Write down the list of words at the top of your page (notebook, laptop, typewriter–whatever you prefer). You have ten minutes–set a timer–to write whatever comes to mind, using all the words in the list, in whatever order you like, crossing them off as you go. But they ALL have to be in there. Minor alterations are okay, like jump to jumped, but stay reasonable. Are you ready? Go!

The List:

Delicate, Dog, Give, Sailor, Franchise

If you enjoyed this writing prompt and feel like sharing what you wrote, post it in the comments! I love seeing what people come up with.

Have fun!

Don’t be stupid (like me)

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When they tell you not to stick your finger into spinny metal blades, they REALLY mean it.

Yup. I’m speaking from very recent experience.

You know those stick blenders/stab mixers/hand-held blender things? It’s almost ironic that I don’t know what it’s properly called. Perhaps I should just go with piranhas…

Anyway, I really wanted guacamole, but the avocados really did not want to mush. Hence why I, the genius that I am, decided to blend them up and then stick my finger in the blades to unstick them whilst my other finger was over the button.

All things considered, I got off very lightly with some deep cuts. Plus, I got to experience the operating room whilst awake, because we all agreed that general anesthesia would be overkill for one little pointer finger.

And yes, I did try to watch, but their hands were always in the way… Instead, I had a nice chat with one of the assistants about what Star Wars film is the best (Rogue One).

To summarize, it was an exciting experience that would have been nicer with less waiting and less pain.

So don’t be stupid like me guys–keep your fingers away from… Piranhas or anything else sharp and spinning. Because, if nothing else, you won’t be able to write properly for a while and that sucks.

Writing Prompt #16

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For today’s writing prompt, I tried using a sentence generator. Whilst more open-ended than my usual prompts, it seemed to be sufficiently story-prompting. At least, it seemed better than the automatic sentence the generator starts with: “If the bunny rabbit and the tooth fairy had babies, would they take your teeth and leave chocolate for you?” Sorry–what? I have so many questions…

Name of the game: Fire Starter.

The rules: Write the supplied sentence/sentence fragment at the top of your page, (computer, notebook, etc. Whatever you prefer) set a timer for 10 minutes and start writing whatever you think would follow that first sentence.

Today’s sentence fragment:

She was too short to see over the fence…

If you feel like it, post what you’ve written in the comments! I always love reading it.

Happy writing!

Am I a Writer?

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Am I a Writer? - What is a 'real' writer and why you're allowed to call yourself one. https://sonorahillsauthor.com/

What is a writer? When can you call yourself one? And how do you get the world to?

We live in a world of titles, where the difference of a few words can offend or flatter–fire you or get you a job–make enemies or friends. Finding out who you are is a big part of accepting yourself, and telling others where your strengths lie or what your job is. But often, there’s a line between professional and unprofessional. If you took a summer course in first aid, you cannot call yourself a trauma surgeon–it wouldn’t make sense. But turn to creativity titles like youtuber or photographer, and the lines are very blurred. In many cases, I don’t think they even exist.

I call myself a writer. An author, even. Am I being presumptuous? Do I really “understand” what I’m talking about? Why am I not a bestseller? If I’m a writer, shouldn’t I at least learn how to write regularly scheduled blog posts?

Well… let’s discuss. What does it really mean to be a writer? Continue reading →

Writing Prompt #15

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I’m almost done with my exams and it snowed yesterday! This photo caught my eye with its Bladerunner-y colours and dark atmosphere. And the girl–who is she?

Name of the game: Snap Shot

The rules: Stare at the picture. What does it make you think of? What story is it telling? Okay–thought of something? Good. Now set a timer to 10 minutes and start writing that story. Ready, set, go!

Writing Prompt #15 - Write a 10 minute story inspired by the photo! https://sonorahillsauthor.com/ Continue reading →

A New Bullet Journal Style for 2019

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I have been coveting a new bullet journal since the spine on my current one starting breaking. I loved the idea of a new start–fresh pages and a whole new style of spreads, specifically those that look really time-consuming and difficult.

But, I’m only two-thirds through my current notebook and I didn’t feel I could just abandon it. To make up for the delayed chance to start a new bullet journal, I decided to start playing around with fancy spreads anyway. I figured it was like ‘practising’ for when I get a new notebook, whilst using up loads of pages. The bonus: they look amazing and weren’t that hard at all! They’re still not completely finished, and I’m not a good photographer, but I thought I would share:

Continue reading →

Writing Prompt #14

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Life currently consists of studying, worrying, procrastinating and sleeping–it’s exam season. Christmas seems like a very nice dream now that I’m back in student housing where the radiators either have no effect or they melt your face. Also the beds–did I mention the beds? They make my mattress at home feel like a cloud.

Choosing a prompt this week was hard! I found so many good pictures to use for future games of Snap Shot, but here’s what I picked this time:

Writing Prompt #14 - 10 minutes to write a story inspired by the photo! https://sonorahillsauthor.com/ Continue reading →

I’ve been published in a YA anthology!

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Published in an anthology! https://sonorahillsauthor.com/Remember that writing prompt I did back in September which I didn’t share because I was considering submitting it to a contest? Well I did, and now it’s been published!

Short stories from 21 talented writers (including me!) make up the final instalment of an exploratory journey of the seven sins: Pride, Sloth, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, Avarice, and Lust. Meant for a YA audience, Lust has stories involving first love and stolen kisses, but also ones about the lust for power or an addiction.

Here’s the blurb for my lgbtq+ short story:

Fire and Starlight Girl

Sixteen-year-old Cassie has been best friends with Ella forever. On a beach holiday with Ella’s family, the girls plan on exploring, swimming and watching the sunset over the ocean. It’s a perfect summer until Cassie realizes she has feelings for Ella. They’ve always been able to tell each other everything, but is it worth sharing this time if it means she could lose Ella completely?

 

Never pass up the opportunity to enter a contest or submit to a journal/anthology–the editors/judges may really like what you have to say and your writing could find a home!

Writing Prompt #13

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Happy 2019!

My year started wonderfully with friends, champagne, and games. These included Pass the Parcel, a very British party game which seems to me like an excuse to throw things at family members (I promise I do actually enjoy it).

Of course, now it’s time for me to dive head first into revision in order to pass my exams, starting with evolutionary biology–timed-essay style–on the 14th. But before that, here’s a writing prompt!

Name of the game: Fire Starter. Continue reading →