Welcome to the revamp of the WMG Blogazine

It has taken a bit of time to get here but all worth it. I feel it’s a great and exciting way to
feature writers and their works.

Since the group opened its doors in November07, it had intentions of helping writers
promote and expose their works in various places and platforms around the internet. I have
tested a few avenues, some which have shown slow and steady success and others which
died a quick and painless death.

The group began with a handful of members back in 07. Now in 2008, the group has over
600. As the group motto suggests, “Writers Evolving Together”, I hope to offer greater
avenues and see if this group can be something much more for writers and their works.

Inside this issue is a revamp of all the previous special features from the blogazine site,
which will remain open for nostagiac viewing. Also are group notices and upcoming
challenges/competitions from other Red Bubble writing groups and outside organisations

Next quarter, I intend to showcase a fresh range of works and writers, plus offer an update on
Red Bubble and the group.

So, I hope you enjoy this issue and bookmark us for the next one.

xx

Ronnie
Group Host

Red Bubble.Com Groups Writing Organisations Featured Writers Writer’s Tools & Reference
Short Stories - Spherical Scriptings Writing.com Danny Nolan Dictionary.com
Flash Fiction Worthy of Publishing Kate Smith Miss Snark
A Novel Idea Booksquare Hilary Dougill Preditors & Editors
Graphic Scratch Duotrope’s Digest Natella2020 NSW Writing Centre (AU)
Twisted Tales Baen Books Gayla Drummond FAW(AU)
All Things Poetic, Prose, Philosophical Chronicles Network Nicole Ryan Talent Database
Art and Stories Made For Children Mystic Moon Press Michael Alesich
Blue Room Amira Press Girlinthestars
JC Montgomery

All works featured remain copyrighted to the respective writers and artists
Features 01
The following are the recent special features of the old style
blogazine.

Words of stories, quotes and profiles remain the property of

the writers and artists.

Since the dawning of Red Bubble, we have
seen writers either come and go or stay
on and shine before our very eyes. One of
the writers who has been around from the
beginning and doing very well for herself is
Kate Smith (also known as Empress).
Not only was her short story entry in the
Unleashed07 competition a winner, she since
has had a few stories published as eBooks
or in online ezines with various independent
publishers.
Her stories can be found at Mobipocket,
Fictionwise and with publisher Mystic Moon
Press. You can also listen to her story “Bad
Hair Nights” via Parade of Phantoms or if you
wish to read the story, purchase a copy at
MMP.
One of her first and successful stories with
Mystic Moon Press is Wishbone. A mystery/
crime/fantasy wonder mix.
“I love blending flashing dialogue between
two characters with an ensemble cast, even
if most of them are off stage for most of the
action. It’s my way of building a world and
inviting the reader in…” says Kate.
Kate Smith
The story’s blurb below:
Ariel Thorne does not believe in
coincidence.
She doesn’t believe in curses either.
But the increasingly odd and dangerous
events around Wishbone Street have her
believing one thing absolutely:
Something’s going to snap.
Wishbone has since called out a related
story titled Zap - Pandora’s Edge.
“Zap for example takes place during the first
half of Wishbone; one of my first published
stories The Dominant Rose links to the last
chapter,” Kate explains.
I highly recommend reading both. If
Wishbone and Zap leaves you hanging
for more, never fear as Kate hints there
is another part in the works. “There’s the
unfinished novel that started it all currently
titled Welcome Home. I’ve taken it out of
the file for the first time in years. It has
good bones.”
Looking forward to seeing this instalment.
Kate is a work-horse when it comes to
writing that I sometimes wonder if she
has time for anything else. At Red Bubble,
she co-hosts the Short Stories - Spherical
Scriptings group with Damian (who has
been featured here previously) and has been
involved in collaborations with other artists.
One of the collaborations has opened the
way to her new blog site The Sirens Gate.
As you can see, Kate truly is a motivation
for writers.
Cover designed by KSeriphyn Designs for a Mystic Moon Press publication
 Hilary Dougill

The Blue Vase by Hilary Dougill is a light, heart-felt short story about family relationships
and love.
Here are some of the comments the story received:
this was cool liked it…

Well written great stoy. Good work

This is a great story Hil, I just loved it…marvellous…love a great

love story… We all need one of those…

Below is a snippet of the story.

The Blue Vase

‘Mother. How could you?’ challenged Virginia and Cicely together.

‘The man is a guest in the house. You saw him at lunch for God’s sake Mother.’
said Cicely.
‘And to threaten someone with a loaded gun is awful.’ said Virginia.
‘Oh it isn’t loaded’ was Mother’s retort.’you don’t think I am foolish enough
to point a loaded gun at someone do you?’
‘Not loaded. Oh Mother that’s almost worse. You frightened the poor man
almost to death with a empty gun. Whatever got into you?’
Click the link to read the full story.

is professional psychologist who lives in a small market town in the

Hilary
United Kingdom and has a PhD in Natural Medicine. Photography and writing
are her hobbies.
 Natella2020

Below is a snippet.
Jihad

Broken ax meets solid summit

Solid power, solid fear
With a force of golden passion
And a tide of joyous tears
Click the link to read the full poem.

is a writer who is passionate

The word Jihad is an Arabic word which
means struggle, a word which suits Natella2020
poem of the same title quite well. Jihad
is a motivational and inspirational piece
indicating the need to survive great odds;
failing and triumphing in the end.
Here are some of the comments the
poem received:
beautifully written
Natella2020
about islam and science. I find her
pieces are thought provoking and
offers conscience messages readers
can take with them.
In Natella’s words, “My goal is to start
a revolution in scientific thought by
adding a spark of artistic style and the
eloquence and power of the written
word. If I make an impression on
the mind of one person, my journey
will be worthwhile, and my goal
accomplished.”

Deep, Powerful imagery, very

thought provoking, loved the
first stanza and the second
and the third, actually I can’t
quite decide. I loved the title
best of all, very fitting and
stirring…

…this is one of the best

written pieces I have read
to date from you. Imagery,
yes – powerful, yes – but the
words used and how they are
constructed in the verses are
outstanding…
 Gayla Drummond

by Gayla Drummond is a story of raw intensity, passion and gripping hooks

Shades of Gray # 1
that make you want to go to part 2.
Here are some of the comments the story received:
Great stuff Gayla, really well written, and so engaging.

well i’m hooked!…..off to the next bit!

really felt my heart go when she thought he’d cheated!

I’m enjoying reading your work; it is articulate, well polished, and flows
nicely. I especially like the mood, the hint of suspense. Marvelous work!!

Below is a snippet of the story.

Shades of Gray #1

“Gray, I can’t just,” I begin protesting, but a finger touches my lips to silence me. His
dark brown eyes gaze intently into mine.
Click the link to read the full story.

Gayla has had a few titles published which are equally riveting. Her recent work up for
grabs is Feral Intensity; the first of a three part contemporary fantasy. She also has had
works published in “ArtWanted.com’s Creative Minds”. Aside from writing, she is a CG
Artist with six years experience. Her cover art has been used for works such as Flash
Swords Fantasy Magazine.
At Red Bubble, she co-hosts the “A Novel Idea” writing group.
 Nicole Ryan

by Nicole Ryan has a strong lyrical feel and an eerie, lingering, feeling of a
Varga Girl
woman who saw what they wanted to be and who they are now.
Here are some of the comments the story received:
What a cool, creative concept Nicole, and the words flow right off the
pages of that magazine you described beautifully. Well done!

I wanted to be a Varga Girl too…..I’ve goosebumps reading this….

So real……

JFC!! and HOLY MOLY

just brilliant!

Below is a snippet of the story.

Varga Girl

I tore you from the centre

of a magazine
carefully avoiding ripping holes
in the underside of your elbows
Click the link to read the full poem.

Nicole Ryan co-ordinates

her writing with her duties of motherhood. Her writing
time is similar to loose change found at the back of a lounge. She is proud
mum to four beautiful children and happily married. She hopes to, one day,
become a successful, published writer. With work such as Varga Girl, I can see
this in the making.
 Michael Alesich

The incident. A serial story revolving around an incident and lives affected by it.
It’s a story so cleverly written by Michael Alesich.
Here are some of the comments the story received:
Ok, you got me hangin’ for the next installment!!

And………….going to the next…..

WoW ….curiosity is peaked lol…..Trisha xoxo

Below is a snippet of the story.

The Incident -1

Um…, you probably should be talking to my supervisor.

Well, bad luck I’m talking to you,
I might just…
Bad luck girl, it’s either you or the dial tone.
Next words: 60 Million Dollars keeps them alive.
Click the link to read the first incident and continue the journey.

is a photographer and graphic designer with a writing talent as well.

Michael Alesich
He is part of the Back Alley Atelier group.

Art works by Michael which is available for viewing and purchase at Red Bubble
 Girlinthestars

need to make a call or he

doesn’t deserve you.

Below is a snippet of the poem.

Forgotten
I’m broken now
But I have not forgotten the way it feels
To swallow rain like candy drops
And then to
Stop
Click the link to savour the full poem.

Girlinthestars has been writing poetry

Forgotten is a breathtaking piece of love since the age of fourteen. A collection of
and passion where the words themselves her works has been published in books
form a savoury concoction that linger in which can be found at amysampsonbooks.
you mind. com. When she is not writing, she is being
Here are some of the comments the poem a proud mother of a beautiful boy.
received:
Oh my God Amy – I can’t tell
you how deeply this touched
me! How incredibly poignant
this is and how true! Just an
amazing work, my good friend!

“As you rolled on top of me

in the most splendid state of
sweat.”
Imagined or not this is really
powerful, your writing has
such an excellent flow to it,
everything I read of yours has
such a pull from one line to the
next. Very nice work.

You made me all misty

again……..really now, is there
someone behind all of this
heartfelt pain? If so either you

Match Met is part ofa serial story written
by Jcmontgomery. It’san enticing read full
of power plays, tension and those heart
pounding moments that make you want
to quickly turn to the next page. She has
the gift of hooking your attention with
the first three lines and keeping it right
to the end.
Here are some of the comments the story
received:
omg….this is soooo good…..i
don’t want it to end like that!!!
pretty please?!
Brilliant piece, I really think
you have something great
happening here jc…it picks
off beautifull from where you
left off, its got suspense,
excitement, gives you the
story and then leaves you
with little bits and pieces of
infomation you want resolved.
I also think you are bring each
piece of the whole its own
climax, kind of like a sci-fi/
fantasy/horror serial or novel
JC Montgomery
with chapters…I could go
on…
you’ve started something
here jc LOL!
Oh wow! I can only add to
what is said before. This is
just great!
Below is a snippet of the story.
Match Met
Gaelan? I’m sensing a…..no….NO! Gaelan, get out. Get
out now!
Before Gaelan could answer the room
went dark. Jumping from his chair
he raced around to where Devlin had
been just moments before. Reaching
out to grab him by the collar, Gaelan
instead felt his hands go numb. It was
only because of his quick reflexes that
he was able to prevent them from
shattering into irreparable shards.
Click the link to read the full story.
Jcmontgomery is a native San
Franciscan currently residing as a
Northern Nevadan. Firmly believing
that fulfillment doesn’t come with a
dollar sign, she hopes to one day find
that perfect match between her talents
and someone willing to support her
addiction to skinny vanilla lattes.
You can also find her reading and
reviewing books as The Biblio Brat and
posting to her online journal Loose Leafs
from a Commonplace.
She also co-hosts the A Novel Idea group
at Red Bubble.
 Danny Nolan

Winner of the Short Stories – Spherical Scriptings group competition themed

Hail Fellow, was a hilarious story titled That’s My Boy by notorious Red Bubbler
Danny. Here are some of the comments the story received:

Great story! I thoroughly enjoyed this!

Deliciously demented and funny
Second read is even better. Well done Mr N.

Danny has been a member of Red Bubble since March 2007 and is well known for
his gonzo style interviews and humorous stories. He is the founder of the very
popular A.R.S.E group.
Below is a snippet of the winning story.

That’s My Boy
“How’s that, you bastards?”
The heavy ball sailed high and seemed to stay a split longer in the air than
seemed natural and landed “plop” in the soft sand next to the jack.
Click the link to read the full story.
Group News 11
The happenings of WMG and other Red Bubble writing groups
The Flash Fiction Group’s
latest challenge has yielded
results. As per the group host’s
announcement:
We had lots and lots of votes
but this time we had a runaway
winner, with Nicole Ryan’s
Universal Specification, receiving
18 points. Second goes to
JCMongomery for The Burning
with 10 points, while only one
point behind was MickyMc’s
The Cabbage Farmer. A special
mention goes to Filfil and Emma
Robinson who missed out on a
place by only one point.The first,
second and third place getters’
works will be popped into the
featured section of our overview
page.
Well done everyone. And great
writing.
Their next writing challenge is the
July 2nd Challenge and the Group
Avatar challenge, which finish on
July, 31st.
A Novel Idea latest challenge
is now closed and pending for
results.
Short Stories has released its
latest competition - Revenge of
The Pawn. Their details below:
You have two months to get your
entries in for this Chess themed
writing competition. Interpret the
pieces or the game any way, any
genre you want. The pieces are
the King, Queen, Rook/castle,
Knight, Bishop and Pawn.
First Prize : US$30 Bubble
voucher
Runner up prize: A copy of the
Gaia publication.
Closes : Midnight (your time),
Saturday 14th September 2008
Guest Judge : To be announced.
How to enter : tag your story
“Checkmate”, add it to the group
and link to this forum.
Word Limit : up to 2000
Multiple entries?: Enter as many
stories as you like.
If there are other groups with news,
competitions and/or challenges they would
like to share, please send me an email at
rbwmgg@gmail.com or bubble me at the
WMG red bubble account.
 News 12
Gayla Drummond has some of her Sydney Writers’ Center Online
work recently published and available Feature Writing course
for sale - HERE! Well done Gayla. Details below from their newsletter

Anne van Alkemade has accumulat- Over five weeks, our Online Feature
ed interest towards her journal post, Writing course will teach you which
A Grim View of Life. Curious? Please ideas work – and where to get them,
read her post understanding the magazine/news
market (so you can write for the mag-
Byron Bay Writers Festival azines and newspapers which inter-
From Allen & Unwin’s newsletter est you), how to research, structure
and write a feature, what editors want
From 25 - 27 July, Byron Bay will be from a writer and how to pitch your
hosting another wonderful writers article or idea to a magazine and sell
festival. There is a full program avail- it!
able on their website, simply go to the
Byron Bay Writers Festival website and You can do this all in your own time
check out what’s happening. and at your convenience – and you’ll
experience the same high quality
Allen & Unwin authors participating course offered here at the centre.
this year include:
Here’s what past participant Susie
Sarah Armstrong Wicks said about the online course:
Colin Bowles “It was great being able to do it in
Tim Costello your own time and being able to pause
Irina Dunn and rewind to listen to parts over.
Ross Gittins The question and answer format was
Brenden Gleason great too, really
Jarad Henry enjoyed getting feedback from Val-
Danny Katz erie.”
Stefan Laszczuk
Leigh Redhead Course: Online Feature Writing for
Joanna Savill Magazines and Newspapers with Val-
Margaret Simons erie Khoo
Nury Vittachi When: The week beginning Monday 4
Charlotte Wood August 2008
Time: Whenever it suits you
Immerse yourself and be inspired! Cost: $395

Click here for more information.

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Bubblesphere
Happenings around Red Bubble

Red Bubble Contacts

Email is the preferable form

of contact: support@redbub-
GAIA Publication ble.com
Red Bubble’s recent publication received a grand ap-
plause from its members and is now ready for sale. If required, phone contact is
8am–6pm, Monday–Friday
AEST (UTC + 10 hours).
DOS Attacks
Jo O’Brien alerted us to a technical problem they Melbourne, Australia: 1300
recently faced with the site. The problem is called 66 77 01 or +61 3 8415
Denial of Service (DOS). It’s a function which uses 0684
multiple servers to break down a site. She explains San Francisco, United States:
more in her journal post. 415 578 3308
London, United Kingdom: 020
7193 3855
Deliriousgirl Interviewed by Juliee P Pryor or
maybe the other way around NB: Phone contact is not
Either way it’s an insightful interview on an artist recommended as the phone
vision and their methods. More information can be is not constantly manned.
found in the journal post.

The main office Melbourne:

House of Siren & Publication Unit 2, 192 Argyle St, Fitz-
Kate Smith is on fire when it comes to having her roy, Melbourne, VIC, 3065,
stories published. She has another release with Australia
Mystic Moon Press and has been busy with her site,
Siren’s Gate. In the US you can send any
mail (e.g. home baked cook-
Her latest release from Mystic Moon Press is When ies) to:
the Cup is Empty and the new installment of Bad 3925 Old Lee Hwy, Ste 200,
Hair Nights. Fairfax, VA, 22030

If you have news and/or journal posts you would like to include here
for the next issue. Please either bubble mail me the details or send
them to rbwmgg@gmail.com