ellievallie

You need to know truth before you can speak it. Despite all of my intentions, I did not write an entire novel last month. I did write part of one, and I came away from Camp NaNo with a few lessons learned.

Most writers are familiar with National Novel Writing Month - the annual challenge to write an entire book in 30 days. Those of us who don’t want to wait until November have another option approaching

Kara wasn’t expecting much when she sat on the rooftop with a Pilsner in her hand and two empty bottles at her feet, but that star lit up like it was just asking for a wish to be made. Didn’t most wishes

Posted for #TreeTuesday initiated by @old-guy-photos!

“Look at this cake. It’s a mess.” Hannah’s accusing finger pointed at the two sections of angel food resting on the cooling rack. The one with brown edges was the perfect shape, but the golden one bulged

“Has anyone ever told you about the giant blockchain in the sky?” It wasn’t a question he usually asked new employees, but Anna Morgen wasn't just anyone. She was his first personal assistant. And this

“I suppose I should tell you now, I’ve come here to die.” Clara’s eyes widened as Sabine’s words sunk in. The murmurs that spread through the rest of the coven were too hushed to make out, but she already

The heavy clouds that gathered throughout the day burst at last, unleashing torrents onto the backs of the retreating invaders. Victoria removed her helmet and tilted her face to the sky. Rivers of rain

Warm Light

Her fingertips bleed as she feeds the earth, but she continues working. The dusty ground surrenders to her shovel, to her hands, to be mixed together with rich compost. No, she wears no gloves. It’s a

Here in this space, she is alone. Alone with her feelings, alone with her thoughts. Not really alone at all. She sits on the floor, bare feet layered with dust, watching time pass through the world outside

“Take my hand, don’t be afraid.” Nick reached out to Ava as he turned toward the path that would take them deeper into the forest. She narrowed her eyes at her childhood friend, refusing the invitation.

It hurts. That’s all I can say. Or rather, that’s all I can whimper. It hurts. I lie back, stretching my legs on the fresh linen sheet that covers my bed. My baked nectarine flesh radiates sunburnt fever

The floor was rough under Alexa’s bare feet, designed with safety in mind. Damp residue soaked the grainy texture, remnants of drops left by swimmers who had come and gone throughout the day. When the

How do I look back on all of these words? This week, I was tagged by @mariannewest to participate in the Over 20 Club, an opportunity for members of the #freewrite community who have written over 20 posts

The tile is slick on my way to the sauna, and my legs are hesitant. I leave my bag outside the door. The steamed scent of wood, smoky but not quite, meets my nose when I enter. I step onto the first bench

It wasn’t supposed to rain that day. It wasn’t supposed to, but it did, and there I was in a white shirt and sandals splashing my way across the street. When a car driving too close to the curb missed

“You shouldn’t let me stay here.” “Why not?” She stood in the doorway with coffee, tilting her head to the left as she asked. He pushed himself up halfway toward sitting. The shift in position cleared

Posted for the #LoveTheClouds contest created by @tobetada!

Halfway drunk and partially awake, Bianca fumbled with her keys until she found the one that fit the lock. The air inside the apartment was still, showing no signs of life other than John waiting alone