The Partner's Present...Thankful Week!! Mrs. White Gives Thanks for ItzMegan73!!

Thanksgiving… Let’s just say it’s not my favorite holiday, and leave it at that. Seriously, since when should I be happy about having to cook a meal large enough to feed my army of children? And Black Friday shopping? Really? Because I want to buy them more stuff? I suppose I could always stop by Victoria’s Secret when I’m at the mall…or that little adult shop next door that I have a frequent buyer’s card for. A girl can never have too many corsets and hooker heels, you know.

Well, anyway, aside from my lack of thanks for the holiday, I was graced with one thing I can be thankful for this year. So, you know how some people have that little Freebie List? The one that names the five people their spouse would willingly let them have sex with, if they got the chance? Well, I don’t need one of those, I mean it would only have one name on it, and I’m pretty sure he’s shacked up in a London apartment with his little girlfriend, at the moment. I’m not bitter… I mean, if he likes that kind of thing...tennis shoes, short skirts, sparkling green eyes, clear as can be peach and cream complexions, dimples over her perfectly round tushie… Yeah, I can’t really say I blame him. *hee-hee*

Anyway, back to what I was saying. So, I don’t have a Freebie List. Instead, I have an Author’s I WANT list. I’m a very lucky girl, I’ve gotten all of the ones at the top. Well, all except for one. And she’s one of my FAVORITES! She’s one that I always run to read updates for. One that I squee each time I see tweets from her on my Twitter. One that I about passed out over when she actually replied to a few chapter reviews I had left for her. And I can honestly say, I don’t think I’m the only one that feels this way about her.

ItzMegan73. You know her, you know her stories, and you know you wish you were me this week. She’s such a talented writer, transfixing and bewitching readers with her beautiful and heartfelt stories. The one thing that keeps me hooked on them is how real they are. It’s no secret that I like stories that could really happen, stories that I could step into and live. Hence, the whole no vampire story reading thing. ItzMegan73’s stories are so honest and realistic, I can’t stay away. And it doesn’t hurt that she writes AMAZING Edward’s. Even when they are flawed and broken and completely out of their element, you can’t help but fall in love with them. I know I couldn’t. I can honestly say that her stories are at the top of my Top 10 FanFic’s Ever List.

I know most people name A Rough Start as their favorite ItzMegan73 story, but not me. While I LOVE it, and The Cannabean Betrothal, my heart belongs to another. The Tutor. Oh my goodness, it’s everything I love about a good story, plus it has my favorite kind of Edward! He’s in high school, he’s rough, he’s messed up, he curses more than he should, he’s got a temper, he’s a bit of a man whore, and he needs help. Ugh…I love that. *giggle* The way ItzMegan73 writes him, the vulnerability that she gives him, is astounding and mesmerizing. I fell completely in love with him as I read the story, and with his image in mind, I moved on to her other stories, falling in love with those Edward’s, too. Trust me when I say…they are well worth the read. You won’t be sorry…

So with that said, and her newest story already in the works and serving as incentive for me to get my own writing done, I’m excited to pass along my interview with the lady herself. And, just to prove what an amazing person she is, she answered all of my questions, and those of readers, this week…even though this week is her wedding anniversary, Thanksgiving, AND her birthday!! Talk about wonderful… I’m even more in awe of her after this. If I ever had a girl crush, other than the obvious KStew one (and that might just be more jealousy over her man), then ItzMegan73 would most definitely be at the top of my list. She’s incredible, and absolutely something to be thankful for.

Mrs. White: How did you get started in fan fic?

ItzMegan73: Reading - I just didn’t feel done with the characters after Breaking Dawn; I wanted more. I knew of fan fic for other fandoms and checked to see if it existed for Twilight. Lo’ and behold, it did!

Writing - I was always searching for this certain type of story that I wanted to read and I couldn’t find it, so I wrote it (The Tutor). When people didn’t throw rotten tomatoes at me a la the internet, I kept going.

MW: What’s the first story you read?

IM: Now I can’t remember, but I know it was on Twilighted.

MW: What’s your favorite fan fic story and why?

IM: The Mirrors. There are no words. It’s amazing. Totally Alternate Universe though.

MW: How did you come up with the idea for your story/stories?

IM: They just literally pop into my head.

MW: Who is your favorite character to write?

IM: It depends on the story. Bella is easiest because she’s a woman, and so am I, but I love writing a deviant Edward, too...

MW: How does it make you feel when people gush over you and your stories?

IM: Unworthy and grateful.

MW: Which Twilight saga book is your favorite? And what’s your opinion on Breaking Dawn?

IM: Twilight, the book is my favorite. My opinion on Breaking Dawn? Would have been better if there was no Jacob.

MW: If you could give one piece of advice to a new author, what would it be?

IM: Use your favorite story as inspiration, not as material.

MW: What is your favorite part about fan fic and the Twilight fandom?

IM: When at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. There are a ton of stories out there and if you don’t like one, you can try another!

MW: What is your favorite ALMOST curse word?

IM: Mother-freakin’.

MW: If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

IM: Well done, my good and faithful servant.

Randomness with Mrs. White

MW: If you were in a beauty pageant, what would your talent be?

IM: Yeah, that’s not gonna happen.

MW: What’s your favorite drink?

IM: Vanilla Chai Tea w/soy.

MW: If you could make smexy times with any character from one of your stories, who would it be and why?

IM: ARS Edward. He knows what he’s doing.

MW: What color are your bedroom walls?

IM: Light mocha.

MW: Which Disney Princess most closely resembles you and why?

IM: Oh dear...

MW: Do you ever use any people from real life in your stories? If so, who and how did you choose them?

IM: Not yet, but I may in the near future.

MW: What is your favorite kind of car?

IM: Luxury sedans.

MW: Do you listen to music while you write? Does music inspire your stories in any way?

IM: No. I can’t write and listen to music at the same time. Don’t know why.

MW: Who is your favorite actor/actress?

IM: I have many. Patrick Fugit, Jena Malone, Sally Field, Edward Norton.

MW: If you could be any other person in the world, who would you be and why?

IM: Princess Alexandra of Hanover. She’s young, heir to a fortune, and nobody really knows who she is.

MW: Who is your celebrity crush?

IM: Make me state the obvious, why don’t you?

MW: What’s your favorite item on a relish/vegetable tray?

IM: Yuck!

MW: Have you ever played football?

IM: Nope.

MW: How did you choose your pen name/username?

IM: I knew it wouldn’t forget my own name.

MW: What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?

IM: Pumpkin; Gold Medal Ribbon.

And Some Reader Questions...

Jedigirl Sc: I LOVE Itz Megan Will there be any outtakes from the Tutor? :)

IM: Other than the three outtakes that are already posted? I don’t think so. Maybe.

tj123001: When is her next story coming out :) :) Need more!

IM: Well, ID is going strong. I’m almost ready to post the first chapter of Deck the Halls.

Lynn Harada Galloway: I know that she wrote a future take in her Rough Start epilogue, but, will she turn it in to a sequel....♥ that story!

IM: I hadn’t even thought about that!

Rose Masen Cullen: She writes the most realistic stuff ever. She's my idol :-)

I want to know what inspired her to write A Rough Start?

IM: That story was vivid in my head. I don’t know any other way to explain it. I had a five year old at the time who was crazy about his dad (my husband) and I just couldn’t imagine what it would have been like for him not to know his dad. Only I did imagine it, and the story was born!

Rose Masen Cullen: Where every other author writes Edwards that are so fantastical and unbelievable (even in AH stories - think Domward, Doucheward, Celebrityward, CEOward and whatnot), she wrote an Edward who was so grounded, so believable, so working class and REAL, yet extraordinary.

Why did she make that choice and what challenges did she face? :-)

IM: Bella was really the only challenging character in that story - how to make her come off without seeming like a Pollyanna.

Lynn Harada Galloway: I agree with Rose....A Rough Start's sexy BlueCollarward is one of the most believable in Twi-FF world. I also want to know about her inspiration for The Cannabean Betrothal!

IM: TCB is a twist on the restrictions Edward and Bella faced in Twilight (vamp/human restrictions). Religion and wealth are a few of the things in life that restrict us in almost the same way.

Luxure: I'd simply love to know where she draws inspiration from, considering she creates such wonderful stories with the Twilight characters. :)

IM: I’m always conjuring up “what-if” scenarios in my mind and I flush them out into stories.

Thanks so much, ItzMegan73!!

Oh, one more thing...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Happy Birthday to Our Fearless Leader!!!

Happy Birthday Nikki!!!

We all want you to know how much we love you and how grateful we are to know you. You're an amazing woman and we hope you have the best birthday ever!!!

My dearest Nikki,

I wish I would have had more time to do something fancy for this birthday post, but I was knees deep in wrapping paper and tape. ;-) I truly hope you have a wonderful birthday. You deserve nothing less.

Your husband, your wife, your friend,

Mari

It's birthday time for you this year
we love you and think you're something dear
We hope you have an awesome day
and that everything will go your way
You're one of a kind, we hope you know
if only we could send you Kellan in a bow
Or even Rupert, 'cause you think he's hot
we'll work on next year's kidnapping plot
But until that time, we hope this will do
Happy Birthday, Our Nikki!!! We Love You!!!

beegurl13 & Mrs.Robward

The Partner's Present...Thankful Week!! Mean Mrs. Mustard Give Thanks for ericastwilight!!

Welcome to “Thankful Week,” here on PIC. I can’t believe Turkey Day is upon us (And this is the only Turkey Day, I don’t care what those cray-cray Canadians say)!

This year I feel like there are many more things that I am thankful for than in the past. I am thankful for a great, healthy family, a job that I actually like most of the time, a roof over my head, RobPorn, my new iPhone, and fan fiction. I don’t think that I can ever leave out fan fiction because I have met so many friends through it and it kind of changed my life, for the better.

This year, I’d like to show my thankfulness for ericastwilight, one of my favorite authors in the fandom. I am not going to give you are particular story of Erica’s to read this week, but know that I love reading all of her works. I will give you my top three favorites, in no order: My Girl in the Pink Pajamas, Subject: Edward Cullen, aka The Womanizer, and PS Love Always. The thing that I love most about ericastwilight is that she is a consistent writer. I am never disappointed in something new she puts out. It also doesn’t hurt that she writes Edward and Bella fluffiness, most of the time.

I am most thankful that ericastwilight agreed to do an interview with me…

Welcome to PIC FanFic Corner, Erica!

MMM: How long have you been reading fan fiction?
ericastwilight: I've been reading fan fiction for close to five years now.

MMM: Do you remember the first story you read?
ericastwilight: There was an unfinished fic called Forgive Me For I Have Sinned but it’s been taken down and of course, Wide Awake that's still around.

MMM: *sighs* Wide Awake. What made you start writing?

ericastwilight: I only started writing to get all the plot bunnies from completely overwhelming me. After reading all the fic and the books, ideas poured out and I needed a way to get it out. Someone suggested I give it a try.

MMM: What was the first story you wrote?
ericastwilight: As in ever? I actually wrote a short 25k story about a young girl in a magic school for witches in high school, LOL. But as in fanfic, that would be This Life, which is no longer available.

MMM: You currently have 50 stories posted. How do you find time to write so much?
ericastwilight: It’s an illusion, my dear. I have no time, which is probably why I have so many stories. I lack focus, but I'm getting better and managing that and my time so that I could complete more stories.

MMM: Do you like to write with music on or do you like silence?
ericastwilight: There are some scenes that require total silence, like one I just wrote for My Wish for an upcoming chapter. I had to have everyone leave the house so I could write it; otherwise the music is on and loud.

MMM: Do you read quite a bit? Fanfic or books? If so, what is it?
ericastwilight: I read a lot. I average a book a day. Mostly books, erotica, historical and western historical seem to be my thing. Lately I have been reading a lot of paranormal/mystery books.

MMM: With the release of Breaking Dawn Part One, do you think that Twilight fanfic is going to dwindle?
ericastwilight: I don't see the fandom dying yet, only because there seems to be more and more people turning toward fanfic to get another hit of the characters. Perhaps in another 18 months or so it might be different.

MMM: I am going to give you a list of words. Tell me the first thing that comes to mind.

Banana - how to put on a condom
Paint - his favorite scuffed up jeans with white splatters, giggling young wife flicking the brush at him as they paint their first home

MMM: I feel like an o/s could come of that…

Tree - tire swing
Morning - sex
Blue - the pale blue color of her lips frightened me, I gasped, "No! No...Baby...baby, come back to me."

MMM: Edward saying “Baby, come back to me,” is a real heart clencher in Breaking Dawn.

Cake - messy kitchen
Secret - Adam Levine of Maroon 5 in the picture of some woman grabbing his crotch.

MMM: That man, and that song, can do things to me…

Thank you, again, to ericastwilight! I am still gigging and smiling like a fan-girl.

Be sure to check out one of her many stories! There is something for everyone!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

The Partner's Present... Thankful Week!! Miss Scarlet gives precious thanks.

 

Welcome to Thankful Week on PIC! Yes, it's that time again where us in the U.S are getting ready to celebrate that wonderful day where families get together, eat some good food and give thanks to the things in our lives. Well, this fandom is like a family, isn't it? I consider a lot of these women my sisters.

So we're here to give thanks to some of the people and things in this Twilight fandom we hold dear to our hearts.

First, I'm thankful for Tilly Whitlock. She has been one of my very first supporters and friends in this fandom. She has been there from the beginning and showed me that there was more to twilight than Edward and Bella. And as one of the originators here, I thank her and her stories.

Next would have to be Coldplaywhore and Flightlessbird11. These two were probably the first author's that I have fangirled over. Their writing together (MIFFY) was amazing but separately they are equally amazing. So thank you to them for making me realize that there was quality writing out there in fanfiction land.

A few stories that I'm not only thankful but grateful for are Wide Awake, for changing the game on all human angst fics. Emancipation Proclamation, for being that fic that I had to stay up till 3 in the morning to read. Bittersweet Symphony, for being that sexy and smutty but funny fic that gave me chills when Edward just kissed Bella. The Ex Factor, for being my first daddyward fic.

I am most thankful for one of my best friends and who also happens to be my beta AND an amazing fic writer, Maitressesaint. There are no words to describe what she means to me. She is not only a wonderful person but a great friend too. Her words of encouragement is never ending. Without her I would have probably left the fandom long long ago. And her plot bunnies... forget about it! They are so good. That's enough gushing.

And last but not least, I'm thankful for ALL of the PIC's. Each and everyone one of them that have come through this door and on this ride with me. Having faith and just having fun in what we do. So.... Thank You.

Guest Reviewer kitkat681 Awaken's with Edward's Eternal!

Today, as we all get ready for the wonders known as the Breaking Dawn love scenes, we're graced with something amazing from our guest reviewer kitkat681.

Enjoy!!

When I got a review for my story ‘The Cottage’ from a reader who offered her beta services, I never imagined that I would find a true friend. Edward’s Eternal is a ‘beta to the stars,’ working with such talents as Sheviking, Windchymes, Raingirl and AydenMorgan. And when she kiddingly joked about writing her own piece, we all encouraged her.

Her first story, ‘Simply Coffee’ is a touching drabble about a young girl’s pain and struggle and the strong man who stands behind her through it all. She was nervous when she started her second piece, because this new little plot bunny was different, more intense and deeper. And boy, am I ever glad she stuck with it.

~oOo~

Dawn was breaking.


I could sense the world waking up all around me. The quiet sounds of the night were becoming even more muted, as small creatures stirred in the warmth of the awakening sun.


Sitting alone in the early hours of the day, I listened intently to the different sounds as night gave way to light. The crickets stopped their chirping. The birds began their songs. The night owl ceased his hooting, while many small winged creatures took to flight in the gathering light.


They all began another busy, productive day in their useful lives.


With a deep sigh, I stood up. It was time, once again, to start my day. Another empty meaningless day just like yesterday. Going through the motions, smiling when I should, answering the same mundane questions when asked, and wishing for the whole fucking thing to be done so I could, once again, be alone.


Alone.


So I didn't have to pretend. I could just be.


I was tired of pretending.


I was just fucking tired.

~oOo~


‘Awaken’ is a look inside the life of Edward Masen, pianist and composer whose true self is hidden behind a wall of sarcasm and evasion. While he has his security head, Emmett and his manager, Carlisle at his side, it is easy to see that he is really very alone. His pain is palpable and it only takes a few chapters to make you want to just take him home and make it all better, which is exactly what our little spitfire Bella Swan does.

~oOo~

"Would you… I mean if you were okay with it… I would be happy to cook us dinner. At my place. Nobody will bother you there. I'm not a fancy cook, but I can make…stuff… if you want," her voice trailing off uncertainly.


Cook. She offered to cook me dinner. At her house. So I would be allowed my privacy.


I shook my head not quite sure how to respond to her offer. She immediately misinterpreted this as a rejection.


"Edward, I'm sorry. I was being silly. Of course you don't want dinner at my kitchen table. I understand. I was just…"


I held up my hand to stop her from continuing. "Bella, no. You weren't being silly." I assured her. "I was just surprised at your offer. You'd be okay with that? Having me to your home for dinner? Really?"


She stepped forward and laid a hand on my forearm. Again without any thought, I reached over with my opposite hand and covered her smaller one.


"Absolutely."


I felt a rush of warmth at her simple assurance.


"Well then, I accept your gracious offer. A home cooked meal would be most appreciated. I'm not sure how well this has worked out for you though. How my wanting to take you out ended up with you having to do all the work; it doesn't seem proper," I mused.


"It's not exactly a hardship to make a meal for two people Edward. You can bring some wine if you like and I will take care of the rest if that's okay?"


I couldn't explain or stop the wide smile I felt on my face, or the feeling that was growing in my chest. It felt like an emotion I hadn't experienced in years...happiness.


"Definitely ok, Bella. Definitely ok."

~oOo~


Their relationship had been cruising right along until the latest chapter posted, and now we are left begging and pleading for the next chapter. Well…you are. I already have it. *wink*

When I asked her (well when she demanded) about the ladies behind her, this is what she wrote, and I was threatened under penalty of death not to edit out her answers.

*******

Ah, my lovely ladies. Allow me to wax on for a moment please. This fic I have 4 people. The lovely Windchymes is still with me. She takes my jumbled words and tenderly irons them out into readable pretty passages. And patiently explains to me again and again the importance of descriptions as I tend to get caught up in the dialogue. I call her my Evolver.

Cejsmom and I met on facebook and she prereads and encourages me daily. She also talks about my story a lot which helps new readers find me. We often chat late into the night- she never sleeps being part vampire.

Midnight Cougar and I met just after ‘Simply Coffee’ finished. We quickly recognized each other as kindred spirits and soon she became my beta. She points out my many many grammar errors fixes them and we talk daily about the reviews, upcoming chapters and ideas. She is my darling friend and another huge supporter. I am blessed to have found her. She makes me better.

And my Kitkat. Sigh. We met months ago, I became her beta, she became my dear friend. She holds my hand when I freak out, which is often. She laughs with me, supports me, yells at me when needed and is without a doubt my biggest fan. Every time I doubt myself she is there cheering me on. She prereads and makes me incredible banners. She is my heart. And I could not go without adding one more thing.

If Sheviking had not nattered at me, dropped hints, and put notes in her A/N’s I would never have attempted to write anything at all. Her support means the world to me. Even though we are, continents apart, in my heart we are right beside each other. All of these lovely ladies are adored by me. Totally. And many others that talk about my stories and pimp me out on facebook and in groups? I am forever in their debt.

Umm.. ok .. steps off soapbox now…

*******

Ha! So as you can see she is not only incredibly modest…she is sweet and generous to boot. When I asked her if she had to choose between writing and betaing she said she would always, always choose to beta…

I am rather… a sensitive beast so I take things very personally. As my ladies know a nasty review can make me cry. And question myself. A lot. I often read the reviews of my authors and if there is something negative I jump on it and respond defending them. But when it is directed at me? Not so much.

While Edward is so perfectly portrayed in ‘Awaken’, both my heart and Edward’s Eternal belongs to Carlisle. He is snarky and sarcastic but under that bravado it is easy to see how much he truly loves Edward.

Antagonists and challenges are following them at every turn, but I am sure that true love will win out.

There are two more little fluffy plot bunnies running around in her head, so I know we will be blessed with those amazing stories soon.

So…in closing…if you are not reading ‘Awaken’…what the hell is wrong with you??

Throwback Thursday with Mr. Boody and a War of the Roses!

You feel the need for some good angst this week? Never fear, we're stepping back to September 2010 with Mr. Boody when he brought us the angst fest that is War of the Roses!!

Good morning, afternoon, or evening all. We hope you will stick with us for what I’m sure will be a fun filled week here at P.I.C!

For the last two months I have been hearing about the story I’m going to recommend to you today – War of the Roses by Edwardandbellabelong2gether. At first I was reluctant to read because the summary states: What do you do when you find out the one person who should never betray you...has? When Edward & Bella have trouble conceiving and he turns to someone else for comfort...will she ever be able to forgive him? AH Canon couples.

Now, I read that as… Bella tries to get pregnant and since it doesn’t happen Edward turns to someone else; which isn’t the case. Yes, Edward does turn to someone else, but not for the reasons you would presume.

It may sound like the story is condoning an affair, but that isn’t the case. In fact, I’m fairly certain that this will be one story where you will absolutely loathe Edward Cullen.

We both stood at the same time. "That's enough Bella! Stop pretending that you are the only wounded party here! You pushed me away a while ago! All you fucking cared about was getting pregnant!"

"Yes, I wanted to get pregnant…with my devoted husband who I thought loved me! Boy was I an idiot! I certainly learned my lesson!" She screeched.

"Yeah you are an idiot! You're an idiot who ignored me and pushed me away until I had no choice but to seek some comfort and physical affection from someone who actually wanted me because I made her feel good and not just because I could get her pregnant! She didn't make me feel like a used baby-making machine!

Arg! Cheaters… they always have an excuse. Edward sticks to his guns through the story. He seems to truly believe that his actions were justified because his wife neglected him during the time they were trying to conceive. Bella, however, isn’t much better. She refuses to listen, and I can’t say I blame her, but she doesn’t take the time to listen and see his side.

Edward’s actions don’t only cause an uproar in his own home, but with the rest of the Cullens as well. Similar to Twilight, Alice is with Jasper, Rosalie with Emmett, and Esme with Carlisle, who of course play Edward’s parents. Edward and Bella’s split causes plenty of drama, heartache, and many truths to be told.

"We are not going to tell her Alice!"

"She has a right to know Rose!"

"Why would you want to hurt her like that? No good can come of her finding out that Lauren was at the house when I went over there!"

"I have a feeling she is going to want to take him back, Rosalie. I don't want to see him hurt her again! The fact that my idiot brother could be so callous as to have that skank in their home…at all…let alone this soon after everything being found out…it makes me sick! I won't let him hurt her again…brother or not!"

There are so many twists in this story that you would think it would be hard to keep up, but the simplicity of easy flow of the chapters makes it exceptionally easy. While Bella is going through her the motions of dealing with what her husband has done, she gets a call that leads her to Forks. For me, this is where the real story begins because so much happens.

"I could just holler for you to come get the medicine Bells when he gets here. You don't have to see him if you don't want to."

"I want to…we need to talk."

Charlie shook his head. "Please don't make this easy for him honey. You deserve better than some cocky, arrogant, good for nothing son of a bitch who is going to sleep around on you. I want better for my girl."

I walked over and kissed him on top of his head. "Thanks, Daddy. I'm still getting a divorce. I wanted to talk to him about that. He only showed up because he heard Riley's voice last night and got insanely jealous. You know how he is."

He chuckled at that, "Serves him right."

"I'll talk to you later, okay?" I said.

"Sure honey…but if he upsets you, I'm getting my gun," he said without blinking an eye.

There are characters in this story that you wouldn’t expect. Storylines waiting to be told and surprises around every corner. It is well written; the updates are fast and always leave you wanting more.

While I would love to stick around to tell you more, I fear I have given enough away already. *smirks*


As always, please read and review!


Until next time,


Mr. Boody

The Partners Fall for the Season of Our Discontent Anonymous Angst Contest!

What thoughts do the following images bring to mind?

Puppies and Rainbows? Happy Holidays and Birthday Parties?

No, obviously these images depict sad, angsty, maybe even heart-failish things. Which is why we love them so much!

The Season of Our Discontent is an anonymous writing contest that's centered around all the stuff we love and crave...stuff that we here in the fandom can't seem to get enough of.

Currently there are 27 entries, and with another three weeks to go, there are sure to be many more. The contest is being hosted and judged by some rather well known authors in the Twilight fandom, including - 22blue, katinki, coldplaywhore, chrometurtle, Feisty Y. Beden, lola-pops, Talula Blue, and Rochelle Allison. With those ladies involved, how could the contest not be amazing?

We here at PIC have read several of the entries, and each one has something unique and wonderful to offer it's readers. We know you won't be disappointed!!

You want a little taste of something? How about this...

*****

He built a crib. Spent countless hours inside the shed in their lovely backyard measuring, sawing, cutting, fitting.

That's what he did. He designed, he built.

A crib, designed to hold a baby – their baby.

She laid eyes upon it and broke into sobs.

He merely patted her back, tried to comfort her, didn't know how.

He painted the baby's room yellow.

She wanted it painted blue.

He placed dinosaurs on the wall.

She placed a small, blue teddy bear in the crib.

"Goddamnit, Bella, I'm trying," he said.

He was at work when her water broke.

Little Jacob Charles Cullen, weighing six pounds, four ounces, twenty inches long, came into the world without his father.

A kind nurse named Alice held Bella's hand, let her nearly break her fingers as she pushed little Jake out into the world.

The cruel, unfair world.

Taking parents, giving life.

A baby, innocent, with a tuft of brown hair and perfect, tiny hands and feet, regretted, resented before he even opened his eyes.

Edward drove them home from the hospital the next day.

"You missed it," mother said to father.

"I couldn't leave," he simply replied.

He could have, she knew.

"Reclamation"

*****

See? What did we tell you? A little more? Fine...

*****

It takes all three of them to load me up into the van, but I'm finally on my way to the beach. My deteriorating body can never display the excitement I feel. I used to live on the beach when I was young. My friends and I would spend long, lazy summer days basking in the heat. We'd jump off the cliffs adjacent to the shore and then lie in the hot sand to warm up. We'd play volleyball on the beach and check out the girls in bikinis. I long for those carefree days. I long for a time when my biggest worry was whether or not Jessica Stanley had the hots for Mike Newton.

Mostly I long for the sun. Its rays are healing in ways I can't explain. I feel free and healthy again, just like that time in Hawaii. If I close my eyes, I can feel the same way I felt when I was sixteen. The smell of the ocean and coolness of the breeze is a sedative to me, lulling me into peace. I can forget my reality.

When we get home this afternoon, they gather at the other side of my room and speak as though I'm not here, which they do a lot these days. I want to yell, "I'm here!" but I can't.

"We shouldn't have allowed him to go. It was too hard on him."

"He won't survive another trip. It's too difficult."

"I'll talk to Bella."

And just like that, I know I'll never go outside again. At least not to the beach. I close my eyes and remember the sun on my face and the smell of the ocean. I'm getting very good at reliving memories.

"My Legacy"

*****

You know you can't resist it, so why try? Go on over to the contest page and start reading all the amazing entries. There are 10 picture prompts for the stories, and each story must be based on or use one of them. It's interesting to see how different authors interpret the same pictures, and it truly makes for a fun and exciting contest.

Entries are being accepted through November 24th, so there's still lots of time to write something and submit it.

Public Voting will take place November 25th through December 10th, and Winners will be announced on December 15th via the contest twitter account - @TwiAngstContest

Check out the contest profile for official rules, a list of awards, and all other information you might need, then get busy reading.

Oh, and have a box of tissues handy. You just might need them...

Mrs. White Navigates the River with CaraNo!

You know how sometimes life gets crazy? Busy? A little hectic, even, and you completely forget about things? Like making dinner for your children, or picking them up from school, or even their names... Not that THAT has ever happened to me... Whatever. Anyway, I was thinking today that I needed an amazing story to pass along to you. And then something wonderful popped into my head. It's something you're going to love...I know I do.

River is another drabble-type story from CaraNo, an author with so many great stories and characters under her writing belt, it's astounding! River is the name of a character in this story, a little boy, to be exact. We see him for a moment in the prologue, along with his parents Bella and Jasper. We're left to wonder exactly what is going on, because trust me...this is a Bella and Edward story.

Set in the fictional town of Port Pines, Virginia, Bella, her boy friend Jasper, and her best friend Rosalie are all living a quiet life together. Bella and Rose have found their dream jobs, being employed by a daytime drama that shoots in the tiny town. After Jasper loses his job, the three of them decide to take on another roommate to help with bills. Enter Edward Cullen, son of Cullen Media's owner, Carlisle Cullen. Edward is striking out on his own a bit, trying to make a name for himself in the industry, and needs a place to stay. Sparks fly as soon as Bella meets Edward, but she's taken...nothing can happen. That is, until Jasper gets HIS dream job, working for Cullen Media...in California. He takes the job, leaving Bella feeling a bit odd about things between them, and with him only returning home for a few days each month or so, Bella soon finds it hard to fight back the feelings she has for Edward. When Edward makes it clear that he feels the same way for Bella, she realizes she needs to make a choice. Out of the blue, and over the phone, Jasper makes it for her, breaking things off and pushing her into the arms of Edward. Will Bella tell him exactly how she feels? Will Edward show her what he does when he sneaks away from the house at night? Can Bella really be over her eight year relationship with Jasper that quickly? And seriously, how stinkin' cute is the pet pig Bella buys?

River is a great little story, with short chapters that update several times a day. After reading the prologue, we're left wondering how things could change so drastically for Bella and Edward within such a short amount of time. You see...Bella starts out with Jasper, but falls for Edward, then ends up pregnant and engaged to Jasper again... What? I, for one, and dying to see how all this happens, especially since it's pretty clear from the end of the prologue that more than just one person's memories resulted from the one night Edward and Bella spend together... :)

You'll love this story, just like all of her other amazing tales. CaraNo has a knack for angsty, sweet, funny stories with great characters and interesting plotlines. You won't be sorry after you dive into River. I know I'm not...

Now, I guess I should go hunting for winter clothes and jackets. Fall is clearly here and it's a freezing 57 degrees outside! Ugh...me no likey the cold. Although, it does make parts of me much harder, and I know Neighbor Guy likes that... :D I think I'll throw a tank top on and go stand outside in the cold wind and give him a little show while I wait for the next River update. I know he'll love it... :)

*********

When she presses her soft lips against mine, I don't respond.

I'm in disbelief.

Frozen.

Warring with myself.

She's drunk.

But she told me she…

Doesn't matter. She's still drunk, and we have much more to talk about.

In the meantime, Bella's moving closer to my body.

Tearing down my walls.

Still urging me to return her kiss.

I want to. God, I want to.

"Want me, Edward," she whimpers, and I screw my eyes shut.

I do want you, baby. You have no idea how much I want you.

My body reacts.

The tip of her tongue brushes over my lip ring, and I feel my resolve crumbling faster and faster.

A whisper. "Please…"

It's wrong, but it's so right.

A quiet moan escapes me when she rolls her hips over my growing erection.

I'm caving.

And before I know it, I'm kissing her back.