Mr. Presnell's Pep Talk
    "It was all a mistake!" Harold ripped his chemistry goggles off and dashed after Mr. Presnell. "It was all a mistake, I promise!"
    "Precisely." Mr. Presnell spun around and grabbed Harold's shoulders. He had to reach up to do it, but Harold still felt like when he was seven and had to go to his pa's room for some discipline. He grimaced. 
    "I'm glad you see that, Mr. Presnell," Harold offered a nervous grin. 
    "Oh, don't worry." Mr. Presnell's voice was smooth as Nutella. "I understand completely. Everybody makes mistakes."
    "Yeah." Harold relaxed a little, wiggling his shoulders in the hopes that his chemistry teacher would take his hands off. His shirt was damp and it was a bit uncomfortable to have someone gripping it so tightly against him."Yeah!"
    "Especially fools." The Nutella voice was switched for extra chunky peanut butter. Harold winced under the spoken jab. 
    "Oh, yes sir." he agreed, figuring that the best way to pacify Mr. Presnell now would be to go along with everything he said. "Fools, utter fools." 
    Mr. Presnell dropped his hands and sighed a great big sigh, the kind that pretty much comes from your stomach. Harold could see Mr. Presnell's mustache flutter. "Potassium with water, son? You KNOW that's not a good idea. Someone could have been hurt, and now all our equipment is rather--wet! I wish you'd get some sense, Harold."
    "Yeah, me too." Harold wrinkled his nose. "But unfortunately I seem to be missing those genes. But I guess since you're a science teacher you've already figured that out."
    Mr. Presnell scowled. "I know that you've got a fine mind, Harold. It's yourself that's holding you back."
    "Huh?" Harold blinked. "Naw, just trust me. I forget things all the time, and stuff doesn't really sink in to my brain very well anyways."
    "I don't believe that's true." Mr. Presnell's face was about the hardness of a diamond. Well, no, maybe more of a topaz's. "I think you are very capable. Especially for a sixteen year old. You ought to at least try. You knew that throwing that potassium into the water would cause it to explode--I saw you dash to the next table."
    "Oh." Harold grew pink. "I guess I'm just naturally anxious around science, say, Mr. Presnell?"
    "Quit monkeying around." the older man glared. "I mean it, son! You have potential. Are you going to ruin all that just for some showing off? What's the mask of incompetence for, anyways?"
    Harold shifted his weight and rubbed at his neck. "Well, I don't know exactly." Some kids passed, dripping wet, and tossed him a few angry looks. "I'm not trying to have a mask--it's just kind of what I figure I am by now."
    Mr. Presnell studied the boy in front of him. "God didn't make you to be lazy, Harold. Or waste your talents. Here." He moved to the map across the hall, motioning for his student to follow. "Take a look at this."
    "It's a map." Harold brushed his hand through his hair, sending water droplets down his neck. 
    "You're sure right." Mr. Presnell pointed at the middle of Kansas. "And this is smack dab where we're standing. Now what do you think--" he traced his finger all the way over to Europe. "What do you think those refugee kids over in Germany and Poland and those places are doing?"
    Harold shrugged. 
    "They're just wanting a life, Harold. They're just waiting for their countries to settle down back into something normal so they can go to schools that teach them right. So they can have churches where they're free to worship." Mr. Presnell walked around Harold to the other side of the map. "And here. What about over here?"
    "Japan?" Harold frowned. 
    "Sure. Japan. What do you think those kids are doing over here?"
    Harold stepped closer. "I don't know."
    "Getting their first taste of proper government--the way God intended. Getting good teaching. Learning."
    Mr. Presnell turned back to Harold. "And how do you think those kids feel about that?"
    "I guess they're thankful." 
    "You better believe it." Mr. Presnell started to roll up his sleeves. "And we didn't send our boys to fight just for our own kids in America to get lazy and silly and take things for granted. You better take a lesson from those kids in Europe and Japan, son, and for once in your life see things in the light they really are." Mr. Presnell strode down the hall to a closet leaving Harold at the map.
    Harold bit his lip and shoved his hands in his pockets. He was quiet for a minute, studying the map. "Guess we could use some sense." he agreed. "Reckon we ought to show the boys we sent fighting we're thankful."
    Mr. Presnell came back and handed Harold a mop. "Come on." he said. "You've got some cleaning up to do."
    "You bet!" Harold grabbed the mop, his eyes lighting up. "Say, Mr. Presnell, can I borrow some of the books from the bookshelf in the lab room?"
    "Help yourself." Mr. Presnell pushed the door open and ushered his charge into the room. "After you clean up after that explosion you made."

-------------

Hope you liked that story! I had so much fun writing it. Harold and Mr. Presnell were so much fun and it was really enjoyable seeing how the story unfolded as I wrote it. I'd like to hear what you think about it in the comments below! Would you like Mr. Presnell for a teacher? Do you like Nutella or peanut butter better? I'm allergic to peanuts, so I'd have to say I like Nutella better! lol. 

Lovely day to you all! 
<3
Victoria

I've been telling stories pretty much my whole life. I wrote down my first stories at age six, and my first "Chapter book" at age nine. Since that little "Chapter" book I've not been able to stop writing and my books have been thankfully getting better (hopefully?) as I get older.

That said, here is a list of things I wish I knew as an ambitious young writer. If you are a young writer--take heart! And if you happen to know a young writer, feel free to share this with them. They're not alone! :) 
​

1. It might take a while for your writing to be publishing-ready. That's alright--it's something to work towards.
2. You will probably look back years down the road and cringe at what you wrote now... But don't get discouraged, because right now is excellent time for lots of practice. You'll be glad for it later.
3. You will sometimes feel inadequate. However, that is no reason to quit--never, ever, ever give up.
4. Sometimes people will laugh at you, or say things which will be discouraging or hurtful. It doesn't matter. Let those times make you stronger.
5. It's good to have a plan and some clear goals. Stop writing in twelve books at once. You will not write as well if you are spread too thin. Get a notebook and write all your story ideas down as you get them and pick the ones you like best to work on. Most likely down the road, you won't even be excited at your "super amazing" idea. ;)
6. It's ok to say No sometimes. Just because you love writing doesn't mean you have to do any and all writing related projects for other people.
7. Use strong verbs and fewer adverbs.
8. Don't feel like something is wrong if you don't always write by the book, or like other good authors,  or the way people expect. Writing style rules are great, but don't let it overshadow your storytelling voice.
9. Yes, you're a little crazy. And that's ok.
10. Keep at it. You will make mistakes, I can pretty much promise you. But don't let it get you down! Get back up and keep on going.

Well, those are the ten things I wish I knew when I was younger and starting to write! How about you all? What would you share with your younger self now, if you could? Leave a comment below telling me what that would be!


You all have a lovely day. 
<3
Victoria

P.S. I'm on Goodreads now, so don't forget to check it out! (The button is on the side bar!) I'm posting reviews on books I've read, quizzes for Wind Chimes (and in the future, my other books), and answering any questions you all have! :) 

Hey y'all! 
Where oh where has March gone? I can hardly believe we're already in the middle of the month. While this writing challenge is a bit late, it'll be a lot of fun. I'm really excited to see what you all write for this!


The prompt is this : start a story with the words "it was all a mistake."

If you want more prompts like the one above, check out my Prompts and Story Ideas board on Pinterest! I'm adding new prompts all the time. ;) 

I can't wait to see what you come up with! Don't forget to share your flash fiction in the comments below! 

You all have a lovely day. 
<3
Victoria

Hello, all! Here is the story I wrote for February's challenge, which centers around the word "tears". I'm not sure if it's a very coherent story, as I wrote it all in one sitting and didn't do much editing to it. But I hope you all enjoy it anyways. :) It's set in Berlin during the 60's. 

Beautiful, Fragile Things
    "Don't let me fall, Ivo." Haldis' knuckles turned white as she clutched the protruding brick just above her.
    "I won't, for the third time." Ivo grabbed at her feet that rested on his shoulders. "I promise. I've got you tight."
    Haldis jerked her foot from his grasp. "Ja, and I won't be able to go anywhere if you don't let go a little bit."
    "Be careful. It looks like rain," she heard Valentin's voice behind her. She didn't answer. Of course she was being careful. Wasn't she Haldis Wegwerth, twenty one years old, and the only person from her entire family who never did anything without first having a plan? Of course she had a plan now. Actually, Haldis Wegwerth often had plans b, c, d, and e as well, with slight deviations for each plan in case some unforeseen thing should happen. Unforeseen by all but Haldis, that is. 
    Today's climbing experiment had a foolproof and simple plan. Scramble to her younger brother's shoulders, then reach up and hoist herself onto the protruding ledge-like roof of the squat, graffitti covered gas station. From there, she would be able to go around on the roof to face the Wall. There was a large, mangled pipe that had gotten cemented into the Wall when it was built and it reached over to the gas station. 
    Haldis would test the pipe for it's strength, and then, if it would hold her weight, creep across it. Once across, she could hoist herself up by the wall and peer over it through the barbed wire. Of course, Ivo would come right behind her, and they would look together for their mother. 
    It was a flawless plan, and Haldis was positive nothing could go wrong. It was five o'clock. Their mother would be coming home from her work in the sauerkraut factory, and they would see her as she neared their apartment. Just from the other side of the Wall. 
    "What if the VoPos get mad?" Ivo hissed from below as Haldis' feet lifted off her brother's shoulders. 
    "Hush up." Haldis scrambled to the ledge of the roof, flopping over onto her side and rolling to get up on it. She snapped into a sitting position and dangled her legs, shooting her younger brother a look of disapproval. "The VoPos won't be able to do anything to us. We're on the West side."
    "I wasn't thinking about us." Ivo jumped up and snatched at the ledge, but missed and landed back on his feet. He propped his hands on his hips. "I was thinking about Mama. What if those police guys do something to her? Maybe we shouldn't try this whole thing."
    "I wish you weren't such a worry wart." Haldis muttered. "I've got a plan for pretty much any situation that could happen. There's nothing to worry about."
   Ivo's eyes narrowed and he opened his mouth to speak. Haldis pulled her legs up and stood. "Are you coming, or aren't you?" 
    "I'm coming." Ivo squared his shoulders. "Hey, Valentin, give me a lift, would you?" 
    "Sure." Their friend ducked down and created a step with his hand. Ivo placed his foot in it, and then when Valentin straightened, he grabbed once more for the ledge. This time, he got it, and twisted upward trying to push himself onto the ledge. 
    Haldis reached out and pulled at his arm. "Come on, Ivo," she grit her teeth as she held onto her brother. 
    "I'm trying--" Ivo grunted, kicking his leg up onto the ledge. A piece of cement crumbled and Valentin dodged it below. 
    "Hey!" someone shouted from the distance.
    "Um, say." Valentin breathed. "Ivo--"
    Haldis felt as if the ground was zooming closer to her and closing in. "Let go!" she yelled as she began to stumble towards the edge from Ivo's weight. 
    Valentin jumped up and pushed at Ivo's back. With one last contortion of his body, Ivo somersaulted onto the roof. He lay flat and groaned. "I never want to do that again."
    Their friend below coughed as a man approached. Haldis flattened down against the roof. 
    "What's going on?" An older man with a grey chevron mustache caught Valentin by the arm as their friend tried to slip away. 
    Haldis caught Ivo's eye, and Ivo shook his head, still laying on his back. 
    "We, um--" Valentin shifted, raking a hand through his dark hair. "You see,"
    Ivo rolled over onto his stomach and poked his head out to where he was visible. "We're going to see our mother, sir."
    "Up there?" understanding dawned in the man's eyes. "Over there?" he glanced at the wall with apprehension. 
    Haldis leaned forward then, too. "We haven't seen her--or my other family--in two years! This was the best way to see over the wall."
    "Siblings? Someone could get hurt." the man backed away and stared up at them. "Besides, there's dark clouds coming in, it will be rain."
    "Please!" Haldis had already formed a plan for this. Nobody could deny anyone the chance to see their mother--even if it was dangerous, right? "Nothing will happen to you even if something does happen to us, or--anyone else. You know that. So...please. Just ten minutes?" 
    The man let out a long sigh and released Valentin's arm. "Ten." he turned abruptly. "But if someone is hurt--it's not like I didn't warn you!"
    Haldis sprang into action. "Come on, Ivo." 
    Together they slipped along the roof of the gas station, towards the mangled pipe. "It's fortunate that we found this." she breathed as she rested a foot on the pipe. 
    "No, God's blessing." Ivo grabbed Haldis' arm. "Careful, it might be rusty." 
    Haldis inched a little farther out onto it. Its sides were rough from wear, so it wasn't slippery. "I think it's ok. Wait till I get to the Wall and then you come."
    "I'm heavier than you. It might break under me." Ivo protested. 
    "You're also taller." Haldis still held Ivo's hand, but her other she stretched out towards the wall. "So you will have a shorter fall."
    Ivo snorted. But in the next half minute, he was beside her, both with toes clinging to foot-holes in the cement of the wall. 
    Valentin appeared below. "Do you see your mother?" 
    "Not yet." Ivo replied. Haldis scanned the area, her throat constricting. How familiar, and yet how different their old neighborhood looked. How strange to be seeing it as if from another world. They never would have gone to the college library for overnight studying if they had known.
  The next day was the day the Wall went up, and they had never seen them again.  
    Ivo had panicked. He was only seventeen at the time. Valentin had helped them through it all. And he had told Haldis she was braver than many. 
    The truth was, though, that the Wall was the only thing in Haldis' life that she had not, and could not, plan for. It scared her, more than she could ever explain. So she didn't try. There was Ivo to think of, too. Now he was nineteen, and pretty much a man. But he was still the day-dreaming, tender-hearted boy inside. And Haldis, the big sister, couldn't imagine ever not being there to protect him. 
    "Or maybe, he protects me." the thought flashed through Haldis' mind as she saw an old woman scurrying down the street. "Wouldn't that be strange if it really was that way around and I only didn't know it?" 
    "That's Mama!" Ivo exclaimed, then, his hand squeezing Haldis' elbow. 
    "No, it's not." Haldis argued. "That's an old woman."
    "It is. It's Mama!" Ivo raised his hand, shouting to the other side. "Mama! Mama, look here!"
    The woman slowed, glancing around in confusion. She was about to go on her way again when Haldis saw her face. 
    Her heart dropped. "It is." something had happened. Mama was old, and she was weary. Haldis leaned against the wall, joining in her brother's calls. 
    Her mother stopped again, her eyes meeting there's. Two sides, one family. They almost didn't need to speak. But Ivo did anyways. 
    "Mama!" he called. "We are good! And you?"
    Their mother didn't answer. She dropped to her knees on the sidewalk, lifting her arms out, as if to embrace her two oldest children. 
    "Mama!" Ivo yelled again. "I am going to write and paint children's books. And Haldis, she is still studying the stars." his laugh was loud and bright. 
    "Ivo! My boy!" Mama's cry finally came from the other side. "Haldis, my girl!" 
    A drop of rain hit Haldis' nose, and then a few more came. "Mama," Haldis choked. "Mama, Valentin and I are going to marry."
    Their mother smiled, but then covered her face with her hands. The rain was coming down steadily now, and Haldis felt her hair plastering against her forehead. 
    "Here!" Valentin tossed up their umbrella. Ivo tilted to the side and managed to catch it. With a thump, he opened the umbrella and held it over his sister and himself. 
    "Mama, are you happy?" Haldis swallowed hard. "We will come see you, just like this, on the wall. August 14th, Mama. In my wedding dress."
    "I am happy!" Their mother blew them both a kiss. "Papa, and Ollie and Silke and I. We will be here. And the cat. And Oma. All of us."  
    Haldis gripped the wall, a laugh leaving her mouth as tears began to fall. "Oh, Mama." 
    Ivo turned a little to view his sister and then, without a word, placed his arm around her. 
    A border guard walked up then. A quick order and their mother blew one more kiss and hurried into their apartment building. 
    Haldis' head sank against the top of the wall, sobbing. 
    "Don't cry." Ivo murmured, jabbing her on accident with the umbrella handle as he comforted her. 
    Haldis wiped at her eyes, giving a short laugh. "Oh, I know, I know I'm all a mess. I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry!"
    "It's alright. I understand." 
    She straightened again, glancing back at the other side. "Life is so fragile, Ivo."
    Ivo smiled, his blue eyes soft. "Most beautiful things are."
    

Please leave me a comment below with what you thought! :) 
​Have a lovely day! 
<3
Victoria