This is the first part of a journey through Marble Hornets, a YouTube-based horror mystery series. You can find the introductory post here.

Let’s get started, shall we? As I mentioned in the introductory post, I’ll be adding commentary to each of the videos, looking at both the unfolding story and the mechanics of the storytelling. I won’t be including out-of-game information, or details which have yet to be revealed — I want this account to be as faithful as possible to the experience of watching Marble Hornets as it was released. That means that when everything is finished, you’ll probably want to go back and watch it all again.

If this is your second — or third, or nth — time through, then welcome back to the b...

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When the teen who cringes every time you want to talk about something serious, opens the conversation with, “I need to talk with you,” it’s time for a savvy parent to buckle up for a bumpy ride. An even savvier mom might pack a bag and head for Bermuda. But I simply turn from where I’m standing on our deck enjoying a refreshing spring breeze and follow him inside. “I wanted you both together,” he says, “before I said anything…”

Yes, I’m bracing for the worst. This is not a normal teen-parent convo in our house. What heart-to-hearts typically look like, is us chasing the kid down, hog-tying him like a steer and sitting on him (metaphorically, of course, so take you finger off s...

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With Hubby ensconced in Japan and a photo shoot for my tap recital on the calendar for Sunday, I decided to move head-first into the first neighborhood garage sale I’ve participated in since moving into this house nine years ago. Am I nuts? Don’t answer. I already know, but I’m in too deep to dig out now. Wish me luck and cross your fingers the photographer can photoshop the bags from under my eyes.

Have a good weekend.

~ Kay

...

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By Kimberly, Rock Star Betty

As we all know, Betties are wise, insightful, compassionate, and inherently interesting people, which is probably why Kimberly came up with the idea to interview various Betties for the blog. What better place to start than where it began, with our own Alpha Betty. Please welcome the indomitable Lucy March.

KP: Update us on Lucy/Lani happenings.  What’s going on with your new writing, Storywonk endeavors, backlist, etc.

LM: Wow. Lots! At StoryWonk, Alastair and I switched from a daily podcast to a weekly, called StoryWonk Sunday. It’s lots of great content, but all in one hit instead of doled out throughout the week. Much easier on us and our listeners! I’ve also launched a new format for ...

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I found so many great blog posts this week via Twitter, I don’t know how I found time to write. I found myself laughing a good deal this week, which was much needed since I chaperoned two separate field trips on back-to-back days.

Love–

Moriah Densley has a post on the modern gentleman. I’ve never thought much about it, but there is something to be said for a man who acts with manners. Some of the things she mentions, I don’t take notice of, but the sight of a big, strong man holding a baby? Totally hot.

Over on 400 days ’til 40, there’s an awesome post on love vs. lust. Part of what I love about being a romance author is the rush of new love. By the end of the story, readers have to believe that the characters wi...

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You know you have a problem shopping when you cripple yourself in your quest for bright and shiny things. On the one hand I managed to please myself and still not spend much money. On the other, I walked so much I was in so much pain I couldn’t sleep. However, having followed yesterday’s link about how 20 minutes of strolling makes a huge difference in your health, I figure it was worth the pain.
But I digress. Remember I said yesterday that I have now discovered why strangers don’t compliment me on my weight loss. All my clothes are huge on me. I had Lani take some pictures: That’s the extra fabric. Now here’s me with the fabric pulled tight. When I look at the thumbnail I don’t recognize me. It’s pretty easy to hide 25 pound...

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Hopefully this post will come with a picture of a bird. As of this moment I’ve seen it several times on my lawn and at the *feeders, but the minute I go get my camera the dang thing disappears. What’s up with that? (Okay I waited two whole days and only saw the dern thing when I didn’t have my camera so no picture. I’m posting anyway.)

I had it in my head that this bird was a Grackle, because that’s what I thought my Mom had told me ages ago. Be Delia assures me not. (And as my mother was never wrong then she can’t have told me that.) And perhaps it’s a female cowbird, but without a photo we can’t confirm. So I’m waiting. Not that I mind. I’m in bed with a head cold. Not the friendlie...

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There is one thing I’ve always wanted to do: Make something out of duct tape.

Well, I can cross that off the bucket list. Yesterday, I realized belatedly that I had no TiF for this week. Once again, Thursday had snuck up on me like a ninja, tapped me on the shoulder, and then pointed and laughed.

Smug little bastard.

So I thought for a moment, looking at materials I had around the house—and since starting the TiFs, I have quite a lot of stuff just lying around—and I spotted not one but two rolls of duct tape. And I thought, “Well, make something with duct tape!” A lifelong dream and a TiF, all in one.

No, I don’t get out much. What makes you ask?

I began my search with YouTube, and discovered that it is mostly very young tee...

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             It has taken me nearly a year, but I did it.  I’ve saved up enough pennies to go for a professional trim of my tresses.  Pre-children I did this every four to six weeks.  For someone who can’t stand the feeling of massages (or much touching at all),  I absolutely adore for someone else to wash* and blow dry my hair.  But not just “someone else” as in any old persons I know or am related to.  (Gah!)  No, must be by a certified and licensed stylist.

*The washing part isn’t all THAT enjoyable, but I can tolerate it, for the end result.

             I used to think that the reason I had thigh-length locks was because I studiously ignored what grew out of my head, and anyone could do THAT!  Turns out? ...

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If you don't understand something here, refer back here .


The gas clears and I go back in to write some more. To refresh your memory, that would be towards a word count for the next day.


When I sit back down in my chair I glance at a calendar that reminds me there is a writer's sprint at 12:30 pmcentral today. So I actually don't want to write much because I need to sleep and write during the sprint where my word count gets doubled towards winning the chocolate.


I write a brief 106 more words to finish the scene I was writing and go to bed.


I wake up before my alarm goes off and shower. My daughter calls. Something good has happened but it's created a bit of a quandary for her and I'm going need to meet up with her ...

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