Writing

Stories to Share

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 13 Comments

Time to ShareDon’t you just love a good story? So do I and I have several to share with you. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did. We all need a little recognition, especially when it comes to our stories. So, give the authors a little love and let them know what you think about their stories.

First up:

  1.  Bed Hole Syndrome by  Carla Lancken. Courtesy of Flash Fiction Magazine.
  2. An Unexpected Death by P.S. Hoffman.
  3. Short-listed by Mash Stories: Monte Carlo by Dominic Howarth.
  4. And, from WOW-Women on Writing’s 2015 Fall Flash Fiction Contest:

Interested in seeing Your Story Published? Check out the Mash Stories Competition and Wow- Women on Writing’s Summer 2016 Flash Fiction Contest.

Sit back, kick up your feet and enjoy a good read.

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood,  Pinterest,  Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram. You can follow my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

 

 

You Asked: What is Plagiarism?

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 37 Comments

Welcome to another: You Asked the Experts Answer, segment. The question this week – What is plagiarism?

If you’ve been watching television, read anything on social media, or in the news this week, you’re aware of the controversial speech Melania Trump gave on Monday night. Personally, I thought her speech was beautifully given and expressed some of the same values I’ve articulated. However, many don’t see it that way, questioning certain passages as plagiarism.

As writers we’ve repeatedly heard the saying, there is no new story under the sun.  Not wanting to plagiarize, I went on the hunt for the original source. There were many quasi-sources, but the most original came from the King James Bible – Ecclesiastes 1:9. Some might argue that the above statement is a common expression and doesn’t need sourcing, but and there in lies the rub. How do we know? You can find out more about, The exception of common knowledge, here

What is Plagiarism?

According to the reliable Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Plagiarism  -“the act of using another person’s words or ideas without giving credit to that person.” However, it’s more complicated than good old Webster implies.

Types of Plagiarism:

According to the Harvard Guide to Using Sources, there are six types of plagiarism. You can find out more by clicking on the links below.

  1. Verbatim plagiarism – word for word.
  2. Mosaic plagiarism – bits and pieces.
  3. Inadequate paraphrase – language too close to the original.
  4. United paraphrase – using your words to reflect another’s ideas or words with giving credit.
  5. United quotations – using quotations without citing the source.
  6. Using material from another’s work – collaboration is fine, but most be cited from the source.

As you can see avoiding making mistakes is like walking a tightrope at times and as writers it becomes even more important. Below are a number of resources to help you avoid those nasty pitfalls. In addition, I’ve provided a list of the top plagiarism checkers for you to evaluate.

Predictable? Maybe

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 9 Comments

The Daily Post Prompt: Unpredictable – “behaving or occurring in a way that is not expected.”

Not likely; most who know me will tell you I’m very predictable. I keep my house clean enough one would think the Queen of England was visiting. My kids will tell you I can never keep their Christmas or birthday presents a secret, and I’m an obsessive planner and list maker.

My husband would say, besides being the most opinionated and challenging woman he’s ever met, I have no sense of direction. My sisters will tell you I’m an uncompromising conservative, among other things, but I’ll leave those adjectives to your imagination. Yet, I’m a complete fly-by-the-pants writer – go figure.

To be honest, they’re all correct – to a point. I’ll admit preferring the known to the unknown.Predictability gives me a sense of safety in a world that’s growing increasingly uncertain and unsafe by the day. Give me a map, my lists, instructions, or detailed plans any day. I’ve had my share of unpredictability, and I don’t like it.

However, I’m open to other opinions and words of wisdom, see for yourself:





What about you? Are you Predictable?  I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood,  Pinterest,  Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram.

The Recurring Nightmare

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 4 Comments

The Daily Post Prompt: Nightmare

The sound came from far away reaching deep into her dreams. She twisted underneath the covers and listened for the disturbing sound. A frown creased her brows.

There it was again – louder. The temperature in the room rose. She tossed from side to side and kicked at the covers. The chilly night air mingled with the sweat covering her body. The sound grew more frantic. She groped for the comforter and pulled it to her chin, shivering.

A whimper escaped her lips. Oh my, God. It was the baby. Get up, get up. Her heart pounded against her chest as the cries tore at her heart. Kicking the covers to the floor, she called out, “I’m coming.”But, she couldn’t move. She thrashed against the force keeping her in place.

“Honey, wake up, wake up.” The firm touch and steady words of her husband broke through the fog, and she opened her eyes.

“You’re having a nightmare,” he said.

“Let me go,” she said pushing at his hands. “The baby’s crying.”

He held her in place. “Look at me, look at me.” She stopped struggling and turned to him. He shook his head, no. “It was a nightmare.”

Tears flowed from her eyes. “It was real. The baby was crying. I heard it.” Her whispered words faded into the night.

He pulled her to his chest.”I’m so sorry, honey.”

“Oh, God. What did I do?” Choking sobs filled the silent room.

“Ssh, it’s okay,” he said, stroking her hair; it was all he knew to do.