Saturday 8 November 2014

Part 2 of my debut @ Political Pageantry


Here's part 2, the one with the video.

As I was mentioning, this reminded me of Podul (The Attic) by its lovely setting. 
 vs 


Okay, not very similar, as Podul doesn't have a raised stand like ORLT, but they both have that pleasant and united atmosphere, where you know something good will go down.

Back to the story. When I arrived, I was in high spirits because I knew it was going to be good, although I had some doubts in the back of my head due to not knowing every word. Rewriting the whole thing just minutes prior can do that to you.

The compere, Charles Barrett, was rehearsing a bit. It sounded good. And he encouraged me during the event, telling me how the Brits kinda act like in football, which was on spot (they were cheery at times, but stone-faced at others).
I got acquainted with most of them. Some of them were in their performing mood, some were chilling. 
Time flew by, and before I knew it, people came in. Oh, boy.

I started sweating a bit just by looking at them. So much so that my t-shirt got messed up (hence why I'm with my hands in my back pockets. Never, ever, do that on stage.)

I was supposed to be the last guy in the first act. Thankfully, the guy appeared and gave the best performance of the night.

How the heck do you top that after a 15 minute break, huh?

Regardless, you can watch the (somewhat) cringing video below.

I didn't feel that great after the show, but I felt at ease because I performed for the first time in 2 years and 5 months. With material that I wrote. 

Until the next time.


Tuesday 28 October 2014

Adrian N. George - My London debut @ Political Pageantry

I know I haven't written anything, but that will change from now on, as I will focus more on writing about my growing career in London.

Political Pageantry was an event that happened on the 20th of October at the Old Red Lion Theatre. The second edition will happen on the 3rd of November.

I really didn't know what to expect of this, since I had to write about politics, and I get quite vehement about the subject. (who doesn't?)

I submitted an idea, and I ended up doing that idea, but with different words.
Basically, my performance was about 4 colours, 3 of which want to rule a notepad (don't make googly eyes, it makes sense).
I won't detail everything as I'll make a future post with the video.

But let me tell you the happenings. I had written something, but it wasn't that great. That night, suffering through some belly pain, I had an epiphany about the piece, hence the colours.
So I wrote it down and was quite pleased. This was Friday. I didn't touch it in the weekend due to a lack of time.

Monday came. I had plenty of time, yet I didn't know how to get at it and rehearse. Before I knew it, I had to leave for the event.
I grabbed a notepad, a pen, and rewrote the whole thing in the Tube going there (about 20 minutes). With a few more touches in the theatre, I made it quite good. On paper.
I forgot a few key things during my performance, and I was nervous as well. I was about to choke at one point. Good thing it didn't happen. Hopefully never will.

The theatre reminded me of Podul (The Attic) where I had been trained in the performing arts.
It was small, coquetish, but unlike the aforementioned place, there were stands for people, on 3 levels, which reminded me of outside theatre, in parks, where there are those 20 level stands.

I know. I'm quite sketchy.
The other performers were wonderful. The compere was great (with some of the best hair I've seen), and overall, the event was a success.

Oh, and in case you're wondering why the name change, it's simple. Catchy, easy to say, as well as an alter ego.

Friday 20 June 2014

Freedom - For Five Sentence Fiction


Sitting here, on the shore, wondering what it would be like to escape. To go through that hole, or over the fence, and just see the possibilities.
But I don't think I can. My momma says I shouldn't think for myself anymore. If that graffiti caused so many problems, what will my next project do?

For Five Sentence Fiction.

Monday 5 May 2014

Jelly treats - for Light and Shade Challenge

Picture by ciscopa on rgbstock.com


Teehee. Look at all these sweets. Gummy bears, dinosaurs and worms. At least now I know why dinosaurs are extinct. They’ve been zapped and turned into things my belly will munch later on.
Next we have chocolate beans, some with nuts, some with minty flavor, all tasty. I mash a few and grow me some balls to play with.
Then there are those rings drenched in sugar that give me such a high, they make me think I can fly to the moon.
Yet, those black stuff that look like roaches are last. Yuck. I never understood why people ate those. They make you feel nauseous, they give you headaches. They’re the worst.

Daddy only gave me two dollars, and it’s one dollar for one hundred grams, whatever that is. Maybe I’ll smile at the nice seller lady and she’ll give me more.

Thursday 1 May 2014

Thursday 24 April 2014

First day of vacation - for Five Sentence Fiction



"You know what day is it, right?"
"The day when every child starts their summer break."
"How many do you think we can gather this week?"
"If we're lucky, close to fifty."
"No point in wasting time, I'll just go and start the ice-cream van."


Five Sentence Fiction prompt.

Wednesday 2 April 2014

Dialogual - A new magazine


Dialogual is a new magazine that publishes dialogue-only prose.
At the moment, it's just getting started, but tomorrow (Thursday, April 3rd, depending on when you read this post) we will have our first Dialogual. Two weeks later our second one.

Feel like you can write quality Dialoguals? Then submit.

Thursday 27 March 2014

Lovely pooch - for Five Sentence Fiction


So, here I was ready to rob a lady, when this pesky pooch appeared out of nowhere and barked at me. I had to run away, but he followed me. All the way into this open field.
Now I'm hungry and I don't have any money.
Well, he looks good, maybe...


For Five Sentence Fiction.

Wednesday 26 March 2014

The Fauxpocalypse anthology on offer


Fauxpocalypse, the anthology about a meteor that was supposed to crash, but didn't, is now available for free for the next 21 days.

Grab the Fauxpocalype.

Tuesday 25 March 2014

Framed - for Trifecta



I was calm and clear-headed before they pinned a murder on me. From another country, no less. I survived the first few months, then my nerves went and I became their lovely pet.


For the final week of Trifecta.

Friday 7 March 2014

War-torn soldiers - for Flash Friday










Here come the soldiers,
With their rifles on their shoulders,
and their war-torn bayonets
that left enemies without helmets.

This is part of a song I frequently hear in this bar, Vivre la vie; french for Living life.
I asked the waiter here and he said it happened during one of the World Wars.
A group of french soldiers made their way in this place, sat at a table and yelled at the waiter to bring them beer.
Everybody was shocked. The soldiers' weapons were spurting out blood and guts, their clothes were drenched in the red liquid and their faces were a mixture of crimson and brown, yet, they were merry.
They started clapping and singing one of those grotesque songs about killing enemies with savagery.
He said that every person in the locale tagged along, and they did that for the whole night, at which point, the soldiers passed out, dead, from injuries.

For this week's Flash Friday.

Thursday 6 March 2014

Birds quarreling - for Five Sentence Fiction



"Can't you see this branch is taken, you bluebird?"
"But there's a tiny space between you two, enough so I can fit in."
"Nonsense, you twitting speck. Go on, scram."
"Can't you stop it? I'm tired of flying all over."
"No. Buzz off."

Todays theme is Furious. More at Five Sentence Fiction.

Friday 28 February 2014

Piping problems - for Flash Friday


I’ve been at this damn pipe for the past hour or so. And so have they…been watching me.
When a trickle of sweat poured from my chin, this skinny boy yelled as if he wanted me to die. I bet he does since I’m a native and his country conquered mine.

Regardless, this is my tenth pipe of the day and it’s not even noon. I’m thirsty, hungry and tired, but I have ten more hours to go. And I do this daily, without pay, with little food and sleep. 

Yet, I know it’ll all be worth it once it happens. They won’t know how to figure out it was my doing. That I shifted things with this pipe and the men in the tanks won’t be able to breathe. 
Serves them right for invading. I guess this is how Napoleon felt when his troops fell in Russia.

Monday 24 February 2014

Oh, Mephistopheles - For this week's Trifecta


"Mephistopheles, old chap, make me attractive for the ladies."

One week later.

"Mephistopheles, I know what I said, but every female, living or dead, animal, mammal, fish and bird, is coming after me. That wasn't what I meant."


For this week's Trifecta.

Tuesday 18 February 2014

Savior? - For Trifecta



I remember the first time I went into a funk. I had been laid off in a moment where everything in my life was going bad. My wife had an abortion behind my back and left me. Then my parents died.
The job, while not as important, was the cream on the pavlova.

Alone, I became a hermit. My beard and hair grew and I looked like a homeless guy.
Neighbors ran away from me and store guards ordered me out. They said I stank and scared the customers.
Whatever.

A couple of weeks after everything sprawled out of control, my cousin visited me.
School started soon and said I was the cheapest alternative to dorms. I don't know if it was a compliment.
Regardless, she kicked me in the bathroom and shaved my hair and beard. I looked like a new man afterward. Both ways, since she made me bald. Light bulbs were never as popular as then.
Shortly thereafter, I found a job and everything worked out.
She left after the semester ended and said her job was done.
I've been looking for her ever since, for you see, I omitted to say she had a child.

For this week's Trifecta.

Friday 14 February 2014

Was that good bye? - for Flash Friday




An earthquake happened a few days ago. Out of the blue, like they always do.
I came in this forsaken country to shoot pictures of atrocities, but I never expected to be in one myself. Not like this, at least.
So, I've been stuck here ever since. Nobody came around, maybe because this place is at the outskirts of a small village.
I tried to get out, but the windows have been filled with too much sand and it's impossible to get through. The rooms are the same. Heck, the door's jammed and I can't even get out of this one.
Will I ever be saved?
Maybe I need patience.
But I don't think I have it in me anymore.
My eyelids are falling like a curtain falls after a bad play. Abrupt and without remorse.
I guess this is...

For this week's Flash Friday.

Tuesday 11 February 2014

Warmth - for Trifecta



We looked into each other's eyes as we held our hands together. Smiling, we squeezed tighter and felt the warmth flow between our bodies.
A kick came. Another one. Two souls became four.

33 words for this week's Trifecta.

Friday 7 February 2014

Comparing the Olympics - for Flash Friday






Whenever I look at this picture, I think to myself, "Man, those people sure came out in hordes."
But who wouldn't? It's the first modern Olympics. Even if the competitors aren't that great, it's still a magnificent achievement.
Despite the disgruntled times when wars went on, the low wages and the famine, it was a pleasure to go out back then. Besides, most people didn't know what to do with their time. Not that they do now, but at least you have more choices.
Also, the air was cleaner. No pollution, even if there was the odd horse manure in the middle of the road.

Nowadays you have a mass-marketed event that brings together millions, but if you say a wrong word, you'll be deemed a racist, a xenophobic or some other word. If you piss off the wrong people, you might get kidnapped and killed.

Hmm. Makes you wonder when it was more peaceful.

For this week's Flash Friday.

Monday 3 February 2014

A phone call to change the mood - for Trifecta



"Hello, Sam."
"Max. I told you no two days ago. Why won't you let me live in peace? I did those favors for you, but how many do you actually want?"
"Until I'm satisfied. I like to play games with people, to manipulate and laugh at how they can't break free."
"You're a right bastard, aren't you? I'm hanging up."
"Are you sure you want to do that and not go to the post office?"
"On one condition, I will."
"Oh?"
"You split with my mom."
"Okay."
"Promise?"
"You bet."
"Then I'll go fetch your parcel. Bye."
"But I didn't say when we'll split up, did I?"


For this week's Trifecta Challenge.

Friday 31 January 2014

Just a regular day - for Flash Friday







"All right, boys. gather round. Now look this way. Hey, you, boy with the stupid haircut, look at the guy in the car. Good, good, keep it like that for a second... Done."
"Hey, Sol, there's a phone call waitin' for you."
"Who's it from?"
"He said he's your boss."
"That wise guy. Just now, when there's this wreck."

"Yeah, Jeff."
"It's boss to you, clown. Why the hell are you taking pictures of an accident?"
"It's not every day your wheel falls off because of a rock in the middle of the road, you know. It'll sell."
"What if it doesn't? What do you intend to do in that case?"
"I'll do whatever you want me to. For a whole week."
"Confident, huh? Fine. Make sure you get a statement from the driver."
"I think he's been taken away. There's just a passenger left."
"Him, then. Now get goin'."

For this week's Flash Friday.

Tuesday 28 January 2014

Busy gal - Flash Fiction for Trifecta

Photo credit : Thomas LeuthardFoterCC BY



Passing by, I see this young woman searching through books thicker than a D-cup. She has a half-empty slushie that looks to have melted by this scorching heat. I wonder what's so important.


For this week's Trifecta.

Monday 27 January 2014

Lose some, win some - Flash Fiction




After the boxing match, Jennifer stood beside her husband's dressing room.
When she opened the door, she saw him lying on the bench.
Don't worry, honey. You don't get to win every time.”
But I just did,” he said as he heard a kick from inside his wife's belly.


Friday 24 January 2014

Illusions - for Flash Friday



I'm sitting here, in the middle of the town square, looking at the statue of some guy who lived centuries ago.
I have no idea who he is, what he did, or why he is put there in the first place. But he must've been some big shot to be featured in the most important area of this town.
Judging by that scepter and the way it's thrust in the ground, I'd say he was a tyrant. One who wasn't loved by people, but they were too afraid to do anything about it.
Then came the politicians and every other wise guy with a big belly who languished in his fame and fortune.
Until it was time to go. In the dungeon. In the tomb. In the waters. Simply go and make room for another spineless guy.
What a destiny.
Wish I could have his power for an hour.

For this week's Flash Friday.





Tuesday 21 January 2014

Haiku of the Dead Anthology




If you like Haiku, and you like zombies, what better way to enjoy them than through an anthology that combines both?
Then purchase it from Amazon or Createspace.

Friday 17 January 2014

A bit of fun? - for Flash Friday







     “Jenny, you can take your blindfold off.”
“What’s this? A roller coaster? I told you I didn’t like them.”
“Yeah, but look. You can walk on this one. There’s nothing to fear.”
“Sure? If something happens, I’ll put you in the hospital.”
“Haha. Okay, okay. Just make sure you a judo maneuver, not a taekwondo kick. That way I won’t get to spend a month behind white tiles.”
“Two months.”
“Why is my gut trembling?”
“Maybe it sensed something from me.”
“I haven’t even set foot on the platform and already I’m getting dizzy.”
“And I feel great… Hey, is that a tiger over there?”
“Where? …I don’t see a thing in the woods.”
“I’m pretty sure I saw one springing from tree to tree.”
“A ninja tiger? You saw too many anime.”
“I’m serious. Look. There it went again.”

“It’s coming this way. Holy sh…”

Thursday 16 January 2014

Fauxpocalypse - The Paperback Edition



The fake apocalypse that caught everyone by surprise and stirred the pot in readers minds is now available as a paperback.

Either at Amazon or at Createspace.
Or on Smashwords for the ebook only.

Tuesday 14 January 2014

I knew - for Trifecta




The first time I saw your cheeks get red from my pale lips, I knew.
Two days later, you said 'Yes' and I knew.
Nine months later, I heard a scream. I knew.

For this weeks Trifextra.

Friday 10 January 2014

Not such a pleasant drive - for Flash Friday






Good day to be driving around the countryside, eh, James?
Just look at this prosperous forest. Branches on the dirt road, grass all burned, the red river full of dead fish. Wait, I actually think I see some human limbs. Delightful. Now we’re headed into what seems like an elephant-sized tree trunk whose head was chopped off, and its knickers area shrilled to pieces. Like some sort of a magic gate, eh, James? This is unreal to you too? I knew it.
Argh. Pesky hole in the ground. Almost stuck the wheel in. Good thing it’s wooden and gets out faster.
What’s this? People in armor covered in silver tunics? Swords? And they’re saying something I don’t understand. Do you, James? No. Of course you don’t.

Whoa. The chap in front has a vertical bow of sorts. And he’s aiming… Straight at my neck. Looks like it’s over James, old doll.

Flash Friday

Tuesday 7 January 2014

Hello. Goodbye. - Flash Fiction for Trifecta



Egads. Why are you holding a knife in your hand? And why is it blood-stained? What's with the body near your feet? Wait. Why are you coming at me? I won't tell. I don't even care. No. No. I'll give you my money. And my credit card number. This thing will be between us, like "Whatever, bro." You know? Just...



For this week's Trifecta challenge.



Monday 6 January 2014

The lovable master - Flash Fiction




Ah, yes. Jeeves. You know what they say. Once a man discovers he has more money than he can spend, he tends to be paranoid about the people near him. That is why this rifle was necessary, dear fellow. Shame you cannot hear me parlay.

Saturday 4 January 2014

A conversation with Adrian George Nicolae - First interview (for Fauxpocalypse)



My first interview, and it is for the Fauxpocalypse anthology 

Here is a short excerpt.


Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a 24-year old from Bucharest, Romania. Besided writing, I do voice over.
In my non-writing time I like to learn through MOOC’s (massive online open courses) on sites like Coursera and Iversity (among others) or see inspiring videos about design and success.
And I like to eat a lot, although I’m somewhat skinny :)
(DMK: I’m sure a lot of folks are jealous of that!)

The rest can be found over at Debbie Manber Kupfer's site.


Friday 3 January 2014

Old coot - for Flash Friday




“Ladies, gents, it’s time to commence our anatomy lesson. First, we shall discuss about Queen Cleopatra and Marc Antonius.”
“Your Excellency, that is entirely another topic.”
“Shush now, Squire James. We shall parlay about their bodily parts and about their attractiveness.”
“Like I said, your Worshipness, that is another matter for another class.”
“What nonsense are you babbling there? Is it not what anatomy is about?”
“Nay. That is sexual education.”
“Well then, perhaps we should change subject instead. Fellow students, do you agree?”
“Your magnificence, even if they all agree, and they are, we have been solicited for anatomy, not sexual education.”
“Blithering curmudgeon, why must I always do as you please?”
“But your Extravaganceness, I am merely obeying what you have besought.”
“Bah. Where have we remained? Ah, yes. Queen Cleopatra and Marc Antonius were…”
“Guards.”
“No, you silly boy. They were not guards.”

“These two gents are.”

Thursday 2 January 2014

Separable - Five Sentence Stories



I remember the time when we were together, inseparable, without a care in the world. We would stay indoors, doing nothing but fool around like a bunch of high-schoolers.
Then it happened.
Someone came by and dragged you away.
And dragged my heart along.

A flash piece for Five Sentence Stories. The theme is Moments.

After the Comet - Fauxpocalypse excerpt



Recently, an anthology I was a part of was released.
Titled Fauxpocalypse, it is about the end of the world that didn't happen, and all stories are related to what might happen in case such a thing were to happen.
Below I have included an excerpt from my story "After the Comet".
You can purchase it from Amazon or from Smashwords.


After the Comet

I repeat, the comet has not landed. We will be back shortly after we have more information on the subject,” said the radio announcer.
What now, eh? You said it'd crash and we'd be fine, I mean, we'd be dead, but fine nonetheless,” said Tara.
So, you're blaming me cause we're not dead? How's that for selfishness, uh?” Grant stood up from her arms, grabbed the radio and walked to the basement stairs. “Listen, I didn't say it'd land, the stupid astronomers, or scientists or whoever is in charge of this said so,” he said, and went upstairs, leaving the place —and her— in the dark; annoyed and sweaty, she decided to go after him.
The middle-aged woman looked for her husband, but he wasn't in sight. Damn man, he’s probably outside, but who cares? I need to wash off this filthy sweat. She headed to the bathroom, turned on the cold water, took off her clothes and jumped in.

Damn, this sure is like ice.” She shivered before balancing with hot water. “Since I am supposed to be dead, guess I can unwind for a while, right? I should give that idiot a piece of my mind. Him and his stupid ideas. I should’ve done it. At least I knew then that I followed it, instead of sitting here, cramped up like a guinea pig, waiting to die.”