My attempt at an alternative ending - Stray by Cynthia Rylant.

Hello everyone!

Before we begin, I'd just like to say that I am going to follow every single one of you back either this week or next. Please leave a comment including your blog name and link if you'd like to be followed. (:

Moving on, I had to write an alternative ending for this short story we're reading in English, Stray by Cynthia Rylant. If you've never heard of it, its about a girl named Doris who finds a stray puppy that her family cannot keep because of their small budget. But, in the end, instead of taking it to the animal shelter, her father brings it home for Doris to keep.

Please leave your opinions, positive or negative, suggestions or even errors that I made. They're greatly appreciated. (:

Here it is - my alternative ending to Stray.

Doris made herself a glass of powdered milk and drank it all down. Then, she walked back up to her room so she could sulk some more.


She found herself wishing that the snow hadn't cleared up so she could have kept the dog for a longer period of time.


Doris sobbed and sobbed into her pillow, thinking about the dog and what he might be doing now. She knew the people running the animal shelter weren't very kind. She wanted to blame her parents for all of this, but then she remembered that they had a point, not keeping the dog.


"Why can't I be richer?" she wondered out loud. "Why can't we afford the dog? Why?"


"Doris, its dinner time, honey." her mother called out in that quiet, petite voice of hers. Doris wiped off her tears and went back to the kitchen.


After a silent and mildly awkward supper, Doris returned to her room. She grabbed her pillow and thought about the good times she and her almost-puppy shared, and the memories they could have shared if she had kept him.


Suddenly, she heard someone - or something - on the awning. Looking out of her window to see what the commotion was all about, Doris saw a shape that looked vaguely like a dog... As the shape got closer, Doris saw that it was her almost-puppy.


"Is it really you?" she asked in wonder.


Realizing that she wouldn't get a response, Doris slowly stuck out her hand so she could pet her dog. She wanted to feel his warm, soft fur again; oh, how much she missed him! But, as her hand touched the tip of his fur, everything disappeared.


It was only just a dream.

Procrastination is my third hobby.

But I guess all writers have to do it in order to succeed, right? Or is it just me?

I've been neglecting my WiP lately. I really haven't written anything in about two to three weeks. I haven't even touched the notebook I'm writing it in, or the computer file. But, I have an excuse!

Oh no, you wonder. What is it this time, Isabella?

Blame it on middle school! School has eaten me alive, seriously. Its really just the pressure of the first few weeks or so, when you're desperately trying to get organized and into the mix again. I solemnly swore to myself that I would write more after I finished this post. Well, after I finish my English project, which is due on Wednesday...

I have, however, been thinking a lot about my NaNo novel, The London Eye. (read about it here.) I know NaNo isn't for another two months or so, but hey - it won't hurt to get excited. I've also been thinking of my current WiP as well.

It is still nameless, and I'm making no progress on names... Anyone care to help out? Read the (temporary) pitch here and give me some suggestions!

I've also thought about holding a blogfest - at least, once I get more followers. But, I was thinking of making it about your current WiP's "soundtrack", if it was to be made into a movie. Someone hasn't already thought of that... Right?

This weekend, I promise I'll get on track. I'll write as much as I can, especially tonight - Andrea and I are going to attempt to pull another all-nighter. I also need to finish The Diary of Anne Frank (still haven't finished!), reading more Campaign blogs and working on looking through the three book order catalogues one of my teachers handed out... Looks like I'll be spending quite a bit for some new books. [:

What are your weekend writing plans or goals? Anything new with your WiP (unlike mine... yet)?

I'm loved more, when I'm not here.

Its a fact. Seriously.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for the positive comments on my Campaign piece. I'm honestly glad a lot of you liked it. I've also been chosen as one of the judges' favorites pieces, and it will move on to the next round of judging! I know it might not really last, but its my first time - this is too exciting.
Also, thank you so much for following my blog. 13 followers isn't much, but I'm glad you guys can take the time out of your busy schedules to follow, read and comment on my posts.

I haven't worked on my WiP like I planned on this weekend, but I am going to work on it Tuesday if its the last thing I do. I am on page 187 out of 283 of The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank. I haven't made progress but I will soon, just you wait and see. (Hey, that's the name of a song!)

I was at Staples on Thursday, going back to school shopping, and I saw the most adorable journal. Of course, I had to buy it (I have an obsession with journals and I collect them. I'll write a post about my collection sometime.) and I'm going to share it with you all.

Do you guys like it? Its focused on traveling, which I absolutely adore. I bought it because it really reminded me on this upcoming project of mine, The London Eye. Read about it here.

Might I add that I am stoked for NaNo now - not only is my good friend Josie participating in it, but I found out that this girl in my classes (a new friend of mine), Sara, is participating in it too! I'm not a loner in class anymore, and I have someone to talk to (about writing) in gym. [:

Anyway, that's the latest news on myself. I'm going to head out to bed now, good night. By the way, if you followed, expect a new follower and a comment on your blog in the coming week... Its not going to be from me or anything, but who knows!

PS: Today is the 10 year of the Twin Tower attacks in New York. My prayers go out to the families affected and the innocent lives lost. They may be gone, but never forgotten.

Campaign Challenge Numero Uno!

Before we kick off this post, I'd like to welcome all my new followers. Thanks for following and I will get around to following your blog soon.

Anyway, the time has come for the first Campaign challenge! I actually just came back from a mini-vacation in Las Vegas, Nevada, and I have school tomorrow so I was rushing through this. But I did complete all three of the challenges - the two phrases at the beginning and ending of the story, and the story is exactly 200 words.

Here it is!

 The door swung open, letting in the crisp fall breeze and an excited twelve-year-old girl. “I'm home!” she called out.

She kicked off her shoes and threw her backpack on the floor, much to my dismay. Then she rushed to her room. “Honey, come pick up your stuff from the floor, please.” I ordered her as politely as I could.

The girl rolled her eyes and ran back to the living room to pick up her belongings. Afterward, she ran back to her room and started to get ready. “We don't have much time, Mom! It starts at six!”

She wriggled out of her uniform and changed into more casual attire. Then, she grabbed her cell phone, small poster, and slipped on her sneakers. “This is so exciting! I can't believe you're doing this for me! Thank you!” she squealed, jumping around the kitchen. “Oh, and hurry up and finish getting ready!” she added as she ran back to the door.

I couldn't help but laugh; I have never seen her so happy, even though we weren't there yet. I finished applying my make-up, grabbed my purse, and stepped outside. Then, the door swung shut.

Like I said, I was rushing through this, so I apologize if it isn't the best. Its about a young girl attending her first concert with her mom. I used myself as an inspiration for this story.

Well, I guess I better wrap this up. I start school tomorrow and I need to read all of your entries I need to finish getting ready.