this is a collection of unpolished, imperfect, messy snippets either from writing exercises or unfinished stories. I’m putting these here to document my progress as a writer, and to remind myself that writing is writing is writing — even if its not perfect.

three words Christina Ji three words Christina Ji

sharks, spies, space

“As she hurtled towards the planet, Melodia could only see a reflection of the fighter in its placid, dark water. Burning metal. Damaged wings. Her own face that, for just a fraction, twisted with fear before she broke through the surface.”

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Christina Ji Christina Ji

i just hit the switch

“Harper knew what to do in those towns too: hit faster than a pickpocket’s hand. Break a deal faster than a sweat. Every girl on the Isle knew when a hero came from one of those towns.”

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Christina Ji Christina Ji

the tide

“The memory begins with death. A howling. The sound of metal against stone. The sort of bright darkness that happens when the mind can dream of the color white while the eyes are still closed.”

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writing sprint Christina Ji writing sprint Christina Ji

dialogue

“Before I can speak, the grinding sound of metal against stone spills through the clearing. There’s a dark clarity to it. Not the clean pierce of a knife being sharpened, nor the spark of swords coming to blows. Instead, it’s the cry of something being dragged. Ringing with finality, it's the sound of reapers drawing out scythes, the sound of felled gods and kingdoms. “

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writing sprint Christina Ji writing sprint Christina Ji

the isle

“The isle always trembles before a new arrival. It’s a sort of warning, the rumble beneath feet, vibrating up spines like a shockwave. The gods’ way of telling them that whoever arrives on the island has the power to move it, move them.”

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flax-golden tales Christina Ji flax-golden tales Christina Ji

fire

“Don’t burn,’ he whispers, voice barely lifting over the howling wind, his hot breath fanning down my exposed throat like a flame, there and gone.”

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