Goodbye

I just wanted to take a moment to let you all know that I have really enjoyed your continued support, but it no longer makes sense to keep the site alive. I am sorry to say that I will be deleting the page. I will also be shutting down our Twitter account. Neither are ever used anymore. I want to thank @AnIllicitWriter for designing the blog for me and creating the gorgeous background. I am forever in your debt. To those who helped me get this off the ground, thank you so much! The Water Cooler will be closing it's doors next Friday. So, please follow all of my affiliates and the list of writers and resources before the next week closes. Thank you again for all of the love and support I have received.
I love you all,
Katie aka @Shattered1025/ShatteredGlassRose

Help Me Out

I want to thank everyone for their support and ask for help. Real life has kinda taken a crazy turn and I am unable to do anything with this blog. I have not had any requests for posts, but the Twitter page posts for it's affiliates. What I need help with is deciding to shut it down or not. Contact me on Twitter at @TwiWaterCooler or @Shattered1025 or leave a comment here and let me know what you think. It will only begin to be a problem if people actually start filling out the forms.
Thanks!
Shattered Glass Rose

Cooler Unplugged

I am sorry to say that I will be losing my Internet connection for about two weeks, starting Monday 8/29/2011, due to moving.

With that being said, please feel free to continue filling out forms. Just know that I will not be able to regularly (if at all) post to The Water Cooler.

I am sorry for any inconvenience that this causes anyone.

~@Shattered1025

UPDATE NOTICE: Ancient History by @Shattered1025

Chapter 8

What happened when Bella answered the phone? Who was on the other end? 

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7052456/8/

UPDATE NOTICE: Feral Blood by @bloodofyourlips

Chapter 5

He was totally immobilized, as solid and as unmoving as a statue, and that made me nervous.

When I started to stand, Esme stopped me with a hiss. "Do not move, Bella."

http://theferalseries.blogspot.com/2011/08/chapter-5-sacrament.html

RANT: We All Can't Just Get Along

By: Blood Of Your Lips
Find her on Twitter @BloodOfYourLips



For those who do not know me, I’m Anise, aka Blood Of Your Lips, aka the writer of Feral Blood. Of course, if you don’t know me or FB then that really doesn’t mean jack to you, so I’ll continue by saying that I write fanfic, and I have to say that from the moment I started writing, I noticed some things about fandoms (particularly ones like Twilight, Harry Potter, etc.), and as time has gone on, I’ve noticed that some of these things are becoming more and more prominent. Especially the bitchiness.

Seriously! What are we? High schoolers. I mean, after only a month of writing, I saw authors dropping out right and left because of other people’s harassment, jealousy and negativity. I heard one writer got harassed on her OWN thread in a forum! And only recently—and this is from personal experience—I’ve noticed that when fics do well, when they become popular, win awards and have great stats, the writers are instantly targeted. People say the awards were rigged or the stats are only because of amount of chapters or what-the-hell-ever. People start saying shit about and to the authors. And that’s what it all is. OH! And let’s not get on the subject of how many authors’ stories I have seen plagiarized word-for-word!

And at first, I used to think ‘Well, why doesn’t the author tough through it?’. Well, now I know. It gets tiring. It gets wearing when you are constantly surrounded by, and getting hit with, all the crazy drama. I swear sometimes that it’s like people forget that there is a person behind the words. I’ve had two or three close writer-friends get hurt by people’s negativity, bashing…stealing in some case. There is one writer that I know that recently won her very first award. And do you want to know the reaction she got from some people? People instantly started questioning her about why she won an award over some others. …Why not?

I think it’s sad that when fics become successful (and God forbid those writers talk about their achievements), they get targeted. I mean, I’ve seen a good four or so very popular authors disappear in less than a year’s time, because people harass them. It’s very disturbing to think that people can behave in such away. It’s all the crazy bull that makes me want to grab my written shit and run! Why can’t we all just be happy for one another’s works and the results?

UPDATE NOTICE: You Redeem Me

Chapter 20

Christmas gifts and vacations. Will they only give gifts that are wrapped?

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6905519/20/You_Redeem_Me

REC: In Your World by SoLostInTwilight

Find her on Twitter @holdmeRansom

Summary:

Bella is running from her life when it takes an unexpected detour, To Amish Country in rural Iowa where she finds sanctuary with a caring family. And meets a man who draws her into his world. Welcome to the world of Amishward.

I love this fic. The innocence and purity of the characters tugs at your heart. This life is the exact opposite of everything that Bella knows. She felt like an outsider in her life and now that she has found where she belongs, she has to fight against others who view her as an outsider. She is brave and strong in situations that would make most people crumble. This is a must read!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6811278/1/

Thank you @Shattered1025 for the rec!

Josh Groban Sings Kanye West's Tweets...

Thank you @BloodOfYourLips for pointing this out to me. ~@Shattered1025

Are You Really Boo Hoo’ing The Tears?

By @Credoroza


I am sitting here this evening writing my column which is due in a week and  have  my TL open on twitter, always watching what goes on in the world of fandom, as that is what I write about, when a tweet comes across commenting on a FF story with 27K + reviews and how is that possible? Well, I keep abreast of all things fandom pretty much and knew exactly what story was being referred too. And it’s simple, it’s the bandwagon effect. It happens every once in awhile, thank goodness not to often, it’s discouraging to other writers and inflames the fandom, but it does happen.


Don’t get me wrong, the 27K writer is a very good writer. Usual review count is 4 - 5K for previous stories, outstanding for any story. But to take the jump in reviews, well there are things that caused it and sad to say, it wasn’t the story. Be that as it may,  these things happen.


What really bothered me though was the writers blog posting about a WIP with over 10K reviews. She made the statement that her heart wasn’t in it to continue but would not abandon the story and that the negativity in the reviews was disheartening. With over 10K in reviews, how  many were negative? Not that many, I’ve checked. But the ones that were negative were due to the writers choice to stretch the level of anxiety in the story feigning angst. There was no underlying hope in the anxiety and it had been going on for the past 5 chapters. People are getting annoyed. They aren’t looking for fluff, they are looking for understanding. They are looking for a shred of realism. And though fiction, that doesn’t excuse the responsibility for a form of realism. 


When you pick and choose history, when you pick and chose how far to go tearing the characters up leaving your audience with the feeling you have no way back that makes sense other than, poof, all is OK now and then readily admit the story isn’t flowing, well the negativity will come. Keep in mind, these reviewers are not your normal following. These are people that were brought in on the bandwagon. They just aren’t going for your style of writing and letting you know it. This is what happens when the bandwagon comes rolling in. It is as simple as that. So to post on your blog, is just adding grease to axle wheels of the bandwagon. And frankly, I am stunned that it was commented on. 


So when the bandwagon comes rolling in, you need to go with the flow and not watch your numbers climb. Not go so far out on a limb that your lose sight of your story. And certainly not boo hoo on your blog inciting even more hype. 


Normally I don’t rant about a writer. I am more inclined to poke readers who leave ridiculous reviews and you know by those reviews, they are skimming the story because the reviews make no sense. But this just irked me beyond normalcy. Come on, really? A writer can write what they want, but when their fan base skyrockets, there are reasons. So no boo hoo’ing. Write what you  want, but no blogging the tears. It’s offensive and I am certain it irritates the other writers in the fandom as well. That is all, rant over.

REC: You Redeem Me by ANHanninen

Find her on Twitter @ANHanninen

Summary:

Dr. Carlisle Cullen moves from the big city to Forks as a favor to

his best friend, Edward. Though he misses his old life, can the presence of

Edward's sister, Esme, in his new life make him a new man?

I believe there are great stories that's aren't Edward and Bella, and I like to think this may be one of them. I hope people read and enjoy. This story will keep you on your toes, make you smile, laugh, and possibly get a little teary-eyed.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6905519/1/You_Redeem_Me

Thank you @ANHanninen for the rec!

REC: Feral Blood by Blood Of Your Lips

Find her on Twitter @BloodOfYourLips

Summary:

Bella learns that Carlisle is her mate, and she helps him accept his feral nature, giving him the gift of her blood. Carlisle/Bella love story that follows their intense mating, leadership of the Cullen Clan and the struggles they face as Alphas. This is a powerful and unique look at vampire mating and love from Bella's POV.

For the first time ever, I started following a story that was an OCC pairing. Horrors upon horrors, me? I am a Twilight purist. If it is not Edward and Bella, I am not interested. And I am sure there are a great many wonderful OCC pairing stories, they just aren't for me. Not my thing.

To my surprise and shock, I liked the first chapter. Though skeptical how the author was going to segue way Edward and Esme both out and still make the story line realistic. As I read on, the story unfolded in to a very believable situation, it made sense and was very realistic that I believed what was going on and how it happened. I was astonished that the author had me, made me believe and understand how she segued way out not one main character but two, and this was only chap 1. All the while not making the storyline absurd, let alone Bella looking immature and foolish, hence the Twilight Triangle, I never bought in to the whole triangle SM tried to get us to believe.  

Aside from the fact, the basis of her summary, a feral relationship. That had me most intrigued. For those who do not understand feral, a feral organism is one that has changed from being domesticated to being wild or untamed. Perfect analogy for a vampire. They are animistic in nature. I am on board.

Sadly, the story has been given the boot on FF, but the author has started her own story blog so we can all continue enjoying her story.

Really looking forward to more of this series.

http://theferalseries.blogspot.com/

Thank you @credoroza for the rec!

REC: Eye Candy by i2want2knowu

Find her on Twitter @i2want2knowu

Summary:

Bella has many secrets from her past. She also has many powers unknown to all but her sisters and family. Who is EC and why is he invading her subconscious. 

I Love my story, if I may say so.  So I ask my darlings to Rec and Rant about it.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7195918/1/Eye_Candy1

Thank you @i2want2knowu for the rec!

REC: Offside by Savage7289

Find her on Twitter @Savage7289

Summary:

Edward's the star keeper for the Forks High School soccer team, and is already being scouted by leagues overseas. Bella's just moved from Phoenix and interferes with his…focus. Soccerward lives! Rated M for the good stuff, of course.

The tale of Soccerward is truly a colorful one. I enjoy an Edward that I can love to kinda sorta hate. And, in typical Savage fashion, all is not pretty. A little ugly is good for the soul, I think. There's humor and hotness, but angst and one hell of a Douchelisle, too. Plus, daily updates! 

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7036128

Thank you @JadaPattinson (FFn: jadalulu) for the rec!

RANT: Friend or Frienemy

By: Shattered Glass Rose
Find her on Twitter @Shattered1025


OK, it has been brought to my attention that we are not all as I thought. I was recently informed that not only are we not all one big TwiFam, but we also all apparently hate each other. I can not believe that to be true. I have found a great group of friends in the Fandom and would go to bat for any of them. We have become a family, which is why I call us all the TwiFam. Yes, I understand that some of you have received more notoriety for your stories, but that does not make you any better than those of us just getting started. I also understand that we are not all going to like every story that we read. However, I think that it is absolutely unacceptable to continually ream an author just because you don't agree with where you think they are taking their fic. You are not the one writing it. How do you know what is coming next? Leave a review letting them know that you don't like it, if you must. But why must you proceed to talk trash about them and their story for days at a time on an international forum? I get that it is YOUR Twitter and you can say whatever you want, but do you realize that every time you talk about it, you just make more people want to go read it. AND do you not realize that you are not making her look bad? In fact, all you are doing is making yourself look like a miserable bitch! Good job on that one!!! I feel bad for my friend because, like many newer authors, she looks up to those of you with more experience and she takes your words to heart. But, more than her, I feel sorry for the future generations, because if you are the example that is being set for them our whole world is SCREWED! I was raised with the rule of "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" and that is clearly not the case for all of us. Some might argue that I am breaking that rule here. But the bigger rules that I was raised with were "Stick up for the underdog" and "Defend your friends and what is right." So, I think those will cover this. So, I will stick to my feelings about the fandom and my TwiFam. Just one last thought, maybe if you and others like you quit being such bitches, there would be less hate and animosity in the fandom... Just saying.

RANT: Bad Fucking Afternoon!!!

By: Shattered Glass Rose
Find her on Twitter @Shattered1025

So, today I was at church and was TOTALLY PISSED OFF!!! Which sucks, because I fester and It just makes me more and more angry as the evening progresses. Four things happened that pissed me off. The first two are insignificant and really don't matter. The last two (the last especially) had me so angry that I had to fight back the tears. So here goes.
First, I play in the hand bell choir at my church. At the end of the last bell year (May) one of our members (Rachel) informed us that she will be moving to another part of the state by the end of Aug. and would not be continuing with us this year, which started tonight. When she said that, I told our director that I wanted her bells because the technique that I have to use to play my bells hurts my hand. I hold two bells in each hand and after an hour long practice, my fingers hurt really badly. Well, he didn't remember and gave those bells to someone else.
Second, I went to get my gloves that I had purchased at the beginning of last year and they were gone. Someone had taken them out of my folder and tossed them in with all of the nasty used gloves that are God only knows how old.
I can look over those two things. But the rest is where I was about to go off on someone.
So... back to it.
Third, I am in there and we are playing a piece that I have never even looked at. I can read music, but reading it and playing it perfectly the first time are totally different. Our director was getting frustrated with me because I kept fudging this particularly hard part. I told him that it was the first time that I had ever seen the piece, at all. And he tells me that I was supposed to have gotten my music at the end of June and taken it home to look it over. I reminded him that I was HAVING A BABY at the end of June. His response, "Well, we all have lives." Are you fucking kidding me!!! So, while I am dealing with my first newborn as a single mom, I am supposed to be looking over a piece of music because you want to have a rehearsal with no errors? Screw you buddy!!! I could not make eye contact with him for the rest of practice, because I knew that if I did, I would either go off on him or burst into tears. Neither would have been good. I also couldn't look behind me, because my mother stands in the row behind mine in bells, and the moment I made eye contact with her, I would have been a sobbing mess, guaranteed.
And the final straw, which was a huge fucking straw...
Fourth, I am getting J out of the nursery and the care giver asked me who it is that J gets his red hair from. I responded with "No one from my side. His S.D., and I call him that because D (my friends' four year old son) will repeat what I say if I call him what I really want to, was adopted at birth. So, we know nothing of his biologicals. Not that he is around to answer those questions, even if he did know." It is common knowledge that Sperm Donor, texted the night before J was born and told me he wants nothing to do with me or J. CHICKEN SHIT! Well, a mutual friend of Sperm Donor/Chicken Shit and myself was in the room and when I said that, she throws her hands in the air, gets pissed, says "I can't take this!" and storms out of the building. Her father follows after her and I can see them outside while she is going off because I bad mouthed someone who she clearly thinks is the fucking Dad of the year! Really! Are you fucking serious! I gave him chance after chance to be a part of J's life and he said he would, and then didn't even have the balls to call and actually tell me that he was a spineless coward who couldn't do right by his son. It was his choice to not be a part of this perfect little angel who has been the silver lining to a very dark cloud in my life. I did not force him out. Why the fuck is she mad at me! She had been my friend since 2000, and she is going to take the side of a dead beat whom she has only known for two or three years. Well, Fuck her and the friendship. Because I can not have that kind of person around me or J! He needs people who understand the situation and support him. Not people who think that he and I are the ones in the wrong. I started thinking about it later and I realized that she is the only friend who has not even looked at him. She hasn't held him, asked questions about him, or even feigned any sort of interest in his or my well being. And neither has her hubs. So there is no telling what Fuck face, Dead Beat Dad has told them. But, you know what? They can all go fuck themselves in a fucking circle jerk! I don't give a damn. I don't need them and J sure as Hell doesn't need them. Fucking Bitch!!!
I know that I am probably overreacting, but there are certain people you don't mess with. Some of them happen to be Scorpios, Italians/Sicilians, and Mothers. And I happen to be all three of those. UGH!!!

REC: In the Shallows by Porcia

Summary: Everywhere I look, something reminds me of him. Smells, words, colours, songs. For two years I've cried over him. The best thing that's ever happened to me. The love of my life. He left because we were hurting. Because I was in the shallows.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6806523/1/In_the_Shallows

Thank you DreamOfTheEndless for the Rec!

RAMBLING: 14374 Seconds

By Blood of Your Lips

Find her on Twitter @BloodOfYourLips 

Did you know that there are 86400 seconds in a day?

Well, there are. There are 86400 seconds in a day. And while I know that makes me sound like a geek, particularly when I tell you that I stayed awake in bed last night to do the math, there is method to my mathness. (10 points to Slytherin - or the House of your choice - if you understood that joke and can tell me where it came from .)

So let’s begin with the math… Don’t worry. You don’t have to do any math during this blog. I’ve done it all for you.

If there are 86400 seconds in a whole 24 hours and you minus 28800 seconds (8 hours) for sleep, that leaves you with 57600 seconds of awake time. But, alas, there is such a thing as work, so then you have to calculate the seconds that you work… So let’s figure in those numbers.

The average person works 28800 seconds (8 hours) a day, which would leave the average person 28800 seconds of free time. Of course, you could be a nurse working in a hospital or something; in which case, you would be working 43200 seconds (12 hours) a day.

But even with 28800 seconds of sleep and 43200 seconds of work, that still leaves you with 14400 seconds of free time.

Here’s another interesting fact: From my cellphone, which is much harder to use than my computer, it took me 52 seconds to compose and send a short email; and I figured it would be half for the computer, but I took out a stopwatch and checked anyway.

It was 24 seconds. 24 seconds to compose a short email of 82 characters that simply said “Hey. I’m sorry. I’m very busy today. Talk to you later. Thinking of you. Miss you.”

24 seconds. It took 24 seconds to express in 82 characters a whole message. In 24 seconds and 82 characters, you just said “Hey. I am sorry, but I’m very busy with work today. I will talk to you as soon as I can, because I’ve been thinking about you and I miss you.”

Wow… Astounding, huh?

How does this all tie together?, you ask. Well, let me tell you.

We all spend so much time thinking about time in hours, days, maybe even weeks or months. But the truth of the matter is that if you broke it down to its most basic components, you would find that you have a lot more free time than you think.

After all, 24 seconds out of 14400 is not that much. It still leaves you with 14374 seconds of the 14400 seconds of free time you have (and that’s if you work 43200 seconds a day, instead of 28800 seconds a day!).

So if you think that you are too busy to send your partner/spouse/child/parent a short email or text telling them that you miss them and you love them, because you schedule is oh-so-damned busy, than you really might want to rethink your priorities and your time.

When you think about your time in hours, of course you are never going to have enough time, because the numbers are much smaller: 24 compared to 86400? That’s a huge difference… And I can guarantee you that you have more 86400 to spare than only 24.

So really look at how you are spending your time, look at who (loved ones) andwhat (quality time with said loved ones) you are “too busy” for, and remember…

Every seconds counts!

Update Notice

Ancient History Chapter 7
By: Shattered Glass Rose

Will Bella get the job? Who is the principal? Is Edward out of her life for good? Find out by clicking on the link and reading chapter 7.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7052456/7/

Thank you @Shattered1025 for the notice!

REC: Ancient History by Shattered Glass Rose

Find her on Twitter @Shattered1025

Bella is at her wits end. She has to make a change. And when she does, everything changes. What does she do when her whole world is flipped upside down?

Twilight - Rated: M - English - Drama/Romance - Bella & Jasper

This is my first Fic to write. I figure if you are reading my blog you might as well read my fic too.

Happy reading!

~SGR


http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7052456/1/

Thanks @Shattered1025 for the rec!

REC: The Long Walk Home by Lulabelle98

Find her on Twitter @Lulabelle98

Summary: With World War One looming, can Edward and Bella's relationship survive? Set in Chicago, 1917. AH.

Set in 1917, this epic saga takes us back to an age of innocence, where the hearts were purer and rules were simpler. We meet a 17 year old, straight laced Edward with love in his heart and dreams in his eyes. His love is for Bella of course. Unfortunately, his dream is to go to war and fight for his country. Painted in the backdrop of the First Great War, this story pulls the reader in with a refreshing simplicity and easy flow of words. 

Please give this story a chance. Lulabelle98 is doing an amazing job in spinning an intriguing tale of love, loss, and hope amidst darkness.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6969607/1/The_Long_Walk_Home

Thank you @ToTheDreaming for the Rec!

RANT: Conversation with a Frienemy

By: Shattered Glass Rose
Find her on Twitter @Shattered1025


This would be the conversation that sparked the last rant. I copied it and pasted it directly into the blog. I do not for one minute agree with what she said. And I also did not go to the other sites that she mentions. I don't care what they have to say about my friend's story and I will not give their site the traffic just to find out. I think that this attitude and behavior is outrageous. I can honestly say that she is the first person in the Fandom I have come in contact with who has this attitude. I thank the rest of you for representing the TwiFam better than she and her circle have. I had no idea that anyone felt this way about the Fandom as a whole until talking to her. After this conversation and several tweets where she talks bad about several stories, I just could not take it anymore. I ranted to get it off my chest. Enjoy the attitude and the mistakes. Thank you for reading. Please, feel free to comment. ~SGR


Me: I know it is freedom of speech and all, but your words that everyone can see hurt people. Reviews are one thing, but talking shit about someone else's story in an open forum, like Twitter is harsh. It is not mine and I haven't read it, but I know that if it were mine, it would make me want to quit writing. Please take her feelings in to consideration before you say anymore about her story. Or at least move it to PM's or DM's. We are a TwiFam and we need to support each other even if we don't personally like it.


Her: Apparently you should venture into Twi'd or ADF where they're ripped her apart far worse than I am. I'm having a discussion with 3 other people---two who agree with me and 2 who don't. You don't have to like what I say on MY twitter, but again it is MINE. The author does not follow me and even if she did, it wouldn't stop me from discussing her fic. As an author myself, when readers don't like something i've done and can give me a logical reason as to why, I want to know. I understand you think this i a twiFam, but I've lived in the politics of this fandom. We are not only big happy family---most of us can't stand the other. and I will not sensor my comments on my twitter.


Me: Ok. Well, I just felt I had to say something. Felt it was the right thing to do. Thanks for your time.