Categories
Life

Food For 24hrs | CGSP Video

What do people in post apocalyptic worlds eat? An MRE perhaps….?

I bought an MRE to try for research.
What would it be like to eat food that has super long shelf lives, and is designed for soldiers and disaster relief survivors??
You’ll find out!

Check out the video below:

I hope you enjoyed the video, and I can’t wait to post another writing adventure!

If you want to grab a copy of my book – head to the SHOP page and get a signed copy – it’s the cheapest one around, and I’ll address it just to you <3


See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Writing

Secret Behind The Scenes | CGSP FB Live

Looking like a kidnapper (or worse) in the middle of the forest, and a pandemic… Yeah, that seems sensible!

I couldn’t help it though, because I’m on a deadline! So I’m sharing the behind the scenes with you! My latest Facebook Live took place when I was out doing ‘secret’ and special filming for my debut novel! Check out the video below and get that sneak peek:

With my book being released in about 2 months time (boy that came fast!) I’ve got some cool stuff coming up, so don’t miss a beat. Follow the CGSP Facebook page, Youtube and Twitter. I’ll hopefully post some more behind the scenes stuff as we get closer to the launch!

>>Get all the behind the scenes info on my book with my CGSP NEWSLETTER


I’ll also be posting on the CGSP site, so if you want to know about kidnappings, trafficking and justices, stay tuned!

See You in The Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Life Writing

TikTok Pros and Cons

There’s been a lot of talk about shutting down or banning TikTok in a few countries. Love or hate, believe the conspiracies or not, there’s just something fun about the app!

Like so many people around my age, I was against to start with!!!! I claimed that I would never do videos… ever! Then, (like everyone on TikTok) I got hooked! I started watching funny videos, then found myself making them. And guess what… It was really fun!

I stopped a while back, because I got really busy and didn’t have the time, but it was actually pretty enjoyable to be silly and film myself miming to classic move and tv quotes.
But it’s not all sunshine and roses. I found that there were pros and cons in using TikTok. Specifically, as a writer…

TikTok cgsp writer social media

Pros:

  • It’s a fun way to connect with all kinds of people
  • You can express yourself and your weirdness
  • I got to see what other people were up to
  • You can mime to your fav songs or quotes (I’m partial to the quotes)
  • I get a chance to create my own content too (not just the quote fest!)
  • You can show your personality in another way/avenue

Cons:

  • Sometimes, you don’t reach many people (unless you have millions of followers…)
  • It can be pretty time consuming
  • Some “trends” (the popular videos for you TikTok newbies) suck – they just aren’t fun
  • It can be hard to be found by the audience you want in the beginning
  • The content cant be played on any other format (like Youtube) due to copyright issues

Like it or loathe it, TikTok is going to be here for a while. When I get a bit more time on my hands, who knows? Maybe I’ll start doing them again!

If you want to check out MY TikTok account – my profile is @christygracesp or head to the link >>>here


See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Fiction

A Long Escape | Short Story

What would it be like to escape after several years? Enjoy this CGSP Short Story, and see what happens…

She stumbled over another tree root and braced herself for the fall. Miraculously she managed to stabilise herself, and only wobbled on her feet.

The walk seemed endless, and her hair kept swiping over her eyes. The dirty mane complimented her clothes and skin. After goodness knows how long in that dingy basement, with no windows, she knew she wasn’t at her best. There hadn’t been any sense of night or day, no radio or tv to pass the time and gather a general idea. She could have been missing for two days, or two years.

Finally, through the glint of the sun, the woman spotted what looked like a town in the distance. She pushed legs faster and started an awkward, tiring run. A rumbling behind her gave her pause, and she spun to face a strange looking car. The ones she’d remembered had looked different than this. She waved her arms above her head and the car slowed. When it reached the side of the road where she was still frantically waving, the window on the driver’s side whooshed down and a man’s face frowned at her.

“Are you okay?”

“Please, what date is it?” she croaked out. He gave her a puzzled look, then waved his hand in the air and the window whooshed back up. He squealed away from her, and she chased after the strange car until it zipped too far ahead of her. She cursed to herself as she doubled over and inhaled deep breaths.

When she’d recovered, the woman continued the walk towards the town ahead. What was that man’s problem? All she did was ask the date. Was that so crazy?

Finally reaching the outskirts of the town, she walked slowly past the unusual structures. They were all made of plaster on the outside; like inside walls. People were bustling across the street, and lights with three colours flicked on and off at various times. More of the unusual cars passed her, as she continued walking.

Stares from various people met her own gaze, but people were giving her a wide berth. Finally, someone began to approach her. The woman was dressed in slick black pants, and a tight-fitting white t-shirt, her black, curly hair falling down her back. Her makeup reminded the woman of Cleopatra, but she smiled anyway as the woman approached her.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“What’s the date? Where am I?”

The other woman frowned, then shook her head and helped her to a nearby bench.

“It’s 2023. You’re in Victoria.”

Returning the frown, she pushed her hair out of her face and shook her head. “It can’t be. It was just 2003.”

In front of her, the woman’s eyes went wide and she quickly glanced around her, motioning wildly as she spotted a man in a suit.

Instead of waiting, she stood and bolted away from the Cleopatra woman and the suited man. Rushing away, she bumped into people and ignored their shouts for her to watch where she was going.

This couldn’t be happening. Twenty years?

As she approached a small shop, she passed the window and froze. It was her own reflection. A strange woman stared back. No longer a sixteen-year-old, her face was older and more weathered. Her hair had grown much longer than she remembered, but she’d already guessed that. Her dirty, older appearance took her breath away.

Behind her, someone cleared his throat and she turned to face a man in a police uniform.

“Are you okay Ma’am?” he asked, his hand resting close to what looked like a strange gun.

She shook her head. “I just escaped. I was kidnapped, and I’ve been missing for a long time.”

The policeman clicked on his radio and asked for backup, before wrapping a hand around her shoulder and motioning her towards the strange looking police car behind them.

“Come on, we’ll get you sorted out.”

She breathed out a sigh of relief. Maybe he’d be able to take her home.

“What’s your name?” The policeman asked.

She shook her head. “It’s been so long since someone’s used it. I honestly don’t remember.”


I hope you enjoyed this little story! If you want more, I release something new every week!

People go missing every day. They are taken, used and abused, and don’t get their story told. If you suspect someone has been abducted – report it. 

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Life

Home Toolbox Essentials ADVICE

What exactly should be in a toolbox? I’m talking the Essential items that every home should have? 

Okay, I’m moving into my first place, and I know NOTHING about tools. Seriously, Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor would be shattered with how little I know about tools.
I understand that you need them (I’m always searching for a screwdriver at home), but past that – i got nothing! I need the “Toolbox Essentials” I’m sure, but a tool connoisseur, I am not… With Bunnings only click and collect thanks to lockdown right now, it means asking a hunky Bunnings staff member what to choose is out of the question.

When I move to my new apartment, I want to stock up on the Toolbox “essential” items. I have a set of screwdrivers, and a small hammer currently in the pile, but that’s it. Personally, I was hoping that once I get into the apartment, I’d realise what I needed – but it would be too late! It could be entirely possible that I’d end up with nothing helpful, or a giant hole in the wall that I can’t fix…

Episode 2 Broken Tools GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Because I am an absolute tool “newbie”, I decided to reach out for advice. Only people who already have the essentials, would know how to start! So, tool fanatics – What are the essential items that you need for a toolbox? Is a saw numero uno in the pack? Or how about a monkey wrench?

Tell me what to include in the comments, so I’m at least a little prepared! I’d love to hear your answers!


See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Podcast

Full Time v Part Time Writer | PODCAST

This podcast episode, I’m talking Part Time v Full Time writer! I’ve been on both sides (thanks to Covid) and I’m sharing my thoughts…

This BONUS CGSP: First Book Journey PODCAST episode, is going to share about the pros and cons of being a Full Time writer, and being a Part Time writer. What was different, and what worked/didn’t. Check out the episode >>HERE or by clicking on the image below.

This episode is only one of a bunch! I’ll be talking about Booktube, and my experience with a Professional Editor soon.  I’m excited to share the writing journey with you.
For other CGSP: First Book Journey podcast episodes, head to the link >>>here 


See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

cgsp first book journey podcast writer author
Categories
Life

Moving During Covid… Crazy or Brave?

Pack up the moving boxes, and take me away from my comfortable home with family into a first time apartment! Yup, you heard me right – I’m moving out… During Covid-19 lockdown

Am I crazy? Starting a new season in the middle of a lockdown? I don’t think so. I’ve been considering moving into my own place for about a year, and I found the perfect one. It’s been a whirlwind of a choice. Yes, Covid is here and we’re still in Victorian archaic lockdowns, BUT things are looking up and I’m going for it! I’m moving during Covid!

I wasn’t planning this, but I happened to have a squiz online at what was around, and found the perfect place. It ticked ALL (and I mean all) the boxes, and the video walk through looked great. With it being only 5 minutes away, I decided to give it a drive by and got such a good feeling in the area, and about the place in general. So, with nothing to loose (and my job on temporary hiatus), I applied for the property, not expecting much.

I especially didn’t expect what happened next – I got it! They called up only a few days later, and offered me the apartment. I got a little walk through, and I’m heading out like a chick from the nest in just a little bit!

It’s certainly a big change, but it’s exciting… and scary… and ridiculous… It’s safe to say that I’m riding the rollercoaster of emotions right now.

I know I’m not alone in this situation, stepping out and being brave despite the world’s situation.
Are you doing something brave during 2020? Let me know in the comments and we’ll share out crazy, brave decisions together!


See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Fiction

A Christmas Killing | A CGSP Story

A killer loose at a Christmas gathering. Who did it, and what twist will turn your stomach at the end? 

He walked through the small living room and eyed all of his suspects. Someone in that room was a killer. The Christmas celebration had been brought to an abrupt halt, and he’d been called in to find who did the deed.
He raised his hand and the murmurs around him stilled. “I believe I have discovered the culprit in this case, but there are still unanswered questions.”
He moved over to the grandmother. She was shaking, with her hand still over her chest as she tried to still her heartbeat.

“You arranged for the victim to be seated in the outer room with the younger guests?”
The frail woman nodded, then looked down at her shoes in shame. The detective moved on to one of her three daughters and pointed his finger at her.
“And you, you were in charge of providing the food for those in the outer room? Including the deceased?”
The woman also nodded but held his gaze. Nobody seemed talkative. Not a good sign. Perhaps his assessment had been wrong, and it had been a group effort. He shook his head; impossible.

There was only one responsible.
“Is this going to take much longer? We have other plans tonight.” One of the grandchildren asked from the other end of the room. He spun quickly and moved his finger onto his lips. Pushing the words out from underneath, he raised his voice. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you!” The young man straightened his shoulders and scowled.
“Yeah, that’s why I asked.” His sarcastic tone washed over the detective, and he turned back to his next suspect. The only son was sitting with his wife, and the detective pointed at her.

“You complained about the noise in the outer room, did you not?”
She shrugged. “I guess.”
“You guess! Well, I think there were various people complaining tonight about the noise in the outer room.”
Turning once again, he moved across the room to the person he was sure had committed the murder. “You were the most angered by what went down tonight, weren’t you!” The girlfriend of the only male grandson let her mouth gape open. She stuttered, not finding the words at his accusation. The boy who had given him lip earlier crossed his arms and scowled harder.
“How dare you!”

He ignored the youngster and continued staring down his opponent. “You lashed out, and killed Steve! You’re the reason he’s dead, aren’t you?”
The girl cowered and glanced around the room at the eyes now focussed on her. Finally, she threw her arms into the air. “Yes, yes it’s true. It was me! I killed him. I’m so sorry.”

The detective stood straighter and crossed his arms, smiling at his win. The rest of the family relaxed slightly and one by one, they left the room and gathered their coats.
The Christmas gathering had been ruined with Steve’s death, but he still felt satisfied. He’d solved the crime.

When all the other guests had left, the young man and woman finally stood. They moved over to their grandmother. The girl took her hand and lowered her voice. “I’m very sorry I killed your parrot. Steve really was a good bird. I honestly didn’t realise he’d get so scared.”
When they too, had gone, the detective moved over to his grandmother and sat beside her.
“What a way to end Christmas. Want me to get rid of the body?” he asked.
The woman turned a wrinkly head towards him and sighed. “Shut up Ted.”


I hope you enjoyed this short story by Christy Grace! For another story, check back every week!

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace