One of my favorite books ever, Anna Dressed in Blood, is a YA horror novel by Kendare Blake. I think the main reason I found this interesting, and just loved it so much in general, is that it's very unique from other books in the same category. As far as I know, there aren't too many horror books in the YA spectrum; in fact, I can only think of a few off the top of my head. To be clear, I don't think it's a terrifying story. I don't think it's going to give most readers nightmares or anything like that. But, it does maintain a sense of creepiness all the way throughout, and there are a lot of horror aspects. People actually get dismembered in this book, and being YA, these scenes aren't described in great detail, but still.

The novel also features a very unconventional romance, one between a human and a ghost. I thought it was interesting to see how this relationship played out. Another positive point is that while there is a main romance, it's not the focal point of the story. The characters aren't constantly gushing over each other and blushing. You can still clearly tell they care about one another, but it's executed in a more subtle way.

To me, what makes Anna Dressed in Blood so good, is that it avoids the usual YA pitfalls, and even subverts them. There are characters who seem like true and tried tropes, only to quickly show they're the exact opposite. And there's the whole dismemberment aspect again. This book isn't at all what you'd expect a YA novel to be, and for that, it's truly a great read. I believe it's one both young and older readers can enjoy.

I hoped that he would love me,

And he has kissed my mouth,

But I am like a stricken bird

That cannot reach the south.

For though I know he loves me,

To-night my heart is sad;

His kiss was not so wonderful

As all the dreams I had.

This poem was the first poem I could remember reading that struck a chord with me. I feel like waiting for that first kiss and being disappointed is something no one ever talks about primarily as a teenager. I had my fair share of bad first kisses even as an adult lol.

You’re living in my stomach

Right in the pit of me

Encumbered

Pounding the walls

Disrupting sleep

Gorging

Feasting veins

Fingers, clawing

Desperation, scraping rib cage-prison

Kindling riots, licking heated discord

Peel my husk

Eat me down to pulp

Pull the ache from my mouth

Lift the shadows out my throat

Your hands, oil spills

My skin, toy-soldier alert

My heart, hummingbird wings

My breath, phantom spasms

My breath, provoked

My breath, exacerbate

Heightened

Unending

Interminate

My mind is a cesspool

I like you

wet and heavy

This fall marks one year since the official launch of Prose. for iOS. Did you know that it began as a mobile app only?

Since that time, the web version has been created, features have been added to both mobile and web, and version 2.0 of the mobile application has been released. With version 2.0 came a number of initiatives, including the Partner Program (more information below) and the monthly KDP challenges which result in formally published e-book collections of works by you, the foundation of the Prose. community.

We want to take this time to catch you all up on the basic functionality of the platform. Since inception we have received a number of inquiries as well as feedback and suggestions for improvement. In preparation for our next update, we want to be sure that you are all familiar with the ins and outs of the existing interface.

What follows is a recap of what is available on the current web and mobile versions of Prose. If you would like to see more information on any of these features, or have additional questions about Prose, feel free to comment below or send us a private message anytime.

UTILIZING SEARCH

If you’re looking for content on a particular subject or from a specific author, a universal search feature is available on both the mobile and web versions of Prose.

To access this feature on iOS, simply tap the Prose. logo at the top left of your home screen to view the main menu. Tap “search” and type out your desired search criteria. The results will populate in three (3) categories: Posts, People, and Challenges.

Can’t remember the title of a poem you wrote several weeks ago? Avoid needless scrolling by typing out a line or phrase from the poem into the search bar and find it instantly.

EDITING YOUR PROFILE

You can change your bio, registration email address, personal details, and your profile image. In your profile settings you also have the opportunity to turn your mature content filter on or off.

To do so on iOS, you will need to click on the Prose logo at the top left of your home screen which will populate a drop-down menu. By selecting “profile” you will be redirected to your Prose. profile. Tap “edit profile” to make desired changes and tap “save” to implement them.

To do so on the web, you will need to click on your avatar at the top right of your screen. This will populate a drop-down menu. By selecting “profile” you will be redirected to your Prose. profile. Tap “edit profile” to make desired changes and click “save.”

USING THE DRAFTS FEATURE

Note: you must register for Prose. to have access to this feature.

When logged in, you can create drafts for works in progress then retrieve them for later editing and publication. Once a draft has been created, any edits and updates will save automatically.

To save, click on the blue save icon. To retrieve your draft, click on the cloud icon. Note: hashtags and images will NOT be saved with your draft, but we will work to build that functionality into future mobile and web updates.

UPLOADING IMAGES TO POSTS

Adding images to your work is a great way to increase visibility and provide visual interest to your readers, but it is not a requirement for posting on Prose. Resolution and dimensions of your images are pre-set and cannot be edited, however, you can change the position and zoom in for effect upon uploading an image.

NOTE: There is currently a break in functionality that results in some images not rendering once a post is published. To avoid this mishap, rather than uploading your image first, upload it right before hitting the “publish” button.

On mobile, the “choose photo” option will redirect to the image library on your mobile device. If you are using web, you will be redirected to your documents and files where you can then choose a .JPEG or .PNG file to upload. No other file formats are permitted at this time.

USING AND CREATING HASHTAGS

You will note that there is a default list of hashtags (poetry, fiction, fantasy, nonfiction, etc.) but you can create your own easily. The only restrictions are that there be no "special characters" or spaces within the tag itself.

To add/edit tags on mobile: Once you have typed out your post title and body, tap “preview” and then select “add hashtags” and tap the desired tag. A blue check mark confirms that the tag has been selected. Tap “done” to save the tags. To remove undesired tags, tap “add hashtags” and deselect to remove the check mark which will then remove the tag from your post.

To create your own, select “add hashtags” and type the desired text (no special characters) in the text box at the bottom of your screen. You will then need to tap it in the list above the text box to confirm. Tap “done” to save.

On the web: Same steps apply. Click “add hashtags” and proceed with selecting/deselecting tags from the default menu or create your own. Remember to click the tag so that a check mark appears. This will confirm that the tag has been applied to your post.

EDITING/DELETING POSTS

On both mobile and web, you may edit or delete any of your posts, including challenge submissions, by clicking on the “…” menu at the bottom of each post. Select “edit” or “delete” as appropriate. Remember to click “save” once you have made edits.

If you choose to delete a post, a dialog box will appear notifying you of the number of “points” (equivalent to the number of ‘likes’ the post has received) that will be lost as a result of deleting the post. These points do not harm your profile in any way. It is merely a means of confirming that your choice to delete the post is the right choice. If you agree, click “ok.” If you do not wish to delete the post, simply click “cancel.”

SUBMITTING TO CHALLENGES & USING DRAFTS

Challenges are writing prompts and contests created by Prose. and its Partners. Only Prose. Partners can create them. (For more information about Prose. Partners, and to find out how to apply for the Partner Program, read on.)

Before attempting to publish your challenge entry, be sure to verify that it meets the word count requirements. For example, if the challenge requires a minimum of 500 words and your post is only 499 words, you will not be able to submit the entry.

Drafts for challenges are not currently available on mobile.

If you are on the web and are trying to use the drafts feature at any point during the submission process, remember:

The challenge you're submitting to is completely independent of your drafts. If you look at the URLs in your browser window you'll notice that one is theprose.com/write and the other is theprose.com/write/2404 or some number following “write.” That number specifies which challenge you're submitting to when you click publish.

When you click the “Write” button at the top of the screen, you will be directed to the “free write” page, rather than the "challenge submission” write page. It can be a bit confusing when you save a draft while working on a challenge submission since that draft is not associated with the challenge you’re working on.

To submit your draft to a challenge, you’ll need to navigate back to the challenge, and click the “enter” button again. From there, you should be able to load up your draft and submit an entry.

Observe the different between these two URLs:

https://theprose.com/write

https://theprose.com/write/2404

The trailing “2404” is the ID assigned to the challenge. It lets Prose know that the post should be submitted to a challenge as opposed to being a “free write” post. Keep in mind that if you don’t see the challenge icon and prompt while working on the write page, your post will not be associated with a challenge when published.

SENDING PRIVATE MESSAGES

You can contact any author on the platform directly using the private messaging feature. To do so, simply visit the profile of the person you wish to contact:

If you are using the mobile iOS version, click on the message icon that appears at the top right of the author’s profile. If you are using Prose. on the web, you will want to click “send message” which appears beneath the author’s profile photo.

SHARING POSTS TO TWITTER AND FACEBOOK

Any post published on Prose. can be shared directly to your Twitter feed or Facebook timeline. To do so on mobile or the web by clicking on the share icon at the bottom of each post. You will have the opportunity to write a caption before it is shared.

THE PROSE PARTNER PROGRAM

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Partner Program, you can visit https://theprose.com/p/partners for more information. Partners are a select group of our most talented poets, storytellers, and workers of words. Applications are reviewed extensively by our team and are accepted or rejected based on a number of factors including excellence in grammar and syntax, variation in style and post length, social media presence, and maturity.

These individuals serve as representatives for all Prosers, voices on which we all should rely to speak candidly if we’re not meeting your needs, ears that are always listening, and eyes that watch out for the best interests of you and your fellow penmen.

They are responsible for creating thoughtful and provocative challenges that encourage you to stretch your writing muscles, think critically, and further hone your skills as a reader.

If you have ideas for challenges, trouble navigating through the various facets of the community, or are in search of support and encouragement, Prose. Partners – alongside the app’s administrators—are here for you.

Anyone that wishes to apply to become a Partner may do so (theprose.com/p/partners/apply). If you have applied and been rejected, do not be discouraged. This program is one of many more initiatives we’ve put together to grow the community and strengthen its integrity.

CONTACTING PROSE DIRECTLY

For any questions, feedback, or comments, you are all invited to contact the Prose team directly by visiting our contact page: https://theprose.com/p/contact. Our admins can also be reached by private message. Simply visit the Prose profile on web or mobile and send a private message from there.

For the full article, with screenshots and clickable links, please visit The Official Prose. Blog later today at: blog.theprose.com/blog. We will post the blog link in the comments below once it is live.

WHY WRITE? BECAUSE PROSE.