Pen Jen's Inkwell: 2025

Sunday, October 26, 2025

THE BACKSTROKE synopsis

LOGLINE

In a rain-drenched pool watched over by unseen Water Spirits, twelve-year-old Abigail Apple battles fear, discipline, and self-doubt—until a single shimmering race reveals her destiny: to rise from the water as the Butterfly.

PITCH

When twelve-year-old Abigail Apple joins the swim team, she’s convinced the pool is alive—enchanted by ancient Water Spirits who test young swimmers for bravery. While her tough coach drills her relentlessly in The Backstroke, Abigail secretly teaches herself The Butterfly, the stroke that makes her feel like she could grow wings. At her first swim meet, her determination, imagination, and heart merge in one breathtaking race—and the water itself rewards her courage.

SYNOPSIS

Twelve-year-old Abigail Apple joins her local swim team on her birthday, certain the outdoor pool holds a secret. While others see only water, Abigail senses enchantment—a sacred place watched over by ancient Water Spirits who test swimmers for courage and heart. She believes the ripples and reflections respond to her emotions: the water storms when she’s discouraged, and glows when she’s focused.

Her tough coach, Stacey Smoothers, pushes the team like a drill sergeant. Abigail finds the cold pool intimidating and the coach’s commands harsh, but she tries to stay positive, believing these challenges are part of her test from the Water Spirits. When Coach Smoothers assigns her to perfect The Backstroke—a stroke she struggles with—Abigail obeys, though she secretly dreams of mastering The Butterfly, her favorite. During practice, Abigail battles exhaustion, collisions, and self-doubt. She performs endless pushups for mistakes and endures hitting her head on the pool wall during turns. Still, she imagines unseen eyes beneath the water urging her onward: left, right, left, right. Each night, she trains in secret, teaching herself The Butterfly with fierce determination. In the rhythm of the strokes, she feels her spirit lift—as if wings might one day unfurl from her back.

At the end of the month, the team competes in its first swim meet. Abigail is assigned to The Backstroke but convinces Coach Smoothers to let her swim The Butterfly as well. Nervous but determined, she finishes last in The Backstroke, then steps onto the starting block for The Butterfly like an underdog with something to prove. When the gun fires, she dives and soars through the water, finding her rhythm and power.

Neck and neck with her competitor, Abigail pushes harder than ever. As she touches the wall, the scoreboard flashes a new record: 24.00 seconds—Women’s 50 Meter Butterfly. Her teammates and coach cheer wildly. As she catches her breath, the water around her begins to shimmer. Tiny silver bubbles swirl like fireflies, and wings of light unfold from her back. Before the stunned crowd, Abigail rises into the air—transformed into a radiant butterfly.

In that moment, Abigail realizes the Water Spirits have rewarded her perseverance and courage. She is no longer just a swimmer chasing ribbons; she has become what she always believed she could be—the Butterfly.

Saturday, October 18, 2025

"I'll Be Your Cowboy," A COUNTRY SONG

VERSE:

When the sun drops low on the horizon,

And the tumbleweed rolls by slow,

If you’re alone and tears start fallin’,

I’ll be your cowboy.

VERSE:

I’ll lasso your broken heart to my buckle.

Sing you songs by the campfire glow.

I’ll ride through dust just to find you.

I’ll be your cowboy.

CHORUS:

Coyotes howl in the darkness.

Lonely mesas go on for miles.

Postcards from the trail are forgotten,

But my love for you still runs wild.

VERSE:

The barbed wire will not hurt you,

Or the wind by night that blows.

My cracked boots will be stronger.

I’ll be your cowboy.

VERSE:

I’ve thrown out my whiskey bottles.

I’ve survived like a black crow.

I tip my hat against the twilight.

I’ll be your cowboy.

CHORUS:

Coyotes howl in the darkness.

Lonely mesas go on for miles.

Postcards from the trail are forgotten,

But my love for you still runs wild.

BRIDGE:

There’s room for you on my saddle.

Just let me hold the reins.

You can wear my bandana.

We’ll triumph through the plains.

CHORUS:

Coyotes howl in the darkness.

Lonely mesas go on for miles.

Postcards from the trail are forgotten,

But my love for you still runs wild.

VERSE:

You’ll see our silhouette on horseback.

We’ll take the long road home.

My hands may be rough, but I am gentle.

I’ll be your cowboy.

VERSE:

When the stars go dark in the desert,

And the cattle try to kick and roam,

I’ll hold you close, oh my cowgirl.

I’ll be your cowboy.

TAG:

Baby, I’ll be your cowboy.

I’ll be your cowboy.

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

"My Yuletide Lullaby," A MERRY CHRISTMAS CAROL

VERSE:

Tonight, I hold you in my arms,

Soft and tender.

I try to keep you from all harm,

Love you forever.

PRE-CHORUS:

You are my son.

You are a savior.

You are my love.

You are a baby.

CHORUS:

So, I sing this cradle song.

Watch and guard you all night long.

I soothe you as you cry,

With my yuletide lullaby.

VERSE:

You are not mine; it’s understood.

Time has a purpose.

I give you back to God for good.

I must have courage.

PRE-CHORUS:

Sleep in peace.

Peace be still.

Sleep and dream.

Dream God’s will,

For the world.

CHORUS:

So, I sing this cradle song.

Watch and guard you all night long.

I soothe you as you cry,

With my yuletide lullaby.
My yuletide lullaby.

BRIDGE:

I bless you with my silent tears.

My heart will not give way to fear, oh.

CHORUS:

So, I sing this cradle song.

Watch and guard you all night long.

I soothe you as you cry,

With my yuletide lullaby.
My yuletide lullaby, my yuletide lullaby.

Sunday, August 10, 2025

"Hold Me 'Till I Let You Go," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

Hold me ‘till I let you go.

I don’t want to be alone.

Hold me ‘till I let you go.

VERSE:

Hold me ‘till I feel no fear.

Say you'll never disappear.

Hold me ‘till I feel no fear.

CHORUS:

You don’t know how much I need you.

You don’t know how scared I am.

I don’t want to ever leave you.

You tell me you love me, and I believe you.

VERSE:

Hold me ‘till I’m strong again.

When I am weak, be my defense.

Hold me ‘till I’m strong again.

CHORUS:

You don’t know how much I need you.

You don’t know how scared I am.

I don’t want to ever leave you.

You tell me you love me, and I believe you.

BRIDGE:

One day, I hope that I can stand.

Until then, I'll need your hand.

I'll let go if I can.

VERSE:

Hold me ‘till I let you go.

Walk with me this lonely road.

Hold me ‘till I let you go.

TAG:

Hold me ‘till I let you go.

'Cause I don't ever want to leave you . . .

Sunday, July 13, 2025

THREE SHIPS synopsis

LOGLINE

Three ships come sailing in on Christmas Day in the morning!

PITCH

On the first Christmas morning, three ships come sailing into the Land of Judea. On one ship, the Holy Family with baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph sail with a donkey. From that ship, Mary can see another ship of astrologers with great treasure and a third ship full of criminals. When sailing into the harbor, the ship with criminals crashes into the stone jetty, and the astrologers give Mary their treasure to help her escape the dangerous men. She leaves the gold, frankincense, and myrrh on the beach as a distraction for the criminals, and she slips into the cheering crowd with her family to journey to Bethlehem.

SYNOPSIS

One cold winter morning, three ships sail into the Land of Judea. As the sun rises over the horizon, the sound of a baby crying comes from one of the ships. A young mother named Mary, and her newborn child Jesus, huddle in blankets on the side of the deck. She feels tired and cold after spending the night giving birth to her son. A donkey snuggles up next to Mary on the ship. Joseph, her husband, holds her hand. He often kneels in prayer beside Mary and the child. Waves crash against the boat, and the wind blows harder than expected for a clear morning. Every time Mary feels afraid, she sings, “I saw three ships come sailing in on Christmas day in the morning.” After all, this is what the angel Gabriel told Mary would happen. Gabriel told her she would conceive and give birth to a son, and he would be the Son of God, and she was to call him Jesus.

Looking from her ship, Mary can see two other ships sailing next to her. On one of the ships are three wise, old men who have chests of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The men have looking glasses used to watch the stars at night. She thinks they must have been trying to receive messages from God. They sing about finding “Our Savior, Christ, and His Lady on Christmas day in the morning.” Listening to their song, Mary thinks the astrologers must have heard about the coming of Jesus, her son, similar to the way the angel Gabriel visited her. On the other ship, she sees thieves and murderers that were chained to the hull of the boat. Unlike the astrologers, the criminals do not raise their voices in song.

As the three ships dock on the coast of the Land of Judea, miles from Bethlehem, a crowd of people sing on the shore. All of a sudden, a gust of wind blows the ships to shore. When she looks up, the prison ship crashes into the stone jetty. She covers her ears at the crunching sound of the boat hitting the hard stone. Surely, this will allow the prisoners to escape. As Mary and Jesus disembark from the ship, the young mother and her child look tired and rugged. The father leads the donkey by a cord while carrying two knapsacks on his own back. Mary sees the astrologers from the one ship talking amongst themselves and looking at her. Then, a wise astrologer stuffs Joseph’s bags with treasure, and the astrologers run as fast as they can from the disembarking prisoner ship in fear. When she sees the third ship emptying, she thinks that she must give the astrologer’s treasure to the prisoners to keep them at bay. Joseph dumps the treasure from his bag on the beach. Then, the family hurries into the cheering crowd to Bethlehem. Mary kisses her son on the forehead, aware of the man that Jesus will one day become.

Monday, June 9, 2025

"I Must Be On My Way," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

Kiss me one last time,

Before I leave.

Distance calls me.

Fate befalls me.

I never thought I’d see,

This day unfold.

My heart is breaking,

But there’s no mistaking.

CHORUS:

I must be on my way.

It’s not right for me to stay,

Here with you.

I must be on my way.

I hope and wish and pray.

Your dreams come true.

VERSE:

The memories we share,

Are bittersweet,

Full of passion,

Fading faster.

Hold me in your heart,

With faith and know.

You’ll move onward.

You’ll grow stronger.

CHORUS:

I must be on my way.

It’s not right for me to stay,

Here with you.

I must be on my way.

I hope and wish and pray.

Your dreams come true.

BRIDGE:

The roads we’re traveling,

Took different turns,

But I won’t regret,

The fire that once burned.

CHORUS:

I must be on my way.

It’s not right for me to stay,

Here with you.

I must be on my way.

I hope and wish and pray.

Your dreams come true.

VAMP:

I must be on my way.

"Whisper," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

I want to tell you I love you.

I want to tell you so much more.

Don’t know if I have the words.

Don’t know if I have the courage.

CHORUS:

So don’t mind me if I whisper.

Please find a way to listen.

I have so many secrets,

That I’ve been keeping.

If I talk too loud,

My heart starts to pound.

Don’t mind me if I whisper.

VERSE:

I could scream from the mountain.

I could shout from the 50th floor.

But silence speaks louder sometimes.

And I don't need to shout anymore.

CHORUS:

So don’t mind me if I whisper.

Please find a way to listen.

I have so many secrets,

That I’ve been keeping.

If I talk too loud,

My heart starts to pound.

Don’t mind me if I whisper.

BRIDGE:

I’ve been pushed.

I’ve tried not to shove.

I’ve been beaten.

I’ve tried on some gloves.

I’ve been knocked down.

I’ve gotten back up.

I’ve been standing tall.

I hope by now I’ve seen it all.

CHORUS:

So don’t mind me if I whisper.

Please find a way to listen.

I have so many secrets,

That I’ve been keeping.

If I talk too loud,

My heart starts to pound.

Don’t mind me if I whisper.

TAG:

I'm ready to be heard. (Listen for the whisper.)

"More Than Enough," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

The water dried up in the river,

And all you can see is the sand.

That’s what you think you are,

And I just don’t understand,

‘Cause the river runs into the ocean.

The ocean crashes to the shore.

It’s all waiting for you.

CHORUS:

You’re more than enough,

More than I wanted,

More than I ever,

Thought love could be.

Don’t tell me you’re not.

I’m telling you . . . you’re more,

More than enough.

VERSE:

It’s like a hillside of daisies,

That blooms in the summer wind.

Too many petals to count.

Each flower has a twin,

And the scent sweeps you into fancy.

Oh, what a beautiful day.

That’s how I portray you.

CHORUS:

You’re more than enough,

More than I wanted,

More than I ever,

Thought love could be.

Don’t tell me you’re not.

I’m telling you . . . you’re more,

More than enough.

BRIDGE:

How much love can one person give?

How much life can one person live?

And still, you give even more.

CHORUS:

You’re more than enough,

More than I wanted,

More than I ever,

Thought love could be.

Don’t tell me you’re not.

I’m telling you . . . you’re more,

More than enough.

REPEAT CHORUS

TAG:

More than enough, more than enough.

"Say Farewell," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

Say farewell to the hard times.

Say farewell to the bitter tears.

Say adios to the dark nights.

Say farewell to the lonely years.

No more heartaches and heartbreaks.

No more foolish mistakes.

CHORUS:

Goodbye, so long,

You’re moving on,

To greater things.

Godspeed, new joy.

Oh, what a difference,

Happiness brings.

So, say farewell.

VERSE:

Say hello to the good life.

Say hello to the golden days.

Say welcome to the best wine.

Say hello to the sun’s sweet rays.

No more sorrow and torment.

No more shadows of lament.

CHORUS:

Goodbye, so long,

You’re moving on,

To greater things.

Godspeed, new joy.

Oh, what a difference,

Happiness brings.

So, say farewell.

BRIDGE:

Don't be surprised,

If you don’t meet,

Misery anymore.

The less you know,

The more you learn,

And stronger than before.

CHORUS:

Goodbye, so long,

You’re moving on,

To greater things.

Godspeed, new joy.

Oh, what a difference,

Happiness brings.

So, say farewell.

TAG:

So, don't look back.

Just say farewell.

Love has come.

So, say farewell.

Friday, May 30, 2025

SNOWFLAKE BLIZZARD synopsis

LOGLINE

Christmas is white as snow.

PITCH

When Scarlett Lee can’t enjoy Christmas with her family, she is visited by Snowflake Blizzard, a Christmas angel-like frosty who helps her family love each other. For as long as time endures, the Lee family remembers Snowflake as the storm that changed their lives.

SYNOPSIS – short

Ten-year-old Scarlett Lee doesn’t understand why her family has to be so nasty. After all, it’s Christmas. At Christmastime, Scarlett likes to wear every shade of red—crimson, carmine, ruby, rusty red, fire engine red, cardinal, maroon, dark red, redwood, fire brick, and barn red—to name a few, but primarily the color of her name. She dresses like an elf in a wool winter dress, hat, and pointy shoes with jingling bells. Her parents, brothers, and sisters make fun of her. The Lee family is not exactly a storybook lesson in Christmas love. Next to the lopsided Christmas tree sits reams of crumpled wrapping paper and empty toy boxes.

Instead of listening to everyone fight, she says she would rather build an igloo and sit inside it. Despite her father’s protest, Scarlett heads into the snowy outdoors and slams the front door shut. The whole house shakes. Scarlett wishes for a real friend for Christmas. Out of the snow angel that she makes arises a swirl of frost and shimmer. Poof! A snowman stands beside her. He introduces himself as Snowflake Blizzard. He explains that he and Scarlett will be best friends. He says he can stay until the morning without melting. As soon as Snowflake opens the Lees’ front door, the entire Lee family stops, stares, and becomes silent. Scarlett tiptoes beside him. He explains to the family that he is Snowflake Blizzard and has come for Christmas fun. He blows his cool breath across the family. The entire family is mesmerized by the Snowman’s presence, not able to fight or argue anymore. Scarlett’s mother collapses in the living room rocking chair with exhaustion at the thought of her family behaving. Then, he teaches them “The Snowflake Blizzard Song.” All at once, Mr. Lee and his children sing Snowflake’s song and transform into new people.

After enjoying ice cubes, Snowflake dances with Scarlett across the kitchen. Not too long after that, the entire Lee family bustles to sleep, safe and sound. The next morning, Snowflake hugs Scarlett and waddles to the front door. He says that he will be back next Christmas. Snowflake wobbles outside the front door, only to be blown away by the wind into the night sky. Scarlett steps on the front porch in her stocking feet and shivers. She realizes her friend has multiplied into a billion snowflakes. She holds back tears. As long as there was Christmas, the Lee family celebrate with Snowflake Blizzard, who Scarlett loves as much as any family member. When she really misses him, she sings his song to herself and realizes that he is always with her.

Friday, May 9, 2025

"Patchwork Quilt," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

Like scraps all over the floor,

Leftover with jagged ends,

That's how your fabric feels,

But it can be beautiful again.

Torn and worn out,

Still, it can be mended.

I’ll show you how.

CHORUS:

Let me pick up the pieces of your heart.

Let me start to put them back together.

It’s a patchwork quilt, a work of art,

That I will always treasure.

CHORUS:

Small blocks make a frame.

On the front, you see the pattern.

From behind it’s tangled.

A knotted life that’s tattered.

Wrap yourself around me,

And I’m so glad that you,

Were the one who found me.

CHORUS:

Let me pick up the pieces of your heart.

Let me start to put them back together.

It’s a patchwork quilt, a work of art,

That I will always treasure.

BRIDGE:

Each piece has a purpose.

You can’t see it on the surface.

It might be bigger than you wanted,

Or smaller than you needed,

But the overall design is genius.

CHORUS:

Let me pick up the pieces of your heart.

Let me start to put them back together.

It’s a patchwork quilt, a work of art,

That I will always treasure.

TAG:

You keep me warm, and I’ll keep you safe.

With a patchwork quilt that’s full of grace.

You keep me warm, and I’ll keep you safe.

In a patchwork quilt, love stitched in place, oh.

Sunday, April 27, 2025

"Expiration Date," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

You asked me out to dinner.

You want to take me dancing.

I’ve got my own ideas for love,

And I don’t want to chance it.

I'd like to be the one who stays,

When everyone else leaves.

So now take me by the hand,

And don't break my heart, please.

CHORUS:

‘Cause I’ve got no, no, no, no, no expiration date.

Don’t check out before a certain day.

Yeah, I’ve got no, no, no, no, no expiration date.

Don’t think I’m gonna go away.

VERSE:

Everything starts out well,

And then it can go so bad,

But this romantic rendezvous,

Could be the best you've ever had.

Pick a day on your calendar,

And mark it with an "X."

You'll no longer be a bachelor,

And we'll begin what's next.

CHORUS:

‘Cause I’ve got no, no, no, no, no expiration date.

Don’t check out before a certain day.

Yeah, I’ve got no, no, no, no, no expiration date.

Don’t think I’m gonna go away.

BRIDGE:

I'll keep your heart,

In my hands forever.

You and I are always

Going to stick together.

CHORUS:

‘Cause I’ve got no, no, no, no, no expiration date.

Don’t check out before a certain day.

Yeah, I’ve got no, no, no, no, no expiration date.

Don’t think I’m gonna go away.

TAG:

Baby, I’ve got no, no, no, no, no expiration date.

"Worry Not, My Friend," A FRIENDSHIP SONG

VERSE:

Worry not, my friend,

If trouble finds you.

Worry not, my friend,

I’m right beside you.

You’ve got me in your corner.

I’ve always adored you.

Oh, worry not, my friend.

CHORUS:

Time brings change,

And friends will come and go,

But you are someone,

I will always know.

VERSE:

Worry not, my friend,

If you feel weakness.

Worry not, my friend,

Your strength will deepen.

I might not have the answers,

But I have understanding.

Oh, worry not, my friend.

CHORUS:

Time brings change,

And friends will come and go,

But you are someone,

I will always know.

BRIDGE:

I’ll never disappear.

I’ll always show up.

Oh, don’t you fear.

I will give you all my love.

VERSE:

Worry not, my friend,

Just take my comfort.

Worry not, my friend,

You’ll be triumphant.

You’ll have beauty for ashes.

This too passes.

Oh, worry not, my friend.

TAG:

Worry not, my friend.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

"Oh, Be A Fine Girl, Kiss Me," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

I took off in the sunrise,

As the captain of my ship,

Feel more like a moon walker,

Shooting from the hip.

I’m already too high,

Just learning to fly.

And I hear you say:

CHORUS:

“Oh, be a fine girl, kiss me.

I’ll be your starry light.

Oh, be a fine girl, kiss me.

I’ll stay on through the night.

Oh, be a fine girl, kiss me.”

VERSE:

Looking out across the ocean,

From the window of my plane,

As far as I can see is darkness,

And there’s nothing to explain.

I’m just a rocketeer.

You help me not to fear,

When I hear you say:

CHORUS:

“Oh, be a fine girl, kiss me.

I’ll be your starry light.

Oh, be a fine girl, kiss me.

I’ll stay on through the night.

Oh, be a fine girl, kiss me.”

BRIDGE:

Since you’re a willing vessel,

I can trailblaze forever,

Like on the wings of a zephyr.

And I hear you say:

CHORUS:

“Oh, be a fine girl, kiss me.

I’ll be your starry light.

Oh, be a fine girl, kiss me.

I’ll stay on through the night.

Oh, be a fine girl, kiss me.”

TAG:

When I can’t find my way

And I need to be safe,

I’ll chart my course by your flame.

You’re a lighthouse ablaze.

I’ll be your fine girl and kiss you.

I’ll be that fine girl and kiss you.

I’m your fine girl—I’ll kiss you.