The ~Heart~ of Writing

New Beginnings by Rebecca Emin

2012-01-22T06:40:00.000-06:00

Today is the official publication date of New Beginnings by Rebecca Emin.

Join us over on Rebecca’s blog Ramblings of a Rusty Writer to find all of the details of how she is planning to celebrate today, or you can read some reviews of the book itself on Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

About the Author:
Rebecca Emin lives in Oxfordshire, with her husband and three small children. Her debut novel, ‘New Beginnings,’ will be published by Grimoire Books on 23 January 2012. Rebecca has finished her second novel ‘When Dreams Come True’ which is also for older children.

Rebecca enjoys writing flash fiction and short stories and has had several flash fiction stories included in fundraising anthologies. ‘A Knowing Look and Other Stories’ is a collection of Rebecca’s short stories which was published in November 2011. She is also an author for Ether Books who publish short stories and essays to mobile devices via the Ether app.

About New Beginnings:

Sam Hendry is not looking forward to starting at her new school. Things go from bad to worse as the day of truth arrives and all of her fears come true... and then some.

When Sam meets a different group of people who immediately accept her as a friend, she begins to feel more positive. With her new friends and interests, will Sam finally feel able to face the bully who taunts her, and to summon up the courage to perform on stage?

~~~~~~~~~~~

Join us over on Rebecca’s blog Ramblings of a Rusty Writer to find all of the details of how she is planning to celebrate today, or you can read some reviews of the book itself on Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

You may like to visit some of the other blogs helping Rebecca to celebrate today too.

Let's Have a Memorable Holiday by Getting Back to the Basics!

2011-12-12T20:00:00.002-06:00

Image via Wikipedia

This is a repost, however it holds the same sentiment as it did when I first wrote it. As I read over the words, I realized that many things I'd hoped would get better for so many by now are the same or worse.

There is still hope....we just need to pray a little harder and louder. He is listening......

With the busiest season upon us, we all know what it's like to prepare for the Holidays. Running here, running there, with too much to do and too little time. We all want to make the Holiday perfect for our children, grandchildren and our entire family. This is so much easier said than done. Our hearts are in the right place, but our focus is lost somewhere, between what we want to do and what is actually possible to do, be it, physical or financial. Getting "back to basics" may save us from a feeling of being overwhelmed.

There is a financial burden on many families this year, who are unable to make it a merry and bright holiday for their children. At least, not in the way they think they must. What we need to remember is that "back to basics" is not a bad thing. It can be a delightful way of celebrating a very old-fashioned Holiday. And could be the coolest thing that your children have ever experienced. We have to remember that our little ones expect a lot of gifts to be there, under the tree, because that's what we taught them to expect. Maybe, now would be a great time to teach them that "other" lesson. You know, the one, where we have to work a little harder for what we want. The one, where we need to be happy with what we get under the tree, but more importantly, what we already have.

They can learn about the gifts of the heart, when they help a senior with their groceries. Or shovel a driveway for them and watch the smile of relief on their face. Or volunteer to babysit for a single mom, so she may have time to prepare for her family's Holiday. How about visiting an orphanage or working in the kitchen of a homeless shelter for a day. I think it's important that our children grow up knowing that it's a big, big world out there and it's not always pleasant. But we can help make it more so, by giving a little bit of ourselves to someone in need.

I want to wish everyone a Very Happy Holiday and a Very Merry Christmas!

Hushed Blog Tour from Nov. 28 - Dec. 31

2011-11-22T18:15:00.000-06:00

HUSHED by Kelley York coming in December, 2011!

About the Author

Kelley was born and raised in central California, where she resides with her lovely wife, daughter, and an abundance of pets. (Although she does fantasize about moving across the globe to Ireland.) She has a fascination with bells, adores all things furry – be them squeaky, barky or meow‐y – is a lover of video games, manga and anime, and likes to pretend she’s a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or maybe a mermaid.
Within young adult, she enjoys writing and reading a variety of genres from contemporary with a unique twist, psychological thrillers, paranormal/urban fantasy and horror.

She loves stories where character development takes center stage.

Be ready for Author Interview, Q&A, and Book discussions.

Pre-Order Hushed at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com

"Touch" by Jus Accardo

2011-11-02T19:18:00.000-05:00

Touch (a Denazen Novel - Book One) released on October 24, 2011, as an e-Book, is now available in paperback.

"When a strange boy tumbles down a river embankment and lands at her feet, seventeen‐year old adrenaline junkie Deznee Cross snatches the opportunity to piss off her father by bringing the mysterious hottie with ice blue eyes home.
Except there’s something off with Kale. He wears her shoes in the shower, is overly fascinated with things like DVDs and vases, and acts like she’ll turn to dust if he touches her. It’s not until Dez’s father shows up, wielding a gun and knowing more about Kale than he should, that Dez realizes there’s more to this boy—and her father’s “law firm”—than she realized.

Kale has been a prisoner of Denazen Corporation—an organization devoted to collecting “special” kids known as Sixes and using them as weapons—his entire life. And, oh yeah, his touch? It kills. Dez and Kale team up with a group of rogue Sixes hellbent on taking down Denazen before they’re caught and her father discovers the biggest secret of all. A secret Dez has spent her life keeping safe.

A secret Kale will kill to protect."

Jus Accardo is the author of YA paranormal romance and urban fantasy fiction. A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald.

Her readers will love to learn what I learned about Jus! Read on...

When did you start writing and why?
I think the very first thing I wrote was an alternate ending to a book I read as a child. I didn't like how the author ended it, so I decided I could do better myself. I was hooked after that.

How did you know you were ready to write a novel?
I don't think there was any actual awareness. I wrote my first complete book when I was
fourteen (in notebooks) and just kept going. Obviously the early stuff is something I wouldn't show to a slug, but I still have each and every one. Some of the characters have been recycled over time, as well as minor story ideas. The Denazen Corporation was actually born in a trilogy I wrote several years ago. It's something I'd like to revisit at some
point.

Where do you find inspiration to write?
Everywhere. You can walk into the food store to grab milk and eggs and come out with an awesome story if you pay enough attention. A single song can inspire an entire book.
Secondhand Serenade's, Fall For You, was the inspiration behind one of my
NaNo projects.

Do you have a favorite place to go when you write and what does it look
like?
I write best at my dining room table, actually. As for what it looks
like? It probably seems like a messy, unorganized disaster scene, but to
me, its perfection.

How organized are you when you begin a new project, whether it's a short story or a novel? Do you outline everything or are you a "pantster¨?
Me? Organized? That's hysterical! I'm the kind of person who writes notes on everything and anything within reach. I need to jot down a phone number? I grab the corner off a newspaper. Need to make a note on a plot idea while in the car? I write it on the back of my hand.

What is the one thing that makes you take a project all the way from
beginning to end without giving up?
The characters. If I can't get the characters out of my head, I have to stick with it. I usually know pretty early on if something's not going to work. If the voice is weak, then the story just isn't going to unfold.

What advice would you give a writer aspiring to be an author?
Writewritewritewrite. Then? Write more. Do not give up! Every word you write brings you closer to your goal.

What else would you like to share about your writing journey?
It's been a wild, surreal ride. Each day, I continue to be blown away by all of it. I have to be the most impatient person alive. Really. I get impatient before there's anything to be impatient about. Starting a career as a writer involves a lot of waiting. I think it almost damaged my brain, but it was so worth it.

What is one thing that you would love for your readers to know about
you? It doesn't have to have anything to do with writing, but it can if
you wish.
Hmm, K I believe in animal rescue and shelter adoption! Strongly. If you're thinking about bringing home a new friend, please, check your local shelters! There are so many amazing dogs (and cats) out there that need a warm, loving home. Trust me, they'll be eternally grateful and shower you with slobbery kisses and sneezes of love. All of my dogs have been adopted from a shelter or taken in from a rescue foundation or situation with the exception of one (which is a very sweet story. She's the relative of my girl who I lost 2 years ago, a friend tracked her down!).

Are you working on the next book, yet and is it a sequel to "TOUCH"?
I've just turned in TOXIC, the second book in the Denazen series. Between editing that one, and wrapping up a Denazen novella, I'll be starting the third soon, which I cannot wait to do!

Thanks for letting me hang out with you today, I had fun!

Well, Jus, you are an absolute delight! Thank you for sharing your time with us. You have given your readers a lot of insight into your writing process and I know that will help aspiring writers move forward with their projects.

Touch can be found on Goodreads to add to your must read list.

Available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Entangled Publishing

Celebrating the release of Lonely Hearts by Amanda Stephan

2011-11-01T20:38:00.002-05:00

Amanda Stephan has been busy on Novel Launch today celebrating the official release of her novel Lonely Hearts, published by TreasureLine Publishing.

See what people are saying about Lonely Hearts

I LOVED this story. From beginning to end it kept me totally enthralled and wondering how it would all work out. Loaded with zippy dialog and great characters made for a fun and very satisfying tale. I felt happy, sad, excited, angry, and frustrated. You know a story is good when it has that effect. The theme running though our story is 'things may not always be as they appear'. It's a great reminder that man looks on the outside but God looks on the heart. If you enjoy an easy-to-read, fun and entertaining story with a great message I highly recommend Lonely Hearts.
~ Sherry Kuhn ~ Avid reader and Reviewer

This book will capture your heart and like Becky’s kids, your heart will flip-flop as you embrace one bachelor then the other for Becky. Who will win Becky’s heart and how will the others handle her decision? This book is full of hope, anticipation, optimism, faith, and possibilities. If you have lost a love, this book will restore your faith that the possibility of true love has not withered as a flower in the hot summer sun. Amanda will capture your heart from the first page with this delightful story.
~ Theresa Franklin, author of Journey to Fulfillment

You’ll find yourself nodding with delight at Becky’s courageous reactions, cheering her on and sighing with her during her ups and downs of life. But even in the fresh humor that sprinkles through her experiences, you’ll admire her rare quality to uphold what’s important. Although romance wasn’t a priority, God’s ways usher Becky to unforeseen encounter with what often is inevitable when you trust in God’s lead, hold on to your convictions and are deliciously surprised in the end. ~ Janet Perez Eckles, author of Amazon #1 bestselling, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta, Judson Press, 2011

Read Amanda's interview below and find out why and how she wrote this beautiful Christian romance:

When did you want to become a writer…was it a dream of yours since you were younger or did the desire to write happen later in your life?

I have always written. If I couldn’t find a book to read, I’d write my own and hide them away for later perusal. Writing is just something that I do because I love it and it’s therapeutic. J

What was the inspiration for your latest work of fiction?

My latest work of fiction, Lonely Hearts (which will be released in October of this year through TreasureLine Publishing) was inspired by my love for and the antics of my children, as well as my husband. I’m a huge family person and I often wonder how people can completely miss the point of being a parent and in love with their kids. I feel sorry for people like that!

Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?

I guess it would be more like half real, half imagination.

What was the most interesting research you had to do for any of your books?

Lonely Hearts is a sweet Christian romance, so I drew from people and situations that surrounded me. There are a lot of things that I write down in my books that are actual happenings and I just didn’t want to forget the memory because it was too funny or it was too sad.

Where do you go to do your research?

Oooh, I guess this is bad, but people watching can be an awesome resource for writing works of fiction! ;) There’s a wide variety to choose from!

Are you currently working on any new book projects?

After Lonely Hearts is released, I'm going to pick up my newest creation that my publisher just picked up ~ the Slade Series. Book one of the Slade series is Choosing to Love which is about a woman that is tricked into marrying the wrong man. Choosing to Love is followed by Intent to Harm and finally ends with Death by Obituary. I'm slowly making my way over to the Dark Side because I've heard they have more cookies. And I *love* cookies!

Do you have any advice for beginning writers on how to write a book? Do you have any advice for them regarding promoting that book once published?

Get to know other authors out there. Make friends, leave comments on blogs, become acquainted with readers so when it’s your turn to be published, you already have people who know you. AND! Don’t be friends with someone because of something they can do for you. Nothing turns people off more than users. Do unto others what you would want done to you.

What is your favorite work of literary fiction and why? Do you have a favorite literary author?

I am torn between two. Pride & Prejudice (of course) because I’m a hopeless romantic) and Jane Eyre because Ms. Bronte’s characters were so strong, it’s difficult to leave them behind when you’ve finished reading their story.

Website (http://www.booksbyamanda.com
You can purchase Lonely Hearts at: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Lonely+Hearts+by+Amanda+Stephan&x=15&y=15

~ An Interview with Laura Eno ~

2011-10-26T20:05:00.000-05:00

I've recently had the pleasure of featuring a book called Deadly Intent On Chicks In Lit, a blog, where I and five other women feature interesting books to keep the world of literature foremost in the minds of avid readers. You may read my post here:

http://chicksinlit.blogspot.com/2011/10/deadly-intent-by-laura-eno.html.

I thought it would be fun to interview the author of Deadly Intent....Laura Eno!!!!!

Her readers will be glad I did...............

Laura, when did you start writing and why?

Although I took every English Lit and Composition course I could in college, being a writer never occurred to me. Maybe because I hadn't lost my sanity yet.

I was a silversmith until the economy tanked, then I baked a millionty-two loaves of bread and started gaining weight. That was when the characters started talking to me, so maybe it was an overdose of yeast.

How did you know you were ready to write a novel?

I didn't. I just sat down one day and started writing because a crazy story formed in my head and the characters wouldn't leave me alone. It was sort of like bloodletting. At the end, I had to find all my marbles again. I think a few are still missing.

Where do you find inspiration to write?

Anything really—dreams, a picture, a single word. My YA fantasy Tempest Child evolved from the word crossroad. Imagination is a funny thing, not easily defined.

Do you have a favorite place to go when you write and what does it look like?

Definitely. My lanai. (a patio if you're not in Florida or Hawaii) It has the sound of a waterfall for white noise and I write on a yellow pad with a pencil. Writing longhand first allows me to hear the cadence differently when I transfer it to the computer and make my first corrections.

How organized are you when you begin a new project, whether it’s a short story or a novel? Do you outline everything or are you a “panster”?

I'm a panster for short stories but I start with a simple outline for novels—more bullet points actually—then fill it in as ideas hit me, but I'm writing at the same time. Maybe that makes me an outanster…

What is the one thing that makes you take a project all the way from beginning to end without giving up?

Being ornery. Seriously. I think you can never be a writer without having that kind of drive. It's not a hobby to be set aside. It's a driving force in one's life. A true writer can't NOT write. It comes before eating, talking, showering…certainly before cleaning the house.

What advice would you give a writer aspiring to be an author?

Just. Do. It. If you have the will, there is a way. Learn the ins and outs of the publishing industry. It's changing fast. Learn to be your own advocate. Read, read, read. Learn the craft. Grow a thick skin. Keep writing. Don't give up.

What else would you like to share about your writing journey?

It's been a confusing journey at times, full of conflicting advice as I've learned the craft. I've finally figured out how to sort through it, keeping what works for me and discarding what doesn't. It's not a one-size-fits-all world and for a time I lost my voice as I tried to incorporate everything people said. Now I break the rules where I need to. (end of sentence prepositions, anyone?)

What is one thing that you would love for your readers to know about you?

I have two muses. Jezebel is a playful, only occasionally deadly, creature from the underworld who loves to swim in punch bowls and scare unwary guests at parties. Mr. Fluffy is a human skull who balances Jez's nature by being very serious—aside from his fondness for Harleys.

They are both helping me write my latest YA fantasy, My Enchanted Life, which will be out before Christmas.

. From the way “Deadly Intent” ended, I only have one more question for you…When will the sequel be ready for release. :-)

I will never say never, but Deadly Intent was sort of an anomaly. While much of my short fiction is humorous horror, my novels are mostly fantasy and romance, both YA and adult. Sorry, Cindy. :-)

(Bummer)

Laura, how about giving us five random facts about yourself that will thrill and surprise your readers...............

Five random facts about me –

I don't like vampires—although, I've never personally met one. They might be nice people.

I've had a lifelong fear of ants. (I blame the 1954 movie "Them!")

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2PLls02gOU

I'm fascinated by swords and knives of all types.

Being left-handed, I fight with appliances and gadgets frequently.

I love archaeology but don't like digging in the dirt.

Thank you so much for inviting me here, Cindy! If anyone has a question for me, I'll be happy to answer it in the comments.

Laura, it was my pleasure and I know your fans will enjoy hearing from you in this very entertaining interview. I know I have.

Available Now at the following links:

Amazon US

http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Intent-ebook/dp/B005CRGQ1S/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1319548358&sr=1-3

Amazon UK

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Deadly-Intent-ebook/dp/B005CRGQ1S/ref=tag_sty_mn_edpp_ttl

Nook

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Deadly-Intent/Laura-Eno/e/2940012764812

Smashwords

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/73624

A New Endeavor

2011-06-26T09:50:00.002-05:00

Image by leedav via Flickr The exciting thing about life is that it is ever-changing. Sometimes the changes are daunting and can even be frightening. On the other hand, they can be a doorway to new opportunities and creativity.

I have been invited to write, along with four talented and creative women, at a new site called Chicks In Lit. I am honored to join S. B. Niccum, D.S. Melander, Tanya Contois and Victoria Grover in this new endeavor. We will be featuring authors and writing reviews of their works. I will introduce wonderfully awesome writers to you with my reviews and in doing so, you will build a bookshelf to be envied by all insatiable readers.

Authors who would like to be featured on Chicks In Lit can leave your book information in the comment section here on The Heart of Writing blog, along with a short Bio and contact information. I look forward to hearing from you.

I would love for all of my friends to visit by clicking here and please don't forget to hit the "follow" button.:-)

To Catch A Glimpse

2011-05-29T16:32:00.000-05:00

Cynthia Schuerr

She flittered and flew through the woods like a firefly. She glistened and glowed in the dark of night, while her wispy wings moved her, in and around the limbs of the trees. The wind shifted and her form wavered like a flame in the breeze.

She played in a make believe world, which she created. The next downturned wind carried Gwendolyn just outside the trees that lined her backyard. It was late, but she often stayed out until dark and waited for Mother’s call. Why hasn’t Mother called?

Gwendolyn, a girl without friends, often occupied unreal places. Eight years young, she learned to entertain herself. She never met her father and her mother was lost in her own private made up world. Neither one shared their world with the other. Many times, Gwendolyn watched Mother dance around the living room, pretending to be anywhere but where she was. Gwendolyn wished she could go there, too, but she had never been invited.

Floating like a feather, back to reality, she heard a sound coming from behind a dense cluster of trees. The sound of twigs snapping, one after another, so slowly at first….. “Who’s there?” Gwendolyn shuddered and held her breath. No one answered. The twigs snapped faster and louder, closer and closer they came. She gasped and ran toward the house. Her little steps were no match for the ones coming up behind her. She could here him breathing as clear as she could hear her own breath. She could smell the stale tobacco. A tug at her wing and a calloused hand on her shoulder…….finally she pulled away.

“Gwendolyn, it’s time for dinner.” She ran through the trees, relieved to hear her mother’s voice. She knocked open the gate and it slammed hard behind her. The front door still out of reach, she tore up the brick pathway. Gasping for air, she opened the door and with a quick turn of her head, glanced back over her shoulder. No one followed her. She leaned back on the door and gasped until she was able to breathe. She glided passed the mirror in the hallway and her reflection was gone. Gwendolyn stood in the doorway of the kitchen. The light above the sink cast a shadow over the room. The warmth of the stove and the aroma of chicken broth and mushrooms were all too familiar. Mother looked up at her with a soft and welcoming smile. “Please remove your wings, dear, before coming to the table,” she heard Mother say.

A single teardrop skimmed her cheek. The tear was for Mother, who was suffering her loss. Mother sat at the table set for two and dished out the chicken tetrazzini, Gwendolyn’s favorite. It had been two months, since Mother called her to come inside for dinner, but she never came. Mother looked for her, but she was nowhere to be found. She trembled at the thought of what might have happened to her little girl. She prayed that it did not. She mends the tear in the wing, repeatedly, waiting for Gwendolyn to return. She sits at the table that is set for two. “Gwendolyn, I’ve sewn your wing,” she sings. “Come here, my girl. Where are you?”

Looking across the room with empty eyes, her tears suspended in time. She lives in a world where Gwendolyn lived, but lives no longer. It had been months, since Gwendolyn disappeared. Mother peers out the window for hours at a time, waiting and waiting for her daughter to come running home. No one visits her. Neighbors back away with a look of pity, or perhaps, fear. When Mother isn’t staring out the window, she is preparing Gwendolyn’s favorite meal or repairing the tattered wing. Night after night, she looks to the glow of light for comfort.

The knock at the door, that she knew would come one day, brought her back from where she hides. She let them in. The county police shared the information they had just uncovered. She listened. Their mouths moved and she could see the sadness and caring in their eyes. She couldn’t hear…. or wouldn’t hear……their words.

Little Gwendolyn must have felt so frightened and alone. Where was her mother? Why didn’t she call? If only she had called….. but, she didn’t. Mother will now live with the sadness and the guilt. The neighborhood will continue to shun her and Gwendolyn will watch her as she stares into the darkness of the night.

One day, she will invite Mother to join in her new world…..when the time is right. Mother dances, no longer. Instead, she will wait to catch a glimpse of her firefly.

A Poem for My Granddaughter

2011-05-23T12:06:00.000-05:00

Recently, my family celebrated my granddaughter's birthday. As she turned eleven years old, I couldn't help but reflect on the many wonderful memories I have of watching her grow. And I couldn't help feeling a bit nervous (as parents and grandparents do), watching her move into the pre-teen phase and wondering what is next for her.

As thoughts ran through my head I was inspired to write this little poem. I hope you enjoy reading it:-)

Challenges

When challenged with adversity

Strength becomes our friend

For without it, we will surely see

The beginning to an end

End of what? You may ask

Let me tell you, now

Our bubbly spirit, loving heart

And all else that may follow

We are not, meant to be

The beaded shell they see

A shine that comes from the glow within

Is what is meant to be

When in doubt of this truth

Look into your heart

You will see the answers there

Indeed, you are very smart

So, be strong even though

Life seems sometimes hard

You have all you need to know

You are who you are

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-07T15:55:00.000-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

My Mother is gone, now. She passed away in 2007.I'm looking forward to seeing her again when it's my time.I look forward to showing her the appreciation that she deserved.

Growing up, what I needed from my mother wasn’t available. My mom’s understanding, compassion and love, was spent trying to make her relationship work with dad. Their relationship, at best, was unstable. They abused one another verbally and emotionally and stopped very short of physically. The physical abuse,was saved for my four siblings and I. Spilled milk, literally, would enrage her.

Mom cried more than she laughed, in her younger days when she was raising us. As a child, I only saw what happened right in front of me. I didn’t analyze it or try to figure out why it happened. I just felt the hurt. I never had a clue how bad my mom’s heart had been hurting. I never heard the word, ‘dysfunctional’ to describe a family or relationship, back then. However, many families were dysfunctional, without even knowing it. There was no blame placed for how we were treated. That was just the way it was.

When I moved on with my life and began my family, her emotional suffering still didn’t make itself apparent to me. Things went on as normal. She would laugh at get-togethers and be charming and everyone loved her. Her faith in the Catholic Church wouldn’t allow her to divorce, so she and my dad were still together, still aggravating one another. I perceived it as a sham, thinking I knew the real her. We fought about the right way and the wrong way to do things, like cleaning the bathroom, making formula or folding diapers. (Yes, I’m dating myself here.)

It was when she had a near fatal stroke, I began to realize how hard her life had been and now I wanted to take care of her. Easier said than done, we fought about her therapy, which she didn’t want to do and she hated every meal I cooked. I realized how she liked to push my buttons one day, when she made a snide comment about something I had done like burnt dinner or something and she started to laugh at me. I realized that mindless bantering was her way of dealing with her pain and always had been. I laughed with her. Some things never change, but one thing did and that was our love for each other.

I didn’t know how much she meant to me and how much I would miss her, until her time was almost over. The morning I kissed her forehead and watched her draw her last breath, I hoped she knew how much I loved her. I think of her everyday, sometimes I laugh and sometimes I cry. I regret wasting all of that time carrying hurt and anger when in the end I can honestly say that she was a pretty amazing woman.

Happy Easter, Everyone!

2011-04-19T12:07:00.000-05:00

Image by Stitch via Flickr

I thought this a worthy post to celebrate the Easter Holiday and the Resurrection of Our Lord. It is also a reminder that April is child abuse prevention month.

This is a repost.............

Chocolate bunnies and brightly colored eggs are what children look forward to on Easter Sunday. Dressing in their finest pastel dresses and shirts to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the rebirth of Spring.

To some children.......this is only a dream......

Over 3 million children are abused every year in the United States. Physical, emotional or sexual child abuse is rampant and while many laws and programs have been put in place in the past decades, our children are still suffering the abuse.
April is the month designated to child abuse prevention, but we need to be diligent all year round to keep our kids safe and secure. Even when we think a child is safe, they can be hurt, inside their own homes, by their own parents or other family members. People, who the child should be able to trust and feel safe with, are many times the people who harm them. Physical scars will heal in time, but the emotional scars of this type of child abuse never heal. Their innocent lives are changed forever, by calling them names or making them feel inadequate in some way. Verbal abuse isn't talked about as much as the others (physical, emotional and sexual), but it can be just as devastating to a child.
Here are a few statistics that will shock you.

A report of abuse is made every 10 seconds
Five children die EVERY DAY as a result of child abuse. Three out of four are under the age of four
60-85% of child fatalities due to neglect are not recorded as such on their death certificate
90% of child sexual abuse victims know their perpetrators
Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across every ethnic and cultural line, within all religions and at all levels of education

Child abuse is insidious, because of the effect it has on the child long after the crime and well into adulthood. To learn more click here.
Child Welfare Information Gateway - Definitions of child abuse and neglect - A summary of State laws

My review of Donna Carick's "The First Excellence"

2010-08-04T11:42:00.001-05:00

I must admit, with all of the great books out on the shelves, I have a list of 'to be reads' a mile or two long.

The First Excellence by Donna Carrick was about ten or twelve on my list, only because I stack them as I get them and work my way down.

And then I heard Donna read an excerpt of her new novel on Lori Osterman's blogtalk radio show.

It quickly made it's way to the top of my list.......... and ..........I began..........reading.

From the first utterance of words by Good Mother to the decision Min-xi was forced to make, I was hooked. There was no going back.

The carefully thought out plot meld with real life controversies, such as, international adoption, child abuse, the politics of communist China and the reality of life for those affected by all of the above.

Donna's own personal experience with the adoption of a Chinese little girl ( a very adorable little girl, I might add) and her acquaintance with the real life Li Fa-ling, is what sparked the idea of The First Excellence.

She has an exciting creative ability that made her characters come alive and take me with them to the streets of China.

Her detailed descriptions of Fa-ling and Yong-qi are so real that I would swear I know them or at least, met them somewhere, along the way.

Fa-ling is very perceptive and is genuine as she interacts with fellow characters. You can't help but follow her lead, as she takes you with her from Shanghai to the farmlands of Zhuang and back again. You will feel the emotions of her heart and be with her every step of the way.

There are so many layers of mystery, romance and intrigue to The First Excellence and when the final pages leave me (I mean Fa-ling) in Beijing, I don't want it to end.

Neither will you!

I will be, patiently, waiting for the sequel, Donna!

Click on Donna's website to view other books she has written.

A Writer's Plight

2010-07-31T11:43:00.000-05:00

I dig deep within myself
                 to write feelings that emerge.
I shout out words with my pen
                 and hit paper with a surge.
Random times and days,
                 I can not pick and choose.
It's, as if, someone takes my words, my thoughts.....and decides,
                 in which way, they will be used.
Have you ever felt this way? Having no control?
                  Have you ever looked ahead....but, only seen the old?
I'm sure I'm not the only one who suffers from this plight.
                 As a writer, I admit, I only want to write.
Then what holds my hand away.....could it just be life?

I know we all have times where we need to get things done, but just can't seem to accomplish what we set out to do. I have been beating myself up because I have let other parts of life come between me and my writing. The more I beat myself up the less I write. How do I stop the cycle?

Any comments or suggestions will be appreciated, friends :-)

Once and Forever

2010-06-24T13:38:00.000-05:00

Image by Sheepback.Cabin via Flickr

I loved you in the long ago,

My heart was yours forever.

We shared life as sated as we might,

Tho, it really did not matter.

For, it ran away with the wind

             Leaving my heart soaring.

                  The freedom of my soul,

                       Spun like a disc, out of control.

                            When will we intertwine?

                                  Will we share this space again?

                                         Will it happen?

                                               Am I dreaming?

                                                      Can I just pretend?

A Poem For My Dad

2010-06-18T13:34:00.001-05:00

This is a poem I'd posted a while back and thought it an appropriate tribute to my Dad. I'd written it the day of his funeral and though, it has been six years, I still miss him everyday.

Just a Teardrop Away

I knew no man with a warmer heart

A giving nature was just one part

With sadness in his eyes

And a smile on his face

With a pain in his heart

That years could not erase

At times we were close

Never too far away

He gave comfort with a hug

And hope for a new day

I pray that he knew of my love for him

From a daughter to a Dad

And from deep within

The time that we shared

Brought us laughter and tears

Always appropriate through the years

Life still goes on Dad

Though you're not here

But, I'll never forget your love

Not for a minute, a day or a year

I have a 'Special' Father's Day wish for my son, who is raising two boys of his own.

~ My wish for him is that it will not pass too quickly and he will feel the love and cherish every moment of fatherhood. ~ Happy Father's Day!

I love you, Kory!

And to my son-in-laws and my brothers and all of the men who have the honor of 'Fatherhood' bestowed upon them. It is one of the most important, if not the most important task, you will be given to do.

I wish you all a very Happy Father's Day!

The Beautiful Blogger Award

2010-06-14T09:21:00.000-05:00

I have met wonderful friends on my internet travels. We comment on each others blogs, chat on facebook and tweet on twitter. And there are a few that aren't very talkative, but you know they are there and when you don't see their name pop up, after a day or two, you begin to wonder and worry about them. Rebecca Emin or better known in the twitter world as @Boolawoola is just that type of friend. I miss her when she isn't around. I look for her name in anticipation to see what she has to say. She is entertaining, has a great perspective on life and she is funny. The name of her blog is Ramblings of a Rusty Writer.

Recently, I received a total surprise from her. Rebecca awarded me a Beautiful Blogger Award and included me with a great group of bloggers, whom I also enjoy and respect.

~ Rebecca, I am honored and I accept. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ~

Now, I must give you seven random facts about myself and nominate seven other bloggers, as well. So, here we go!

1. I enjoy rainy days, as much as sunny days.

2. I look forward to waking up early, before the world comes to life.

3. I don't mind being alone. I enjoy my own company.

4. I have bouts of depression, but I'm pretty good at talking myself out of them, most of the time.

5. I am a pushover when it comes to children, especially my grandchildren.

6. I prefer the countryside to the city.

7. I don't believe that everything is black or white.

There are so many beautiful blogs and bloggers and I appreciate all of them. However my task is to choose only seven.

Lori Osterman

Linda Boulanger

Corra McFeydon

Donna Carrick

Pamela Jansen

Amy K. Sorrells

K. M. Weiland

These Beautiful Bloggers will fill you with heart, inspiration and knowledge!

I'm sure you can name many more. Why don't you take a moment to introduce them here, in the comment section, so they can be noted as well?

In My Daughter's Eyes

2010-05-06T10:18:00.003-05:00

Happy Mothers Day

To all of my family and friends

Who have had the pleasure

Of bringing a life into this world.

There is no greater purpose !

A tribute to my daughters.

The most perfect Mothers I know.

I love you, girls!

Soft Whispers Entry takes 1st Place

2010-05-02T14:39:00.001-05:00

As a contributor of Soft Whispers, I have the opportunity to get creative with my writing. Pic 1k is a little game we play. We are assigned a picture each month and asked to write a story of 1000 words or less. My story, titled "A Bridge of Dreams and Choices" was one of two chosen for print this month., along with a very creative and talented writer, P.J. Kaiser (known as Doublelattemama on twitter).

To enjoy our stories, go to page 17 of Soft Whispers - Issue Four

While there, enjoy the many faceted works of other talented authors, as well.

Sister, Where Are You?

2010-04-24T20:58:00.000-05:00

She cared for her
            With a mother’s heart
                                          Though they were only
                                                                         A decade apart
They hugged as they slept
                       On one small cot
                                              Sharing a pillow and a tear
                                                                              Cringing at the noise
Covering their ears
                          Pretending to sleep
                                               The words were loud
                                                                                      And cut so deep
An abusive time
                      With each others love
                                                        They grew close
                                                                                   Then life changed
New lives began
                      Their paths were severed
                                               Moving toward a better day
                                                                            Lives changed forever
She laid her head upon
                       The soft mound of fluff
                                                        That is solely hers
                                                                      And her heart beats alone.

Thicker Than Blood by C.J. Darlington

2010-04-10T08:04:00.003-05:00

C. J. began writing the story that would become her first novel Thicker than Blood when she was a fifteen-year-old homeschool student. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over a decade, scouting for stores similar to the one described in Thicker than Blood before cofounding her own online bookstore. Thicker than Blood was the winner of the 2008 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel. In 2006 C. J. started the Christian entertainment Web site TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction through book reviews and author interviews. She makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs and cats. When she's not writing, she's reading. Her hobbies include book and art collecting, fly fishing, painting and drawing.

Thicker Than Blood has two very distinct settings and C.J.'s ability to go back and forth between the two, while keeping it relevant and believable, won me over as a fan. I am, anxiously awaiting her next project.

name="allowScriptAccess" value="always">

2010-03-15T16:05:00.005-05:00

Exposed

Poetry inspired by a picture

A secret is meant

To be shared by two

So how long must we wait

To make it true

I would give a lifetime

To share with the world

My feelings for you

But who's to know

If our secret

Is hidden away

If we cannot tell

Of our love

Then what can it mean

To either of us

Exposed originally published on Soft Whispers blog
Photo courtesy of J. Wisneski

Passing the Torch (kind of)

2010-02-28T16:07:00.025-06:00

A friend and all around wonderful person, Anne Tyler Lord is a talented writer, who entertains with her very creative and colorful imagination. Her #writerlbsoff program has provided a place for us to talk about our success each week, whether it be with our weight loss, exercise program or writing projects. Anne presented me with not one, but two awards :-) And I am honored.

In acceptance of these prestigious awards, I must post ten truths about myself that may not be known by many. So. without further ado:

1. My marriage ended amicably, at the age of twenty-eight, after being married for ten years.
2. My three wonderful children, two daughters and a son, have first names that begin with 'K'. (My special 'K's)
3. I did have a fourth child, a son who died during the delivery of boy/girl twins.
4. Now, I have two granddaughters and three grandsons, who are the light of my life.
5. I was twelve, when I knew I wanted to write, but life got in the way.:-)
6. I managed a health spa in the late 70's early 80's for about eight years.
7. I was a caregiver for both of my parents, who passed away from stroke complications, three years apart, within the past seven years.
8. I worked for a major pharmaceutical company, as a clinical research specialist. (Soon realized that corporate politics were not my cup of tea.)
9. I am friends with my ex-husband's wife. (you can exhale, now) :-)
10. I have learned to accept the good AND bad moments of life, because if you don't experience the bad, you can never appreciate the good.

Well, there you have it. And now, I want to bestow the Silver Lining Award and The Honest Scrap Award upon these very special folk.

EmApocalyptic
johannaharness
KMWeiland
Doublelattemama
FutureNostalgic

Please accept these awards and I look forward to learning more about each one of you.

When We Listen: When Your Heart Breaks

2010-02-17T06:24:00.027-06:00

Beautifully written prose ~ by Lori Newman

I felt the need to share this poem with you. It touched my heart and has a true sense of honesty as to the fear of putting yourself out there. Whether in love or your writing, or your love of writing, it is so worth taking the risk. Enjoy!

When We Listen: When Your Heart Breaks

Positive Attitude Award

2010-02-16T09:12:00.000-06:00

I was honored when Jim Wisneski included ME to receive this award. In turn, I must pass it on to 3 (only 3, while there are many:-)) others, who deserve it.

After much deliberation, here goes:

Amy K. Sorrels for spreading sunshine in the darkness
Lori Newman for knowing what to do with life's lemons
Donna Carrick who brings a smile to everyone in her path

An Evening with Ray Bradbury

2010-02-14T09:46:00.002-06:00

Cover via Amazon

"Don't ruin your life with thinking, think your life with feeling...loving...passion" ~ Ray Bradbury

An award winning author, who's simplistic view of writing has brought him success. He once said, "You must decide what is more important to you.....money or writing? If you are writing to make money, do something else." His words, not mine.:-)

Ray Bradbury has written and published over 500 stories, over 30 books, of which two of my favorites are Dandelion Wine and it's sequel, Farewell Summer, which was actually written prior to the first book. He also made time to throw in a few screenplays. He never locked himself into a specific genre. His writing was all over the market. He didn't believe in positioning himself in the race to be published. He believed in reaching deep inside himself and creating a masterpiece.

Born in Waukegan, Illinois, (about twenty five miles from where I live now, sigh) and unable to go to college or acquire any formal education in writing, he spent four days a week or so in the public library, while growing up. He will tell you, that after ten years, he graduated from the public library. His unique sense of humor is priceless.

Read an excerpt of his latest work of art, Now and Forever

And then pour yourself a glass of wine or whatever your pleasure and spend an evening with Ray Bradbury.