Do you know what kind of flowering plant this is? I’m not a botanist or horticulturist, nor do I have a green thumb, but every year this flowering plant blooms for seven to ten days, and then it’s done.
It amazes me how this one plant spends three seasons of preparation only to bloom for such a short time. To think this plant’s purpose is to flourish and fragrant the air, and then to be taken up in the spring wind to pollinate other flowers.
It makes me think of us, humans. We all bloom at a different pace. Some take a lifetime to bloom, some never bloom, and others bloom right away.
Wherever you are in your blooming season, don’t rush. You are where you need to be. Nourish yourself; grow in knowledge, so that others can be blessed in your blooming season.
Do writers retire from writing? I know people retire from their jobs, but can writers stop writing?
These questions have gotten me thinking about my writing future. I’ve published four books in six years, but the actual story-writing time for each novel has spanned a couple of decades. The fruits of my labor have often been delayed, but I still managed to get it completed and in print, that’s the best achievement in my passion for tale-telling.
It amazes me how authors can pump out a book a year, like James Patterson, Danielle Steele, David Baldacci, Jodi Picoult, etc. I’ve heard, and I can’t confirm, that some of these talented published authors have teams of writers. If so, that is terrific, their name and style of writing is an attractive niche for many readers.
I don’t know how I’d handle the pressure of producing a book every six months to a year, never having experienced it. Some will tell me to suck it up and say, writing for publication isn’t a hobby, but a real business with money-making potential. I believe that too, however, what I’ve learned is that real story successes start with an awesome storyline and a good backing by agents and publishing houses. One of my favorite success stories of independent publishing is on William Paul Young, author of “The Shack”. What began as a Christmas gift to his kids, ended up being passed along to friends and then strangers, and then publication. Watch the interview here.
I’ve been writing since I was fourteen years old, and professionally as an adult the last ten years (blogging, book reviews, short stories, etc.), including my first publication in 2014. As an independently published author, I don’t have agents or publishing houses giving me deadlines. This can be good or bad depending on how you look at it because I have to manage my own time.
I’ll digress a moment, in my previous profession as an Instructional Designer; I also trained corporate employees on Time Management. I’ve incorporated those tools I taught to keep myself accountable when I’m writing; it’s not an easy task. So, my writing pace is slower, as my priority is raising my children. Would I like to dedicate more time to writing? Heck, yes! And include more reading time too!
Life has a way of throwing curves. I’ve had a few changes in the past and present that have stopped me short of moving beyond the roadblocks. When it happens, I question my dreams and aspirations. I’m not one to give up easily, but when my burdens become bigger than what I can handle, I wonder if it’s time to reevaluate the road I’ve been traveling on. Which brings me back to the second question at the beginning of this post? Can a writer stop writing? Some will argue that writers are born with the gift of writing; others will disagree and say that it is a learned passion. In both cases, if the writer stops, aren’t they squashing their devotion for the written word?
“I have two addictions/passions: reading and writing. I feel restless and empty when I can’t read fiction, write my deepest thoughts in my journal, or even write down story ideas. Writing calms me, centers me, and provides a healthy outlet for my communication with imaginary friends.”
Without my writing gift, I believe I am nothing because the world says so until I read a scripture verse in the Bible about gifts. The three greatest gifts are Faith, Hope, and Love. Love is the greatest gift of all to another. See 1 Corinthians 13:13.
I am more than my writing because God says so in the following scriptures:
Luke 12:7 – But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Mathew 10: 30 – But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
1 John 4:16 –And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
1 John 4: 19– We love Him because He first loved us.
I guess the question is… Would it matter to ME if I didn’t write anymore? Hmm… only I can answer this.
Did we ever imagine that in 2021, we’d be living through a pandemic, new President and administration, rising inflation, sky-rocking housing prices, a virus, a vaccine, Critical Race Theory, “now hiring” job posts, and plenty of other worldly happenings?
I can’t say I was blind-sided, but as humans we tend to stay in our comfort zones while the world turns on its axis. But through anything in life, one must be prepared to swerve when life throws you curves. So, it was no coincidence that I set out on a journey before 2020, so that I could be readied for what God had in store for me. And, I was fortunate enough to share this in an article through Christ is Our Hope Magazine. I thank Carlos Briceno, editor of the magazine for giving me this platform to share God’s workings and His inspiring Word in my life.
Click here and stay awhile. You just might be encouraged too.
Today, I’d like to share a post for all authors desiring to share their work to the world. This includes those writers who are new, experienced, and hobbyists.
Brian Feinblum has over 30 years of book marketing experience, and having helped thousands of authors, one earns an appearance on the YouTube channel of The Toronto Business Journal!
Kick back and get 60 minutes of book marketing advice and strategies, book publicity tips, and insider insights into book publishing from someone who has helped several mega best-selling, celebrity authors –and many first-time, self-published, unknown authors.
Wait no further, click here for the informative interview.
For more info on Brian, his blogs, or how to get in touch with him, click here to go to the BookMarketingBuzzBlog page.
I had the great pleasure of being interviewed by Mr. Douglas Coleman from The Douglas Coleman Show, a syndicated talk and radio show that features guests from the entertainment industry, including musicians, actors, film, and authors. To learn more, go to www.douglascolemanshow.com.
Are you a writer because you drink? Or, are you a drinker because you write? Do these two sentences say the same thing, or are they different? Hmmm… Now that is the question.
I found this book at my local library and perused the contents. It is very interesting and has great drink recipes from famous authors, poets, and playwrights on what they drank while perfecting their profession. Check it out…
I consider myself a decent cook, but I can’t bake for nothing. My chocolate chip cookies come out like communion wafers, my muffins come out like ballooned portabella mushrooms, and any boxed cake I try to bake, turns out like runny glue, if of course there is such a thing as runny glue.
But, experimenting with alcohol recipes, well, now were talking. No, I’m not an alcoholic, but being Italian, I grew up drinking wine during meal time. And, I often helped my dad and uncle make homemade wine every October. It was hard work pressing the grapes into juice in our “spotless” garage. Spotless you ask? Of course! You can’t make wine in a dirty and cluttered garage. We had to wash the cement floor with soap and water prior to setting up our tools and machine to squeeze the grapes. There’s no fooling around in our house when it came to winemaking.
Our family wine-making days are over, my father is too old. I do miss the good ol’ days that’s for sure. But now, there are so many different ways of making wine. I’ve included a few links below if you’re curious.
Is there a correlation between libations and writing? In my humble opinion, no. It seems that writers have been associated with drinking alcohol for centuries. In fact, Ernest Hemingway said it best…
I don’t need alcohol to write. In fact, I prefer water. There are days or nights while editing that I might have a cocktail to help ease the tension of correcting my writing. I’ve only been in a euphoric zone of writing on a few occasions, and that’s hard to do. What is “euphoric zone”? It’s my made up term for when you have those crazy, haunting ideas swelling your brain, and then you’re trying to write those thoughts down as fast as you can without losing it. It’s a glorious feeling when it has happened; I’m so immersed into what I’m writing that I can’t stop. Its’ heart beating and exhilarating—that’s Euphoric Zone.
My advice to you for when ideas hit so strong, is to park your butt in a seat and write, type, or dictate. Otherwise, the ideas will disappear.
As for making drinks, I’ve seem to have perfected the “Art of Making Limoncello”. At least that’s what my family and friends tell me. It’s an Italian liquor made from lemon zest; a drink served before or after a meal to aid in digestion. I’ve been making it for years and even documented the process. Click below for my three-part Limoncello-making series.
Most of my life I’ve been told to choose my friends wisely, don’t get in with the wrong crowd, keep my friends close but my enemies closer, etc.
As a parent with two elementary-aged daughters, I find myself saying those exact things to my children. The vulnerability and desire to “fit-in” and “stand out” with peers weigh heavy on both of my pre-teens’ minds. They just want to have friends and be known.
Too many times though, that nativity can get someone in trouble if the obsession “to be someone known” overpowers their rationality. And then what do we have? Peer-pressure to perform or do something that can have negative consequences.
As of late, no matter how many times I’ve tried to explain to my girls on choosing their friends carefully, they still don’t understand. Until… a trip to the grocery store changed all that, and one type of fruit to tell it like it is.
Most fruits are packaged today, berries, raspberries, grapes, etc. One of our favorites is strawberries. My daughters love them dipped in Nutella, cut up small pieces and sprinkled over pancakes or waffles, and even on ice cream with whip cream.
It took inspecting packages of strawberries as a teaching moment opportunity for my kids. There they were, neatly stacked packages and packages of strawberries. First, I perused the rows and then eye-balled them from the back row, working my way to the front row, picking up the boxes peering closely and turning them over. My girls looked over my shoulder in impatience and curiosity (they don’t like grocery shopping because I take too long), wondering why I was scrutinizing each package. Finding the right words, it hit me.
Picking up one particular package, I said, “Let’s say this package of strawberries are representative of your friends.”
My older child rolled her eyes. “Really, Mom, another story?” Yep! It’s gonna be a good one, baby. I can feel it.
“Yes, now listen. Everything is going great with your friends, and everyone is getting along until something changes that dynamic of your group. Maybe someone gets jealous of your friend, maybe one friend doesn’t like your other friend, and then the fighting starts, who knows right, and there are so many variables that can break up friendships. Or maybe someone from another group suddenly joins your group and that leads to the spoilage of your current relationships.”
My younger daughter’s jaw dropped. No comments, good. I’ll continue.
“One rotten and moldy strawberry in a package can ruin the rest of the strawberries, and so can one person ruin relationships. Always be careful in the company of whom you associate with. You understand?”
My eldest nodded, but then asked, “I have friends of different cultures is that bad?”
I knew what she meant. We live in a diverse community and choosing wisely didn’t mean only picking a certain set of friends or sticking with one racial group. It was more than that.
I held up a package. “No. Not at all. Look closely, honey. Each strawberry in this package is different. Different shapes, different sizes, and different colors. Some are darker and some are lighter. That is all fine. You want a good mix, but not have any moldy ones because then they’ll all get mushy really fast. The same applies to friends. Having different friends helps you to grow as a person, but when they want you to do things you aren’t comfortable doing or pressure you to go against your beliefs, morals, and values, then that can make things go rotten and terrible. You get me now?”
One smiled. One smirked.
“Now, let’s pick a good package of strawberries.”
And that’s how I explained to my children how to pick decent friends.
the conversation between characters in a novel, drama, etc.
an exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular issue, especially a political or religious issue, with a view to reaching an amicable agreement or settlement.
I have many favorite dialogue lines in all three of my tales. Too many to count or list here. I will tell you though, that while writing them, I tried to make sure to capture the theatrical moments of the character’s actions. And, the many times as I had to edit and re-edit the dialogues, I too experienced the same emotions I set out to convey.
If I had to pick just “one” dialogue quote in each novel, these are what they’d be:
Pointing a finger to his face, she blurted, “I’ve been a damn good wife to you. You didn’t want to adopt, and I obliged because I loved you. We lost a son, and then we had beautiful Isabella, and she’s gone too. You and I have carried a lot of crosses during our marriage. I don’t want to grow old and be by ourselves. I already had that void with my brother not being around. Everything that I have ever loved is dead. That’s my truth. A piece of me is with Devon and Isabella. I wanted more children, but they never came. We are given this gift… This opportunity to provide a home for these three kids, for my brother, and all you are thinking about is yourself. You’re a real ass.” (Chapter 62. Page 256.)
Shaking her head, Petrella demanded. “What’s happened to you? I miss the father you used to be. You are not the same, but I am still that girl—your faithful daughter.” (Part I: Deceptive Renewal. Page 24.)
He cleared his throat, “You have all erred by treating Tulipia harshly. She was willing to sacrifice her life so that you can have yours. She is to be respected and preserved.” (Page 6)
In the end, it is not what I say which are my favorite dialogue lines, but YOU, the reader, who journeys with the characters. Drop me a note and let me know what your favorite dialogue parts were for each book. I would love to hear your responses.
Do you ever get the feeling that you’re supposed to be at a certain place, but never know the reason why?
I can honestly say I’ve had many of those experiences. This latest random episode has mystified me a bit. Let me share…
A few months ago, my husband and I had an opportunity for a date night. There’s a local band that’s been around for many years. We’ve seen them at outdoor festivals and venues. This time, they were playing at a pub not too far from our house and my in-laws were happy to babysit.
The bar was crowded, as it wasn’t just us who knew about this band. We got a couple of drinks and slithered our way to a corner where the lights and sound control display was set up. Hugging the wall, we waited as the band came onto the stage. When the lights went dark, everyone went nuts. The flashing lights and loud drum beats made my heart nervous. Still, we were okay just in front of a short wall that separated the “standing room only” from the “reserved VIP” section.
Balancing my purse, I placed my drink on top of the ledge. A couple was seated at a table with bar stools with their backs to the erected wall.
The man looked over his shoulder and smiled, and I apologized for putting my drink behind him. He said it was okay, and we continued listening to the music. After some time, the man turned again and started chatting with my husband. Next thing I knew, the man invited us to sit with them at their table.
Two steps up and the whole bar perspective changed. Higher than the standing room only patrons, it made a world of difference as I didn’t have to crane my neck to see the band.
The woman with the man introduced herself as his girlfriend. The man commented that he felt he should ask us to join them. We were grateful none-the-less, and my guy offered to buy them drinks.
Almost two and a half hours later, we were still there, enjoying this friendly couple’s gracious gesture, as well as sharing in some “grown-up” conversation about kids, life, friendship, and the band. Time had flown.
It was time for us to go. After countless thank yous and a friend request acceptance on Facebook, we got up to leave. The man was thankful for the time together. He hugged my husband and me. They were genuine hugs. Warm hugs from a down to earth kind of guy and his smiley girlfriend. It had been a good night. We bid goodbye and left.
Since March, I’ve seen several posts on the couple. Many pictures of happy faces and affectionate words to one another. I’ve even “Liked” a few posts.
A few weeks ago, I came across something that said that the man had died. I was shocked. I had just seen a picture of them together a few days before. Not a lot was disclosed on the cause of death, but it still felt like it wasn’t real. The man and woman had even gotten engaged recently.
Since his death and hundreds of photos posted later, I can see why there were so many pictures of him. His smile was contagious, his eyes friendly, and he was like a big bear with a happy demeanor.
My heart ached. I had only met this man and his girlfriend once and talked to them for a short time. By some strange higher intervention, something connected us together.
I can’t stop thinking of him. How did God take this man away so soon? He wasn’t old, maybe late 40s early 50s. How come we were chosen to sit with them that night at the bar? He lifted our spirits.
They had a service for him the other day. We didn’t go. I guess I’d feel funny going as if I’m invading their space. I sent our condolences online and I did the next best thing. I prayed. I prayed for his fiancé and family.
I’ve been around deaths of close loved ones, but not a random person. And because of this, I’ve been consumed with his passing. Every picture shows a joyous man who made everyone around him feel alive. I know my husband and I felt his presence.
Was it meant to meet these people? What can I learn from all this?
I guess the best answer is to really appreciate those random folks you meet along your road of life. You may never know someone really well, but I believe you can’t forget how they made you feel.
On a recent trip to Florida, I was walking on a marina pier with my family when we noticed something spectacular in the sky. A double-rainbow. It appeared through heavy, dark blue clouds.
What is a double-rainbow?
According to AccuWeather.com meteorologists, a double-rainbow happens when… “A ray of sunlight passes through a raindrop, reflecting off the back of the drop at varying angles.”
According to Wikipedia… “Secondary rainbows are caused by a double reflection of sunlight inside the raindrops, and are centered on the sun itself.”
What a sight. I couldn’t move for maybe a couple of seconds, but then I hastily dug in my purse to grab my cellphone and take a picture.
Suddenly, a man riding a bike crossed my path. He called back, “You better hurry and capture that shot. Double rainbows are very rare; something to be said about its luck.”
I took the picture and was about to comment to the man, but he was too far down the pier.
We stood in awe observing this miracle above us. Miracle, you say? Yes. It was. How often does one see a rainbow, let alone a double-rainbow?
We finished the remainder of our wonderful trip; but every day, I made it a point to go into my photos on my phone and stare at the only one picture I took.
Now that I’ve been back home, curiosity got the best of me on the awesomeness of the rainbow, but more specifically double-rainbows. So, I went online and found some interesting pieces of information that I’d like to share.
According to Eastern cultures, a double-rainbow is a symbol of transformation and a sign of good fortune. The material world is represented by the first arc, while the second arc is the spiritual realm. Hmmm…Sounds good. I’ll take it.
In the Bible, there are a few books that make references to rainbows. These places to study are found in the books of Genesis, Ezekiel, Exodus, and Revelation.
It was God’s covenant to us that he would never destroy the Earth again after the great flood. (Genesis 9:12, 15)
The Lord was going before them. (Exodus 13:21)
The author is describing the appearance and likeness to the glory of God. (Ezekiel 1:28)
John sees the throne of God. (Revelation 4:1, 3) A mighty angel who is Jesus himself coming through the clouds. (Revelation 10:1)
In the last few months, my family and I have been going through some challenges and struggles. My writing has suffered too and I’ve been questioning my “place” in this world.
The vision of this double-rainbow has assured me to trust in God and do all things for His glory and not my own. I got to believe in the purpose of my life and the true reason for existing.
I ask you to do the same. We have one life that we are given. Live it the best that you can.
One man’s vision for a revival, a return to God in the backdrop of a one-world government and one-world religion. A story of one man’s desire to get it right, do right, and be redeemed by the Lord to do His Will. It’s about the persecution of believers in this day and age, colliding with nations […]
