Bloggin’ Medley!

Over a week and I haven’t posted a thing. In my defense, this past week was quite busy with baking, decorating, writing and wedding plans!

Last week, I worked on my WIP because the inspiration hit me and I found some clarity in the direction of the story. I’ve had writer’s block for quite some time, not knowing where I was going with my novel. Now my current WIP is at 40,231 words. Another thing I was happy about is that my dark, psychological novel Net Switch received another 5-STAR rating. I don’t know who E. Fontenelle is but s/he made me smile for the rest of the week. 

So here’s a shameless plug for Net Switch. Christmas is coming up and Net Switch makes a great stocking stuffer or Kindle/Nook surprise. It’s a great page-turner (if I say so myself) to sink into the couch on a cold, snowy weekend, sipping a hot toddy, and riding the thrill wave from Chicago to Seattle. 

Now you might be saying to yourself, “There are so many other books out there that I want to read. Why would I waste my time on an unknown author’s book?” Well that is a great question to ask. My answer would be, “Net Switch was written by an unknown author who is currently building a readership audience. The book is dark with many twists and turns, it doesn’t disappoint, but it is missing one thing—YOU!” Think of it as your Black Friday Refreshment. I put the ‘fresh’ in refreshment. Okay I’ll stop...but go ahead, click on the picture.

*turns the page*

We went to Spain this weekend to discuss our wedding plans there for February. We hope to marry in a church that’s 1,000 years old. I was going to share a picture, but Picasso won't let me.

When we came back to our flat, I spent the days putting up Christmas decorations and baking cookies. I baked one of my mom’s cookie recipes. They’re peanut butter kisses cookies. I remember these as a kid during the holidays. They’re good but not as good as when my mom made them.

Have a great Hump Day!

Holidays and Gifts,

Bea

Imagination is a Beautiful Thing

I recently watched two movies written and directed by James Cameron—The Abyss and Avatar. At first I didn’t know Mr. Cameron wrote the screenplays, but I waited as the credits rolled because I had to know whose mind created such great stories. It’s James Cameron’s imagination that leaves me awed, along with his ability to bring these stories to life on the big screen. Even those I watched the movies with feel James Cameron’s abilities are endless.

We all have our favorite writers no matter what genre, because there is something about their talent, their achievements that move us. Many people favor Stephen King, John Grisham, Jodi Picoult, and I’m not disagreeing with their incredible gifts, yet it’s James Cameron that leaves my mouth hanging with admiration. He has become the key to unlocking and releasing an intense need for me to become a better writer. 

The first novel writer who stopped me in my tracks is Carlos Ruiz Zafon. He wrote The Shadow of the Wind and after reading his cravings that poured onto the pages, I knew I wanted that. To create a different voice with words that render the reader emotionally drained because my characters and story brought them on an everlasting journey. Now I know I will never reach the height and depth of both of these writers, because realistically my talent only goes so far. But that doesn’t mean I can’t make myself learn and craft my imagination to its highest potential—where readers can taste, feel, smell, see and hear my soul. 

Everyone should reach for the difficult so they have something to strive for instead of just existing. At least, that’s what I believe life is all about. Imagination doesn’t just apply to writing—it applies to life. It’s our imagination that gets us through adolescence, adulthood and retirement. And because we use our imagination to achieve the best life, it’s that which leaves us with the greatest of memories.

Happy Sunday! I wish you all a wonderful week.

To A Friend!

I am returning to the blogging world, but wanted to dedicate this post to a dear friend. Veejay is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my life, and I wish I could do more for him.

My birthday was August 7, and the week before my birthday I received a package in the mail. I knew it wasn’t from a family member, or long-time friend, so it was a huge surprise to say the least. I brought it upstairs, unwrapped it and took out a framed picture of the 2005 Chicago White Sox World Series along with a little dirt from the field in a casing and silver logo. This wonderful man sent me this gift saying he remembered from my blog that I was a White Sox fan.

I cried. Not because of the gift, which was wonderful, but for the thought. To me, it means so much to have someone remember a special day, or event of mine. Gifts are always wonderful to receive, but knowing Veejay remembered my birthday and that I was a White Sox fan meant  so much more. My smile lasted for days, and I will never forget Veejay’s generous gesture and his continued caring. It matters to matter to someone.

I’m fortunate enough to know him, and proud to call him my friend. Here’s to you Veejay though I wish it was more.

To A Friend

Curled up in a subconscious recess of dreams

Lies hope, knowing there are sparkling beings

Ring out like a bell tower throughout our span

Empower generosity, it came from one man.

Pessimism may want a few chorus chords

Great friendships use time to compose concertos

Fairy dust accumulates on those of high merit

Such a rarity to find, more luck to inherit.

Birthday Trivia Quiz!

Hey, where did everybody go? *smiles* My birthday is next week, and I was thinking about things I like, music and movies. Birthdays are very important in my family, because it’s the day you come into this world altering it and everyone you meet.

No matter how old I am, I will always celebrate my birthday, so I decided to give a little trivia quiz about me. The person with the most correct answers wins. I’ll announce the winner after my birthday, August 7, and they can pick a prize from the below list.

1) I’ll write a poem for the winner

2) The winner gets an exclusive blog interview

3) $25.00 Amazon gift card submitted through email

I know, I know, calm your enthusiasm. They’re all great prizes. *winks*

Quiz

1) What is my favorite color?

2) What superpower would I want to have; invisible or flying?

3) Do I have any tattoos?

4) Was I more upset turning 30 or 40?

5) Did I win the National Novel Writing Month in 2008?

6) Name one of my favorite movies?

7) What did I want to be when I grew up?

8) What’s the title of one of my favorite modern books?

9) What date did I quit smoking?

10) Did I write a poem for the mother’s in my family for Mother's Day?

11) Where did I enter my first poetry contest?

12) What’s the title of one of my longtime favorite songs?

13) Is there a picture of me anywhere on my blog?

14) Where did I stay (the town) on my last vacation?

15) What’s my favorite smell?

16) What genre is my NaNo WIP?

17) What’s my favorite food; Chinese, Italian or Seafood?

18) When is my birthday?

Bonus Questions:

19) What have you learned about me?

20) What word would you use to describe me?

You can copy and paste the questions with your answers in the comments area, or send them in an email by clicking on “Email” under my profile. Have fun and good luck!