During a recent prayer shawl meeting with the girls, we began swapping stories about our childhood holiday memories. Some of the stories were sad, some sweet, some were totally hilarious, but all were similar because we're all in the same age category. We were all born when the family structure was still intact. Only one of us had "broken home" memories, but all of us agreed it was a MUCH different time back then. We were grateful just to have the love and guidance of our parents.
Why am I bringing this up now? Because it's the last day of 2015, and like millions all over the world, I am making my New Year's intentions--yes, I said INTENTIONS. You see, while we were swapping stories, my friend Cherry confessed that she no longer makes New Year's resolutions, but New Year's INTENTIONS. She said that making intentions rather than resolutions gives a different feel to what she wants to accomplish in the New Year, so that if and when any of her intentions "fail", she doesn't beat herself up the way she used to when her resolutions went bust. (e.g. while dieting, she put on weight instead of losing it).
I thought a lot about her words on the way home from the meeting, and it made perfect sense to me that making a list of intentions rather than resolutions takes the pressure off one's ego/self-esteem. You see, it's impossible for the ego to sabotage an intention because no where on the list did the words. "I will..." ever get written down. Instead, the words, "I intend to" are written, and the ego goes "Oh, she intends to....not a definitive "I will", guess that's okay. I'll leave her alone and let her try".
So, in honor of my self-esteem, here are a couple of intentions I intend to accomplish this year: (1) I intend to be kinder to people--more helpful; (2) I intend to write another novel and have it published; (3) I intend to lose 30 lbs. by eating healthier; (4) I intend to focus more on my spiritual development by hanging out with like-minded individuals.....and the list goes on....
What are your intentions for yourself this year? I hope it's to be the best YOU you can be and of course, being kinder and more helpful to those in need. For at this time of year, it's true that if we aren't our brothers' keeper, who will be?
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Monday, December 21, 2015
Saving the Best for Last
In just over a week, we'll be welcoming in the year 2016. Some of us will be looking ahead (me included), eager for new opportunities and challenges, and of course, a new story to write and publish. But we'll be looking back too, asking ourselves. "What did I accomplish this past year?" Most years, my reply was "not that much", however, this year, I can look back and know I "done good".
To toot my own horn, I achieved a monumental feat this past year. In the first six months, I wrote and finished my third novel "Sanctuary". In September, my publisher accepted it (with a few revisions). In October, it hit the Amazon site as a E-book only. Now, as December fades away, the book has gone into general release--both in paperback and E-Book formats.
Naturally, I've ordered copies so that I can, ahem, set up book signings and toot my horn to anyone who'll listen. Perhaps, I'll even make some noise to those who could care less about reading my book. Either way, I'm like a proud mama, whose baby has finally taken its first steps. It's shaky at first, but building confidence. In the new year, I expect that baby to start running pell-mell into the real world and making a name for itself. By the time it's full grown, I expect it to be rich and successful, and raising a family of its own.
Of course, I'm getting ahead of myself. You can't raise a family without giving birth to a child first. So, it's time to sit down and get the writing mo-jo going again. At the moment, I think the new baby's name will be "The Changeling", but like any pregnancy, that name could change in an instance. So for now, do yourself a favor. Take a break from reality, and escape into the paranormal romance world of the Sanctuary. Join Agent Logan Reed and Empath Sonny Blake as they attempt to solve a murder before a devious predator has a chance to set his sights on killing them.
To toot my own horn, I achieved a monumental feat this past year. In the first six months, I wrote and finished my third novel "Sanctuary". In September, my publisher accepted it (with a few revisions). In October, it hit the Amazon site as a E-book only. Now, as December fades away, the book has gone into general release--both in paperback and E-Book formats.
Naturally, I've ordered copies so that I can, ahem, set up book signings and toot my horn to anyone who'll listen. Perhaps, I'll even make some noise to those who could care less about reading my book. Either way, I'm like a proud mama, whose baby has finally taken its first steps. It's shaky at first, but building confidence. In the new year, I expect that baby to start running pell-mell into the real world and making a name for itself. By the time it's full grown, I expect it to be rich and successful, and raising a family of its own.
Of course, I'm getting ahead of myself. You can't raise a family without giving birth to a child first. So, it's time to sit down and get the writing mo-jo going again. At the moment, I think the new baby's name will be "The Changeling", but like any pregnancy, that name could change in an instance. So for now, do yourself a favor. Take a break from reality, and escape into the paranormal romance world of the Sanctuary. Join Agent Logan Reed and Empath Sonny Blake as they attempt to solve a murder before a devious predator has a chance to set his sights on killing them.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Years End
It's close to the end of 2015 and how fast this year has sped. A lot has occurred, and not all of it happy. Between the mass shootings and ugly political rhetoric, trying to find something uplifting is nearly impossible. But as always, if you trust, the universe sends you events that uplift your spirit and make you believe in happy endings again.
I found my "uplift" by falling madly in love with the metaphysical arts again. When I first came to astrology, numerology and Tarot, I was in my 20's and the world was a much nicer place. The family was still intact and people were kind to each other without having any ulterior motives. Back then, I dreamed of a writing career that combined the metaphysical arts with a starry-eyed belief in happily ever after. That dream I'm glad to say has never died. Oh, it altered in size and scope over the years, and though it took fifty years for the dream to come to fruition, the core of the dream never wavered once in all those years.
I realize now that 2015 is ending, the metamorphosis wasn't about writing, the arts or romance, but about remembering that while we're here on the planet Earth, our souls are meant to grow and evolve. We must lose our fear, seek enlightenment, and render service to others by being messengers of light and healing. In the Angel Oracle world, there is an acronym known as BLAH. It stands for "Be Loving and Helpful". Thanks to the written word, (and my best friend Sheila), I'm on the spiritual path of love and healing again. And can you believe it? I feel more alive (and younger) than I have felt in years.
Can I hear an "Amen"?
I found my "uplift" by falling madly in love with the metaphysical arts again. When I first came to astrology, numerology and Tarot, I was in my 20's and the world was a much nicer place. The family was still intact and people were kind to each other without having any ulterior motives. Back then, I dreamed of a writing career that combined the metaphysical arts with a starry-eyed belief in happily ever after. That dream I'm glad to say has never died. Oh, it altered in size and scope over the years, and though it took fifty years for the dream to come to fruition, the core of the dream never wavered once in all those years.
I realize now that 2015 is ending, the metamorphosis wasn't about writing, the arts or romance, but about remembering that while we're here on the planet Earth, our souls are meant to grow and evolve. We must lose our fear, seek enlightenment, and render service to others by being messengers of light and healing. In the Angel Oracle world, there is an acronym known as BLAH. It stands for "Be Loving and Helpful". Thanks to the written word, (and my best friend Sheila), I'm on the spiritual path of love and healing again. And can you believe it? I feel more alive (and younger) than I have felt in years.
Can I hear an "Amen"?
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Message from the Otherworld
Not long ago, my best friend, Sheila, and I attended a Tarot Conference. It was a last minute trip, inspired by a random E-Mail that dropped into her In-Box. It turned out to be the best thing to happen to either of us in a long time. We have been long-time friends who share a common love--the Spiritual World of Tarot. So, off we went to the 2 day conference.
Needless to say, the experience was up-lifting and life-altering. Sheila found a new direction for her dreams, and thanks to some talented Tarot professionals, I found a new found respect for the art of divination. I also met many new friends from all over the globe, who share the same passion for interpreting messages from the Otherworld.
Interestingly, the conference also coincided with the release of my new novel, Sanctuary. (Coincidence? I think not). My novel is a murder mystery that houses its solution in my heroine's ability to read Tarot Cards. Again, is it a coincidence that this conference came right at the same time my book was being published? I think not. If I learned anything from the conference, it is that there are no coincidences--just messages that we need to know so our lives can move forward.
Even more interesting, the conference spurred me to take a class in Oracle Deck reading from Marcus Katz, who was the impetus behind the Tarot Conference. (www.tarotprofessionals.com). Through him, I've seen spirit through the eyes of love again. It's been an invigorating 2 weeks of learning, which has spurred me to pick up my new novel, "The Changeling" and rework it into a wonderful new story. How will it play out?
The answer lies in the Otherworld and I know that if I just quiet my mind and trust in spirit, the answer will appear somewhere down the road. Even more than that, I'm sure that when I least expect it, the message will find me, not the other way around. So, in the meantime, I'll just keep throwing Oracle spreads and wait for my next, big "aha" moment to arrive.
Needless to say, the experience was up-lifting and life-altering. Sheila found a new direction for her dreams, and thanks to some talented Tarot professionals, I found a new found respect for the art of divination. I also met many new friends from all over the globe, who share the same passion for interpreting messages from the Otherworld.
Interestingly, the conference also coincided with the release of my new novel, Sanctuary. (Coincidence? I think not). My novel is a murder mystery that houses its solution in my heroine's ability to read Tarot Cards. Again, is it a coincidence that this conference came right at the same time my book was being published? I think not. If I learned anything from the conference, it is that there are no coincidences--just messages that we need to know so our lives can move forward.
Even more interesting, the conference spurred me to take a class in Oracle Deck reading from Marcus Katz, who was the impetus behind the Tarot Conference. (www.tarotprofessionals.com). Through him, I've seen spirit through the eyes of love again. It's been an invigorating 2 weeks of learning, which has spurred me to pick up my new novel, "The Changeling" and rework it into a wonderful new story. How will it play out?
The answer lies in the Otherworld and I know that if I just quiet my mind and trust in spirit, the answer will appear somewhere down the road. Even more than that, I'm sure that when I least expect it, the message will find me, not the other way around. So, in the meantime, I'll just keep throwing Oracle spreads and wait for my next, big "aha" moment to arrive.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Book Marketing Online Course
I'm in the middle of a book marketing course and it's wonderful how much I don't know about writing and marketing. Why do I say it's wonderful? Because my ignorance has given me a new perspective on my writing, and a whole bunch of new friends who struggle with the same issues I do. Together we are mentoring and being mentored at the same time. The adage that often the teacher becomes the student and vice versa is currently coming true. More importantly, I see that all of us taking the course have more in common than we have different. That insight will help me down the road--in keeping my characters real and vibrantly involved in their fictional lives. They will be focused, reminding me to be focused on a target audience when the story is completed and finally in print.
As much as I dislike the internet world at times, I must admit that it has its good side. On any given day, it brings together people (from all over the world) to experience the same moment at the same time and be rejuvenated by the connection. I think when you're writing paranormal romance novels like I do, connections are everything, especially between the hero and heroine personally, and the storyline spiritually....So, needless to say, taking an online course I was skeptical about taking at first, has surprised me. But it has given me a fabulous connection to a group of strangers doing what I love to do everyday--writing stories that help people escape their problems for a few hours, or educating them to a world they've never thought existed. Either way, the goal is to create a highly entertaining story for the reader. Taking this online course proves writers' skills are limitless when it comes to selling the message to a loyal readership.
As much as I dislike the internet world at times, I must admit that it has its good side. On any given day, it brings together people (from all over the world) to experience the same moment at the same time and be rejuvenated by the connection. I think when you're writing paranormal romance novels like I do, connections are everything, especially between the hero and heroine personally, and the storyline spiritually....So, needless to say, taking an online course I was skeptical about taking at first, has surprised me. But it has given me a fabulous connection to a group of strangers doing what I love to do everyday--writing stories that help people escape their problems for a few hours, or educating them to a world they've never thought existed. Either way, the goal is to create a highly entertaining story for the reader. Taking this online course proves writers' skills are limitless when it comes to selling the message to a loyal readership.
Monday, October 12, 2015
Why Does Life Always Seem to Mimic Art?
My new novel, Sanctuary, is now officially on sale through Amazon, and as I think about its journey to publication, I'm struck how life always seems to imitate art, even though we don't orchestrate the pairing. In my novel, the heroine, Sonny Blake, is living a quiet life, doing good and helping others. As she goes about her day, she's unaware a madman is nearby, bent on destroying her and those she loves. Lately, it seems in towns across America, madmen (young and old), are doing the same
While writing the novel, I never gave a thought that when it was completed, it would mirror the happenings of the day so strongly. After all, it's a fictional piece of writing meant to entertain a reader for a few hours. Now, having a chance to step back and look at the novel objectively, I think all pieces of writing must be orchestrated by spirit--a divine connection between it and the human existence.
To its credit, spirit can't be broken or killed, no matter how many madmen pick up a gun and use it to destroy lives. Oh, it may go underground for awhile, but I know that spirit's always there, day in and day out. And it has a way, when least expected, of slipping important themes and issues into a writer's subconscious so that when we sit down at the computer to write, snippets of those important issues emerge as life imitating art. And the glory of it is, that the person reading those words GETS the connection (deep in their soul) and is changed by them. Or at least I hope that's what happens. No, I PRAY that's what happens.
So, from my soul to yours, let's get madmen help before they have a chance to destroy innocent lives. Like the marine motto, let's not leave one of our brothers behind. Let's reach down and give them a helping hand up. After all, there's plenty of room on the ladder, don't you think?
While writing the novel, I never gave a thought that when it was completed, it would mirror the happenings of the day so strongly. After all, it's a fictional piece of writing meant to entertain a reader for a few hours. Now, having a chance to step back and look at the novel objectively, I think all pieces of writing must be orchestrated by spirit--a divine connection between it and the human existence.
To its credit, spirit can't be broken or killed, no matter how many madmen pick up a gun and use it to destroy lives. Oh, it may go underground for awhile, but I know that spirit's always there, day in and day out. And it has a way, when least expected, of slipping important themes and issues into a writer's subconscious so that when we sit down at the computer to write, snippets of those important issues emerge as life imitating art. And the glory of it is, that the person reading those words GETS the connection (deep in their soul) and is changed by them. Or at least I hope that's what happens. No, I PRAY that's what happens.
So, from my soul to yours, let's get madmen help before they have a chance to destroy innocent lives. Like the marine motto, let's not leave one of our brothers behind. Let's reach down and give them a helping hand up. After all, there's plenty of room on the ladder, don't you think?
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Is Any Place Really Safe These Days?
In the current state of worldly affairs, is it possible for any of us to find a perfect sanctuary these days?
The dictionary defines the word "sanctuary" as a "safe haven from being hunted by animals or human beings". That definition fits my new novel perfectly. In my novel, someone is killing empaths. And Empath Sonny Blake senses she's next on the madman's list. At the same time, Meta Corps Agent Logan Reed is assigned to use Sonny's incredible empathic skills to locate the madman and bring him to justice. Their odyssey starts out with a shared empathic vision, and soon turns into a nightmare of secrets, lies, and an unexpected murder. Sound familiar?
I placed the action in the story at a spiritual retreat, but rather than being a safe haven, I made the retreat the perfect hunting ground for a madman. Now that the novel is finished and about to be published, I've had a lot of time to consider why I would choose a spiritual retreat as the backdrop for a story centering around death and madness. I think it's because the world is in such a maddened state right now, that I don't believe there's such a thing as a safe haven anymore. Witness the immigration of tens of thousands of families leaving Syria and Africa to seek a safe haven in Europe. Watching the videos of their struggle to find a better life than one dictated by madmen, I feel sad and discouraged. And more than anything I wish I had a gazillion dollars and access to a huge spot of land that could house a million people. I'd love to be part of the solution rather than the problem.
So I ask again. Is any place really safe these days? If you watch the nightly news--the killings, the hatred--you'll agree with me and say "not anymore". Off the soapbox now.
The dictionary defines the word "sanctuary" as a "safe haven from being hunted by animals or human beings". That definition fits my new novel perfectly. In my novel, someone is killing empaths. And Empath Sonny Blake senses she's next on the madman's list. At the same time, Meta Corps Agent Logan Reed is assigned to use Sonny's incredible empathic skills to locate the madman and bring him to justice. Their odyssey starts out with a shared empathic vision, and soon turns into a nightmare of secrets, lies, and an unexpected murder. Sound familiar?
I placed the action in the story at a spiritual retreat, but rather than being a safe haven, I made the retreat the perfect hunting ground for a madman. Now that the novel is finished and about to be published, I've had a lot of time to consider why I would choose a spiritual retreat as the backdrop for a story centering around death and madness. I think it's because the world is in such a maddened state right now, that I don't believe there's such a thing as a safe haven anymore. Witness the immigration of tens of thousands of families leaving Syria and Africa to seek a safe haven in Europe. Watching the videos of their struggle to find a better life than one dictated by madmen, I feel sad and discouraged. And more than anything I wish I had a gazillion dollars and access to a huge spot of land that could house a million people. I'd love to be part of the solution rather than the problem.
So I ask again. Is any place really safe these days? If you watch the nightly news--the killings, the hatred--you'll agree with me and say "not anymore". Off the soapbox now.
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