Love Is...

Love is finding pure perfection 

In the persons we share our souls with

Ignoring their faults which are visible

No-one is perfect so we must accept

Them for who they are and always

See their inner beauty remembering

They will also be observing ours

Poetic justice taken. No punctuation.

Image courtesy of www.wikimediacommons.org

My Writing Journey

I was recently tagged by the lovely Vidya Sury in her post "On Writing" @ http://www.vidyasury.com/2014/06/on-writing.html. This is my first writing progress blog hop and I'm very pleased to be a part of it. Thank you Vidya Sury for making this happen!

My Writing Journey

I began writing poetry and prose when I was about 7 years old. Some of these were published in my church and school magazines. My mother encouraged me to write after reading a booklet of poetry I had made from construction paper (Otherwise known as cartridge paper.) Keeping journals was the norm in my early teenage years, but lost interest for a brief time. That could be blamed on the moody adolescence changes I was experiencing.

My love for books didn't fade though, as I seemed to read more than interacting with other kids. I knew from that early time in my life that I wanted to become a writer, and am now a freelance writer and contributor on a few writing sites.

The blog tag rules states we must answer the questions given and tag three other bloggers. Vidya gave me four questions and here are my responses to them:

What am I working on/writing?

One of the services I offer in my freelance business is writing professional book reviews for companies I am associated with. Most reviews are not posted on my blog, but are published on sites such as Goodreads and Facebook and a few others by these companies. May and June are very busy reviewing months. It often puts me behind in my own writing, and prevents me from reading other bloggers' posts regularly.

There are two novels I started writing sometime ago, but put them on hold to spend more time establishing my business. That was a wise decision on my part, although it didn't seem that way at the time. Things are moving in the right direction for me, and I recently revised my schedule which allow me extra time for my personal writing. I wonder how long this will last.

One of my favourite work in progress is called Dreams. It's about a teenage girl whose happy world is shattered when her father dies, and her jealous mother makes drastic changes in their lives. My muse feels inspired to complete this particular book and I agree. The chapter I was working on had me stumped and frustrated. An absence from this story was good, as I am now refreshed with new ideas that will be included in the development of the plot.

How does my work/writing differs from others in its genre?

Writing mystery/suspense is my favourite genre, but am able to write in most categories. I'm not really sure my writing differs or is unique from other writers, and didn't give it much thought anyway. Creating mysteries is fun, and thinking of the weapon of choice is one of the things I like most. Killing characters isn't as easy as it looks. Most of my protagonists are women, and the victims are men. That was unintentional in my writing. I noticed the pattern and decided to balance the scale. Both sexes should get the chance to be villains and heroes. Equal opportunity for all imaginary characters.

Why do I write what I do?

I write because I like blending words like a good cocktail. I write to release the ideas and imagery that float around in my head. Writing allows me to accurately express my thoughts and feelings in a more creative way than just talking about it. Writing content that will captivate a reader can be challenging, but I enjoy what I do and love a challenge. Hope this answers the question.

How does my writing process work?

I write whenever I'm in the mood or inspired, which is most of the time. My brain works overtime thinking of plots, even when I'm in the middle of another project. That can be distracting, but I pay close attention when it happens. Anything can trigger an idea, so I try to keep a pen and notebook handy.

Coffee is one of the aids that helps my writing advance to the next level. This can be mostly seen in the early mornings and evenings when I do most of my writing. It keeps me focused and energised.  I can't think of anything else to write, so let me introduce you to 3 persons I admire very much, and decided to include them in this blog tag. They will also get the chance to answer the questions as well, so here we go!

Natasha Duncan-Drake - Natasha is a British author with Wittegen Press and has been publishing genre fiction since 2011. Her work includes everything from horror to young adult fantasy, and she has never met a genre she didn't like. A prolific producer of short stories and novels alike, Natasha currently has over twenty-five novels in her back catalogue with further releases always imminent.

Natasha has been writing since she was a young girl ever since she read The Hobbit at primary school. She is a big fan of science fiction, fantasy and horror in all their forms, and is a big advocate of fan fiction as a great tool for writers to polish their skills in a welcome and supporting community. Before establishing Wittegen with her sister, Sophie Duncan, Natasha was a database and systems consultant. She combines these skills with her writing to create and manage her career in the bold new eBook market.

Links:
Website: http://www.wittegenpress.com/natashaduncandrake
Blog: Tasha's http://www.tashasthinkings.blogspot.co.uk
Twitter: @ beren_writes
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/natashaduncandrake
Google+: http://www.google.com/u/0.+NatashaDuncanDrake/posts
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/tashaddrake

My name is Meglena Ivanova - I live in NYC with my husband, bearded dragon,/lizard and abnormally strange cat. When I'm not writing, reading or blogging, I enjoy gaining insights into the psychologies of of other cultures and times. I'm also into dancing, movies and Apple products. Occasionally, I like to write short (usually about mystical, mythological creatures and old but sacred objects that are described in ancient legends) fiction stories.

At my Blog, you will find interviews with remarkable authors about their life, books and writing experience! Also a few articles about self publishing, guest posts and book recommendations/reviews. At my website you will find information about my fantasy novels, short stories and the creative ground it grew out of: gems and mythology. Why gems and mythology? I suspect because both hold inherent mystery and intrigue for me. And perhaps because I'm a big fan of mythology and legends about innocent times and objects.

Connect with Meglena Ivanova:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Meglena-Ivanova/5059042094580
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg436PmQrwY
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/megidivam/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7216923.Meglena_Ivanova
Google+: http://plus.google.com/u/0/118088705452693219921/posts
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/377347
Website: http://www.meglenaivanova.com
Blog: http://www.meglenaivanova.wordpress.com/




Stephanie Faris knew she wanted to be an author from a very young age. In fact, her mother often told her to stop reading so much and go outside to play with the other kids. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University, she somehow found herself working in information technology. But she never stopped writing. When she isn't crafting fiction, Stephanie is indulging her gadget geek side by writing for on line technology sites. Her work is regularly featured on a wide variety of blogs and websites
http://www.stephaniefaris.com and as a ghostwriter. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Neil.

Here are the four questions for my three bloggers:

What am I working on/writing?
How does my work/writing differ from others in its genre?
Why do I write what I do?
How does my writing progress work?

Well, this completes my blog tag. I hope you'll  find these bloggers and their posts as interesting and wonderful as I have found them to be.

I apologise for its lateness, but had unexpected difficulties that prevented me from blogging for a few days.

Image courtesy of www.wikimediacommons.org
Please feel free to comment.

Urn My Love

Urn

Melanie decided to get some spring cleaning done before Dan got home from work. She worked most of the morning moving furniture, vacuuming the rugs, and dusted most of the rooms. As she dusted the bookcase in the living room, an urn that was on the top shelf fell off.

"Why did this have to happen now?" she grumbled.

The contents of the urn had spilled all over the floor, but the container was not damaged. Melanie quickly cleaned up the mess and placed most of the ashes back into the urn. She returned it to its original position and looked around the room.

There were a lot of useless objects taking up space. If she could get rid of most of them today, then maybe the house would feel more like hers, once she did some redecorating. This thought cheered her spirits.

Melanie worked hard sorting through pieces to keep, and throwing away others she considered junk. The garbage bin was full and Melanie dragged it outside to the curb. She returned to the house and made herself a cup of coffee, finally relaxing.

As Melanie looked out the front window, she saw the garbage collectors. One of them was examining her trash and picked up something from a box she had dumped.

"Hey, look at this beauty! Why would someone throw it away?" he asked excitedly, looking at his reflection on the object.

"Some folks don't appreciate fine things," his partner remarked.

"I bet I could get a good price at Joe's Antiques," the new owner said. Melanie smiled when she heard the conversation. She looked at a framed picture of herself and Dan on their wedding day and started to laugh.

"Well, Mother Harper, you didn't want your precious son to marry me. You said I wasn't good enough for him. All you ever did was complain about my cooking and cleaning."

Melanie and Dan moved in with his mother when they married two years ago. Mother Harper died from an illness three months ago. She had requested cremation and her remains were to stay in the house. Melanie was convinced she only did this to spite her daughter-in-law, as Mother Harper was a tyrant who tried her best to come between her and Dan.

"This place won't be the same without your presence. In fact, it's going to be a pleasure to finally live a happier life without a constant reminder of you."

All she had to do was tell Dan his mother's urn was in the basement because she was redecorating. That excuse should work. For now.

"Pity you're not around to see how I finally keep house!"

Image courtesy of www.wikimediacommons.org

Please feel free to comment

life insurance (senryu)

Wad of Money

worked hard for money

to leave grieving family

what a shopping spree

I would prefer to have my loved one alive. How about you?

Image courtesy of www.wikimediacommons.org

Please feel free to comment

The Calabash International Literary Festival 2014

Jamaican Beach

I'm unable to participate in the upcoming Calabash International Literary Festival, which is held at Jakes, Calabash Bay, Treasure Beach. Jakes is located in the parish of St. Elizabeth, on the south coast of Jamaica. It is situated on a spectacular beachfront property with white sand. The property is owned by the Henzell family, who are actively involved in producing Jamaican films and literary productions.

The property also includes the popular Jakes Hotel and Jakes Restaurant located further on the compound. Earlier this year, friends and I spent a day at Jakes Restaurant, eating seafood and swimming. It's not always easy to swim at this location, due to the rougher currents, sea weeds and rocks that are sometimes embedded in parts of the sand.

The south coast is not as developed as the north coast, where tourists tend to gravitate, and the sea is much calmer. That's what makes the south coast more appealing to me. I get to swim in more natural surroundings, where turtle nests and other wildlife can be found among the rocks and bushes.

The 3 day festival is open to anyone who wishes to participate and share their writing, and simply have a good time, enjoying the variety of talent that this festival is known to produce. Salman Rusdie will be one of the authors who will be coming to Jamaica to perform in this cultural show.

I would have posted this sooner, but the festival dates were published late April, and just got the time to write about it, as the AtoZ April Challenge was in full swing. That's why I'm not prepared to enter this festival either, but may attend as a spectator. Next year I will certainly be on schedule and make the announcement much earlier.

I have seen a lot of talent on various blogs, and on Google Plus. The link below will share more information on this popular Jamaican festival. It would be terrific to have you join me on stage in this exciting event next year, or in one of the workshops that they host.

Stephen Marley

Link: http://www.calabashfestival.org

Images of the Jamaican photos courtesy of www.wikimediacommons.org


Please feel free to comment.

Book Review: Contrails

Sam Claymore is an airline pilot who loves his job, despite his hectic flight schedule and irritating passengers he sometimes get. When the airline downsizes leaving Sam unemployed, his childhood friend Nate offers him a job. Nate is a drug dealer in need of a pilot to transport his merchandise. Sam reluctantly accepts the job, but the money is good, so is the cocaine after he samples it.

Sam quickly gains the trust of Javier, the Mexican drug boss he and Nate works for. One information Sam omits from Javier is that his father is a retired Drug Enforcement Agent. Who would believe him if he said he only took this job for the money?

The more Sam earns for taking flight risks, the more he realises how dangerously cutthroat his boss and the drug underworld really is. He decides to quit and makes his final major drug run with Javier to Columbia to meet one of the world's most feared kingpin. But things have a way of backfiring in Sam's life, and this trip happens to be one of them. He is surrounded by cold hearted killers who adorns trees with bodies as casually as a person decorating a Christmas tree.

One of the things I noticed when reading Contrails was how fast paced the story was from the beginning. The early chapters were mainly based on Sam, his family background, and typical airline characters and activities. The plot changed after Sam was furloughed and that's when things become more interesting.

Sam's character was somewhat dull in the beginning. He had lead a normal lifestyle, and flying had taken up most of his time. I thought he was easy to succumb to peer pressure, but there were times he showed strength when faced with challenges. It's hard not to like Sam, who is really soft hearted by nature. He only wanted to lead an honest life, without having the law on his back.

The authors, Robert Anderson and Steve Clark gave an excellent detailed account of what transpires in the cockpit, the airline crews busy schedule and how it can affect their personal lives. I was also introduced to another side of the drug underworld, making me more aware of the important role aviation plays in drug trafficking. The book is injected with humour and is not the hard core violent story I was expecting to read. It should be interesting to see what transpires in Contrails Book 2.


Link:  http://www.amazon.com/CONTRAILS-Contrails-Saga-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00FP5BAOK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399929487&sr=1-1&keywords=contrails

Please feel free to comment

Quintet of Radiance Award

Unbelievable!! There I was, responding to comments on my blog and re-read Vishal Bheeroo's comment stating that he nominated me for an award on May 9th, 2014. Convinced I had misinterpreted his reply, I hopped over to Vishal Bheeroo's blog @ http://vishalbheeroo.wordpress.com to scan his post again.

My muse reminded me that I had left a congratulatory comment on his post. I read the post again and was surprised to see that he had in fact, nominated me for the Quintet of Radiance Award! It appears I had overlooked my name ( #2) on the list of nominees in my happiness to congratulate Bheeroo. Who can blame me as I wasn't expecting it to be on the list either. This is my second award since May 1st 2014, so I'm feeling overwhelmed right now, but humbled with gratitude. What have I done to deserve them?That is the question that puzzles me.

Vishal Bheeroo is a blogger whom I admire very much with his bright upbeat personality, and interesting blog posts. I believe that the AtoZ April Challenge made me more aware of how talented bloggers like Vishal really are. I saw more of their work on a daily basis, thus making me appreciate what they wrote, as their personalities shone even more from the words.

The award was given to Vishal Bheeroo by Ananya Kiran @ http://www.ananyatales.com. Thank you too Anya for making this happen.

The Rules for the Quintet of Radiance Award:

1.   Display the badge in a post.

2.   Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back - Vishal.

3.   Using the alphabet, describe yourself in a word or phase.

4.   Nominate a few bloggers.

The AtoZ About Me:

Adventurous
Baker

Creative

Doting Mom

Enjoys solitude

Fun loving

Gardener

Hates uninvited visitors
Impulsive

Jovial

Kind

Like coffee and sweets

Make a mean rum cake

Not a quitter, but a twitter

Optimist

Patient

Quiet

Reserved 

Stubborn

Tale teller, not tattle teller

Unyielding to peer pressure

Voracious reader

Willing to try new things

Xmas lover

You want a romance story, don't check me! I get writers block with this genre.

Zippy person

This part is difficult with so many wonderful bloggers. I've been poking my brain deciding which bloggers to select. The decision is even harder than the first nomination I received.

My Nominees are as follows: 

Teagan Tearney              
http://www.writingmynovelnoworkingtitleyet.blogspot.com/

Morgen Bailey                
http:/www./morgenbailey.wordpress.com/

Debi Oneille
http:/www./debioneille.blogspot.com/

Chris Graham  
http://www.thestoryreadingapeblog.com/            

Christine Campbell  
http://www.cicampbellblog.wordpress.com/

These bloggers that I have chosen have been significant influences in my life. Their writing advice have helped me to improve my writing skills, and other areas pertaining to writing. Thank you!

Please feel free to comment.