Wiley Wednesday

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This post is late, late, late! I forgot it was my turn to blog today, fortunately my friend and fellow writer Kathleen Oxley thought to remind me, thanks Kat. In the process of getting this post written and published I have had some interesting experiences. The first being that as I read over the finished article this morning, I noticed Blogger had posted their own notification at the top of the window, that they were having an ‘outage’. Said outage was apparently going to happen about the same time as I was working on my post. Without thought I pressed publish, not having saved it all as a draft. Yes, you guessed it, Blogger ate my post, every darn word.

Now that post had taken a bit of effort on my part as my girls were getting ready for school at the same time as I was writing it. It seems that I am the only person who can find a pair of socks in this place, or know where the mp3 player got put last night, or the only one free to let the rabbit out. Strange how when I want to write, no one is able to fend for themselves. Bless them, they won’t be home for hours yet.

Just as I was getting back into this, my two older girls, came for a brief visit. The post went on hold again, with the save button clicked this time. It is impossible to compete with two pregnant women, who need their mom to discuss all manner of things maternal. Frustration took on a whole new meaning to me this morning.

The day has brightened and I am back to writing this post, not without substantial help though. My friend, fellow writer and Artist’s Way mentor, A.Catherine Noon, Noony, helped me get some serious perspective on my day. I am calmer and now able to think rationally about the events that have lead me to this point in time.

My two eldest girls, pregnant, delightful and chatterboxes when together, have been at their disruptive best. They forget that I am more than their mom, that I am a woman and have things that are important to me; that I am committed to. I explained to them earlier this morning that I had plans for the day and would not be available. The issue for me here, is my need for my own space to be the whole person I am. After having had no personal space or boundaries for a long lot of years, the reforming of boundaries is proving to be difficult and a little painful.

I feel like I am in a battle for my inner freedom and perhaps that is a little melodramatic for some, but I am in the midst of this and it feels very much like a battle to me. I want my offspring to know they are loved, wanted, enjoyed, cared for and part of all the things that go into a loving family. But I am serious about my writing and I need some personal space to develop and grow in this new found passion.

I can see that leaving the nest is not an easy or comfortable thing for these girls of mine, but for them as well as myself it is necessary. I am going to quote Noony here, “Grab them by the leg and as you fling them from the nest, wish them a happy flight!”. Sounds harsh – yeah, it does. Will it work? Who knows, I am hopeful! You don’t have to be a mom, being a woman is sufficient to have relevant views on these matters and I would love to hear from you; read what you think about these or related issues.
Regards
Eaton.

The Night Is A Harsh Mistress, by A. Catherine Noon

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The Night Is A Harsh Mistress

Chapter 3

Of course, you know what they say about good intentions. The alarm went off precisely at eleven and she nearly knocked it on the floor trying to get to the snooze bar. She blinked muzzily out the window and fished for her pack of cigarettes. Only one left.

The broad-leafed tree outside her window waved gently in the breeze, the leaves flipping softly back and forth and creating mesmerizing patterns. She lost herself in it and didn’t realize she’d dozed off until the alarm buzzed again.

“Dammit!” Her cigarette was mostly ash by this point, dwindling to nothing in the ashtray. She sat up resolutely and scrubbed her face.

She felt better after a shower in the building’s small gym. She wandered back to her office, her bag clutch in her hand, and saw a door ahead of her open. She sighed, knowing what was coming.

“Miss Carmichael? Is that you?” The familiar voice of her landlord preceded the rest of him into the hallway. He hadn’t needed to ask, obviously, but he thought it would ‘smooth social interaction.’ She knew this because he told her it was his technique for dealing with all his tenants, as though he forgot she was a tenant too.

“Hi, Mr. Singh. How are you today?”

“How am I today?” he repeated in his sing-songy, overly-friendly voice. “I am just peachy today. I have two more tenants that will move in on the second floor, Miss Carmichael.” He beamed at her. “And how are you today?” He really wasn’t as flamingly gay as he sounded, he was just that friendly. He made her tired.

“I’m good, Mr. Singh. I have a break on a case and I finished another case, so things are moving along well.”

He stepped closer to her. “You should come over to dinner on Friday, Miss Carmichael,” he said in a quieter voice, like it was a secret. “My sister’s friend is here from India and her son is with her. He is a very eligible bachelor, you know!” He beamed at her, showing all of his pearly-whites in an overexuberance of dental perfection.

“Mr. Singh,” she started.

He held up a hand. “Say no more, Miss Carmichael. I understand.”

She doubted he did, but refrained from frowning at him by sheer will.

He bent even closer, so he was only a few inches from her ear. “Just think about it.” He stood up quickly, as though afraid of being too intimate with a single woman in his hallway. “Have a good day, Miss Carmichael!” He disappeared into his office without waiting for a response.

She sighed and walked into her own space and closed the door. She set the bag down on the unmade couch and only then did she realize she wasn’t alone. She whirled.

“Still sleeping in your office, huh Raych?”

‘Minutes to Midnight’

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In their new album, Minutes to Midnight, bad boy alternative rockers Linkin Park show a new more somber and introspective side. Their first few albums dealt heavily with the traditional teen subjects of relationships and anger at parents, lovers, and themselves. This album sinks its teeth deeply into the emotions surrounding death and loss. Their distinctive sound of rap woven into a rock background is still present, though less obvious than before and gives way to serious lyrics and themes. It’s the same band that we enjoyed before but they’ve grown a little older and a lot more world weary.

There are a variety of different subjects on this album. Two songs are filled with social commentary, notably about the war in Iraq with lyrics like “When the rich wage war it’s the poor that die”. Another discusses the devastation and abandonment of hurricane Katrina victims. Both have clever wording and showcase the current US President in a less than flattering light. 

We also find two hard hitting ‘scream fests’ perfect for moshing, especially the viciously sung and worded, “Bleed it Out”, It features a man confronting his ex about their relationship by ‘ripping open old scars, digging in deep and letting the blood flow’ with cathartic and disturbing imagery. “What I’ve Done” concerns trying to change one’s life and become a better person.

“Put to rest, what you’ve thought of me,
While I clean the slate with the hands of uncertainty
So let Mercy come and wash away
What I’ve done.” 

But the real meat of the album, by far the majority of songs, deal with death.  In “Leave out all the Rest” they muse about how their families will view the legacy they will leave when they die, will they be remembered for the few good things they’ve done or forever be thought of as the imperfect souls that they really were. “Valentines Day” is a devastatingly harsh observation about how holidays can be painful to celebrate when a loved one has passed.

“So now you’re gone, and I was wrong 
I never knew what it was like to be alone,
On a Valentines Day, on a Valentines Day” 

Listening to “The Shadow of the Day” we cope with the impending death of a loved one. In my opinion the story involves a woman who has recently given birth. Or maybe it’s just the fact that I work with new mothers that causes me to read the lyrics in that particular light. I find them hauntingly beautiful and tragic at the same time.

“In cards and flowers on your window,
Your friends all plead for you to stay,
Sometimes beginnings aren’t so simple,
Sometimes goodbye’s the only way.

And the sun will set for you,
And the shadow of the day,
Will embrace the world in gray,
And the sun will set for you.”

I have always enjoyed Linkin Park.  Listening to them with my children gave me an appreciation of their talent; but it wasn’t until this album that I got a copy of the CD for myself to listen to while I drive. I enjoy the variety of songs and the mature themes, and there’s always the added benefit of having my kids’ friends think I’m ‘cool’ ‘cuz I listen to ‘good stuff’. 🙂 

Lets Get Inspired!

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As I was sitting here trying to figure out what to write, a very good friend suggested sharing what inspires me! So big thanks to Cat for the idea and Gwen for the pep talk 🙂

Okay, so onto the inspiration people! What inspires me? What do I do while I’m writing? What starts my mind twirling towards a story? Honestly, a little bit of everything. Music, food, men, cars, a fabulous new pair of shoes! Let’s start with the first though. Music is always a source of inspiration for me. The drawl of a country song, the anguished scream of rock, the arrogance and confidence from a pop song. It all blends together to make fascinating characters to me.

Miranda Lambert has a great country song Gunpowder and Lead that gets me fired up and wanting to kick major male…err…booty! It brings to the page a tough as nails little spitfire. I can see her now. Black eye, split lip, messy hair and murder in her eyes. Next on the playlist is Korn. Gives me more of a creepy vibe. Sets me in a dark, smoky little bar. There’s a man in the corner staring at me with a gleam in his yellowed eyes. The hairs on the back of my neck are standing up and I want to leave. Now. But I can’t, because I have to be there. Why? I don’t know-I haven’t written the story yet 🙂 But as you can tell, songs are a major source of inspiration. They take me away to another time and place.

What else inspires me? Food. I love to cook, and I love to eat. Sometimes as I’m cooking I imagine I’m a cook in a manor in the 1800’s. I’m cooking a big southern feast for twenty plus people. Or maybe I’m cooking dinner for my boyfriend for the first time. Or as I’m standing there cooking an escaped convict breaks in and holds me hostage! EEP!! Hahaha My imagination often gets the better of me and I find myself terrified for no reason at all!

I think the last thing I’ll talk about today is men. I know that sounds bad-but hear me out! The male characters are always the easiest for me to come up with. Part of it is because I’m surrounded by men. I have very few female friends on this side of the country so most of my time is spent hanging around my husband and his friends. Often one of the boys will get in a situation and say something that drives me nuts! I constantly think if they’d only listen to me I could fix their lives hahaha (me? a control freak? nooooo…err..yes. very much so!) So I will write a story based on them. It starts out as their story but I “fix” it. I also tend to find my friends a happily ever after. Besides stories about “the boys” I have to ask-what woman doesn’t occasionally fantasize about the drop dead sexy man in the grocery store??? Haha My fantasies just happen to get written down!

Okay, so this was your glimpse into my head. There are many many more things that inspire me, but hopefully this little bit helps to inspire you some too!

Flash Friday the Fifth

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Every Friday, we will post links to a collection of flash pieces written by our contributing Authors and guests. They may be related to the same prompt, they may be randomly assembled, they will always be enjoyable.

This week, we have a collection of submissions to the FFC April 2008 Edition. This month’s theme is THE ELEMENTS: Earth, Water, Fire, Air.

Eaton Bennett
The Element of Fire: Hugo, an Officer in the King’s army, has serious doubts with his chosen career as a soldier. Life changing decisions are very difficult to make, but when Hugo sees what has to be done his courage does not fail him….

Andi King
Muse: For the Flash Fiction Carnival, a 693 word story using the elements: earth, air, water, fire (spirit).

A. Catherine Noon
Elementary: One for each of the elements: Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and Spirit.

Kathleen Oxley
Reacquaintance: A witch renews her connection with each of the elements.

Liz
The Power of the Eclipse
A priestess banished from her temple finds a new source of power.

Poetry

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Discovery of Poetry

Of all the things I love to read, poetry has never really been on the list. But as I have been delving in to what writing is, how to improve it, add passion to it; I have realized that I can no longer ignore poetry. It is too valuable a tool in the art of writing to overlook.

Much to my surprise I enjoy it and am so amazed at the different styles and subjects written about by poets. I am discovering the major poets and their works, for the first time as it were. Looking through different eyes and for different reasons than when I was at school. I have discovered that there is some innovative contemporary work out there too, not just the classics.

I understand the intricacies, the patterns and the rhythms necessary to write poetry. Bringing the words together is like a dance of words. Practicing the steps over and over again until everything flows to the set rhythm. There is something about poetry that makes me think it is full of secrets, waiting to be uncovered and if I look carefully and use my senses as well as my intellect I will discover those secrets.

Poetry is like a treasure chest, full of amazing jewels, different ones for the taking at every reading. I had the thought as I was writing this, that it is like lots of twinkling stars dotted throughout the innumerable writings in the world. I know this is probably a very fanciful idea, but it suits my perception of poetry. I have added a couple of links to some contemporary poetry as well as those on this page.

I Love a Sunburnt Country

Waitress Poems

Proof

That I did always love,
I bring thee proof:
That till I loved
I did not love enough.
That I shall love always,
offer thee
That love is life,
And life hath immortality.
This, dost thou doubt, sweet?
Then have I
Nothing to show
But Calvary.
—Emily Dickinson

Love’s Philosophy

The fountains mingle with the river,
And the rivers with the ocean;
The winds of heaven mix forever
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single;
All things by a law divine
In another’s being mingle–
Why not I with thine?

See, the mountains kiss high heaven,
And the waves clasp one another;
No sister flower could be forgiven
If it disdained its brother;
And the sunlight clasps the earth,
And the moonbeams kiss the sea;–
What is all this sweet work worth,
If thou kiss not me?
— Percy Bysshe Shelley

Love

1 Corinthians: 13

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels,
but have not love,
I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have a faith that can move mountains,
but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,
but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered;
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes;
always perseveres.
Love never fails.

This is only a portion of the biblical text.

Eden’s Poem: Run Me to My Ruin

I added Eden’s poem because I like it.

He said, She Said

This clever poem is by, Kathleen Oxley, it won her a place on the Erotic Woman Site. – erotica.

I hope you enjoy the poetry and see it with new eyes as I have. Enjoy!

Thursday Thirteen

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Look out, it’s Thursday again! (Where does the time go?)

Most of the contributors of the Writer’s Retreat Blog participate in the weekly meme, Thursday Thirteen, so every Thursday we link to the individual sites of each writer’s TT. Hopefully, this helps you get to know each of us a little better. This week we’ve got:

A. Catherine Noon – 13 Knitting and Craft Sites

Kathleen’s 13 Things Men Are Like

13 Reasons Gwen’s Been a Lazy Blogger

Liz – 13 Book Series That Have Shaped My Life

Wiley Wednesday – Death, Taxes & Rejection

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So, yesterday was tax day – I’m sure it didn’t go unnoticed by most of us. They say death and taxes are the only certainties. For most of us aspiring to be published, we can add to that list, rejection.

No, it’s not a guarantee. But, it’s highly likely that through our pursuit of subbing out manuscripts or sending in stories to contests, we’re going to face rejection.

In his 1947 essay “On the Writing of Speculative Fiction,” Robert A. Heinlein listed the following rules for writing:

1. You must write.
2. You must finish what you write.
3. You must refrain from rewriting, except to editorial order.
4. You must put the work on the market.
5. You must keep the work on the market until it is sold.

Sounds simple, right? But, how hard is it to send that story back out once it’s been rejected? Particularly, without making edits/changes to it? Pretty hard, in my own experience.

Writers seem to be plagued with self-doubt and insecurity. And, it’s no wonder. What we’re putting out there is a little piece of ourselves that we’ve often put blood, sweat and tears into. It doesn’t get more personal than that.

But, I believe this simple list of rules is very pertinent to each of us, and is something we should all keep in mind. I plan to keep this list handy, and to try to follow it in the future. However difficult that may be.

How about you? Do you think you can follow this list? Are there other “rules” or suggestions that have suited you along your path to publication? I’d love to hear them – please leave a comment with any that you want to share!

Author Spotlight – Anne Bishop

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I just finished reading Tangled Webs, the latest book by Anne Bishop and I was planning on writing a review about it today, but since it is the is part of a series, I decided it would be more helpful if I did an author review instead. All information provided in this post will be spoiler-free.

Author Spotlight – Anne Bishop

The Black Jewels Trilogy

I first came across Anne Bishop a couple years ago while browsing the for a big thick book to take on vacation. Fantasy fiction is my first love, and in that section I found The Black Jewels Trilogy. This 1204 page book is actually a compilation of the first three award winning books in the Black Jewels Series – Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, and Queen of the Darkness.

In this series, Ms. Bishop takes us to a mesmerizing world where long ago a group of people known as “the Blood” were given the power and responsibility to be guardians of their realms. As with any situation involving power, some use it wisely while others become corrupt. Unfortunately, this corruption is sweeping through the realms causing a taint that has the potential to bring an end to their way of life. For more than 50,000 years, this epic battle of good versus evil has been fought on the battlefields of Earth, Hell, and everywhere in between. The only hope for the Blood is a prophecy that states that one day Witch will be born. She will be a queen powerful enough to cleanse the taint and heal the wounds of the realms. The most powerful forces in history are lined up for the culmination of this battle. Will Witch arrive in time to save the World, or will she be destroyed before she is able to come into her power.

These stories are an example of high fantasy at its best. Ms. Bishop is able to transport the reader into a highly developed, complex world with ease. Her characters are 3-dimensional, filled with strengths, weaknesses, honor, and irreverence. She weaves a tale that draws you in and makes you eager to turn the page. I am very glad that I read these stories as part of this omnibus edition because it would have been torture to have to wait for the next book to come out to complete the story. I highly recommend this book, and I would encourage people to read this trilogy before moving on to any of the stand-alone books in the Realms of the Blood Series.

Dreams Made Flesh

The next instalment in the Black Jewels Series, Dreams Made Flesh, is actually a compilation of two novellas – “The Prince of Ebon Rih” and “Kaeleer’s Heart” and two short stories – “Weaver of Dreams” and “Zuulaman”.

Normally, a reader would have to turn to fan fiction to get the vignettes and background stories that are to short to be fleshed out into a novel in there own right, but in this book, Ms. Bishop artfully gives fans the extra tidbits they crave about the characters they’ve come to love from The Black Jewels Trilogy. She manages to combine fantasy, adventure, mystery, and sensual romance together in a way that touches all of your emotions. I found this book to be incredibly satisfying, and a wonderful book to just pick up and read when you don’t have enough time to get involved with a longer novel. This book should NOT be read before The Black Jewels Trilogy as it contains spoilers that could ruin some of the wonderful surprises in the earlier book.

The Invisible Ring

In The Invisible Ring, Jared, a Warlord who has been turned into a pleasure slave, is sold to a mysterious queen known as “the Grey Lady,” and finds himself thrust into the middle of a struggle between some of the most powerful forces in the Realms. Nothing is as it seems, and Jared must discover the truth in order to be able to save himself, the people he cares about, and his very world from being destroyed by evil.

Although The Invisible Ring was released after The Black Jewels Trilogy, this stand-alone novel is truly a prequel to the other stories. It gives insight into the complex world of the Realms of the Blood and supplies background about some of the pivotal characters and the reasons behind the war that threatens to tear the Realms apart. It is not quite up to the level of the original trilogy, but it is very enjoyable. It could be read at any point without spoiling any of the surprises in the rest of the series.

Tangled Webs

As the latest installment in the Black Jewels Series, Tangled Webs brings us back to the Realms of the Blood and continues the story while shifting the focus onto Surreal SaDiablo, a supporting character from the earlier books. It also includes a bonus short story, “By the Time the Witchblood Blooms”.

While thoroughly enjoyable, this book is not written as smoothly as any of Ms. Bishops earlier works in the Black Jewels Series. The premise of this book is shallower and less intricate than I expected given how high the bar was set by The Black Jewels Trilogy. That said, I was pulled in by this book and read it in a single day.

I would recommend this book to any fan of the Black Jewels Series, although it should NOT be read before The Black Jewels Trilogy or Dreams Made Flesh as it contains spoilers for pivotal plot elements in the earlier books.

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The Landscapes of Ephemera

From a completely different yet equally rich world, Ms. Bishop brings us the duology of Ephemera.

A man’s journey to find his humanity.
A woman’s journey to find her courage.
An ever-changing world that can be saved or destroyed by the human heart.

I think this publisher’s blurb from the jacket of the books sums up the feeling of these books very well. Sebastian follows an incubus who is struggling to find his way in a world that can literally be changed by a persons thought and intentions, while Belladonna tells the tale of a woman who must overcome the labels that have been placed on her, in order to do what must be done to save her world. Both of these books are beautifully written fantasies, filled with magic and sensual romance. These are fun, easy reads that leave you very satisfied.

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Tir Alainn Trilogy

I have not yet read this World of the Fae series, but because of my experience with the other worlds that Ms. Bishop has created, they are definitely near the top of my To-Be-Read list. The reviews that I’ve read leave me to believe that once again, Ms. Bishop has woven tails of fantasy, adventure, and sensual romance taking place in a rich, well developed world.

If anyone has read these books and wants to give their review, please post a comment. I would love to hear other peoples’ opinions about the works of this impressive author!

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While I was writing this, I was inspired by Kathleen’s Fun Writing Challenge. Check out my blog for a snippet of page 123 in Tangled Web – a Writitng Exercise.