Tag: Darla

  • Show Instead of Tell

    I recently saw a close-up photograph of roses that allowed me to virtually smell their fragrance and feel the thick silk of their petals. At that moment, I realized it defines a goal for my writing.

    When readers honor me with a read, I’d like to take them on a journey. I want him or her to smell the air and feel a lover’s touch as the page is turned. The notion hearkens back to the popular and wise adage to show the reader as opposed to telling.

    While not as easy as it sounds, this is something to think about and something to work upon. Now, I’d better get back at it and try to improve my craft a little bit more.

  • Thursday Thirteen

    Take a breather and enjoy a list of the random.  Happy Thursday!

    Darla M. Sands

  • Gearing Up for NaNoWriMo

    National Novel Writing Month sweeps in with the autumn air of November. Are you getting on board with this worldwide event? For the first time, having only heard of it last year, I’m jumping in feet first.

    To help put participants in the right (write) frame of mind, regions are hosting all sorts of local events. I’m already looking forward to one this Thursday at a local library. It sounds like it has everything I need just in the title alone: The Courage to Write.

    A gentleman by the name of Ralph Keyes will address many challenges. Among them is just sitting down and getting started. That’s the all-important first step. Then there’s looking within for ideas, confronting procrastination, and dealing with anxiety about the reaction of others to one’s work. The whole thing is supposed to be a lively, good humored presentation ending on a positive, motivational note. This sounds like just the ticket!

    Are you inspired yet? Click on the link and read all about it. Better yet, join me and register today: NaNoWriMo Registration

  • Thursday Thirteen

    It’s that day of the week again. Please join us for random reads:

    Darla’s Sand Castles

    Nicole Gordon

  • Thursday Thirteen

    It’s a tradition on Thursdays in the blogosphere to make up random lists and share them with our readers. We hope you’ll take a break from your busy day and join us in the fun.

    Darla M Sands

  • Opening a Door or Tripping Over a Threshold?

    Following a blog for several months, I’ve been living vicariously through a brave young woman’s move from England to Japan. She repeatedly states how much she loves living there and shares gorgeous images alongside enjoyable tell of her exploits.

    The other day, however, I read the surprising news that she plans to return to Europe in spring when her current contract expires. Why? Because of the career she ultimately desires, which is the reason for this post.

    Rather unsurprisingly, this person wishes to become a professional writer. While I, like her, currently receive a paycheck for less rewarding work, I don’t see any great advantage to finding employment in the publishing industry.

    She does, and it’s apparently unlikely to happen for her in Japan. So, she intends to pack her bags and return to her English speaking homeland. This strikes me as an utterly misguided decision. Am I wrong?

    Especially in the internet age, the point of leaving the home she loves is lost to me. Granted, this gal said that the grind of everyday existence dents into the adventures she foresaw. Still, even if she travels in the future, why uproot from a cherished land? Let me know what you think.

  • Thursday Thirteen

    Join us in a celebration of the random:

    Darla’s Sand Castles ~ A Fun Pictorial

  • Save! Save! Save! The GLBT Bookshelf Rummage Sale is Here!

    It’s September, and that means Mel Keegan’s GLBT Bookshelf is hosting its second rummage sale.  I’m honored to have two titles alongside the talented Mr. Keegan, the original “Miya” from March’s discount sale table and now the characters are back in “Unmasking Miya”.

    And be sure to check out the reads from our very own Nicole Gordon!  There’s a little something for everyone among the offerings, so I hope you’ll join me in checking out the bargains!

    The GLBT Rummage Sale*

    * for mature audiences only

  • Thursday Thirteen

    We have very different and fun lists for you today. Come check them out!

    A. Catherine Noon

    Darla’s Sand Castles

    Nicole Gordon

  • Thursday Thirteen

    Join us for random lists to celebrate Thursday! We love comments, if you have the time…

    Darla M Sands