This post was spawned by a post over on Rachelle Gardner's blog about the difficulties we face as writers. She asked "What Makes the Writing Life Hard?" and I had an instant answer: Believing in yourself and getting others to believe in you. She talked about it today.
Why is that? My thoughts:
Well, as authors, we all seem to be crammed into a convoluted box that the outside world sees as mystical and scary. They don't know how to step into the box because - let's face it - authors think differently. This goes back to my post from the other day about a true writer being born and not made. We see the World in a different way than other people. They have difficulty identifying with us.
But it can happen!! Don't lose hope!
I believe that if YOU believe in yourself, others will follow in your footsteps. Look at Jim Jones - the guy who got all those people to drink the Kool-Aid laced with cyanide - and you'll have an idea of what I'm talking about. That guy preached with such conviction, people followed him and paid the ultimate price. Now, I'm not suggesting you go get people to believe in your writing so much that they feel compelled to drink poison, but I am trying to get you to see that if YOU are excited about your work and TRULY believe in yourself, others will be too.
What most people fail to realize is, we work for ourselves and write because we have something to say. Period. We aren't unrealistic, we just function on a different plane of imagination. We are different, not crazy. No, we likely won't end up as famous as Suzanne Collins or J.K. Rowling, but we will achieve fame in our own way and in our own hearts.
If you are the spouse or loved one of a writer, please be supportive and PROUD of them. It is quite an accomplishment just to write 100k words; not to mention the edits and re-writes and advertising we all have to do. Most people go their whole lives and never write 100k words. Be proud and tell them you are proud.
I know how it feels to have someone that believes in you. Someone who is behind you, pushing you to do more and be better. He is my driving force and always celebrates my achievements! I would likely never have finished my novel, Yassa, if he wasn't there, encouraging me and telling me how great I am while plying me with an endless supply of coffee!
We all need that special someone who supports us in our endeavors. Link up with fellow authors if you don't have someone else. We should all be there to support and encourage each other!
That's all for today. I am running late!! 9am and time to write!!
Don't forget to follow this blog, follow me on Twitter, or like my Facebook page for your free copy of The Abigale Chronicles - Book One over on Smashwords. It's available in all formats. Just two days left to get yours!!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Monday, April 30, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Bringing Truth to Fiction
Something I think every author struggles with is telling the truth in their story. So you write fantasy, you say? Well, there is still a note of truth even in a fantasy novel. Your characters must be true to life or you do your readers a great disservice.
Here's an example:
Carol is a mother of three who just lost her job, her husband, and is angry at the world. Let's give Carol something to complain about other than that. We will pile pain on top of pain and see how she reacts...
Carol was worn out from the day of fighting with Jake and from trolling the city looking for a new job. She changed her clothes, turned off the light, and started for bed. She stubbed her toe, hard, on the corner of the open bathroom door near the switch. "Ouch!" she yelled, grabbing her foot and hopping around before tumbling into bed and crying herself to sleep. How could he do this to her and their kids?
Now, I don't know about you, but if I were going through all that, I'm positive that "Ouch!" would NOT be my reaction. Let's try again, being true to Carol's character...
Carol was exhausted and pissed off after her day of fighting with Jake, her bastard ex, and from trolling the city looking for a new job - what a joke that was in the current market! She changed her clothes, turned off the light, and started for bed. She stubbed her toe, hard, on the corner of the open bathroom door near the switch. "Shiiiiiiiiiit!" she yelled, grabbing her foot and continuing to scream a stream of curse words while hopping on one foot to the bed and crying herself to sleep with thoughts of ripping Jake's head from his slimy ass shoulders. How the hell could he do this to her and her kids?
Now, the Carol in example one is sterile. Most readers would read that and be okay with it. However, Carol in example two is passionate and you can feel how she feels. But there is something else!! Carol in example one seems defeated, worn down and ready to feel sorry for herself. Carol in example two shows grit and a woman who is angry but who is pushed by that anger.
If you continued both stories in your head, the first would likely continue with her waking up and hitting the streets again to find a job. But the second would likely lead you to Carol dreaming up some sort of revenge to exact on dear old Jake. If you write and are true to your character's personality and life struggles, your book will take on a quality all its own.
Not everyone can do that. I always say, writers are born, not made. Anyone can learn to write well, it's the ability to write with passion and drive that separates the two.
That's all for today!! I hope you enjoyed the read.
Remember, there's just three more days before the coupon on The Abigale Chronicles - Book One expires! So, start following today and get your code for your FREE copy of this great first book in the series!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Here's an example:
Carol is a mother of three who just lost her job, her husband, and is angry at the world. Let's give Carol something to complain about other than that. We will pile pain on top of pain and see how she reacts...
Carol was worn out from the day of fighting with Jake and from trolling the city looking for a new job. She changed her clothes, turned off the light, and started for bed. She stubbed her toe, hard, on the corner of the open bathroom door near the switch. "Ouch!" she yelled, grabbing her foot and hopping around before tumbling into bed and crying herself to sleep. How could he do this to her and their kids?
Now, I don't know about you, but if I were going through all that, I'm positive that "Ouch!" would NOT be my reaction. Let's try again, being true to Carol's character...
Carol was exhausted and pissed off after her day of fighting with Jake, her bastard ex, and from trolling the city looking for a new job - what a joke that was in the current market! She changed her clothes, turned off the light, and started for bed. She stubbed her toe, hard, on the corner of the open bathroom door near the switch. "Shiiiiiiiiiit!" she yelled, grabbing her foot and continuing to scream a stream of curse words while hopping on one foot to the bed and crying herself to sleep with thoughts of ripping Jake's head from his slimy ass shoulders. How the hell could he do this to her and her kids?
Now, the Carol in example one is sterile. Most readers would read that and be okay with it. However, Carol in example two is passionate and you can feel how she feels. But there is something else!! Carol in example one seems defeated, worn down and ready to feel sorry for herself. Carol in example two shows grit and a woman who is angry but who is pushed by that anger.
If you continued both stories in your head, the first would likely continue with her waking up and hitting the streets again to find a job. But the second would likely lead you to Carol dreaming up some sort of revenge to exact on dear old Jake. If you write and are true to your character's personality and life struggles, your book will take on a quality all its own.
Not everyone can do that. I always say, writers are born, not made. Anyone can learn to write well, it's the ability to write with passion and drive that separates the two.
That's all for today!! I hope you enjoyed the read.
Remember, there's just three more days before the coupon on The Abigale Chronicles - Book One expires! So, start following today and get your code for your FREE copy of this great first book in the series!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Abigale is Done - New Novel!
The Abigale Chronicles - Book One is complete. A short, 10k word Young Readers book is what I ended up with. I am so proud of myself for getting it done so quickly! I can't wait to share the cover art for Yassa and TAC!! I would love to hear feedback from any reader of this blog so, keep your eyes open and make sure to vote!!
I started a new novel titled Player that is the story of a man looking to change his life. He finds something along the way that he never expected to find but the end has a twist that will leave you reeling. Here is my synopsis:
I started a new novel titled Player that is the story of a man looking to change his life. He finds something along the way that he never expected to find but the end has a twist that will leave you reeling. Here is my synopsis:
Richard
Meritis has it all figured out. He has enrolled in an MBA program in order to
change his life and get out from under his wife of fourteen years, Julia, who cares
more about her nails and social life than she does about Richard, and he begins
a journey that he has carefully planned every step of over the last year.
Kathy Miller
is a young woman struggling to find her purpose in life. With five children and
a husband that treats and uses her like property, she feels like there is no
way she can change anything and has, instead, found ways to live with her
situation. When she discovers a deep, dark secret about her husband, Gordon,
and her life begins to unravel, she realizes it’s a sign that it’s time to take
a leap of faith.
Richard
meets Kathy and both of them find something they never expected. Will Richard’s
ultimate plan succeed or will he be derailed by the unexpected newfound
companionship? Will Kathy be able to see Richard’s true intentions? What is his
game?
Player brings surprises at every turn and you
will be left guessing what Richard’s true plan was and if meeting someone like
Kathy was really planned from the beginning. You will fall in love with Richard
because of his flaws, Kathy because of her temerity, and by the end, you will
realize that not everything is what it seems to be.
I hope this piques your interest and I hope you will follow along with Richard and Kathy as they make life-changing decisions.
Remember, keep an eye out for cover art choices coming soon!! I look forward to hearing from you!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Monday, April 16, 2012
Abigale On Fire
Work has begun on The Abigale Chronicles - Book 1 and I couldn't be more pleased. I am up to chapter 7 already and cracking it out like my brain and fingers are on fire.
I made some decisions and just began writing. Her story is flowing so well, I'm scaring myself a little. It feels a little like my writing has gone to a whole different level since finishing Yassa and I am very pleased.
For all the authors out there, have you ever had that epiphany where you realize that you can do it? Where all your stars seem to align and you feel like your dreams have finally been recognized by your muse?
I have a deep love of photography, art, and literature. I recognize these things within myself and know that, as long as I embrace them, I will find contentedness within myself.
I have to take a moment here and thank my boyfriend. If any of you have someone in your life like him, you will understand what I am about to say. If you don't, I'm very sorry.
To the Love of My Life:
You encouraged me when I needed it most and refused to let me give up on myself; even when I thought there was no way I could ever finish. Thank you. You were there and drove my passion and gave me a reason to push forward. Thank you. You offered help constantly and pushed me to limits I didn't realize I could breach while providing me comfort and a pair of arms to make me feel secure. Thank you. You provided support, love, and were a constant reminder that I could do it. Thank you. Thank you for being the man you are and for loving me so much. I could never have done it without you. Thank you.
I hope you all keep following this blog for updates on Abigale and her frienemy, Emmett. I know I said I would be linking to the new blog from this one, but I'm not sure I'll be doing a different blog for the new series. We'll see.
Time to go and write!!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
I made some decisions and just began writing. Her story is flowing so well, I'm scaring myself a little. It feels a little like my writing has gone to a whole different level since finishing Yassa and I am very pleased.
For all the authors out there, have you ever had that epiphany where you realize that you can do it? Where all your stars seem to align and you feel like your dreams have finally been recognized by your muse?
I have a deep love of photography, art, and literature. I recognize these things within myself and know that, as long as I embrace them, I will find contentedness within myself.
I have to take a moment here and thank my boyfriend. If any of you have someone in your life like him, you will understand what I am about to say. If you don't, I'm very sorry.
To the Love of My Life:
You encouraged me when I needed it most and refused to let me give up on myself; even when I thought there was no way I could ever finish. Thank you. You were there and drove my passion and gave me a reason to push forward. Thank you. You offered help constantly and pushed me to limits I didn't realize I could breach while providing me comfort and a pair of arms to make me feel secure. Thank you. You provided support, love, and were a constant reminder that I could do it. Thank you. Thank you for being the man you are and for loving me so much. I could never have done it without you. Thank you.
I hope you all keep following this blog for updates on Abigale and her frienemy, Emmett. I know I said I would be linking to the new blog from this one, but I'm not sure I'll be doing a different blog for the new series. We'll see.
Time to go and write!!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Monday, March 12, 2012
Monday, Monday, Monday!!! 6,000!
Yes, you read that right. It's Monday! UGH to daylight savings time - it has me alllll screwed up.
Time for a short story!
As I stand, alone, in the darkness, letting my eyes try to adjust, I begin to panic. I can feel my palms sweating and my heart racing in my chest; it's loud in the silence of the night. My legs begin to shake and I am fighting back both the urge to scream and the urge to run. I know that I can't give away my location but can't remember why or how I had gotten here. All I remember is falling asleep in my bed and waking up to this pitch blackness and the smell of trees, leaves, and grass. I am barefoot, dressed only in my nightgown, and I can feel a slight dampness in the ground beneath my feet. My hearing and smell are heightened to a state I have never experienced before. I am blind.
Suddenly, the thin waning crescent of the moon appears and my eyes are able to pick up a hint of light. What I see makes my blood run cold. I am standing in a small clearing in a forest and there are two very large, very red eyes looking at me from the brush on the other side. There is no body to go with those eyes yet but the sight of them makes my stomach tie into knots and every muscle in my body tense with fear.
It slowly takes a step out and I have to will my feet not to move and clench my jaw shut to avoid screaming. I know that if I scream, it will be on me in a second. Where that knowledge comes from, I can't remember. I lick my dry lips with my dry tongue as the animal emerges and my eyes widen in fear when the full form of the dog finally emerges. It is the biggest canine I have ever seen and I want to cry but find I am afraid to blur my vision with my tears and lose sight of my stalker.
His lips curl back in a snarl and I get the scent of blood in my nose. I can see the stains on its muzzle now and, as it moves closer, I am struck with the certainty that it is here to kill me. When it gets within mere feet of my position, my will breaks and I turn and run; crashing through the trees and bushes and cutting my skin deeply. I feel the sticks penetrating the soft bottom of my feet but I cannot take the time to care. I run like I have never run before in my life. I can hear the dog's feet as they pound the Earth behind me and I can imagine its breath on the back of my neck.
I want to stop and throw up. My stomach feels like it is going to explode and my legs feel numb and detached from my body. I am breathing hard and fast from my panic and know that I will pass out soon if I am not careful; but I can't stop. I must keep running until the animal gives up. I know this as surely as I know my name is Bonnie; but I can't remember anything else.
I look back for a moment to see where my pursuer is and realize my mistake too late. In the dark, I don't see the end of the ground until I'm falling. I feel my hair whipping up and around my face for a moment and I think, "This is how I am going to die." but I slam into the ground a moment later and the sound of my bones snapping throughout my body sounds alien. I am lying on my back and cannot move but can see the place where I began my decent. As I stare, the dog leaps off the edge with no fear and lands, snarling, a few feet from me.
As he turns and looks at me, I allow my tears to flow at last. When he finally lunges for my throat, I feel a fear that I have never felt before...
The fear of death.
THE END - Literally!
I plan to crack out three chapters this week, my daily goal is 6,000 words. I need to finish by the end of March to hit my no-later-than-June release date.
Temujin, Jamuka, and Borte are about to have some tension and this is about to get real. I hope you all enjoyed my lil story above and that it made you cringe for a moment in this early morning light.
Now that I am all warmed up, time to write some book!!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Time for a short story!
As I stand, alone, in the darkness, letting my eyes try to adjust, I begin to panic. I can feel my palms sweating and my heart racing in my chest; it's loud in the silence of the night. My legs begin to shake and I am fighting back both the urge to scream and the urge to run. I know that I can't give away my location but can't remember why or how I had gotten here. All I remember is falling asleep in my bed and waking up to this pitch blackness and the smell of trees, leaves, and grass. I am barefoot, dressed only in my nightgown, and I can feel a slight dampness in the ground beneath my feet. My hearing and smell are heightened to a state I have never experienced before. I am blind.
Suddenly, the thin waning crescent of the moon appears and my eyes are able to pick up a hint of light. What I see makes my blood run cold. I am standing in a small clearing in a forest and there are two very large, very red eyes looking at me from the brush on the other side. There is no body to go with those eyes yet but the sight of them makes my stomach tie into knots and every muscle in my body tense with fear.
It slowly takes a step out and I have to will my feet not to move and clench my jaw shut to avoid screaming. I know that if I scream, it will be on me in a second. Where that knowledge comes from, I can't remember. I lick my dry lips with my dry tongue as the animal emerges and my eyes widen in fear when the full form of the dog finally emerges. It is the biggest canine I have ever seen and I want to cry but find I am afraid to blur my vision with my tears and lose sight of my stalker.
His lips curl back in a snarl and I get the scent of blood in my nose. I can see the stains on its muzzle now and, as it moves closer, I am struck with the certainty that it is here to kill me. When it gets within mere feet of my position, my will breaks and I turn and run; crashing through the trees and bushes and cutting my skin deeply. I feel the sticks penetrating the soft bottom of my feet but I cannot take the time to care. I run like I have never run before in my life. I can hear the dog's feet as they pound the Earth behind me and I can imagine its breath on the back of my neck.
I want to stop and throw up. My stomach feels like it is going to explode and my legs feel numb and detached from my body. I am breathing hard and fast from my panic and know that I will pass out soon if I am not careful; but I can't stop. I must keep running until the animal gives up. I know this as surely as I know my name is Bonnie; but I can't remember anything else.
I look back for a moment to see where my pursuer is and realize my mistake too late. In the dark, I don't see the end of the ground until I'm falling. I feel my hair whipping up and around my face for a moment and I think, "This is how I am going to die." but I slam into the ground a moment later and the sound of my bones snapping throughout my body sounds alien. I am lying on my back and cannot move but can see the place where I began my decent. As I stare, the dog leaps off the edge with no fear and lands, snarling, a few feet from me.
As he turns and looks at me, I allow my tears to flow at last. When he finally lunges for my throat, I feel a fear that I have never felt before...
The fear of death.
THE END - Literally!
I plan to crack out three chapters this week, my daily goal is 6,000 words. I need to finish by the end of March to hit my no-later-than-June release date.
Temujin, Jamuka, and Borte are about to have some tension and this is about to get real. I hope you all enjoyed my lil story above and that it made you cringe for a moment in this early morning light.
Now that I am all warmed up, time to write some book!!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Friday, March 9, 2012
Relationships are Difficult
Not only in life, but also in fiction. Writing about Borte and Temujin has made me stop and analyze real relationships. I analyze my parents, my siblings, and myself. I find that they are all with their caveats and sacrifices but the good ones have one thing in common: They want to be together.
Temujin and Borte follow this rule and, despite everything that has been thrown in their path, they continue to desire one another and want the love they have together so badly, that they are willing to continue to press forward and not give up.
Temujin has his moments where he is angry with Borte, but he loves her very deeply and she shares that feeling. When he is away, she misses him and he misses her. When he is angry with her, she hurts just like he does. It is their shared love that makes them last. If he loved her more than she loved him, or if she loved him more than he loves her, I just don't think the relationship would have survived like it did - in real life.
As I write more about these two and put history in its place, I realize what they endured to be together and it makes me understand better the meaning of promising yourself to someone. When you make that promise, you are saying that no matter what, you will love and care for that person; but it is a two-way street. No one likes to be the only one that cares. Temujin cares about and loves Borte no matter what. If you want to learn about everything they have endured and survived thus far, you will have to read the book! Ha!
Off to put the finishing touches on some chapters!!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Temujin and Borte follow this rule and, despite everything that has been thrown in their path, they continue to desire one another and want the love they have together so badly, that they are willing to continue to press forward and not give up.
Temujin has his moments where he is angry with Borte, but he loves her very deeply and she shares that feeling. When he is away, she misses him and he misses her. When he is angry with her, she hurts just like he does. It is their shared love that makes them last. If he loved her more than she loved him, or if she loved him more than he loves her, I just don't think the relationship would have survived like it did - in real life.
As I write more about these two and put history in its place, I realize what they endured to be together and it makes me understand better the meaning of promising yourself to someone. When you make that promise, you are saying that no matter what, you will love and care for that person; but it is a two-way street. No one likes to be the only one that cares. Temujin cares about and loves Borte no matter what. If you want to learn about everything they have endured and survived thus far, you will have to read the book! Ha!
Off to put the finishing touches on some chapters!!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Chapter 20 Excerpt
Here is a little snatch from the almost completed chapter 20 - Rivalry
I relieved Graêl of his burden and rubbed him down with a piece of cloth dipped in the water trough nearby; he nuzzled my hand in thanks.
I said, “At least someone around here likes me.” and stroked his neck.
When I was done and Graêl was comfortable, I headed back to speak with my wife again. I knew she was angry with me and I was lost as to how to fix it or make it just a little better. I entered a very silent house and wondered where all the children were. Just as I was about to bellow that I had arrived, my mother ambled out of her room. When I saw her, bent with age and with a full head of gray hair, my heart stung and I hurried over to help her to her yak fur.
“Most honorable mother, what happened? Why are you bent over like this?”
She smiled at me and said, “I am simply growing old. I have raised many sons and a daughter. You did not think I would be young and spry forever, did you?”
I smiled back and said, “No. But I didn’t think age would take you so quickly. I have only been gone…” I began to count in my head.
She interrupted and said, “Almost two years, my son.”
Two years! How could that be? I was just home a few months prior! I tried to give voice to my thoughts but she cut me off again.
“Twenty months you have been gone. Tolui is almost two years of age. He has never even seen you. Börte grows more withdrawn and sad every day. I am hoping your return will bring her life back. I believe she thought you abandoned her forever.”
My heart hurt in that moment. Pain that began in my chest poured through my body and spiraled outward from that central point; I began to shake. What pain I had caused my wife! Where did my twenty months go? I choked back my tears and looked at my mother with remorse in my eyes.
She touched my face and said, “Many men make mistakes. I knew when you left that you would be gone from us for a long time; Börte refused to believe me and held on to her thought that you would return within a few days. When a few days turned into a few weeks, and a few weeks turned into a few months, she began to wilt like a flower. I fear that if you had stayed gone much longer, she would have died of a broken heart.”
Temujin may redeem himself but you will have to read the book to find out how. Ha!
I hope you are all enjoying the excerpts and snatches thus far.
Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
I relieved Graêl of his burden and rubbed him down with a piece of cloth dipped in the water trough nearby; he nuzzled my hand in thanks.
I said, “At least someone around here likes me.” and stroked his neck.
When I was done and Graêl was comfortable, I headed back to speak with my wife again. I knew she was angry with me and I was lost as to how to fix it or make it just a little better. I entered a very silent house and wondered where all the children were. Just as I was about to bellow that I had arrived, my mother ambled out of her room. When I saw her, bent with age and with a full head of gray hair, my heart stung and I hurried over to help her to her yak fur.
“Most honorable mother, what happened? Why are you bent over like this?”
She smiled at me and said, “I am simply growing old. I have raised many sons and a daughter. You did not think I would be young and spry forever, did you?”
I smiled back and said, “No. But I didn’t think age would take you so quickly. I have only been gone…” I began to count in my head.
She interrupted and said, “Almost two years, my son.”
Two years! How could that be? I was just home a few months prior! I tried to give voice to my thoughts but she cut me off again.
“Twenty months you have been gone. Tolui is almost two years of age. He has never even seen you. Börte grows more withdrawn and sad every day. I am hoping your return will bring her life back. I believe she thought you abandoned her forever.”
My heart hurt in that moment. Pain that began in my chest poured through my body and spiraled outward from that central point; I began to shake. What pain I had caused my wife! Where did my twenty months go? I choked back my tears and looked at my mother with remorse in my eyes.
She touched my face and said, “Many men make mistakes. I knew when you left that you would be gone from us for a long time; Börte refused to believe me and held on to her thought that you would return within a few days. When a few days turned into a few weeks, and a few weeks turned into a few months, she began to wilt like a flower. I fear that if you had stayed gone much longer, she would have died of a broken heart.”
Temujin may redeem himself but you will have to read the book to find out how. Ha!
I hope you are all enjoying the excerpts and snatches thus far.
Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Chapter 20 on the Agenda!
Today it is time for chapter 20 - Rivalry!!
Now, what do you think this chapter is all about? If you said the direct conflict between Jamuka and Temujin, you are right. However, I think little Ms. Borte is about to find herself deeply submerged in the brown stuff. Her hubby only sees one side of the conversation she has with a certain someone and blows his top. Conversation with whom, you may ask? Well, you'll have to read the book to find that out.What fun would the story be if I gave away all of the details? Ha!
Temujin is going to be named Khan and finally change his name to GENGHIS. Throughout the story, you will witness a kind of coming-of-age for the boy and in the next few chapters, you may grow to not like him very much. Everyone says power goes to your head and I think this is particularly true with mighty men in leadership positions who are not allowed to care because it would make them bananas. We have already seen Temujin's ruthless side, loving side, and self-depreciating side; what matters is which one he embraces as he gains control. Perhaps we will have God guide him a bit... I truly do not know what will happen but I am watching him morph into someone else in front of my eyes through his story and it's a bit scary. I just hope I can pull him back before he does something he will regret...
Who knows? Not me. Anyway, tomorrow I will give you an excerpt so come on back for that!!
I hope you are all having a great week - it's almost Wednesday!!
It is 9am and time to get going.
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Now, what do you think this chapter is all about? If you said the direct conflict between Jamuka and Temujin, you are right. However, I think little Ms. Borte is about to find herself deeply submerged in the brown stuff. Her hubby only sees one side of the conversation she has with a certain someone and blows his top. Conversation with whom, you may ask? Well, you'll have to read the book to find that out.What fun would the story be if I gave away all of the details? Ha!
Temujin is going to be named Khan and finally change his name to GENGHIS. Throughout the story, you will witness a kind of coming-of-age for the boy and in the next few chapters, you may grow to not like him very much. Everyone says power goes to your head and I think this is particularly true with mighty men in leadership positions who are not allowed to care because it would make them bananas. We have already seen Temujin's ruthless side, loving side, and self-depreciating side; what matters is which one he embraces as he gains control. Perhaps we will have God guide him a bit... I truly do not know what will happen but I am watching him morph into someone else in front of my eyes through his story and it's a bit scary. I just hope I can pull him back before he does something he will regret...
Who knows? Not me. Anyway, tomorrow I will give you an excerpt so come on back for that!!
I hope you are all having a great week - it's almost Wednesday!!
It is 9am and time to get going.
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Monday, March 5, 2012
Chapter 19 is Almost Done!
Ahh, chapter 19! What a ride it has been!
Temujin stepped in the brown stuff big time. If he was making you angry before now, he is really going to piss you off in this chapter. He does some things that could only be justified by a madman, yet he justifies them in his head. I wanted to slap him myself.
Sometimes, Temujin just gets headstrong, won't listen to a word I say, and runs away with his emotions. He does stupid crap that puts him in precarious situations and even puts his men in danger. He is leading the story though, not me. I have to listen to him. When he wants to do something harebrained, I have to let him; to fight him would be stupid and would likely ruin the story.
Wang Khan has made an ass out of himself as well due to his son and his grand-daughter. I stick pretty close to the historical telling of events and people so if you want to know a bit about how the story progresses, here is an excellent article: Wikipedia - Genghis Khan on his life and love. I have used that and many other resources that I had access to via my college to kind of build a basic accounting from which to spin my tale. A lot of what you will read in my book is true but most of it is pure fiction - or has not been told - and just the characters are named after their historical counterparts.
Remember, I have to pretend to know these people in order to write about them and they become as real as flesh-and-blood folk for a little while.
I hope you are all enjoying this blog and the creative process being brought to life. A writer's mind is rarely quiet and I am always coming up with ideas for new books and jotting them down. Most will likely never see the light of day but keeping a record of my ideas just feels right.
A book I will suggest for anyone wanting a pull of the heartstrings:
Bill Wallace - A Dog Called Kitty
Bill is such a good writer that you simply fall in love with the little dog through both his antics, patience, and love of his boy, Ricky.
It is almost 9am. Time to get busy!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Temujin stepped in the brown stuff big time. If he was making you angry before now, he is really going to piss you off in this chapter. He does some things that could only be justified by a madman, yet he justifies them in his head. I wanted to slap him myself.
Sometimes, Temujin just gets headstrong, won't listen to a word I say, and runs away with his emotions. He does stupid crap that puts him in precarious situations and even puts his men in danger. He is leading the story though, not me. I have to listen to him. When he wants to do something harebrained, I have to let him; to fight him would be stupid and would likely ruin the story.
Wang Khan has made an ass out of himself as well due to his son and his grand-daughter. I stick pretty close to the historical telling of events and people so if you want to know a bit about how the story progresses, here is an excellent article: Wikipedia - Genghis Khan on his life and love. I have used that and many other resources that I had access to via my college to kind of build a basic accounting from which to spin my tale. A lot of what you will read in my book is true but most of it is pure fiction - or has not been told - and just the characters are named after their historical counterparts.
Remember, I have to pretend to know these people in order to write about them and they become as real as flesh-and-blood folk for a little while.
I hope you are all enjoying this blog and the creative process being brought to life. A writer's mind is rarely quiet and I am always coming up with ideas for new books and jotting them down. Most will likely never see the light of day but keeping a record of my ideas just feels right.
A book I will suggest for anyone wanting a pull of the heartstrings:
Bill Wallace - A Dog Called Kitty
Bill is such a good writer that you simply fall in love with the little dog through both his antics, patience, and love of his boy, Ricky.
It is almost 9am. Time to get busy!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Bookstores
With the loss of Borders in 2011, one must ask the question: What is going to happen to the bookstore? I read Publisher's Weekly and have noticed an alarming trend where more people are purchasing e-books than ever before; those numbers just keep rising. It concerns me, not because I am afraid I will never again be able to lay my hands on a tangible book, but because I will miss the experience of the bookstore. If you are in love with the printed word and the experience, you will understand. If you are not concerned about losing the experience, then you have never had it.
Here is what I love most about being in a bookstore:
Walking through the door is like taking a step through a portal into another world. You become instantly warm from the luminescent lighting and the camaraderie you feel with every person browsing the shelves or losing themselves in a book while nestled in the large, leather chairs and couches. Your senses are bombarded with familiar, comforting scents like coffee and newsprint. You can, at times, hear the laughter of children as they traipse through their imaginary world of princesses, dragons, and fearless knights or play with Bad Kitty or the dear sweet Little Llama.
Then, the whispers start. Every book on every shelf is calling your name, whispering the promise of their story in your ear, and telling you to, "Pick me! I can take you places you've never been!" You walk along the shelves with your heart racing, possibly touching some of the spines as you move through the rows; listening, feeling, getting excited about what you can learn from the ink printed on the pages. You are delirious and everything becomes a bit hazy in your mind. You know you went there for a new adventure but can't decide between the love story or the one about government conspiracies; perhaps the one on this shelf about kings and queens long dead...
You lift a book from the shelf and weigh it in your hand; feeling the story move against your skin. You flip it open to the jacket flaps and read a synopsis to decide if it's the kind of story you want to read this week. You inhale with your nose close to the pages and allow the scent of ink on paper to take over your senses. You feel the crackling of the glue that binds the pages together. It is intoxicating to you because you love books. You may even be of the type to sleep with one under your pillow so it can whisper its tales to you while you dream.
You make your choice; not after one or two or even three books that you perform this ritual with, but after many. You bring your carefully chosen friend - because that's really what a book is to a reader - to the counter and pay, then head home with your new friend held close; excited about what the pages will bring. When you arrive home, you lovingly unwrap your book from the bag and sit down, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea, and begin your journey.
I am at a loss when I think of a time when I cannot perform that ritual. I don't want to shop for books via a cold piece of metal that connects me to a www something or other. I want the heat of the book in my hand, its pages giving off a little bit of life that I can absorb just by holding it.
How about you? Do you prefer a tangible book or an e-reader? Have you ever experienced the phenomenon described above?
I am eager to know, drop me a line.
It is just past 9am so I am running a little late. I am forgiving myself today because I managed to pour out almost SIX thousand words yesterday. I had my story firmly in my grasp. Today feels the same... I hear the buzz of the characters in my ears...
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Here is what I love most about being in a bookstore:
Walking through the door is like taking a step through a portal into another world. You become instantly warm from the luminescent lighting and the camaraderie you feel with every person browsing the shelves or losing themselves in a book while nestled in the large, leather chairs and couches. Your senses are bombarded with familiar, comforting scents like coffee and newsprint. You can, at times, hear the laughter of children as they traipse through their imaginary world of princesses, dragons, and fearless knights or play with Bad Kitty or the dear sweet Little Llama.
Then, the whispers start. Every book on every shelf is calling your name, whispering the promise of their story in your ear, and telling you to, "Pick me! I can take you places you've never been!" You walk along the shelves with your heart racing, possibly touching some of the spines as you move through the rows; listening, feeling, getting excited about what you can learn from the ink printed on the pages. You are delirious and everything becomes a bit hazy in your mind. You know you went there for a new adventure but can't decide between the love story or the one about government conspiracies; perhaps the one on this shelf about kings and queens long dead...
You lift a book from the shelf and weigh it in your hand; feeling the story move against your skin. You flip it open to the jacket flaps and read a synopsis to decide if it's the kind of story you want to read this week. You inhale with your nose close to the pages and allow the scent of ink on paper to take over your senses. You feel the crackling of the glue that binds the pages together. It is intoxicating to you because you love books. You may even be of the type to sleep with one under your pillow so it can whisper its tales to you while you dream.
You make your choice; not after one or two or even three books that you perform this ritual with, but after many. You bring your carefully chosen friend - because that's really what a book is to a reader - to the counter and pay, then head home with your new friend held close; excited about what the pages will bring. When you arrive home, you lovingly unwrap your book from the bag and sit down, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea, and begin your journey.
I am at a loss when I think of a time when I cannot perform that ritual. I don't want to shop for books via a cold piece of metal that connects me to a www something or other. I want the heat of the book in my hand, its pages giving off a little bit of life that I can absorb just by holding it.
How about you? Do you prefer a tangible book or an e-reader? Have you ever experienced the phenomenon described above?
I am eager to know, drop me a line.
It is just past 9am so I am running a little late. I am forgiving myself today because I managed to pour out almost SIX thousand words yesterday. I had my story firmly in my grasp. Today feels the same... I hear the buzz of the characters in my ears...
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Motivation
For all you writers out there, what is your motivation for writing a book? Is it fame? fortune? the need to tell your story? the need to tell someone else's story? I am curious what makes you all tick.
For me, it is the telling of a story that may have happened inside a story we all know. Everyone knows that Genghis Khan took over most of Eurasia and everyone knows he had a wife, a daughter, and four sons. Everyone knows that Jamuka was his best friend until something happened that made him leave Genghis and begin to conquer on his own in direct competition of his friend. My brain starts ticking when I hear stories like that. I want to know why they had a falling out of that magnitude. Don't you?
Over the span of my life, when I have heard stories other people tell, I have always filled in the gaps with tales of knights, dragons, love, and betrayal. I used to sit in the mall and write people a new story in my head. I have gone through many learning processes in my life to learn other skills because writing was never deemed useful; like reading. My father used to say, "Put down that book and do something with yourself. You are wasting your time on nonsense." Reading and writing were considered bad form and he had the idea that reading the encyclopedia was the only way to learn.
B.S.
Things I have learned from books:
1. How to be a better person
2. How to cook things I could never have done without the instruction
3. Historical facts
4. Human interaction
5. How other people tick
6. How to be comfortable in my own skin
7. Other people have it worse sometimes
8. How to be patient and understanding
9. How to forgive and overlook
10. How to use my imagination to feel, be, and see what the characters feel, are, and see
and so much more!
I would like to send a huge shout out to the following authors as a thank you for taking the time to sit down and tell me a story:
J.K. Rowling (violence is not always necessary)
Stephanie Meyer (true love is all encompassing and can survive anything)
C.S. Lewis (be good down inside)
J.R.R. Tolkien (your friends that are true will help you through anything)
Piers Anthony (being different is okay)
Anne Rice (be comfortable with yourself)
Alice Borchardt (history can be interesting)
Christoper Paolini (always believe the impossible)
Robin Cook (hospitals are crooked)
Fern Michaels (women are strong)
Suzanne Collins (fight like every day is your last because it could very well be)
Stephen King (reality in writing can make you feel)
The Brothers Grimm (fairytales give hope and a moral lesson)
Shakespeare (it is not the language but how you use it)
Every author that has ever spent their time writing a story (perseverance pays off)
Well, that's it for today folks, off to write some more!! I hope this post got you thinking!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
For me, it is the telling of a story that may have happened inside a story we all know. Everyone knows that Genghis Khan took over most of Eurasia and everyone knows he had a wife, a daughter, and four sons. Everyone knows that Jamuka was his best friend until something happened that made him leave Genghis and begin to conquer on his own in direct competition of his friend. My brain starts ticking when I hear stories like that. I want to know why they had a falling out of that magnitude. Don't you?
Over the span of my life, when I have heard stories other people tell, I have always filled in the gaps with tales of knights, dragons, love, and betrayal. I used to sit in the mall and write people a new story in my head. I have gone through many learning processes in my life to learn other skills because writing was never deemed useful; like reading. My father used to say, "Put down that book and do something with yourself. You are wasting your time on nonsense." Reading and writing were considered bad form and he had the idea that reading the encyclopedia was the only way to learn.
B.S.
Things I have learned from books:
1. How to be a better person
2. How to cook things I could never have done without the instruction
3. Historical facts
4. Human interaction
5. How other people tick
6. How to be comfortable in my own skin
7. Other people have it worse sometimes
8. How to be patient and understanding
9. How to forgive and overlook
10. How to use my imagination to feel, be, and see what the characters feel, are, and see
and so much more!
I would like to send a huge shout out to the following authors as a thank you for taking the time to sit down and tell me a story:
J.K. Rowling (violence is not always necessary)
Stephanie Meyer (true love is all encompassing and can survive anything)
C.S. Lewis (be good down inside)
J.R.R. Tolkien (your friends that are true will help you through anything)
Piers Anthony (being different is okay)
Anne Rice (be comfortable with yourself)
Alice Borchardt (history can be interesting)
Christoper Paolini (always believe the impossible)
Robin Cook (hospitals are crooked)
Fern Michaels (women are strong)
Suzanne Collins (fight like every day is your last because it could very well be)
Stephen King (reality in writing can make you feel)
The Brothers Grimm (fairytales give hope and a moral lesson)
Shakespeare (it is not the language but how you use it)
Every author that has ever spent their time writing a story (perseverance pays off)
Well, that's it for today folks, off to write some more!! I hope this post got you thinking!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Book Festivals are Amazing
Well, Savannah was beautiful but the best part about it was the person I was with. I don't think I would have enjoyed my time in that city nearly as much without him by my side. It is rare to find someone who enjoys the same things you do but, once in your life, you will meet someone with whom you can enjoy all of the things that you both love and even be introduced to some new things you never knew you loved via the association. IF you ever do, you should hold on with both hands like your life depends on it. If you find one and lose them and then find another, you should count yourself VERY lucky.
On to the events: We went to an amazing restaurant, took a walking tour of Savannah architecture (amazing), went to St. John's church (he is catholic so this is a HUGE deal for him), listened to Lulu Powers speak about her book From Food to Flowers (I am one of those people that loves cookbooks), and listened to some wonderful live music while holding hands and canoodling. I have never enjoyed myself more.
While I didn't get to meet Mr. Stephen King (the event was sold out), Ms. Lulu was interesting and I got a look into the success story of a chef who published a book. She was very forward about not being a writer and I began to wonder how many passions you could put into a book. I have discovered there are many:
1. Poetry
2. Photography
3. Cooking
4. Storytelling
5. Business
6. Art
7. Travel
8. Nonsense
9. Love
10. Despair
11. Poverty
12. Historical Events
13. Self
and so many more! Too many to list! I realized that, no matter what your passion is, there is a book in you somewhere. You just have to find your genre and make it happen.
I have had so many stories in me my whole life, I have always written. While art, photography, and cooking ARE passions, writing fiction is what I was born to do. I think good writers can be trained but I think GREAT writers are BORN and just have to take the time to master their craft.
I am off to continue the story that my heart wants to tell. I cannot help but model Temujin after my boyfriend and the love he has for Borte is the love I hope he has for me; it IS the love I have for him and it drives much of my tale.
I hope you are all blessed as I have been but I don't find it likely. What I have found is rare, beautiful, and made of the stuff you usually only read about...
Until next time, WRITE ON!!!
Jo
On to the events: We went to an amazing restaurant, took a walking tour of Savannah architecture (amazing), went to St. John's church (he is catholic so this is a HUGE deal for him), listened to Lulu Powers speak about her book From Food to Flowers (I am one of those people that loves cookbooks), and listened to some wonderful live music while holding hands and canoodling. I have never enjoyed myself more.
While I didn't get to meet Mr. Stephen King (the event was sold out), Ms. Lulu was interesting and I got a look into the success story of a chef who published a book. She was very forward about not being a writer and I began to wonder how many passions you could put into a book. I have discovered there are many:
1. Poetry
2. Photography
3. Cooking
4. Storytelling
5. Business
6. Art
7. Travel
8. Nonsense
9. Love
10. Despair
11. Poverty
12. Historical Events
13. Self
and so many more! Too many to list! I realized that, no matter what your passion is, there is a book in you somewhere. You just have to find your genre and make it happen.
I have had so many stories in me my whole life, I have always written. While art, photography, and cooking ARE passions, writing fiction is what I was born to do. I think good writers can be trained but I think GREAT writers are BORN and just have to take the time to master their craft.
I am off to continue the story that my heart wants to tell. I cannot help but model Temujin after my boyfriend and the love he has for Borte is the love I hope he has for me; it IS the love I have for him and it drives much of my tale.
I hope you are all blessed as I have been but I don't find it likely. What I have found is rare, beautiful, and made of the stuff you usually only read about...
Until next time, WRITE ON!!!
Jo
Friday, February 17, 2012
Weekend!!
I shipped my chapters off to my focus group this morning and am putting the first 6 chapters of edits into my manuscript before I reprint so I can share my story with someone near and dear to my heart this weekend. It makes me a bit nervous because, while I can read it and let my focus group read it and not take it personally, this is a lot more personal.
Questions to the writers out there: When you share your draft with a random person, do you take their feedback personally or do you just accept it for what it is? Is it different when you share it with someone you love?
Just stuff in my head right now.
I gotta go pack!! SO excited right now! I can think of NO better way to spend my weekend than spending time with my Babydoll in a city that is celebrating books.
Another quick question: Does ink printed on paper mean anything to anyone any more? Or are we so consumed by technology that everything now must be digital or no one will bother with it?
Thought: When that EMP destroys all of the electronics that we depend on so much, at least I'll still have my paper books...
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Questions to the writers out there: When you share your draft with a random person, do you take their feedback personally or do you just accept it for what it is? Is it different when you share it with someone you love?
Just stuff in my head right now.
I gotta go pack!! SO excited right now! I can think of NO better way to spend my weekend than spending time with my Babydoll in a city that is celebrating books.
Another quick question: Does ink printed on paper mean anything to anyone any more? Or are we so consumed by technology that everything now must be digital or no one will bother with it?
Thought: When that EMP destroys all of the electronics that we depend on so much, at least I'll still have my paper books...
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Loss
We all know how it feels to lose something we truly love. Here it is in short story form:
Ginger met the man of her dreams and fell head-over-heels in love with him. She had been in love before, but it was never quite like this and, over time, that love didn't fade but grew stronger until her very life force was connected to it. Every waking moment, she felt like she could fly because of this wonderful man who had somehow managed to steal every ounce of her heart; which she thought she had protected so well.
Through her life, Ginger had never been privy to caring on the level that she believed this man cared for her and it excited her, broke down her walls like they were made of butter, and made her feel she was worth something. She decided that she would move mountains for this man if he asked her to because her goal was to make him as happy as he had made her. Every day, she worked toward that goal. Some days were easier than others because of the dynamics of the relationship but she never gave up and pledged that she would love him through whatever life threw their way.
Then, one day, he said that he could no longer struggle with her and that she should move on and find someone else. Her heart stopped beating in that moment and tears filled her eyes as pain shot through her body from her chest outward. She denied it at first, thinking that he couldn't possibly mean what he was saying; she thought the strength of her love would be enough to carry them through a hurricane. Yes, she had done some things she wasn't proud of but thought that because she had never betrayed him, it wouldn't matter after a time. She was wrong. They did matter.
When the realization that he was gone overtook her, the pain in her entire body was one that was so intense, so completely overwhelming, that she screamed. It was the only way she knew to keep from falling down and dying in that moment. She began to shiver, though it was not cold in the room. Tremors wracked her body and she lay down on the floor, wept, and allowed herself to shake with them uncontrollably. When she had cried all that she could, she knew not what to do so she just laid on the floor and stared into space. She felt like she had no heart, no soul, and no way to think clearly; she may not ever again. Those things had been ripped from her body and shredded.
She began to question herself and wonder if she didn't do enough for him, if she wasn't good enough for him, and if he ever really cared in the first place. Surely he did, she wasn't that stupid... or was she? Why did she allow this man so close to her heart? Why did she give him her total trust and not question his motives? After all, he hadn't given her his. But she did and she was glad she did because she knew that if she hadn't, she wouldn't really have been trying; but she did try. She put every ounce of herself into him and hoped it would be enough. As she lay shivering on the floor and crying until her eyes swelled shut and she could not rise, she knew that she wasn't the one he wanted and the realization made her want to die.
Hours later, when Ginger finally managed to crawl to her bed and slide under the covers that smelled just like him, she passed out from the grief of her loss. Her body simply couldn't take it and her brain could not process that she would never again feel the warmth of his hand, the touch of his lips, or the safety of his arms. She had no dreams that she could remember but woke up with a hole where her heart used to be and no feeling in any part of her body. She remembered when she bounced out of bed on wings of love - was that just yesterday? - and lay for a time crying again for her loss. She knew that she had disappointed him and wished she was a better person, a better lover, and a better friend when he needed it.
She remembered looking into his eyes and thinking she could see his soul, feeling his arms around her when she was upset or scared, and not being able to picture her life without him in it. Her future was suddenly blank and she felt the loss that much more intensely. She knew she would never leave the house again because if she ever saw him on the street or with someone else, she would die a thousand deaths and feel this pain all over again. She knew that seeing him happy with someone else, when she had tried so hard and failed, would make her feel like dirt. She knew that she would not be able to handle it and knew that she would do whatever she had to in order to circumvent that encounter. If that meant never seeing the light of day again, she knew she would endure it because the alternative was too horrifying to think about.
Her heart was broken and she knew she would never love like that again, just as she had never loved like that before. He was her once-in-a-lifetime and, in her heart, was irreplaceable. She knew she had loved ones that cared for her and would always be there but she was irrevocably changed by the event and would never be the same without him. Cold and dead and hating life, she had no choice but to rise and tend to her appointments; her heart heavy, her eyes wet, and her hands shaking.
They say time heals all wounds and she prays that it's true because she knows she cannot live long with this pain; this excruciating, all encompassing pain. She decides that she will never love again because as long as her heart is closed forevermore, no one can rip it out and re-open the hole that will be in her chest for the rest of her life.
~ The End
Above is what I deem to be true love and true loss. Have you ever felt that way?
I managed almost six thousand words yesterday and they flowed well. Chapter 17 is underway.
I hope you all connected in some way with the story above because, if you did, you have known what it is like to really love someone. Even through the pain of your loss, you love them. You will always have a giant place in your heart that only they touched and, even though it hurts like hell and is forever empty when they leave, you at least knew what it was like to see the sunrise in someone's face and feel the warmth when you looked into their eyes.
Until next time, write on!
Jo
Ginger met the man of her dreams and fell head-over-heels in love with him. She had been in love before, but it was never quite like this and, over time, that love didn't fade but grew stronger until her very life force was connected to it. Every waking moment, she felt like she could fly because of this wonderful man who had somehow managed to steal every ounce of her heart; which she thought she had protected so well.
Through her life, Ginger had never been privy to caring on the level that she believed this man cared for her and it excited her, broke down her walls like they were made of butter, and made her feel she was worth something. She decided that she would move mountains for this man if he asked her to because her goal was to make him as happy as he had made her. Every day, she worked toward that goal. Some days were easier than others because of the dynamics of the relationship but she never gave up and pledged that she would love him through whatever life threw their way.
Then, one day, he said that he could no longer struggle with her and that she should move on and find someone else. Her heart stopped beating in that moment and tears filled her eyes as pain shot through her body from her chest outward. She denied it at first, thinking that he couldn't possibly mean what he was saying; she thought the strength of her love would be enough to carry them through a hurricane. Yes, she had done some things she wasn't proud of but thought that because she had never betrayed him, it wouldn't matter after a time. She was wrong. They did matter.
When the realization that he was gone overtook her, the pain in her entire body was one that was so intense, so completely overwhelming, that she screamed. It was the only way she knew to keep from falling down and dying in that moment. She began to shiver, though it was not cold in the room. Tremors wracked her body and she lay down on the floor, wept, and allowed herself to shake with them uncontrollably. When she had cried all that she could, she knew not what to do so she just laid on the floor and stared into space. She felt like she had no heart, no soul, and no way to think clearly; she may not ever again. Those things had been ripped from her body and shredded.
She began to question herself and wonder if she didn't do enough for him, if she wasn't good enough for him, and if he ever really cared in the first place. Surely he did, she wasn't that stupid... or was she? Why did she allow this man so close to her heart? Why did she give him her total trust and not question his motives? After all, he hadn't given her his. But she did and she was glad she did because she knew that if she hadn't, she wouldn't really have been trying; but she did try. She put every ounce of herself into him and hoped it would be enough. As she lay shivering on the floor and crying until her eyes swelled shut and she could not rise, she knew that she wasn't the one he wanted and the realization made her want to die.
Hours later, when Ginger finally managed to crawl to her bed and slide under the covers that smelled just like him, she passed out from the grief of her loss. Her body simply couldn't take it and her brain could not process that she would never again feel the warmth of his hand, the touch of his lips, or the safety of his arms. She had no dreams that she could remember but woke up with a hole where her heart used to be and no feeling in any part of her body. She remembered when she bounced out of bed on wings of love - was that just yesterday? - and lay for a time crying again for her loss. She knew that she had disappointed him and wished she was a better person, a better lover, and a better friend when he needed it.
She remembered looking into his eyes and thinking she could see his soul, feeling his arms around her when she was upset or scared, and not being able to picture her life without him in it. Her future was suddenly blank and she felt the loss that much more intensely. She knew she would never leave the house again because if she ever saw him on the street or with someone else, she would die a thousand deaths and feel this pain all over again. She knew that seeing him happy with someone else, when she had tried so hard and failed, would make her feel like dirt. She knew that she would not be able to handle it and knew that she would do whatever she had to in order to circumvent that encounter. If that meant never seeing the light of day again, she knew she would endure it because the alternative was too horrifying to think about.
Her heart was broken and she knew she would never love like that again, just as she had never loved like that before. He was her once-in-a-lifetime and, in her heart, was irreplaceable. She knew she had loved ones that cared for her and would always be there but she was irrevocably changed by the event and would never be the same without him. Cold and dead and hating life, she had no choice but to rise and tend to her appointments; her heart heavy, her eyes wet, and her hands shaking.
They say time heals all wounds and she prays that it's true because she knows she cannot live long with this pain; this excruciating, all encompassing pain. She decides that she will never love again because as long as her heart is closed forevermore, no one can rip it out and re-open the hole that will be in her chest for the rest of her life.
~ The End
Above is what I deem to be true love and true loss. Have you ever felt that way?
I managed almost six thousand words yesterday and they flowed well. Chapter 17 is underway.
I hope you all connected in some way with the story above because, if you did, you have known what it is like to really love someone. Even through the pain of your loss, you love them. You will always have a giant place in your heart that only they touched and, even though it hurts like hell and is forever empty when they leave, you at least knew what it was like to see the sunrise in someone's face and feel the warmth when you looked into their eyes.
Until next time, write on!
Jo
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Chapter 16 excerpt!
Temujin has spoken to God again in chapter 16 but I am not posting that excerpt. I know, awwwwwww. Haha! Instead, read about his brother, Quasar, and his brother's wife...
After my things were packed onto Graêl, I kissed my wife, hugged my children, and mounted. Jelme and Bo’orchu were mounting as well but Quasar was nowhere to be seen. We waited a few minutes before dismounting and heading for his yurt. When we approached, we heard Quasar arguing with his wife.
“You are a piece of dung! Why must you leave me in this condition to go follow after your little brother on some conquest that you have no stake in?”
“Wife, the Tatars murdered our father and I owe them a payback just as much as Temujin does. We are brothers. Besides, this could very well make our fortunes. I will return before long, do not worry your head.”
We heard weeping and then something breaking before the shrill voice of Quasar’s wife again filled the air. “Then go! If you have not returned by the time this baby comes, I will kill you in your sleep!”
Quasar stumbled through the door and was shocked to see all of us standing there. He blushed and said, “Yes. Baby. We must go, NOW.”
We all took a moment to clap him on the back and issue congratulations. We took one moment too long and Quasar’s wife came through the door behind him, brandishing a weapon.
She began to scream, “Go! Get out of here! All of you! I will have your heads if you do not leave my sight right NOW!”
We ran for the horses and leapt onto their backs, spurring them on with a quick kick of our heels. We thundered toward the road for many minutes before we dared to slow down; the fear of Quasar’s wife still upon us.
Jelme spoke first, “She is scary, Quasar! What was that she was holding? It looked like a club of some sort!”
“It was one of the legs of our table. She snapped it off and started smashing things in the house. She told me she was having a baby just last night and begged me not to leave. I told her, ‘Temujin is my brother and Yesugei was my father, too.’ She did not want to hear that and wept all night; calling me every name she could think of – it was many.”
This is where Temujin, Quasar, Jelme, and Bo'orchu are on their way back to the Kerait tribe to set off on a revenge mission. It should be interesting because Temujin has been wanting this for a long LONG time.
We shall see! I hope everyone is enjoying the snippits so far. It is 9am and time to get to work!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
After my things were packed onto Graêl, I kissed my wife, hugged my children, and mounted. Jelme and Bo’orchu were mounting as well but Quasar was nowhere to be seen. We waited a few minutes before dismounting and heading for his yurt. When we approached, we heard Quasar arguing with his wife.
“You are a piece of dung! Why must you leave me in this condition to go follow after your little brother on some conquest that you have no stake in?”
“Wife, the Tatars murdered our father and I owe them a payback just as much as Temujin does. We are brothers. Besides, this could very well make our fortunes. I will return before long, do not worry your head.”
We heard weeping and then something breaking before the shrill voice of Quasar’s wife again filled the air. “Then go! If you have not returned by the time this baby comes, I will kill you in your sleep!”
Quasar stumbled through the door and was shocked to see all of us standing there. He blushed and said, “Yes. Baby. We must go, NOW.”
We all took a moment to clap him on the back and issue congratulations. We took one moment too long and Quasar’s wife came through the door behind him, brandishing a weapon.
She began to scream, “Go! Get out of here! All of you! I will have your heads if you do not leave my sight right NOW!”
We ran for the horses and leapt onto their backs, spurring them on with a quick kick of our heels. We thundered toward the road for many minutes before we dared to slow down; the fear of Quasar’s wife still upon us.
Jelme spoke first, “She is scary, Quasar! What was that she was holding? It looked like a club of some sort!”
“It was one of the legs of our table. She snapped it off and started smashing things in the house. She told me she was having a baby just last night and begged me not to leave. I told her, ‘Temujin is my brother and Yesugei was my father, too.’ She did not want to hear that and wept all night; calling me every name she could think of – it was many.”
This is where Temujin, Quasar, Jelme, and Bo'orchu are on their way back to the Kerait tribe to set off on a revenge mission. It should be interesting because Temujin has been wanting this for a long LONG time.
We shall see! I hope everyone is enjoying the snippits so far. It is 9am and time to get to work!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
1500? The Nightmare of the Little Dog
I only managed 1500 words yesterday. Why, you ask? Well, I'll tell you...
I am sitting at my computer, typing away, when all of a sudden my maltchi, Tucker, begins chasing his tail. Round and round he went until suddenly, he stopped and looked up at me with his furry little face then opened his mouth and roared like a lion. I have to say, I was taken a bit aback and was a bit frightened out of my wits. Okay, I was terrified and confused! When his roar came to an end, he charged me, snarling and gnashing his teeth like he was going to have me for a snack.
I jumped off of my chair so quickly it turned over and I ran for the bathroom so I could get behind a locked door. He is just a tiny dog and there's no way he can come through a door, right? Wrong. I got into the bathroom and shut and locked the door just before he was able to grab my ankle with his sharp little teeth. While sitting in the bathroom, my mind went haywire as I imagined all kinds of scenarios to explain the reason for my dog's behavior. I thought, maybe he was bitten by a werewolf, perhaps he ate some bad food, and I even wondered if maybe he had cat-scratch fever - because of the lion roar.
He started hurling his tiny body against the door at an attempt to break through to me. After just four hits, the door began to splinter and I began to shake. Tremors started at my feet and, after just a few moments, my entire body was vibrating so hard I almost threw up. I knew I was going to die. That knowledge sickened me and made me cry for the loss that so many people would suffer. What would my kids think? Who would care for them when I was gone? How would my parents handle it? All of these questions had no answers but caused me to straighten my back, force down my gorge, and control my tremors so I could think straight. I began to look for a way out.
After searching the bathroom for a minute, I noticed that there was an air duct in the ceiling. I quickly stepped to the top of the toilet and took out the loose screws. I hauled myself up into the shaft at the same moment that the bathroom door shattered and my little Tucker came bursting through with a wild look in his beady eyes. I narrowly escaped being eaten.
This is my little Tucker:
He looks terrifying, doesn't he? Perhaps he was just angry that I made him pose for photos.
Yes, the above is a bit of hyperbole. Okay, a LOT of hyperbole!! But it was entertaining, no? :)
Really and truly, the reason I only wrote 1500 words yesterday is because I was working on Valentines for my loved ones. Personally, I like the nightmare of the little dog a bit more.
I hope you were entertained today. I am off to write some more BOOK!! It is 9am, after all, and I am good and warmed up now.
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
I am sitting at my computer, typing away, when all of a sudden my maltchi, Tucker, begins chasing his tail. Round and round he went until suddenly, he stopped and looked up at me with his furry little face then opened his mouth and roared like a lion. I have to say, I was taken a bit aback and was a bit frightened out of my wits. Okay, I was terrified and confused! When his roar came to an end, he charged me, snarling and gnashing his teeth like he was going to have me for a snack.
I jumped off of my chair so quickly it turned over and I ran for the bathroom so I could get behind a locked door. He is just a tiny dog and there's no way he can come through a door, right? Wrong. I got into the bathroom and shut and locked the door just before he was able to grab my ankle with his sharp little teeth. While sitting in the bathroom, my mind went haywire as I imagined all kinds of scenarios to explain the reason for my dog's behavior. I thought, maybe he was bitten by a werewolf, perhaps he ate some bad food, and I even wondered if maybe he had cat-scratch fever - because of the lion roar.
He started hurling his tiny body against the door at an attempt to break through to me. After just four hits, the door began to splinter and I began to shake. Tremors started at my feet and, after just a few moments, my entire body was vibrating so hard I almost threw up. I knew I was going to die. That knowledge sickened me and made me cry for the loss that so many people would suffer. What would my kids think? Who would care for them when I was gone? How would my parents handle it? All of these questions had no answers but caused me to straighten my back, force down my gorge, and control my tremors so I could think straight. I began to look for a way out.
After searching the bathroom for a minute, I noticed that there was an air duct in the ceiling. I quickly stepped to the top of the toilet and took out the loose screws. I hauled myself up into the shaft at the same moment that the bathroom door shattered and my little Tucker came bursting through with a wild look in his beady eyes. I narrowly escaped being eaten.
This is my little Tucker:
He looks terrifying, doesn't he? Perhaps he was just angry that I made him pose for photos.
Yes, the above is a bit of hyperbole. Okay, a LOT of hyperbole!! But it was entertaining, no? :)
Really and truly, the reason I only wrote 1500 words yesterday is because I was working on Valentines for my loved ones. Personally, I like the nightmare of the little dog a bit more.
I hope you were entertained today. I am off to write some more BOOK!! It is 9am, after all, and I am good and warmed up now.
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Monday, February 13, 2012
Itchy Fingers
My fingers are itching with ideas I had over the weekend and I can't wait to begin writing again today. This has been one of the most difficult undertakings I have ever attempted - second only to graduating college. I have re-written the beginning of my book three times before I decided I was ready to continue with chapter 1. Since the prologue, the book took on a personality of its own and has literally flown out of my fingers. I hope to write at least three chapters this week, possibly four. My goal is to get it ON paper then tweak it and roll it around in my head for a while.
I am going to the Savannah, Georgia, book fair this weekend and I hope to be introduced to some new writers and some inspiration. Savannah is so beautiful and for them to have a whole weekend dedicated to books, well, they won me over even more. I am an avid reader as well as being a writer. I have a huge library of books and am always on the lookout for another great read.
I hope you are all excited that Temujin is about to have the sweet taste of revenge on his tongue yet again! My focus group loves it when he acts in the name of justice and they say they punch the air on occasion when things go right for this young warrior. That tells me he is, not only likeable, but that they are rooting for him to win. That's my kind of character!
I had an idea for a young reader's series yesterday and logged it in my idea book. I will make plans for the writing of the first one once this one hits the e-readers. I am lucky that I can write. I am thankful for the gift every day. For all of you writers, do you keep an idea book? I am curious to know just what others do.
Time to get to work!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
I am going to the Savannah, Georgia, book fair this weekend and I hope to be introduced to some new writers and some inspiration. Savannah is so beautiful and for them to have a whole weekend dedicated to books, well, they won me over even more. I am an avid reader as well as being a writer. I have a huge library of books and am always on the lookout for another great read.
I hope you are all excited that Temujin is about to have the sweet taste of revenge on his tongue yet again! My focus group loves it when he acts in the name of justice and they say they punch the air on occasion when things go right for this young warrior. That tells me he is, not only likeable, but that they are rooting for him to win. That's my kind of character!
I had an idea for a young reader's series yesterday and logged it in my idea book. I will make plans for the writing of the first one once this one hits the e-readers. I am lucky that I can write. I am thankful for the gift every day. For all of you writers, do you keep an idea book? I am curious to know just what others do.
Time to get to work!
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Friday, February 10, 2012
Chapter 15 is Complete!
I got chapter 15 written yesterday and WOW, what a story! There is a special twist that happens in this chapter so I won't be posting an excerpt. I will give you a taste of chapter 16, where Temujin finally gets to pay some old enemies a visit and gets a little more revenge on people who have wronged him.
Poor Borte is left behind during his conquests! What do you think she will do to occupy herself while her husband is away? Only one way to find out! I know, I know, I am evil and you hate the suspense, right? Haha!
I can't wait to dig in and take a big bite out of chapter 16 this weekend. I ship my most recent work off to my focus group (I call them bookaphyles) today and can't wait to hear their comments. I know they are anxious to hear more of the story and just that makes the whole thing worth it.
I have a story to tell, if just one person enjoys it and learns a little about history while they are at it, I will be satisfied.
To the writers who read this blog, let me tell you that just producing a rough draft of a manuscript is an accomplishment you should pat yourself for every day. How many people that you know have ever written more than 200 pages of ANYthing in their lives?
Smile and know that you have done something great by enriching the life of someone else through your words.
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Poor Borte is left behind during his conquests! What do you think she will do to occupy herself while her husband is away? Only one way to find out! I know, I know, I am evil and you hate the suspense, right? Haha!
I can't wait to dig in and take a big bite out of chapter 16 this weekend. I ship my most recent work off to my focus group (I call them bookaphyles) today and can't wait to hear their comments. I know they are anxious to hear more of the story and just that makes the whole thing worth it.
I have a story to tell, if just one person enjoys it and learns a little about history while they are at it, I will be satisfied.
To the writers who read this blog, let me tell you that just producing a rough draft of a manuscript is an accomplishment you should pat yourself for every day. How many people that you know have ever written more than 200 pages of ANYthing in their lives?
Smile and know that you have done something great by enriching the life of someone else through your words.
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Stumbling Along
Even though I was feeling great about the book yesterday, I stumbled over my words and had a difficult time stringing together sentences. I ended up reading rather than writing in the hopes that the mindless activity would provide me with some kind of insight as to why my creative brain had shut down for the day. Today, I have ideas. So many ideas I feel like I won't be able to get them onto the page quickly enough. I feel it, taste it, and know that it will flow well.
For all you writers reading this blog, do you ever have those days where you know your words will flow exactly as you intend them to?
For all you readers, can you tell when your author has had flow through a particular part of a book?
Curiosity sometimes gets the best of me and I end up with too many questions traipsing through my head. I can certainly identify with Temujin, that's for sure.
Well, I am off to write now and help Temujin overcome his angst related to his marital situation. I firmly believe that in this day and age, these two would not have made it this far in their relationship. It really makes me sit back and think about the days when people actually tried and didn't give up so easily. Perhaps we are spoiled...
In any case, until tomorrow, WRITE ON!!
Jo
For all you writers reading this blog, do you ever have those days where you know your words will flow exactly as you intend them to?
For all you readers, can you tell when your author has had flow through a particular part of a book?
Curiosity sometimes gets the best of me and I end up with too many questions traipsing through my head. I can certainly identify with Temujin, that's for sure.
Well, I am off to write now and help Temujin overcome his angst related to his marital situation. I firmly believe that in this day and age, these two would not have made it this far in their relationship. It really makes me sit back and think about the days when people actually tried and didn't give up so easily. Perhaps we are spoiled...
In any case, until tomorrow, WRITE ON!!
Jo
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Chapter 14 is Written!
Yesterday, I was a machine and I cranked out over six-thousand words. Arguments and strain and betrayal and threats and oh man was it an awesome day!
I am feeling very good about my book today. I can't wait to publish it and let the world read this story that will have you punching the air with your fist and saying, "YESSSSSSSS!" one minute, crying into your pillow the next, then laughing hysterically at the antics of some of the more unique characters. I am filled with the emotions my characters experience and I am loving the roller coaster I am on.
My characters sleep with me at night and whisper their thoughts in my ear. They sit with me when I drink coffee and tell me their personal stories. It took me ten chapters before I truly knew them, but the journey has been worth every reward they have bestowed upon me. We have fought together, cried together, been terrified together, and even celebrated together on occasion.
I think the best thing about this whole story is that it has been based on history. Though some of the situations, some of the characters, and all of the character makeups are totally fictional, what Temujin and Borte went through before they were allowed to be together in reality just blows my mind.
I can't wait to share parts of the next few chapters. If you are reading this blog and have a moment, go back through the posted excerpts and have a look-see.
I will have this book IN your hands by the beginning of June (hopefully much sooner) so keep your eyes open and glued to this blog for an exact release date if you are as excited as I am.
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
I am feeling very good about my book today. I can't wait to publish it and let the world read this story that will have you punching the air with your fist and saying, "YESSSSSSSS!" one minute, crying into your pillow the next, then laughing hysterically at the antics of some of the more unique characters. I am filled with the emotions my characters experience and I am loving the roller coaster I am on.
My characters sleep with me at night and whisper their thoughts in my ear. They sit with me when I drink coffee and tell me their personal stories. It took me ten chapters before I truly knew them, but the journey has been worth every reward they have bestowed upon me. We have fought together, cried together, been terrified together, and even celebrated together on occasion.
I think the best thing about this whole story is that it has been based on history. Though some of the situations, some of the characters, and all of the character makeups are totally fictional, what Temujin and Borte went through before they were allowed to be together in reality just blows my mind.
I can't wait to share parts of the next few chapters. If you are reading this blog and have a moment, go back through the posted excerpts and have a look-see.
I will have this book IN your hands by the beginning of June (hopefully much sooner) so keep your eyes open and glued to this blog for an exact release date if you are as excited as I am.
Until next time, WRITE ON!!
Jo
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