Riley Amos Westbrook's Blog, page 55
February 22, 2016
Day 15 of 90 Love it when things come together.
I wrote about toxic relationships the other day, and how they make life stressful. I told you of my friend and the relationship he refuses to escape, even though he agrees it’s slowly killing him. Hopefully he’ll learn the lesson soon, and move on to bigger and better things. If not, he’ll still be my friend, because it’s the flaws and differences that make this world the great place it is.
I have a different friend that’s choosing to escape from their torment, rather than dive further into it.
It’s really indescribable, watching them start to thrive in a more supportive environment.
From sleepless nights fretting about their partner, and who they might be spending time with, to sleeping like a baby. The difference is night and day in the person’s attitude. They’re full of life, where before they would constantly be stressed. They settle into seats and relax, instead of always being on edge. They even asked me if they should write a book. I said no, she should dictate it. She’s a slow typer.
I love watching people thrive in the right environment, it’s like watching a karmic garden grow right before your very eyes. Watching their fears and anxieties melt away as they realize they don’t have to put up with anything they don’t want to.
It’s a matter of perspective though. One person’s hell is another’s nirvana. Just remember nature has a funny sense of humor.
Filed under: Musings, Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Author, Book, Resources, Riley Amos Westbrook, Support, Support Indie Authors, SupportIndieAuthors
Cruisin’ through books cause books make life worth living with Aly 2/22/2016 part 4
This was a short book but it was not bad at all. I would’ve liked a little more information about the world the book is in and maybe some more background. But I enjoyed the story and I thought Turn was a interesting character. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review* 3/5
Filed under: Musings, Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Book Review
Cruisin’ through books cause books make life worth living with Aly 2/22/2016 part 3
The Death of Pat Bannon by Kirk Bailey
This book was a fun and unique read. I enjoyed the author style of writing. It was odd but different and unique. The book did get my thinking is some places and even made me laugh a few times. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review* 4/5
Filed under: Musings, Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Book Review
Cruisin’ through books cause books make life worth living with Aly 2/22/2016 part 2
Sword of Deaths by Christopher Mannino
This book was just as good, if not better, than the first book in this series. I love this series so far. I don’t get to read many books about the grim reaper so I try as many as I can find. I love all the characters in the book. The character of Susan has evolved in this next book in the series and I love to see that one great characters. This has it all for me, danger, adventure and so much more. I will keep my eyes open for the next book in the series. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review* 5/5
Filed under: Musings
Cruisin’ through books cause books make life worth living with Aly 2/22/2016 part 1
Between Two Fires by Toni Williams
A good murder mystery for anyone who like this genre to try. I enjoyed the book. I will some day myself get to visit St. Lucia. The book takes place on a island that is made up off St. Lucia. I think the book had some good characters and the story line was interesting for me. I love a good murder mystery. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review* 4/5
Filed under: Musings, Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Book Review
February 21, 2016
Day 14 of 90 Never know when you’ll be inspired
I was looking for a good writing book to read, because I of course want to improve my skills as a writer, and I came accross a title that made me think. Now, I know nothing about this book, but I did consider purchasing it. The title was 8 minute writing. I assume from the title it talks about writing in 8 minute bursts, and getting the story out. I am a huge fan of this approach, especially when you have a complicated and busy life.
However, I don’t think that approach would work for me. I tend to vomit upon the page, figuring I can edit the rest out, and it’s generally worked so far. But my stretches are much more than 8 minutes. I typically spend a good hour typing, at least when I’m in the zone.
Communicating your story should ultimately be a fun endeavor. If you don’t think you’re going to enjoy writing, then you’re not. At least, that’s the way it was for me. It wasn’t until I tried to look at it as fun that it became fun.
If you’re willing to approach it with an open mind and look forward to the work, you are more than likely going to enjoy yourself. Perspective completely shapes the world around us, and we all have our own version of it. Be willing to listen to the world around you. Open your mind, change your outlook and approach, and you’ll see just how amazing life can be.
Feel free to leave me comments with your favorite writing books (Preferably not your own).
Filed under: Musings
February 20, 2016
Day 13 of 90: Still going one day at a time!
Wow! Today I had an excellent lesson in personal stress, and how it affects our lives. This man I know is a wonderful man that wakes up every day wide eyed and bushy tailed. This morning that wasn’t the case.
Normally he whistles his way through the start of the day, loving life and happy as could be. He doesn’t care about your problems, because life is full of them, and you should move on from the things you can’t control. He usually brushes off the stressful questions in life, only looking to enjoy his existence.
But recent factors have increased his own stress loads, and though I’ve never seen him buckling before, I’m starting to recognize the signs. Now he’s in a relationship with a woman he can’t trust, it surrounds him in a toxic environment. He knows it’s not a healthy relationship, he admits they are bad for each other, but he feels sorry for her.
A toxic relationship is a toxic relationship. I encourage you to seek out a partner you trust, and that can trust you. That is to say, you reap what you sow, and you should keep that in mind for every situation in your life.
I myself won the lottery when I found my wife. She’s beautiful, smart, and willing to take any journey right by my side. Everyone should be so lucky.
Filed under: Musings, Resource, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Author, Book, Resources, Riley Amos Westbrook, Support, Support Indie Authors, SupportIndieAuthors
Cruisin’ through books cause books make life worth living with Aly 2/20/2016
The Dead Detective Agency by Peg Herring
I found this book to be not as good as I had hopes for. I really wanted more mystery and more ghosts. To me the Dead detective agency meant ghosts. The story was not as exciting as I thought it would be. I was really hoping for me than what this book gave me. It didn’t keep me interested and I had to struggle through it. “This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.” 3/5
Filed under: Musings, Riley Amos Reviews, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Book Review
February 19, 2016
Day 12 of 90
I feel it’s good to bend rules sometimes. Notice, I said bend. I believe most rules are set in place in a misguided attempt to protect ourselves from ourselves. What I mean is, there are 50 million rules to writing. At least it feels like that sometimes. I never really paid attention to the rules teachers tried to impart onto me, not because I didn’t want to learn, but because I was already reading college level books when I was in third grade. The lessons they taught I understood, for the most part, though I sucked at the vocabulary they wanted me to use.
Reading imparted most of that intuitive knowledge to me. What I mean is, I understood the lessons from so many examples before me. I don’t know why I put a comma here, but examples throughout my life have shown me that’s where it goes. It doesn’t bother me that I have no clue what the rule is, though I’m sure the more learned could impart the knowledge.
However, there are rules that are much more complex than the simple lesson of when and where to use a comma. I don’t know them all, but I do try to learn to follow them. Things like head hopping are frowned upon, this is one lesson I’m striving to master. Only showing the scene from one character’s point of view. Still, I can’t help but feel that the perspective inside another characters head will do nothing but help my readers understand what I mean. It becomes a matter of choice of style, and a perfection of one’s craft.
Still, looking back on my zombie series, where I used it intentionally for mood, I wouldn’t change it. I know I broke the rule, but I believe it fits the atmosphere. And that I believe is where your voice comes out in stories. Knowing when and where you should bend, or even break, the rules for best effect.
Filed under: Musings, Resource, Support Indie Authors Tagged: Author, Book, musings, Resources, Riley Amos Westbrook, Support, Support Indie Authors, SupportIndieAuthors
February 18, 2016
How Far Is Far Enough?
How far is far enough
and how long, too long already?
What is to be in love
for the puppeteer Destiny?
Is numbness a comfort
when your life starts to fall apart,
with no center to hold
or love to soothe your bleeding heart?
I have waged war
against my fate and lost
but not without
a precious lesson learned,
it is wiser
to hang onto things we have got
even when
life has left us too broken and burned!
.
Filed under: Musings
