Eva Pasco's Blog, page 21
December 1, 2021
Eva’s Byte #344 – Faded Glory
In the midst of staging my home for the holiday with Santa dolls, reindeer, wreath, and miniature trees that glisten, the critical eye of a writer took stock of my surroundings.
Similar to the lyrics of The Beach Boys’ “Little Saint Nick”—She don’t miss nothin’!
In the blink of an eye and a twist of my head, I looked upon the faded glory of my heirloom Queen Anne fluted, wingback armchair with dread. Reupholstered in gold brocade many years ago, it has borne the brunt of the sun’s living daylights from squatting kiddie-cornered between a picture window and wall. No matter where I’ve lived, she’s always been “cornered”. To me, that is her rightful reign for bringing me comfort and joy.
While entertaining my own vision of sugarplums dancing in my head, picturing the chair restored to its former glory, I gave pause for consideration the way I do when proofreading and editing a newly written paragraph. In a matter of time Queen Anne’s glory will fade again for all of my efforts. I can live with her this way a while longer.
Her timeworn essence is no different from treasured pieces of distressed furniture. No different from time-warped memories hung onto and revisited. No different from the patina of aging which glorifies our survival.
On the writing front of my new Contemporary WIP, I’ve completed the Prologue and Chapter 1. I’m wending my way through Chapter 2, resuming from 602 words.
*During the holiday season, may each of us view things in a more favorable light.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Similar to the lyrics of The Beach Boys’ “Little Saint Nick”—She don’t miss nothin’!
In the blink of an eye and a twist of my head, I looked upon the faded glory of my heirloom Queen Anne fluted, wingback armchair with dread. Reupholstered in gold brocade many years ago, it has borne the brunt of the sun’s living daylights from squatting kiddie-cornered between a picture window and wall. No matter where I’ve lived, she’s always been “cornered”. To me, that is her rightful reign for bringing me comfort and joy.
While entertaining my own vision of sugarplums dancing in my head, picturing the chair restored to its former glory, I gave pause for consideration the way I do when proofreading and editing a newly written paragraph. In a matter of time Queen Anne’s glory will fade again for all of my efforts. I can live with her this way a while longer.
Her timeworn essence is no different from treasured pieces of distressed furniture. No different from time-warped memories hung onto and revisited. No different from the patina of aging which glorifies our survival.
On the writing front of my new Contemporary WIP, I’ve completed the Prologue and Chapter 1. I’m wending my way through Chapter 2, resuming from 602 words.
*During the holiday season, may each of us view things in a more favorable light.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
November 23, 2021
Eva’s Byte #343 – Home Sweet Home
Those who celebrate Thanksgiving are either homeward bound, or homebound in preparation for hosting a holiday dinner. For many, Thanksgiving affords us a rare opportunity to rub elbows with those we hardly see during the year. It also might not be a bad idea to reconcile differences if we have any.
The First Thanksgiving in 1621 was basically a three-day celebration of a successful harvest. This year, in 2021, with all the hype about a turkey shortage, and price hikes for stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and just about anything else that’s edible, we’d do well to focus on giving thanks for the food on our table. And, home, wherever that may be. So many do not have the luxury of a roof over their head.
Essentially, home is where the heart is—our happy place where love and warmth reside.
As the passage of time brings about changes in the dynamics at the dinner table, my heart has become home for hosting Thanksgiving memories of yesteryear.
I’m grateful for the wisdom that comes with aging. It has empowered me to overlook minor inconveniences, seek new adventures, and delight in fresh discoveries.
*As we reflect on things to be grateful for, may health and happiness abound within the comfort of home sweet home.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
The First Thanksgiving in 1621 was basically a three-day celebration of a successful harvest. This year, in 2021, with all the hype about a turkey shortage, and price hikes for stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and just about anything else that’s edible, we’d do well to focus on giving thanks for the food on our table. And, home, wherever that may be. So many do not have the luxury of a roof over their head.
Essentially, home is where the heart is—our happy place where love and warmth reside.
As the passage of time brings about changes in the dynamics at the dinner table, my heart has become home for hosting Thanksgiving memories of yesteryear.
I’m grateful for the wisdom that comes with aging. It has empowered me to overlook minor inconveniences, seek new adventures, and delight in fresh discoveries.
*As we reflect on things to be grateful for, may health and happiness abound within the comfort of home sweet home.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
November 17, 2021
Eva’s Byte #342 – If the Song Fits
When James Pierpont composed “Jingle Bells” in 1857, titled “One Horse Open Sleigh,” he intended it to be a Thanksgiving song. Its popularity around Christmas time influenced a title change to “Jingle Bells” in 1859.
Then, there’s “Alice’s Restaurant,” Arlo Guthrie’s Vietnam War protest song based on how the draft board rejected him for having a criminal record from illegally dumping trash on Thanksgiving. Supposedly, some radio stations make it their business to play the song on Thanksgiving.
During my elementary school days, “Over the River and through the Woods” catapulted me to the forefront of Thanksgiving.
The point is, the lyrics of many songs are generic enough to strike a chord with our own perspective and unique set of circumstances.
Given the various connotations of the word “home,” Kenny Loggins’ “Celebrate Me Home” fits into my upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
*Whatever song fits your holiday mood, embrace the lyrics as your own.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Then, there’s “Alice’s Restaurant,” Arlo Guthrie’s Vietnam War protest song based on how the draft board rejected him for having a criminal record from illegally dumping trash on Thanksgiving. Supposedly, some radio stations make it their business to play the song on Thanksgiving.
During my elementary school days, “Over the River and through the Woods” catapulted me to the forefront of Thanksgiving.
The point is, the lyrics of many songs are generic enough to strike a chord with our own perspective and unique set of circumstances.
Given the various connotations of the word “home,” Kenny Loggins’ “Celebrate Me Home” fits into my upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
*Whatever song fits your holiday mood, embrace the lyrics as your own.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
November 10, 2021
Eva’s Byte #341 – Persistence Pays Off
After more than a year of diligent, determined, and diplomatic persistence, my efforts paid off. I received my long-overdue royalty check from a hybrid publisher. Until forthcoming, the issue had become an albatross around my neck. My sorely tested patience, in conjunction with persistence, effectively closed a chapter. It should be duly noted that from hereon, royalty payments will be distributed monthly from IngramSpark.
I breathed another sigh of relief when the eBook version of the novel was reinstated on Amazon.
Pins and needles, needles and pins, a happy camper is one who can grin.
*An adaptation from “Please Leave the Premises,” a 1956 episode of The Honeymooners.
In the capacity of a writer, my persistence to finish drafting the prologue of my Contemporary work in progress paid off. I’ve now begun laying the groundwork in Chapter 1.
*May persistence toward attaining goals pay off in just desserts.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
I breathed another sigh of relief when the eBook version of the novel was reinstated on Amazon.
Pins and needles, needles and pins, a happy camper is one who can grin.
*An adaptation from “Please Leave the Premises,” a 1956 episode of The Honeymooners.
In the capacity of a writer, my persistence to finish drafting the prologue of my Contemporary work in progress paid off. I’ve now begun laying the groundwork in Chapter 1.
*May persistence toward attaining goals pay off in just desserts.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
November 3, 2021
Eva’s Byte #340 – The Changing Scenery
An eyewitness to the ever-changing scenery of foliage during my drives along the Wampanoag Trail in the East Bay, I’d say the kaleidoscope of colors has peaked in early November. Although Rhode Island’s spectacle may pale in comparison to the vibrancy espied in the northern New England states, it’s still a beautiful sight to behold.
Splotches of yellow, red, and orange paint an autumnal scene on a predominant green canvas. In all likelihood, the green leaves will turn brown before fluttering to the ground.
Mind you, last week’s formidable nor’easter left many trees scantily clad or threadbare.
Besides the changing scenery in my neck of the woods, Daylight Savings will occur on November 7th. While I find the progressive decline in the number of sunlit hours inhibiting, I’ll adapt my evening walks, accordingly. Furthermore, as the approach of winter infiltrates, much of my scenery will be the surrounds of my office, and the scenery cultivated in the mind’s eye of a writer’s imagination.
In my capacity of a writer, I’m changing the scenery in the prologue of my Contemporary work in progress during each writing session. Ever striving to nail a scene by interweaving pertinent geographic and historic details into the story, I’m either eradicating, excising, extrapolating, or embellishing.
*May any change of scenery affect a positive outlook.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Splotches of yellow, red, and orange paint an autumnal scene on a predominant green canvas. In all likelihood, the green leaves will turn brown before fluttering to the ground.
Mind you, last week’s formidable nor’easter left many trees scantily clad or threadbare.
Besides the changing scenery in my neck of the woods, Daylight Savings will occur on November 7th. While I find the progressive decline in the number of sunlit hours inhibiting, I’ll adapt my evening walks, accordingly. Furthermore, as the approach of winter infiltrates, much of my scenery will be the surrounds of my office, and the scenery cultivated in the mind’s eye of a writer’s imagination.
In my capacity of a writer, I’m changing the scenery in the prologue of my Contemporary work in progress during each writing session. Ever striving to nail a scene by interweaving pertinent geographic and historic details into the story, I’m either eradicating, excising, extrapolating, or embellishing.
*May any change of scenery affect a positive outlook.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
October 27, 2021
Eva’s Byte #339 – A Clean Slate
Give or take a few days after launching my Contemporary Fiction, Etta’s Fishing Ground, I began scratching the surface on the clean slate of a blank page to fabricate my new Work in Progress.
A stickler for blurring the lines of demarcation between fact and fiction within the locale of my native state of Rhode Island, I went off on a tangent to set the stage in my prologue. Lest anyone think I’d plunk an arbitrary date to relate an incident from which my fictitious story will pivot—au contraire.
Conducive to staging reality for a backstory in 1971, I needed an Indian summer day for the seaside community of Charlestown. It also had to be on a weekend. Lo and behold—October 2, 1971 was ripe for the picking. The temperature was 85 degrees on that Saturday.
Depending upon how my electrical power holds out during the fall nor’easter, I hope to advance the prologue along the disappearing clean slate of the first page.
Whatever my imaginary characters dictate for me to make happen, the devil is in the details. I’d expect nothing less from myself.
An excerpt from a reader’s review for Etta’s Fishing Ground – “I felt the author knew many of the characters in real life and was relating what she had been told.”
*May attention to details make a world of difference in your creative endeavors.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
A stickler for blurring the lines of demarcation between fact and fiction within the locale of my native state of Rhode Island, I went off on a tangent to set the stage in my prologue. Lest anyone think I’d plunk an arbitrary date to relate an incident from which my fictitious story will pivot—au contraire.
Conducive to staging reality for a backstory in 1971, I needed an Indian summer day for the seaside community of Charlestown. It also had to be on a weekend. Lo and behold—October 2, 1971 was ripe for the picking. The temperature was 85 degrees on that Saturday.
Depending upon how my electrical power holds out during the fall nor’easter, I hope to advance the prologue along the disappearing clean slate of the first page.
Whatever my imaginary characters dictate for me to make happen, the devil is in the details. I’d expect nothing less from myself.
An excerpt from a reader’s review for Etta’s Fishing Ground – “I felt the author knew many of the characters in real life and was relating what she had been told.”
*May attention to details make a world of difference in your creative endeavors.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
October 20, 2021
Eva’s Byte #338 – A Hard Knock
In hindsight, I can see for miles and miles.
If I knew then what I know now—
I would have self-published every book I’d ever written. That’s not to say it’s right for everyone, or even desired. But, it is for me.
That wasn’t the case in 2016 when I got back in the saddle to publish my second novel. Having been out of the social media loop and out of the know, I opted for a hybrid publisher whom I’ve found to be less than transparent and forthcoming on paying royalties lately. Still, I faithfully promoted a book which has earned several literary awards.
Undergoing new policy changes last year and this year, I’ve paid a small annual fee to keep this work in the public arena. You can imagine my shock when I discovered the eBook version is no longer linked with the Print version on Amazon. It’s gone!
The outcome of a scheduled conference call will determine my plan of action. Addendum: I feel optimistic because the eBook removal may have been a glitch, and my publisher is looking into it. And, my check is in the mail after persistent inquiries.
Anyway, I’m a firm believer in disguised blessings. Perhaps this is one of them. Any worst-case scenario is a fly in the ointment as far as I’m concerned because I’m happy with last week’s successful send-off of Etta’s Fishing Ground. The book received its first review on Goodreads: 5 Stars! I’m also grateful to Erika at Golden Box Books Publishing for the awesome book cover and flawless formatting.
I’m now in the throes of conducting research for my next WIP in the genre of Contemporary Fiction. I don’t have time for drama—other than what I create in my story.
*May life’s hard knocks fortify us to overcome adversity and soar beyond our wildest imaginings.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
If I knew then what I know now—
I would have self-published every book I’d ever written. That’s not to say it’s right for everyone, or even desired. But, it is for me.
That wasn’t the case in 2016 when I got back in the saddle to publish my second novel. Having been out of the social media loop and out of the know, I opted for a hybrid publisher whom I’ve found to be less than transparent and forthcoming on paying royalties lately. Still, I faithfully promoted a book which has earned several literary awards.
Undergoing new policy changes last year and this year, I’ve paid a small annual fee to keep this work in the public arena. You can imagine my shock when I discovered the eBook version is no longer linked with the Print version on Amazon. It’s gone!
The outcome of a scheduled conference call will determine my plan of action. Addendum: I feel optimistic because the eBook removal may have been a glitch, and my publisher is looking into it. And, my check is in the mail after persistent inquiries.
Anyway, I’m a firm believer in disguised blessings. Perhaps this is one of them. Any worst-case scenario is a fly in the ointment as far as I’m concerned because I’m happy with last week’s successful send-off of Etta’s Fishing Ground. The book received its first review on Goodreads: 5 Stars! I’m also grateful to Erika at Golden Box Books Publishing for the awesome book cover and flawless formatting.
I’m now in the throes of conducting research for my next WIP in the genre of Contemporary Fiction. I don’t have time for drama—other than what I create in my story.
*May life’s hard knocks fortify us to overcome adversity and soar beyond our wildest imaginings.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
October 13, 2021
Eva’s Byte #337 – Sometime Tomorrow
The words in the title of a poignant song, “Sometime Tomorrow” by Conrad Goode, whose lyrics resonate in my soul, served as inspiration to write one of my tributes on the Acknowledgement page in Etta’s Fishing Ground. Unbeknownst to me until I got there, those two words also became part of the finish line in the Epilogue.
My “sometime tomorrow” for the print version to go live on Amazon could take up to 72 hours. Since the Kindle version went live on 10/12 EST, the countdown clock is ticking.
While I’m not going hog-wild to promote my new release until the print copy is available on Amazon, I’ve tossed in the link to the eBook:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J8WMH9Q/
Anyway, for a quirky diversion, I thought I’d list the props which ground my story. In and of themselves, they probably seem downright kooky. Should you decide to blaze a trail along Etta’s Fishing Ground until the journey’s end, they’ll make perfect sense.
Cheesy sausage-and-croissant casserole
A dead bass
A 1950 Ford Woodie Wagon
A 1969 Citroen named Sydney
Cabin No. 6
An Aspidistra
*May each of us accomplish our current goals in the vicinity of the long or short of sometime tomorrow.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
My “sometime tomorrow” for the print version to go live on Amazon could take up to 72 hours. Since the Kindle version went live on 10/12 EST, the countdown clock is ticking.
While I’m not going hog-wild to promote my new release until the print copy is available on Amazon, I’ve tossed in the link to the eBook:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J8WMH9Q/
Anyway, for a quirky diversion, I thought I’d list the props which ground my story. In and of themselves, they probably seem downright kooky. Should you decide to blaze a trail along Etta’s Fishing Ground until the journey’s end, they’ll make perfect sense.
Cheesy sausage-and-croissant casserole
A dead bass
A 1950 Ford Woodie Wagon
A 1969 Citroen named Sydney
Cabin No. 6
An Aspidistra
*May each of us accomplish our current goals in the vicinity of the long or short of sometime tomorrow.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
October 6, 2021
Eva’s Byte #336 – Setting Sail!
The untold want by life and land ne'er granted,
Now, voyager, sail thou forth, to seek and find.
(“The Untold Want,” a poem published in Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman)
Anxious, while at the same time, reluctant to part with a completed manuscript I’ve pored over, thinking I’ll seek and find an overlooked incongruence, oversight, or typo—it’s anchors aweigh or never!
Going through the formality of a fourth and final read-through, this Contemporary passes my stringent requirements to sail it forth to publication by the week’s end.
Yippee ki yay:
I’ve written the blurb.
I’ve selected several cover images which allude to the title, and capture the nuances of my female protagonist over forty years of age.
Instead of giving up from setbacks or stonewalling, the dedicated writer seeks and finds a way to tell the untold, and sail a story forth on its maiden voyage.
*Best wishes to all writers for crafting a seaworthy venture.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Now, voyager, sail thou forth, to seek and find.
(“The Untold Want,” a poem published in Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman)
Anxious, while at the same time, reluctant to part with a completed manuscript I’ve pored over, thinking I’ll seek and find an overlooked incongruence, oversight, or typo—it’s anchors aweigh or never!
Going through the formality of a fourth and final read-through, this Contemporary passes my stringent requirements to sail it forth to publication by the week’s end.
Yippee ki yay:
I’ve written the blurb.
I’ve selected several cover images which allude to the title, and capture the nuances of my female protagonist over forty years of age.
Instead of giving up from setbacks or stonewalling, the dedicated writer seeks and finds a way to tell the untold, and sail a story forth on its maiden voyage.
*Best wishes to all writers for crafting a seaworthy venture.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
September 29, 2021
Eva’s Byte #335 – Creature of Habit
Willi Cicci: Sal... Tom... the boss says he'll come in a separate car. He says for you two to go on ahead.
Tessio: Hell, he can't do that; that screws up all my arrangements.
(Abe Vigoda as Tessio; The Godfather, 1972)
My sentiment exactly.
I’m a creature of habit. Well, as much as anyone can be, notwithstanding life’s detours and hairpin turns.
In the morning, I’m up at the crack of dawn to exercise before I engage in social media for the hour or so allotted to it. Then, after showering, it’s onward and upward with my planned activities for the day.
If heading out, I like to get out the door and be on the road to run errands no later than 9:30 a.m. because the world is my oyster at that hour. There’s very little traffic. There are no crowds at the supermarket or giant retailer. I’m usually back home before 11:00 a.m. to have brunch before engaging in work related to my writing.
My mind had already strategized working around an upcoming, routine dental appointment scheduled for mid-October at 10:30 a.m. A perfect time to be on the road and be back home by lunchtime.
As Robert Burns put it, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” They did for this gal when my hygienist called to inform me that she gave her two weeks’ notice, but she had a cancellation for Tuesday at 4:15 p.m. to fit me in.
Needless to say, on such short notice, it screwed up all my arrangements. Plus, I’ll be encountering loads of traffic coming and going on the interstate. A creature of habit who usually writes my weekly blog on Tuesday prior to publication on Wednesday, I’m overcompensating by composing it on Monday evening.
Otherwise, I would have resumed the final read-through of my Contemporary work in progress, gearing up for publication in October.
*Whether you’re a creature of habit or creature of spontaneity, may you accomplish whatever you’re striving to achieve in the time allotted.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Tessio: Hell, he can't do that; that screws up all my arrangements.
(Abe Vigoda as Tessio; The Godfather, 1972)
My sentiment exactly.
I’m a creature of habit. Well, as much as anyone can be, notwithstanding life’s detours and hairpin turns.
In the morning, I’m up at the crack of dawn to exercise before I engage in social media for the hour or so allotted to it. Then, after showering, it’s onward and upward with my planned activities for the day.
If heading out, I like to get out the door and be on the road to run errands no later than 9:30 a.m. because the world is my oyster at that hour. There’s very little traffic. There are no crowds at the supermarket or giant retailer. I’m usually back home before 11:00 a.m. to have brunch before engaging in work related to my writing.
My mind had already strategized working around an upcoming, routine dental appointment scheduled for mid-October at 10:30 a.m. A perfect time to be on the road and be back home by lunchtime.
As Robert Burns put it, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” They did for this gal when my hygienist called to inform me that she gave her two weeks’ notice, but she had a cancellation for Tuesday at 4:15 p.m. to fit me in.
Needless to say, on such short notice, it screwed up all my arrangements. Plus, I’ll be encountering loads of traffic coming and going on the interstate. A creature of habit who usually writes my weekly blog on Tuesday prior to publication on Wednesday, I’m overcompensating by composing it on Monday evening.
Otherwise, I would have resumed the final read-through of my Contemporary work in progress, gearing up for publication in October.
*Whether you’re a creature of habit or creature of spontaneity, may you accomplish whatever you’re striving to achieve in the time allotted.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
