Eva Pasco's Blog, page 31
January 8, 2020
Eva’s Byte #245: In Hot Pursuit of…
The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow: My overdue royalty check from 2018 owed by the publisher of my Contemporary (2016). Even after their cut, the pennies I’ve earned for each $3.95 eBook sale on Amazon have accumulated to a substantial amount.
The fight for glory—monetary entitlement.
I’ve scheduled a phone conference on Thursday afternoon, where I intend to press for definitive answers not forthcoming in a recent runaround email exchange. While on point, I’ll be sure to ask when I can expect my 2019 royalty statement.
I am looking forward to 2021 when my 5-year contract with them expires. Eight years prior to 2016, I had walked away from social media due to time-consuming and exhausting obligations. I had also put my writing endeavors on hold until a spirited revival. During my self-imposed exile, I was ignorant to the viable self-publishing options for Indies.
Consequently, I’d wizened up of for the subsequent publications of: 100 Wild Mushrooms: Memoirs of the ‘60s (2017); Mr. Wizardo (2019).
Calling attention to one’s books and procuring each sale takes time and ingenuity on a daily basis. That’s not a complaint. It’s what I choose to do for exposing my work to potential readers.
Like everyone else who works hard in their chosen field, I expect to be paid without fighting for what’s mine.
At a future date, I’ll compose a follow-up blog on this issue, which I hope has a favorable resolution.
*May all independent artists reap intrinsic and monetary rewards from your creative endeavors.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
The fight for glory—monetary entitlement.
I’ve scheduled a phone conference on Thursday afternoon, where I intend to press for definitive answers not forthcoming in a recent runaround email exchange. While on point, I’ll be sure to ask when I can expect my 2019 royalty statement.
I am looking forward to 2021 when my 5-year contract with them expires. Eight years prior to 2016, I had walked away from social media due to time-consuming and exhausting obligations. I had also put my writing endeavors on hold until a spirited revival. During my self-imposed exile, I was ignorant to the viable self-publishing options for Indies.
Consequently, I’d wizened up of for the subsequent publications of: 100 Wild Mushrooms: Memoirs of the ‘60s (2017); Mr. Wizardo (2019).
Calling attention to one’s books and procuring each sale takes time and ingenuity on a daily basis. That’s not a complaint. It’s what I choose to do for exposing my work to potential readers.
Like everyone else who works hard in their chosen field, I expect to be paid without fighting for what’s mine.
At a future date, I’ll compose a follow-up blog on this issue, which I hope has a favorable resolution.
*May all independent artists reap intrinsic and monetary rewards from your creative endeavors.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
January 1, 2020
Eva’s Byte #244: 2020 Vision
What do you envision for yourself in 2020?
So, a brand new year is upon us. Its stretch of unpaved roads are at our disposal for furthering the cerebral journeys we desire to take. Whether or not one makes New Year’s resolutions—challenges, obstacles, and/or adversity inevitably derail the best-laid plans of mice and men.
Hence, I view each day with the mindset, “This is as good as it gets,” while steeling myself for the other shoe to drop.
In hindsight and with foresight, my 2020 vision embraces the resolve to roll with fate, while maintaining a thick hide to withstand the pelting of chips falling where they may.
If circumstances allow, this year, I envision publishing my current WIP in the genre of Contemporary. This week, I’m resuming my literary journey at the tail end of chapter 38—with miles to go before I round the bend to completing the novel.
I’ve pledged to read 25 books for the Goodreads 2020 Reading Challenge. I’ve just about finished reading The Disappearance of Robin Murat by Gerald W. Darnell, and will write my review when I do.
Reading/reviewing books written by Indies remains my steadfast New Year’s resolution.
I’m grateful for every dawn of a new day that enables me to further my literary journey toward the light at the end of the tunnel.
Wishing all of my readers: peace, prosperity, and productivity throughout 2020.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
So, a brand new year is upon us. Its stretch of unpaved roads are at our disposal for furthering the cerebral journeys we desire to take. Whether or not one makes New Year’s resolutions—challenges, obstacles, and/or adversity inevitably derail the best-laid plans of mice and men.
Hence, I view each day with the mindset, “This is as good as it gets,” while steeling myself for the other shoe to drop.
In hindsight and with foresight, my 2020 vision embraces the resolve to roll with fate, while maintaining a thick hide to withstand the pelting of chips falling where they may.
If circumstances allow, this year, I envision publishing my current WIP in the genre of Contemporary. This week, I’m resuming my literary journey at the tail end of chapter 38—with miles to go before I round the bend to completing the novel.
I’ve pledged to read 25 books for the Goodreads 2020 Reading Challenge. I’ve just about finished reading The Disappearance of Robin Murat by Gerald W. Darnell, and will write my review when I do.
Reading/reviewing books written by Indies remains my steadfast New Year’s resolution.
I’m grateful for every dawn of a new day that enables me to further my literary journey toward the light at the end of the tunnel.
Wishing all of my readers: peace, prosperity, and productivity throughout 2020.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
December 18, 2019
Eva’s Byte #243: It’s a Wrap until Next Year
As I write this last blog for the year, my gifts are all wrapped and ready for their destinations on Christmas.
In my capacity of Indie author, I’m tying up loose ends vis-à-vis the 2019 Goodreads Reading Challenge. I have one more book to finish reading and review for meeting my challenge of 25. By golly, I’ve put my WIP on hold to see that I do.
There was a point in time where I was ahead of myself—until life’s flurry of activity impeded my progress. Now I’m down to the wire during:
The most wonderful time of the year and the hap-happiest season of all.
Pejoratively stated on my part.
The lyrics of Andy Williams’ Christmas song lilting from Lite 105 FM to my ears, don’t cut it for me in traffic. Nor do the sugar-spun marshmallows for toasting and cheerful caroling in the snow fit my down-to-earth pragmatism throughout the year.
Wishing all of my steadfast readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year—on your terms! May the spirit of renewal prevail in the hope of subduing any grief, pain, and sorrow.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
In my capacity of Indie author, I’m tying up loose ends vis-à-vis the 2019 Goodreads Reading Challenge. I have one more book to finish reading and review for meeting my challenge of 25. By golly, I’ve put my WIP on hold to see that I do.
There was a point in time where I was ahead of myself—until life’s flurry of activity impeded my progress. Now I’m down to the wire during:
The most wonderful time of the year and the hap-happiest season of all.
Pejoratively stated on my part.
The lyrics of Andy Williams’ Christmas song lilting from Lite 105 FM to my ears, don’t cut it for me in traffic. Nor do the sugar-spun marshmallows for toasting and cheerful caroling in the snow fit my down-to-earth pragmatism throughout the year.
Wishing all of my steadfast readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year—on your terms! May the spirit of renewal prevail in the hope of subduing any grief, pain, and sorrow.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
December 11, 2019
Eva’s Byte #242: Under the Influence of Absent-mindedness
Is your focus purely on the task at hand, above all else?
The absent-minded professor is one of those familiar, stereotyped fictional characters whose academic brilliance is undermined by forgetfulness, blunders, and/or obliviousness to surroundings.
Separate and apart from carrying out responsibilities and obligations where I need to be on top of my game, I am often under the influence of absent-mindedness in my capacity of Indie author.
Secluded in my office and sitting at my desk in readiness to write, absent-mindedness exerts its influence through obliviousness:
I’ve either forgotten to turn on the oven, or have left something in there too long.
Enveloped in thought, the constraints of time elude me.
On the road, behind the wheel, wayward thoughts pertaining to character dialogue or plot twists intrude. Of course, I force these distractions to take a back seat while I’m driving.
While pushing a shopping cart in the supermarket, absent-mindedness navigates, while I’m lost in thought.
Thus far, the influence of absent-mindedness has not manifested itself in forgetfulness or blunders. I justify my obliviousness as a means of focusing on writing without becoming easily distracted.
*Since creative endeavors are cerebral undertakings which continue to incubate and maturate wherever we may be, absent-mindedness enables our ideas to flourish.
It goes without saying—do not disturb!
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
The absent-minded professor is one of those familiar, stereotyped fictional characters whose academic brilliance is undermined by forgetfulness, blunders, and/or obliviousness to surroundings.
Separate and apart from carrying out responsibilities and obligations where I need to be on top of my game, I am often under the influence of absent-mindedness in my capacity of Indie author.
Secluded in my office and sitting at my desk in readiness to write, absent-mindedness exerts its influence through obliviousness:
I’ve either forgotten to turn on the oven, or have left something in there too long.
Enveloped in thought, the constraints of time elude me.
On the road, behind the wheel, wayward thoughts pertaining to character dialogue or plot twists intrude. Of course, I force these distractions to take a back seat while I’m driving.
While pushing a shopping cart in the supermarket, absent-mindedness navigates, while I’m lost in thought.
Thus far, the influence of absent-mindedness has not manifested itself in forgetfulness or blunders. I justify my obliviousness as a means of focusing on writing without becoming easily distracted.
*Since creative endeavors are cerebral undertakings which continue to incubate and maturate wherever we may be, absent-mindedness enables our ideas to flourish.
It goes without saying—do not disturb!
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
December 4, 2019
Eva’s Byte #241 – My Scenic WRITING Cruise
Are you under the gun of self-imposed deadlines, or do you cruise to the finish line?
An independent published author who takes my writing seriously when it comes to integrating all elements of storytelling and editing, I’m in no hurry to finish my Work in Progress. My literary journey is the antithesis of barreling down the fast lane to the finish line by setting a fixed time and strict word quota for each daily work session.
Far be it from me to write a full-length novel in a month—or, a year, for that matter. Due to life’s hairpin turns, it took me a little over 8 years to complete my multi-award winning Contemporary, An Enlightening Quiche (2016).
Setting that revelation aside, I prefer taking the scenic writing cruise, analogous to motoring along U.S. Route 66, the two-lane Mother Road, as it now runs parallel to the interstate. Similar to braking for the purpose of visiting historical museums in the vicinity, I take occasional breaks from writing my main squeeze.
When the spirit moves me, I write a memoir, separate and apart from those compiled in my nonfiction collection, 100 Wild Mushrooms: Memoirs of the ‘60s (2017).
Thus far, I’ve published 74 present-day stories on my web page at Authors Den.
My latest, “The Christmas Spin”:
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/views...
Over the course of my 12-year writing career, I’ve taken time out to write/publish Rhode Read essays—41; Retro ‘60s flashbacks—33. I also make it a point to write book reviews.
Then, without fail, I compose a weekly blog pertaining to my own reality as a writer. As you can see, I’ve written 241 thus far.
Whether a literary endeavor or road trip extraordinaire, the journey is just as significant as crossing the finish line.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
An independent published author who takes my writing seriously when it comes to integrating all elements of storytelling and editing, I’m in no hurry to finish my Work in Progress. My literary journey is the antithesis of barreling down the fast lane to the finish line by setting a fixed time and strict word quota for each daily work session.
Far be it from me to write a full-length novel in a month—or, a year, for that matter. Due to life’s hairpin turns, it took me a little over 8 years to complete my multi-award winning Contemporary, An Enlightening Quiche (2016).
Setting that revelation aside, I prefer taking the scenic writing cruise, analogous to motoring along U.S. Route 66, the two-lane Mother Road, as it now runs parallel to the interstate. Similar to braking for the purpose of visiting historical museums in the vicinity, I take occasional breaks from writing my main squeeze.
When the spirit moves me, I write a memoir, separate and apart from those compiled in my nonfiction collection, 100 Wild Mushrooms: Memoirs of the ‘60s (2017).
Thus far, I’ve published 74 present-day stories on my web page at Authors Den.
My latest, “The Christmas Spin”:
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/views...
Over the course of my 12-year writing career, I’ve taken time out to write/publish Rhode Read essays—41; Retro ‘60s flashbacks—33. I also make it a point to write book reviews.
Then, without fail, I compose a weekly blog pertaining to my own reality as a writer. As you can see, I’ve written 241 thus far.
Whether a literary endeavor or road trip extraordinaire, the journey is just as significant as crossing the finish line.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
November 27, 2019
Eva’s Byte #240: The Fezziwig Identity
* In a culture of workaholism, how do you embrace the Fezziwig Identity of merrymaking during the holiday season?
Oh, by gosh, by golly
It’s time for mistletoe and holly—soon!
After Thanksgiving, 27 days remain until Christmas!
An Indie author, I rarely cut myself slack from the peculiarities of honing my craft: drafting a WIP; blogging; writing an occasional memoir; creating ad posts for social media; editing; reading; writing book reviews.
It goes without saying, my toils and troubles are not motivated by far-fetched fame and fortune. Not when my eBooks are priced from $2.99 - $3.99!
Writing and all of its satellite components provide a joie de vivre!
By golly, it’s the Indie’s Fezziwig Identity!
Fezziwig—Scrooge’s business mentor in A Christmas Carol (1843 novella created by Charles Dickens)—contrasts sharply with his apprentice’s miserly and coldhearted ways.
Fezziwig, “It's not just for money alone that one spends a lifetime building up a business…. It's to preserve a way of life that one knew and loved.”
Like Fezziwig, in the days leading up to the holiday, I’ve slacked off a bit by carving time to make merry. I’ve been decking the halls of my home with decorations. I’m indulging in sappy Hallmark Christmas movies.
The Fezziwig Identity empowers workaholics to embrace merrymaking during the Christmas season without it costing a fortune.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Oh, by gosh, by golly
It’s time for mistletoe and holly—soon!
After Thanksgiving, 27 days remain until Christmas!
An Indie author, I rarely cut myself slack from the peculiarities of honing my craft: drafting a WIP; blogging; writing an occasional memoir; creating ad posts for social media; editing; reading; writing book reviews.
It goes without saying, my toils and troubles are not motivated by far-fetched fame and fortune. Not when my eBooks are priced from $2.99 - $3.99!
Writing and all of its satellite components provide a joie de vivre!
By golly, it’s the Indie’s Fezziwig Identity!
Fezziwig—Scrooge’s business mentor in A Christmas Carol (1843 novella created by Charles Dickens)—contrasts sharply with his apprentice’s miserly and coldhearted ways.
Fezziwig, “It's not just for money alone that one spends a lifetime building up a business…. It's to preserve a way of life that one knew and loved.”
Like Fezziwig, in the days leading up to the holiday, I’ve slacked off a bit by carving time to make merry. I’ve been decking the halls of my home with decorations. I’m indulging in sappy Hallmark Christmas movies.
The Fezziwig Identity empowers workaholics to embrace merrymaking during the Christmas season without it costing a fortune.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
November 20, 2019
Eva's Byte #239: Blank Screen
*Contending with dilemmas, detours, and denseness which impede artistic progress.
An independent author, I can attest that writing has its perks as well as its pitfalls. Most of my pitfalls pertaining to the craft revolve around circumstances I have little control over.
Like what occurred the other day…
Drawing a blank to advance my WIP is not of any concern. However, encountering a blank screen on my desktop monitor put me in panic mode. In the dark, I called my technician who assured me, by remote diagnostics, that all was in working order.
Except for staring into a black void.
He proceeded instructing me to check the connection on all wires leading to and from the monitor. Discerning no loose ends, he then directed me to the touch-sensitive “power” button located along the front, bottom edge of the screen. I pressed it, to no avail. Based on my feedback, the only option available was to purchase a new screen and call him again when I brought it home.
Mission accomplished, my computer technician arrives at the scene. It takes him a minute to show me the monitor is fine. From moving something on the surface of my desk, I must have unintentionally shut it off.
Duh! My mind went blank!
All I had to do, was press the power button “underneath” the screen—not the etched symbol. He did reassure me that some screens do function as I’d intended mine. In hindsight, I now see every one of those touch-sensitive suckers!
After another two-way trip to the office supply store for a return, I was back at the drawing board to write what I’ve envisioned taking place in the draft for chapter 38 of my Contemporary before the lights went out.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
An independent author, I can attest that writing has its perks as well as its pitfalls. Most of my pitfalls pertaining to the craft revolve around circumstances I have little control over.
Like what occurred the other day…
Drawing a blank to advance my WIP is not of any concern. However, encountering a blank screen on my desktop monitor put me in panic mode. In the dark, I called my technician who assured me, by remote diagnostics, that all was in working order.
Except for staring into a black void.
He proceeded instructing me to check the connection on all wires leading to and from the monitor. Discerning no loose ends, he then directed me to the touch-sensitive “power” button located along the front, bottom edge of the screen. I pressed it, to no avail. Based on my feedback, the only option available was to purchase a new screen and call him again when I brought it home.
Mission accomplished, my computer technician arrives at the scene. It takes him a minute to show me the monitor is fine. From moving something on the surface of my desk, I must have unintentionally shut it off.
Duh! My mind went blank!
All I had to do, was press the power button “underneath” the screen—not the etched symbol. He did reassure me that some screens do function as I’d intended mine. In hindsight, I now see every one of those touch-sensitive suckers!
After another two-way trip to the office supply store for a return, I was back at the drawing board to write what I’ve envisioned taking place in the draft for chapter 38 of my Contemporary before the lights went out.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
November 13, 2019
Eva’s Byte #238: Stolen Moments
“Art is not meant to be created in stolen moments only.” Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Idealistic, but impractical to embrace.
I’m in awe of those who hold down a day job and keep up with the demands of parenthood, let alone find stolen moments to pursue artistic endeavors.
Retired and flying solo, the demands of the day still impinge upon my time to write. Responsibilities and obligations take precedence. Therefore, I view any dividend of unspoken-for moments a precious gift of time to lavish on my artistic endeavors of creating novels in the genre of Contemporary.
Ever since I embarked on a writing career coinciding with the publication of my first novel in 2008, my stolen moments generally occur in the evening after 6:00 p.m.
If I’m hot to trot through a plot, I’ll go with the flow regardless of how much time passes. The downside of stealing moments later in the day is that fatigue can have a negative impact on my clarity for transposing words in a sentence. To begin with, I’m my own harshest critic at every turn of phrase. For the most part, my writing sessions span two hours.
The plus side for rolling up my sleeves later, rather than sooner, is that my office becomes a sanctuary without intrusions. Not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse. Except for my characters, who channel their thoughts for me to transcribe.
*Wishing every reader of this blog an abundance of stolen moments to engage your creative pursuits.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Idealistic, but impractical to embrace.
I’m in awe of those who hold down a day job and keep up with the demands of parenthood, let alone find stolen moments to pursue artistic endeavors.
Retired and flying solo, the demands of the day still impinge upon my time to write. Responsibilities and obligations take precedence. Therefore, I view any dividend of unspoken-for moments a precious gift of time to lavish on my artistic endeavors of creating novels in the genre of Contemporary.
Ever since I embarked on a writing career coinciding with the publication of my first novel in 2008, my stolen moments generally occur in the evening after 6:00 p.m.
If I’m hot to trot through a plot, I’ll go with the flow regardless of how much time passes. The downside of stealing moments later in the day is that fatigue can have a negative impact on my clarity for transposing words in a sentence. To begin with, I’m my own harshest critic at every turn of phrase. For the most part, my writing sessions span two hours.
The plus side for rolling up my sleeves later, rather than sooner, is that my office becomes a sanctuary without intrusions. Not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse. Except for my characters, who channel their thoughts for me to transcribe.
*Wishing every reader of this blog an abundance of stolen moments to engage your creative pursuits.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
November 6, 2019
Eva’s Byte #237: Paper Tigers with Less Bite
Paper tigers, paper tigers,
Your roar is much worse than your bite—these days!
(Channeled from Sue Thompson’s Top-30 hit in 1965, “Paper Tiger”)
A writer who made my debut as an Indie author through the publication of Underlying Notes (Contemporary, 2008), I’d drafted the entire 238-page document on a legal pad. On the pay-as-I-go plan, I’d type each day’s word quota in Word. When I had finished the novel, I made a print copy of the manuscript in its entirety.
As Bob Dylan put it, “the times, how they are a changin’!”
Subsequently, I’ve drafted all other published works, and my WIP in Word.
This got me thinking about “paper tigers with less bite”—including, but not limited to:
Stenographer Pad – as endangered a species as the secretary writing down memos in shorthand for a chauvinistic boss focused on her bosom.
Spiral Notebook – a college student during the ‘70s, I recall writer’s cramp from trying to capture the professor’s train of thought in longhand.
Index Cards – with memory built in to our electronic devices, writing down recipes seems a foregone conclusion.
Our reliance on modern technology has rendered White Out obsolete.
And, 2-3-4—what do we need paper clips for?
Remember the stacks of print newspapers from yesteryear? Due to the Internet, there has been a steady decline in production.
Although I admit to adhering to many old-fashioned ways of doing things, I’ve gladly relinquished paper tigers for the convenience of having less clutter to deal with. Most importantly—the conservation of trees.
Eva’s Authors Den Page:https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Your roar is much worse than your bite—these days!
(Channeled from Sue Thompson’s Top-30 hit in 1965, “Paper Tiger”)
A writer who made my debut as an Indie author through the publication of Underlying Notes (Contemporary, 2008), I’d drafted the entire 238-page document on a legal pad. On the pay-as-I-go plan, I’d type each day’s word quota in Word. When I had finished the novel, I made a print copy of the manuscript in its entirety.
As Bob Dylan put it, “the times, how they are a changin’!”
Subsequently, I’ve drafted all other published works, and my WIP in Word.
This got me thinking about “paper tigers with less bite”—including, but not limited to:
Stenographer Pad – as endangered a species as the secretary writing down memos in shorthand for a chauvinistic boss focused on her bosom.
Spiral Notebook – a college student during the ‘70s, I recall writer’s cramp from trying to capture the professor’s train of thought in longhand.
Index Cards – with memory built in to our electronic devices, writing down recipes seems a foregone conclusion.
Our reliance on modern technology has rendered White Out obsolete.
And, 2-3-4—what do we need paper clips for?
Remember the stacks of print newspapers from yesteryear? Due to the Internet, there has been a steady decline in production.
Although I admit to adhering to many old-fashioned ways of doing things, I’ve gladly relinquished paper tigers for the convenience of having less clutter to deal with. Most importantly—the conservation of trees.
Eva’s Authors Den Page:https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
October 30, 2019
Eva’s Byte #236: The Christmas Rush
Oh, by gosh, by golly…
It’s about that time for mistletoe and holly. The Christmas “rush” is on—both the hustle and bustle of anticipation, and the intense—if only, short-lived—absolute joy.
The Hallmark movie channels have already begun their sleigh ride through winter’s wonderland in the pure-driven snow. Stated in their guidelines for author submissions:
We tend to avoid stories with very sad or distressing elements, including but not limited to terminal illness, abuse, addiction, early stages of grief, and children or animals in peril.
An Indie author already behind their closed door of not accepting unsolicited manuscripts, I’d never be willing to suspend my disbelief to write a story fitting even more of their strict guidelines. Because, I like to expose what goes on behind closed doors.
My novels in the genre of Contemporary embrace realism. They portray women over forty who grapple with, confront, and overcome their personal dilemmas to become empowered in making profound life changes for the better. In so doing, my novels are descriptive, introspective, and explore the gamut of inner conflicts: convention vs. rebellion; fate vs. free will; loyalty vs. betrayal; unbridled love vs. sacrifice; death—inevitable or tragic?
For art imitating life—sensitive topics are broached rather than omitted.
More power to those authors whose novels have been adapted to a Hallmark flick. Or, aspire to. A winter wonderland with busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style offers a rush to counteract any holiday doldrums.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
It’s about that time for mistletoe and holly. The Christmas “rush” is on—both the hustle and bustle of anticipation, and the intense—if only, short-lived—absolute joy.
The Hallmark movie channels have already begun their sleigh ride through winter’s wonderland in the pure-driven snow. Stated in their guidelines for author submissions:
We tend to avoid stories with very sad or distressing elements, including but not limited to terminal illness, abuse, addiction, early stages of grief, and children or animals in peril.
An Indie author already behind their closed door of not accepting unsolicited manuscripts, I’d never be willing to suspend my disbelief to write a story fitting even more of their strict guidelines. Because, I like to expose what goes on behind closed doors.
My novels in the genre of Contemporary embrace realism. They portray women over forty who grapple with, confront, and overcome their personal dilemmas to become empowered in making profound life changes for the better. In so doing, my novels are descriptive, introspective, and explore the gamut of inner conflicts: convention vs. rebellion; fate vs. free will; loyalty vs. betrayal; unbridled love vs. sacrifice; death—inevitable or tragic?
For art imitating life—sensitive topics are broached rather than omitted.
More power to those authors whose novels have been adapted to a Hallmark flick. Or, aspire to. A winter wonderland with busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style offers a rush to counteract any holiday doldrums.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
