D.M. Shiro's Blog
June 29, 2022
Short Stories Book
Hello everyone!
Long time, no speak.
It's been 5 years since I published part 1 of the Grate series.
There's been so much going on in life, I simply didn't have time to sit down and write. All that's changed recently, as I've finally got the PDF ready to upload and receive my proof version of my short stories book: 'The Moral Consideration of Good vs Evil'.
197 written pages, including another poem, this short stories book goes into the conundrum of why morality is sometimes in varying shades of gray, using different characters to elaborate on how and why.
I have 19 stories total in this book, so I hope everyone finds at least one they enjoy. :)
I hope everyone is doing well!
P.S. Keep your eyes peeled for the release of Book #2 from 'The Grate' series!!!
Long time, no speak.
It's been 5 years since I published part 1 of the Grate series.
There's been so much going on in life, I simply didn't have time to sit down and write. All that's changed recently, as I've finally got the PDF ready to upload and receive my proof version of my short stories book: 'The Moral Consideration of Good vs Evil'.
197 written pages, including another poem, this short stories book goes into the conundrum of why morality is sometimes in varying shades of gray, using different characters to elaborate on how and why.
I have 19 stories total in this book, so I hope everyone finds at least one they enjoy. :)
I hope everyone is doing well!
P.S. Keep your eyes peeled for the release of Book #2 from 'The Grate' series!!!
July 16, 2018
Back After a Break
Hello again everyone!
I'm sorry for my absence, but have had some medical issues that have kept me from my work. But it also has given me some time to think and map things out.
I'm in the process still of writing up my first book of short stories, so be on the lookout for that. I'll let everyone know when it is coming out, but I may also allow a preview before it is published if my editor's time frame permits.
"The Grate"'s sequel is in the making, but I have decided to do some major editing on Part 1, so there will be a second edition available before I release the sequel.
Again, I'm sorry for being absent, and hope everyone is doing well.
D.M. Shiro
I'm sorry for my absence, but have had some medical issues that have kept me from my work. But it also has given me some time to think and map things out.
I'm in the process still of writing up my first book of short stories, so be on the lookout for that. I'll let everyone know when it is coming out, but I may also allow a preview before it is published if my editor's time frame permits.
"The Grate"'s sequel is in the making, but I have decided to do some major editing on Part 1, so there will be a second edition available before I release the sequel.
Again, I'm sorry for being absent, and hope everyone is doing well.
D.M. Shiro
April 11, 2018
Read 'The Grate' for Free on Kindle
Hello everyone!
I wanted to let you know that I'm running a special for The Grate. Starting at Midnight tonight until mid-day April 16, my book will be free to read through Kindle!
So make sure to head over and get your free copy!
I wanted to let you know that I'm running a special for The Grate. Starting at Midnight tonight until mid-day April 16, my book will be free to read through Kindle!
So make sure to head over and get your free copy!
March 4, 2018
The Grate, Part 2: progress
I'm excited to say, that while it was rough getting into it at first, I have started really coming along on the second part of my series.
The beauty of the series is how it breaks apart, how it goes back and forth; while confusing, it will all make sense as the series progresses as I do tend to refer to parts of the first book throughout.
But because of the breaks in the chapters, it was also hard to say what I had to say at first, hard to formulate into words what I meant to say because of how the reader, you, may view it. I wanted it to be understood how the story would progress without revealing too much detail. But detail was needed for me so that I could continue the story, to build on it, to make my start somewhere.
I've finally made my start and am happy to declare that I am 55 pages strong at the moment! It seems that it hasn't eluded me as I thought it would. It seems that I have finally found how I want the story to progress, and how it will pull together, just as it did with the first part of the series.
So, it looks like it will be ready to be edited in no time at this rate!
On the other side of things, I am delighted with how the Short Stories are coming along. My first Short Story book, Tales of Woe, should be published by late June or early July if all does well. I have 10 stories lined up to be included (if they would just transfer from my brain onto the screen! Come one fingers, do some walking!), so I'm excited on how that will play out. I'm sure it won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I hope to at least have one person out there who likes at least one of them, then I would call it a win.
Well, it's time to get back to writing.
Enjoy the reads!
The beauty of the series is how it breaks apart, how it goes back and forth; while confusing, it will all make sense as the series progresses as I do tend to refer to parts of the first book throughout.
But because of the breaks in the chapters, it was also hard to say what I had to say at first, hard to formulate into words what I meant to say because of how the reader, you, may view it. I wanted it to be understood how the story would progress without revealing too much detail. But detail was needed for me so that I could continue the story, to build on it, to make my start somewhere.
I've finally made my start and am happy to declare that I am 55 pages strong at the moment! It seems that it hasn't eluded me as I thought it would. It seems that I have finally found how I want the story to progress, and how it will pull together, just as it did with the first part of the series.
So, it looks like it will be ready to be edited in no time at this rate!
On the other side of things, I am delighted with how the Short Stories are coming along. My first Short Story book, Tales of Woe, should be published by late June or early July if all does well. I have 10 stories lined up to be included (if they would just transfer from my brain onto the screen! Come one fingers, do some walking!), so I'm excited on how that will play out. I'm sure it won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I hope to at least have one person out there who likes at least one of them, then I would call it a win.
Well, it's time to get back to writing.
Enjoy the reads!
February 11, 2018
Make Yourself Happy; Do What You Love
It's amazing to witness what small changes do, how the ripples may gradually grow larger and reproduce good in our lives.
This week I have mainly been focusing on ancestry, which has been leading me into thinking about other things (I hadn't been able to trace more than my great-grandparents, but have been able to trace back 8 generations so far!), which led me to writing again. I think that a lot of my life I have spent wondering where I came from, because I valued family so much but didn't really know where they were from or who their family was. As I get older, I realize how it can affect me knowing those things and not just from a Medical or genealogical standpoint.
I have never felt so connected to anything in my life, and it makes me feel blessed that they went through what they did, because I would not be here otherwise, being given the chances I am given. It also makes me think about how my actions and life can affect generations from now. And with this discovery, I can also help my children learn about their heritage.
I will not allow this new information go to waste. So, I've been writing. I have already finished a short story of just over 3,000 words. I am currently writing another short story (I plan to publish several short stories together this summer, or fall). I hope everyone enjoys them, even though I know they will not be everyone's cup of tea.
Being able to write about what I like, and also being able to see where I come from, and where my story is going makes me incredibly happy. And I know I am in a unique position to be able to do so, which makes me feel fortunate.
Who would have known that a small hobby of mine could turn into my life? It goes to show that even the smallest things which bring us joy could truly become something greater for us later down the road. If you love something, and you know you do, then follow it with a passion greater than anything you have ever wanted before. Because when you are happy, it makes living in the now a much better experience.
Happy Reading!
This week I have mainly been focusing on ancestry, which has been leading me into thinking about other things (I hadn't been able to trace more than my great-grandparents, but have been able to trace back 8 generations so far!), which led me to writing again. I think that a lot of my life I have spent wondering where I came from, because I valued family so much but didn't really know where they were from or who their family was. As I get older, I realize how it can affect me knowing those things and not just from a Medical or genealogical standpoint.
I have never felt so connected to anything in my life, and it makes me feel blessed that they went through what they did, because I would not be here otherwise, being given the chances I am given. It also makes me think about how my actions and life can affect generations from now. And with this discovery, I can also help my children learn about their heritage.
I will not allow this new information go to waste. So, I've been writing. I have already finished a short story of just over 3,000 words. I am currently writing another short story (I plan to publish several short stories together this summer, or fall). I hope everyone enjoys them, even though I know they will not be everyone's cup of tea.
Being able to write about what I like, and also being able to see where I come from, and where my story is going makes me incredibly happy. And I know I am in a unique position to be able to do so, which makes me feel fortunate.
Who would have known that a small hobby of mine could turn into my life? It goes to show that even the smallest things which bring us joy could truly become something greater for us later down the road. If you love something, and you know you do, then follow it with a passion greater than anything you have ever wanted before. Because when you are happy, it makes living in the now a much better experience.
Happy Reading!
February 4, 2018
The Grate Read-through
I just finished my read-through of The Grate and definitely feel confident moving on to Book 2 now. While I know that I have to make changes to book 1 down the road, I think it is important to get this story going to keep in line with how I want to publish the books, but rest assured that I will make it my greatest effort to create a second edition of Book 1 down the road.
That being said, I have dated my entire book through for easy referencing, and am almost halfway through the book again finding and highlighting information to touch on in the upcoming books. I want to ensure that everyone is happy, so I will keep you updated on how I progress. Make sure you keep an eye out for any previews I will post!
Happy Reading, and with loving regards,
D.M. Shiro
That being said, I have dated my entire book through for easy referencing, and am almost halfway through the book again finding and highlighting information to touch on in the upcoming books. I want to ensure that everyone is happy, so I will keep you updated on how I progress. Make sure you keep an eye out for any previews I will post!
Happy Reading, and with loving regards,
D.M. Shiro
January 18, 2018
Price Change for Kindle
Have you been considering reading 'The Grate', but been put off by the price? Now is your chance to get the book much cheaper!
Looking for a Kindle version?
I have changed the price for 'The Grate' on Kindle. Now available to purchase for only $3.99!
Also, get a free Kindle version with the purchase of a Paperback of 'The Grate' when the purchase is made through Amazon!
Next month I will begin a free promotional period, so be sure to keep a look out for a free version of 'The Grate'. I will also start giveaways of the Paperback version (5 at a time) through E-mail.
Looking to find 'The Grate' in stores?
Be on the look out for upcoming events such as book readings and book signings at book stores like Barnes and Noble.
Don't see the book you are looking for at the book store? You can request the book in-store so they bring it to a store near you.
***Book signings and book readings currently being considered and discussed in the Albuquerque area of New Mexico.***
Looking for a Kindle version?
I have changed the price for 'The Grate' on Kindle. Now available to purchase for only $3.99!
Also, get a free Kindle version with the purchase of a Paperback of 'The Grate' when the purchase is made through Amazon!
Next month I will begin a free promotional period, so be sure to keep a look out for a free version of 'The Grate'. I will also start giveaways of the Paperback version (5 at a time) through E-mail.
Looking to find 'The Grate' in stores?
Be on the look out for upcoming events such as book readings and book signings at book stores like Barnes and Noble.
Don't see the book you are looking for at the book store? You can request the book in-store so they bring it to a store near you.
***Book signings and book readings currently being considered and discussed in the Albuquerque area of New Mexico.***
January 13, 2018
Working With Children Underfoot
As many people know, not just authors, working with children underfoot can be quite a challenge. They require time, love, affection, patience, help... and many other things which can be tiring and frustrating to deal with.
Before publishing my first book, I considered myself nothing more than a stay-at-home mom, feeling I could do nothing to contribute to our financial situation, feeling inadequate to enter the workforce, as when I have tried all of the money went directly to childcare. It can be frustrating when children aren't in school, or you don't have time for a break. Living with anxiety and depression, it makes it harder to cope with because I want to be there for them, but I also need time to decompress, which seems to never come. Being a parent is a 24/7 job, and it never ends, even when they are adults.
So, how do you work when you have children around?
1. Take it slow. Depending on your work and your environment, try and take breaks and slow down. It doesn't mean your productivity must decrease, it means you need to keep your mind healthy and awake for your work. Spend some time with your children, get them to settle down with something else to distract them (or someone else), and then dive into your work.
Being an author makes it great for me, because I can do things at my own pace. When I need time to myself, I try to read or write as much as I can. Even just to keep my writing fluent, reading to help myself learn to write better.
2. Focus on work when it is work time, and children when it is child time. Sure, children take time and energy, but if you can manage to get them on a schedule, then you are more likely to find time to get your work done as well. Even though they may interrupt you, even though they may still come seeking your attention, relax, take a breath, count to ten. It's all going to be okay. When you have gotten them to settle down again, just pick up where you left off. But here's the secret - just like any other job - you have to have "quitting time". If you want to write for 7 hours straight and have no issues, wonderful! If your children bother you in the meantime, it's okay. Take a break and go back to work when you can. But when your "work day" is complete, then clock out and take the rest of the day off from work until the following day. It keeps you from becoming overwhelmed and keeps your little ones in line where they won't drive you "insane".
3. Give yourself and your children structure. I'm not saying map out every day every month, I mean be consistent. Remind them of when your work time is. If they are old enough, remind them, and perhaps even give them something to do in the meantime to keep them from keeping you from your work. But just because you need to work, don't feel too stressed out when they do take your attention, because it is bound to happen.
You will have good days, and you will have bad days. You will have productive days, and days where you barely seem to get anything done. Just remind yourself that your family is important, and they always will be. Jobs and passions come and go, but time with your family is valuable because it is fleeting.
Love what you do above all else, and understand you are incredibly important. To many people. So, give yourself a break and a pat on the back. And don't stress yourself out, because we all know that leads us to mistakes and even more stress. Put it down for a little while and get back to it. You'll come back with fresh eyes ready to see what needs to be done. And you'll be glad you took the break.
Best of wishes!
D.M. Shiro
Before publishing my first book, I considered myself nothing more than a stay-at-home mom, feeling I could do nothing to contribute to our financial situation, feeling inadequate to enter the workforce, as when I have tried all of the money went directly to childcare. It can be frustrating when children aren't in school, or you don't have time for a break. Living with anxiety and depression, it makes it harder to cope with because I want to be there for them, but I also need time to decompress, which seems to never come. Being a parent is a 24/7 job, and it never ends, even when they are adults.
So, how do you work when you have children around?
1. Take it slow. Depending on your work and your environment, try and take breaks and slow down. It doesn't mean your productivity must decrease, it means you need to keep your mind healthy and awake for your work. Spend some time with your children, get them to settle down with something else to distract them (or someone else), and then dive into your work.
Being an author makes it great for me, because I can do things at my own pace. When I need time to myself, I try to read or write as much as I can. Even just to keep my writing fluent, reading to help myself learn to write better.
2. Focus on work when it is work time, and children when it is child time. Sure, children take time and energy, but if you can manage to get them on a schedule, then you are more likely to find time to get your work done as well. Even though they may interrupt you, even though they may still come seeking your attention, relax, take a breath, count to ten. It's all going to be okay. When you have gotten them to settle down again, just pick up where you left off. But here's the secret - just like any other job - you have to have "quitting time". If you want to write for 7 hours straight and have no issues, wonderful! If your children bother you in the meantime, it's okay. Take a break and go back to work when you can. But when your "work day" is complete, then clock out and take the rest of the day off from work until the following day. It keeps you from becoming overwhelmed and keeps your little ones in line where they won't drive you "insane".
3. Give yourself and your children structure. I'm not saying map out every day every month, I mean be consistent. Remind them of when your work time is. If they are old enough, remind them, and perhaps even give them something to do in the meantime to keep them from keeping you from your work. But just because you need to work, don't feel too stressed out when they do take your attention, because it is bound to happen.
You will have good days, and you will have bad days. You will have productive days, and days where you barely seem to get anything done. Just remind yourself that your family is important, and they always will be. Jobs and passions come and go, but time with your family is valuable because it is fleeting.
Love what you do above all else, and understand you are incredibly important. To many people. So, give yourself a break and a pat on the back. And don't stress yourself out, because we all know that leads us to mistakes and even more stress. Put it down for a little while and get back to it. You'll come back with fresh eyes ready to see what needs to be done. And you'll be glad you took the break.
Best of wishes!
D.M. Shiro
January 8, 2018
Finding Inspiration
Did you know that many writers use their own experiences in their books? Sometimes it comes from a dream.
Regardless of where you find your inspiration for writing, it can be so influential that you see your inspiration everywhere.
My inspiration comes from a variety of sources, from dreams, to my life, to someone else's experiences that I find strikes a chord in my heart.
When inspiration strikes, run with it. It may be a lousy idea, or it may be the best you have had in months! If you stick with it, you may find yourself seeing it everywhere. And when you do, that's when you know you have something real in your hands.
My inspiration for "The Grate" had a lot to do with my life as well as my own beliefs that I felt I had to express to others. Luckily, I had a way of putting it to paper that could easily be viewed by others in a way they may find inspirational themselves.
If you touch even one person with your words, you have done your job. Find your inspiration in life, and don't let it go. You'll find your life more rewarding if you follow your intuition.
Regardless of where you find your inspiration for writing, it can be so influential that you see your inspiration everywhere.
My inspiration comes from a variety of sources, from dreams, to my life, to someone else's experiences that I find strikes a chord in my heart.
When inspiration strikes, run with it. It may be a lousy idea, or it may be the best you have had in months! If you stick with it, you may find yourself seeing it everywhere. And when you do, that's when you know you have something real in your hands.
My inspiration for "The Grate" had a lot to do with my life as well as my own beliefs that I felt I had to express to others. Luckily, I had a way of putting it to paper that could easily be viewed by others in a way they may find inspirational themselves.
If you touch even one person with your words, you have done your job. Find your inspiration in life, and don't let it go. You'll find your life more rewarding if you follow your intuition.
January 3, 2018
Try, Try, Try Again
When you feel overwhelmed, understand that you need to take a break. The break could be minutes, hours, days, or months. Sometimes you may even take years before inspiration strikes! Regardless of how you feel in a day, remember the difference between success and failure is that you continue to try. Failure, while an option, does not need to be the final step. You can determine your own desires and aspirations. Take time to yourself, but put yourself back in the game. Because as long as you continue, you can succeed. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but one day you will. And when that happens, you will be proud you did.
Keep up the good work, because you are worth it.
Keep up the good work, because you are worth it.
