C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 195

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Though I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planet, I am intimately linked with the paranormal in the world.

The week ahead for:

Aries

Change comes on a swift current this week.  Let friendly mermaids guide you to safe waters.

Taurus

Just because they're short doesn't mean they aren't powerful.  You'll get ahead with a hobbit friend.

Gemini

Dance in the Fairy Circle.  It's good for your health.

Cancer

After avoiding some Orcs, your path will be clear and brighter.

Leo

Being king means being responsible for others.  Consider all decisions with extra care.

Virgo

Elves are very creative and have welcomed you into their midst.  They admire your skills.

Libra

It's time to soar with the eagles.

Scorpio

The Sphinx finds you mysterious and fascinating.  You've just made a wise friend.

Sagittarius

Gnomes are everywhere brightening up your life. Look for the little things.

Capricorn

Ancient Temple Cats are watching over you.  Rest easy and open your mind to learning new things.

Aquarius

Werewolves have a good side like everyone else.  Just rub them the right way and things will turn out well.

Pieces

Now is your chance to explore the depths of a new friend.  Whales are endlessly wise, compassionate, and fun.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Scotland without Kilts

by C. Margery Kempe

I spent last weekend (a long weekend) in Dundee. I know a lot of my fellow romance writers squee, "MEN IN KILTS!" whenever they hear any mention of Scotland, so I feel obligated to say there were no kilts in my journey.

Sorry to disappoint!

But it was a very lovely visit nonetheless. I'm sure those of you who are enjoying my Irish sojourn will get just as much pleasure from a vicarious visit to wild Alba. I even got to join in celebrations for Guy Fawkes Night. It was an incredibly crisp and clear night, as you can see from the lovely pink sunset I snapped earlier in the day. We went to Baxter Park to watch the fireworks. It was wonderful to see so many happy families gathering to ooh and ahh over the pretty colours. Such a simple pleasure but it gives such delight.

Dundee never seems to get mentioned with the same awe as Edinburgh or even Glasgow. It's the Rodney Dangerfield of Scotland in some ways: it doesn't get no respect! It was my first visit but I was entirely captivated by the friendly magic of the city. One of the first things to jump out at me was the sculpture and art of the city which reflects a character of amusement which never takes itself too seriously. It seems a good representation of the town. Dundee, like the rest of Scotland, suffers disproportionately from the economic downturn in Britain, but there's something in the spirit of the city that seems entirely confident that things will work out all right in the end. Maybe I'm imbuing the town with my own positivity, but take a look for yourself.

The Dundee Dragon

Robbie Burns

Desperate Dan, Dawg and Minnie the Minx

Penguins to commemorate Captain Scott, whose ship the Discovery was built here -- it's docked on the Tay

A playful monkey rearranges letters

The Lion and the Unicorn clock in Westgate Centre

The view down to the Tay

Of course, maybe all the magic I need is just the right smile...

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, contemporary romance, erotic romance, inspiration, Kit Marlowe, Noble Romance, Settings, What inspires you?, Writer's Life

Interview with Bob Bonitz

Welcome to Nights of Passion.  We are delighted to have you here to talk about your new release, "A Little Bit of Blackmail."  I have to tell you I'm intrigued by your title.

Please tell us a little bit about the story.    

After promising her dying Mom she'd take care of her kid sister, Diane's been hung up doing that for the last fifteen years.  When Jessie has a problem, Diane is determined to nail the bad guy.  Brian is equally determined to find out who she is and why she's after him. She thinks he's a villain. His opinion about her changes very quickly. 

What inspired you to write this particular novel?

A LITTLE BIT OF BLACKMAIL began as a short story I thought I'd write just for fun. Shorts serve to stir my juices when I hit a low point in the writing of a full novel.  The blackmail idea appealed to me and I thought I might end up with a neat little short. BLACKMAIL just kept growing until I had a novel.

Would you share with us a bit about your journey to publication?

I began writing many years ago with a story that was born in a dream.  In those days I wrote about two hours a week and really had no idea what I was doing.  Joining CTRWA about five years ago really set me on the path to professional writing.  At this point I've written about four novels, all of which I've learned from, and most of which shall never see the light of day.

How do you handle the doubt monster?

The Doubt Monster?  Hmm. I don't think I'm familiar with that guy.  I know about writing ten pages and being absolutely sure I just wrote junk. I mean sure, certain, definite, totally and completely guaranteed garbage.  But that never bothers me.  I learned long ago, when I dabbled in art, that trying for perfection in my first attempts was a recipe for failure.  I treat everything I write as an experiment.  Sometimes the words don't work, other times they do.  The bad ones I throw away.  The secret is to keep writing and be ruthless with your own work.  The more I write the more I know when something sparkles.

What advice would you give to an author who is seeking publication?   Any words of wisdom to a new writer?

Don't give up regarding publication.  There are so many new opportunities now with epublishers and indie publishing being in a new form.  When Harlequin turns you down find a publisher who likes your work.  Get your first book well sold and then go back to the traditional houses with a, "Look at me.  See what I can do."

The thing I say to new writers is learn to write before you write a full book, or two, or three, or four.  I wasted years doing just that.  Got a book idea?  Not much writing experience?  Get yourself a knowledgeable and demanding critique partner/mentor, enter contests right and left, and write thirty to fifty pages of that book, no more.  Take workshops, study and polish those pages.  When your crit partner and contest judges say "wow!"– then complete your novel.  You'll save yourself tons of wasted effort.

What's next for you Bob?

I have another book, A BLANKET FOR HER HEART, coming out in early February.  That one doesn't exactly follow the rules for romance novels. It is a love story but more- it's about a woman who finally gives wings to her life and soars despite some serious setbacks. I'm also writing a sequel to A LITTLE BIT OF BLACKMAIL and have a third book in mind for that series.  Not to mention that dreaded word 'promotion' , which is just beginning for me with the publication of BLACKMAIL.

Will you be having any book signings?  If so, please tell our readers

when and where you will be.

At this point none are scheduled. The print version of  A LITTLE BIT OF BLACKMAIL isn't out yet and I don't have a release date for it. I'll post a schedule on my blog when I get the release date.

Do you have a website and are you on Facebook?  How can readers find you?

I use a blog at the moment. Go to www.rcbonitz.com   I'm on FB as Robert Bonitz. The link to buy an e-version of BLACKMAIL from the publisher is on the blog.  You can also buy it for Kindle or Nook software, either for a reader or by downloading the free software to your computer/ iPad.

Thank you, Bob, for being with us today and we wish you much success on your new release and future works.

NOW … for the fun part.  Bob has agreed to give one lucky winner a copy of A LITTLE BIT OF BLACKMAIL.  To win … simply write "I want to be blackmailed" in your comment.  This contest will run until midnight on 11/12/11.  The winner will be notified by email.  Thanks for participating … and good luck.

Filed under: Interview with Bob Bonitz, romance

My Top 21 List (yes list) By Debralee Mede

Okay, so I did it! I survived Connecticut Light and Power's blunder and the Zombie-Apocalypse test! So what did this Ice Zombie do to keep warm?  Well I had a cleaning orgy, hoping I could use some of my own fossil fuel to generate heat.  Yes, first I cleaned refrigerator to emptiness and mechanical desolation because it's dead and no longer able to keep anything chilled.  I later attempted to transform some closets into less cluttered storage spaces, naturally taking a break every few minutes to huddle in a pile of anything that looked warm. From ceiling to floor and file folders to book cases and drawers, I did my best to clean and keep warm.   When the scarf I wore around my neck and much of the lower half of my head didn't ride up and block my vision, I moved furniture and I must say that my office space started to look better.

One area that was challenging for me to deal with was my bookshelves.  Just the thought of sending some of the books that had lined my bookcases for so long and made the shelves groan and bow in the middle from their weight to another home was difficult to bear and this was because so many have marked great times and hard times as well.  They are old friends that I'd rather keep close so I can check in with them now and again.  Many of them are like snapshots in time and represent changes in my work, my life and my imagination.

It was hard to decide on which would stay and which would move on to a new home.  Certainly some of the "necessities" had to remain like my copy of the compact Oxford English Dictionary, Roget's Thesaurus, The Bible, and some coffee table and travel books of the New England area.  I hope the ones that move end up in a good home appreciated for their intellectual and engaging value.   Other's though just need to remain.  Their pages are worn and wrinkled from all the times that I have reread them. They are wise and entertaining.  They are the past and the future.  I have drifted to sleep with them by my pillows at night, finding comfort between their sheets and between the sheets of my once warm bed.  Their fragile pages have a familiar bookish scent that brings me back to many fond memories that I want to share with you.  Here are my favorite twenty-one picks.

 The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan:  Tan is such a wonderful story-teller and this is a well-constructed tale about the mother-daughter relationship layered with themes that include secrets, revelation, separation, and reconciliation.  Just an amazing book.
Saving Fish from Drowning by Amy Tan: Another great tale that is a ghost story woven with twisted threads of satire, magical realism and mystery. 
Wild Ginger: A Novel by Anchie Min:  A great novel having to do with love and involving young people caught up in the Cultural Revolution at the end of the Mao regimen.  This is an even better read if you enjoy learning other cultures.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Steven King:  Of course I love this book: it takes a practical look at the art of writing and the tools any writer needs.  It includes his personal history and perspective,  a little memoir, of the struggles in the life and times of Steven King:  his early life, his later life as a published author and the incidents around his near- fatal accident and the effect it had on his writing.  A really inspiring book.
Hearts in Atlantis by Steven King: I love this man's imagination and story-telling ability.  It's a look back into the sixties in ways probably never seen before.  It is full of danger and suspense and, well, heart.  This book and King, yet again, won't let you down.
Dolores Claiborneby Steven King: an incredible psychological thriller that is vivid, sensitive and like no other book.
Writing Down The Bones by Natalie Goldberg:  It's the Zen of the "Art of Write."  Goldberg wrote this with uncanny wit and philosophical bend.  It is a great book on how to create, without over-restrictive thought and lose control with pen in hand.
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron: How to live a fully creative life and though this is a short sentence this book is long on helpful ideas and guidance
The Giver by Lois Lowry:  A world without pain or war and everything is under control.  Check out what role The Giver plays in all this. 
Night by Elie Wiesel:  An upfront and truthful autobiographical account of Wiesel's survival in a Nazi death camp.  A memoir that moves me to tears, anger and inspires courage.  It is a work I can't forget.
The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness by Simon Wiesenthal:  After reading this book in college for a philosophy class I have not been able to stop recommending it.   Wiesenthal poses moral questions that I still have to explore today.  He tells readers about a specific incident related to a dying SS officer he was sent to see while prisoner in a concentration camp.  The incident created a moral dilemma for him then and the reader now.  The questions that come up have to do with the meaning of justice, forgiveness, and compassion and what part they play in anyone's life.
Burger's Daughter by Nadine Gordimer:  Nobel Prize-winning author Gordimer tells the story of the fictitious character, Rosa, an Anti-Apartheid lawyer's daughter, who has to come to grips with the circumstances she is dealt in the world that she lives in and has no control over.  She has to find her voice, stand for what she believes and eventually come to terms with her life.  Not an easy read but certainly worthwhile. 
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout:  Mix together a northern New England town, a few chosen inhabitants, the pharmacist who is the husband of the title character, a stern, perceptive but somewhat sad, retired school teacher.  The novel is told as short stories.  I find that this novel gets me to think about why people do what they do and what motivates them.   It is a gold mine in the study of human emotion.
The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx:  This one takes place mostly on a Newfoundland fishing town and involves the lives of a not-so-great newspaperman, his lesbian aunt, two young daughters who move back into their ancestral home by this sea, and his new love interest.   Proulx does an incredible job helping the reader witness the transformation of each character.  The novel is comical and profound.  So worth reading and I have, three times.
The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler:  Dying millionaire hires wise cracking, hard-drinking, tough but contemplative Detective Marlowe to deal with a blackmailer of one of his two daughters who are just trouble.  Marlowe finds himself involved with more than just extortion.  He has to deal with sex, violence and all in direct prose.  Gripping and fun to read in my opinion.
Vanishing Acts: A Novel by Jodi Picoult: It is difficult for me to pick one of her novels and I have eleven.   This one is about a search-and-rescue worker who, in an unexpected twist of fate is a missing person herself.  She is also the daughter of a well-liked amateur magician who seems to be able to make people disappear.  Hmm.
A Severed Head by Iris Murdoch: Talk about tangled tales and dark humor but a great read.  Love and adultery, deception and self-deception, jealousy and attempted suicide, written in such a way to make it all interesting.
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel:  Soap opera meets exaggerated mystical fable, meets home remedy meets cookbook.  A novel that I found funny, poignant and managed to rip my heart out like no other.  One sentence just cannot do it justice.  Believe me!
The House of the Spirits by Isabelle Allende:  An incredibly vivid and spellbinding work presenting the relationships of a family and nation, in the past and present intertwined with war and spiritualism, magical realism, love and honor, imagination and sensitivity.  How'd she do it?  Read it because it's a truly moving and wonderful book.
Those Who Love by Irving Stone: a biographical novel that transports you back in time in American History.  It is a story told by Abigail Adams about the love she and her husband John shared for each other.  I was not able to stop reading this book.
John Adams by David McCullough: Since I love biographies and American History and the Adams' this was for me. It helps that I'm from Boston too, I'm sure.

There are other books I've kept, though the ones I gave up were hard to relinquish.  In so many ways the books that I decided to keep seemed to have a commonality: they all had characters that I found and continue to find compelling and unforgettable.  There is a passion that runs in them and through their lives; they provide insight into the human condition and provide memorable moments of romance, mystery, suspense and reality.  The authors managed to get my ear, my imagination and they touched my heart with indelible and insightful voices.  Some beliefs that they share and encapsulate I see for myself in everyday life and some I don't, but one thing is for sure: these are all keepers on my book shelf.

I think these are my neighbors

Filed under: Debralee Mede, romance

Veteran's Day Memory by Gerri Brousseau

Each year when November rolls around, we celebrate Veteran's Day and my thoughts turn to an incident that happened back in 1988.  That year Veteran's Day fell on November 10th, and I had the day off from work.  At that particular time, I was trying to start up my own business, working at it on a part time basis.  Having a full slate of appointments for that day, I had taken my son to his normal latch-key day care, which was at our church.

It was a bright sunny day, and I remember it was warm for November.  I wore a skirt, blouse and sweater.  No coat, so it had to have been warm.  I went to a few of the appointments and decided to stop for lunch.  I reviewed my materials for the afternoon appointments and decided to check my phone messages.  But, I was not prepared for the message that awaited me in my voice mail.  It was a man's voice, one I did not recognize.  He identified himself as being my husband's boss.  Hearing his voice telling me who he was, the hair on the back of my neck rose, and my hands began to shake.  I remember sitting there feeling dread wash over me as his voice poured into my ear.  He said there had been a tragic accident at work and that my husband had been brought to the hospital.  Tragic accident?  How tragic?  I remember sitting there in disbelief thinking that someone would leave such a message on my voice mail and make no effort to find me.

Not quite knowing what to expect, not knowing my husband's condition, and being nearly across the street from the day care, I rushed there to get our son.  Tragic accident, it could have possibly been the last time my son would see his father alive.  My mind was racing.  I was trembling when I walked into the day care.  I think I was crying, but I can't remember being aware of it.  Of course, upon seeing me upset, my son became upset.  Trying to explain things to a six year old child took hold and calmed me enough to get my son into the car, and drive to the hospital.  Thankfully, the hospital was only a few miles away.

I can't even remember walking into the emergency room, but I do remember thinking it must be pretty serious because they ushered me directly into the back.  My stomach turned when we walked into the room and it was empty.  Grasping my young son's hand and hold him tight, the words "tragic accident" rang in my mind.  The nurse then told me they had taken my husband for a CT-Scan and asked me to wait there in the room.

Before long, the gurney, with my husband on it, was wheeled into the room.  He was alive, but his face was white as a sheet.  I looked at him and felt my blood drain to my feet.  His lips were not pink, they were white.  His blue eyes looked grey.  He looked like he was headed for the morgue pretty darn quick.  I took hold of his hand and he was cold as ice.  My son started to cry.  Then the doctor came in.  He explained what had happened and that they were headed to surgery, immediately.  He made no promises and no guarantees.  We were given a moment to say our goodbyes, and then they wheeled him away and ushered us to a waiting room.

I called my husband's mother, who, together with his sisters, rushed to the hospital.  One of my sister-in-laws took my young son to her house, but I knew my boy would be anxious and upset, and he was.  I remained at the hospital, sitting in the waiting room with my mother-in-law.  Hours passed.  As we sat in the waiting room, wringing our hands, I became aware that a telephone was ringing.  There was a little pay phone down the hall and it was ringing (keep in mind, this was 1988 and no one had cell phones then).  I mean ringing…incessantly.  The ringing would not stop.  It seemed to become louder in my mind, and I felt compelled to get up, walk out into the hall and answer it.  So, I did.

"Hello," I said into the receiver of the pay phone.

"Hello, Gerri?" the voice on the other end said.  The hair on my arms rose.

Was I ever shocked!  The call coming into a random pay phone was for me!

"Yes," I responded, hands shaking.

"It's Kathy, the Pastor's wife."

"How did you get this number?"  My voice just above a whisper.

"This is the number that is in the phone book for the hospital.  We heard about the accident?  What's the status? How is your husband?  How are you holding up?" she asked me.

"This is the pay phone out in the hall," I answered.  But at that moment, even as those words slipped from my lips, I knew the answer to her question was that everything was going to be all right.  Whether you are a believer or not, I have to say, at that exact moment, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that God knew EXACTLY where I was and that He was telling me He had this in control.

Now, not to overlook all the Veterans who have fought so bravely so that I could enjoy the freedoms we have in the United States, and to those who have paid the ultimate price, I deeply thank them, not only on Veteran's Day, but every day.  But since November 10, 1988, this is how I remember Veteran's Day.

Have you had a defining moment in your life?  A moment where you knew, even though things were out of your control, there was someone in whose hands you could trust them?

Filed under: romance

The Rhythm of Life

Last week, the craziness in my life came to its peak (for now) with a huge presentation for my day job. And when it was over, truth be told, I felt like a noodle.  Amazing what all that adrenaline can do to a person.  So now I've spent the past few days surrounded by babies.  Nieces, nephews—and all soooo cute.

In looking at them, I wonder how I ever made my life so complicated. Seems like time just flies by and we go from eating, sleeping and pooping to complex calculus and deciphering bus routes or driving directions. Many a times, I've wished for the simplicity of life, but I also know myself and I know that if life were too simple, I'd eventually grow bored and create my own complexities again. I like to call this the necessary rhythm of life. Necessary because we need it for our own satisfaction.

Think about it, especially as writers out there. You feed off the constant need to learn and improve your craft. We continuously subject ourselves to adrenaline highs as we send out queries to agents and publishers, and of course, adrenaline lows when we get rejected. But would any of you change it? Give it up for a little simplicity and easy going days?  Occasionally, yes—they're called vacations. But the majority of the time, I'm willing to bet you'd do it over and over for the pure and simple fact that you love these ups and downs of life and the rewards truly outweigh any of the detractors.

So what's next now? Still a bit of craziness but I honestly haven't been putting enough time into new writing so I'll be attached to my handy laptop for the next week, writing away. I hope to hear that you'll be doing the same (I know a lot of you may be doing it already for NANO). If so, good luck and happy writing!

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life

Hoping for More Light

In Connecticut, we've been waiting for friends to have power again.  It's been a mad rush here in the state to continue to clear trees and reinstate power.  No one could have imagined that the snowstorm that struck on the weekend before Halloween would still at this time cause such havoc that effects so many.  Businesses were shut.  Schools have been closed and many will still be closed tomorrow.  Gas stations ran out of gas, and there were lines for the stations that had gas.  People have been living in shelters.

In the next few days, we hope that more lights will shine in Connecticut.  Of course, Buffy and Bella are preparing for the next storm by playing with the glow sticks.  Debralee will be back on Nights of Passion on Friday, and we're glad to have her back from the dark.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, Writer's Life

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Welcome back.  I hope everyone has had their power restored.

Though I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planet, I am intimately linked with the paranormal in the world.

The week ahead for:

Aries

Mermaids are singing songs praising you and others can hear it.

Taurus

A moon jaguar is a different experience.  Open your mind to new sights and sounds.

Gemini

A dragon wants to keep you toasty warm.  Let him.

Cancer

Werewolves are coming in from the cold.  There's strength in numbers.  Howl with others.

Leo

Peter Pan said to crow.  This week is your time to crow your accomplishments.

Virgo

The abominable snowman has left more than snow.  Sunlight reflect your hidden assets.

Libra

Elves love the green places, as it gives them energy.  House plants can do the same for you.

Scorpio

Shapeshifters know how to shape things to their advantage.  Improve your shape with a new outfit.

Sagittarius

Gnomes find your home restful.  Enjoy the additional sparkle they've left behind.

Capricorn

A leprechaun left a bottle on your table.  Drink from it and charm others with your wit.

Aquarius

A vampire has chosen you for a friend.  It's good to have friends in the dark.

Pieces

The fae find you fascinating and have increased your charisma tenfold.  Go forth and let your light shine this week.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, Weekly Paranormal-Scope

At the Water's Edge

by C. Margery Kempe

It's impossible not to think about liminality when you live where the land meets the ocean. Borders are always interesting places: the crossing of borders both compels and impedes. When your border is the ocean, the ebb and flow becomes a part of daily life. Low tide reveals a different world. Things formerly hidden below the surface show their faces for a brief time, emerging like memories nearly forgotten.

What happened here? Intriguing, isn't it. The leftover effects of a Saturday night on the Claddagh? A hasty rendezvous interrupted? Or simply a dare that left one person out of luck? When your eyes are open to the details around you, everything becomes fodder for a story.

Mutton Island: you can reach it from the causeway at low tide. There's a picturesque lighthouse on the island, but you can't actually get there. The island itself is gated from public access. I suppose there are always barriers keeping us from the goals we have before us; sometimes we have to find ways around them, sometimes we find new goals. The stark beauty of Mutton Island was worth a look anyway.

Twilight in Galway: utterly beautiful. The light has the quality of a Magritte painting. Down on the bay where the Corrib empties into the ocean's spur, the colours are so distinct, but as the light fails in the afternoon, there's a different kind of magic. Twilight is a liminal time, full of possibilities and transition. When this posts, I will be on another shore — in Scotland this time, but on the Tay which pours out into the North Sea. There's something about being near a big body of water, looking into the depths and smelling the salt air. Anything could be possible. It's magic.

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, Characters, contemporary romance, Emotions, erotic romance, inspiration, Kit Marlowe, Noble Romance, Romantic Places, Settings, What inspires you?, Writer's Life

God Bless Mark Zuckerberg by Gerri Brousseau

On October 16, 2011, Market or Die announced they will be offering the ability to purchase the books directly on facebook by the use of the "Shop Now" button.  According to Jen Fusco, it was easy to set up.  I gave it a test run and it was very easy to use as well.  This got me thinking that pretty soon facebook will be the only site anyone would ever need.  God bless Mark Zuckerberg.  Mark is the young man (5/14/84) who is the brain behind facebook.  I started to think about him and a few others:  Steve Jobs (2/24/55 – 10/5/11), who, as you may know, was the founder of Apple, Inc., co-founder of Pixar, on the Board of Directors of The Walt Disney Company, and the creator of IPhone and IPad.  Donald Trump (6/14/46), the American business magnate, who, whether you like him or not, you must admit, the man has created quite an empire.  Oprah Winfrey (1/29/54), the American media proprietor, business woman, talk show host, actress, producer and philanthropist.  Born into poverty in rural Mississippi, she rose to become the world's ONLY black billionaire.  Nora Roberts (10/10/50) Silver Springs, MD.  As you may know, she is a best-selling author of over more than 200 romance novels and the first author to be inducted into Romance Writer's of America's Hall of Fame.  J.K. Rowling (7/31/65), the British author of the Harry Potter Series.  A single mother on welfare, Rowling rose to a present net worth of over $1 Billion.

I thought about Mark Zuckerberg.  A young man, age 27.  What is the difference between him and every other person out there, young or old?  We all have 24-hours in each day, no more, no less.  What, if anything, does he, or any others I mentioned above, do differently to become successful.  Was it luck or is there a blueprint for greatness?  If anyone were to follow that blueprint, would they attain the same result or is greatness only in the cards for a chosen few?

Filed under: romance