Destiny Booze's Blog: The Smiling Pains of Novelist Destiny Booze, page 30
August 28, 2009
Our economy might be failing, but WE can succeed.
What do you see when you look into your future?
I know some people are too frightened to even answer the question. But, the fact is that you can choose to change what you see. You're in control.
Be confidant! Think positively. Don't let the one hindrance that keeps you from success be yourself.
We can actually cause our own failure. If you believe in yourself, you can do anything. If you don't, then you can't. It's impossible to become more than you envision. Take a good look inside, concentrate on the good things and BELIEVE. Great things will happen...
I think I'll start by envisioning a fun, wonderful weekend with my family. How about you?
I know some people are too frightened to even answer the question. But, the fact is that you can choose to change what you see. You're in control.
Be confidant! Think positively. Don't let the one hindrance that keeps you from success be yourself.
We can actually cause our own failure. If you believe in yourself, you can do anything. If you don't, then you can't. It's impossible to become more than you envision. Take a good look inside, concentrate on the good things and BELIEVE. Great things will happen...
I think I'll start by envisioning a fun, wonderful weekend with my family. How about you?
August 27, 2009
Want to get aquainted with my publisher?
Go here:www.whimsicalpublications.com.
I have to confess that I have been very happy with Whimsical Publications. I really feel like we're a team. They work with me to make my stories the very best they can be, without changing them. They never fail to let me know when a promotional opportunity comes by. And, most importantly, they pay royalty checks right on time...kidding, though they do.
Anyway, drop by their website.
I actually go by the site often. Nerd There's just something about seeing my books on their site that makes me light-headed, and makes me smile, and... Yeah, you get the picture. I still have to keep pinching myself about how this publishing business. So cool!
There's some other awesome authors there to check out. Have a look!
I have to confess that I have been very happy with Whimsical Publications. I really feel like we're a team. They work with me to make my stories the very best they can be, without changing them. They never fail to let me know when a promotional opportunity comes by. And, most importantly, they pay royalty checks right on time...kidding, though they do.
Anyway, drop by their website.
I actually go by the site often. Nerd There's just something about seeing my books on their site that makes me light-headed, and makes me smile, and... Yeah, you get the picture. I still have to keep pinching myself about how this publishing business. So cool!
There's some other awesome authors there to check out. Have a look!
August 23, 2009
The fine art of exaggeration
My husband has a tendency to exaggerate. I'm wondering if it's a man thing...
Like, if something stinks, it doesn't just smell bad. It is the most horrible, awful smell - something worse than a deer carcass split open at the belly, lying in a landfill, on top of a trash bag full of spoiled cabbage that was cooked a few days ago. See what I mean?
If he catches a fish, it isn't just a fish. It is a HUGE trout with the mouth larger than Jaws, a body obviously genetically related to a sea monster and a fin larger than a whale's tail. In reality, it was probably a perch, but... Who am I to argue?
So, when my husband comes home yesterday and tells me that he saw a snake at work, I knew what was coming. Sure enough, it was a Saber Tooth Rattle Copper Moccasin Snake that almost killed him. It had teeth the size of a Saber Tooth Tiger's, a rattle with 100 buttons, shiny skin like a Copperhead and a large white mouth that he just knew was like a Cottonmouth. The snake was as round as my husband's thigh and longer than his dump truck. It's venom was strong enough to kill him within seconds...
My God, you must be thinking it was a cobra or something, right? Well, this is Virginia. We don't have those. We don't even have Cottonmouths. Now, we DO have Copperheads and Rattlesnakes, but to my knowledge, the snake cannot be a mixed breed. Regardless, my husband is sure that it was.
So, do you want to know what I think it probably was? A plain, simple Black Snake. Probably a skinny, little baby. My husband is going to take a camera to work next week and show me. We'll see...
Anyone want to wager a bet as to what kind of monstrous snake my husband actually saw?
Like, if something stinks, it doesn't just smell bad. It is the most horrible, awful smell - something worse than a deer carcass split open at the belly, lying in a landfill, on top of a trash bag full of spoiled cabbage that was cooked a few days ago. See what I mean?
If he catches a fish, it isn't just a fish. It is a HUGE trout with the mouth larger than Jaws, a body obviously genetically related to a sea monster and a fin larger than a whale's tail. In reality, it was probably a perch, but... Who am I to argue?
So, when my husband comes home yesterday and tells me that he saw a snake at work, I knew what was coming. Sure enough, it was a Saber Tooth Rattle Copper Moccasin Snake that almost killed him. It had teeth the size of a Saber Tooth Tiger's, a rattle with 100 buttons, shiny skin like a Copperhead and a large white mouth that he just knew was like a Cottonmouth. The snake was as round as my husband's thigh and longer than his dump truck. It's venom was strong enough to kill him within seconds...
My God, you must be thinking it was a cobra or something, right? Well, this is Virginia. We don't have those. We don't even have Cottonmouths. Now, we DO have Copperheads and Rattlesnakes, but to my knowledge, the snake cannot be a mixed breed. Regardless, my husband is sure that it was.
So, do you want to know what I think it probably was? A plain, simple Black Snake. Probably a skinny, little baby. My husband is going to take a camera to work next week and show me. We'll see...
Anyone want to wager a bet as to what kind of monstrous snake my husband actually saw?
August 20, 2009
Outer Banks Suspense Series - Book 3
This book is in progress right now. Here's the introductory poem...
Accelerating Circumstances
In a moment of blindness,
She said yes.
Anticipation left her breathless.
That he was a stranger,
Added to the danger.
Excitement outweighed any wager.
With no thought or plan,
She went with the man.
Exhilaration heightened the night inside the van.
When they came to a stop,
He got on top.
Arousal masked the gun’s sudden pop.
Every thrust - a release of hate,
Coupling with a lifeless mate.
Disappointment was the murder, not perfect, not great.
Why did she have to die?
Her husband and son will later cry,
For a wife and mother that went goodbye.
The stakes accelerate for each kill,
Striving for the lust of that first thrill.
The disappointment and rage never-ending, until…
Destiny Booze
Accelerating Circumstances
In a moment of blindness,
She said yes.
Anticipation left her breathless.
That he was a stranger,
Added to the danger.
Excitement outweighed any wager.
With no thought or plan,
She went with the man.
Exhilaration heightened the night inside the van.
When they came to a stop,
He got on top.
Arousal masked the gun’s sudden pop.
Every thrust - a release of hate,
Coupling with a lifeless mate.
Disappointment was the murder, not perfect, not great.
Why did she have to die?
Her husband and son will later cry,
For a wife and mother that went goodbye.
The stakes accelerate for each kill,
Striving for the lust of that first thrill.
The disappointment and rage never-ending, until…
Destiny Booze
August 19, 2009
I forget to say thank you...
Last night after my son went to bed, my husband looked over at me and said, "Everything's going to be fine."
How did he know that I needed those words in that moment? Because I did need them. I was so nervous that today was my son's first day of first grade. My son didn't seem all that nervous, but I felt tied in knots. It's a different room, different teacher, different friends, more challenging work... I just want him to do good, and succeed, and be HAPPY.
My husband knew that I was worrying without me saying a word. That means so much to me. He is always pulling through when I need him.
I forget to thank my husband, but I should say it every single day. He is constantly supporting me. He is my partner in everything I do. So...
Thank you, Kevin!
How did he know that I needed those words in that moment? Because I did need them. I was so nervous that today was my son's first day of first grade. My son didn't seem all that nervous, but I felt tied in knots. It's a different room, different teacher, different friends, more challenging work... I just want him to do good, and succeed, and be HAPPY.
My husband knew that I was worrying without me saying a word. That means so much to me. He is always pulling through when I need him.
I forget to thank my husband, but I should say it every single day. He is constantly supporting me. He is my partner in everything I do. So...
Thank you, Kevin!
August 7, 2009
Some days are bad...and some days...
...are freaking awesome!
There is no doubt that it often feels like the bad days far outnumber the good, but don't get yourself down and don't give up! Just hold on, because those good days always come back around...like this one. Today has been amazing!
I came home today to a message on my answering machine from my neighbor. She told me that she bought my book and read it. She said she thought it was WONDERFUL. She wants it AUTOGRAPHED.
I could stand to hear that kind of message every day! Maybe I should go replay it a few hundred times... Open-mouthed
That's not all that happened today. I went by the library, and the librarian told me that she's ordered a copy of my book because of all the requests she's received for it. Then, she said I should have a BOOKSIGNING there! How amazing is that?
Ah...those bad days may be a plenty, but days like today more than make up for them!
There is no doubt that it often feels like the bad days far outnumber the good, but don't get yourself down and don't give up! Just hold on, because those good days always come back around...like this one. Today has been amazing!
I came home today to a message on my answering machine from my neighbor. She told me that she bought my book and read it. She said she thought it was WONDERFUL. She wants it AUTOGRAPHED.
I could stand to hear that kind of message every day! Maybe I should go replay it a few hundred times... Open-mouthed
That's not all that happened today. I went by the library, and the librarian told me that she's ordered a copy of my book because of all the requests she's received for it. Then, she said I should have a BOOKSIGNING there! How amazing is that?
Ah...those bad days may be a plenty, but days like today more than make up for them!
August 5, 2009
No doubt, my books are rated R
I've been surprised to discover that readers are surprised by the content in my stories...in a good way, I think and I hope. Wink
Do you want to know what to expect from a book by Destiny Booze? The answer is anything goes! No doubt, my writing is strongly rated R. Drug, sex, violence, etc...you name it, it could be there.
That's what I like to read, so that's what I like to write. So... What do you like to read? Is there content or a subject that can be too much for you?
I can tell you that I - without using the word always, because you should never say always - almost always have a happy ending. I hate books that don't end "right" and destroy my perfect fantasy land. It breaks my heart. I want the fairytale.
As for content that is just too much for me, one particular subject that makes me squeamish is the death of a child, even in a work of fiction. It brings up too many "mommy fears" for me to read. I can't handle it.
Let me know what makes you squeamish to read, or better yet, what makes you LOVE to read!
Do you want to know what to expect from a book by Destiny Booze? The answer is anything goes! No doubt, my writing is strongly rated R. Drug, sex, violence, etc...you name it, it could be there.
That's what I like to read, so that's what I like to write. So... What do you like to read? Is there content or a subject that can be too much for you?
I can tell you that I - without using the word always, because you should never say always - almost always have a happy ending. I hate books that don't end "right" and destroy my perfect fantasy land. It breaks my heart. I want the fairytale.
As for content that is just too much for me, one particular subject that makes me squeamish is the death of a child, even in a work of fiction. It brings up too many "mommy fears" for me to read. I can't handle it.
Let me know what makes you squeamish to read, or better yet, what makes you LOVE to read!
August 4, 2009
Predetermined Endings Excerpt
Predetermined Endings by Destiny Booze ~ Coming September 7, 2009!
Predetermined Endings Blurb
Angelica Chappell’s story makes huge headlines. Only a few months ago, she released a new pharmaceutical drug called Krytonix that effectively slows the spread of cancer cells. She has no idea her story will attract the attention of a serial killer. Suddenly, she is a target whether she realizes it or not. This killer is interested in more than her life. He wants her reputation, too. His first mission is to sabotage Krytonix.
William Pierce worked undercover for the FBI for five years to bring down a ruthless mobster that he ultimately is forced to kill. Two months passes by since that assignment. Still, William saw things he couldn’t talk about. He did things he couldn’t talk about. He believes his soul is damned. Returning to “normal” everyday life isn’t an option. He isn’t the same man he used to be. He refuses to return to FBI headquarters. He becomes a rogue agent with an agenda.
These two characters literally collide when Pierce's agenda leads him to Chappell. It will take both of them to keep Angelica alive and to figure out who is trying to kill her. William soon finds himself developing feelings for Angelica. Too bad for her killer, William worked as a trained killer for the mob. Will he find her killer and hand him over to the legal system to see that justice is served or will he search and destroy?
Excerpt
She wished he would leave her alone. She even considered putting up the optional privacy window between the front and back of the car. Of course she wasn’t okay. Didn’t he understand just how serious this situation was?
“Want me to turn the radio to that funky station you like?”
The “funky” music he referred to was a hip-hop channel that played a combination of some rock, some rhythm and blues, and a bit of rap. It was actually the most listened to station of the area. It was also Patrick’s favorite. The old man had odd
tastes. One of her grandfather’s rules was that the station had to be turned off, or tuned into a classical station unless otherwise requested by the passenger. That rule applied to Chappell family or guests. Patrick was asking if she wanted that
music so he could listen to what he really wanted to. She wondered if he knew she was onto his little deception.
“Sure,” she said.
“Here you go.”
A new Justin Timberlake song filled the car. It didn’t help Angelica to relax. Her chest burned with stress and fear. The air she breathed actually hurt. Her life as she knew it could be over.
After another couple of minutes, Patrick tried again to start a conversation. “This will blow over, honey. Trust me. Everything does. People aren’t going to blame you. Everybody loves you.”
He was so wrong on so many levels. The public would want someone to blame and she would get that honor. She would be crucified. She expected that reaction and it was justifiable. She knew the burden was hers. Truth be told, she didn’t care what people thought and never had. Why should she? She never saw anyone outside of the lab anyway. She didn’t care if people hated her because of Krytonix. She did care that people were going to die because of her drug. It was her failure. It was her responsibility to figure out what was wrong. People’s lives were on the line. She accepted that accountability.
“Oh shit. Hang on.”
The hair on Angelica’s neck stood up when she heard the panic in Patrick’s statement. Her stomach nosedived to her feet and returned in utter turmoil. Her eyes darted to the road to find the source of the problem. They were close to home, a quiet part of town where tourists didn’t venture and traffic was far less dense. The road was curvy, leading to a steep grade to the top of a deserted hillside that held
the Chappell Mansion.
“Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit,” Patrick said again.
They were traveling much too fast for the winding road, even heading uphill. Patrick was wildly stomping on the brake, but nothing was happening. The car continued to accelerate as if he held the gas to the floor. He fought for control of the steering
wheel, but it looked as if it simply rotated round and round with the ease of an arcade game. Patrick’s face was flushed bright crimson and sweating, his eyes wide and glazed.
“Do something!” Angelica cried in desperation, torn between shock and fear.
It was obvious Patrick was doing his best. The sharp curve before them would be upon them in seconds, and unless some kind of miracle intervened, they were going straight ahead—over a sand dune and into the ocean.
Angelica grabbed onto the seat and held as tightly as she could. The car continued to accelerate. Everything seemed loud. Patrick was groaning. The radio was blasting. The roar of the tires was like drums beating a tune of anticipation.
In the last second, when all possible hope of rescue was gone, Patrick screamed. Angelica dipped her head in her lap and closed her eyes. The Lord’s Prayer was on her lips when she felt the car lurch into the air and plummet into empty space.
Predetermined Endings Blurb
Angelica Chappell’s story makes huge headlines. Only a few months ago, she released a new pharmaceutical drug called Krytonix that effectively slows the spread of cancer cells. She has no idea her story will attract the attention of a serial killer. Suddenly, she is a target whether she realizes it or not. This killer is interested in more than her life. He wants her reputation, too. His first mission is to sabotage Krytonix.
William Pierce worked undercover for the FBI for five years to bring down a ruthless mobster that he ultimately is forced to kill. Two months passes by since that assignment. Still, William saw things he couldn’t talk about. He did things he couldn’t talk about. He believes his soul is damned. Returning to “normal” everyday life isn’t an option. He isn’t the same man he used to be. He refuses to return to FBI headquarters. He becomes a rogue agent with an agenda.
These two characters literally collide when Pierce's agenda leads him to Chappell. It will take both of them to keep Angelica alive and to figure out who is trying to kill her. William soon finds himself developing feelings for Angelica. Too bad for her killer, William worked as a trained killer for the mob. Will he find her killer and hand him over to the legal system to see that justice is served or will he search and destroy?
Excerpt
She wished he would leave her alone. She even considered putting up the optional privacy window between the front and back of the car. Of course she wasn’t okay. Didn’t he understand just how serious this situation was?
“Want me to turn the radio to that funky station you like?”
The “funky” music he referred to was a hip-hop channel that played a combination of some rock, some rhythm and blues, and a bit of rap. It was actually the most listened to station of the area. It was also Patrick’s favorite. The old man had odd
tastes. One of her grandfather’s rules was that the station had to be turned off, or tuned into a classical station unless otherwise requested by the passenger. That rule applied to Chappell family or guests. Patrick was asking if she wanted that
music so he could listen to what he really wanted to. She wondered if he knew she was onto his little deception.
“Sure,” she said.
“Here you go.”
A new Justin Timberlake song filled the car. It didn’t help Angelica to relax. Her chest burned with stress and fear. The air she breathed actually hurt. Her life as she knew it could be over.
After another couple of minutes, Patrick tried again to start a conversation. “This will blow over, honey. Trust me. Everything does. People aren’t going to blame you. Everybody loves you.”
He was so wrong on so many levels. The public would want someone to blame and she would get that honor. She would be crucified. She expected that reaction and it was justifiable. She knew the burden was hers. Truth be told, she didn’t care what people thought and never had. Why should she? She never saw anyone outside of the lab anyway. She didn’t care if people hated her because of Krytonix. She did care that people were going to die because of her drug. It was her failure. It was her responsibility to figure out what was wrong. People’s lives were on the line. She accepted that accountability.
“Oh shit. Hang on.”
The hair on Angelica’s neck stood up when she heard the panic in Patrick’s statement. Her stomach nosedived to her feet and returned in utter turmoil. Her eyes darted to the road to find the source of the problem. They were close to home, a quiet part of town where tourists didn’t venture and traffic was far less dense. The road was curvy, leading to a steep grade to the top of a deserted hillside that held
the Chappell Mansion.
“Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit,” Patrick said again.
They were traveling much too fast for the winding road, even heading uphill. Patrick was wildly stomping on the brake, but nothing was happening. The car continued to accelerate as if he held the gas to the floor. He fought for control of the steering
wheel, but it looked as if it simply rotated round and round with the ease of an arcade game. Patrick’s face was flushed bright crimson and sweating, his eyes wide and glazed.
“Do something!” Angelica cried in desperation, torn between shock and fear.
It was obvious Patrick was doing his best. The sharp curve before them would be upon them in seconds, and unless some kind of miracle intervened, they were going straight ahead—over a sand dune and into the ocean.
Angelica grabbed onto the seat and held as tightly as she could. The car continued to accelerate. Everything seemed loud. Patrick was groaning. The radio was blasting. The roar of the tires was like drums beating a tune of anticipation.
In the last second, when all possible hope of rescue was gone, Patrick screamed. Angelica dipped her head in her lap and closed her eyes. The Lord’s Prayer was on her lips when she felt the car lurch into the air and plummet into empty space.
August 1, 2009
Anger is not always a choice, but actions are.
I recently learned something new about myself. Every time I feel angry, I immediately feel ashamed. Then, I feel even angrier. Not only am I angry about what originally made me angry, I am also angry about being angry.
Hmmm....that's food for thought, is it not?
Ideally, I believe I shouldn't get angry because I should have control over my emotions. I realize now that emotions will come and go, and I won't always be able to control that. So, it's time to concentrate on what I can control.
Feeling angry is okay. How I act when I'm angry is completely within my control. I have the right to my feelings and emotions. I just don't have the right to act like a jerk when I'm feeling them. I can choose to act the right way even though I feel horrible.
Still, I guess I just wish I never got angry. According to Proverbs 20:3, "Avoiding a fight is mark of honor." But, oh man is that hard when I'm mad. My first response is to want to fight.
From now on , I vow to let myself feel anger, but to concentrate on how I act when I do...
Hmmm....that's food for thought, is it not?
Ideally, I believe I shouldn't get angry because I should have control over my emotions. I realize now that emotions will come and go, and I won't always be able to control that. So, it's time to concentrate on what I can control.
Feeling angry is okay. How I act when I'm angry is completely within my control. I have the right to my feelings and emotions. I just don't have the right to act like a jerk when I'm feeling them. I can choose to act the right way even though I feel horrible.
Still, I guess I just wish I never got angry. According to Proverbs 20:3, "Avoiding a fight is mark of honor." But, oh man is that hard when I'm mad. My first response is to want to fight.
From now on , I vow to let myself feel anger, but to concentrate on how I act when I do...
July 30, 2009
No Traces to Hell - A Poem
No Traces to Hell
An unexpected loss…
A rush of anger…
An uninvited strife…
A wisp of the fear…
The path of choice…
The gleam of hate…
An incredible speed…
A case of danger…
An undeniable cost…
A race of tears…
The chosen fate…
The hidden trace…
NO TRACES TO HELL
Destiny Booze
An unexpected loss…
A rush of anger…
An uninvited strife…
A wisp of the fear…
The path of choice…
The gleam of hate…
An incredible speed…
A case of danger…
An undeniable cost…
A race of tears…
The chosen fate…
The hidden trace…
NO TRACES TO HELL
Destiny Booze
The Smiling Pains of Novelist Destiny Booze
A blog about life, faith, family and writing. "I want to change the world through inspiration, hope and a positive attitude - one smile at a time! I want to live my life in a way others will follow. I
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