Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 36

The Unparanormal Paranormal-Scope

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The unparanormal creatures don’t get enough credit for their talent and smarts. This week on the paranormal-scope we pay them tribute! Or a few fish for lunch.

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment and is not meant to guide your life.

Aries:
The pelican is quite the shopper. Never leaves its pouch at home and knows what’s a deal. Be crafty in your shopping this week.

Taurus:
The cat compartmentalizes its day. It knows when to work and when to rest. That strategy may help you too.

Gemini:
Squirrels are very creative in their homes inside a tree. It isn’t about collecting acorns as much as the designs you make. Indulge your creative side this week.

Cancer:
Dogs love to explore and communicate by barking, whining, and using their big puppy eyes. Conservation may open opportunities for you this week.

Leo:
Hawks are very calm and act only when they see your prey. Practice speaking calmly and network, and you might find better career choices coming your way.

Virgo:
Horses love running but also enjoy those peaceful moments in the barn. Celebrating doesn’t mean you have to break the budget. Choose meaning over monetary value. It’s not the time to spend big.

Libra
Chipmunks love to reflect on what they’ve learned like how many acorns fit in a tunnel. Spend time reflecting on what you learned this year. Write it in a journal and perhaps write a goal to work on.

Scorpio:
Turkeys love to bask in the sun and run in the fields. They aren’t very good at keeping their private thoughts private. Keeping your true feelings to yourself is important this week.

Sagittarius:
Bats are professional when it comes to eating bugs. They also like to hang around. Be professional at your workplace and hang out with friends after hours.

Capricorn:
Canadian Geese love to travel, not yet though. There are many ways besides travel in which you can expand your knowledge. Visit the library or take a course.

Aquarius:
The swallowtail butterfly has already gone through a big change. Changes are coming up for you. If you work it right, it could be for the better.

Pisces:
Owls examine things closely. Do the same but remember everything doesn’t have to be perfect.

Thank you and be safe.

-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance, and now YA sweet adventure novels too.
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback. More to come.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also in Amazons around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

Assorted Sundries on Saturday By Susan Hanniford Crowley

I’m still in the editing phase for my new book. My eyes go screen buggy after a while, so I have printed the entire thing out and will write on it. Life is still happening so that’s a good thing.

Looking at last week’s to-do list, I realized it was too big, especially with the detour I had to take. The getting adjusted to the new medication list item bombed out, and I got sicker and sicker. I wore out my body so much that I was in bed and asleep. So I called my doctor and got a different prescription.

When making a to-do list, make it short and attainable. Make a long-range list if your want to. Put a deadline date next to it. Don’t beat yourself up making a list. Remember this is life and you can be detoured.

Finish editing the novel this week. (Before next Saturday)Really find my winter boots this week.Watch Ghostbusters: After Life again. It cheers me up. Do this today! Send emails to friends I haven’t corresponded with for a while this week.

Try to put some fun things on your list too, because you and I both know you are likely to get that done!

Have fun today!

Truly,

Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley

EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback. More to come.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also in Amazons around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

For The Love Of…Memoria Lost excerpt by Artemis Crow

I just turned in Zodiac Assassin book 11, Memoria Lost, to my editor for a December release! So here’s a raw excerpt of chapter one! Enjoy!

Regina ran through the castle, ignoring the startled glances of the guards, the telepathic Memoria flinching away from her unsettled mind as she rushed past them. The long hall connecting the main palace with the Queen’s castle was dotted with counsellors and sycophants all waiting to be heard. The arched openings flashing by revealed the rain pounding the great mountains and the autumn-colored trees of Chaosterra—home of the Memoria and the Light and Dark Fae—but the tempestuous weather was nothing compared to her roiling, conflicted emotions. 

The fate she’d fought had somehow become the only choice she wanted. Today it would be hers.

“Regina,” a soft voice said, rising just above the murmurs around her.

Regina’s arms pinwheeled as she slid to a stop on the stone floor and turned to her best and only friend. 

“Columba, I don’t have time to talk.”

Columba walked quickly, her pale pink, floor-length gown and mauve robe swirling around her legs, a departure from her normally calm, snail’s pace that was all a Memoria should be: wise, tranquil of soul, and mind-numbingly neutral. 

Everything that edgy, scattered, twitchy me is not.

Regina pulled her tangled length of black hair over one shoulder and finger combed it to still herself, to keep from chiding Columba for still managing to be slow. The woman was so even-tempered—another trait Regina lacked as her mother always reminded her—any complaint she made would roll off Columba like raindrops off the feathers of her pet Dodo bird.

Finally, after what seemed to be an entire fall season, Columba reached Regina’s side. 

“I heard your mother called for you,” Columba whispered, her tone flat save for the barest twinge of excitement.

Regina struggled not to twirl and squeal. The staid politicians occupying the hall would no doubt report the ill-mannered behavior to her mother, and she couldn’t afford another black mark added to the lengthy list she’d accrued over her twenty-five years. The damn things weighed her down like a lodestone until she thought she’d never be called to the throne room for anything other than a reprimand.

Not this time, though. She’d kept her head down, her irrepressible nature entirely repressed, no small feat, and one that had nearly undone her every night. The only way she’d been able to survive the rigor of Memoria life was to stifle herself at all times while in public and twirl and squeal like hell at night when she was alone, and the castle was quiet. 

That and the books she’d begged for, books some of the Memoria Soul Keepers had brought her from the world of the paranorms and the humans after they’d completed their most sacred of duties—shepherding the souls of the departed paranorms to be with the souls of their family members. Books about science and mathematics and the gods and goddesses. Books written by humans with made up species and worlds that paled in comparison to the reality humans couldn’t see in their world, or the parallel worlds like Chaosterra they didn’t know existed.

The urge to celebrate cooled and Regina blinked. “Yes, she called for me. Finally.”

“Do you think—?”

“That I’ve been accepted for Soul Keeper training? What else could it be? I’ve been careful to be more like you for months. I’ll go mad if that’s not enough.”

Columba smiled gently and touched Regina’s arm. “I know this is your time. You’ve worked so hard, though it saddens me to witness the loss of your exuberance.”

Regina clicked her jaws shut to keep them from dropping open. “Really? You constantly fussed at me about it.”

Columba leaned closer, her long blond hair falling forward and swaying like a curtain being released. “I’ve longed to twirl and squeal just once,” she whispered.

Regina’s lips twitched but this was not the time to belt out a laugh. “Maybe one day,” she whispered back. “But not today.”

Columba squeezed her arm. “Yes, go. Find me when you’re done so we can celebrate.”

“With meditation?”

Columba closed one eye, almost a wink. “And maybe a little wine.”

Regina’s eyes widened, and her jaw dropped open this time. “Sacrilege.”

“I learned it all from you.” Columba released Regina. “Go, get your mother’s approval. I can’t wait to have you join us in training.”

Regina backed up a couple steps before turning away and resuming her trip down the hallway, this time at a more dignified pace. Stolid, if you ask me, but expected of the Queen’s only daughter and heir to the throne.

She glanced back once more before leaving the hall and steadied when she saw Columba where she’d left her, the slight crease of her gentle friend’s mouth her version of a smile. 

Columba nodded once.

“Here goes everything,” Regina said under her breath.

The hallway exposed to the four seasons ended at a pair of heavy doors, the wood and iron signaling the beginning of the Queen’s castle. The narrower passage felt tight, confined, compared to the walkway she’d left, but its arched, stained-glass windows were a blessing in the chill days of fall and the cold of winter.

Tall, stone pedestals lined the passage, each holding the bust of a Memoria queen going back to the beginning of time. The time of Chaos, before she left her creation in the hands of God and his ilk.

Regina kept her pace slow and steady, her gaze brushing over the faces of the women who’d preceded her mother, the women Regina had tried to emulate—still tried, truth be told—but failed. Comportment, no. Diplomacy, no. Political savvy, not even a little. Strong enough to carry the weight of a queen’s responsibility, she seriously doubted it. Of all her shortcomings, that one hurt the most. 

Regina hoped her mother didn’t see that about her, didn’t know her doubts about her ability to rule, but she feared her doubts were in fact her reality. Worse still, she hated her desire to be other than the queen she was born to be. Not that she knew what that other was.

She was torn, had been since she was a child, but what else could she do? Be in the Memoria guard? Fight the Fae? No heir had ever fallen so low; she couldn’t be the first.

She reached the wide door leading to the secondary throne room, and paused to swallow her trepidation, to push her thoughts to the back of her mind. She pasted a placid expression on her face and opened the door.

May Your Words Flow Freely,

Artemis

The Zodiac Assassins series
Available on Amazon Kindle and Print, Nook and Kobo

Lyon’s Roar – https://amzn.to/2IBLeona’s Descent – https://amzn.to/2yaDfjWLibra’s Limbo – https://amzn.to/2q3VkNgLeona’s Cage – https://amzn.to/2QTbVyp

Gemini Asunder – https://amzn.to/2PyNUig

Quality

I recently watched a Japanese animation movie called Howl’s Moving Castle. I’ve seen this movie before but it had been a while and seeing reminded me of just how ingenious it is. Superficiality, vanity, courage, kindness, true love… there are so many lessons worked into this one movie.

Watching this movie reminded me of quality art and the stories that we can create in so many different forms. Movies, songs and radio, print—from all of these we can get complete garbage or a space of time that captivates and brings us to a different world. It is watching good movies or reading interesting books that inspires us as well. Not only are they there for enjoyment but for those who aim to create, it makes us want to do more and better.

So why am I writing about this? I guess it is just a way of grounding myself. There is so much going on these days that it is easy to forget why we write or even what we are hoping to get out of the books we read and movies we watch. Cheers to quality and May it be something we always strive for.

Happy writing this week!

Scottish Paranormal-Scope

Urquhart Castle beside Loch Ness

I love Scotland. The first time I saw it, I fell in love with every cairn and cliff. Let’s visit their paranormal creatures. Remember to be respectful and exercise caution.

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment and is not meant to guide your life.

Aries:
Nessie the camera-shy creature of Loch Ness basks in the moonlight when love and friendship are in the air. Dress your best and wear your smile. There are people to meet.

Taurus:
The Selkie sheds its seal skin and hides it to play on the beach. If you find it, leave it alone. They need it to return to the sea. Find a place of understanding within yourself for someone you know.

Gemini:
Ghosts aren’t always harmful. Most just want someone to listen to what they have to say. Be the listener this week. Others will appreciate it.

Cancer:
In a tunnel beneath the Royal Mile, a phantom piper still plays. He was exploring the tunnels that led to Edinburgh Castle, others followed his song from above. They never found out what happened to him when his piping when silent. You are being pulled in many directions by others. Self-wellness is your priority.

Leo:
You may be a time traveler searching for a portal as in a cave or stone circle. You want to make the world a better place. Go after that goal. You won’t need a portal to do it.

Virgo:
Brownies aka House Elves sneak into the house to do housework and return to their homes behind waterfalls when the sun rises. Do something nice for someone and don’t take credit.

Libra
Will o the wisps are often seen on lone roads luring travelers off the path to their deaths. You will have the option to travel. Plan your routes. Be faithful to your plans.

Scorpio:
Never try to catch a Kelpie (water horse), if you succeed, you could be dragged to a watery grave. Change is coming. Don’t hold on too tightly to any one concept. Open your eyes, heart, and mind to new ideas.

Sagittarius:
Redcaps are a kind of goblin. They dye their caps red with human blood. At night they try to lure solitary travels. This is a time for your to regain your life balance. Focus on you!

Capricorn:
The Baobhan (highland vampire) loves to find male hunters and dance with them until they drop. Then she helps herself to their blood. You need self-discipline in all matters to see what you really want. Share with those close to you.

Aquarius:
Ghillie Dhu is a kind fairy who plays with children because they can see him and sometimes plays pranks but isn’t dangerous. Enjoy your burst of creativity during this time. Follow your bliss.

Pisces:
The strength of the unicorn will shine in the eyes of friends and co-workers. This is going to be a great time for working with others.

Thank you and be safe.

-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance, and now YA sweet adventure novels too.
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback. More to come.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also in Amazons around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

Assorted Sundries on Sunday By Susan Hanniford Crowley

We are entering the last days of summer. After writing ‘The End’ on my sequel to EverWarm, I entered the editing stage. Around and between writing, I’m living life. What does that mean? Here is my to-do list.

Let my body get adjusted to a new medication – The physical body is an unhappy camper today, but to get better in that particular area, we must work on this. Get ready for a little boy’s birthday party. Go through clothes and move some Fall items to the front. Buy a new long cardigan. Find my winter boots. Make a list of upcoming birthdays and possible gifts. Wrap gifts for a birthday party next week.Go to the comic book store and get a graphic novel.Send emails to friends I haven’t corresponded with for a while.

I always put more than I can possibly do in a day on my to-do list. Try to go gently on yourself when creating such a list.

Have fun today!

Truly,

Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley

EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback. More to come.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also in Amazons around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

International Cat Day Paranormal-Scope

I could call them werecats, but truthfully, cats are paranormal already. So many of their talents were given a bad rep in history because humanity doesn’t always get the best qualities of another species. Still, they accommodate us with cuddles and purrs. We may not understand them, but they clearly understand us.

While I am not qualified in anyway to read neither stars nor planets I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment and is not meant to guide your life.

Aries:
Cats do love hanging out with those they love. Do the same!

Taurus:
Cats are known for following their passion. Write down your passion and make a plan to achieve it.

Gemini:
Cats are great for thinking in the box. They nap and use it for toy storage too. You will be challenged this week to think outside the box.

Cancer:
Cats will collect things they consider fun. You are entering the Shop the Sales Zone. Consider carefully what you need. Make a list and stick to it.

Leo:
Cats aren’t always good with change. They dig in their claws. Try to be flexible and open. Change can bring good things too.

Virgo:
Young cats can be shy and prone to hiding. You want to step away from being shy and stretch your talents.

Libra
Cats love to roll in the sunshine. Enjoy these last days of summer, and do something fun!

Scorpio:
Cats love new opportunities to get more treats. This week is your treat to network and see your career options.

Sagittarius:
Some cats seek out new adventures. Plan a daycation to a new place.

Capricorn:
Cats are very creative! This is your week to benefit from your creativity. Express yourself.

Aquarius:
Cats can be skittish when meeting someone new. Meeting new people can mean being open to learning new things.

Pisces:
Cats know the meaning of self-wellness. They always get enough sleep. Have you been getting enough rest? Naps can be restorative.

Thank you and be safe.

-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance, and now YA sweet adventure novels too.
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback. More to come.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also in Amazons around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

Writing Tools: Getting To Know Your Characters By Susan Hanniford Crowley

Getting to know your characters gives you a lot to work with. Write a character description and include everything you can think of. Here is a possible list.

Name of Character and meaning if you can find itPhysical DescriptionFamily background – where they came from and they have lived. Jobs your character has had, include jobs their family members have hadSiblings, age differences, how they get alongPetsPersonal beliefsFriends – How do they help or don’t? Why are they friends?Enemies and why they are enemiesWhat are their favorite songs, tv shows, moviesWhat do they enjoy doing in their off-time from workWhat are they afraid of?What places do they not like at all?How do they view themselves? What character has the strongest influence on them?Do they have a strength or remarkable talent or skill?Do they have a weakness? Could also be an allergy.What do they love the most?

You could add more but this will give you a strong start if you do this for your main and secondary characters. You could do this for all your characters, especially if you plan to use them in another book in a series.

This is also part of your book’s bible. There is nothing more confusing to a reader to have the hero look into the heroine’s brown eyes on page 156 when they were green on page 6. Having this information already put together in one handy place helps an author be consistent.

If you read the Vampires in Manhattan series, you’ll see how some characters have more description while others have less. Remember how description blends in the flow of the store and is not “dumped” in one place at the beginning. You can find my first series here: https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Hanniford-Crowley/e/B004YXOGXG

Have fun reading and writing!

Truly,

Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley

EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback. More to come.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also in Amazons around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

For The Love Of…Flying by Artemis Crow

Erin Hanson is an Australian poet that I’ve only just learned about. Definitely a “where have I been” moment. What caught my eye was a Facebook post with part of one of her poems. Here’s the full-length poem:

“There is freedom waiting for you, On the breezes of the sky, And you ask “What if I fall?” Oh but my darling, What if you fly?”

How beautiful are those words? Simple, but so inspirational. As I work my way through my most ambitious writing schedule this year, as I try to cope with the loss of my mother only three months ago, I’ve found myself floundering a little, feeling flat, wondering why I’m doing this at all.

But this poem reminds me that when you take that leap, sometimes you soar, and sometimes the thermals of excitement and inspiration are hard to find. But you keep searching for the lift so you can push your personal boundaries in whatever you’re trying to accomplish. 

Yes, you risk the fall, but when you fly? It fills your soul.

I hope you’re taking those leaps.

P.S. Speaking of writing, book 9 in my Zodiac Assassins series, Aries On Fire, comes out on August 16th! Available for preorder now on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/Aries-Fire-Zodiac-Assassins-Book-ebook/dp/B0B436HV6Q

Check it out!

May Your Words Flow Freely,

Artemis

The Zodiac Assassins series
Available on Amazon Kindle and Print, Nook and Kobo

Lyon’s Roar – https://amzn.to/2IBLeona’s Descent – https://amzn.to/2yaDfjWLibra’s Limbo – https://amzn.to/2q3VkNgLeona’s Cage – https://amzn.to/2QTbVyp

Gemini Asunder – https://amzn.to/2PyNUig

No Pain, No Gain… Not Really?

No pain, no gain. As a kid I heard the saying all the time. And interestingly, it was used as a blanket statement, as if it applies to everything in life. As an adult, I realize that is not the case. If anything, applying the statement to your entire life can create a lot more stripes than is necessary.

Yeah, sure, there are definitely things in life that are painful. I mean physically painful. Waxing it’s never pleasant. Microblading is another thing that really doesn’t seem like a walk in the park. Whoever invented heels, clearly didn’t wear them long enough. Corsets? Must have been invented by a madman.

Still, things like exercising can be really fun. Yes I know that the first couple weeks are terrible, especially if you have not exercised in a while or ever before. But there comes a point when you appreciate pushing yourself and you appreciate how great you feel. Dating is another one. Love can hurt if it means a broken heart but overall, dating shouldn’t be putting up with crap. If we truly value ourselves, we will realize that we don’t deserve pain just because. No true gain can be worth that.

There is pain in life, but it is important to measure the gain and what it is worth to you. Don’t just take it because you’ve been told it is something necessary. You need to be the judge of that.

Happy writing this week!