T.L. Gray's Blog, page 64
July 16, 2012
Milestones
The measure of life is usually described by the number of years we’ve existed, however I’m beginning to understand that time isn’t the real measure, but by the experiences we’ve had within that time is what truly make up our lives. These moments are what we call milestones.
By definition, a milestone is a significant event or stage in the life, progress, development, or the like of a person, nation, etc. Some of the most notable milestones are: birth, start of school, graduation, first job, first love, first heartbreak, or leave for college, or graduation from college, marriage, the birth of a child, retirement, or death of a loved one. These are the events we remember most which mark our passage as we journey through our lives.
Being a writer also has its milestones which measure the life and experience of our artistic adventures. Some writers place a few milestones in front of them, to set as a goal to reach, while others just make note of them as they pass. Either method is neither right, nor wrong. Which method you choose really doesn’t matter because, like with life, most of our milestones happen beyond our choosing, planning or expectations. We will cherish some and despise others, but combined together they will make up and mark our artistic life.
Can you clearly see some of the milestones you’ve passed already as a writer? Do you see the milestones in your immediate future? Do you strive or hope for certain milestones? I just wanted to give you a little something to think about. Sometimes we need to take a moment to reflect where we’ve been and set our sights on where we want to go.
Till next time,~T.L. Gray
July 10, 2012
Murphy's Law of Distractions
Isn’t it one of those Murphy’s Laws – that as soon as set yourself to do a specific task, a thousand other things appear to pull you away? If ever there was a clear stumbling block for writers, this would be the most popular. Only the utmost dedicated and disciplined will be able to navigate through the distractions and make it to the finish line.
While we all have our own methods and practices, I’ve developed a personal routine to help minimize the distractions in my own writing life. Murphy continues to bombard me daily with new and inventive distractions, but that only gives me more opportunities to strengthen my resolve.
My Routine:
·After I’ve exercised my body, spent time in prayer to nurture my spirit, I then enter my office, close the door (to keep out pets and other family members), and fire up my synapses by writing on my daily blog. Before I begin, I close my email program, silence my phone and log off all internet browsers. Nothing causes more distractions than an email or Facebook notification popping up on screen in the middle of creation. ·Next, I allow myself a block of time to interface, post, market, network, promote, communicate, and surf the internet. In other words …do the ‘business’ part of being a full time writer. ·Then I usually break for lunch. At this time I leave the office (this is important to catch my second wind) to eat, perhaps exercise and read a little bit of my current book, talk to a friend, or sometimes take a little nap. ·The next stage is VERY important, and usually the hardest part: I re-enter my office, check my emails, check my social networks, check my blogs, but for only for a limited time. THEN, I must CLOSE them all off again, and put my fingers to the keyboard and allow my gift to shift into gear to labor on my current WIP (Work In Progress). ·The last stage, which I think is most important – about 4-5pm, I cease being writer, author, entrepreneur and become wife, mother and friend. It is of the utmost importance that we don’t live our lives in our work, but bring a balance to the whole. In order to effectively write about life, we need to live it. To effectively write about relationships, we need to have them. To effectively write about overcoming, falling, picking ourselves back up, making mistakes, or learning important life lessons, we have to experience them. Find what works for you.
Please keep in mind, even though we set up a productive routine for our lives, we must remain flexible. Life happens when it happens, and it doesn’t care for the schedules we make for ourselves. There is no “Writer’s Hell” waiting for us if we bend the rules from time to time, or get off schedule to deal with life. However, and this is KEY to being productive and getting those projects checked off your list, we MUST be self-disciplined and self-dedicated to get back on schedule as soon as possible. Writer’s MUST be self-motivated and self-reliant. Only ‘we’ can write what we were meant to write and the responsibility of production remains with us.
What is your schedule like? Do you wonder why you just can’t finish that novel you’ve been working on for years? You might find the problem is in your routine.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
While we all have our own methods and practices, I’ve developed a personal routine to help minimize the distractions in my own writing life. Murphy continues to bombard me daily with new and inventive distractions, but that only gives me more opportunities to strengthen my resolve.
My Routine:
·After I’ve exercised my body, spent time in prayer to nurture my spirit, I then enter my office, close the door (to keep out pets and other family members), and fire up my synapses by writing on my daily blog. Before I begin, I close my email program, silence my phone and log off all internet browsers. Nothing causes more distractions than an email or Facebook notification popping up on screen in the middle of creation. ·Next, I allow myself a block of time to interface, post, market, network, promote, communicate, and surf the internet. In other words …do the ‘business’ part of being a full time writer. ·Then I usually break for lunch. At this time I leave the office (this is important to catch my second wind) to eat, perhaps exercise and read a little bit of my current book, talk to a friend, or sometimes take a little nap. ·The next stage is VERY important, and usually the hardest part: I re-enter my office, check my emails, check my social networks, check my blogs, but for only for a limited time. THEN, I must CLOSE them all off again, and put my fingers to the keyboard and allow my gift to shift into gear to labor on my current WIP (Work In Progress). ·The last stage, which I think is most important – about 4-5pm, I cease being writer, author, entrepreneur and become wife, mother and friend. It is of the utmost importance that we don’t live our lives in our work, but bring a balance to the whole. In order to effectively write about life, we need to live it. To effectively write about relationships, we need to have them. To effectively write about overcoming, falling, picking ourselves back up, making mistakes, or learning important life lessons, we have to experience them. Find what works for you.
Please keep in mind, even though we set up a productive routine for our lives, we must remain flexible. Life happens when it happens, and it doesn’t care for the schedules we make for ourselves. There is no “Writer’s Hell” waiting for us if we bend the rules from time to time, or get off schedule to deal with life. However, and this is KEY to being productive and getting those projects checked off your list, we MUST be self-disciplined and self-dedicated to get back on schedule as soon as possible. Writer’s MUST be self-motivated and self-reliant. Only ‘we’ can write what we were meant to write and the responsibility of production remains with us.
What is your schedule like? Do you wonder why you just can’t finish that novel you’ve been working on for years? You might find the problem is in your routine.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
July 9, 2012
Process
A systematic series of actions directed to some end; a continuous action, operation, or series of changes taking place in a definite manner.
I heard a great message yesterday focusing on the aspect that we spend our lives living from process to process, everything from breathing, to working, to learning, to maturation. Yet, due to our human nature, we tend to place our focus on the beginning and the end of our processes, often despising the period between, mainly because of and abhorrence for patience. However, the essence of life happens during the process. This is when our character, our skills, our talents, our personality, our values, our hopes, and our desires our developed. So, why do we despise the process so much? As best as I can tell, it’s because of our destructive and rebellious nature. We’ve deceived ourselves into thinking that finishing the race is the prize, but the true reward lays in the fact that we ‘ran’ the race. We can set a million trophies on our reward shelves, but if we were just given the prize without having done the task, then the prize becomes worthless. What good is a published book if we didn’t go through the toil of writing, editing, submitting, marketing and struggling through the process from conception to bookstore shelf, or eBook download? It is duringthe process that we develop our gifts and abilities, that strengthen us as a writer (or insert whatever talent you have), and gives us the skills needed to publish many books.
I’ve seen many writers abort their dreams because they wanted to avoid or skip the process, mostly due to impatience, or lack of belief. Instead of going through the toil of learning their craft, they give up, or pay someone else to do the work for them, thereby losing the prize of completion or the value of the prize. Getting published isn’t the true treasure or ultimate goal for a writer. It’s having a vision (a story idea), then believingit will be published at the moment of conception (before seeing the first word appear on the page), and then sustain that belief as they begin the journey through the process of transforming that vision into reality. For some, it may take months. For others, it may take years. Our dedication and obedience to the vision, and submission to the process, most often determines the length of the journey. I personally don’t want to wander around in a desert for forty years. I much prefer the direct route, even if it’s fraught with danger and impossible tasks, because I’m foolish enough to believe that if I have enough faith, nothing is impossible.
I’m about to publish my fifth book, have ghost-written two other published books, and helped edit four other publications by other authors, not to mention the countless articles, reviews and blog posts already into the ether; my bookshelf is brimming with printed accomplishments. What I value most is not the finished product, but the process I went through to receive them. Each accomplishment has increased my faith for the next one on the horizon, and I wouldn’t change one tear that was shed to get here. I hope this blog post has encouraged you can do the same.
Till next time,~T.L. Gray
July 6, 2012
Raven's Shadow - Review
Book: Raven’s Shadow (Blood Song Series – Book 1)Author: Anthony Ryan (http://www.anthonystuff.wordpress.com)Publisher: IndieGenre: Fantasy
Book Description:Publication Date: January 21, 2012An epic fantasy exploring themes of conflict, loyalty and religious faith. Vaelin Al Sorna, Brother of the Sixth Order, has been trained from childhood to fight and kill in service to the Faith. He has earned many names and almost as many scars, acquiring an ugly dog and a bad-tempered horse in the process. Ensnared in an unjust war by a king possessed of either madness or genius, Vaelin seeks to answer the question that will decide the fate of the Realm: …who is the one who waits?
Blood Song is the first volume of Raven's Shadow - a new epic fantasy of war, intrigue and tested faith.
Review: I had once again began to lose hope in the indie publishing field, having been disappointed with the last few indie books I’ve read. A few of them started with great promise, but left me quite disappointed in the end. But all hope was not lost, at least not since stumbling across Raven’s Shadow by Anthony Ryan. I haven’t been this excited about an indie book since Progeny by Ryan Kaelin (http://www.rtkaelin.com ). What is it with Ryans writing exceptional stories? Anyway …on with the review.
The story starts with our protagonist, Vaelin Al Sorna – known as a Brother of the 6th Order, the Sword of the Realm, Young Hawk, Darkblade, Beral Shak Ur, and Hope Killer, being led as a prisoner by Lord Verniers Alshe Someren, Imperial Chronicler, First of the Learned and honored servant to the Empire, to face a judgment by a country and people whom his Battle Lord father had almost decimated when he was but a small child. Already prejudiced against him for being the son of their most hated rival, Vaelin is also the killer of their beloved Hope, the successor to the Emperor’s throne in their latest skirmish with King Janus and the Realm. As they travel across the sea to face a trial by conquest, Vaelin tells this chronicler the story of his life and how the most hated of villains he became.
This prologue pulled me right into the story and piqued my interest to the point I just had to read on. That’s one of the formula’s I love best – have a despicable state of being and then go back and show me how one achieved such a state. It is the basic fundamental aspect of humanity - to understand how someone reaches a certain state in their life, either deplorable or exceptional, so we can better understand and see the path to that destruction or success and apply the principles to our own lives.
The real story begins with Vaelin as a mere child dealing the death of his mother, along with losing that innocent childhood, as his Battle Lord father abandons him to the Brothers of the Sixth Order, a sect of the Faith that focuses primarily on the art of war. It is his time with the Sixth Order that we fall in love with Vaelin, and his other brothers, as they are transformed from weak, innocent boys, into a close-nit team of merciless assassins. We are carried right along with Vaelin as he develops his skills, face his trials, and nurtures the hate for the father that abandoned him. You can’t help but root for him and his Order brothers as they transform from the fearful into the greatly feared. Anthony Ryan does an excellent job of sewing the reader so perfectly secure into all the emotion and action that has you completely solidified and connected with the protagonist.
What is a great adventure without a little love to soften the hardness, - bring a little light into the darkness, than to have a splash of romance? I love the way the author didn’t douse the reader in sappy syrup, but sprinkled just enough to allow the sweetness to be savored on top of the spice. My mind went into three different directions on this aspect of the story, but I’m very pleased with how it turned it out. I loved the twists and turns the story took, but can’t express how much I loved how the author kept the priorities in line. This is usually where a writer plunges off an unseen cliff, especially with epic fantasies – they allow the romance to overcome and dominate the story, instead of balancing it. It’s hard to do, because it’s so easy to get carried away with emotion, but Anthony Ryan handled it very well. At least, I’mwell pleased. I hate seeing a great super strong character lose all his strength and integrity for a woman. As a woman, I want a strong-willed man; not a limp-wristed, love sick puppy. A valiant warrior, who has strength to lead and fight, must also have strength of mind, yet time and time again you find these oxymorons posed as heroes, men who can stand against all the world, but can’t say no to a woman??? Okay, time to move away from this particular rant and on with the review.
There is another twist I absolutely LOVED in this story, but I don’t want to say too much about it because it will give it away. Let’s just say – I didn’t see it coming, and it broke my heart – literally. THAT is hard to do. I’ve read and written so many stories that I’m rarely surprised, but in this – I was absolutely blown away. Not only was the foundation and story thread brilliantly laid, but exceptionally executed. Well done, Anthony! If I had any criticism of this entire story, it would be this: Put it through one more round of edits (especially where commas are concerned) and get this traditionally published so it can receive greater exposure.
I don’t know Mr. Ryan, but I’ve come to admire his work, just as I know you will too if you dare to delve into the adventure of Raven’s Song.
Till next time,~T.L. Gray
July 5, 2012
Goodreads Give-A-Way - The Blood of Cain
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
The Blood of Cain
by T.L. Gray
Giveaway ends July 31, 2012.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Enter to win
July 3, 2012
The Blood of Cain - Trailer
Be sure to share it, like it, and pass the word along. I'd very much appreciate it!
Talent Trepidation
Doesn’t it just chap your hide that some people have been endowed with such wonderful, amazing gifts and talents, and they make genius look easy? Well, the fact they have them don’t bother me, but what they choose to do with what they’ve been given can move me from one end of the emotional scale to the other. I’m blown away at the passion and dedication I see some express when it comes to their gifts, and I’m so disappointed at the lack of enthusiasm and care I see others display. (Yes – I’m talking about you. You know who you are. You, who have been endowed with a great gift, you’re clever, talented, gifted, artistic, crafty, and yet you do NOTHING with it.) Sheesh!
What about you, reader? Do you have a talent you’re sitting on, ignoring and neglecting, either out of fear, ignorance or arrogance? If so, then STOP! You owe it to yourself to pursue what you’ve been given. You don’t have to start off big, but at least start. Do something. Take a step. If you’ve laid it down, pick it back up. Now is the time.
Go!
Till next time,~T.L. Gray
July 2, 2012
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
The Blood of Cain
by T.L. Gray
Giveaway ends July 31, 2012.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Enter to win
Live Your Life - Fuel Your Imagination
Though our minds are always filled with a plethora of colorful characters, and our dreams full of fond adventures, writers are by nature solitary people. Unguarded, we could easily become hermits, desiring our fictional existence more than our reality. Though we are people watchers, and most often expertly understand human nature, like all professionals in their field, we usually neglect ourselves – the way a plumber has leaky pipes, a mechanic riding with car trouble, a painter with white walls, or a psychiatrist with dysfunctional relationships.
If writer dysfunctions could be classified, solidarity would top the list. Being used to solving problems in our dreams and on the page, we often convince ourselves that we can go it alone, usually the way our heroes do on the page. However, the greatest heroic stories usually involve someone who’s learned to value and depend on those closest to them in their quests. While Superman possesses great power, his greatest strength is his character, his integrity and his pursuit for truth, justice and the American way; his humanity. That power was formed by the people in his life, his parents, his friends and even his enemies.
I LOVE my imagination, but without my friends and family I wouldn’t have the freedom to enjoy and explore it. It’s the life I LIVE that truly inspires the world I imagine.
If you’ve separated yourself into isolation, don’t stay too long. Get back to your life and to those who love and support you; it’s the best thing you can do for your imagination.
Till next time,~T.L. Gray
June 29, 2012
Getting Lost and Finding a Pearl
There’s nothing more exciting for a writer than getting lost in the pages and excitement of a great adventure inside a well-written book. Finding such an adventure isn’t an easy task. You know they’re out there, they exist, but it’s like finding a pearl in an oyster. Often times you have to sift through dozens and dozens of shells discovering only an average, limp or dull story, and rarely find that rare jewel. But, boy when you do, it’s an exhilarating ride, and it spurs that love/hate relationship. You love it so much you can’t put it down, but you hate losing sleep, time, and the reality of life that gets in the way, or takes you away from the story for any period of time. I LOVE those types of stories.
I believe every story has the potential to be a pearl, but this jewel requires time to incubate and mature. Readers keep getting grains of sand instead of pearls, because many writers don’t have any patience to allow their stories to develop. They get a great idea and splash it in its raw form into a manuscript, but due to their impatience, don’t spend the energy, pain and time to turn their grain of sand into a priceless jewel. And the sad part of it all …these writers expect their audience to be satisfied with a grain of sand. They expect the reader to be able to ‘see’ the vision of what could have been, instead of laying it all out themselves. The problem with that – once the sand is removed from the pearl, it doesn’t continue to evolve. The development and transformation ceases, and it will never become a pearl.
I’ve been guilty of peddling sand, but I’ve matured since, and I’m starting to see ripeness in my work. I’ve learned patience and gained a respect for my art, as well as my audience. My greatest hope is that I can one day produce a wonderful pearl that some reader will find, enjoy and treasure.
Till next time,~T.L. Gray
