Solitaire Parke's Blog, page 2
May 15, 2025
Confronting the Past: Lessons from “The Atrium”
You have just experienced a traumatic car accident and then suddenly find yourself within a long, roofless, hallway that appears to be an atrium. This mysterious hallway is decorated with framed pictures that depict doorways into key moments in your life.
From a young boy to an older adult, a man navigates through a journey of self-reflection that forces him to confront prior life decisions and trauma that have shaped his existence. Reliving these past events causes him to examine his emotions, morals, and motives, and evaluate how he can overcome his past indiscretions and experience a life that is enriched in compassion and purpose rather than self.
The Atrium causes us to take a good look at how we treat other people, reevaluate our past, and create a new paradigm for the future that will alter our outlook and empower not only our lives but those around us.
Solitaire allows us to see the battle of the life and death experience by adding a layer of tension and anticipation, while demonstrating that there is still the possibility for growth and redemption.
Solitaire
April 21, 2025
Lessons from Isaac Asimov: Writing Tips for Success
Isaac Asimov (January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992) was an American writer and a professor of biochemistry at Boston University. Asimov was considered one of the “Big Three” science fiction writers along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. He was a prolific writer and wrote or edited more than 500 books within his lifetime. He is most well known for his science fiction, but also wrote mysteries, fantasy, nonfiction, and popular science.
He started with a series of science-fiction novels in the 1950’s, which includes the classic Foundation Series, and his writing in time extended into non-fiction. He wrote works for popular science, guidebooks to classic novels like Gulliver’s Travels and Paradise Lost, and even a 1,200-page Guide to the Bible.
He wrote on numerous other scientific and non-scientific topics, such as chemistry, astronomy, mathematics, history and literary criticism. He even wrote a few joke books and a book of limericks, but he didn’t stop there. He wrote a Guide to Shakespeare and a thorough Chronology of the World. By publishing his Three Laws of Robotics in 1942, Isaac Asimov defined rules for humans and robots to coexist.He brought a new understanding of robots and their relationship between machines and humans which led to modern movies like I, Robot and Bicentennial Man. Asimov enlightened our imaginations.
What can we learn from this amazing writer?
Make the time to write – no excuses. Asimov had many duties but always kept himself on a tight schedule and made the time for his writing. He went from can till can’t.
Stick to what you know. We all have a circle of competence – an area of earned knowledge. Learn to know the limit of that circle and stick within that limit to keep the advantage. (Asimov wrote the books but let screen writers execute the movies)
Find what you love and have unstoppable determination. (Asimov simply “had” to write. It would have been unfathomable not to.)
Never stop learning – have a thirst for knowledge and do massive amounts of research.
Never let the fear of criticism and perfectionism hold you back. Continue striving and writing. Be prepared for imperfection and correct your result, not your process.
Commit to your writing or everything will distract you. Don’t be stopped by a creative block. If one project isn’t working, move on to another.
“Knowledge is not only power; it is happiness,
and being taught is the intellectual analog of being loved. – Isaac Asimov
Solitaire
April 7, 2025
Optimize Your Writer’s Sites: Spring Cleaning Checklist
It’s the time of year that frequently focuses on Spring cleaning just about everywhere. It’s a great idea for authors and writers to do that as well – their websites, blogs and various other digital content. Here are some ideas that you may want to think about for your Spring cleaning checklist:
Update your Website and/or Blog:
Check for broken links
Does your site need a new overall look?
Update your Bio, Contact information and Photo
Make sure your site looks good on mobile and all browsers
Check your page load speed
Think about adding or deleting content in your sidebars
Redo your Header or Footer
Add or delete Social Media sites and the information on them
Backup your site
Email:
Go through your emails and unsubscribe to unnecessary ones
Archive material you want to keep
Delete old emails
Social Media Sites:
Do passwords need to be changed?
Update your Bio, Contact information and Photo
Do you need a new Header or Background?
Check privacy settings and information
Check all Book Sites:
Are all your books listed?
Check and update book descriptions if needed
Update Bios, Contacts and Photos
Are my sites linked to the proper places?
Backup:
Keep important files of data and images backed up to protect your content (perhaps an external hard-drive)
To maintain an engaging online presence, it’s important to give your readers regular updates. Get ready for a brilliant year ahead! Prepare to achieve your goals!!!
Good luck, and I hope you have a great year!
Solitaire
March 12, 2025
Exploring David Weber’s Honor Harrington Series
David Mark Weber is an American science fiction and fantasy author. He has written several science-fiction and fantasy book series, the best-known of which is the Honor Harrington science-fiction series.
David Weber’s writing style is highly technical, indicating that a mountain of research has gone into his books. I enjoy the technical qualities of his work because they are always spot on accurate regardless of the subject matter. You learn things while reading and only realize you’ve been enriched later.
I’ve recently started reading the book Flag in Exile which is a part of the Harrington series. The protagonist is a woman named Honor Harrington who is helped by her six-legged tree cat named Nimitz. I found it interesting that Nimitz, although looked at as Honor’s pet, is actually sentient, highly intelligent, and gives Honor a close look at the people she meets because of the cat’s high level of empathy.
Honor is the captain of a spaceship and hugely successful at her job. A tall woman who has never thought of herself as good looking, she keeps her hair short and is a bit awkward in social settings. Her misadventures are colorful while usually somewhat reckless, but always on the moral side of the compass.
If you’re a highly technical person, this is the book for you. On the other hand, if technical stories give you grief, you might want to look for another author. I have enjoyed every book by David Weber that I’ve read so far and would have no problem recommending each and every one of them.
I plan on finishing the series before moving on to another author.
Solitaire
February 18, 2025
Why Does Art Matter?
In society there has always been a significant place for art. It is a reflection of the culture and community from which it comes. From cave drawings to contemporary digital art, it inspires change and challenges the norm, all the while bridging the gaps between different time periods and cultures. Words cannot express the same type of deep-felt emotions and vibrancy that a piece of artwork is capable of producing. What makes it special is that it captures those feelings in a distinct and different way for each person who views it. Art is a universal language that enhances our environment and encourages creativity and critical thinking to provide cultural traditions for future generations.
What would our world look like without all the enhancements from artwork in public places everywhere we look? They provide a window into our communities, each with such different social customs and character. We have museums, art galleries, cultural events, murals, sculptures, sidewalk markets, architecture, and urban landscapes. Everywhere we look there is some form of art to capture our attention and inspire us.
As our technology advances, the world of art continues to change. We now have virtual reality, digital art, and artificial intelligence, all embracing new forms of artistic connection. There are countless possibilities for creative expression.
Solitaire utilizes digital technology to enhance his work, express himself and create beautiful artwork by stretching the limits of his imagination. Whether it’s abstract, science fiction, fantasy or scenic art, it can be used for video games, websites, book covers, attire or displayed on the wall in a home or office. It is a dynamic and captivating medium that holds the power to inspire us all. Solitaire has two digital art books available. Art makes life more beautiful!
To see Solitaire’s artwork click here
To purchase his books click here
February 3, 2025
Overcoming Stress: Tips for Positive Thinking
We all lead stressful lives in one way or another. As an author there are many factors that can cause stress. Writer’s block, fear of judgement from others, perfectionism which can lead to over-editing and lots of self doubt, the pressure of meeting deadlines, rejection which causes a lack of confidence and motivation, juggling too many projects, being responsible for marketing and promotion of your works, and possibly financial concerns as well. Authors often question their own writing abilities and wonder whether their stories are good enough. It can all weigh heavy on your mind.
There are many sites online which can be of help to writers in every aspect. To support you and anyone really, I recently came across an article from the Mayo Clinic that I thought was interesting about stress management and how it can affect your health and well-being.
Are you a positive or a negative thinker? Positive thinking doesn’t mean that you ignore life’s less enjoyable situations. It just means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You believe the best is going to happen, not the worst. The automatic thoughts that run through your head can be either positive or negative. If they are negative, your outlook on life is likely to be gloomy or cynical, which is certainly not a health benefit. You can learn to change these negative thoughts into more positive ones by creating new habits.
The following are a few ways in which to change your thinking and behave more positively.
First, identify areas in your life that need a change, whether it be at work, life changes, or a relationship. Focus on a few small areas and then approach them in a more positive light. You will eventually teach yourself to look at things differently.
Keep yourself in check during the day by periodically stopping to evaluate how you are thinking. Are you falling back into being negative or are you forcibly working on being positive?
Stay open to humor by smiling or laughing, even during times of difficulty. Laughter is a stress-reducing tool.
Aim for a healthy lifestyle that includes some kind of exercise to break up each day and help you manage stress. If you are sitting all day, take a break and go for a walk. Look at something different than what you normally would. Sometimes just being out-of-doors will help you clear your mind.
Keep yourself surrounded by positive people who will support you in good times and bad. You need helpful advice and feedback. Keep your distance from negative people or situations.
Follow a simple rule – don’t say anything to yourself that you would not say to someone else. Be kind and encouraging to yourself. Don’t expect perfection, just do your best.
Think about the things you are thankful for in your life and dwell on those things. There is always someone who has it harder than you. Always be thankful for what you have.
You may not become an optimist overnight, but with practice you will become less critical of the world around you. When your state of mind is one of optimism, you are better able to handle stressful situations that come your way in a more constructive manner, and that will contribute to a much healthier and happier life.
Solitaire
be thankful, fiction, health, healthy lifestyle, humor, laughter, life changes, Mayo Clinic, mental health, mindfulness, negativity, optimism, overcoming stress, positive people, positive thinking, smiling, solitaire parke, stress, well-being, wellness, writingJanuary 15, 2025
Essential Tips for First-Time Authors
I think the most important first step is to ask yourself what kind of book it will be. Fiction, non-fiction, historical, horror, science fiction, fantasy? Before you can get started, this one question needs to be answered before it’s possible.
Regardless of age, life experience will play a part in what you decide to put to pen, but it will be infinitely easier if you write about what you know. Speaking of pens, how do you see yourself punching away at this new endeavor? Pen/pencil and paper or with a computer? Whatever happens to be within your grasp will be where you start but don’t let it stop you from working toward your dream. If you choose a computer, then the next decision will be which piece of software to use. So now we’re talking about what your budget looks like, and there is some good news. Free software is available to help get you started in lieu of purchasing Microsoft Word or other writing software. Do the research and find out which will be the best fit for you.
The next decision is what type of book are you seeing in the mind’s eye? A short story, a novella, a novel, or a compilation of novels making a series of interconnected characters? Figure that out and your task will be made easier.
With each book you write, expect there to be a huge amount of research before the smoke clears on your finished work. If you write about what you know, there will still be research to perform because none of us knows everything about any given subject.
The next question revolves around preliminary functions like an outline of where the book will be going from chapter to chapter, or do you really need one? From author to author this one question has a variety of responses and none of them are wrong. Some of us use outlines or storyboards, some of us don’t. Whichever way you go, write a lot.
I’m a proponent of critical thinking, and the long and short of that boils down to who, what, why, where, when, and how with every page you write. I call them the six deadlys, and you’ll get sick of asking the same questions every day of your writing career, but there’s no living without them. The day you stop asking these questions is the day mistakes will overtake you.
Talk frequently to friends and family about your book prior and during the writing process. It will help you to stay fresh as they give you added spark and suggestions talking about your project.
Read more than you write. Select books from other authors with the same genre and compare what you’ve written with what you’ve read. It will help the number of potential errors before they happen.
Research which titles have already been used and stay away from repeats whenever possible. Look for ways to make your story different, thereby making it stand out from the rest of the stories within the same genre.
Last, but certainly not least, know what your audience is looking for and stay within those parameters. If it’s a child’s book, stay away from adult concepts and write to the age level of your audience.
These are some ideas that might be helpful to a first-time author. There are many more things that I wish I had known when I started writing. I recently created a book that might help you to avoid some of the mistakes that I made along the way and make your path a little easier to get your works published. If you’ve always wanted to write a book and get it published, this will instruct you how to accomplish your dreams of being an author. Good luck and have a great writing experience! Click here for The Triple Threat.
Solitaire
January 2, 2025
New Year Wishes for Peace and Prosperity!
Wishing you all a wonderful year of peace, prosperity, happiness, good health and endless joy!
As you step into this new year may you be bold and daring enough to believe in your dreams and your ability to accomplish them. Let each day bring positive changes to make your life better and put a smile on your face and the faces of those with whom you come into contact. I hope you realize your potential, set your goals, and take action to complete them. Appreciate the beauty surrounding you, especially the people who love you, and always be thankful for the life with which you have been blessed.
“So may the new year be a happy one to you, and happy to many more whose happiness depends on you!” – Charles Dickens
Solitaire
December 11, 2024
Join the Smashwords 2024 Holiday Ebook Sale Extravaganza!
Welcome to the annual Smashwords end of year ebook sale! From December 12th 2024 through January 1st 2025– Join thousands of readers – find great book titles from your favorite authors and discover new authors in your preferred genres.
Books are discounted from 25% – 50% – 75% – and even FREE! You can locate the Dragomeir Series (adventures with dragons), Vengeance of the Wolf (a horror/thriller), Tinker Smith and the Conspiracy of Oz (genetically altered children in a world of espionage and the wizard of Oz), Between Two Worlds (a rip in the fabric of time and space, and The Atrium (a psychological adventure in science fiction) at Smashwords.
Check out my website for other books – The Larger World Series in including a new release, The Forces of the Universe, and The Triple Threat (how to write a novel and stay sane in the process), plus digital artwork and many more extras.
I hope you’ll visit Smashwords 2024 end of year sale. Enjoy the holidays – MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!
Solitaire
November 25, 2024
A Blessing that is Often Overlooked – Books
Envisioning a better future, reliving a glorious past, encouraging us to dream big, or bring happiness – these are all reasons to find importance in reading books. They allow you to escape into a world you may never know and can even help lower stress levels. Reading draws us into a whole range of human emotions that provide wisdom and value and give us a positive distraction that potentially brings so much good into our lives.
Reading books improves confidence and self-esteem, which provides a platform to pursue goals and make decisions in life. Improving our education in almost any area can only enrich our lives beyond measure. There are so many positives about books that it’s hard to imagine a world without them.
“Reading forces you to be quiet in a world that no longer makes place for that.” – John Green
“There is no friend as loyal as a book” – Ernest Hemingway
“I am a part of everything I have read.” – Theodore Roosevelt
“We read to know we’re not alone.” – William Nicholson
“The more you read, the more you know. The more things that you learn, the more places you will go” – Dr. Seuss
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R. R. Martin
“Books aren’t made of pages and words. They are made of hopes, dreams, and possibilities.” – Unknown
“Reading is like breathing in, and writing is like breathing out.” Pam Allyn
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King
“Let us remember: one book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzei
“I feel the need of reading. It is a loss to a man not to have grown up among books.” – Abraham Lincoln
“Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside of them.” – Neil Gaiman
“Books shouldn’t be daunting, they should be funny, exciting, and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives us a terrific advantage.” – Roald Dahl
“Books break the shackles of time, proof that humans can work magic.” – Carl Sagan
Happy reading!
Solitaire
