Katandra Shanel's Blog: Life Is Just Awful. Ain't It?, page 5

Iliad today. Redemption tomorrow.

Writers and Readers alike. I have come across a literary gem. Homers 'The Illiad' All I know of the title to date is that it is epic poetry and that it dates around 850 B.C. I'm very interested in picking the book apart {Editor/Publisher flaw}. I look forward to reporting back to those who have yet to read this legacy of a book. I hope what I find between the pages will encourage each to read that which has passed the hands of man for 100's of years. I will begin the journey this Saturday. Bid me Happy Reading. Iliad today. Redemption tomorrow. Here is the direct link to the free e-book/kindle via amazon
http://www.amazon.com/The-Iliad-ebook...







{Redemption-- Richard McKinney, release date December 2011; published by FreedomInk}

Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor ©FreedomInk 2011
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To Be Or Not To Be, Perfectly Happy That Is

Question: If you could spend one year in "Perfect Happiness" but afterward you would not remember anything of the experience, would you? Why or Why not?

Here is my Jaded Spin of an answer: There is no way, nah uh, ain't happening, don't even think about it, you gotta be kidding, what a laugh... I think you get the point. And that point is N-O-period! I believe 1/2 the joy of a pleasurable experience is the memory of it. What a complete and utter waste to not remember. No, i'm no pessimist! I always look for and usually find the silver lining. But no, none, zip, zilch, nada ounce of recollection would sure be a pity. 'This do in rememberance of me' saith the Lord. Now don't get me wrong, i'm no religious scholar either but this makes perfect sense in comparison. Where is the joy, the humility, the long suffering, the rejoice, the gratitude, the thanks, the happiness without remembrance? I would rather recollect 10 unhappy moments than not to recall one 'perfectly happy' moment. So I implore... What say you of this conundrum? To Be Or Not To Be, Perfectly Happy That Is!

Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor ©FreedomInk 2011
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Diary Book 2: FOREWORD/EXCERPT

The Diary of A Bride To Be Book 2: The Return of Spring {Foreword}



Recap: Most of you know the beginning of this story. For those of you who don’t know. Yes, Herman and I met online via Mocospace, and I reiterate IT IS NOT 1915. I had just joined and virtual pimp here had over 1,000 “friends”. I almost declined the friend request thinking, ‘I know exactly what this city player wants’. But just to prove to him that I wasn’t some hillbilly from an unknown place, well that last part is true… whoever heard of a Manassas Georgia? Anywho, I accepted the request and the journey and has been in motion ever since. Honestly, I didn’t think he and I would ever meet. On one hand you have me, this sweet girl from the country. Born and raised in between Claxton (the Fruitcake Capital) & Vidalia (the Sweet Onion Capital). Then you have him, Mr. Atl381 from Atlanta G-A. Home of the Braves, Coca Cola, and the infamous Blue Flame Lounge.

*I hope that you've enjoyed this excerpt. Don't forget to get a copy of
The Diary of A Bride To Be Book 1: A Reason, A Season, or A Lifetime
The Diary of a Bride to Be: Book 1: A Reason, A Season, or A Lifetime




Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor ©FreedomInk 2011
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Racism Ain't Dead and Child Abuse Is Real

I was invited to see the movie via a friend who is also a magazine editor. The group sat together, cried together, and afterwards discussed the movie (not so much the book). But after seeing it whilst I was only 1/3 through the book, i've been on Chapter 15 for several weeks now, I really wished I had opted against the viewing. Yes, the movie is emotion provoking. As a black woman in my early 30's I could only imagine what my foremothers had to endure, but as a black woman from South Georgia I had an inkling. Since that day at the movies where races melted into each other under the dark of theatre, you could hear the sniffles; see the tell-tale signs of tissues your neighbor had just produced. Still, the movie ruined the book for me. One scene in particular was the portrayal of Constantine's daughter. She was shown dark complexioned but in the book she is described as being so fair that her own mother could not afford the risk to raise her in 1960's Missippi. It leads one to think that even in this day and time, society or shall I say Hollywood has an issue with fairer skinned black women in such an important role. The issue of child abuse is ever present in quite the unexpected way. It was not the black mother whom neglected her child as media is oftentimes quick to portray, but the white mother. This topic is one that is very dear to me. Overall the movie is great for Psych enthusiasts. But if you really wanna delve between the lines and get a true feel of the character I feel the Author intended to speak volumes from silent pages... then read the book and skip the flick. {This piece posted via my Goodreads blog after attempting to give an honest comment via Psychology Today and got flagged for spam containing text, Wow... I suppose opinions are pretty powerful when utilized correctly}

Angel Eyes Foundation, 501 (c) 3 non profit organization raising the awareness of Child Sexual Abuse http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angel-E...
@aef_forgetmenot {via Twitter}


Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor ©FreedomInk 2011
Visit my Author site and Like us on Facebook
http://www.freedomink365.com

Where'd The Paparazzi Go

In a world of digital print, press, and publish; it seems Author's are being quick fertilized and born overnight. The e-ppeal is just too strong to resist. Urging a generation to abandon years of honing a skill to perfection all in a get rich quick scheme. Hold the presses right there Sally (no offense to the Sally's of the World). The life of the Writer ain't exactly one of glitz and glamour. Whoever said "all that glitters ain't gold" must have been an Author. Unless you've made some sweet deal with the Devil or the Heavens have parted especially for you in the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Author's Spirit; then paparazzi is not exactly in your rear view mirror. Be you aspiring, emerging, several seasons in, or a veteran... my guess is that you're not in it for the fame, you're especially not in it for the money. This is one of those professions whose residents had a special calling. We eat, sleep, and breathe that which we love. And when you're passionate to that extent, the nonexistent paparazzi ain't that disappointing. Do it for the love of the written word.
Interview #4 via Romance Novelist, Delaney Diamond http://delaneydiamond.com/2011/08/29/...

Katandra Shanel Jackson
©FreedomInk 2011
Visit my Author/Publisher site. http://www.freedomink365.com
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email: katandra@freedomink365.com
*Support the 501 (c) 3 non profit organization http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angel-E...
Join the Community/Environment Event http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angel-E...

Lincoln, As In Abe

A few weeks ago we added a new member to the family. Totaling the household at 2 adults, 3 children, and 2 cat kids. A Little Boy, Lost & All Alone. I just had to take him in. The sweetest darling thing. I spotted him almost immediately and i'll never forget the exact date... July 5, 2011. The day after Independance Day. The family had just returned to Atlanta from a very long vacation. There was a ball of black fluff under the tire of my neighbors car. As I turned the engine off, the tiny mass looked up at me with the saddest eyes. I got out very slow as not to frighten him which was not an easy feat seeing how the children absolutely adore animals. The closer I got I could see the emerald green of his eyes, the long wirey hair so different from Justice's thick soft double coat, and the darndest thing... ear tufts like a lynx or a bobcat! A mixed breed or hybrid? In Atlanta? More specifically in South Atlanta... I doubted very seriously. I approached quietly but swiftly and wrapped the kitten up in my fiances shirt. Before I could make it up the stairs good I could literally see the fleas 'crawling' all over him. Ewwww. But as grossed out as I was and despite a new case of heeby jeebies, I hug the kitten a little closer. He had found a new family or rather, a new family had found him and I intended to shower him with love and flea shampoo. I ignored the threatening allergies as I settled him in and began thinking of names. An ongoing joke in our home, i'm the Royal Namer. Lol. So after much thinking and consideration I decided what better name for Justice Mackenzie's new cat brother than Lincoln, as in Abe. We call him Lynx for short on account of those white ear tuft. And the name fits better than the formal. He is one wild kitty but we love him.
{ http://twitpic.com/6478xj }

Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor ©FreedomInk 2011
Visit my Author site and Like us on Facebook
http://www.freedomink365.com

The Ups and Down of Self Publishing: To Be or Not To Be Free

Freedom. That's what we Writers live for, write for, need. It's also the very thing that is often frowned upon. Okay, say you've found the dream Literary Agent, your work of fiction or non-fiction has been submitted and accepted by a Traditional Publisher. Almost immediately they begin to chisel and chip at your beautiful work of art. Sure no thing is perfect and almost anything can stand a little buffing. But as a rule, we live by an unspoken creed. Once pen stops writing, notebook is closed, files have been saved, manuscript has been printed, and the laptop powered down; we consider the book done. But au contraire, this is when all of your hard work is susceptible to chops, clips, and changes to say the least. By whom you ask and i'm glad you did! The proofreader, the editor, the illustrator, the Publisher... Yes. When you take the traditional publishing route you surrender creative control. A worry that is never pondered when walking the Self Publish trail. The first and final say belongs to you. But this can be both a blessing and a curse. The blessing of course is the liberty to voice your words in any manner you choose. The curse? Awful books that could have been saved if someone had been there to steer the reigns or give experienced guidance. Instead the freedom to write, print, and publish is taken for granted, giving Self Published Authors a bad name.

My advice: Never go any journey alone. I wasn't a girl scout nor am I familiar with their rules and regulations but i'm certain there is somewhere listed in their little handbook a rule that states simply "Never sell cookies alone!!!" This applies to life. No man is an island- John Donne. Yes utilize that unique voice of the Author but don't publish your first draft or your first revised draft. Don't settle for spellcheck. Consult a 'Proof reader'. This can be your bestfriend, your spouse, your neighbor. We tend to be biased when it comes to our own work, so the outside opinion is always helpful. Next employ an 'Editor'. Be it friend, family or foe. This person does not want to be paid in gold. They simply want recognition. But offer better. Recognition via your published work and 5 free copies. It's a small price to pay for one who is sure to catch that out of place phrase, that sentence that shouldn't be, a word that just does not make sense... or perhaps like most writers you have so much going on that you've unknowingly strayed off topic. Between your 'Proof reader' and your 'Editor' your job will be made easier. What job you ask and i'm glad you did. The job of Author. Wearing all hats is not impossible although it comes pretty close and even then it just isn't advised. So again by all means Push.Promote.Propel.The 1st Amendment (tm), just don't abuse it as you travel the Self Published Road. This aint Easy Street but it can be done. G'luck.

Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor ©FreedomInk 2011
Visit my Author site/Like us on Facebook
http://www.freedomink365.com
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email: katandra@freedomink365.com

Yes, I'm That Parent

Today has been the 'back to school day from hell'! Last night a did an Irish jig despite it's absence in my lineage. A new school year was upon us and I was elated. Visions of a care free day soon came to a crashing halt. First there was the manner of disorganization. No before school orientation. Parents were expected to leave their children to the wolves. Every kid for himself. This disturbed me more with the new high schooler, as my daughters are familiar with their school. He however has found himself on new territory. The land of 'Uniforms are Mandatory'. Geez. What's the deal with public schools. A few phone calls placed to the Board of Education has led me to Dr. Ford. The principal at the elementary pales in comparison to this delight. One matter taken care of but another looms large. It calls for a more drastic measure. An in person encounter and a well thought out letter. Dear Person Of The Press... Yeah, I'm That Parent.


Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor ©FreedomInk 2011
Visit my Author site and Like us on Facebook
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What An Awful Thing

What an awful thing to rejoice in the fleeting days of summer. Endless they seemed when I was a girl. Growing up in South East Georgia where window fans were a common household thing and ice trays rarely remained filled. We counted the days by seconds until class was back in session. Summer days are still neverending, agonizingly so now that i'm an adult and my own children grow restless as the days inch by. The a.c is set to 75 and popsicles are a constant treat. The culprit, boredom. My conundrum, insanity. As their patience wears thin so does mine. Tomorrow is the first day of class and not a moment too soon. My new 3rd grader just announced that she's "nervous"... my 9th grader has been tossing and turning for the past two hours, I hear him get out of bed when he finally has had enough. His report, "Mama, I can't sleep." My new 5th grader/my big girl/Miss 'I gotta make all A's or i'll just die' is fast asleep! Funny how that works. She is usually the one up in a fit. I kiss my children (the two that remain awake) tell them that all will be fine and that sleep will come. I do a little jig as they retreat back to their beds. Did I ease their worries? I'm not sure. But boy am I happy that tomorrow is a new school year. 8:30 a.m - 2:30 a.m is once again, Mom Time =)


Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor ©FreedomInk 2011
Visit my Author site and Like us on Facebook
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The Sum Is Greater Than It's Parts

I had to pause a moment today to thank the Powers that Be for a right mind. I'm thankful that the sum of our children are 10x the addend of each parent seperately and together. Glad that there is no unwritten rule that states "I am my father's child, and no more!" My son has the divine opportunity to be great and real now. BRAGN(tm). Thanks Zenaida Roy-Almario for this introduction. Here's to a great school year this, my son's freshman year in high school. May the next 4 years go by slow and successfully.
Sincerely, Afraid To Blink

Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor ©FreedomInk 2011
Visit my Author site and Like us on Facebook
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