I.E. Castellano's Blog, page 12
May 7, 2013
Poetry Wednesday 8 May 13
Art of Noise
If a symphony were a collection of memories,
thoughts would be instruments, yet I wonder
how the songs they played might describe the
human temperament.
Could percussions articulate one’s discussions?
Or their tempo explain why through
life we are constantly rushing?
Would violins praise or hate? They may
only be relevant to help foresee one’s fate.
When choosing to compete, will trombones’
allure allow the rest of the song to sing?
While watching clarinets show movement,
I saw an oboe, harp, and flute grow wings.
Whereas trumpets are knights
anointed with the strength to fight,
saxophones are king of the stage,
and thy queen is shown through
the beauty of its melody.
Yet wisdom is shown through
a director’s willingness to follow,
for by loving the art of noise, he shall lead.
Full book cover for God's Love by Calvert Tynes
—Calvert Tynes
Calvert Tynes is the author of God's Love. Find Calvert on Facebook.
If a symphony were a collection of memories,
thoughts would be instruments, yet I wonder
how the songs they played might describe the
human temperament.
Could percussions articulate one’s discussions?
Or their tempo explain why through
life we are constantly rushing?
Would violins praise or hate? They may
only be relevant to help foresee one’s fate.
When choosing to compete, will trombones’
allure allow the rest of the song to sing?
While watching clarinets show movement,
I saw an oboe, harp, and flute grow wings.
Whereas trumpets are knights
anointed with the strength to fight,
saxophones are king of the stage,
and thy queen is shown through
the beauty of its melody.
Yet wisdom is shown through
a director’s willingness to follow,
for by loving the art of noise, he shall lead.
Full book cover for God's Love by Calvert Tynes
—Calvert Tynes
Calvert Tynes is the author of God's Love. Find Calvert on Facebook.
April 22, 2013
Call Me Archaic
When people discover that my manuscripts are first handwritten, they cannot believe that I do all that extra work. Most writers type their first drafts. Very few of us bother with pen and paper.
The funny thing is that I type my blog posts directly into Word. No pen, no paper and no ink on my hands. Blog posts are relatively short. I type them. Read them over. Read them aloud. Fix typos. Format. Preview. Post.
One day, an idea popped into my head. It was the beginning scene for a new story. The kind of story I did not know if I would do. Sure, I wrote a dystopian science fiction, but would I touch a space opera?
I did. And I decided to write it solely on the computer.
Opening my extremely old version of Word, I typed my typical manuscript title page. When I started page 2, I changed the normal style to my self-made manuscript format style. I typed, “Chapter 1,” then hit enter.
My opening scene sprang to life magically from the blinking cursor. Black letters in times new roman filled the white page in double spaced lines. Instead of crossing out, I backspaced. Highlight and drag replaced my arrows.
The new story is told from an omniscient point of view. It switches between scenes in space and on planets. The result is many relatively short chapters. Usually when I write, I leave determining chapter breaks to the editing phase.
Three thousand words into the story, my mind no longer wanted to continue this experiment. I removed a stack of unlined paper from a ream. On the top of the page, I wrote the title, Where Pirates Go to Die. Underlined it. In the top right corner, I wrote “1,” then circled it.
Starting at the left edge, I wrote, “from Chapter 4.” Right underneath, I copied the last two lines from the screen.
Without the computer, I have penned more of my space opera. The black ink from my pen scribbles whatever flows from my brain. The pen scratches out. It arrows. It carrots where I should add the words crammed between the lines. Ink is fluid. So are my thoughts. In a digital word, I am analog.
I guess the resistance to writing equals typing makes me “old school” or a “Luddite.” Perhaps I am just an old-fashioned kind of girl. Maybe I am one of those set-in-their-ways, unchangeable people. Or perchance my brain likes to do things in its own way and not in ways that others suggest. To write fiction is to dream.
The funny thing is that I type my blog posts directly into Word. No pen, no paper and no ink on my hands. Blog posts are relatively short. I type them. Read them over. Read them aloud. Fix typos. Format. Preview. Post.
One day, an idea popped into my head. It was the beginning scene for a new story. The kind of story I did not know if I would do. Sure, I wrote a dystopian science fiction, but would I touch a space opera?
I did. And I decided to write it solely on the computer.
Opening my extremely old version of Word, I typed my typical manuscript title page. When I started page 2, I changed the normal style to my self-made manuscript format style. I typed, “Chapter 1,” then hit enter.
My opening scene sprang to life magically from the blinking cursor. Black letters in times new roman filled the white page in double spaced lines. Instead of crossing out, I backspaced. Highlight and drag replaced my arrows.
The new story is told from an omniscient point of view. It switches between scenes in space and on planets. The result is many relatively short chapters. Usually when I write, I leave determining chapter breaks to the editing phase.
Three thousand words into the story, my mind no longer wanted to continue this experiment. I removed a stack of unlined paper from a ream. On the top of the page, I wrote the title, Where Pirates Go to Die. Underlined it. In the top right corner, I wrote “1,” then circled it.
Starting at the left edge, I wrote, “from Chapter 4.” Right underneath, I copied the last two lines from the screen.
Without the computer, I have penned more of my space opera. The black ink from my pen scribbles whatever flows from my brain. The pen scratches out. It arrows. It carrots where I should add the words crammed between the lines. Ink is fluid. So are my thoughts. In a digital word, I am analog.
I guess the resistance to writing equals typing makes me “old school” or a “Luddite.” Perhaps I am just an old-fashioned kind of girl. Maybe I am one of those set-in-their-ways, unchangeable people. Or perchance my brain likes to do things in its own way and not in ways that others suggest. To write fiction is to dream.
April 8, 2013
My Interview on Mount Pleasant Up Close
Here’s my half hour long interview on Mount Pleasant Up Close in three parts.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
It is strange to watch yourself. I can see how nervous I started. Being on the “pointy” end of the camera is foreign to me. I’ve spoken in front of large groups. I’ve performed on stage. All without fear, I might add. During a college internship with a network affiliate, I’ve even operated the camera and been floor manager. The front of the camera is much more intimate. Only being on camera more often can make it more comfortable.
My previous interviews were via email with people across the pond. Being interviewed by people you know, who are also friends, is completely different.
Besides being Borough Manager (Jeff) and Borough Mayor and Fire Chief (Jerry), Jeff and Jerry are co-organizers of the Mount Pleasant Glass and Ethnic Festival. Being co-founders, they have been with the festival since its inception. Every year, it gets better. This September will mark the 27th year.
They do so much for the town. Jerry has been mayor since 1985. He listens to the residents, bringing suggestions to council and working to alleviate problems. Right now, he is working to implement a severe weather warning system. Jeff initiated the constantly growing multi-town summits, based on the G-8, that successfully find solutions to local issues. Working with the competent council, Jerry and Jeff have kept the town running smoothly and efficiently without raising taxes for almost a decade. The ever-busy duo also does this weekly tv/radio show to showcase friends of the borough.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jerry and Jeff on the festival for the past five years. Through festival social functions, they have had the opportunity to peruse my books that were published over the past year. While reading Tricentennial, Jeff looked up and said to me, “We have to have you on the show.” I was honored to be a guest on their show. It was a great experience.
Behind the Scenes of my guest appearance on Mount Pleasant Up Close
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
It is strange to watch yourself. I can see how nervous I started. Being on the “pointy” end of the camera is foreign to me. I’ve spoken in front of large groups. I’ve performed on stage. All without fear, I might add. During a college internship with a network affiliate, I’ve even operated the camera and been floor manager. The front of the camera is much more intimate. Only being on camera more often can make it more comfortable.
My previous interviews were via email with people across the pond. Being interviewed by people you know, who are also friends, is completely different.
Besides being Borough Manager (Jeff) and Borough Mayor and Fire Chief (Jerry), Jeff and Jerry are co-organizers of the Mount Pleasant Glass and Ethnic Festival. Being co-founders, they have been with the festival since its inception. Every year, it gets better. This September will mark the 27th year.
They do so much for the town. Jerry has been mayor since 1985. He listens to the residents, bringing suggestions to council and working to alleviate problems. Right now, he is working to implement a severe weather warning system. Jeff initiated the constantly growing multi-town summits, based on the G-8, that successfully find solutions to local issues. Working with the competent council, Jerry and Jeff have kept the town running smoothly and efficiently without raising taxes for almost a decade. The ever-busy duo also does this weekly tv/radio show to showcase friends of the borough.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jerry and Jeff on the festival for the past five years. Through festival social functions, they have had the opportunity to peruse my books that were published over the past year. While reading Tricentennial, Jeff looked up and said to me, “We have to have you on the show.” I was honored to be a guest on their show. It was a great experience.
Behind the Scenes of my guest appearance on Mount Pleasant Up Close
March 26, 2013
A Quick Update and Springtime Greetings
Not having access to the channel on which my interview on Mount Pleasant Up Close aired, a DVD of it has been made for me. All I need to do is pick it up. Look for the video to be posted the week after Easter.
Happy Passover!
Happy Easter!
Happy Spring!
Happy Passover!
Happy Easter!
Happy Spring!
March 14, 2013
Exercising Arms
When I do research for my books, sure, I turn to internet sources and books for information. I also interview people who have experience with certain things and do or learn things for myself. One of my works in progress is the first book of a mystery series where an injured homicide detective turned PI has to relearn how to shoot. Recently, I went to a local pistol range to take a private lesson on shooting a handgun.
It was my first time shooting any kind of gun. The instructor was surprised that I had never even shot a bb gun. I learned on a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol. The former Vietnam Marine started with basic gun safety. Although I wore a turtleneck, he warned me about wearing open necked shirts for future shooting. The empty shell casings are hot when they fly out of the gun and if you are wearing a shirt with an open neck, there is a possibility that the casing can hit your skin and burn you. (Always good to know.) At the shooting bay, he went over grip, stance, sight lines, and loading a magazine.
Then, it was my turn to pick up the gun. The black metal felt foreign in my hands. After he checked my grip, I squeezed the trigger. A hole in the paper target appeared in the vicinity of the A for which I was aiming. My heart raced and I was not aware of breathing. When he told me to shoot again, my hands couldn’t feel the gun. The front and rear sights blurred too much to align. My eyes saw nothing but a black blob in front of a wash of gray.
When he finally told me to stop, he brought the target towards us. All the holes were clustered where they were supposed to be. He told me that I did a good job. Then, he had me put the bullets into the magazine. I impressed him by loading them correctly after only watching him once.
The second time I picked the gun up off of the plastic ledge, which rested on top of the metal bar separating us from the target area, I was no longer shaking. My shots reflected my new-found ease with the firearm. Holding the gun steady and not allowing the recoil to control my shots was my biggest challenge. In time and with practice, I will be able to compensate for recoil.
After shooting two handed, he had me shoot one handed with each hand. I liked one handed shooting the best. However, that was near the end of the lesson where I was feeling the most comfortable with the pistol.
On the car ride home, I realized that I got much more out of the lesson than just fodder for my books. A part of me feels safer with only the knowledge of how to use a gun. I look forward to returning to the pistol range. Practicing can only make me better and more comfortable with guns.
I believe that all of us should be “armed” with the knowledge of how to defend ourselves. Knowledge is power and learning any kind of self-defense puts the power in our hands.
It was my first time shooting any kind of gun. The instructor was surprised that I had never even shot a bb gun. I learned on a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol. The former Vietnam Marine started with basic gun safety. Although I wore a turtleneck, he warned me about wearing open necked shirts for future shooting. The empty shell casings are hot when they fly out of the gun and if you are wearing a shirt with an open neck, there is a possibility that the casing can hit your skin and burn you. (Always good to know.) At the shooting bay, he went over grip, stance, sight lines, and loading a magazine.
Then, it was my turn to pick up the gun. The black metal felt foreign in my hands. After he checked my grip, I squeezed the trigger. A hole in the paper target appeared in the vicinity of the A for which I was aiming. My heart raced and I was not aware of breathing. When he told me to shoot again, my hands couldn’t feel the gun. The front and rear sights blurred too much to align. My eyes saw nothing but a black blob in front of a wash of gray.
When he finally told me to stop, he brought the target towards us. All the holes were clustered where they were supposed to be. He told me that I did a good job. Then, he had me put the bullets into the magazine. I impressed him by loading them correctly after only watching him once.
The second time I picked the gun up off of the plastic ledge, which rested on top of the metal bar separating us from the target area, I was no longer shaking. My shots reflected my new-found ease with the firearm. Holding the gun steady and not allowing the recoil to control my shots was my biggest challenge. In time and with practice, I will be able to compensate for recoil.
After shooting two handed, he had me shoot one handed with each hand. I liked one handed shooting the best. However, that was near the end of the lesson where I was feeling the most comfortable with the pistol.
On the car ride home, I realized that I got much more out of the lesson than just fodder for my books. A part of me feels safer with only the knowledge of how to use a gun. I look forward to returning to the pistol range. Practicing can only make me better and more comfortable with guns.
I believe that all of us should be “armed” with the knowledge of how to defend ourselves. Knowledge is power and learning any kind of self-defense puts the power in our hands.
March 7, 2013
Behind the Scenes at My Recent Guest Appearance
Mount Pleasant Up Close is a weekly local TV and radio show. The hosts are Mayor Gerald (Jerry) Lucia (on the right) and Borough Manager Jeff Landy (in the middle). This coming week, I will be their guest.
We recorded it yesterday amidst the snowstorm. Sitting at a small table in the Borough Council Chambers, I answered questions about my books and being an author.In the beginning of my first “live” interview, I was nervous. Jeff and Jerry started the show with a little intro, then they turned to me. Jeff said something like, “Tell us a little something about yourself and your books.” And that’s when it happened. I felt as if I were having a brain freeze moment like a kid in school on test day who just stared at the paper on the desk because the answers eluded her. I took a small pause, let out a tiny laugh, then my brain began to function properly.
Once we got going, everything flowed so well. The half-hour show whizzed by faster than I expected. Jeff and Jerry asked great questions. We had a lot of fun. At some point, I felt as if I were simply having a conversation with two of my oldest and dearest friends. The camera and microphones no longer existed to me. I had a great time and I am so glad that I was able to be a part of their show.Anyone in SW PA and NE WV can catch Mount Pleasant Up Close Sunday mornings at 7:30 on 103.1 WKVE. It also runs on Armstrong Cable channel 20 Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10 am and 6 pm in the Fay-West PA region.
My guest appearance will air this Sunday, March 10th at 7:30am on 103.1 FM and on Monday, March 11th, Wednesday, March 13th and Friday, March 15th at 10 am and 6 pm on Armstrong Cable channel 20.To know more about the quaint, friendly town of Mount Pleasant check out this video.
January 12, 2013
Favorite Lines
As my hand glides ink across the blank, white page, some of my favorite lines are penned into existence. Every time I read them, they give me the same emotional response as when I first wrote them. Over the next few posts, I will share them with you.
From Bow of the Moon, the latest in my epic fantasy series, the World In-between:
As they drove into the city, Declan tried to look up with his head plastered onto the door window.
The old adage of forgive and forget became a trudge through quicksand on a beach as high tide crashed onto the shore.
“That Scholar fed me lies and I devoured them like a starving man.”
The people in the pub lived their lives mostly on the insides of a tankard.
“With wisdom comes responsibility. Somewhere along the way, I misplaced both.”
A large serpentine yellow Dragon curled herself around the rocks the way a small child would cling to a stuffed animal or security blanket for safety.
All he could smell was a uniform, musty dampness. He thought that mythological beasts would smell more distinctive if they came near.
Chuckling, he thought that his life had a normalcy of strangeness.
He had reached his destination and it wished to behead him.
“Forgive the tests, Emperor, but wisdom does not come without its price.”
“She believes in the Land of Sages more than she believes in the Easter Bunny. Though I am not quite sure where Santa lies on that scale.”
“Let two become one, until days are done. To you, I pledge my everything.”
Looking around, Berty felt as though he had stepped inside a box of exploded crayons that had been left in the sun too long.
“What is the purpose of wisdom without practicality?”
The clicking of her shoes on stone echoed through the corridor as she ran back to the surface.
Colors dripped from the domes that topped the building down the walls in a sparkling cascade of colored chaos.
“We do not answer questions with a question.”
The beige burned away revealing beautiful multicolored designs that covered the walls, pillars, ceiling and floor.
“Those of noble soul will always do what is right regardless of immediate outside consequences or judgement.”
A scream cut through the forest.
“We are all only men, defined by our choices.”
The structure reeked of neglect and birds.
An orchestra playing a symphony of sadness stalked the black stone ruins.
“We have rested enough. Let’s not keep the far reaches of our world waiting.”
As the trees got closer, the ground shook with giant fury.
Berty could not imagine losing the son to save the father.
“I will walk all night for a hot bath and a soft bed.”
Myths were stories invoked from the pieces of our distant memories.
They walked emitting only the muffled crunching of boots rhythmically touching the forest floor.
Declan returned his wand to the inside folds of his cloak as the flames floated on top of the lake.
“It’s nice to have something that always points you home.”
Find Bow of the Moon: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Sony, Diesel, Smashwords, MYO
From Bow of the Moon, the latest in my epic fantasy series, the World In-between:
As they drove into the city, Declan tried to look up with his head plastered onto the door window.
The old adage of forgive and forget became a trudge through quicksand on a beach as high tide crashed onto the shore.
“That Scholar fed me lies and I devoured them like a starving man.”
The people in the pub lived their lives mostly on the insides of a tankard.
“With wisdom comes responsibility. Somewhere along the way, I misplaced both.”
A large serpentine yellow Dragon curled herself around the rocks the way a small child would cling to a stuffed animal or security blanket for safety.
All he could smell was a uniform, musty dampness. He thought that mythological beasts would smell more distinctive if they came near.
Chuckling, he thought that his life had a normalcy of strangeness.
He had reached his destination and it wished to behead him.
“Forgive the tests, Emperor, but wisdom does not come without its price.”
“She believes in the Land of Sages more than she believes in the Easter Bunny. Though I am not quite sure where Santa lies on that scale.”
“Let two become one, until days are done. To you, I pledge my everything.”
Looking around, Berty felt as though he had stepped inside a box of exploded crayons that had been left in the sun too long.
“What is the purpose of wisdom without practicality?”
The clicking of her shoes on stone echoed through the corridor as she ran back to the surface.
Colors dripped from the domes that topped the building down the walls in a sparkling cascade of colored chaos.
“We do not answer questions with a question.”
The beige burned away revealing beautiful multicolored designs that covered the walls, pillars, ceiling and floor.
“Those of noble soul will always do what is right regardless of immediate outside consequences or judgement.”
A scream cut through the forest.
“We are all only men, defined by our choices.”
The structure reeked of neglect and birds.
An orchestra playing a symphony of sadness stalked the black stone ruins.
“We have rested enough. Let’s not keep the far reaches of our world waiting.”
As the trees got closer, the ground shook with giant fury.
Berty could not imagine losing the son to save the father.
“I will walk all night for a hot bath and a soft bed.”
Myths were stories invoked from the pieces of our distant memories.
They walked emitting only the muffled crunching of boots rhythmically touching the forest floor.
Declan returned his wand to the inside folds of his cloak as the flames floated on top of the lake.
“It’s nice to have something that always points you home.”
Find Bow of the Moon: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Sony, Diesel, Smashwords, MYO
December 16, 2012
Bow of the Moon Hits Its Target
The exciting sequel to the World In-between is now available. Bow of the Moon takes you on a journey through the Empire submerging you into forgotten myths and legends. Trek beyond the ends of the known world. Face creatures men have learned to fear. Protect secrets that could unravel everything.
Most legendary weapons have been lost to the ages. Although their true power is long forgotten, their memory makes some risk everything to procure them. One such weapon is hidden in plain sight. When ignorance melts away, the weapon that has saved the Empire on numerous occasions becomes a target. Can the weapon’s steward keep it a secret before it falls into the wrong hands?
Bow of the Moon is available in perfect bound paperback only on Amazon. The ebook is available for Kindle, Nook and Kobo, and on Smashwords, Diesel eBooks and Make Your Offer.
Happy Holidays and Happy Reading!
December 13, 2012
Proof!
The Bow of the Moon proof arrived yesterday. It looks fantastic! The back shows a rendition of a Watcher’s Locket—so prevalent in this book.
Although this is my third published book, I always seem to tweak it after I go through it with my pencil. This time, I decided to include a picture (watermark) of the bow on the title page.
My tweaks were minor. I only repositioned a few items. The 6x9 paperback is 252 pages, filling 21 chapters.
Bow of the Moon will be available soon in print and for Kindle. The ebook is already available on Nook, Smashwords, Diesel eBookstore, Make Your Offer, and Kobo.
November 26, 2012
Bow of the Moon Sneak Peek
Here is a first look at the cover, description and first line of my latest book. JosDCreations did a fantastic job with the cover!
Bow of the Moon
Most legendary weapons have been lost to the ages. Although their true power is long forgotten, their memory makes some risk everything to procure them. One such weapon is hidden in plain sight. When ignorance melts away, the weapon that has saved the Empire on numerous occasions becomes a target. Can the weapon’s steward keep it a secret before it falls into the wrong hands?
Book two of The World In-between series.
Chapter One Home Again
Berty stood waiting in the large circular room with its wood grained walls and brass chandeliers dressed in his gold trimmed green shirt and matching pants.
Bow of the Moon will be coming soon.
