Marta Szemik's Blog, page 7
September 7, 2012
IWSG Follow Up Guest Post
Today I have the pleasure of hosting Stephanie Brooks; a freelance writer and advocate of higher education. Given this past Wednesday we all poured our hearts out at the Insecure Writer's Support Group, Stephanie's words will lift your souls :)
---------------------------------------------------------- Inspiration for my Fellow WritersTheir words have shaped my standards, grounded my dreams and encouraged me to dream bigger. Without further ado, here are the quotes that have shaped my life as a writer.
if it doesn't come bursting out of you / in spite of everything, /don't do it.unless it comes unasked out of your / heart and your mind and your mouth /and your gut, /don't do it. – Charles Bukowski, from the poem “so you want to be a writer?”
Charles Bukowski was a master of finding beauty in the banal. He was tough, dirty and crude; but, in a single twist, he could arouse the delicate and tender moments of the harshest of scenes. He worked, like so many of us do, a variety of odd jobs and wrote on the side. It wasn’t until he was 49 years old that he quit his day job. Charles Bukowski was the first writer who taught me that you really can’t help being a writer, that it really isn’t about making money or making it big. It’s about tapping into a vein of expression that rushes into the world like a geyser.
A serious writer is not to be confounded with a solemn writer. A serious writer may be a hawk or a buzzard or even a popinjay, but a solemn writer is always a bloody owl. – Ernest Hemingway
During college I minored in creative writing. In workshops, my writing was received as mediocre at best. Impatient and pressured to excel in an environment of peer-based review, I produced shoddy work. All inspiration and passion had been replaced with a desperate need to be seen as a superior writer. I did what any writer with a fragile ego would do. I stopped trying to write great work and focused on editing the life out of everyone else’s work. Yes, I became a bloody owl.
I was too solemn to be serious. My need for perfection and acclaim dwarfed any commitment to actually honing my craft or finding personal expression. It took me five years to stop taking myself too seriously.
"You must want to enough. Enough to take all the rejections, enough to pay the price of disappointment and discouragement while you are learning. Like any other artist you must learn your craft—then you can add all the genius you like." – Phyllisa A. Whitney
I had trouble in college because I took myself too seriously, but I also failed to respect myself. Lacking confidence in my original voice and abilities, I began to doubt if I even wanted to be a writer. Any love I felt for my work was dashed when it went unnoticed. I threw all of my work in the trash, not because I thought it was subpar, but because my fellow students didn’t understand it.
As I matured, and after working as an editor, I began to see artistic expression as something that attracts criticism. Even the most vulnerable and raw forms of expression can be targeted and dismantled. Did I want to subject myself to that?
If you have an idea of what you want to make, what you were put here to do, then just go and do that.—Neil Gaiman’s commencement speech at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia
Last month, I came to a crisis point. I have been brainstorming for a novel, but I had reservations about committing. Could I be a writer? Did I want to be a writer? What else could I possibly be? The doubts peaked during a conversation with my fiancé. With the pressures of planning for a wedding and our future family, dedicating hours of my day to writing a novel seemed both selfish and impossible. The next day, my fiancé sent me Neil Gaiman’s commencement speech on YouTube.
Listening to that speech was a turning point for me. In a way, I already knew that a career in the arts was exploratory, but I began to see it as an adventure full of unknowns and challenges. There is an element of bravery that is demanded, as well as flexibility and humor. Making good art, which comes from a singular and original place, is the only way I can truly be myself.
I will definitely be hanging around, possibly in the Insecure Writer’s Group, as I begin writing my novel. Feel free to share your own favorite quotes or moments of epiphany.
This guest post was written by Stephanie Brooks, an avid freelance writer and advocate of higher education. She is passionate about sharing the importance of accredited online universitieswith those who are interested in distance learning.
---------------------------------------------------------- Inspiration for my Fellow WritersTheir words have shaped my standards, grounded my dreams and encouraged me to dream bigger. Without further ado, here are the quotes that have shaped my life as a writer.
if it doesn't come bursting out of you / in spite of everything, /don't do it.unless it comes unasked out of your / heart and your mind and your mouth /and your gut, /don't do it. – Charles Bukowski, from the poem “so you want to be a writer?”
Charles Bukowski was a master of finding beauty in the banal. He was tough, dirty and crude; but, in a single twist, he could arouse the delicate and tender moments of the harshest of scenes. He worked, like so many of us do, a variety of odd jobs and wrote on the side. It wasn’t until he was 49 years old that he quit his day job. Charles Bukowski was the first writer who taught me that you really can’t help being a writer, that it really isn’t about making money or making it big. It’s about tapping into a vein of expression that rushes into the world like a geyser.
A serious writer is not to be confounded with a solemn writer. A serious writer may be a hawk or a buzzard or even a popinjay, but a solemn writer is always a bloody owl. – Ernest Hemingway
During college I minored in creative writing. In workshops, my writing was received as mediocre at best. Impatient and pressured to excel in an environment of peer-based review, I produced shoddy work. All inspiration and passion had been replaced with a desperate need to be seen as a superior writer. I did what any writer with a fragile ego would do. I stopped trying to write great work and focused on editing the life out of everyone else’s work. Yes, I became a bloody owl.
I was too solemn to be serious. My need for perfection and acclaim dwarfed any commitment to actually honing my craft or finding personal expression. It took me five years to stop taking myself too seriously.
"You must want to enough. Enough to take all the rejections, enough to pay the price of disappointment and discouragement while you are learning. Like any other artist you must learn your craft—then you can add all the genius you like." – Phyllisa A. Whitney
I had trouble in college because I took myself too seriously, but I also failed to respect myself. Lacking confidence in my original voice and abilities, I began to doubt if I even wanted to be a writer. Any love I felt for my work was dashed when it went unnoticed. I threw all of my work in the trash, not because I thought it was subpar, but because my fellow students didn’t understand it.
As I matured, and after working as an editor, I began to see artistic expression as something that attracts criticism. Even the most vulnerable and raw forms of expression can be targeted and dismantled. Did I want to subject myself to that?
If you have an idea of what you want to make, what you were put here to do, then just go and do that.—Neil Gaiman’s commencement speech at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia
Last month, I came to a crisis point. I have been brainstorming for a novel, but I had reservations about committing. Could I be a writer? Did I want to be a writer? What else could I possibly be? The doubts peaked during a conversation with my fiancé. With the pressures of planning for a wedding and our future family, dedicating hours of my day to writing a novel seemed both selfish and impossible. The next day, my fiancé sent me Neil Gaiman’s commencement speech on YouTube.
Listening to that speech was a turning point for me. In a way, I already knew that a career in the arts was exploratory, but I began to see it as an adventure full of unknowns and challenges. There is an element of bravery that is demanded, as well as flexibility and humor. Making good art, which comes from a singular and original place, is the only way I can truly be myself.
I will definitely be hanging around, possibly in the Insecure Writer’s Group, as I begin writing my novel. Feel free to share your own favorite quotes or moments of epiphany.
This guest post was written by Stephanie Brooks, an avid freelance writer and advocate of higher education. She is passionate about sharing the importance of accredited online universitieswith those who are interested in distance learning.
September 5, 2012
IWSG
WORD FOR THIS POST:
Ecdysiat (n): stripper
A bit of an explanation for this word: I found it on the front page of the dictionary.com website. Click and see. It was a quiz asking whether ecdysiat meant an island or a stripper. Since I didn't know, I found it intriguing and thought I'd share such important news with the rest of the world. (*yes, I'm kidding about the important part*)
Today is another first Wednesday of the month and as always, a big Thank you to Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting the Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) on each first Wednesday of every month. Today, writers post their doubts, concerns and insecurities without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Others offer assistance and guidance in the comments.
For a full list of participants click here and hop on over to offer your own words of encouragement and/or assistance.
For the past eight months, I've sort of put all my eggs in one basket and now, it looks like the basket may have fallen, ten stories and splattered onto concrete.
Let me explain. I've been gearing up toward letting the the first novella in the Two Halves Series go for free in the ebook format on all platforms by price matching from Smashwords to Amazon. My objective was to give the first one away, in hopes that those who read it go on to be true fans and purchase the other books in the series (all four will be out before the end of the year).
Apparently Amazon is not being as generous in price matching as it used to be and takes a very looooong time to do so and they're choosing who they price match, which is kind of unfair (because everyone should be treated equally, right?). Now, I've only set the price to zero for Marked on Aug 25th, which hasn't been too long, but what if they never match it?
I really want the series to be given a chance like other authors have through this strategy (and many were very successful).
I've followed the suggestions of other authors by asking friends to report the lower price to Amazon, but still, no price matching. :(
Looks like I may be eating scrambled eggs for a while.
What are your insecurities this month?
Ecdysiat (n): stripper
A bit of an explanation for this word: I found it on the front page of the dictionary.com website. Click and see. It was a quiz asking whether ecdysiat meant an island or a stripper. Since I didn't know, I found it intriguing and thought I'd share such important news with the rest of the world. (*yes, I'm kidding about the important part*)
Today is another first Wednesday of the month and as always, a big Thank you to Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting the Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) on each first Wednesday of every month. Today, writers post their doubts, concerns and insecurities without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Others offer assistance and guidance in the comments.For a full list of participants click here and hop on over to offer your own words of encouragement and/or assistance.
For the past eight months, I've sort of put all my eggs in one basket and now, it looks like the basket may have fallen, ten stories and splattered onto concrete.
Let me explain. I've been gearing up toward letting the the first novella in the Two Halves Series go for free in the ebook format on all platforms by price matching from Smashwords to Amazon. My objective was to give the first one away, in hopes that those who read it go on to be true fans and purchase the other books in the series (all four will be out before the end of the year).
Apparently Amazon is not being as generous in price matching as it used to be and takes a very looooong time to do so and they're choosing who they price match, which is kind of unfair (because everyone should be treated equally, right?). Now, I've only set the price to zero for Marked on Aug 25th, which hasn't been too long, but what if they never match it?
I really want the series to be given a chance like other authors have through this strategy (and many were very successful).
I've followed the suggestions of other authors by asking friends to report the lower price to Amazon, but still, no price matching. :(
Looks like I may be eating scrambled eggs for a while.
What are your insecurities this month?
September 3, 2012
Summer's unoficially over :(
I've been counting down the days until school starts for the past week. Tomorrow, the day will finally come. I'm excited for the kids because they miss their friends and both do well at school that it's not really a dreadful day for them. I will also finally be able to get some work done.
As clock ticks down the hours and minutes, I realize I will miss them and not miss them at the same time, which is kind of a weird feeling. First day of school to me always feels like the summer is over and we need to start getting ready for winter (which reminds me that I need to book skiing lessons tomorrow).
So, as a tribute to Summer 2012, I thought I'd share with you my most memorable moments:
Camping in July: First setting up the tent in rain, then baking in 45 degrees Celsius. Hiding out in visitors center to cool off. My kids making another 16km bike trail and their chocolate ice cream. Perfect camping trip.Swimming lessons - kiddies finally made it to level 6: so proud of themHaving our campfire in the back yardEnjoying coffee with my hubby on the patiopicking about 50 tomatoes in my backyard, peeling them and cooking for sauce to be used in the futureOur trip to New York - probably the highlight of the summerMy daughter's soccer games and the dive she took to save the ball. What an awesome team they had!My son's soccer development practices - what a great coach! The man was simply born to be a coach!The kids devotion to their Karate. I can't believe they remember all those moves.Kids sleeping in until 10 or 11 in the morning. How many times in our lives do we get to do that?The passing of this summer reminds me of how quickly time goes by. Another year, another grade, a new season (soon), yet I remember when I was my kids age so vividly. It seems like yesterday. So, even at a time when I'm looking forward to a quiet home and a schedule, it saddens me that they're growing up. They'll never be this age again and how much I enjoy having my loud munchkins (if the older one saw this post he'd say I'm embarrassing him).
So, if school starts for your kids tomorrow like for mine, take the time to remember your summer, because no matter how small or how big your adventures were, I'm sure you won't have the same one next year. Perhaps it will be better, perhaps worse, but definitely not the same.
What will you remember most from your summer?
As clock ticks down the hours and minutes, I realize I will miss them and not miss them at the same time, which is kind of a weird feeling. First day of school to me always feels like the summer is over and we need to start getting ready for winter (which reminds me that I need to book skiing lessons tomorrow).
So, as a tribute to Summer 2012, I thought I'd share with you my most memorable moments:
Camping in July: First setting up the tent in rain, then baking in 45 degrees Celsius. Hiding out in visitors center to cool off. My kids making another 16km bike trail and their chocolate ice cream. Perfect camping trip.Swimming lessons - kiddies finally made it to level 6: so proud of themHaving our campfire in the back yardEnjoying coffee with my hubby on the patiopicking about 50 tomatoes in my backyard, peeling them and cooking for sauce to be used in the futureOur trip to New York - probably the highlight of the summerMy daughter's soccer games and the dive she took to save the ball. What an awesome team they had!My son's soccer development practices - what a great coach! The man was simply born to be a coach!The kids devotion to their Karate. I can't believe they remember all those moves.Kids sleeping in until 10 or 11 in the morning. How many times in our lives do we get to do that?The passing of this summer reminds me of how quickly time goes by. Another year, another grade, a new season (soon), yet I remember when I was my kids age so vividly. It seems like yesterday. So, even at a time when I'm looking forward to a quiet home and a schedule, it saddens me that they're growing up. They'll never be this age again and how much I enjoy having my loud munchkins (if the older one saw this post he'd say I'm embarrassing him).
So, if school starts for your kids tomorrow like for mine, take the time to remember your summer, because no matter how small or how big your adventures were, I'm sure you won't have the same one next year. Perhaps it will be better, perhaps worse, but definitely not the same.
What will you remember most from your summer?
August 29, 2012
New Covers!
I'm so excited!
I have new covers for both Marked: A Two Halves Novella and Two Halves. Thank you, thank you, thank you Robin at Robin Ludwig Design Inc. for such wonderful covers! You're a gem to work with.
Here they are, along with some new blurbs!
Shapeshifter Xander will remain stuck in oblivion between good and evil until he is marked—either with the sphere that will identify him as a servant of the underworld or with the water mark, working for the keepers of humans, vampires, and warlocks.
One decision will mark him and his twin sister Mira equally. She is in love with a man bearing the water mark and wants Xander to follow the path of the good. But Xander loves a black witch, a minion of the underworld. All he has to do to join her forever is kill.
After all, there's something good about being bad.
Sarah killed her human mother shortly after she was born so she could quench her thirst. She hates her vampire father who she never met and blames him for her mother’s death.
Now twenty-one, Sarah suppresses her dark side with serums. When a nightmare stirs her dark traits, underworld creatures hunt for the half-breed vampire. On the run, Sarah learns the secrets hidden from her, for a good reason. Had she known her destiny, she may have continued with the serums that kept her safe in the human world.
The covers have already been uploaded to most sites. I'm still working through them and it will take a while for some to be done through all the distribution channels, including print.
I've also set the price of Marked, the first book in the series for free. I'm hoping to keep it at that for a while and for Amazon to price match it from other sites (though it may take months. I'd heard they're not so keen on price matching to free these days because of KDP Select, which would really suck.)
The idea is to draw readers in with the first book into the series. We'll see how it goes. In the meantime, you're more than welcome to get a free copy from Smashwords and download in the format you like including for the Kindle.
I also have a third cover ready for Two Equals, but I'm still trying to work out how I'd like to go about revealing that one.
What do you guys think?
I have new covers for both Marked: A Two Halves Novella and Two Halves. Thank you, thank you, thank you Robin at Robin Ludwig Design Inc. for such wonderful covers! You're a gem to work with.
Here they are, along with some new blurbs!
Shapeshifter Xander will remain stuck in oblivion between good and evil until he is marked—either with the sphere that will identify him as a servant of the underworld or with the water mark, working for the keepers of humans, vampires, and warlocks.
One decision will mark him and his twin sister Mira equally. She is in love with a man bearing the water mark and wants Xander to follow the path of the good. But Xander loves a black witch, a minion of the underworld. All he has to do to join her forever is kill.After all, there's something good about being bad.
Sarah killed her human mother shortly after she was born so she could quench her thirst. She hates her vampire father who she never met and blames him for her mother’s death.
Now twenty-one, Sarah suppresses her dark side with serums. When a nightmare stirs her dark traits, underworld creatures hunt for the half-breed vampire. On the run, Sarah learns the secrets hidden from her, for a good reason. Had she known her destiny, she may have continued with the serums that kept her safe in the human world.
The covers have already been uploaded to most sites. I'm still working through them and it will take a while for some to be done through all the distribution channels, including print.
I've also set the price of Marked, the first book in the series for free. I'm hoping to keep it at that for a while and for Amazon to price match it from other sites (though it may take months. I'd heard they're not so keen on price matching to free these days because of KDP Select, which would really suck.)
The idea is to draw readers in with the first book into the series. We'll see how it goes. In the meantime, you're more than welcome to get a free copy from Smashwords and download in the format you like including for the Kindle.
I also have a third cover ready for Two Equals, but I'm still trying to work out how I'd like to go about revealing that one.
What do you guys think?
August 27, 2012
Pictures, as promised :)
As promised, some photos of our trip from NY with captions. I had to pick from hundreds of photos, so it is difficult to share the most beautiful ones (and I'm a little camera shy so had to find the ones without us in the pic - but I'm including a couple with me below ;) Statue of Liberty.
South tip of Manhattan.
Manhattan view from East River.
One of the new towers at the 9/11 memorial.
(HUGE!)
Ceiling at the NY Central Library (Gorgeous! The library was captivating.)
Me at the library :)
American Chopper designed specifically for the Trump Organization in the lobby of the Trump Tower.
My youngest one having fun at Fao Schwartz toy store.
View of the City from Central Park (and me)
Trump Tower (which will be featured in Book 4 of the Two Halves Series).
This Wednesday I'll be posting new covers I've had designed for Two Halves and Marked: A Two Halves Novella along with some announcements. Hope you enjoyed the pics :)
August 21, 2012
Weighted release by Ciara Knight
Weighted (Prequel Novelette)
The Great War of 2185 is over, but my nightmare has just begun. I am being held captive in the Queen’s ship awaiting interrogation. My only possible ally is the princess, but I’m unsure if she is really my friend or a trap set by the Queen to fool me into sharing the secret of my gift. A gift I keep hidden even from myself. It swirls inside my body begging for release, but it is the one thing the Queen can never discover. Will I have the strength to keep the secret? I’ll know the answer soon. If the stories are true about the interrogators, I’ll either be dead or a traitor to my people by morning.
CHAPTER ONE
Subject: Raeth Arteres
Date: March 8, 2185
Species: Neumarian
Status: Captured
Tick-tock…tick-tock…I clutch the sides of the steel bed in my cell and push up on my elbows. The clock, with its bronze rim, hangs high on the wall, taunting me. The long black arm of the second hand struggles up the side of the enormous disc, ticking away the last few moments of my life.Tap…tap. Footsteps, two by two, march to the cell door. Sucking in a long breath, I embrace the rhythmic sounds of the airship, with the occasional interruption of an engine sputtering.Tap…thump.The Queen’s unmistakable gait interrupts my dream-like state. It matches the sounds of the ship, as if she is an extension of the heap of metal propelling us across the desert wasteland.“Open the door.” Her voice echoes down the narrow hall.Tick…The hand struggles to reach the twelve. If it doesn’t make it, maybe the door won’t open. It teeters and shakes, then slides straight up in unison with the door.…Tock.“Be quick, before the parasite uses her curse on us.” Her raspy, artificial voice sends a quiver to my core.A guard races in with a handheld device and points it at my neck. I’ve been collared like a dog. I clutch the slick metal ring around my neck, pulling it from my skin, but current zaps through my shoulders and my arm juts out to my side, shaking. Searing pain runs along my veins.After all these years of my brother hiding me, it was inevitable I’d get caught.Darkness swirls deep inside, brewing a storm. I can’t remember what it will do if I release it. Is it a gift, as my brother told me, or a curse, as the Queen believes? All I know is that if I unleash it, the Queen will have what she wants, so I push it down deep, keeping it hidden from her.A man in a grey coat approaches with a syringe in his shaking hand. His left eye has been replaced by a bronze implant that clicks as it grows wide. I concentrate on remaining calm. “I-I see you s-still need me.” It is a struggle to speak against the rising will of the gift trapped inside me.“Need you? I only need your wretched, cursed body. We must ensure your kind never threatens the world again. When I’m finished, you will serve me, and only me.”Acid boils up in my throat but I force it down. The beast caged inside me longs for release.“Make her cease that ridiculous tapping,” the Queen orders.The guard grabs my hand and pulls me down on the bed. I hadn’t noticed my fingers rapping against the metal. My body sometimes has a mind of its own. A way of keeping me focused when my brain no longer can.Princess Semara edges into the room. “Mother, must we—”“Silence!” The queen whirls on her. “Do you question me, Semara?”“No, Mother. I only wish to discover the truth about the Neumarians. It will help us in our fight to—”“The truth? The truth is they are parasites that suck the life out of people, and no one on Earth is safe as long as they live.”The long needle penetrates my arm and icy liquid shoots up my veins. The room spins. Focus. I must concentrate if I am to keep my secret.“Take her to the Alteration Room.” The Queen smirks, her flaming-red hair dancing above her head and her mechanical eye widening to a pool of pleasure.“N-no. I w-won’t—”The Queen’s skirt billows with her movements. A cold metal hand brushes my cheek, sending a tremor down my arms to my fingers. “Tell us what we want to know, and you will be returned to your people unharmed.”Princess Semara dances from foot to foot. Yards of red and black material sway with each step. Her eyes plead with me to tell what I should know, but can’t remember.Or maybe I do, but am not allowing myself to.“I know n-nothing.”The edge of the Queen’s knuckles catches my cheek. A trickle runs down my face, the odor of my blood matching the smell of the ship.“Take her.” The Queen stalks to her daughter. “And no lasers. Do it the old-fashioned way. No anesthetic.”Tears well up in Princess Semara’s eyes, but she blinks them back.“Take my daughter with you as a witness,” the Queen says to the man with the needle. “You’ll serve your Queen Mother, won’t you, darling?”“Yes, Mother,” Princess Semara whispers. Her pale arms wrap around her black corset as if to hug her fear inside.My stomach flops and the dark swirl inside me means to escape. I rock back and forth, trying to subdue it. “N-no, p-please. You must not—”Thump…tap.The Queen’s metal leg beats against the floor with every other step. Soon, I will be the same.“Please, don’t l-let her,” I plead.The Princess remains still, the corners of her lips arched down, marking her smooth face.“Bring the gurney,” the grey coat yells out the door.Squeak…squeak.The screech of the wheels makes the hair on my arms stand at attention. Will my robotic leg mimic the high-pitched noise each time I take a step? Does it matter? Even if I escape the ship, my people will see me as a Slag now. Never again will they look at me as one of them.Arms snake beneath me. My body lifts and lands on a coarse, white-sheeted surface. The gurney under me bounces.“Raeth, please, you must tell my mother what your people are plotting.”“They plan n-nothing.”The grey coat pushes me down the hall. “Lies, that is all they do, tell lies and torment our people. They should all be exterminated.” His face hangs over mine with a derisive smile. Glaring lights fly past overhead until we turn into a room.Doors swish, sealing shut behind us. Massive silver devices hang from the ceiling and walls. This is the Alteration Room, with all the tools of torture pointing in every direction. Why do they alter themselves, shove techno-implants into their bodies? Terror ripples through every muscle and my hand taps in a soothing rhythm.They lift me from the gurney and strap me down to a cold, solid surface. Silver bands snap around my wrists, ankles, and head. Salty tears flow down my face and over my lips. Princess Semara wipes them away.“Why do you fuss over her? You are a princess. If your mother saw you—”“I only clean off what could interfere with the lasers.”“You heard your mother. There will be no lasers.” The grey coat spins on his heels and stalks behind a wall. “Besides, I’m taking her leg, not her eyes.” A deep chuckle echoes in the room. “Not this time, anyway.”My heart races so fast I wonder if one of the machines is pulling it from my body. I try to lift my wrists to clutch my chest, but my hands remain bound by my sides.“There isn’t much time.” Princess Semara holds up another syringe. “This will keep you from suffering while he—he—”“Removes my l-leg?”“Yes.” Semara wipes a tear from her own face. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to see you suffer. Why won’t your people let us live in peace? Why do you want to harm us?” Her voice shakes and her lower lip trembles. Does she not believe her own words?The deep revving of an engine brings the blackness close to the surface. I clutch my fists and scrunch my eyes shut, trying to free my mind from the squealing sound I know to be a saw.My body shakes and rattles the metal binds.The pinch of a needle causes my eyes to shoot open.Princess Semara stumbles back from the table.My insides feel gushy and my head floats despite the restraint.I taste something sour and click my tongue. The saw quiets for a moment and the grey coat stands over me.He grins, revealing crooked teeth. “Last chance to tell us of the plans to overthrow the Queen.”My eyelids grow heavy. He slams his fist down on a large orange button, and the blades rotate at a rapid speed.He lowers the saw and I hear screams. My screams.Then darkness.***
Ciara writes to ‘Defy the Dark’ with her fantasy and paranormal books. Her debut novel, The Curse of Gremdon, was released to acclaimed reviews, securing a Night Owl Top Pick and five stars from the Paranormal Romance Guild. Also, book I, Rise From Darkness, from her debut young adult Battle For Souls series, secured glowing reviews and won July Book of the Month from Long and Short Reviews.Her first love, besides her family, reading, and writing, is travel. She's backpacked through Europe, visited orphanages in China, and landed in a helicopter on a glacier in Alaska.
Ciara is extremely sociable so please feel free to connect with her at her blog, website, Twitter, Goodreads, or Facebook,
Upcoming books in The Neumarian Chronicles:
Escapement (Book I) - Early 2013Pendulum (Book II) - Mid 2013Balance (Book III) - Early 2014
Other books by Cara Knight:Battle for Souls SeriesRise From DarknessFall From GraceAscension of Evil - Coming in October
August 20, 2012
New York, New York...
It's a little late writing this post so please excuse the typos.
Best way to describe my trip to New York: I'm smitten :) It was absolutely amazing. I could write pages about my experience, but I'll try to sum up the trip in a few paragraphs.
On Sunday we took the train from Long Island (where we stayed with friends) to Penn Station. From there we walked to Times Square, then took a cab to the Harbor for our Circle Line Cruise (2 hours) which took us from Pier 83 on Hudson River toward Ellis Island (Statue of Liberty), up East River, probably a couple of miles past Brooklyn Bridge and back,
Manhattan looks beautiful from shore and I think seeing it from a Cruise truly defines its size and charm.
From Pier 83, we took another cab down to the 9/11 Memorial, walked to get our tickets to enter the memorial which gave us about an hour and a half of wait time. Quick bite to eat and a walk to Wall Street and back and it was time to go to the memorial.
The security was extremely tight. I mean, like airport tight, if not more. Our tickets must had been checked 4 times, you walk through the metal detector and your backpacks are x-rayed. Very, very tight security, which I think it's good. After all, it's the 9/11 memorial and I cannot imagine anything else happening there.
Anyways, after the memorial we took the subway back to Penn Station and train to Long Island. I loved riding the train and the subway in New York. It's not as complicated as I'd been warned as long as you study the system ahead of time.
On Monday was a whole new experience. Once we got out of Penn Station the rush of people through the streets was awesome. I soaked in as much of the atmosphere as I could. The energy, the rush, the business man standing outside of the building smoking nervously. What a variety!
Again we waled up 7th Avenue to Time Square (I love Time Square - sensory overload - I didn't know what to look at!) then 42nd to 5th Ave to see NY Library. Beautiful! We had 20 minutes before it opened, took some pictures and were ready to go up 5th Avenue, but my son pleaded to see the inside (so proud, I couldn't refuse my little reader's request and I'm glad I didn't). Inside was stunning. Beyond my expectations! Probably the highlight of our trip!
The artwork, the detail, marble floor, stairs, columns. Painted and intricately crafted ceilings. My mouth dropped open. I had to lie down on the floor to take the pictures (I do that often). Once I get a chance to upload them, I'll post some on the blog.
After the library we went up 5th Avenue to the Rockefeller Center. (Kids of course had to go to the Lego store), then St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trump Tower, Fao Schwartz Toy Store (kids loved it again) and up to Central Park. At the South East corner, we went to the Plaza Hotel (as it's in one of my future books). Unfortunately we could only get in as far as the lobby but one day I hope to be able to afford the cheapest room ($650 I believe) and experience The Plaza. Words cannot describe the beauty!
From there, Central Park Zoo (the penguins are awesome!), a walk through Central Park and walk back down 5th Avenue to 34th Street, Empire State Building and Penn Station.
I'm really shortening the trip here, but let me tell you, New York is a city that boasts with life. I loved it! The traffic and congestion didn't intimidate me at all, but I've lived in a big metropolis for 20 years before moving to the smaller town we're in right now.
I want to go back, but this time to experience NY at night, go to a few shows and the museums. Hopefully I'd be able to get away from the kiddies with the hubby to do all the things we would have loved to do this time, but couldn't because of the munchkins.
Wow! There goes the few paragraphs!
Have you been to New York? Did you have a great vacation you'd like to share?
Best way to describe my trip to New York: I'm smitten :) It was absolutely amazing. I could write pages about my experience, but I'll try to sum up the trip in a few paragraphs.
On Sunday we took the train from Long Island (where we stayed with friends) to Penn Station. From there we walked to Times Square, then took a cab to the Harbor for our Circle Line Cruise (2 hours) which took us from Pier 83 on Hudson River toward Ellis Island (Statue of Liberty), up East River, probably a couple of miles past Brooklyn Bridge and back,
Manhattan looks beautiful from shore and I think seeing it from a Cruise truly defines its size and charm.
From Pier 83, we took another cab down to the 9/11 Memorial, walked to get our tickets to enter the memorial which gave us about an hour and a half of wait time. Quick bite to eat and a walk to Wall Street and back and it was time to go to the memorial.
The security was extremely tight. I mean, like airport tight, if not more. Our tickets must had been checked 4 times, you walk through the metal detector and your backpacks are x-rayed. Very, very tight security, which I think it's good. After all, it's the 9/11 memorial and I cannot imagine anything else happening there.
Anyways, after the memorial we took the subway back to Penn Station and train to Long Island. I loved riding the train and the subway in New York. It's not as complicated as I'd been warned as long as you study the system ahead of time.
On Monday was a whole new experience. Once we got out of Penn Station the rush of people through the streets was awesome. I soaked in as much of the atmosphere as I could. The energy, the rush, the business man standing outside of the building smoking nervously. What a variety!
Again we waled up 7th Avenue to Time Square (I love Time Square - sensory overload - I didn't know what to look at!) then 42nd to 5th Ave to see NY Library. Beautiful! We had 20 minutes before it opened, took some pictures and were ready to go up 5th Avenue, but my son pleaded to see the inside (so proud, I couldn't refuse my little reader's request and I'm glad I didn't). Inside was stunning. Beyond my expectations! Probably the highlight of our trip!
The artwork, the detail, marble floor, stairs, columns. Painted and intricately crafted ceilings. My mouth dropped open. I had to lie down on the floor to take the pictures (I do that often). Once I get a chance to upload them, I'll post some on the blog.
After the library we went up 5th Avenue to the Rockefeller Center. (Kids of course had to go to the Lego store), then St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trump Tower, Fao Schwartz Toy Store (kids loved it again) and up to Central Park. At the South East corner, we went to the Plaza Hotel (as it's in one of my future books). Unfortunately we could only get in as far as the lobby but one day I hope to be able to afford the cheapest room ($650 I believe) and experience The Plaza. Words cannot describe the beauty!
From there, Central Park Zoo (the penguins are awesome!), a walk through Central Park and walk back down 5th Avenue to 34th Street, Empire State Building and Penn Station.
I'm really shortening the trip here, but let me tell you, New York is a city that boasts with life. I loved it! The traffic and congestion didn't intimidate me at all, but I've lived in a big metropolis for 20 years before moving to the smaller town we're in right now.
I want to go back, but this time to experience NY at night, go to a few shows and the museums. Hopefully I'd be able to get away from the kiddies with the hubby to do all the things we would have loved to do this time, but couldn't because of the munchkins.
Wow! There goes the few paragraphs!
Have you been to New York? Did you have a great vacation you'd like to share?
August 6, 2012
Beautiful words
Happy Civic Holiday to all Canadians! Hope you have a great long-weekend.
WORD FOR THIS POST:
Intimidate (v): 1. to make timid; fill with fear. 2. to overawe or cow, as through the force of personality or by superior display of wealth, talent, etc.
3. to force into or deter from some action by inducing fear: to intimidate a voter into staying away from the polls. As I scour the internet reading blogs, articles and news, I'm often reminded how many people it takes to write everything I read. This directly equates to talent and I am in an absolute awe of writing talent.
My mind feels like a sponge soaking as much information in as possible, without dripping (or drooling in my case). How do they combine the words to make beautiful sentences that make sense and mesmerize me? Others writing skills seem so well thought out, their words easy to read. The closest I can compare it to is taste of chocolate chip cookies (my favourite). Why does it seem that the most beautiful writing is easiest to read and understand? It's similar to hearing public speakers and watching Olympians perform. It's a talent I only hope to have the strength and ability to learn as fluently as possible.
Sometimes it's intimidating, but mostly I feel empowered. Ready to take on the challenge. Thriving to improve, aiming to affect my readers as well.
Why am I writing about this today? Because I'm in the process of working on my fourth piece, a novella (perhaps a short novel from the way it's going) that will conclude the Two Halves series (unless an inspiration hits to write a fifth - you never know) and I'm reflecting on the past few years and how much my life has changed because of books and writing.
This week, it will be difficult to keep my concentration in tact as I get ready to leave for New York. So excited! I've been warned that it's big (well duh! - sorry, couldn't help it) I've studied the map of Manhattan, made a schedule (it's pretty light so we can actually enjoy it) and all I have left to do is pack :) I'll write about my experience when I return (unless I find time while in NY :)) Cheers!
WORD FOR THIS POST:
Intimidate (v): 1. to make timid; fill with fear. 2. to overawe or cow, as through the force of personality or by superior display of wealth, talent, etc.
3. to force into or deter from some action by inducing fear: to intimidate a voter into staying away from the polls. As I scour the internet reading blogs, articles and news, I'm often reminded how many people it takes to write everything I read. This directly equates to talent and I am in an absolute awe of writing talent.
My mind feels like a sponge soaking as much information in as possible, without dripping (or drooling in my case). How do they combine the words to make beautiful sentences that make sense and mesmerize me? Others writing skills seem so well thought out, their words easy to read. The closest I can compare it to is taste of chocolate chip cookies (my favourite). Why does it seem that the most beautiful writing is easiest to read and understand? It's similar to hearing public speakers and watching Olympians perform. It's a talent I only hope to have the strength and ability to learn as fluently as possible.
Sometimes it's intimidating, but mostly I feel empowered. Ready to take on the challenge. Thriving to improve, aiming to affect my readers as well.
Why am I writing about this today? Because I'm in the process of working on my fourth piece, a novella (perhaps a short novel from the way it's going) that will conclude the Two Halves series (unless an inspiration hits to write a fifth - you never know) and I'm reflecting on the past few years and how much my life has changed because of books and writing.
This week, it will be difficult to keep my concentration in tact as I get ready to leave for New York. So excited! I've been warned that it's big (well duh! - sorry, couldn't help it) I've studied the map of Manhattan, made a schedule (it's pretty light so we can actually enjoy it) and all I have left to do is pack :) I'll write about my experience when I return (unless I find time while in NY :)) Cheers!
August 1, 2012
Insecure Writer's Support Group
WORD FOR THIS POST:
Oscillate (v): 1. to swing or move to and fro, as a pendulum does. 2. to vary or vacillate between differing beliefs, opinions, conditions, etc.: He oscillates regularly between elation and despair.
A big Thanks to Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting each first Wednesday of every month, the Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG), where writers post their doubts, concerns and insecurities without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Others offer assistance and guidance in the comments.
For a full list of participants click here and hop on over to offer words of encouragement and/or assistance.
It's rare to find an individual without an insecurity. Most common ones for writers vary from fears of rejection and publication equally, to ones of bad reviews and inability to reach goals. Time management, finances, and other obligations always seem to stand in the way.
I've been thinking about my insecurity for this month for over a week and cannot come up with one. I think I've exhausted most of them over the past few months. But today, in turn, I'd like to offer encouragement to those who struggle.
Take it one day at a time.
Continue to perfect your craft.
Learn from others.
Give more than you receive.
Don't give up.
Olympians don't get to where they are if they don't take this to their heart. They are one of the most determined people I had ever seen. I get extremely emotional watching the Olympics because of their dedication and sacrifice to perfect their abilities. As a writer, I look up to them and pray I may achieve a fraction in my writing career what they have in their lifetime.
Do you have a mantra you follow to keep you on the right path? What is your insecurity this month?
Oscillate (v): 1. to swing or move to and fro, as a pendulum does. 2. to vary or vacillate between differing beliefs, opinions, conditions, etc.: He oscillates regularly between elation and despair.
A big Thanks to Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting each first Wednesday of every month, the Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG), where writers post their doubts, concerns and insecurities without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Others offer assistance and guidance in the comments.For a full list of participants click here and hop on over to offer words of encouragement and/or assistance.
It's rare to find an individual without an insecurity. Most common ones for writers vary from fears of rejection and publication equally, to ones of bad reviews and inability to reach goals. Time management, finances, and other obligations always seem to stand in the way.
I've been thinking about my insecurity for this month for over a week and cannot come up with one. I think I've exhausted most of them over the past few months. But today, in turn, I'd like to offer encouragement to those who struggle.
Take it one day at a time.
Continue to perfect your craft.
Learn from others.
Give more than you receive.
Don't give up.
Olympians don't get to where they are if they don't take this to their heart. They are one of the most determined people I had ever seen. I get extremely emotional watching the Olympics because of their dedication and sacrifice to perfect their abilities. As a writer, I look up to them and pray I may achieve a fraction in my writing career what they have in their lifetime.
Do you have a mantra you follow to keep you on the right path? What is your insecurity this month?
July 30, 2012
Taking on new challenges
WORD FOR THIS POST:
Paladin (n): 1.any one of the 12 legendary peers or knightly champions in attendance on Charlemagne.
2. any knightly or heroic champion. 3.any determined advocate or defender of a noble cause. I'm a hard head sometimes and if I put my mind to something it's rare for me to give up. At some times that's a down fall, at other strength. Perhaps it's my Achilles heel. (ok, I just watched Troy. Some of you may get this;)
Last weekend I decided to take on formatting for print. I've followed Aaron Shepard's instructions from a book titled Perfect Pages I bought over a year ago. I must say I was ready to give up more than once, but I'm glad I didn't. After a full day of "playing" around with Word (and I'm the kind of person who doesn't even know which version of word she had) I did it. I formatted my novella for print. It wasn't easy. The section separators had me going for a while by linking from one to the other, but I finally figured out.
Now, only exporting to PDF and getting a cover ready (that I'm not ready to conquer - yet)
So for anyone who thinks formatting is difficult - It is - but if I did it, anyone can.
Have you accomplished something beyond what you thought you could? How did it feel?
Paladin (n): 1.any one of the 12 legendary peers or knightly champions in attendance on Charlemagne.
2. any knightly or heroic champion. 3.any determined advocate or defender of a noble cause. I'm a hard head sometimes and if I put my mind to something it's rare for me to give up. At some times that's a down fall, at other strength. Perhaps it's my Achilles heel. (ok, I just watched Troy. Some of you may get this;)
Last weekend I decided to take on formatting for print. I've followed Aaron Shepard's instructions from a book titled Perfect Pages I bought over a year ago. I must say I was ready to give up more than once, but I'm glad I didn't. After a full day of "playing" around with Word (and I'm the kind of person who doesn't even know which version of word she had) I did it. I formatted my novella for print. It wasn't easy. The section separators had me going for a while by linking from one to the other, but I finally figured out.
Now, only exporting to PDF and getting a cover ready (that I'm not ready to conquer - yet)
So for anyone who thinks formatting is difficult - It is - but if I did it, anyone can.
Have you accomplished something beyond what you thought you could? How did it feel?
