C.J. Sullivan's Blog, page 22
February 21, 2013
"Nostalgia/Looking For You"
Every now and then I hear a bit of music that is magic. Certain compositions of melodic sound have the ability to transport me to a higher place. I managed to catch one of these masterpieces on the radio on my way to work today. Here's "Nostalgia/Looking For You" by Ennio Morricone.
February 13, 2013
Why I Write
Today I'm over at William Louison's blog, What If It All Means Something, where I'm discussing the main reasons why I write. Curious? Click -->here<--.
February 11, 2013
For the Love of It
Today, on my day off from the day-job, I chose to hang around the house in my comfies and do whatever I darn-well wanted. One of the things I ended up doing on a whim was watching a documentary called
Happy
. I'm kind of glad I did! It presented some thoughts that were new to me and also affirmed some of my own theories on what makes people happier or more content.
Now, writers and other creative types, I want you to pay attention to this part. A large fraction of a person's overall happiness (according to the research presented in the documentary) is doing something you're good at and that you enjoy, simply for the love of it. Writers, if you do that thing you love (writing), but you attach the stress of having to do it (paycheck) or the pressure of it needing to please another person (reviews), it drains all the happiness out of it. Think on that...
Getting out in nature is one more thing that consistently makes people happier.
taken at River Legacy
Also, another thing that happier people do is bounce back from bad situations. I'll give an example that isn't author-related. Take the morning from hell, for example. You stub your toe upon awakening, get into a fender-bender on the way to work, and then find yourself in trouble for some flub you did yesterday. Many of us tend to dwell on these sort of bad things. We text five friends about our toe injury. We call eighty different people and tell them how mad we are about the fender-bender. We worry all night long that we're going to get fired for our mistakes. That sort of dwelling actually keeps you in a depressed state, whereas happy people shrug it off once it's done and gone. Sure, your toe got hurt. You might have even shouted a curse word. Yeah, you got into a car wreck. Yes, you're human and you messed up at work. But then you moved on. Interesting concept, huh?
Happy also said that spending time with friends and loved ones and doing things to help other people can actually increase dopamine in our brains. For some, it's as strong an effect as taking a physical drug. We're truly social creatures. We need our friends! Even strangers can be of great joy and comfort to us. You hear that, authors? Sometimes you need to step away from the manuscript and socialize. (I'm talking to myself here, too.)
In New Orleans with a friendly stranger
So, in closing, get your mind off of the money you think you should be making with that novel you're working on. When you write a chapter on that book, have fun with it! Don't worry about what people are going to think, and don't stress about the money it may or may not make. And then, after you've spent a couple of hours writing, go hang out with a good friend. Have a good time just because. Studies show, you'll be happier if you do!
A couple of Halloweens ago
Now, writers and other creative types, I want you to pay attention to this part. A large fraction of a person's overall happiness (according to the research presented in the documentary) is doing something you're good at and that you enjoy, simply for the love of it. Writers, if you do that thing you love (writing), but you attach the stress of having to do it (paycheck) or the pressure of it needing to please another person (reviews), it drains all the happiness out of it. Think on that...
Getting out in nature is one more thing that consistently makes people happier.
taken at River LegacyAlso, another thing that happier people do is bounce back from bad situations. I'll give an example that isn't author-related. Take the morning from hell, for example. You stub your toe upon awakening, get into a fender-bender on the way to work, and then find yourself in trouble for some flub you did yesterday. Many of us tend to dwell on these sort of bad things. We text five friends about our toe injury. We call eighty different people and tell them how mad we are about the fender-bender. We worry all night long that we're going to get fired for our mistakes. That sort of dwelling actually keeps you in a depressed state, whereas happy people shrug it off once it's done and gone. Sure, your toe got hurt. You might have even shouted a curse word. Yeah, you got into a car wreck. Yes, you're human and you messed up at work. But then you moved on. Interesting concept, huh?
Happy also said that spending time with friends and loved ones and doing things to help other people can actually increase dopamine in our brains. For some, it's as strong an effect as taking a physical drug. We're truly social creatures. We need our friends! Even strangers can be of great joy and comfort to us. You hear that, authors? Sometimes you need to step away from the manuscript and socialize. (I'm talking to myself here, too.)
In New Orleans with a friendly strangerSo, in closing, get your mind off of the money you think you should be making with that novel you're working on. When you write a chapter on that book, have fun with it! Don't worry about what people are going to think, and don't stress about the money it may or may not make. And then, after you've spent a couple of hours writing, go hang out with a good friend. Have a good time just because. Studies show, you'll be happier if you do!
A couple of Halloweens agoFebruary 8, 2013
'Wings of the Divided' FREE Today & Tomorrow!
You heard me right! It's FREE on Kindle today and tomorrow (2/8/13 - 2/9/13)!
If you haven't gotten your copy yet, now's a great time to do it.
Also, you can "gift" the Kindle book to anyone for free today and tomorrow, too!
-->Get it Here!<--
If you haven't gotten your copy yet, now's a great time to do it.
Also, you can "gift" the Kindle book to anyone for free today and tomorrow, too!
-->Get it Here!<--
February 6, 2013
**Removed Post**
**Post Removed Due to Possible Malware Link...will update soon**
February 4, 2013
Announcement!
ANNOUNCEMENT! I am going to be moving exclusively to Amazon Kindle for my digital books! That means I won't have my titles available for Nook, but it also means...free e-book promotions are in the near future :-D
I hate to say it, but I haven't made jack on the Nook. Seems like all of my buyers are getting their e-books in Kindle format. Also, if you read this news story, you'll see that Barnes & Noble isn't doing too hot these days... Kinda sad, as they're the last big chain bookstore in existence...but times are a-changin'.
I hate to say it, but I haven't made jack on the Nook. Seems like all of my buyers are getting their e-books in Kindle format. Also, if you read this news story, you'll see that Barnes & Noble isn't doing too hot these days... Kinda sad, as they're the last big chain bookstore in existence...but times are a-changin'.
February 2, 2013
'Blade of the Divided' Now Available!
Guess what just went live?
That's right.
Book II!
Laphelle has committed the ultimate act of rebellion, dividing him from both the angels of light and the angels of darkness. Now an outcast, he has the choice to turn away from the angelic war or to continue to play a part in it.
His path is set when he hears rumor of an ancient prophecy, one that could finally put him in the limelight he feels he so rightly deserves. Circumstances present him with no alternative but to allow the healer Gidyon to help him. Together, they journey to find and read the original written prophecy, Gidyon at the risk of his reputation, Laphelle at the risk of his life.
The Kindle copy is available now. (Nook version coming soon.)
(*A note to my readers: the paperback for Book I is still being worked on. I'll post notice as soon as that's ready.)
I'm pretty excited about BLADE OF THE DIVIDED. It's a slight departure from the feel of WINGS OF THE DIVIDED (Book I). Where the first installment was set on Earth, you now get to follow the angels to different worlds. There's a lot of variety and more sci-fi/fantasy-type of adventure. But I think you'll enjoy it!
Thanks to you all for your continued support!
That's right.
Book II!
Laphelle has committed the ultimate act of rebellion, dividing him from both the angels of light and the angels of darkness. Now an outcast, he has the choice to turn away from the angelic war or to continue to play a part in it.
His path is set when he hears rumor of an ancient prophecy, one that could finally put him in the limelight he feels he so rightly deserves. Circumstances present him with no alternative but to allow the healer Gidyon to help him. Together, they journey to find and read the original written prophecy, Gidyon at the risk of his reputation, Laphelle at the risk of his life.
The Kindle copy is available now. (Nook version coming soon.)
(*A note to my readers: the paperback for Book I is still being worked on. I'll post notice as soon as that's ready.)
I'm pretty excited about BLADE OF THE DIVIDED. It's a slight departure from the feel of WINGS OF THE DIVIDED (Book I). Where the first installment was set on Earth, you now get to follow the angels to different worlds. There's a lot of variety and more sci-fi/fantasy-type of adventure. But I think you'll enjoy it!
Thanks to you all for your continued support!
January 30, 2013
Little Promo Opportunity for Other Folks' Books!
SCROLL DOWN TO ENTER THE MASSIVE GIVEAWAY TWENTY PRIZES! SpecFicDaily.com, T.S. Welti, and J.A. Huss have teamed up to bring you another MASSIVE Group Sale and Giveaway. This promo includes 18 book by 18 different authors - ALL books in this list are 99 cents from January 30-February 3rd. You can see all the books in the sale at Specficdaily.com ALL BOOKS ARE 99 CENTS!
Tristan J. Tarwater - Self-Made Scoundrel
T.S Welti - No Shelter Trilogy
J.A. Huss - Fledge
Christine Pope - All Fall Down
Elizabeth Darcy - The Eye of the Beholder
Chris Reher - The Gods of Chenoweth
C. Greenwood - Magic of Thieves
Anna Kyss - Wings of Shadow
Alex Albrinck - A Question of Will
David Adams - Lacuna: Demons of the Void
Irving Belateche - H2O
MeiLin Miranda - Lovers and Beloveds
Ruth Nestvold - Shadow of Stone
Scott Cramer - Night of the Purple Moon
Becca Mills - Nolander
Zoe Cannon - The Torturer's Daughter
Mark Whiteway - Seeds Across the Sky
H.S. St.Ours - Sami
MASSIVE GIVEAWAY and 99 CENT BOOKS!a Rafflecopter giveawaya Rafflecopter giveaway
January 29, 2013
Being Flexible
One of the trending topics on Twitter this morning is "My Life in 5 Words." I put "Not Quite What I Planned."
You see, I had my life all planned out in high school. I knew I was going to get a degree in either Theatre or English, and I was going to land a starring role in a movie or write a huge best-selling novel before I graduated. Well, neither happened. I stuck with English, and I did write, but nothing sold, and I wound up in a teaching position (technically Plan B).
I thought, Okay, I can be a teacher and change lives. Well, turns out, the public school system isn't exactly what it used to be. I spent more time playing what felt like Juvenile Hall Prison Warden than actually getting to teach anything. I was miserably stressed and disappointed, and when I got married, I moved away from my home town and found myself in a series of Plan C, D, and E kinds of jobs, which is where I am today.
Right now we are looking to buy a house. Yesterday we looked at one that I absolutely loved, and as it turns out, someone else has already all but bought it. Bummer!
Anyway, it's these kinds of things that can make you incredibly depressed and not want to get up in the morning...or you can do what I've heard many old people advise as a way to live longer, and that is to Stay Flexible.
I don't care who you are; you can't possibly plan every aspect of your life. Sometimes it goes in directions you don't want it to go. Sometimes it goes in that dreaded other direction a lot!
But you know what?
That's life.
And you have to stay flexible and go with the flow or else you'll lose your mind. And maybe, just maybe, you'll realize you're in a spot that's been right for you all along, even though you would have planned it differently. (For instance, I'm now working a job that allows me more time to write.)
So here's an instrumental song that kind with a title that goes with my musing today: "Respect The Wind" by Van Halen. I think of the Wind as that thing that changes our course and knocks us off our original map. We can either scream at it and throw a fit, or we can respect it. I try to respect it, even though it isn't easy.
You see, I had my life all planned out in high school. I knew I was going to get a degree in either Theatre or English, and I was going to land a starring role in a movie or write a huge best-selling novel before I graduated. Well, neither happened. I stuck with English, and I did write, but nothing sold, and I wound up in a teaching position (technically Plan B).
I thought, Okay, I can be a teacher and change lives. Well, turns out, the public school system isn't exactly what it used to be. I spent more time playing what felt like Juvenile Hall Prison Warden than actually getting to teach anything. I was miserably stressed and disappointed, and when I got married, I moved away from my home town and found myself in a series of Plan C, D, and E kinds of jobs, which is where I am today.
Right now we are looking to buy a house. Yesterday we looked at one that I absolutely loved, and as it turns out, someone else has already all but bought it. Bummer!
Anyway, it's these kinds of things that can make you incredibly depressed and not want to get up in the morning...or you can do what I've heard many old people advise as a way to live longer, and that is to Stay Flexible.
I don't care who you are; you can't possibly plan every aspect of your life. Sometimes it goes in directions you don't want it to go. Sometimes it goes in that dreaded other direction a lot!
But you know what?
That's life.
And you have to stay flexible and go with the flow or else you'll lose your mind. And maybe, just maybe, you'll realize you're in a spot that's been right for you all along, even though you would have planned it differently. (For instance, I'm now working a job that allows me more time to write.)
So here's an instrumental song that kind with a title that goes with my musing today: "Respect The Wind" by Van Halen. I think of the Wind as that thing that changes our course and knocks us off our original map. We can either scream at it and throw a fit, or we can respect it. I try to respect it, even though it isn't easy.
January 21, 2013
A Thought (or two) on MLK Day, 2013
I couldn't have timed going to see Lincoln any better. I got up this morning, somehow oblivious to the fact that it's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, so when I sat down in the back of the movie theater, I couldn't figure out why it was so packed on a Monday morning. After the movie was over and I left, I realized what day it was.
A few thoughts on the movie: I can see why it's up for, what, 12 Academy Awards? Yes, it's true it's got a slow pace. It's a gentle, cerebral movie, something our fast-paced society might find "boring." But it's worth a sit-through if you can calm yourself down long enough to go back in time and think about what the message is. Daniel Day Lewis astounded me yet again, and I might have to go watch There Will Be Blood later to see him portray someone the polar opposite of Lincoln. Tommy Lee Jones was also fantastic. The sets were wonderful, and the music was subtle yet effective. Overall, it was a very good movie.
And seeing this movie, and realizing what day it is, and processing some things that have happened recently to me in my personal life, has made me come to a firm conclusion on something, and that is this:
When people start thinking they are better than others, that is when we lose our goodness.
Whether it's a white man thinking he's better than his black neighbor because of color and long-held, pointless prejudice...
Whether it's an intelligent woman who thinks she is better than her classmates because she studies harder or has an easier time learning the material...
Whether it's a rich man thinking he's better than his poor lawn workers because he has more money...
Whether it's an artist thinking she's better than her contemporaries because of her level of skill...
No matter what the reason, thinking you are better than any of your fellow men or women puts you on a false throne of superiority, which can do nothing but divide you from your human brothers and sisters, and ultimately put you at risk for an ugly, hateful seed to start growing in your breast.
Yes, it's true, there are some people who are richer than others. There are people with differently colored skin. There are people with a higher capacity for learning. There are people who have mastered certain skills in all areas.
But no man, not a single one of them, is better than the other one.
We are all human beings.
We all come into this world, naked and crying, and we all leave it alone on the day of our (guaranteed) death. If we're lucky enough, we all grow old, our hair and teeth fall out, and we become helpless just like the day we were born. We all laugh, cry, and most of us have loved at least one person dearly.
Why don't we focus more on our similarities than our differences? Why do we strive to be seen as better than others, when all it does in the long run is damage us and the people around us? Why do we need to try so hard to be better than someone? Why can't we all just...be?
Anyway, thanks, Lincoln, for the inspiration. Those are my thoughts for today.
A few thoughts on the movie: I can see why it's up for, what, 12 Academy Awards? Yes, it's true it's got a slow pace. It's a gentle, cerebral movie, something our fast-paced society might find "boring." But it's worth a sit-through if you can calm yourself down long enough to go back in time and think about what the message is. Daniel Day Lewis astounded me yet again, and I might have to go watch There Will Be Blood later to see him portray someone the polar opposite of Lincoln. Tommy Lee Jones was also fantastic. The sets were wonderful, and the music was subtle yet effective. Overall, it was a very good movie.
And seeing this movie, and realizing what day it is, and processing some things that have happened recently to me in my personal life, has made me come to a firm conclusion on something, and that is this:
When people start thinking they are better than others, that is when we lose our goodness.
Whether it's a white man thinking he's better than his black neighbor because of color and long-held, pointless prejudice...
Whether it's an intelligent woman who thinks she is better than her classmates because she studies harder or has an easier time learning the material...
Whether it's a rich man thinking he's better than his poor lawn workers because he has more money...
Whether it's an artist thinking she's better than her contemporaries because of her level of skill...
No matter what the reason, thinking you are better than any of your fellow men or women puts you on a false throne of superiority, which can do nothing but divide you from your human brothers and sisters, and ultimately put you at risk for an ugly, hateful seed to start growing in your breast.
Yes, it's true, there are some people who are richer than others. There are people with differently colored skin. There are people with a higher capacity for learning. There are people who have mastered certain skills in all areas.
But no man, not a single one of them, is better than the other one.
We are all human beings.
We all come into this world, naked and crying, and we all leave it alone on the day of our (guaranteed) death. If we're lucky enough, we all grow old, our hair and teeth fall out, and we become helpless just like the day we were born. We all laugh, cry, and most of us have loved at least one person dearly.
Why don't we focus more on our similarities than our differences? Why do we strive to be seen as better than others, when all it does in the long run is damage us and the people around us? Why do we need to try so hard to be better than someone? Why can't we all just...be?
Anyway, thanks, Lincoln, for the inspiration. Those are my thoughts for today.
