Vashti Quiroz-Vega's Blog, page 51
May 20, 2014
Quintet of Radiance Award
Hello everyone! I’ve been nominated for several awards and I am grateful and honored because this signifies that I’ve earned the respect and admiration of my fellow writers and bloggers. That means a great deal to me because I too have high regards for the talented authors who have bestowed upon me these honors.
First…
Christine Campbell has nominated me for the Quintet of Radiance Award, which are really 5 awards in one: The Awesome Blog Content Award, Most Influential Blogger Award, Sunshine Award, Inner Peace Award, and The Versatile Blogger Award. Thank you very much Christine!
Please visit Christine Campbell’s blog Write Where You Are and enjoy her inspirational posts.
The Rules for the Quintet of Radiance Award:
1. Display the badge in a post.
2. Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back.
3. Using the alphabet, describe yourself in a word or phase.
4. Nominate a few bloggers.
Me – A-Z
Avid reader
Brave, I like to feel the fear and do it anyway (As long as cockroaches and butterflies are not involved).
Cheerful (most of the time)
Dreamer
Enjoy cooking and baking
Fan of Stephen King
Goofball (sometimes…okay most of the time)
Happy (most of the time)
Intelligent (except during ‘Blonde Moments’)
Juicer ( I juice all kinds of veggies and fruits and drink a juice everyday)
Kindhearted (most people I know think so)
Love my family, friends, chocolate covered strawberries, animals, nature and basketball (Go Heat!).
Mondays I don’t have a problem with it’s Sunday nights I have a problem with because it’s the end of the weekend and I have to go to bed early, but I’m still on weekend mode!
Never underestimate the power of being kind – one of my mottos.
Observant
Polite, persistent
Quiroz (my Sicilian surname)
Rascal, my little toy Pomeranian
Saucy (sometimes)
Talented
Unique, understanding, unpredictable and upbeat.
Vivid imagination
Willing to try very hard to win over someone’s affection, but after so long – click – the switch is turned off – for good. I can only jump through hoops and bend over backward so much.
Xanthocomic (yellow-haired)
Yikes! (I couldn’t think of anything else for Y)
Zzzz – I love to read and sleep during thunderstorms.
Here are my nominees: (Click on their names to visit their interesting blogs)
Zee Southcombe – Zee is a writer, artist and teacher. She lives in beautiful New Zealand. In her blog she shares her experience, inspiration, motivation and humanity.
Alana Munro – Alana’s goal is to help creative people reach and connect with their target audience via social media marketing, and in-depth interviews about their creative works.
Jennifer (Jaye) Kirk – This crafty lady is one of the most talented and creative people I know. Check out her blog and see all the awesome cards she designs and makes.
Katie Cross – Katie is a published author who just released her first book Miss Mabel’s School For Girls. This intriguing fantasy about witches has received many 5 star ratings on Amazon. Check it out here.
Chris Graham – Chris provides a platform for authors to introduce themselves to us. He has a very interesting and entertaining blog. You should check it out.
Yolanda Isabel Regueira Marin – Writer, poet, actor–Yolanda is a fount of talent. Visit her blog for beautiful poetry and fun reads.
So there you have it. I hope you enjoyed getting to know a little more about me. Please visit at least a couple of the interesting blogs mentioned in this post. Thank you for stopping by. :D
May 13, 2014
Reading Recommendations
My novel The Basement is featured on ‘Reading Recommendations’! Please check it out and leave some comment love. I appreciate the support.
Once in a while I run across people that amaze me with their kindness, generosity and willingness to help others. Rebecca Heishman and Chris Tucker are two of these people. Please click on their names and check out their sites. They are as talented as they are wonderful. Thank you Rebecca and Chris! I appreciate you!
Originally posted on Reading Recommendations:
Vashti Quiroz-Vega
What is your latest release and what genre is it?The Basement – Robbie’s Rite of Passage
Suspense/Thriller aimed at a Pre-teen / Teen audience
Quick description:The Basement is an unusual coming-of-age story about an 11-year-old boy, Robbie. Robbie is an ordinary boy in a normal world, as we first enter the neighborhood and witness an idyllic scene of prepubescent children at play; but what happens in silence and in the dark will amaze you.
Robbie is barely surviving a grim life with an alcoholic father until the day he must pass a terrible test set for him by the father. He is prepared, in a way, by an accident and subsequent ordeal waiting to be rescued during a scout outing, but his father’s cruel test is to leave the boy overnight in a creepy basement of a tenement house.
Robbie draws strength from his belief in…
View original 431 more words
Vashti Quiroz-Vega
My novel The Basement is featured on ‘Reading Recommendations’! Please check it out and leave some comment love. I appreciate the support.
Originally posted on Reading Recommendations:
Vashti Quiroz-Vega
What is your latest release and what genre is it?The Basement – Robbie’s Rite of Passage
Suspense/Thriller aimed at a Pre-teen / Teen audience
Quick description:The Basement is an unusual coming-of-age story about an 11-year-old boy, Robbie. Robbie is an ordinary boy in a normal world, as we first enter the neighborhood and witness an idyllic scene of prepubescent children at play; but what happens in silence and in the dark will amaze you.
Robbie is barely surviving a grim life with an alcoholic father until the day he must pass a terrible test set for him by the father. He is prepared, in a way, by an accident and subsequent ordeal waiting to be rescued during a scout outing, but his father’s cruel test is to leave the boy overnight in a creepy basement of a tenement house.
Robbie draws strength from his belief in…
View original 431 more words
May 11, 2014
Happy Mothers’ Day!
Being a mother is an attitude, not biological relation.” ~ Robert A. Heinlein
Hello and welcome! I want to wish all the wonderful moms out there a happy mothers’ day! I hope you all have a fantastic day pampered by your loved ones (you deserve it).
*For a very special treat click here to visit Life, love and Other Catastrophes to read a gorgeous poem written by my friend and talented poet Yolanda Isabel Regueira Marin. You are guaranteed to love it.
(A short excerpt from my novel The Basement)
Robbie’s mom smiled and warmly hugged him. She was about to tell him to wash up for dinner when she realized something was wrong.
Robbie’s eyes betrayed recent tears.
“What happened Robbie?” she asked. She saw the answer to her question almost immediately.
Robbie’s knees were scraped and bloody.
Robbie’s mom quickly cleaned and patched up his wounded knees. All the while she sang to him and gazed at him with her serene blue eyes glittering with love. She reminded Robbie of a cherub.
She healed his wounded heart with her melody. Her song was comforting and her words heavenly. It did not matter to Robbie she was not a good singer.
~The Basement
Mom and Me
Best friends mom and me
Picking flowers and climbing trees.
A shoulder to cry on secrets to share
Warm hearts and hands that really care.
~Unknown Author
First Mothers’ Day
New mom.
New fun.
So blessed.
This one.
Long nights.
Short days.
Go back?
No way.
~Unknown Author
May 6, 2014
Teacher Appreciation Week – Teachers Matter!
This week is Teacher’s Appreciation Week. There are several teachers in my family, so I wanted to dedicate a post to them and all the fabulous teachers out there. Unfortunately not all teachers are good, but the ones that are good—the ones that were meant to be teachers—can improve the lives of the children they instruct.
Growing up, I had more good teachers than bad—thank God. As a kid I was at times hyper, easily distracted and sensitive. If learning the material being taught came easily for me, I would get bored and then the talking and drawing would start. If I didn’t understand the material, I would bombard the teacher with questions. Once in a while, I had a smart mouth. I’m ashamed to say that I actually became frustrated once with a teacher and told her that I was a smart kid, so if I didn’t understand the material, it was because she wasn’t teaching it right. Yikes! Mostly I was a good student, but I definitely had my moments of being a clown and a smartass, and I know I tested the patience of many good teachers.
So in light of all of this, I would like to thank all the good teachers out there (you know who you are) for your dedication, your patience and tolerance, for taking the time to listen and to care. You are rock stars!
Personally, I want to thank Mrs. Florinda, for teaching me to love music. Mr. Jacobs, for teaching me to stand up for myself and for what I believe in. Mr. Suliveras, for putting up with my silly crush and for being so patient when I knocked on your classroom door to snap surprise pictures of you when you opened the door (paparazzi style). You turned learning into an adventure. Miss Frank, thank you for teaching me that being quirky (and sometimes a little weird) is okay, for noticing and wanting to make the most of my huge imagination, for teaching me the love of art (and nicknaming me Cookie). Mrs. Brannon, the fascinating accounts of your journeys have made me passionate for travel. So much of my Bucket List is composed of places I’d love to visit and have an adventure in someday. Mr. Ballough, thank you for making me love biology and chemistry with your cool way of teaching. You are part of the reason I went into the medical field. Thank you, Mr. Cicio, for teaching me to be a team player (and the butterfly stroke); also that competition is healthy. And last, but not least, Miss Alario, thanks to you I love to read. Thank you so much for being the first to notice my talent for storytelling and for encouraging me to write. Without the influence, patience, enthusiasm, love and instruction from these incredible human beings, I would not be the person I am today and I am extremely grateful to all of them.
Mrs. Notice, we didn’t always get along. Our personalities clashed, but I know you were a good person and you were trying your best. I’m sorry for giving you such a hard time.
I would like to mention some of the wonderful teachers in my life now:
Cleopatra Trevilcock
Mirtha Quiroz
Sadie Vega Velasquez
Melissa Perez
Bridget Lynn Betchel
Thank you for choosing to do one of the most difficult jobs in the world (in my opinion). You have a huge responsibility because you help mold the minds of our children, which are our future. Phew! That’s a huge job! You are great at it, going out of your way for your classes, jumping through hoops and bending over backwards to ensure your kids have fun as they learn, and even dishing out your own money to be sure your classes have all they need. Thank you for all you do.
A teacher is a compass that activates
the magnets of curiosity, knowledge,
and wisdom in the pupils.”
~Ever Garrison
Every child deserves a champion – an
adult who will never give up on them,
who understands the power of connection and insists
that they become the best that they can possibly be.”
~Rita Pierson
Was there a teacher in your life that influenced you in a powerful way? Who was your favorite teacher, and why?
Teacher’s Appreciation Week – Teachers Matter!
This week is Teacher’s Appreciation Week. There are several teachers in my family, so I wanted to dedicate a post to them and all the fabulous teachers out there. Unfortunately not all teachers are good, but the ones that are good—the ones that were meant to be teachers—can improve the lives of the children they instruct.
Growing up, I had more good teachers than bad—thank God. As a kid I was at times hyper, easily distracted and sensitive. If learning the material being taught came easily for me, I would get bored and then the talking and drawing would start. If I didn’t understand the material, I would bombard the teacher with questions. Once in a while, I had a smart mouth. I’m ashamed to say that I actually became frustrated once with a teacher and told her that I was a smart kid, so if I didn’t understand the material, it was because she wasn’t teaching it right. Yikes! Mostly I was a good student, but I definitely had my moments of being a clown and a smartass, and I know I tested the patience of many good teachers.
So in light of all of this, I would like to thank all the good teachers out there (you know who you are) for your dedication, your patience and tolerance, for taking the time to listen and to care. You are rock stars!
Personally, I want to thank Mrs. Florinda, for teaching me to love music. Mr. Jacobs, for teaching me to stand up for myself and for what I believe in. Mr. Suliveras, for putting up with my silly crush and for being so patient when I knocked on your classroom door to snap surprise pictures of you when you opened the door (paparazzi style). You turned learning into an adventure. Miss Frank, thank you for teaching me that being quirky (and sometimes a little weird) is okay, for noticing and wanting to make the most of my huge imagination, for teaching me the love of art (and nicknaming me Cookie). Mrs. Brannon, the fascinating accounts of your journeys have made me passionate for travel. So much of my Bucket List is composed of places I’d love to visit and have an adventure in someday. Mr. Ballough, thank you for making me love biology and chemistry with your cool way of teaching. You are part of the reason I went into the medical field. Thank you, Mr. Cicio, for teaching me to be a team player (and the butterfly stroke); also that competition is healthy. And last, but not least, Miss Alario, thanks to you I love to read. Thank you so much for being the first to notice my talent for storytelling and for encouraging me to write. Without the influence, patience, enthusiasm, love and instruction from these incredible human beings, I would not be the person I am today and I am extremely grateful to all of them.
Mrs. Notice, we didn’t always get along. Our personalities clashed, but I know you were a good person and you were trying your best. I’m sorry for giving you such a hard time.
I would like to mention some of the wonderful teachers in my life now:
Cleopatra Trevilcock
Mirtha Quiroz
Sadie Vega Velasquez
Melissa Perez
Bridget Lynn Betchel
Thank you for choosing to do one of the most difficult jobs in the world (in my opinion). You have a huge responsibility because you help mold the minds of our children, which are our future. Phew! That’s a huge job! You are great at it, going out of your way for your classes, jumping through hoops and bending over backwards to ensure your kids have fun as they learn, and even dishing out your own money to be sure your classes have all they need. Thank you for all you do.
A teacher is a compass that activates
the magnets of curiosity, knowledge,
and wisdom in the pupils.”
~Ever Garrison
Every child deserves a champion – an
adult who will never give up on them,
who understands the power of connection and insists
that they become the best that they can possibly be.”
~Rita Pierson
Was there a teacher in your life that influenced you in a powerful way? Who was your favorite teacher, and why?
April 19, 2014
Easter
Easter, the Christian Holiday that celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection is held the first Sunday after the Blood Moon this year (which was actually on Palm Sunday). I find this fascinating for some reason. Easter is celebrated after a 40 day period called Lent in which observers practice fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. During Lent Christians are supposed to emulate the actions of Jesus Christ and reflect on his life, death and resurrection.
So where do the cute little chicks and bunnies come in? Why do kids hunt for eggs? Like in almost every Christian religious holiday there’s a commercial aspect that stems from pagan religions– in this case, the celebration of Spring. You can read about this association here.
Here are some touching quotes about Easter: (WARNING: Some of these will make you cry)
A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Easter is very important to me, it’s a second chance.” ~ Reba McEntire
Earth’s saddest day and gladdest day were just three days apart!” ~ Susan Coolidge
If man had his way, the plan of redemption would be an endless and bloody conflict. In reality, salvation was bought not by Jesus’ fist, but by His nail-pierced hands; not by muscle but by love; not by vengeance but by forgiveness; not by force but by sacrifice. Jesus Christ our Lord surrendered in order that He might win; He destroyed His enemies by dying for them and conquered death by allowing death to conquer Him.” ~ A. W. Tozer
I wish everyone a happy, safe and fun weekend! Happy Easter!
April 17, 2014
Fantasy Angels Series
Hello everyone! As some of you know I’m working really hard on the final edits of my second novel. It’s consuming a great deal of my time and I’m finding it difficult to keep up with everything else I need to do. Soon I will be able to share a few excerpts from the first installment of my Fantasy Angels Series so that you guys can give me some feedback on it. I would love to read your reviews. In the meantime, I will continue to make my book the best it can be. Today I will leave you with a few writing quotes and some fan art by illustrator George Miltiadis. Thank you for all the support and I will be back with more short stories and articles as soon as I’m done with the editing. Love you guys!
I’m not sure. But there’s something about the darkness, the stillness of this hour, I think, that creates a language of its own. There’s a strange kind of freedom in the dark; a terrifying vulnerability we allow ourselves at exactly the wrong moment, tricked by the darkness into thinking it will keep our secrets. We forget that the blackness is not a blanket; we forget that the sun will soon rise. But in the moment, at least, we feel brave enough to say things we’d never say in the light.”
― Tahereh Mafi, Ignite Me
I wasn’t sure what I’d done to deserve such a wonderful gift, and I wasn’t sure if it was insolent, but I thanked God for fallen angels.”
― Jamie McGuire, Providence
I don’t know where people got the idea that characters in books are supposed to be likable. Books are not in the business of creating merely likeable characters with whom you can have some simple identification with. Books are in the business of creating great stories that make you’re brain go ahhbdgbdmerhbergurhbudgerbudbaaarr.”
― John Green
“You don’t really understand an antagonist until you understand why he’s a protagonist in his own version of the world.”
― John Rogers
“The only characters I ever don’t like are ones that leave no impression on me. And I don’t write characters that leave no impression on me.”
― Lauren DeStefano
April 14, 2014
FINDING MY VOICE: Jasinda Wilder
Great Blog Series: ‘Finding My Voice’ featuring bestselling author Jasinda Wilder
Originally posted on Creative Conversations:
Jasinda WIlder (pic from http://www.jasindawilder.com)
Today, I welcome New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jasinda Wilder to kick off the first in my new blog series, Finding My Voice.
Finding one’s voice as author depends on many things – the genre that you write, the era and location your novel is set, the expectations of your readers, and how you the writer can bring these things together to create an interesting, cohesive and compelling story. Each Friday, your favourite authors will join the Creative Conversation to discuss how they found and developed their voice, what obstacles and challenges they’ve faced along the way, and why they craft their stories the way they do.
To start us off on this exciting journey, it’s over to Jasinda Wilder:
The Heart of Writing
Jasinda Wilder
What sets apart decent writers from great storytellers? Voice. Style. This isn’t something…
View original 524 more words
April 7, 2014
Book Reading / Signing
The 3 little actors rehearsing for a play based on the ‘Weapons’ Chapter from The Basement.
Rascal
Janine Llaurado as Natasha
We shouldn’t teach great books; we should teach a love of reading.
