Sally Ember's Blog, page 89
December 15, 2014
Part IV: Letter to my Earlier Self about #Blog #Hops and #Virtual #Book #Tours, Guest Blogger Post on The Book Cove Reviews
Part IV: Letter to my Earlier Self about #Blog #Hops and #Virtual #Book #Tours
This is Letter IV of four of my “open letter to my earlier self” series that first appeared on The Book Cove Reviews, http://www.thebookcove.com/2014/12/author-sally-ember-edd-letter-to-my_15.html, late November – December, 2014.
Letter One appeared on my site, http://www.sallyember.com/blog, on 3/26/15.
Letter One posted on 3/26/15; Letter Two appeared on 4/4/15 and Letter Three on 4/11/15.
image from http://phyllisiturner.com
Filed under: Indie or Self-Publishing, Marketing, Writing Tagged: Blog Hops, Book Cove Reviews, book marketing, ebooks, indie authors, Indie Publishing, Virtual Book Tours
December 13, 2014
Linda Ronstadt’s Rendition of Desperado Burst my Grief Dam
Some of you know I that in April recently suffered a concussion and broken nose and am still recovering. The injury impacted my frontal lobe and deeper parts of my brain were also affected. One ongoing issue has been that, except for brief, mostly mild occurrences (often apropos of nothing), I have been unable to experience much beyond irritation or fatigue.
Mostly, I feel upbeat, sunnily similar, day after day. I’m not apathetic or depressed, but the variety of emotions I experience has been vastly curtailed, as have their intensity.
If you knew me before this, you’d be shocked by my lack of affect, particularly by my lack of sadness or other reactions to the series of shocking (to my life, system, and existence) events, Lemony Snicket -style, I have endured because of and directly after this accident, including a forced cross-country move in August.
About a week ago, during a discussion that became more of an argument with my son (a more frequent occurrence, he believes, since my fall), I heard him say how “different” I am, now, and I cried. Hard. That’s the first actual cry I had had in more than eight months.
To his surprise, I thanked him for upsetting me “enough.” I explained how important this was, that he and I had a strong enough connection that his criticism could penetrate my blandness, piercing all the way to the fear and loss beneath the façade. He was gallant and supportive (great young man).
Since then, I’ve been waiting for what I thought would be inevitable crying jags or other bouts of sadness, but nothing. Until yesterday, at the pool.
There I am, swimming laps in the “cold” pool next to the warmer “walking” pool, which was simultaneously having a water aerobics class to music. Usually I ignore the music, meditating and getting into the lap rhythm, glad when I can’t even hear it as my ears go beneath the water at every stroke. I was turning to go back for one last length when the strains of Linda Ronstadt’s cover of the Eagles’ Desperado pierced my meditative trance and got my attention, bringing my momentum to a dead stop, at the wall.
Linda Ronstadt’s Desperado in Atlanta, 1977
I stood up (luckily, this was the shallow end) and realized I was trembling. I listened to the song, transfixed by my reaction. I began to cry, then to sob. I happened to be in a corner of the aqua center that no one was inhabiting at the moment; two other lap swimmers continued, unaware of my sudden catharsis.
I let it happen. I could hardly have stopped it, anyway.
A kaleidoscope of images and concomitant emotions captured my inner eye: a young Linda juxtaposed with her now-Parkinson’s Disease-ridden, no-longer-singing older self; my former California cottages, in locations I sorely missed; my younger self and some of my former loves, particularly the ones this song reminded me of, unrequited (luckily, as it turns out, but heartbreaking, nonetheless); my former spiritual community’s center and its pond, also a place I missed tremendously; my spiritual teacher, whom I missed most of all. People, places, inchoate yearning and losses spun by, each one intensifying my sobs.
The dam had burst.
My shoulders shaking and my face wet, I climbed out and began to make my way to the locker room. I hadn’t realized how much the silencing of Linda Ronstadt’s amazing voice had upset me and I was overcome by the magnitude of my heretofore unexpressed grief for the rest.
I had to stop walking because I couldn’t see through my tears. Leaning on the back of the water slide, hidden by its bulk from the exercisers, sobs took me over again. I felt grateful even amidst this onslaught, knowing this uncontrollable crying was a great sign of healing even as my knees buckled from the pain of my grief and loss. There wasn’t anyone walking by, so I could have my bawl without having to explain or have some well-meaning person try to quell it, erroneously believing that the cessation of my tears would be a better outcome.
I let them flow, heaving and shuddering until they subsided. As my feelings ebbed, I thought of how fortunate I am that mine are the types of injuries I am likely to recover from completely. Many are not so lucky.
I walked on shaky legs into the locker room, hiccuping and smiling. Having a wet face in that part of the locker room is unremarkable; even red eyes can be explained by being in the pool. I smiled murkily at a few fellow showerers and stepped into a stall.
As soon as I turned on the water, more tears came with the spray. “Good,” I thought. “Let ‘em come.”
By my suffering and through my relief, may all beings benefit, becoming as healed and happy as possible.
For more information about Traumatic Brain Injuries, my experiences and research, check many other post on my blog: http://www.sallyember.com/blog
Filed under: Personal stories, Writing, Yeah Writes challenges Tagged: brain injury, Catharsis, concussion, Desperado, front lobe, grief, Linda Ronstadt, loss, Releasing Emotions, sobbing
Welcoming “SPOTLIGHT” Author …
I WAS RUDELY INTERRUPTED. As I was saying, John Howell really is EVERYWHERE! Want to know even more? Watch/listen to our great LIVE conversation from earlier this month, Episode 14 of *CHANGES*: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPbfKicwk4dFdeVSAY1tfhtjaEY_clmfq
#Authors: Learn more about and get yourself on or, #readers, recommend someone to be scheduled as a guest: *CHANGES* G+ HOA http://sallyember.com/changes-videoca...
Originally posted on Life As I Know It:
Good morning, bloggers!!
I am SO excited to welcome this very special guest today, John Howell!! John is a very talented writer, an incredible supporter of Indie Authors and an awesome member of Rave Reviews Book Club. When I heard the exciting news that John was selected as a “SPOTLIGHT” Author, I jumped at the chance to host him!! :)
So, without further ado, I present Author John Howell ………
This is the ninth stop on what has been a fantastic tour as a Rave Reviews Spotlight Author. If you would like to be chosen for this honor you need to be a member. To find out how, go to the website http://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com/ and read all about it. You can also see all my tour stops listed under Spotlight Authors.
I would like to give your readers some information about the main characters in My…
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December 12, 2014
John Howell in “WHO’S ON THE SHELF WITH NONNIE JULES?”
That John Howell is getting around! Get to know him better, watch us converse on *CHANGES* Episode 14: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPbfKicwk4dFdeVSAY1tfhtjaEY_clmfq
#Authors: Learn more about and get yourself on or, #readers, recommend someone to be scheduled as a guest: *CHANGES* G+ HOA http://sallyember.com/changes-videocasts-by-sally-ember-ed-d/
Originally posted on Rave Reviews by Nonnie Jules:
Hello and welcome to “WHO’S ON THE SHELF?” with yours truly, Nonnie Jules! Since we are a book club, you know we had to offer something that included a book shelf. A lot of interviews merely cover an author’s work or an individual’s career stories. Here on this “SHELF,” we get down and dirty and ask the questions no other interviewer dare ask. We ask the questions that you want to open up a book and find the answers to on your favorite authors and fellow book club members, but no one has dared to cover them. WE get personal! Because when you sit on the RRBC “SHELF,” YOU are an open book!
Today I have with me on the “SHELF” our Current “SPOTLIGHT”Author, John Howell!!! And since it’s that season, take a listen…“Mary’s Boy Child”
NJ: Before we get started, how does the “shelf” feel…
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Filed under: Writing
Hold the Press: Runaway Smile is out!
Reblogged this on Sally Ember, Ed.D. and commented:
Mazel Tov, Nicholas! AND, to get to know Charles better, watch us converse on *CHANGES* Episode 7: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPbfKicwk4dFdeVSAY1tfhtjaEY_clmfq
#Authors: Learn more about and get yourself on or, #readers, recommend someone to be scheduled as a guest: *CHANGES* G+ HOA http://sallyember.com/changes-videocasts-by-sally-ember-ed-d/
Originally posted on Nicholas C. Rossis:
You may remember how Runaway Smile is published in Greece under the auspices of a traditional publisher, George Vasdekis. He kindly arranged for Electra and me to visit the printers today, for a sneak peak behind the scenes. We arrived there just as the still-hot-from-the-presses books were shipped to bookstores.
Now, I know I’m a big fan of ebooks, but I have to confess that my eyes watered when I entered the factory. They dried up again when I got used to the chemicals, of course, which was nice as I wanted to take some pictures. :b
Seriously though, there’s nothing quite like the smell or the sound of a press. I found myself drawing deep breaths to take it all in, and even taking random pictures of printing machines. In fact, I thought you might enjoy to share these, so here are the exciting photos!
You may read my children’s book, Runaway Smile, online for…
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I’d Like to Introduce You to… Charles E. Yallowitz #author #fantasy #amreading
Reblogged this on Sally Ember, Ed.D. and commented:
Mazel Tov, Charles! AND, to get to know Charles better, watch us converse on *CHANGES* Episode 9: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPbfKicwk4dFdeVSAY1tfhtjaEY_clmfq
#Authors: Learn more about and get yourself on or, #readers, recommend someone to be scheduled as a guest: *CHANGES* G+ HOA http://sallyember.com/changes-videocasts-by-sally-ember-ed-d/
Originally posted on Princess of the Light: Shining the Light For All:
Love high fantasy like Lord of the Rings? You’re going to adore Legends of Windemere series by Charles E. Yallowitz. He sat down with me for an interview. My favorite part is when he reveals what he wants put on his tombstone. LOL! Classic! :) Take it away, Charles!
Do you have any odd writing habits?
I few habits I have is that I need music or a bottle of seltzer nearby, but I don’t know if those are odd. I write in present tense third person, which many people have pointed out is an odd style. In high school, I kept jumping tenses and was told to pick one and stick with it. The result was that I went with present tense and nobody told me it was odd until 2012 when I published my first book. That’s probably tied with the lucky stapler I’ve had since college…
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LEGENDS OF WINDEMERE: CURSE OF THE DARK WIND IS LIVE!!! #fantasy #Kindle #epicfantasy #magic #dragons
Reblogged this on Sally Ember, Ed.D. and commented:
Mazel Tov, Charles! AND, to get to know Charles better, watch us converse on *CHANGES* Episode 9: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPbfKicwk4dFdeVSAY1tfhtjaEY_clmfq
#Authors: Learn more about and get yourself on or, #readers, recommend someone to be scheduled as a guest: *CHANGES* G+ HOA http://sallyember.com/changes-videocasts-by-sally-ember-ed-d/
Originally posted on Legends of Windemere:
Dive into the newest adventure of Luke Callindor, Nyx, Fizzle, & all their friends.
LEGENDS OF WINDEMERE: CURSE OF THE DARK WIND
IS LIVE!
Cover Art by
Jason Pedersen
What’s the Story?
After their battles in Gaia and surviving the Island of Pallice, the champions of Windemere are off on their next adventure.
In his quest to be a hero and help others, Luke Callindor has jumped into danger countless times and would do so again without hesitation. So when he is infected by the toxic Dark Wind, it is up to his friends to find a cure and keep his courage alive. With time running out and their enemies in the shadows, one ally will make the decision to share in Luke’s suffering and forge a bond that runs thicker than blood. Such a sacrifice might not be enough when the truth behind this living curse comes to…
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LEGENDS OF WINDEMERE: CURSE OF THE DARK WIND IS LIVE!!! #fantasy #Kindle #epicfantasy #magic #dragons
Reblogged this on Sally Ember, Ed.D. and commented:
Mazel Tov, Charles! AND, to get to know Charles better, watch us converse on *CHANGES* Episode 9: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPbfKicwk4dFdeVSAY1tfhtjaEY_clmfq
#Authors: Learn more about and get yourself on or, #readers, recommend someone to be scheduled as a guest: *CHANGES* G+ HOA http://sallyember.com/changes-videocasts-by-sally-ember-ed-d/
Originally posted on Legends of Windemere:
Dive into the newest adventure of Luke Callindor, Nyx, Fizzle, & all their friends.
LEGENDS OF WINDEMERE: CURSE OF THE DARK WIND
IS LIVE!
Cover Art by
Jason Pedersen
What’s the Story?
After their battles in Gaia and surviving the Island of Pallice, the champions of Windemere are off on their next adventure.
In his quest to be a hero and help others, Luke Callindor has jumped into danger countless times and would do so again without hesitation. So when he is infected by the toxic Dark Wind, it is up to his friends to find a cure and keep his courage alive. With time running out and their enemies in the shadows, one ally will make the decision to share in Luke’s suffering and forge a bond that runs thicker than blood. Such a sacrifice might not be enough when the truth behind this living curse comes to…
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#Fantasy #Readers – Legends of Windemere: Curse of the Dark Wind Now Live!
Mazel Tov, Charles! AND, to get to know Charles better, watch us converse on *CHANGES* Episode 9: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPbfKicwk4dFdeVSAY1tfhtjaEY_clmfq
#Authors: Learn more about and get yourself on or, #readers, recommend someone to be scheduled as a guest: *CHANGES* G+ HOA http://sallyember.com/changes-videoca...
Originally posted on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog..... An Author Promotions Enterprise!:
Dive into the newest adventure of Luke Callindor, Nyx, Fizzle, & all their friends.
LEGENDS OF WINDEMERE: CURSE OF THE DARK WIND
IS LIVE!
Cover Art by
Jason Pedersen
What’s the Story?
After their battles in Gaia and surviving the Island of Pallice, the champions of Windemere are off on their next adventure.
In his quest to be a hero and help others, Luke Callindor has jumped into danger countless times and would do so again without hesitation. So when he is infected by the toxic Dark Wind, it is up to his friends to find a cure and keep his courage alive. With time running out and their enemies in the shadows, one ally will make the decision to share in Luke’s suffering and forge a bond that runs thicker than blood. Such a sacrifice might not be enough when the truth behind this living curse comes to…
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Filed under: Writing
December 11, 2014
2015 Online #Writing #Challenges Calendar List – All Genres
#Writers and #bloggers seeking more writing opportunities, inspiration and community, check out this list!
Originally posted on Cate Russell-Cole: CommuniCATE:
Updated: October 2014
For an amazing series of lists on blogging events based on every topic, word combination or theme you can think of, visit The Daily Post. You’ll be hooked!
All Year
A Round of Words in 80 Days: http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com There are 4 rounds of 80 days a year. Rounds start in January, April, July and October, but you can participate in as many as you wish. ROW80 is the challenge that champions the marriage of writing and real life where you post your own goals, check-in twice a week and can change your goals as needed. Join at any time.
The Ligo Haibun Haiku Weekly Challenge:
http://www.yakutia-coppercure.co.uk/l298go-ha298bun.html#.UsyjOaX_Qkg This is original! Haibun is a piece of prose and at least one haiku. The challenge is to take one of the two prompt words, quotes, or visuals and blog it!
Creative Every Day: http://creativeeveryday.com This is a low…
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