B. Roman's Blog: Inspiration From Unexpected Sources

Wine, Betrayal and Justice

Wine, Betrayal, and Justice: Navigating the Twists of Legal Dramas

Mystery: "A Man's Face"

There's a romance and elegance associated with the world of wine, with its storied vineyards stretching from the rich soils of Spain to the sun-drenched valleys of Southern California. But beyond the graceful curves of the wine glass, the delicate bouquets of aromas, and the joy of a first sip, lies an unexpected territory of secrets, betrayals, and treachery. This unlikely merger between wine and the suspense of courtroom dramas paints a thrilling backdrop, where every twist uncorks a new revelation.

The Elite Wine Industry: A Breeding Ground for Drama

The world of wine is often perceived as refined and sophisticated. Behind this façade, however, are high stakes, fierce rivalries, and intricate webs of deceit. Land ownership disputes, generational vendettas, and fraudulent wine productions are just the tip of the iceberg. Such an environment, filled with its share of power plays and hidden agendas, makes it a ripe setting for thrillers, especially when combined with the ruthless world of legal drama.

Courtroom Dramas: The Search for Truth Amidst Deceit

Courtrooms, with their stoic judges, earnest lawyers, and unpredictable juries, have always provided a compelling stage for human stories. The search for justice, where evidence is dissected, motives are questioned, and truth becomes a contested terrain, mirrors the intrigue found in the layers and complexities of a fine wine. When combined, the wine industry and the legal system offer a multifaceted narrative where characters, like wines, have their unique notes and undertones.

In A Man's Face, Marc Jordan's pursuit of truth, spurred by a haunting childhood memory, takes readers on a suspenseful journey. The mysterious scar running from cheek to chin becomes a symbol of the unresolved past and the lengths one might go to uncover it.
The Complexities of Character Development

Both the wine and legal industries require a deep understanding of nuances. Just as a vintner must understand the subtle notes that differentiate one wine from another, a lawyer must navigate the intricacies of human behavior, piecing together fragments of truth from layers of deceit. It is here that character development becomes crucial.

Marc's evolution, for instance, is not just about seeking revenge or justice. It's about understanding the complexities of human relationships, the gray areas between right and wrong, and the personal cost of relentless pursuit. This multi-dimensional character portrayal is what makes legal dramas set against unconventional backdrops so engaging.
Betrayal: The Common Thread

At the heart of many great legal thrillers is betrayal. Whether it's the betrayal of trust, of love, or of friendship, this powerful emotion drives characters to extremes, often blurring the lines between hero and villain. In the context of A Man's Face, betrayal is an ever-present specter, looming large in the form of hidden identities, unexpected alliances, and shocking revelations. The world of wine, with its long-standing loyalties and fierce competitions, adds another layer of depth to this theme.
Wine as a Metaphor

Just as wine undergoes a transformative process — from grape to bottle — characters in legal dramas experience their metamorphosis. Marc's journey, intertwined with the wine industry's ebbs and flows, represents the broader human experience of growth, discovery, and understanding. Wine, with its capacity to evolve over time, becoming richer and more complex, serves as a poignant metaphor for the unfolding human drama, where every challenge and setback adds depth to the character's persona.
Conclusion

Legal dramas, with their inherent tension and unpredictability, have long held a special place in the hearts of readers and viewers. Introducing elements from the elite wine industry, with its own set of mysteries and secrets, creates a unique blend of suspense and sophistication. As Marc Jordan's story in A Man's Face suggests, the journey to uncover the truth is never straightforward, and sometimes the answers lie in unexpected places, much like the hidden notes in a bottle of wine waiting to be discovered.

NEW RELEASE!

"The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning (The Moon Singer Series Book 4)

From 18th Century France to 20th Century San Francisco, the Promise of the Rose Crystal both empowered and mystified Grace Moreau and her daughter Rose Wyndham. They fought for women’s rights, suffered prejudice and conspiracy theorists, and blazed their way through a male-dominated world to define their own roles in society. Through it all they poignantly resisted romantic desire, for if they fell in love the power of the Rose Crystal would be impotent and they - and their lovers - would die.
The Immortal Rose Wyndham is an inspiring story of women’s empowerment and the personal choices they make to live their own destiny.

What Kind of Musical Instrument Are You?

I wrote my newest children’s book, “The Prince Who Was a Piccolo,” decades ago, before the struggle for “identity” was widespread and infiltrated society’s psyche. In those days, if we struggled with who we were it mostly referred to self-esteem or searching for meaning in our lives. Just as I wrote “Hubert in Heaven - a hi-tech angel gets his wings” long before there were hand-held computers and smart phones, the Prince story’s significance as it is revealed today takes on an entirely new dimension which, when first written, was purely a sub-conscious - or prescient - notion.
The Prince Who Was A Piccolo teaches children about self-esteem, asserting independence, attitudes, and being comfortable with their own identity. They will also be informed about different musical instruments and the influence of music on our lives and emotions. There are mystical qualities in the story as it metaphorically touches on meditation, intuition, and spiritual guidance. In a whimsical and colorful way, it also addresses dealing with authority figures, compassion and compromise - and not a little bit of faith in a higher self.
For young children, the story of a Prince being terrible at his musical experiments yet willing to keep on trying until he finds his happiest, most personal “sound,” is a fun reading experience. Yet for parents and teachers it is an opportunity to help them joyfully discover who they are in this world, and that whoever they choose to be they are perfect.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

Lyrics of Life - an innovative experience in self-awareness

Where does your inspiration come from? Unusual and unexpected places most likely.
"Man’s word is his wand filled with magic and power." so says Florence Scovil Shinn, metaphysician

The inspiration for Lyrics of Life came to me as I suffered one of my frequent, horrific headaches. Nauseous and depressed, I lamented that this painful condition exhausted and debilitated me. My brain was too tired to think, and I certainly had no desire to do anything but lie still, ice packs on my head, and wait it out.
And in this stillness, the “word” inside my head was the idea for this book, a heavenly gift that compensated for the pain. In some strange way, while blocking out all else, I opened myself to receive this inspiration. At last, all the lyrics I had written would have not only a forum but a purpose. By sharing all the stages of my life which I had scribed over many years, I could help others to open themselves to the messages of Spirit, and hear the songs in their own soul.

Lyrics have a profound place in all of our musical experiences. They are stories of life, of love, of hopes and dreams realized or crushed. Whatever your purpose, perhaps through my words, you can learn to write your own Lyrics of Life.

A perfect workbook for poets, lyricists, journalists and anyone who wishes to dig deep into their emotions.
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH Book-Blip.

Celebrate with me.

Help to celebrate the one year anniversary of "A Man's Face" by reading and reviewing this thrilling suspense drama by Dec. 1.
Read what people who have read the book are saying. You won't be disappointed!
Watch for the Kindle Special or contact me for a copy.
http://mybook.to/AMansFace

Do You Fall In Love With Your Story?

Some writers are quite transactional and natural story tellers, looking at their work as just that - a project they enjoy but is just an interesting and hopefully profitable venture. But, for some of us, our story is more personal, more intimate, or develops into that over time.
Initially, it’s a love-hate relationship; it frustrates and angers you with its demands, then brings you joy when the intentions you brought to the relationship are realized: seeing the visions in your head transcribed perfectly on the page. Of course, getting there is sometimes a slog.
You have an idea, a premise, an inkling of the characters and conflicts, maybe an outline and some rough scenes. It’s been slow go because you are researching every minor little detail to make the story credible and are drowning in facts, minutia and web links. It’s work. It’s pages and pages of research printed out and scribbled with notes - where does this go, do I need this, do I need more? etc.
But somewhere along the line, as you plug away and add more substance, you begin to fall in love with your story. It doesn’t mean you suddenly think your book is the great American novel or will grab an agent’s attention before it’s even finished. What it means is that you now have to nurture that story, hold it dear, do right by it; It means that you will now protect that story, its pieces and parts, beginning, middle and eventually the ending - make it the best it can be, to represent the best that you are at that moment.
Even though it’s still a hot mess, and you have endless rewrites and edits ahead; even when the scenes are all out of order, the pieces and parts don’t quite fit, and you feel you’ve overestimated your ability to pull off such a complex plot - this is when you stay the course, pour more love into it and vow not to desert it.
It becomes a mantle you wear, and it warms you, envelops you, becomes integral to your consciousness. You allow your characters to grow and “gift” you with their version of the story’s truth, and write an ending you never could have imagined from your left brain.
When you are done with this, your most polished perfect creation to date, you set it aside, exhausted and relieved and content. You offer it up to be published and let it go, set it free to find its niche in the marketplace, like a child you’ve raised with your values and you now have little control over its path ahead.
At last you are able take a breath. Exhilaration builds up, an idea, a premise, a vision takes hold. And with it, there is the promise that your next book will be ever more challenging, more inspired - and more loved.

Reaching for the White Light

Where did the idea come for “Alicia & the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13.” An essay that I wrote many years ago inspired this story of friendship, courage, and realizing your Star potential through the magic of believing. (Kindle edition 99c for a short time):

Have you ever noticed how people are like light bulbs? They come in many sizes and shapes, varying in their intensity and in their ability to bring us out of the darkness that hovers over us.

For example, we have all met a Dim Bulb. This one offers the faint promise of light, but casts off shadows instead, making it difficult for us to see clearly. Sometimes we are forced to sit under the dull glow of this bulb, for there is no other light available. Or so we think But if we are wise, we will switch it off, sit quietly in the dark, and wait for the dawn to break in our hearts. And when it does, we realize this bulb was not an emanator of true light.

The Three-Way Bulb, on the other hand, is certainly never dull. This one can brighten and dwindle with equal aplomb. You may find it frustrating to deal with this bulb, especially if it glows hot while you need a softer light, or if you are operating at peak energy and the bulb prefers to preserve its own. Then again, it can be fascinating, if you are an adventurous soul, to try and catch this bulb at just that precise moment when its brightness matches yours. But it rarely happens.

The Flickering Bulb has a maddening, inconsistent beam. It’s uncertain whether it wants to stay on or off. Usually, this bulb lets go with a surge of power that almost exceeds its wattage, but it dims just before it burns out. Unless this bulb learns to equalize its glow, it will eventually flicker and die, leaving you to mourn its passing while you search for a candle to help you find your way.

Every day is Christmas for the Twinkle Light Bulb. It really isn’t very bright, but it certainly is consistent. It just keeps popping off happy, spirited little flashes of illumination hour after hour, no matter what adverse conditions are in its environment. If you concentrate on this bulb long enough, you may find its glimmer contagious, and soon you’ll be simulating its sparkle. But, after awhile, the undaunted glitter becomes more than mere mortals can bear. In a fit of Scrooge-itis, we are moved to pull the Twinkle light out of its socket. Even Christmas cheer can be over done.

The Flood Lamp is a bulb of overpowering brilliance. It beams and shines and radiates with an obtrusive persistence. No matter which direction you move, you can’t escape its blinding glare. This bulb never dims, flickers or fades, but instead of energizing you, its intruding presence leaves you weary and praying for a power blackout. The Flood Lamp never shows you the way, but obscures it with its demanding desire to dazzle.

Then, there is the Long-Life Bulb. It’s a rather versatile light - sometimes hot and fiery, other times warm and soothing. It’s never so bright that it hurts to look at it, yet it never dwindles. Rather, it softens and yields to your needs for just the right light at the right time. And even if you pull the shades, draw the curtains, or cover your eyes in fear and self pity, its comforting rays are there, gently lifting you up to it until once again you bask in its captivating glow. Because it emanates a fine light, it penetrates your body and filters into your soul, making you, yourself, shine from within. You can never replace this bulb, for it is unique. Oh, you may find other kinds of bulbs that brighten your life now and then, but none like this one. And even when you think it has gone out, and left you stumbling in the darkness, all you need do is remember it, envision it as it once was, and its radiance will be there, white and pure and all encompassing.

Yes, there are many different kinds of Bulbs in the world, but only One True Light. If you are lucky enough to find it, reach out and touch it, unafraid.

Now's the Time to Grab this Thriller

The Kindle edition of "Whatever Became of Sin?" is only 99c thru 6/21.

This was my first attempt at writing a thriller, after several books with a metaphysical theme. To be so inspired, was an interesting process.
It can take months and even years for a story to germinate, to make any sense whatsoever, and give an author direction on how to build it: from foundation up? Or walls first and floor next? Or just pieces of note paper thrown into a file that we know must be valuable for something. Then one day, Voila. A story takes shape. It grabs hold. It compels and, no matter what, we must write it.
“Whatever Became of Sin?” is a book that came from out of nowhere, from a reference in a magazine article about “the passenger in 7f.” What if, I mused, the passenger in 7f switched his seat with another passenger who was the target of a murder plot? An in-flight murder ensues. The plot thickens, a heinous scheme is revealed, and the original passenger, attorney Michael Warren, learns the past 12 years of his life has been a lie!
I do hope you enjoy readingWhatever Became of Sin? it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

A Man's Face Hot Deal

Your Kindle edition of "A Man's Face" is only 99c thru 5/17. A client's innocence hangs in the balance. His mother's murder must be solved. The woman he loves is a fire starter. What next? Grab a copy of this latest thriller now. When you read, remember to review! Authors depend on you!

What if No One Ever Wants What You Write?

The possibility of this happening is greater than the alternate truth. In fact, writers have a greater chance of being rejected over and over than of being struck by the lightning bolt of success. As with any artistic profession, success in writing is a lot of luck, timing, and that serendipitous connection with someone who shares your vision. For some writers, success just flows; for others it’s a futile slog.
Are you a slogger? How do you deal with that deep inside your soul? Maybe you can compartmentalize and after lots of rejections, you just say “Okay” and move on to try again. Then again, you might be on the verge of packing it in, giving in to despair.
My trilogy, “The Moon Singer,” germinated over a span of 20+ years. The first book, The Crystal Clipper was rejected by everyone I submitted it to. Frustrated, I tried to also be honest: “Maybe it’s not good enough yet...maybe I’m missing something...or maybe THEY are. So I put the book down for a while and worked on other projects. But, of course, I was compelled to write this trilogy, and even sketched out a sequel, The War Chamber, and made copious notes for the final adventure, The Wind Rose. All of them remained unfinished for years while I worked on other stories.
For two years I wrote, rewrote and polished The Crystal Clipper, then wrote, rewrote and polished up the remaining two adventures. I had self-published a mystical trilogy for young people with no vampire sex, or flesh-eating demons, or teens killing for sport or survival. I then worried: “What chance do stories like that have in today’s market?” But I pressed on because I love the meaning of the stories: selfless heroism, a boy overcoming his disability, a family love story that breaks your heart. And subjects that fascinated me: reincarnation, soul travel, self-empowerment, spiritual illumination, music’s power.
Then a new worry popped up: “Would the deaf community embrace it (my hero is a deaf teen) or be insulted because I tread into an area I had no personal experience with?” But I queried a blogger of fiction for the deaf community and received a wonderful featured spot on her web site. I was honored.
Ask yourself why you write? Are you compelled? Is it your calling? Do you have a story you are aching to tell the world? Are you writing “for the market” (you’d better be a fast writer, if you are)? Are you a writer for hire - getting assignments from a publisher and being paid a flat fee for the result? Does this satisfy you? Or do you long to follow your own creative path and take a chance that you will strike literary gold?
Go ahead then, pour your heart and soul into your work. Write and rewrite, edit and polish. Maybe it will suck. And maybe, just maybe, you will create something that you were meant to create, something that fulfills you as a person/artist/author; something that fulfills your destiny. Wow! How many people get a chance to do that - whether they sell one copy or millions? How many can say they have transcended the material world into the spiritual and metaphysical ether of divine self-actualization?
So, ask yourself, “Who will want what I write? Who will get it?” All you need is ONE PERSON who shares your vision!
YOU.