B. Roman's Blog: Inspiration From Unexpected Sources, page 3
January 12, 2018
An "accidental" prediction
Hubert in Heaven has an average 4.5 rating on Amazon. As the author of "Hubert in Heaven" I'd like to add some personal insights.
I actually wrote the story in 1995 - long before there were iPhones, tablets, hand held computers and the like. In fact I knew very little of video game technology. And now I feel Hubert's theme was a little prescient. I see now, after all these years, that it speaks to all of us who are too addicted to our hi-tech toys and there is definitely a "cure" for this very modern malady, if we just look within ourselves.
Although there is a hint of a religious quality about the story, it was written purely from a non-denominational aspect, for I wanted it to be enjoyable to all people of all ages and faiths. And although it has a Christmas theme, its a story that has a message that resonates all year long.
*If you get a chance, please listen to the audio version on Audible. Only 20 minutes but pure delight, enhanced with sound effects, original music and charming character actors.
I actually wrote the story in 1995 - long before there were iPhones, tablets, hand held computers and the like. In fact I knew very little of video game technology. And now I feel Hubert's theme was a little prescient. I see now, after all these years, that it speaks to all of us who are too addicted to our hi-tech toys and there is definitely a "cure" for this very modern malady, if we just look within ourselves.
Although there is a hint of a religious quality about the story, it was written purely from a non-denominational aspect, for I wanted it to be enjoyable to all people of all ages and faiths. And although it has a Christmas theme, its a story that has a message that resonates all year long.
*If you get a chance, please listen to the audio version on Audible. Only 20 minutes but pure delight, enhanced with sound effects, original music and charming character actors.
December 1, 2017
The Crystal Clipper
If you have "The Crystal Clipper" on your "want to read" list, please watch for the Kindle special beginning December 5 and running through Dec 11, when you can buy the book for only 99cents.
I do hope you will look at the reviews on both Goodreads and Amazon, and be inspired to take a magical journey with my deaf teen hero, David Nickerson. I have more adult readers than YA, I think, because there is something compelling about the family dynamics, the unconditional love, and the belief in something that transcends the here and now.
The book - and the entire Moon Singer trilogy - took me on my own personal journey, as I used my love of music and the belief in its power to enrich our lives as a vehicle to create this uplifting series.
And if you do read, please review and post it on GR as well as Amazon US and UK. Thank you!
I do hope you will look at the reviews on both Goodreads and Amazon, and be inspired to take a magical journey with my deaf teen hero, David Nickerson. I have more adult readers than YA, I think, because there is something compelling about the family dynamics, the unconditional love, and the belief in something that transcends the here and now.
The book - and the entire Moon Singer trilogy - took me on my own personal journey, as I used my love of music and the belief in its power to enrich our lives as a vehicle to create this uplifting series.
And if you do read, please review and post it on GR as well as Amazon US and UK. Thank you!
November 5, 2017
Reaching for the White Light
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. They are dim, bright, or brilliant depending on their beliefs and behaviors.
So it is with the delightful characters in my newest book “Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13.” How did this story come about? An essay that I wrote many years ago inspired this thought in my head:
Where do light bulbs go when they burn out? Do they stay dead forever? Or can they be regenerated to live a brand new life with a brand new purpose? If they’re lucky they go to Star Factory 13 to become glorious stars in the sky…
To learn how bulbs become stars, well you'll just have to read the book, an enchanting tale of friendship, courage, and realizing your star potential through the magic of believing!
But for us "older kids" I thought you might find some enlightenment in the original essay:
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.
So it is with the delightful characters in my newest book “Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13.” How did this story come about? An essay that I wrote many years ago inspired this thought in my head:
Where do light bulbs go when they burn out? Do they stay dead forever? Or can they be regenerated to live a brand new life with a brand new purpose? If they’re lucky they go to Star Factory 13 to become glorious stars in the sky…
To learn how bulbs become stars, well you'll just have to read the book, an enchanting tale of friendship, courage, and realizing your star potential through the magic of believing!
But for us "older kids" I thought you might find some enlightenment in the original essay:
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.
April 28, 2016
The Power of Music and Magical Adventures
this blog is available at Creativia.org
http://www.creativia.org/the-power-of...
B. Roman is the author of The Moon Singer, a Young Adult fantasy series that comprises three Books: The Crystal Clipper; The War Chamber, and The Wind Rose. She is also the author of a suspense fiction, “Whatever Became of Sin?”
“You are born to what you will be in life,” said a noted ballet dancer as I interviewed him for a newspaper article. For him, it was dance. For me it was singing. I knew my future had been ordained at age 3, as I romped down the movie theatre aisle singing along with Shirley Temple. I consumed movie musicals and every Disney animated film, learning all the songs therein. But I also loved to read, every Grimm’s fairy tale, every magical children’s book. In time, I fell in love with the Great American Plays and read them all. I loved how the stories moved on the page/stage with little narrative; all character, dialog and emotion.
As time went on, singing professionally now, song lyrics were my thing. The story in the song. Hundreds of songs, every note and nuance, the meaning of each word. When I began to write as a journalist, editorials on music, dance, theatre, and film were my specialty. At the same time, collaborating with musicians on music and lyrics with a metaphysical tone, I began exploring the power of music to improve our lives and our health. The subject matter manifested my first book titled, “Music Power,” picked up by a New York publisher. Magazine articles and teaching workshops resulted. I was born to write about this subject. It was Informational, Motivational, Transformational.
But then a funny thing happened. Visions of children’s stories with musical themes danced in my head and moved my pen. I composed original songs for them and dreamed of them as films. Animated ones. Award winners (of course), when the perfect illustrator appears.
The Crystal Clipper began as a children’s story about a boy with a magic crystal shaped like a boat that transformed into a flying, shimmering clipper ship that transported him on magical adventures. At first a picture book, then a screen play, it ultimately found its truest form as a novel. A trilogy of novels. The Moon Singer trilogy. (Which, of course, will one day be films. Fantasies inform many aspects of my life!)
For me, one creative art nourishes another - music and writing are complements. Just as I sing at concerts the magnificent lyrics written by masters of poetic language - Gershwin, Porter, Hart, Mercer...), I write my stories with music in my head.
It is no accident or plot device that The Moon Singer trilogy is all about this powerful art form, how music has the power to heal, to transform, to create life - or destroy it. The books are quick reads, but profound, and filled with the language of music. As I write about David Nickerson’s real life problems in each book, it is the musical codes in the crystals, the Universal Truths they contain, that give him his traits of courage and selfless resolve to save a life that means more to him than his own and to create miracles for everyone he loves.
I used my own knowledge of music, and much research, to develop David’s and the other’s characters. There are additional facets to the stories that are informed by my own feelings about social issues, war, ethics, personal integrity, and discovering how one’s “disability” (David is a deaf teen) can be one’s greatest gift. But it is the art, the desire, of creating something more magnificent than mundane that the characters all share and move the stories vigorously along, and inspire me as well.
Through writing and music - for most of my 73 years - I have developed personal insights as a mother, grandmother, and as a creator. Both art forms compel me to be disciplined, focused, committed to a cause, and respectful of my audiences. I fall in love with my stories just as I do the songs I sing or write. With literature, as in music, every word must count, a picture painted, a vision revealed.
I have made my home in several cities from coast to coast, now residing in Carlsbad, CA. I still work at a very rewarding day job at a retirement community. But becoming a Creativia author and partnering with Miika Hannila who shares my vision is a serendipitous opportunity. The Moon Singer trilogy (and a 4th book -a suspense fiction, “Whatever Became of Sin?”) will have a fresh new look and a global audience. One day, writing is all that I will do. But a song will always be in the air.
The rest is up to my Muses.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://www.creativia.org/the-power-of...
B. Roman is the author of The Moon Singer, a Young Adult fantasy series that comprises three Books: The Crystal Clipper; The War Chamber, and The Wind Rose. She is also the author of a suspense fiction, “Whatever Became of Sin?”
“You are born to what you will be in life,” said a noted ballet dancer as I interviewed him for a newspaper article. For him, it was dance. For me it was singing. I knew my future had been ordained at age 3, as I romped down the movie theatre aisle singing along with Shirley Temple. I consumed movie musicals and every Disney animated film, learning all the songs therein. But I also loved to read, every Grimm’s fairy tale, every magical children’s book. In time, I fell in love with the Great American Plays and read them all. I loved how the stories moved on the page/stage with little narrative; all character, dialog and emotion.
As time went on, singing professionally now, song lyrics were my thing. The story in the song. Hundreds of songs, every note and nuance, the meaning of each word. When I began to write as a journalist, editorials on music, dance, theatre, and film were my specialty. At the same time, collaborating with musicians on music and lyrics with a metaphysical tone, I began exploring the power of music to improve our lives and our health. The subject matter manifested my first book titled, “Music Power,” picked up by a New York publisher. Magazine articles and teaching workshops resulted. I was born to write about this subject. It was Informational, Motivational, Transformational.
But then a funny thing happened. Visions of children’s stories with musical themes danced in my head and moved my pen. I composed original songs for them and dreamed of them as films. Animated ones. Award winners (of course), when the perfect illustrator appears.
The Crystal Clipper began as a children’s story about a boy with a magic crystal shaped like a boat that transformed into a flying, shimmering clipper ship that transported him on magical adventures. At first a picture book, then a screen play, it ultimately found its truest form as a novel. A trilogy of novels. The Moon Singer trilogy. (Which, of course, will one day be films. Fantasies inform many aspects of my life!)
For me, one creative art nourishes another - music and writing are complements. Just as I sing at concerts the magnificent lyrics written by masters of poetic language - Gershwin, Porter, Hart, Mercer...), I write my stories with music in my head.
It is no accident or plot device that The Moon Singer trilogy is all about this powerful art form, how music has the power to heal, to transform, to create life - or destroy it. The books are quick reads, but profound, and filled with the language of music. As I write about David Nickerson’s real life problems in each book, it is the musical codes in the crystals, the Universal Truths they contain, that give him his traits of courage and selfless resolve to save a life that means more to him than his own and to create miracles for everyone he loves.
I used my own knowledge of music, and much research, to develop David’s and the other’s characters. There are additional facets to the stories that are informed by my own feelings about social issues, war, ethics, personal integrity, and discovering how one’s “disability” (David is a deaf teen) can be one’s greatest gift. But it is the art, the desire, of creating something more magnificent than mundane that the characters all share and move the stories vigorously along, and inspire me as well.
Through writing and music - for most of my 73 years - I have developed personal insights as a mother, grandmother, and as a creator. Both art forms compel me to be disciplined, focused, committed to a cause, and respectful of my audiences. I fall in love with my stories just as I do the songs I sing or write. With literature, as in music, every word must count, a picture painted, a vision revealed.
I have made my home in several cities from coast to coast, now residing in Carlsbad, CA. I still work at a very rewarding day job at a retirement community. But becoming a Creativia author and partnering with Miika Hannila who shares my vision is a serendipitous opportunity. The Moon Singer trilogy (and a 4th book -a suspense fiction, “Whatever Became of Sin?”) will have a fresh new look and a global audience. One day, writing is all that I will do. But a song will always be in the air.
The rest is up to my Muses.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
May 25, 2015
What if no one EVER Wants What I 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.
In telling my story, perhaps you will find a nugget of your own truth, a treasure of inspiration to keep you going, a way to look at your creation in a new way.
My trilogy, “The Secrets of the Moon Singer,” germinated over a span of 20+ years. The first book, The Crystal Clipper (see my Pubslush campaign page) 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: writing music, performing and working full time jobs. 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.
But let me backtrack to the “wagon train” days (yes I’m an old codger) when my main genre of writing was as a journalist. This was long before self-publishing, before digital media, when newspaper and magazine stories were written on a typewriter and sent to “press.” As a journalist, I had instant gratification: features placed “above the fold,” with my byline, picture, and recognition. I wrote on assignment and also pitched to editors, and was easily accepted. My first non-fiction book on the power of music was published by a New York house. My future was secured.
Not so fast. Fate had other plans.
One day I went to a crystal workshop and chose a “singer” crystal shaped like a sailboat. I used it for spiritual contemplation and wore it as a pendant around my neck. “You are to write children’s stories,” said that voice on high, as though the crystal spoke to me. Me? Children’s stories? I’ve read hundreds, but write them?
The crystal would not be denied. The first story came to me in a flash of inspiration during a power outage at my place of work in a software company. In three hours I had written an entire picture book in humorous verse, “Horace Won’t Sing,” about a little boy who was worried his parents wouldn’t love him if they knew he was a gasp! “Alien.” Almost got that one published. Soon after more picture books poured out of me. “The Prince who was a Piccolo,” about finding your true identity, had a music sound track and actors narrating the adorable story. Close, but no cigar. Next, a little spiritual book, called “Hubert in Heaven,” about a video game avatar accidentally transported to Heaven, was self-produced with an audio track and original music. Sold lots of those through a local church. But no publishing contract.
It wasn’t until Years later that a story popped into my head about that singer crystal. The entire vision of “The Secrets of the Moon Singer” trilogy flashed before my eyes and I painstakingly tried to get that vision on paper. The context was metaphysical, above my pay grade. Even though I delved into occult subjects and spiritual paths to enlightenment, and even though my music background informed me with the plotlines, I felt overwhelmed by the task, yet overjoyed by the assignment. I was determined to make that little crystal do its job.
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.
But as time went on and I couldn’t make a dent with more than a few friends and family (and one person in Germany who bought two books in the trilogy), I thought well, maybe my stories are not for “the world” or even for this lifetime; maybe they are for my own growth as a writer, or for my spiritual growth. I am proud that I put the vision down on paper, created viable tales with a beginning, middle and end, self-published tangible products that I can sell. I am overjoyed. Or maybe...I’m just delusional.
Not content with my achievement, my Muses kept dancing around me: “Breathe new life into these stories. We’re here for you. The visual concepts are startling and cry out for illustrations!” Enter Pubslush.
And now here I am, with a crowdfunding campaign that tests my own faith. I’m delving into the world of social media that, heretofore, had no relevance in my life. What if I crash and burn? What if I embarrass myself by not meeting my goal? What shall I ever do? (I’ll let you know at the end of the campaign...I always have a Plan B.)
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.
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.
In telling my story, perhaps you will find a nugget of your own truth, a treasure of inspiration to keep you going, a way to look at your creation in a new way.
My trilogy, “The Secrets of the Moon Singer,” germinated over a span of 20+ years. The first book, The Crystal Clipper (see my Pubslush campaign page) 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: writing music, performing and working full time jobs. 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.
But let me backtrack to the “wagon train” days (yes I’m an old codger) when my main genre of writing was as a journalist. This was long before self-publishing, before digital media, when newspaper and magazine stories were written on a typewriter and sent to “press.” As a journalist, I had instant gratification: features placed “above the fold,” with my byline, picture, and recognition. I wrote on assignment and also pitched to editors, and was easily accepted. My first non-fiction book on the power of music was published by a New York house. My future was secured.
Not so fast. Fate had other plans.
One day I went to a crystal workshop and chose a “singer” crystal shaped like a sailboat. I used it for spiritual contemplation and wore it as a pendant around my neck. “You are to write children’s stories,” said that voice on high, as though the crystal spoke to me. Me? Children’s stories? I’ve read hundreds, but write them?
The crystal would not be denied. The first story came to me in a flash of inspiration during a power outage at my place of work in a software company. In three hours I had written an entire picture book in humorous verse, “Horace Won’t Sing,” about a little boy who was worried his parents wouldn’t love him if they knew he was a gasp! “Alien.” Almost got that one published. Soon after more picture books poured out of me. “The Prince who was a Piccolo,” about finding your true identity, had a music sound track and actors narrating the adorable story. Close, but no cigar. Next, a little spiritual book, called “Hubert in Heaven,” about a video game avatar accidentally transported to Heaven, was self-produced with an audio track and original music. Sold lots of those through a local church. But no publishing contract.
It wasn’t until Years later that a story popped into my head about that singer crystal. The entire vision of “The Secrets of the Moon Singer” trilogy flashed before my eyes and I painstakingly tried to get that vision on paper. The context was metaphysical, above my pay grade. Even though I delved into occult subjects and spiritual paths to enlightenment, and even though my music background informed me with the plotlines, I felt overwhelmed by the task, yet overjoyed by the assignment. I was determined to make that little crystal do its job.
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.
But as time went on and I couldn’t make a dent with more than a few friends and family (and one person in Germany who bought two books in the trilogy), I thought well, maybe my stories are not for “the world” or even for this lifetime; maybe they are for my own growth as a writer, or for my spiritual growth. I am proud that I put the vision down on paper, created viable tales with a beginning, middle and end, self-published tangible products that I can sell. I am overjoyed. Or maybe...I’m just delusional.
Not content with my achievement, my Muses kept dancing around me: “Breathe new life into these stories. We’re here for you. The visual concepts are startling and cry out for illustrations!” Enter Pubslush.
And now here I am, with a crowdfunding campaign that tests my own faith. I’m delving into the world of social media that, heretofore, had no relevance in my life. What if I crash and burn? What if I embarrass myself by not meeting my goal? What shall I ever do? (I’ll let you know at the end of the campaign...I always have a Plan B.)
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.
November 24, 2013
Books Teach As Well As Entertain
As "The Secrets of The Moon Singer" trilogy of adventures follow teenager David Nickerson's “coming of age” transformation from a naïve and conflicted boy to a determined and purposeful young man, readers may find themselves able to examine their own lives and work through any obstacles that have been holding them back from realizing their true potential. There is a lot of family angst going on in the stories, and the characters are constantly learning how to deal with these relationships. I also touch on topical issues such as respect for the environment, ethics (or lack thereof) in business, the misuse of power, the contrast between good and evil, and the importance of personal and Universal Truth and integrity.
As the stories developed, I hoped to reach young boys looking for a main character who triumphed heroically over his circumstances, as well as appeal to young girls who are looking for a boy who will gallantly protect and selflessly nurture them, all the while allowing girls to maintain their individuality and strength of character. For both genders I wanted to create characters they could respect and whose virtues they would want to emulate.
I realize that teens today are attracted to pop culture that focuses on dark and violent themes, but my mind just doesn't go there in story telling. I hope that my stories will offer kids a balance, especially if they are just beginning to ponder ethical, spiritual and metaphysical thoughts and concepts. Of course, I try to give them an enjoyable, suspenseful, and uplifting reading experience. It is a trilogy of adventures written to appeal to the youth in all of us, and with a respect for language and prose that hopefully will inspire young people to read material that requires time and attention to spiritual matters.
As the stories developed, I hoped to reach young boys looking for a main character who triumphed heroically over his circumstances, as well as appeal to young girls who are looking for a boy who will gallantly protect and selflessly nurture them, all the while allowing girls to maintain their individuality and strength of character. For both genders I wanted to create characters they could respect and whose virtues they would want to emulate.
I realize that teens today are attracted to pop culture that focuses on dark and violent themes, but my mind just doesn't go there in story telling. I hope that my stories will offer kids a balance, especially if they are just beginning to ponder ethical, spiritual and metaphysical thoughts and concepts. Of course, I try to give them an enjoyable, suspenseful, and uplifting reading experience. It is a trilogy of adventures written to appeal to the youth in all of us, and with a respect for language and prose that hopefully will inspire young people to read material that requires time and attention to spiritual matters.
Inspiration From Unexpected Sources
Why Did I decide to make David's character deaf? I own a Singer crystal, shaped like a small sailboat, that inspired the Moon Singer trilogy’s first adventure, “The Crystal Clipper.” I found this uniq
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