S.K. Thomas's Blog, page 7
August 21, 2015
Catching Up
The end of summer is near, so I'm taking a break this week to enjoy the last bit of it (while catching up other work obligations). I will return next week with a new article and a fresh perspective.
In case you missed any fun and interesting articles, including many talented and worthy guest bloggers, you can also catch up from the beginning:
http://lnkd.in/b43Kbht
I leave you with an article of inspiration, proving it's never too late:
Inspiring story of an 86 year old woman who wrote a novel, we should all be so lucky: http://ow.ly/Az9K9
Great Quote of the Week:
Writers don't have to worry about what day it is. Everyday is a day to keep on writing.
And lastly remember, I cannot wait to be reconnected with you next week.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
In case you missed any fun and interesting articles, including many talented and worthy guest bloggers, you can also catch up from the beginning:
http://lnkd.in/b43Kbht
I leave you with an article of inspiration, proving it's never too late:
Inspiring story of an 86 year old woman who wrote a novel, we should all be so lucky: http://ow.ly/Az9K9
Great Quote of the Week:
Writers don't have to worry about what day it is. Everyday is a day to keep on writing.
And lastly remember, I cannot wait to be reconnected with you next week.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
August 13, 2015
Spotlight: I Have a Problem by Richard Steinitz
Let me start off first by saying, although it has been no secret, I've been hard at work rehashing my novellas with professional editors. Also, writing my 3rd novella in the Pawned Queen series and just plain determined to enjoy summer dreamin' before the season is over. I hope to bring original blog articles back to the forefront soon, but I've had a great time spotlighting many talented and worthy guest bloggers this summer.
So, this week I have something a little different to present. I decided to spotlight this author again because his new article rings truth (in my humbled opinion) with raw honesty and grit. It's a political piece and those usually don't enter my blog space, but it's so much more. Life and politics affect us all, no matter where we live or who we are. This author has written from the heart, and I felt compelled to share his story.
Richard Steinitz (b.1947) was born in New York to German Jewish immigrant parents. After four years at S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo, he moved to Israel where he
has been a resident of Israel for 40+ years. He lives with his wife, Naomi. They have two children and two grandchildren.
So without further ado, I present Richard Steinitz:
I Have a Problem
I have a problem. No, not a medical problem.
I have a problem with people – with those who are incapable of accepting the fact that different people have different opinions.
I have a problem – I was educated and raised as a democrat. That’s with a small ‘d’ - I’m not promoting any particular political party. I truly believe that a healthy society is composed of people with different attitudes and positions and idea, and that it is permissible and desirable and healthy to live that way.
I have a problem – with people in positions of power, who think that their current job (and it is a job, and they are responsible to the electorate) gives them the right to decide what other people should think and believe. The fact that you currently hold political power does not give you the right to regulate how I live, and what I believe in. The fact that you were given a government position does not give you the right to tell me how to raise my family, how to celebrate my holidays, or what version of what prayer to use – or not use.
I have a problem – I live in a country that loves to promote itself as the ‘only democracy in the middle-east’, yet day after day does its best to prove that it is not a democracy. Where different life styles are repressed, rather than being celebrated. Where different flavors of religion are persecuted simply for being different, and for not conforming to the ‘accepted’ - i.e. state-sponsored religion. Where different orientations are not acceptable to large portions of the population, and their persecution IS acceptable.
I have a problem – I am at peace with my neighbor’s religion, and politics, and attitudes, yet they cannot accept that I am. Accepting the differences as part of the fabric of our so-delicate society is the true meaning of democracy, yet this acceptance is missing in large portions of the population.
I have a problem – I am a democrat, living in a society that calls itself democratic, yet really and truly has no idea what a real democracy is. Apparently it takes more than a generation or two of living in a democracy to become a true democrat.
I have a problem – and the REAL problem is that I don’t have a solution.
© Richard Steinitz 2015
Join Richard on twitter @RichardSteinitz or see him on https://www.facebook.com/RichardStein...
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Keep in touch with the blogger/author:
Website: http://www.skthomasauthor.com
Twitter: @skthomasauthor
Member of Goodreads, LinkedIn & Google+
So, this week I have something a little different to present. I decided to spotlight this author again because his new article rings truth (in my humbled opinion) with raw honesty and grit. It's a political piece and those usually don't enter my blog space, but it's so much more. Life and politics affect us all, no matter where we live or who we are. This author has written from the heart, and I felt compelled to share his story.
Richard Steinitz (b.1947) was born in New York to German Jewish immigrant parents. After four years at S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo, he moved to Israel where he
has been a resident of Israel for 40+ years. He lives with his wife, Naomi. They have two children and two grandchildren.
So without further ado, I present Richard Steinitz:
I Have a Problem
I have a problem. No, not a medical problem.
I have a problem with people – with those who are incapable of accepting the fact that different people have different opinions.
I have a problem – I was educated and raised as a democrat. That’s with a small ‘d’ - I’m not promoting any particular political party. I truly believe that a healthy society is composed of people with different attitudes and positions and idea, and that it is permissible and desirable and healthy to live that way.
I have a problem – with people in positions of power, who think that their current job (and it is a job, and they are responsible to the electorate) gives them the right to decide what other people should think and believe. The fact that you currently hold political power does not give you the right to regulate how I live, and what I believe in. The fact that you were given a government position does not give you the right to tell me how to raise my family, how to celebrate my holidays, or what version of what prayer to use – or not use.
I have a problem – I live in a country that loves to promote itself as the ‘only democracy in the middle-east’, yet day after day does its best to prove that it is not a democracy. Where different life styles are repressed, rather than being celebrated. Where different flavors of religion are persecuted simply for being different, and for not conforming to the ‘accepted’ - i.e. state-sponsored religion. Where different orientations are not acceptable to large portions of the population, and their persecution IS acceptable.
I have a problem – I am at peace with my neighbor’s religion, and politics, and attitudes, yet they cannot accept that I am. Accepting the differences as part of the fabric of our so-delicate society is the true meaning of democracy, yet this acceptance is missing in large portions of the population.
I have a problem – I am a democrat, living in a society that calls itself democratic, yet really and truly has no idea what a real democracy is. Apparently it takes more than a generation or two of living in a democracy to become a true democrat.
I have a problem – and the REAL problem is that I don’t have a solution.
© Richard Steinitz 2015
Join Richard on twitter @RichardSteinitz or see him on https://www.facebook.com/RichardStein...
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Keep in touch with the blogger/author:
Website: http://www.skthomasauthor.com
Twitter: @skthomasauthor
Member of Goodreads, LinkedIn & Google+
August 6, 2015
Spotlight: Doubt is a Gift —Trust It by Harley King
Have you ever made a decision and then had second thoughts? This is normal. We often second-guess ourselves. Most of the time our initial decision was the best one and we should move forward. But occasionally, this moment of reassessment gives us the opportunity to change course and correct our mistake.
So without further ado, I present:
Doubt is a Gift — Trust It by Harley King
My wife and I spent our honeymoon in Acapulco, Mexico. Since we were young with almost no money and I had only a part-time job, my parents paid for our trip. One day a young man offered us a free dinner if we would attend a sales pitch about vacation time shares. We took him up on his offer. Now, I am a sucker for a good sales pitch and I bought it hook, line and sinker. I signed the contract even though I did not have enough income to make the monthly payment.
Even before the ink was dry on the contract, doubt set in. I knew I had made a mistake. I could not afford the deal no matter how good it was. People can read me like a book and I am sure the salesman could read the doubt and even fear on my face. He made the mistake of telling me that if I was not satisfied, I could tear up the contract. I didn't hesitate. I tore up the contract and walked out of the room, not waiting for my wife.
My young bride was shocked and embarrassed by my behavior and she has not let me forget it in 42 years of marriage. Of course, now we laugh about my cold feet and doubt. Yet, I know I made the right decision. Sometimes, doubt protects us from ourselves and our impulses.
Buyer's Remorse:
I learned years later that sales people call this buyer's remorse and I have discovered that I do have second thoughts whenever I make a major purchase. Did I buy the right product? Should I have saved my money? And I often find I have buyer's remorse when I make a major decision like accepting a job offer and moving my family across the country to another state.
I used to believe that self-doubt and buyer's remorse were negative habits — something I should not do. Much of the self-help literature stresses the importance of confidence. When we make a decision, we should not look back. We should not question ourselves. We should not doubt ourselves. We should act as if we have no fear even when we are afraid.
Yet, self-doubt can be a good thing since it prevents us from becoming overconfident. When people are overconfident, they make mistakes. They assume too much and become reckless. Doubt gives us the opportunity to step back and reassess the situation — to make sure we are making the right decisions.
Overconfidence:
There is a classic story of the captain of a battleship and overconfidence. On a dark foggy night, the captain noticed a light in the distance that seemed to be heading directly at his ship.
“Signal him to adjust his course 20 degrees. We are on a collision course,” the captain ordered his signalman.
Shortly after the signal was sent, a reply came requesting that the battleship adjust its course 20 degrees.
Again the captain ordered a signal sent requesting a change in course and again he go the same response. Annoyed by the response, the captain said: “Send that I’m a captain and to change course 20 degrees.
“I’m a seaman second class,” came the reply. “You’d better change course 20 degrees.”
Now the captain was furious and spat out, “Send, I’m a battleship. Change course 20 degrees.”
Back came the flashing light, “I’m a lighthouse,” prompting the captain to quickly change course.
Knowing when and how to change course is important to success. Self-doubt is a lighthouse that will keep you from running aground. Don't become shipwrecked on the rocks of time. Be willing to rethink your decisions and change course.
Harley King is a professional speaker, a poet and writer. He's on a mission to plant seeds of hope in the hearts of creative and compassionate people.
To learn more about this author, visit his blog at: http://harleyinspiration.blogspot.com/ where he inspires many with Monday Motivations .
Email: hgking@sbcglobal.net, if you have a question he's willing to answer.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Keep in touch with the blogger/author:
Website: http://www.skthomasauthor.com
Twitter: @skthomasauthor
Member of Goodreads, LinkedIn & Google+
So without further ado, I present:
Doubt is a Gift — Trust It by Harley King
My wife and I spent our honeymoon in Acapulco, Mexico. Since we were young with almost no money and I had only a part-time job, my parents paid for our trip. One day a young man offered us a free dinner if we would attend a sales pitch about vacation time shares. We took him up on his offer. Now, I am a sucker for a good sales pitch and I bought it hook, line and sinker. I signed the contract even though I did not have enough income to make the monthly payment.
Even before the ink was dry on the contract, doubt set in. I knew I had made a mistake. I could not afford the deal no matter how good it was. People can read me like a book and I am sure the salesman could read the doubt and even fear on my face. He made the mistake of telling me that if I was not satisfied, I could tear up the contract. I didn't hesitate. I tore up the contract and walked out of the room, not waiting for my wife.
My young bride was shocked and embarrassed by my behavior and she has not let me forget it in 42 years of marriage. Of course, now we laugh about my cold feet and doubt. Yet, I know I made the right decision. Sometimes, doubt protects us from ourselves and our impulses.
Buyer's Remorse:
I learned years later that sales people call this buyer's remorse and I have discovered that I do have second thoughts whenever I make a major purchase. Did I buy the right product? Should I have saved my money? And I often find I have buyer's remorse when I make a major decision like accepting a job offer and moving my family across the country to another state.
I used to believe that self-doubt and buyer's remorse were negative habits — something I should not do. Much of the self-help literature stresses the importance of confidence. When we make a decision, we should not look back. We should not question ourselves. We should not doubt ourselves. We should act as if we have no fear even when we are afraid.
Yet, self-doubt can be a good thing since it prevents us from becoming overconfident. When people are overconfident, they make mistakes. They assume too much and become reckless. Doubt gives us the opportunity to step back and reassess the situation — to make sure we are making the right decisions.
Overconfidence:
There is a classic story of the captain of a battleship and overconfidence. On a dark foggy night, the captain noticed a light in the distance that seemed to be heading directly at his ship.
“Signal him to adjust his course 20 degrees. We are on a collision course,” the captain ordered his signalman.
Shortly after the signal was sent, a reply came requesting that the battleship adjust its course 20 degrees.
Again the captain ordered a signal sent requesting a change in course and again he go the same response. Annoyed by the response, the captain said: “Send that I’m a captain and to change course 20 degrees.
“I’m a seaman second class,” came the reply. “You’d better change course 20 degrees.”
Now the captain was furious and spat out, “Send, I’m a battleship. Change course 20 degrees.”
Back came the flashing light, “I’m a lighthouse,” prompting the captain to quickly change course.
Knowing when and how to change course is important to success. Self-doubt is a lighthouse that will keep you from running aground. Don't become shipwrecked on the rocks of time. Be willing to rethink your decisions and change course.
Harley King is a professional speaker, a poet and writer. He's on a mission to plant seeds of hope in the hearts of creative and compassionate people.
To learn more about this author, visit his blog at: http://harleyinspiration.blogspot.com/ where he inspires many with Monday Motivations .
Email: hgking@sbcglobal.net, if you have a question he's willing to answer.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Keep in touch with the blogger/author:
Website: http://www.skthomasauthor.com
Twitter: @skthomasauthor
Member of Goodreads, LinkedIn & Google+
July 30, 2015
Spotlight: What’s Next…by Katherine Dell
The Spotlight this week is on Katherine Dell, a fellow author who is a dreamer of big things. This storyteller is a freelance young adult fiction writer working on her first novel, Harmless. She also hopes to publish a prequel graphic novel series to her debut novel.
So without further ado, I present:
As a self diagnosed achieve-a-holic, I’m always asking myself this question… What’s next? This repetitive query plays like a broken record in my head pushing me to constantly explore and think out of the box. Even now, when my goal/to-do list is a mile long, and great things are in the works… I’m still asking myself, what’s next in my writing career? What can I do to make this book of mine a booming success? So, in terms of my writing, here’s what’s next for me…
1. I’m looking at having a book trailer made for my novel. As my audio-visual skills leave something to be desired, I’m hiring this one out. Ha… if I did it it would resemble power point presentation done by blind cavemen. (Zoom in from far left… fade to sparkles…Ta-da!) I’m also on the hunt for the perfect song to go along my trailer… I think I may have found one! Yeee!
2. I’m thinking of joining my local Toastmaster club to polish my public speaking abilities. I’m not as bad at public speaking as I am at making a video trailers but my skills defiantly need a tune up. When I was a kid I competed at many a public speaking competition though my local 4-H club. It was mandatory, and something I wouldn’t have done to do if I had a choice. I’m sure glad I did though; I even made it to provincial level competitions a few times.
3. My book is not out until fall but I’m already thinking about how I’m going to get those oh so crucial book reviews. I have a few ideas bouncing around in my head on how to do this… All of them involving lots of tedious of man-hours. (Insert dramatic sigh)
4. I’m working with an artist to create a fantastic booth display I can use when doing book signings. I’ve been very lucky find such creative people that are as dedicated to this project as I am.
5. I’m already taking notes and swirling around ideas for book two in the Harmless series. Hoping it won’t take as long as book one to write.
6. The graphic novel prequels to Harmless are started. Not sure if I’ll market them as a prequel series or an accompaniment book. Time will tell…
7. Always looking for new ways to promote myself and other fellow writers. Along with my #Mondayblogs, and Friday book review/blog, I’m now starting Wednesday author interviews. If you’re an author and would like to be interviewed, give me a shout.
8. And last but not least… I’m working on the editing of my novel. I’m half done! I don’t mind the editing part; it’s the merging of the 20 individual chapters in to 1 ‘Pangaea’ of documents that has me fretting. But, it will feel good once it’s done!
So, I ask all you writers out there… What’s next for you?
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
Learn more about Katherine Dell at her website: www.katherinedell.com
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Keep in touch with the blogger/author:
Website: http://www.skthomasauthor.com
Twitter: @skthomasauthor
Member of Goodreads, LinkedIn & Google+
So without further ado, I present:
As a self diagnosed achieve-a-holic, I’m always asking myself this question… What’s next? This repetitive query plays like a broken record in my head pushing me to constantly explore and think out of the box. Even now, when my goal/to-do list is a mile long, and great things are in the works… I’m still asking myself, what’s next in my writing career? What can I do to make this book of mine a booming success? So, in terms of my writing, here’s what’s next for me…
1. I’m looking at having a book trailer made for my novel. As my audio-visual skills leave something to be desired, I’m hiring this one out. Ha… if I did it it would resemble power point presentation done by blind cavemen. (Zoom in from far left… fade to sparkles…Ta-da!) I’m also on the hunt for the perfect song to go along my trailer… I think I may have found one! Yeee!
2. I’m thinking of joining my local Toastmaster club to polish my public speaking abilities. I’m not as bad at public speaking as I am at making a video trailers but my skills defiantly need a tune up. When I was a kid I competed at many a public speaking competition though my local 4-H club. It was mandatory, and something I wouldn’t have done to do if I had a choice. I’m sure glad I did though; I even made it to provincial level competitions a few times.
3. My book is not out until fall but I’m already thinking about how I’m going to get those oh so crucial book reviews. I have a few ideas bouncing around in my head on how to do this… All of them involving lots of tedious of man-hours. (Insert dramatic sigh)
4. I’m working with an artist to create a fantastic booth display I can use when doing book signings. I’ve been very lucky find such creative people that are as dedicated to this project as I am.
5. I’m already taking notes and swirling around ideas for book two in the Harmless series. Hoping it won’t take as long as book one to write.
6. The graphic novel prequels to Harmless are started. Not sure if I’ll market them as a prequel series or an accompaniment book. Time will tell…
7. Always looking for new ways to promote myself and other fellow writers. Along with my #Mondayblogs, and Friday book review/blog, I’m now starting Wednesday author interviews. If you’re an author and would like to be interviewed, give me a shout.
8. And last but not least… I’m working on the editing of my novel. I’m half done! I don’t mind the editing part; it’s the merging of the 20 individual chapters in to 1 ‘Pangaea’ of documents that has me fretting. But, it will feel good once it’s done!
So, I ask all you writers out there… What’s next for you?
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
Learn more about Katherine Dell at her website: www.katherinedell.com
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Keep in touch with the blogger/author:
Website: http://www.skthomasauthor.com
Twitter: @skthomasauthor
Member of Goodreads, LinkedIn & Google+
July 23, 2015
Are Readers Rejoicing?
So here it is...the library where no one has to leave the comfort of their own home. Amazon is making it all too easy to rely on them. The unlimited choices for the reader and all you have to do is pay a monthly fee. Is this a bargain & a modern convenience? Is it worth it for the readers as well as the authors?
I tend to put out book reviews for others and usually these hardworking authors are willing to send their work. Once in a while though, wouldn't it be easier to pick it up at Amazon in the Kindle Unlimited section? I soon realize the amount of time and gas I spent driving back and forth to a brick and mortar library. This could definitely make up for the monthly fee and also pay an author. Could it really be worth it? I decided to give it a try.
As we all know, the best course of action is to buy books to support an author and through Kindle Unlimited you essentially do. Your paying the monthly fee, so they get paid. But wait, you have to crack open that book and read it first, at least a certain percentage. So the next question is, do you read enough to actually make that Amazon monthly fee of $9.99 worth it while helping an author? In my case, absolutely! I really try to pick out books I know for a fact I'll read. I can enjoy great books and the author can get paid. In theory, this is pretty fair to both parties.
But like most everything else in life, there are drawbacks. For the reader, you're only allowed so many on your list. You don't read them, those books just sit there and gather dust, so to speak. If you see an enticing book and your Amazon account happens to be full, a sacrificial lamb has to go to make room for another. Or worse yet, the book you wanted to check out now gets left behind as you wave goodbye while promising you'll come back and pick it up later.
Choices need to be made, that's abundantly clear. And even on Kindle Unlimited, not all books are included in this subscription. Some are left out. Others choose not to be part of the program. So, now yet another question needs attention, are you still spending money outside your subscription to buy books that are not on the unlimited program?
Some people are stomping mad about this program, because they only read big name celebrities or authors. Most of those books are not available on the Unlimited plan much to my disappointment. Hey, I like a scandalous celebrity tell-all like anyone else.
I did find, however, with my support of indie authors and being able to find books that I do like; it does save me time, gas and money as long as I'm actively reading and sticking to the program.
You can see this is a multi-layered beast that isn't so cut and dry. As we ride another wave into this always changing and uncertain future of book publishing, we shall see how this all pans out in the big scheme of things.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Connect at https://lnkd.in/bYFM6-4 or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller/Mystery series.
I tend to put out book reviews for others and usually these hardworking authors are willing to send their work. Once in a while though, wouldn't it be easier to pick it up at Amazon in the Kindle Unlimited section? I soon realize the amount of time and gas I spent driving back and forth to a brick and mortar library. This could definitely make up for the monthly fee and also pay an author. Could it really be worth it? I decided to give it a try.
As we all know, the best course of action is to buy books to support an author and through Kindle Unlimited you essentially do. Your paying the monthly fee, so they get paid. But wait, you have to crack open that book and read it first, at least a certain percentage. So the next question is, do you read enough to actually make that Amazon monthly fee of $9.99 worth it while helping an author? In my case, absolutely! I really try to pick out books I know for a fact I'll read. I can enjoy great books and the author can get paid. In theory, this is pretty fair to both parties.
But like most everything else in life, there are drawbacks. For the reader, you're only allowed so many on your list. You don't read them, those books just sit there and gather dust, so to speak. If you see an enticing book and your Amazon account happens to be full, a sacrificial lamb has to go to make room for another. Or worse yet, the book you wanted to check out now gets left behind as you wave goodbye while promising you'll come back and pick it up later.
Choices need to be made, that's abundantly clear. And even on Kindle Unlimited, not all books are included in this subscription. Some are left out. Others choose not to be part of the program. So, now yet another question needs attention, are you still spending money outside your subscription to buy books that are not on the unlimited program?
Some people are stomping mad about this program, because they only read big name celebrities or authors. Most of those books are not available on the Unlimited plan much to my disappointment. Hey, I like a scandalous celebrity tell-all like anyone else.
I did find, however, with my support of indie authors and being able to find books that I do like; it does save me time, gas and money as long as I'm actively reading and sticking to the program.
You can see this is a multi-layered beast that isn't so cut and dry. As we ride another wave into this always changing and uncertain future of book publishing, we shall see how this all pans out in the big scheme of things.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Connect at https://lnkd.in/bYFM6-4 or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller/Mystery series.
July 16, 2015
Thrilling End
You know that moment in which you get to the last couple of chapters in a book and you're waiting for that climatic ending to wrap up the entire delicious story, no matter how neat or messy it is. What if the ending doesn't come? What if it's an ending which leaves one unsatisfied? Is there an end in sight? Well, I'm sitting here today wondering that exact same thing. What happens when the finale eludes you?
These days, I'm working on my third (delectable and some would say controversial) novella for my series and for one reason or another the ending just eludes me.
I have a few pieces and glimpses of ideas trickling through, while inspiration percolates somewhere far off just beyond my reach. I have conjured up some alternate endings, none of which feel right. So, I patiently wait for the flood gates from that imaginary dam to finally burst open from insurmountable pressure it can no longer contain. Alas, allowing me to know how my own novella will end.
For the reader, the end can be the most thrilling part. Anticipation is cooked up as they move along that conveyor belt building to an all-time grandiose conclusion, leaving one with emotions they didn't even realize they had invested. Or even sometimes when an ending leaves you hanging, it still conjures up emotions of some sort depending who you are.
Yet as an author and writer, it's vindication of wrapping up another book under your belt while you learn and grow as a writer. Is there a better feeling of initial accomplishment? However, to be the author and left out of the finale of your own book is but a cruel irony that cannot even be expressed on paper. Or can it?
It brings on incredible feelings of frustration, vulnerability or lack for a part of oneself. You want to work, but stagnant creativity keeps you from it temporarily. Is this a form of the ill-fated writers block? I refused to believe it, acknowledge it, or better yet, I refuse to accept it.
We could possibly try to understand it as we work to prevent it in the future. Is this suppose to teach patience? Give a much needed break? Or maybe re-evaluate where the story is headed? Is it in all aspects part of the process?
One could always pull a Hitchcock-ian type ending. As Alfred would put it himself, it's just a 'hitch' make sure you drop the 'cock'. Short and sweet, with a twist of pure madness.
I, like so many other writers, shall carry on with the knowledge and belief when the time is right that ever so elusive ending will come. As writers we need to write, so then our voracious readers will have something to become addicted to. I just keep my fingers crossed and bow down to the writing gods, hoping & praying it's sooner rather than later.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Keep in touch with the blogger/author:
Website: http://www.skthomasauthor.com
Twitter: @skthomasauthor
Member of Goodreads, LinkedIn & Google+
These days, I'm working on my third (delectable and some would say controversial) novella for my series and for one reason or another the ending just eludes me.
I have a few pieces and glimpses of ideas trickling through, while inspiration percolates somewhere far off just beyond my reach. I have conjured up some alternate endings, none of which feel right. So, I patiently wait for the flood gates from that imaginary dam to finally burst open from insurmountable pressure it can no longer contain. Alas, allowing me to know how my own novella will end.
For the reader, the end can be the most thrilling part. Anticipation is cooked up as they move along that conveyor belt building to an all-time grandiose conclusion, leaving one with emotions they didn't even realize they had invested. Or even sometimes when an ending leaves you hanging, it still conjures up emotions of some sort depending who you are.
Yet as an author and writer, it's vindication of wrapping up another book under your belt while you learn and grow as a writer. Is there a better feeling of initial accomplishment? However, to be the author and left out of the finale of your own book is but a cruel irony that cannot even be expressed on paper. Or can it?
It brings on incredible feelings of frustration, vulnerability or lack for a part of oneself. You want to work, but stagnant creativity keeps you from it temporarily. Is this a form of the ill-fated writers block? I refused to believe it, acknowledge it, or better yet, I refuse to accept it.
We could possibly try to understand it as we work to prevent it in the future. Is this suppose to teach patience? Give a much needed break? Or maybe re-evaluate where the story is headed? Is it in all aspects part of the process?
One could always pull a Hitchcock-ian type ending. As Alfred would put it himself, it's just a 'hitch' make sure you drop the 'cock'. Short and sweet, with a twist of pure madness.
I, like so many other writers, shall carry on with the knowledge and belief when the time is right that ever so elusive ending will come. As writers we need to write, so then our voracious readers will have something to become addicted to. I just keep my fingers crossed and bow down to the writing gods, hoping & praying it's sooner rather than later.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Keep in touch with the blogger/author:
Website: http://www.skthomasauthor.com
Twitter: @skthomasauthor
Member of Goodreads, LinkedIn & Google+
July 9, 2015
Summer Dreamin'
There is this allure to summer and all the activities that go along with it. The kids are out of school and more activities start to happen around the house at all hours of the day. Days are longer, so more time is spent outdoors for most, which in turn translates to not getting the same amount of writing done. Then as summer progresses and the temperatures soar, procrastination sets in or a vacation here and there gets in the way of allotted writing time.
So, when you aren't able to get work done or insistently let the summer spirit bring on procrastination...are you dreaming of writing? After all, Eugene Ionesco stated, a writer never has a vacation. For a writer, life consists of either writing or thinking about writing.
The old adage that being busy does not always mean productivity and this adage is never more apparent than during the summer. I agree it is of major importance to enjoy this time with friends, family and kids during these summer months, when more people are willing to slow down and spend more time playing. But, can you relax or do you dream about writing?
When I'm not able to write for a while, I dream about it. I dream as far as my imagination will take me. I think about the greatest outcomes, my wildest dreams. I dream of all the riches, beyond what I already have.
I recently had an author friend tell me, he has no illusions as far as making a living as a writer. I had to laugh and laugh hard I did. You get what you expect out of life. That statement itself will keep him miles behind most others just because of his attitude.
I completely understood why he said what he did. But my immediate response was, "Oh, I have illusions. That's what tucks me in at night, snuggles with me while it sings me a lullaby as I drift off to sleep."
I am realistic and do know the history of most writers, but there's this childlike quality in me that cannot be quelled knowing and believing that anyone can create or dream up whatever they would like in their life and make it a reality.
I will leave you with this great quote for thought:
All men and women who have achieved great things have been great dreamers. -
Orison Swett Marden
What do you think? Leave a comment.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Keep in touch with the blogger/author:
Website: http://www.skthomasauthor.com
Twitter: @skthomasauthor
Member of Goodreads, LinkedIn & Google+
So, when you aren't able to get work done or insistently let the summer spirit bring on procrastination...are you dreaming of writing? After all, Eugene Ionesco stated, a writer never has a vacation. For a writer, life consists of either writing or thinking about writing.
The old adage that being busy does not always mean productivity and this adage is never more apparent than during the summer. I agree it is of major importance to enjoy this time with friends, family and kids during these summer months, when more people are willing to slow down and spend more time playing. But, can you relax or do you dream about writing?
When I'm not able to write for a while, I dream about it. I dream as far as my imagination will take me. I think about the greatest outcomes, my wildest dreams. I dream of all the riches, beyond what I already have.
I recently had an author friend tell me, he has no illusions as far as making a living as a writer. I had to laugh and laugh hard I did. You get what you expect out of life. That statement itself will keep him miles behind most others just because of his attitude.
I completely understood why he said what he did. But my immediate response was, "Oh, I have illusions. That's what tucks me in at night, snuggles with me while it sings me a lullaby as I drift off to sleep."
I am realistic and do know the history of most writers, but there's this childlike quality in me that cannot be quelled knowing and believing that anyone can create or dream up whatever they would like in their life and make it a reality.
I will leave you with this great quote for thought:
All men and women who have achieved great things have been great dreamers. -
Orison Swett Marden
What do you think? Leave a comment.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Keep in touch with the blogger/author:
Website: http://www.skthomasauthor.com
Twitter: @skthomasauthor
Member of Goodreads, LinkedIn & Google+
July 3, 2015
Take the Deal
Happy 4th of July, Fireworks! This holiday weekend rings in another give and take of life and I always like returning the favor. This is America after all where we are free to write, express our creativity and share it with others.
Today only free-dom and independence reigns as Transcending Queen, the second novella in my Pawned Queen thriller/mystery series is now yours for the taking that includes fast pace mystery along with psychological suspense to keep someone questioning their belief and faith in humanity until the very end.
http://www.amazon.com/Transcending-Qu...
Because of the holiday, I was not able to bring another blog article to life this week. However, I would like to thank all of my readers for your continued support. I am very humbled and grateful for all of you.
And by the way, stay tuned and be ready for the next article on July 09, 2015.
Don't forget to enjoy my earlier blog posts as well.
And always remember I cannot wait to be reconnected with you, my readers, on July 9th.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Keep in touch with the blogger/author:
Website: http://www.skthomasauthor.com
Twitter: @skthomasauthor
Member of Goodreads, LinkedIn & Google+
Today only free-dom and independence reigns as Transcending Queen, the second novella in my Pawned Queen thriller/mystery series is now yours for the taking that includes fast pace mystery along with psychological suspense to keep someone questioning their belief and faith in humanity until the very end.
http://www.amazon.com/Transcending-Qu...
Because of the holiday, I was not able to bring another blog article to life this week. However, I would like to thank all of my readers for your continued support. I am very humbled and grateful for all of you.
And by the way, stay tuned and be ready for the next article on July 09, 2015.
Don't forget to enjoy my earlier blog posts as well.
And always remember I cannot wait to be reconnected with you, my readers, on July 9th.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Keep in touch with the blogger/author:
Website: http://www.skthomasauthor.com
Twitter: @skthomasauthor
Member of Goodreads, LinkedIn & Google+
June 25, 2015
Spotlight: Indie Dependency by Christina McMullen
This week the Spotlight is on Christina McMullen, a self proclaimed oddball and
science fiction/fantasy author who would like to remind her future robot overlords that she remains loyal despite her latest tech mishaps.
So without further ado, I present:
A Cautionary Tale of Indie Dependency by Christina McMullen
Last week, my Nexus 7 tablet decided to make an early journey to electronic gadget heaven, which prompted me to have a week-long freak out session. This prompted most people around me to go from, “Wow, that sucks. I’m so sorry,” to “Okay, seriously, get over it. It was a tablet, not a pet. Go buy a new one.” And then there was that one friend who called it, first world problems. Which on one hand, is true. After all, did you know that your score on Bubble Shooter does not carry over to another device? Four hundred levels down the drain.
However on a more serious note, I’m an independent author. I didn’t just lose a toy. I lost a valuable tool that I’m finding difficult to replace. I had several uses for my tablet, from editing, to keeping my social media separate from my work computer, to backing up files, and even creating files that would be used for covers. I got lucky in that I didn’t lose anything that was truly irreplaceable, but it did slow down my productivity while I scrambled for a new plan.
And this got me thinking. We’re told countless times to back up, back up, and back up our work some more. This is truly great advice and as part of my paranoid nature, I’ve taken this to heart. While I lost everything I had backed up on my tablet, I still have everything on my computer, on my Google Drive, in emails to myself, on an external hard drive, and on my phone. While you don’t have to go quite as crazy as me, keeping backups is something that I can’t stress enough to indie authors. But there’s more to life than backing up our manuscript.
We are independent. We get to make our own decisions, publish books on our own terms, cut out the middleman, and bring our product directly under the noses of our public. Great, right? Sure! But there’s a flip side to this. We’re independent. When something breaks, we have to fix it or replace it. We don’t have an IT department. There’s no purchase order that we can put in for an upgrade if our computer is getting old. It’s all on us and when something goes all splody, we have to make the decision as to whether we are going to replace it or live without.
See, it’s not just about backing up. All the backing ups in the world couldn’t save my poor tablet. Actually, considering it was likely a faulty motherboard, nothing could have saved my tablet and I’m still wrestling with whether or not I want to replace it. But you can prepare for the inevitable. You’ve heard the cliché: Live each day as if it was your last. Yeah, I know. You probably roll your eyes every time Aunt Gertrude posts that to her Facebook and misattributes it to Marilyn Monroe, but there’s something to it. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not advocating for YOLO or whatever the cool kids say today before they rob the corner liquor store and run naked through the town square. Rather, I’m going to amend that statement for us indies: Live each day as if your hard drive is about to explode.
Yes, it’s important to back up your manuscript, but let’s face it, there’s so much more to being an indie than writing books. Have you backed up your promotional flyers and photos? How about your cover files? Do you have any marketing obligations coming up and if so, how would you go about fulfilling them if you lost your phone/computer/etc? Me? I made a snap decision to buy a new tablet, hated it, took it back, bought a Kindle, cried about how it isn’t a tablet, cursed Google and Asus until I was hoarse and lost all of the karma I had previously built up with our future overlords, and eventually decided to accept that it wasn’t coming back from the dead. I didn’t have a plan, but you can bet your sweet bippy that I do now. Especially as I sit typing this on my five year old laptop that is getting awfully warm.
Thanks Christina, we can all sympathize with technology woes and hope this week, you have a better week.
To get more of Christina McMullen, check out Amazon and Goodreads for all of her highly entertaining books. And her newest release, You Wish, is also now available:
https://lnkd.in/b7jhnAt -Amazon link
https://lnkd.in/bfZ2pir -Goodreads link
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect at https://lnkd.in/bYFM6-4 or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller/Mystery series.
science fiction/fantasy author who would like to remind her future robot overlords that she remains loyal despite her latest tech mishaps.
So without further ado, I present:
A Cautionary Tale of Indie Dependency by Christina McMullen
Last week, my Nexus 7 tablet decided to make an early journey to electronic gadget heaven, which prompted me to have a week-long freak out session. This prompted most people around me to go from, “Wow, that sucks. I’m so sorry,” to “Okay, seriously, get over it. It was a tablet, not a pet. Go buy a new one.” And then there was that one friend who called it, first world problems. Which on one hand, is true. After all, did you know that your score on Bubble Shooter does not carry over to another device? Four hundred levels down the drain.
However on a more serious note, I’m an independent author. I didn’t just lose a toy. I lost a valuable tool that I’m finding difficult to replace. I had several uses for my tablet, from editing, to keeping my social media separate from my work computer, to backing up files, and even creating files that would be used for covers. I got lucky in that I didn’t lose anything that was truly irreplaceable, but it did slow down my productivity while I scrambled for a new plan.
And this got me thinking. We’re told countless times to back up, back up, and back up our work some more. This is truly great advice and as part of my paranoid nature, I’ve taken this to heart. While I lost everything I had backed up on my tablet, I still have everything on my computer, on my Google Drive, in emails to myself, on an external hard drive, and on my phone. While you don’t have to go quite as crazy as me, keeping backups is something that I can’t stress enough to indie authors. But there’s more to life than backing up our manuscript.
We are independent. We get to make our own decisions, publish books on our own terms, cut out the middleman, and bring our product directly under the noses of our public. Great, right? Sure! But there’s a flip side to this. We’re independent. When something breaks, we have to fix it or replace it. We don’t have an IT department. There’s no purchase order that we can put in for an upgrade if our computer is getting old. It’s all on us and when something goes all splody, we have to make the decision as to whether we are going to replace it or live without.
See, it’s not just about backing up. All the backing ups in the world couldn’t save my poor tablet. Actually, considering it was likely a faulty motherboard, nothing could have saved my tablet and I’m still wrestling with whether or not I want to replace it. But you can prepare for the inevitable. You’ve heard the cliché: Live each day as if it was your last. Yeah, I know. You probably roll your eyes every time Aunt Gertrude posts that to her Facebook and misattributes it to Marilyn Monroe, but there’s something to it. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not advocating for YOLO or whatever the cool kids say today before they rob the corner liquor store and run naked through the town square. Rather, I’m going to amend that statement for us indies: Live each day as if your hard drive is about to explode.
Yes, it’s important to back up your manuscript, but let’s face it, there’s so much more to being an indie than writing books. Have you backed up your promotional flyers and photos? How about your cover files? Do you have any marketing obligations coming up and if so, how would you go about fulfilling them if you lost your phone/computer/etc? Me? I made a snap decision to buy a new tablet, hated it, took it back, bought a Kindle, cried about how it isn’t a tablet, cursed Google and Asus until I was hoarse and lost all of the karma I had previously built up with our future overlords, and eventually decided to accept that it wasn’t coming back from the dead. I didn’t have a plan, but you can bet your sweet bippy that I do now. Especially as I sit typing this on my five year old laptop that is getting awfully warm.
Thanks Christina, we can all sympathize with technology woes and hope this week, you have a better week.
To get more of Christina McMullen, check out Amazon and Goodreads for all of her highly entertaining books. And her newest release, You Wish, is also now available:
https://lnkd.in/b7jhnAt -Amazon link
https://lnkd.in/bfZ2pir -Goodreads link
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect at https://lnkd.in/bYFM6-4 or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller/Mystery series.
June 18, 2015
How Do You Get Inspired?
Where in the world do we get our inspiration from? How does it come flooding in on a regular basis? Is there a process that each of us go through? Does it come from an unknown source?
Let's say we pick 100 people for a group to write about a particular subject. In that group of 100, you will get 100 different stories with their own spin or creativity. Rarely, will two stories copy themselves...at least not word for word.
We all know our imagination creates these wild and wonderful places that we eventually put on paper. Yet most are still baffled, where does the beginning of inspiration actually start before it gets to your imagination? Some say it's streamed in naturally from somewhere beyond explanation.
The other day, I was forced to go to the dentist and not just any dentist but a surgical one. As I glanced around, I could imagine myself falling out from the dentist chair and crashing violently through the floor-to-ceiling second story window. I also saw someone lying flat on what looked like an operating table with only feet sticking out from under a blanket down the hallway. I couldn't see all the way into the room, but enough to tell the person was perfectly still. My first thought, you don't make it out alive. In my mind it was a morgue and oddly enough, it was the only room that didn't have a single window. The only thing missing was a toe tag! In that case, my imagination was probably being run by fear. I started rambling this off to my friend in an attempt to rid myself of nervous energy when he stared me down until finally he commented, "What a fertile imagination, can't take a writer anywhere."
I honestly believe inspiration comes from anywhere. It comes from ideas, dreams, real life, living your own trials, watching others and their inspiring stories, history. I cannot emphasize enough that inspiration will come from the most outrageous and awkward of places.
Everything a writer sees, experiences, hears and touches eventually becomes a part of their writing.
How do you get inspired?
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
And lastly, Happy Father's Day for all the wonderful and amazing gents out there. Have a relaxing weekend.
Connect at https://lnkd.in/bYFM6-4 or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about this author and her Pawned Queen thriller/mystery series. SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Let's say we pick 100 people for a group to write about a particular subject. In that group of 100, you will get 100 different stories with their own spin or creativity. Rarely, will two stories copy themselves...at least not word for word.
We all know our imagination creates these wild and wonderful places that we eventually put on paper. Yet most are still baffled, where does the beginning of inspiration actually start before it gets to your imagination? Some say it's streamed in naturally from somewhere beyond explanation.
The other day, I was forced to go to the dentist and not just any dentist but a surgical one. As I glanced around, I could imagine myself falling out from the dentist chair and crashing violently through the floor-to-ceiling second story window. I also saw someone lying flat on what looked like an operating table with only feet sticking out from under a blanket down the hallway. I couldn't see all the way into the room, but enough to tell the person was perfectly still. My first thought, you don't make it out alive. In my mind it was a morgue and oddly enough, it was the only room that didn't have a single window. The only thing missing was a toe tag! In that case, my imagination was probably being run by fear. I started rambling this off to my friend in an attempt to rid myself of nervous energy when he stared me down until finally he commented, "What a fertile imagination, can't take a writer anywhere."
I honestly believe inspiration comes from anywhere. It comes from ideas, dreams, real life, living your own trials, watching others and their inspiring stories, history. I cannot emphasize enough that inspiration will come from the most outrageous and awkward of places.
Everything a writer sees, experiences, hears and touches eventually becomes a part of their writing.
How do you get inspired?
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
And lastly, Happy Father's Day for all the wonderful and amazing gents out there. Have a relaxing weekend.
Connect at https://lnkd.in/bYFM6-4 or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about this author and her Pawned Queen thriller/mystery series. SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
S.K. Thomas's Blog
- S.K. Thomas's profile
- 57 followers
S.K. Thomas isn't a Goodreads Author
(yet),
but they
do have a blog,
so here are some recent posts imported from
their feed.
