Neva Squires-Rodriguez's Blog, page 34
December 29, 2014
Really Annoyed #MondayBlogs @MondayBlogs 777 words (Ha, Lucky post?)
Hello friends, so today I’d have to say that I’m really ticked off! Why? The eerie face of jealousy has shown its light upon me. Sigh! Someone that I’m very close with made a slang reference toward me, basically stating that I’m conceited. From a stranger, this wouldn’t have made a difference, but to come from someone who I love and trust, that was bogus! I couldn’t believe it, my heart still hurts. For anyone else that knows me they would say that I am far from conceited, but from this one person, they analyze everything that I do and turn good intentions to bad ones.
Ever since I have become a published author it’s been getting worse. My heart is full of dreams and they are always quick to point out how easily I will fail at them. They are quick to point out that I’m not a success, I haven’t sold many books and I only have a couple of ratings. I am seriously pained by their spiteful comments that cut through me like a knife, all because I briefly looked down at my cell phone to check my emails while visiting with relatives. I was told that I think I’m better than everyone else and you know what, in some ways I believe that I am.
Here is why, I don’t give in to depression. I’ve had beyond difficult struggles and times in my life and I’m not addicted to drugs, to alcohol or any other bad or dangerous addictions. I don’t make excuses for my life. I’ve made a lot of mistakes-a lot of mistakes and I’ve learned from them. I’m a good mother, a good wife, even though this person would be quick to tell you otherwise and point out that I don’t always cook, I don’t enjoy cleaning, or other (to me) tedious things. My house may not be spotless, but I do a darn good job of making sure it’s not a mess.
There is a difference between confidence and conceit and yes I am confident because I have worked very hard to get where I am and where I have yet to go. To have four kids, two jobs, three now (including my writing career that this person doesn’t count because I haven’t gotten paid six digits) and to be getting stuff done, I deserve to be confident. I deserve to take pride in my work, my writing, myself. How dare this person, try to lower me and to break me down after the countless times that I have tried to build them up. Why is that? Why do people do that? Why does this person constantly try to break me?
I don’t ever go around bragging about my accomplishments, but I should. A Master’s Degree I would have thought would be unattainable to me ever in life five years ago. I worked really hard at it, even though I don’t have a paycheck to match the effort I put into it and still owe a ton of money to Great Lakes Credit Union on. To think that this person who I’ve gone out of my way for on countless occasions could say such horrible things, takes so much out of me. It makes me sad and it makes me want to cry, even though I don’t because their comments are not worth my tears. Even so, my chest feels like it collapses out of the stress their comments have added to my life.
This is where it gets difficult, I don’t want to hold a grudge. I don’t want to hate them, but how many times do I have to forgive this same person for their cruel comments? I can’t exactly walk away from them. I don’t want to forgive them. I want to be spiteful toward them and I am trying so hard and praying that God will help me find it in my heart to forgive them once again. I guess it’s just one of those days. I’m sure that I’ll get over it. I just wanted to share my thoughts with you, whoever you may be, to let you know that we all have those people in our lives who are quick to bring us down, who are quick to fill our heads with negativity and doubt. How we deal with them, effects on how we get over whatever sour statements that they make.
I know I’m not all that, but I am something special and so are you, all of you. Even that very yucky person that attempts to fill my life with negativity. Yes they are something special too and I forgive them.
December 27, 2014
Weekend Writing Warriors, last post of the year!!! #8SUNDAY
Hey friends. I have to tell you how happy and blessed I feel to have gotten to know all of you this year. I’m hoping that this new year is a great one for all of us and may we all be blessed with selling many books and becoming famous best selling authors. ;) Oprah, if you’re reading this, I can fit our interview in, don’t you worry about a thing.
So this week we are moving on to my newest release, “In Too Deep.” (The second book in the Liliana Series.) I’m hoping that all of you enjoy this one. This unfortunately isn’t the happy type, as was “Have Faith” my Christmas release. “In Too Deep” is a Contemporary Romantic Suspense, which will leave you on edge. I hope you all enjoy it. Be safe this New Year my friends.
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“I’m in here.” I called out, forgetting how upset he had sounded on the phone. “By the pool.”
I walked to the door quickly and threw my arms around him the second I saw him and looked up at him for a kiss. Instead of seeing his lips perched he glared around the room, his nostrils flaring.
“You’re swimming at this time?” He asked, pushing me away. “Who’s here?”
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Buy “In Too Deep” here. Please don’t forget to rate it! ;)
December 22, 2014
@MONDAYBLOGS #MONDAYBLOGS One Wish
Hello friends, just one very simple wish this holiday season. Support your emergency responders. I don’t want to get into too much detail, but the retaliations that are going on right now based on the rage that the media seems to pump the public with is ridiculous. Recently I read an article stating that police cadets were being warned not to wear uniform in public. Really?
It seems that the more we broadcast the bad, the more bad there is in the world. Am I wrong? People want their five seconds of fame and the cost, is unimportant to them, on their quest to outdo whatever is being broadcast. I’m honestly thinking of “unliking” every news channel on my Facebook, just because I’m so tired of seeing all the horrible posts that they choose to broadcast.
God forbid that I walk into work one day and get shot, or that one of the officers I work with does. I don’t know what that would make me feel like. What my family would do, what their family would do? I mean how dare someone take a life, just to take it. What type of world do we live in where some people think that it’s ok, or to give that young man that walked up to those poor New York Police officers and shot them props? What’s wrong with our society? What makes us any better than the other major crime and terror organizations for allowing it?
Ok that’s it, it just really pains me to think that as Americans we sometimes think we’re so much better off than other countries and we’re really not. We’re just like them. We just go about it in a different way. We allow media to control our mindset, we allow ourselves to be brainwashed and it starts at a young age, one where we don’t even realize that it’s happening. Rather than to be pumped with education, we are pumped with hatred for one another. The news station that pushes us the furthest wins the ratings and the money that comes with it. All that and we give it up willingly, we lose value for ourselves and for each other after watching and feeding in to whatever it is that they’re trying to sell us.
I have one simple wish this season and that is for myself to refrain from being misguided. Money isn’t of value to me, but my soul is. God bless you all and lets keep officers all over the United States in our prayers. May each and everyone of them be able to return home to their families this Christmas.
December 20, 2014
Weekend Writing Warriors #8SUNDAY Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Hey friends, this is it. This is the last time we meet before Christmas. Have a great Christmas, or if your enjoying the last of Hanukah, I hope you had an excellent time holiday as well. Sorry if I left anyone out. The most important thing that all of our religions seem to do around this time of year is to enjoy time spent with family. This is why I decided to bring you these eight sentences relating to Christmas & Family, I hope you enjoy them!!
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For a second nothing happened and then my brother walked in. I felt my mouth drop and my mother grabbed my arm as if to keep herself from falling to the floor. My brother’s kids went crazy, running over to him as he picked each of them up and kissed them on their cheeks. My mother walked over to him and hugged him long and hard before letting my aunt and me near enough to touch him. I glanced over at Sherrie and nodded at her, as if to thank her. When I finally had the opportunity to hug my brother, it felt unreal. He lifted me up like I was one of his kids and I laughed while frantically trying to get him to put me back on the floor. We broke away and I stood smiling at him along with my mother and aunt.
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That’s it for this story friends, next week we’ll get into the second book of the Liliana Series. :) If you would like to read the rest of my story, “Have Faith” click here for the download and get a sweet romance as a bonus- there are two books here for one great price! Only .99 cents until 1pm Central Sunday (today).
And of course please be sure to visit all my other Weekend Writing Warrior friends here!
December 15, 2014
#MONDAYBLOGS @MONDAYBLOGS Start making those New Years resolutions, cuz it’s coming.
Hey guys, just a really short Monday Blog… Has anyone started making their New Year’s resolutions yet? I have just been sitting on my sofa, dreaming up mine, well in my case it’s not really a resolution but a few different goals. I’m going to try my best to sell a screenplay this year. I don’t know how easy or difficult it is, but I’m going to hit it hard this year, just as soon as I finish up Liliana book three. Book three is just about done and I have so many ideas circulating my mind. Besides this, I think I’m going to try and write a thriller. I’m such a nerd, whatever happened to the typical like to lose weight and to be a better person? What are your goals for the new year, please feel free to share them with me.
This year I have been blessed. I have a family that I love very much, friends that mean the world to me and I was blessed with having 3 stories published amongst many other things. I can only keep pushing myself to continue on this new exciting pathway and there is no telling what the future holds. Wish me luck! Love you all!
December 13, 2014
Weekend Writing Warriors #8SUNDAY “It’s Almost Christmas!”
Wow, Christmas is coming right up! It’s a little scary how fast time goes by, isn’t it? Well I decided to continue sharing this story with you, even though, “Liliana Book 2-In Too Deep,” is out now. I can’t wait to get to that one! It has more twists than book one, but we are still in holiday mode, so I want to go on with this amazing story!
Has everyone been ordering stuff and wondering where it is? I still have one package that I’m waiting for, but there is nothing quite like those hand delivered “big” surprises, so I wanted to share this one with you and reminder the story in it’s entirety is available for download on Amazon. ;)
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“I have a surprise for all of you.” Sherrie said, standing in front of us smiling widely.
I glanced over at my mother. Sherrie was interrupting not only her favorite soap opera, but also her cooking. I stood up and walked over to stand beside my mother in case she tried to kill her.
Sherrie moved to the front door.
“Get ready, for the best Christmas present ever.” Sherrie exclaimed and opened the door.
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What did you think? Sorry for teasing you, but we only get eight sentences. Check out more of this holiday story here, or get Liliana Book Two, “In Too Deep” here.
And don’t forget to visit all the phenomenal Weekend Writing Warriors here.
Love you guys, stay safe this holiday season!
December 12, 2014
Book 2 is out! #RT
Great news friends, Book 2 of The Liliana is now available in print and online for download! Read the exciting announcement below from Vanilla Heart Publishing:
NOW IN PRINT & All EBOOK EDITIONS!
Coming Soon in Audio!
In Too Deep
Book 2 of the Liliana series
by Neva Squires-Rodriguez
Liliana Valencia begins a new chapter of her life. Now the wife of Antonio Valencia, Jr., she learns that there are certain requirements in being a member of the Valencia family– more specifically, Antonio’s wife.
Just when Liliana is supposed to be experiencing the happy feelings of a new bride, she finds herself in a very difficult predicament. Her husband isn’t the perfect man that she thought he was and she finds herself alone as her life shatters around her.
She becomes lost in a world of deceit and she struggles with the knowledge that her life with Antonio will never be the same.
With nowhere else to go but up, Liliana finds her hidden strength in a place that she never realized existed. But nothing in the world can prepare her for an unimaginable secret that is bestowed upon her. How will she ever learn to forgive and continue with her life?
PRE-RELEASE REVIEW
Loving the Liliana Series!
reviewed by Shay Norgaard-Melton
This review is from a gifted ebook reviewer copy.
“I love the way the main characters feel so real, like people one might know as neighbors, friends, and family. Ms. Squires-Rodriguez gives Liliana a voice and personality that simply embraces the reader, involving them into the intertwined drama in In Too Deep.”
In Too Deep Links
PRINT EDITION on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Too-Deep-Liliana-2/dp/0692348433
Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QT1EH2Q
Apple
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/neva-squires-rodriguez
Smashwords Direct for all ereader devices
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/500049
AllRomance
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-intoodeep-1698023-149.html
Nook
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/neva-squires-rodriguez
Book Club Extras Packet includes author bio and photo, title information, covers, discussion starters, and full color printable bookmarks.
Author Neva Squires-Rodriguez
Neva Squires-Rodriguez was born and raised in a neighborhood located on the North Side of Chicago. Mother, Wife, Expert at Multitasking… and now, Author, Neva creates electrifying stories with a twist.
Neva Squires-Rodriguez earned her Masters Degree from National University, a feat which she worked very hard to obtain and says she will work even harder to pay off.
She claims to be a typical American, full of dreams that will hopefully get her to a more comfortable lifestyle one day. She says, “God has a plan and I will follow wherever it is that He takes me.”
Interview with Neva Squires-Rodriguez
What is the greatest joy of writing for you? Writing for me is like entering another world. I become one with my protagonist and it makes me happy knowing that my words may well live forever.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote? My parents started me off in writing early. We would take one night a week and write short stories down on a sheet of paper. We had thirty minutes to write them and would read them aloud to each other after a timer went off. This will be the first book that I have that is published.
What do you read for pleasure? I enjoy reading a little of everything, Poetry, all genres. Specifically books that empower women.
When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time? Entertaining my four wonderful children, husband and cat and working at my full time job.
Where to find Neva Squires-Rodriguez online
Website: http://NevaSquiresRodriguez.com
Twitter: @NevaRodriguez22
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Neva-Squires-Rodriguez/1497271613835645
Blog: http://NevaSquiresRodriguez.com
December 6, 2014
Weekend Writing Warriors #8SUNDAY
What a week. I am exhausted and have half a house to clean. Yikes. Let’s blame the full moon and the increased positive ions in the air. :)
I’m going to have to skip through the rest of my holiday book, because boy we’re getting close to Christmas now. I’ve jumped ahead about two chapters and we find ourselves at a point in the story where Yasmin has just been called to the tow lot with her friend Officer Colon, aka Emmanuel. Just when we thought we’d never see Travis again, he has to show up at the lot as the car is under both of their names. Let’s see what happens. *Please note, I’ve rearranged some periods and commas to fit this scene into eight sentences, our requirement.
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“Yes.” He said, tossing the keys to me. “You owe me $150 dollars when you get a job.”
Travis turned to walk back to his new girlfriend and Emmanuel reached forward and grabbed his shoulder.
“Here,” Emmanuel said reaching into his back pocket and pulling out his wallet.
He carefully counted out $150 dollars and handed it to Travis. As Travis took the money from him their eyes met.
“Now Yasmin doesn’t owe you anything,” Emmanuel said.
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Be sure to visit all of the other fabulous weekend Writing Warriors by clicking here: http://www.wewriwa.com/
December 2, 2014
A late @MONDAYBLOGS Entry. “The War of the Races” #Ferguson #MondayBlogs
I don’t know why, but I feel an overwhelming need to comment on this whole Ferguson thing. Tell me I’m wrong if I am, but I am just getting so tired of being quiet about it.
First let me say, on the officer’s part it was a definite overkill. Why twelve bullets? I don’t get that. How many times do you shoot a deer on the side of the road, or someone running directly at you. Maybe three times at most? Did the police officer miss eleven of the twelve times, or were all twelve bullets a direct hit? Everywhere I look, it says twelve rounds, hmm confusing. I would have to see that had I been in the same situation I may have handled it differently, but then again I’m not a police officer so I don’t know how I would have handled it.
On Brown’s part, he was obviously not a good guy. I don’t know why people are glorifying him. He was a thief, they had him on tape stealing the same day. He was violent yes, from the video that was released of him shoving the store owner, for a police officer going to the scene of the crime and to the sidewalk where Brown and his friend were walking, the officer most likely knew only that he was looking for a man who had just robbed a store. When I think of robberies, I think of guns and danger, don’t you? The officer didn’t know what he was walking into and at that point there was just him. Did he have cover? I don’t know, I haven’t read that anywhere, but if I was confronting a man who had just robbed a store, I might be a little edgy, I’m not saying that I think shooting someone twelve times is okay, but I’m just saying that I might be scared. I would hope that another officer might have been more comfortable with his gun and the proper training on knowing whether or not to fire it.
Hm, next I would have to say that should I ever be put in the situation where I have to call the police to protect me, my family or my store, I would want them to protect me. I wouldn’t want them to be worried about the repercussions of their actions. Do you agree, if someone is in my house and I’m hiding in a closet, I want the police to get there and shoot the guy if necessary, before he harms me. Do you understand what I’m saying? I want them to shoot him, because what he’s doing is wrong and he has bad intentions. Just once, maybe twice if he is still coming at me, but not twelve times, that is a bit much. Anyhow, for this reason I understand the court’s decision. There I’ve said it. I don’t know how you feel about that, but that’s my opinion.
Now also I’d like to say that what is going on in Missouri now is just madness. You don’t fight fire with fire and you only lose by going this route. For those that are looting, killing and bad mouthing other nationalities, you are not helping others opinions of your own. If anything, I would say that it may be causing more negativity toward your people. I mean take the guy who was beaten to death with hammers, he most likely didn’t identify himself as a white person because he was European and had recently come here. So now we have a country that is outraged with the whole race issue, besides our own. It’s kind of embarrassing, isn’t it?
Enough of the labels already, I’m so sick of hearing the labels. People don’t get them right half the time they try to call someone out on them. Take me for example, I don’t necessarily consider myself White, but I appear to be. I am half Mexican, but never dark enough for my own people to consider me one of them. Then again don’t tell me I’m not white either, cuz I am- even though I’ve only seen my relatives on that side of the family on about three ocassions in my entire life. Confused yet? I’m proud to be both nationalities and maybe even more confusing, I was raised in a prodomenetly African-American neighborhood so I feel that I relate better with someone of that background rather than that of either of my own. Is that wrong? That’s America, let’s let it be what it is if we have to put it on the record.
I fully support non-violent displays of outrage, because again, this was absolute overkill. I agree with non-violent protestors in that respect and I also agree with the courts decision. I think the officer was right to step down because he is obviously in the wrong field, but in the end you have to think that he may have in some way thought that he was protecting himself. Maybe they should grant him some major counseling? What do you think?
Well I don’t know how you feel about this post, but let me know if I’m wrong. Let me know if I’m looking it in the wrong way. I’d like to hear your opinions. Seriously I would, even the critics. Let’s go. I’m ready.
November 29, 2014
Weekend Writing Warriors Post #8SUNDAY
Well my first Thanksgiving working the holiday in a 911 call center was interesting. I can’t believe how many people call to have other drunken family members removed from their home or dealt with. Hopefully none of you had that problem. We’ve had several sprinklings of snow over the last week, but nothing that makes our neck of the woods immobile. Hoping everyone is staying warm and able to move around in their neck of the woods.
Ok, so for this snippet, I’ve skipped ahead a chapter. Yasmin has left the officer and has now made it to her aunt’s house along side her mother. I felt this would be a good snippet to show right after the Thanksgiving holiday. I also wanted to point out how it’s funny that we sometimes have low opinions of ourselves and are surprised how other people around us actually view us. It goes to show you how we shouldn’t allow others to fill our minds with doubt. Here it is, I hope you enjoy:
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“You’re too skinny.” Titi Maria said, snapping me out of my thought and beginning to serve me a plate of food.
I smiled nervously at her. Travis had been telling me that I was getting fat, causing me to nearly kill myself, counting every calorie that I ate for the last year. I thought about that as she set a plate full of Puerto Rican Rice a slab of ham and a pastele in front of me. I breathed in the scent and smiled at my aunt as she waited me to take the first bite.
“Oh I almost forgot.” She said, putting a large spoon full of salad on the side of my plate and cutting me a piece of French bread.
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And there it is, thoughts? Please visit all of the other fabulous Weekend Writing Warriors by clicking here.
And if you simply love and adore my book, you can buy the entire thing by clicking here and read two great stories, by Tamara Philip and myself.
Have a wonderfully blessed week everyone!!!
