Victoria Foyt's Blog, page 4
April 9, 2020
Why We Read Romance Novels
When it comes to books, romance is one of the most popular genresand for good reason. Romance novels provide an escape from the worlda true necessity during this unprecedented time of uncertainty. They offer the perfect way to pass time, whether youre waiting in line, on your lunch break or enjoying a beach vacation.
The romance genre often gets a bad rap and is even snubbed by the literary elite. Yet once you look past their notoriously cheesy covers, you can sometimes learn as much as you...
The Magical Power of Seashells
Seashells have captivated children and adults alike for centuries. In some religions and occult practices, these beautiful, timeless entities are considered otherworldly treasures with magical powers. Since seashells are found on the shore, revealed after the tide changes, they are believed to have sprung up from the space between two worlds: the earth and sea.
Many of us learn at a young age how to hear the wondrous sound of the ocean by lifting a seashell to ones ear. According to many...
April 6, 2020
3 Benefits of Reading Romance Novels
If youve ever had a friend roll their eyes or felt a judgmental look thrown your way when you opened a romance book, rest assured that those throwing shade are missing out. Reading almost any genre is good for you, but some romance novels can have a positive impact that rivals even the best self-help books. In general, most celebrate love, instill hope and honor womenwhile making readers feel goodin a way that no other genre does.
Read on to discover three benefits of reading a good romance...
March 12, 2020
The History of Magical Realism
Magical realism is a unique genre, one that is as fun to write as it is to read. Its a mystical, sometimes ambiguous or even esoteric genre that offers a reprieve from reality. Whether the movement is fantasy or realism is often debatable, but we can be sure that magical realism is not your average genre! Even the name is somewhat paradoxical.
The original term, magischer realismus, was coined by German art critic Franz Roh in 1925. He used the term in his book Nach Expressionismus: Magischer...
March 11, 2020
5 Tips for Finding Seashells
Seashell collecting is a beautiful, meditative hobby that people of all ages enjoy. It may seem like finding seashells is simplebut theres much more to it than just going for a walk on the beach. While certain beachesincluding Sanibel and its sister island, Captivaare renowned for their abundant shells, its important to take weather, tides and winds into consideration. These islands provided a rich resource of shells for the artists who created beautiful Sailors Valentines of the pastas well...
March 4, 2020
The Queen Conch
The Queen conch is the name of a popular, mythical seashell and the large marine mollusk that it houses. It is also called a Pink conch due to its beautiful rosy hue. The term conch and true conch refers to a variety of medium to large-sized shells that house marine gastropod mollusks from the Strombidae family. In many popular myths, it is believed that you can hear sounds of the ocean if you hold an empty conch shell to your ear. While this makes the Queen conch shell the perfect inclusion...
February 19, 2020
The Basics of Shell Collecting
Sandy beaches and warm weather have attracted people to the ocean for centuries. While many flock to activities like surfing, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving, just as many are drawn to a favorite pastime of all ages: collecting seashells.
Shell collecting is defined as the practice of finding and identifying mollusk shells. Its a hobby that attracts people of all agessome so much that it becomes an obsession or even a career path. Children and vacationers alike enjoy finding shells and...
February 5, 2020
The Fancy Shell Shoppe in Sanibel Island, Florida
My Dear Angel,
You couldnt know whats been hidden for so long in my heart. Nor will you read this sentimental letter or the silly poem that I shall attach. Instead, I will place them in the desk drawer along with many others I have written to you since you first cast a spell over me.
For one incredible moment I thought you might return my affection. We danced in the sultry summer heat on your porch, you swaying in my arms, my body vibrating with delicious expectation. Perhaps the champagne...
January 31, 2020
The History of Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is a magical place known for its exquisite beaches and an abundance of seashells that wash ashore from the Gulf of Mexico. Located in southwest Florida, its an extremely popular tourist destination due to easy causeway access, opportunities for shelling and incredible wildlife refuges. The stunning beauty of Sanibel Island makes the perfect setting for romance novels and magical realism books.
While Sanibel Island is small in size, it has a rich and unique history that attracts...
January 23, 2020
Tilly Kemble & The Saving Grace of Sailors’ Valentines
I was a wreck when I landed in Key West like one of those sailboats smashed on the shore in a hurricane. Ha! Hurricane Tilly, Id made a mess of my life back in Edgartown. My people worked the shrimp boats, never owned any, just worked them. Even today the sight of shrimp makes me want to puke. Honestly, it reminds me of the drink. Funny how things get twisted round in your mind at an early age. Thats the way it was at home, shrimp and alcohol, shrimp and alcohol. It doesnt seem fair to hate...
