A.A. Schenna's Blog, page 17
November 17, 2015
Can't Let Go
Life is a song - sing it. Life is a game - play it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a dream - realize it. Life is a sacrifice - offer it. Life is love - enjoy it.
Sai Baba
Can't Let Go...
He knew he had to accept the fact that he would never see her again. He knew that he had to be strong. He had to pull himself back together.
As he was trying to make the baby calm, Ralph realized that nothing would be the same again. He half-closed his eyes and tried to catch his breath. His daughter had turned red as she didn’t stop crying and glancing at the cramped room, looking for her mother.
The moment Shania fell asleep again, he came across reality. Ralph took a few steps and stood in front of the small window. After a while, he placed his hands on the cold glass and gazed at the reflection as he wished he would get past the nightmare.
Ralph looked back and saw his baby sleeping and, immediately, he felt weird. The absurd fate had broken the rules of harmony and, in a flash, he ran into the worst experience of his life.
Although his baby had stopped crying and he breathed the air of relief, he knew that he was trapped in the zone of vagueness and could do nothing to get away. He couldn’t stop biting his lips and looking outside the window. He kept shaking as he was not eager to come closer to the path of the ruthless reality. The warm, beautiful home had turned into a silent house where nothing reminded him of the sweet, carefree moments of the past. This place was not his precious shelter anymore.
Out of the blue, Ralph shook his head and started smiling since he wanted to avoid the dangerous games of his mind. His partner had managed to bring him face-to-face with the worst fact of his life, but it was not the time to deal with her unexpected reaction. Ralph was struggling to survive as he wasn’t able to think of anything other than his daughter’s future. “Oh gosh, if only I could change things,” he kept whispering.
Life is love - enjoy it.
Sai Baba
Can't Let Go...
He knew he had to accept the fact that he would never see her again. He knew that he had to be strong. He had to pull himself back together.
As he was trying to make the baby calm, Ralph realized that nothing would be the same again. He half-closed his eyes and tried to catch his breath. His daughter had turned red as she didn’t stop crying and glancing at the cramped room, looking for her mother.
The moment Shania fell asleep again, he came across reality. Ralph took a few steps and stood in front of the small window. After a while, he placed his hands on the cold glass and gazed at the reflection as he wished he would get past the nightmare.
Ralph looked back and saw his baby sleeping and, immediately, he felt weird. The absurd fate had broken the rules of harmony and, in a flash, he ran into the worst experience of his life.
Although his baby had stopped crying and he breathed the air of relief, he knew that he was trapped in the zone of vagueness and could do nothing to get away. He couldn’t stop biting his lips and looking outside the window. He kept shaking as he was not eager to come closer to the path of the ruthless reality. The warm, beautiful home had turned into a silent house where nothing reminded him of the sweet, carefree moments of the past. This place was not his precious shelter anymore.
Out of the blue, Ralph shook his head and started smiling since he wanted to avoid the dangerous games of his mind. His partner had managed to bring him face-to-face with the worst fact of his life, but it was not the time to deal with her unexpected reaction. Ralph was struggling to survive as he wasn’t able to think of anything other than his daughter’s future. “Oh gosh, if only I could change things,” he kept whispering.
Life is love - enjoy it.
November 10, 2015
Le Bal des Abeilles
Look up at the sky and smile. The sun, the heat, the cold weather, the clouds, the strong wind, and everything else outside your house could be your best friends.
You are still here, you are alive, you can feel, you can breathe, you can hear, you can see everyone and everything around you. Yes, a new day has come.
Most times writing is a beautiful journey where no one knows anything about the final destination. We, the writers of all ages and backgrounds, need to be strong to keep writing stories and sharing our love with readers. There are many people out there who need our help, we are the friends they are looking for. We can understand their feelings, their emotions. We have the ability to express their views, their thoughts through our stories.
Life is full of surprises, everyday we come across countless experiences and we never stop running into challenges. A good writer never misses the chance to notice and wonder about the miracles of life…
Writers love watching everything,they like taking notes while observing things most people usually ignore. Writers are passionate creatures.
Writers act like the bees, they use their minds to travel everywhere, they seek for the food of love, they dare to speak up while they trust their instincts, using their limitless imagination.
Writers are always ready to do anything…
You are still here, you are alive, you can feel, you can breathe, you can hear, you can see everyone and everything around you. Yes, a new day has come.
Most times writing is a beautiful journey where no one knows anything about the final destination. We, the writers of all ages and backgrounds, need to be strong to keep writing stories and sharing our love with readers. There are many people out there who need our help, we are the friends they are looking for. We can understand their feelings, their emotions. We have the ability to express their views, their thoughts through our stories.
Life is full of surprises, everyday we come across countless experiences and we never stop running into challenges. A good writer never misses the chance to notice and wonder about the miracles of life…
Writers love watching everything,they like taking notes while observing things most people usually ignore. Writers are passionate creatures.
Writers act like the bees, they use their minds to travel everywhere, they seek for the food of love, they dare to speak up while they trust their instincts, using their limitless imagination.
Writers are always ready to do anything…
July 2, 2015
Writing Υoung Adult/Teen Books
I love challenges, I accept challenges and I don’t like stepping back. Writing stories aimed at Young Adult Readers is difficult, but exciting as well.
When a writer decides to write a story, it means that he has to spend countless hours, weeks, and finally a lot of months to shape, edit, submit, edit, edit and publish the book he believes it will steal the attention of his fans.
An intriguing story and characters you care about will help you deliver a book everyone would love to read. Drawing a picture with words and describing sufficiently a new world while remaking the rules of human society in YA Fiction will satisfy readers, and the writer along with his team will be proud of their hard work.
Always,
1) Follow the rules of YA Fiction
2) Research
3) Enjoy the writing process
4) Focus on structure/language
5) Have happy endings
I enjoyed the writing process. I am happy I wrote Trapped in Timelessness: Fallen Angels.
When a writer decides to write a story, it means that he has to spend countless hours, weeks, and finally a lot of months to shape, edit, submit, edit, edit and publish the book he believes it will steal the attention of his fans.
An intriguing story and characters you care about will help you deliver a book everyone would love to read. Drawing a picture with words and describing sufficiently a new world while remaking the rules of human society in YA Fiction will satisfy readers, and the writer along with his team will be proud of their hard work.
Always,
1) Follow the rules of YA Fiction
2) Research
3) Enjoy the writing process
4) Focus on structure/language
5) Have happy endings
I enjoyed the writing process. I am happy I wrote Trapped in Timelessness: Fallen Angels.
May 25, 2015
Follow The Rules:Part 3
Writing tips from a newbie writer
Many thanks to Kathi, Tracy, Cynthia, Judi and Carla
Part 3
1) Focus on the story and your characters. If they need further development, don’t waste your time, Do it!
2) Always check POV.
3) Omniscient voice: confusing!
4) Never forget emotions, readers want to see them.
5)Alliteration…? Keep a thesaurus with you.
6) Don’t be shy about letting your prose run free.
7) Keep continuity (take some text in a sequence and move it somewhere else in the same sequence).
Many thanks to Kathi, Tracy, Cynthia, Judi and Carla
Part 3
1) Focus on the story and your characters. If they need further development, don’t waste your time, Do it!
2) Always check POV.
3) Omniscient voice: confusing!
4) Never forget emotions, readers want to see them.
5)Alliteration…? Keep a thesaurus with you.
6) Don’t be shy about letting your prose run free.
7) Keep continuity (take some text in a sequence and move it somewhere else in the same sequence).
April 25, 2015
Follow The Rules:Part 2
Many thanks to Kathi, Tracy, Cynthia, Judi and Carla
Part 2
1) Avoid a lot of telling, like being a movie director, letting everyone know what to do, when to do it, and how they should feel. Some of this is necessary, but you have to learn how to show rather than direct to your reader what you want them to know at any given moment.
2) Telling… Unnecessary!
3) When you describe a defining moment you need to be positive, not focus on the negatives.
4) Avoid telling the reader what to expect. If your words aren't enough for them to figure that out, you’ll need to rewrite.
5) The use of second person is often considered omnipotent. It takes the reader out of the action and presents the author as a guide for the story, telling them what to feel. This is telling and not to be used, unless no other option exists.
6) Avoid showing a different viewpoint, one from the author. You’re telling your reader something they should have gleaned from the story. Trust your reader.
7) Begin and start make sentences passive. You need to limit your use of these.
Part 2
1) Avoid a lot of telling, like being a movie director, letting everyone know what to do, when to do it, and how they should feel. Some of this is necessary, but you have to learn how to show rather than direct to your reader what you want them to know at any given moment.
2) Telling… Unnecessary!
3) When you describe a defining moment you need to be positive, not focus on the negatives.
4) Avoid telling the reader what to expect. If your words aren't enough for them to figure that out, you’ll need to rewrite.
5) The use of second person is often considered omnipotent. It takes the reader out of the action and presents the author as a guide for the story, telling them what to feel. This is telling and not to be used, unless no other option exists.
6) Avoid showing a different viewpoint, one from the author. You’re telling your reader something they should have gleaned from the story. Trust your reader.
7) Begin and start make sentences passive. You need to limit your use of these.
March 31, 2015
Follow The Rules
Writing tips from a newbie writer
Many thanks to Kathi, Tracy, Cynthia, Judi and Carla
Part 1
1) There are rules in fiction that must be followed.
2) You cannot make up new rules for science or historical information. Not unless you lay out your world from the beginning of the story.
3) In a short story, you don’t dwell on descriptive details. That is for novels, and then in small doses.
4) Avoid using inaccurate details, as readers will leap on them to discredit your whole story.
5) When you want to write a scene, where the suspense is building, you want short, sharp sentences rather than long prose.
6) It’s always good when you can draw a picture with words.
7) Avoid foreshadowing, telling the reader what to expect.
8) Putting a sentence into a paragraph by itself adds to its importance.
Many thanks to Kathi, Tracy, Cynthia, Judi and Carla
Part 1
1) There are rules in fiction that must be followed.
2) You cannot make up new rules for science or historical information. Not unless you lay out your world from the beginning of the story.
3) In a short story, you don’t dwell on descriptive details. That is for novels, and then in small doses.
4) Avoid using inaccurate details, as readers will leap on them to discredit your whole story.
5) When you want to write a scene, where the suspense is building, you want short, sharp sentences rather than long prose.
6) It’s always good when you can draw a picture with words.
7) Avoid foreshadowing, telling the reader what to expect.
8) Putting a sentence into a paragraph by itself adds to its importance.
February 24, 2015
Listen to your heart!
You want to write a new story but you are not sure what to do. You don’t know where to begin. Be patient and don’t give up. This is something common to all writers in any type of genre.
If you really love what you do and feel proud of your work, you will be able to get back all the energy you wasted for your fantastic concept, and you will be happy for your achievement.
You feel ready to start writing horror, action/adventure, mystery, crime and romantic stories while, at the same time, you can’t stop thinking about the possibilities of seeing your book getting onto bestseller lists.
Regardless of the sales and the popularity of your product, you managed to do something great. You were eager to share your thoughts and your soul with readers all over the world. Congratulations!
On the other hand, publishing is now a major industry and your future in writing/publishing depends on your decisions.
In my view, if you want to be a successful writer listen to your heart and write the stories you need to share with readers. Write about the people you meet at work, on the subway and everywhere else. Write about the people you admire and love without hesitating to reveal your inner feelings.
Sometimes, I feel we all miss love, hope and romance. Unfortunately, nasty experiences and thoughts will not stop taking place in our lives, but I think we can escape for a while from a hard day or a difficult phase. And a good book written by a writer at heart is a good way to do that.
A writer should always listen to his heart and trust his instincts.
If you really love what you do and feel proud of your work, you will be able to get back all the energy you wasted for your fantastic concept, and you will be happy for your achievement.
You feel ready to start writing horror, action/adventure, mystery, crime and romantic stories while, at the same time, you can’t stop thinking about the possibilities of seeing your book getting onto bestseller lists.
Regardless of the sales and the popularity of your product, you managed to do something great. You were eager to share your thoughts and your soul with readers all over the world. Congratulations!
On the other hand, publishing is now a major industry and your future in writing/publishing depends on your decisions.
In my view, if you want to be a successful writer listen to your heart and write the stories you need to share with readers. Write about the people you meet at work, on the subway and everywhere else. Write about the people you admire and love without hesitating to reveal your inner feelings.
Sometimes, I feel we all miss love, hope and romance. Unfortunately, nasty experiences and thoughts will not stop taking place in our lives, but I think we can escape for a while from a hard day or a difficult phase. And a good book written by a writer at heart is a good way to do that.
A writer should always listen to his heart and trust his instincts.
February 4, 2015
Whenever Wherever
You love going out and having fun. You love talking with your friends and drinking coffee. You love strolling and visiting your favorite places. You want to write a book, but you also have a job and you need to sleep.
Every time you read a novel, your desire to write a book comes up. You want to think of a new story, but you feel you don’t have the energy to move on. You close your eyes and then you believe that you will never do it (Never give up!).
Suddenly you come across inspiration. Smile and thank God for the precious gift. Deal with it and share your joy with the people you love.
The moment a good story starts flirting with your mind -while you look forward to developing the plot and the characters- don’t waste your time. It’s your chance, don’t miss it. Ignore everything, everyone and “shape” your book.
Everyone has a cell phone. Everybody has a tablet. What are you waiting for? Don’t think about it, use them!
Wherever you are, don’t hesitate to focus on your story. (Bear in mind that inspiration is unpredictable!). It doesn't matter what your friends and others might think or say. It’s your chance to write a best seller.
Writing is a passion (KC Sprayberry I agree with you). Writing is a wonderful addiction. Writing manages to seduce your mind. You love it and then you hate it. You are crazy in love with it and you can do nothing to get it out of your mind.
Whenever you feel ready to write, just do it. And don’t stop.
Keep on writing.
Every time you read a novel, your desire to write a book comes up. You want to think of a new story, but you feel you don’t have the energy to move on. You close your eyes and then you believe that you will never do it (Never give up!).
Suddenly you come across inspiration. Smile and thank God for the precious gift. Deal with it and share your joy with the people you love.
The moment a good story starts flirting with your mind -while you look forward to developing the plot and the characters- don’t waste your time. It’s your chance, don’t miss it. Ignore everything, everyone and “shape” your book.
Everyone has a cell phone. Everybody has a tablet. What are you waiting for? Don’t think about it, use them!
Wherever you are, don’t hesitate to focus on your story. (Bear in mind that inspiration is unpredictable!). It doesn't matter what your friends and others might think or say. It’s your chance to write a best seller.
Writing is a passion (KC Sprayberry I agree with you). Writing is a wonderful addiction. Writing manages to seduce your mind. You love it and then you hate it. You are crazy in love with it and you can do nothing to get it out of your mind.
Whenever you feel ready to write, just do it. And don’t stop.
Keep on writing.
January 11, 2015
If you want to be a writer...
Travel, talk, and meet people,
Take chances,
Dare to be different,
Don’t hesitate to expose your thoughts,
Share your thoughts,
Trust your instincts,
Trust yourself,
Be confident,
Don’t be shy,
Work,
Believe,
Listen to the others,
Read everything you can,
Support your w-friends,
Write everyday,
Deal with yourself, go to the gym,
Be kind with everyone,
Don’t drink too much,
Love everybody,
Enjoy your private moments and stopped thinking of your future.
Take chances,
Dare to be different,
Don’t hesitate to expose your thoughts,
Share your thoughts,
Trust your instincts,
Trust yourself,
Be confident,
Don’t be shy,
Work,
Believe,
Listen to the others,
Read everything you can,
Support your w-friends,
Write everyday,
Deal with yourself, go to the gym,
Be kind with everyone,
Don’t drink too much,
Love everybody,
Enjoy your private moments and stopped thinking of your future.
December 2, 2014
Hand in Hand
You love words. You love writing stories. You love dealing with your characters. You like reading books. You like talking with writers.
So, what’s next?
You want to write your first book, but you need help. You need some people to guide you. You need a good publisher and a good editor.
PUBLISHERS: Your friends.
These people know what to do. A good publisher will help craft your career. A good publisher will support you. A good publisher will never lie to you. Respect your friends.
EDITORS: Your best friends.
A good editor will “shape” your writing. A good editor will tell you the truth about your story and will explain the reasons he/she rejected your manuscript. Editors are aware of the publishing industry.
Be patient and polite, they are busy and they have a lot of work to do. Bear in mind, you can learn many things from your best friends. Love your best friends.
When you’ll decide to get your work out there, you‘ll have to be confident. You’ll have to be ready to dare.
Trust yourself, trust your instincts.
When you have a good team where everybody stands by you, success will follow you. Don’t be afraid.
Have fun and celebrate with your friends.
So, what’s next?
You want to write your first book, but you need help. You need some people to guide you. You need a good publisher and a good editor.
PUBLISHERS: Your friends.
These people know what to do. A good publisher will help craft your career. A good publisher will support you. A good publisher will never lie to you. Respect your friends.
EDITORS: Your best friends.
A good editor will “shape” your writing. A good editor will tell you the truth about your story and will explain the reasons he/she rejected your manuscript. Editors are aware of the publishing industry.
Be patient and polite, they are busy and they have a lot of work to do. Bear in mind, you can learn many things from your best friends. Love your best friends.
When you’ll decide to get your work out there, you‘ll have to be confident. You’ll have to be ready to dare.
Trust yourself, trust your instincts.
When you have a good team where everybody stands by you, success will follow you. Don’t be afraid.
Have fun and celebrate with your friends.
