Who would you feel safer with? An experienced pilot with a dead engine, or sharing the road with someone that drinks/texts and drives? I vote for the one who looks out for the safety of others.
Mr. Ford has a long road to recovery. He deserves some respect and support rather than jokes.
Veronica
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Script To Manuscript & A New Language
I got some good advice from a Writer's Digest webinar to finish my novel. The guest speakers' advice was just get it done. It's not going to be perfect. Move on to the next book. Writing improves the more a person writes. At this stage of the game, it was the best advice for me. I'm nearing the completion of my second draft, which is gradually morphing from a script to a manuscript. I have far surpassed my word goal. Now, I just have to put the finishing touches to it, in addition to writing the cover description. This perfectionist needs to remember that it's never going to be perfect; therefore, to stop allowing that mindset to hinder it's progress. I have to eventually "Let It Go".
What are you reading? I'm learning a new language - sheet music! I have never learned how to play an instrument, and I plan to remedy that. I recently discovered YouTube violinist Taylor Davis, and came across her early video: Taylor Davis Theme from Schindler's List I have always been a fan of the great John Williams, whose music is frequently playing while I'm writing, and decided after watching this video that I wanted to learn to play his masterpieces. I would like to learn both the piano and the violin, but it seems that I'm catching on to the piano faster. Books are also a wonderful resource when learning to play an instrument. I find I remember better what I read on paper, plus I can learn at my own pace. I just have to remember not to get too consumed with it that I fall behind with writing.
I hope Old Man Winter is being kind to you. Have a great weekend!
Veronica
What are you reading? I'm learning a new language - sheet music! I have never learned how to play an instrument, and I plan to remedy that. I recently discovered YouTube violinist Taylor Davis, and came across her early video: Taylor Davis Theme from Schindler's List I have always been a fan of the great John Williams, whose music is frequently playing while I'm writing, and decided after watching this video that I wanted to learn to play his masterpieces. I would like to learn both the piano and the violin, but it seems that I'm catching on to the piano faster. Books are also a wonderful resource when learning to play an instrument. I find I remember better what I read on paper, plus I can learn at my own pace. I just have to remember not to get too consumed with it that I fall behind with writing.
I hope Old Man Winter is being kind to you. Have a great weekend!
Veronica
Friday, January 9, 2015
Flight of the Butterflies
A wonderful story about completing a life-long journey. I recommend this one. It's playing now in IMAX.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
New Year's Resolutions
Happy New Year! I hope 2015 will bring you joy, good health, and success. Have you made your 2015 resolutions yet? Last year, I resolved to finish my first novel, The Whisperer of Storms. I'm happy to say I have finished the story, and surpassed my word goal, but I still feel that it needs improvement. I believe I could easily accomplish those improvements over what's left of the winter. My resolution for 2015 is to self-publish my novel on paperback and eBook formats. If all goes as planned, it should be available on Amazon and Smashwords sometime this year.
I wish you the best in your endeavors and goals of 2015!
Veronica
I wish you the best in your endeavors and goals of 2015!
Veronica
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Thursday, November 6, 2014
The Everlasting Dream
I revised my short story, The Never-Ending Dream, and entered it into a writing contest. I also renamed it The Everlasting Dream. Wish me luck! Here's the revised edition:
Autumn leaves crunched under my feet as I entered an old bookstore. A bell on the door announced my arrival. Old wooden shelves were overflowing with books stacked up to the ceiling. Ladders and step stools were randomly placed in the aisles. The scent of old books and a couple of gray tabby cats greeted me before the wizened shopkeeper did. He was a thin man with glasses perched on the end of his nose and a shock of white, unruly hair. He directed me to a miscellaneous section of used books. In perusing the selection, I was able to find what I had been looking for: A Guide to Interpret Dreams. The book was an old brown hardcover with pages yellowed with age and gold embossed lettering on the spine. I paid for my purchase and gave a farewell pat to the cats before I left. The wind blew leaves across the sidewalk as I zipped up my fleece jacket and stuck my hands into my pockets. The weather was getting colder as Halloween was rapidly approaching. Pumpkins, witches and bats littered the storefronts.
When I got home, I changed into my comfy flannel pajamas and sat down in my favorite rocker, pulling a fleece throw over my lap. I held the book in my hands, studying the worn cover. I had been having a reoccurring dream as of late, where I am alone on a dark night. The only thing I could remember about the place was it was some kind of timeworn courtyard with a tiered stone fountain that featured a rather large water basin. It reminded me of a wealthy European estate, built around the turn of the last century. As I opened the book, I wondered if it would provide me with answers. After reading a few pages about symbolism, I began to feel drowsy . . .
I find myself in the dark of night, in the courtyard of my dream, wearing only a white gown. I suddenly sense I am no longer alone. I am frightened because I know a man is looking for me and what he wants from me. I’ve dreamt of him before. His seductive lure beckons me. I cannot escape him. Out of the darkness, he emerges. His pale skin is a sharp contrast to his midnight black hair and cloak. He takes a step towards me. I back away into a hard stone surface. I look behind me to discover it is the fountain. I look into the water, and I suddenly see myself asleep in my home with the dream book.
It's only a dream! I tell myself.
I attempt to open my eyes, but they feel as though they are glued shut! I look back at my pursuer, who is closing in faster than humanly possible. Was he not just ten feet away? He is right in front of me! I will not run. That will only entice the hunter in him. Besides, I have nowhere to go. He would catch me before I could take one step. If flight is out of the question, the other option is to confront him.
"Why are you keeping me here?!" I demand.
He smiles, and I can see the hint of a fang glinting in the faint moonlight. His dark eyes heighten with a hint of crimson.
A scream builds in the back of my throat, but I suppress it. He wants me to fear him. I attempt to open my eyes again, but I cannot. No, there’s another way.
He reaches out to touch me. I tumble backwards into the frigid water of the fountain.
I woke up in my chair, with the dream book in my hands. I struggled to catch my breath. My clothes were dry, but I was still shaking from fear and the thought of the chilly water. It was only a dream; just a dream. I went to the bathroom to splash water on my face. As I stood in front of the mirror, drying my face, I discovered two small puncture wounds on my neck!
Autumn leaves crunched under my feet as I entered an old bookstore. A bell on the door announced my arrival. Old wooden shelves were overflowing with books stacked up to the ceiling. Ladders and step stools were randomly placed in the aisles. The scent of old books and a couple of gray tabby cats greeted me before the wizened shopkeeper did. He was a thin man with glasses perched on the end of his nose and a shock of white, unruly hair. He directed me to a miscellaneous section of used books. In perusing the selection, I was able to find what I had been looking for: A Guide to Interpret Dreams. The book was an old brown hardcover with pages yellowed with age and gold embossed lettering on the spine. I paid for my purchase and gave a farewell pat to the cats before I left. The wind blew leaves across the sidewalk as I zipped up my fleece jacket and stuck my hands into my pockets. The weather was getting colder as Halloween was rapidly approaching. Pumpkins, witches and bats littered the storefronts.
When I got home, I changed into my comfy flannel pajamas and sat down in my favorite rocker, pulling a fleece throw over my lap. I held the book in my hands, studying the worn cover. I had been having a reoccurring dream as of late, where I am alone on a dark night. The only thing I could remember about the place was it was some kind of timeworn courtyard with a tiered stone fountain that featured a rather large water basin. It reminded me of a wealthy European estate, built around the turn of the last century. As I opened the book, I wondered if it would provide me with answers. After reading a few pages about symbolism, I began to feel drowsy . . .
I find myself in the dark of night, in the courtyard of my dream, wearing only a white gown. I suddenly sense I am no longer alone. I am frightened because I know a man is looking for me and what he wants from me. I’ve dreamt of him before. His seductive lure beckons me. I cannot escape him. Out of the darkness, he emerges. His pale skin is a sharp contrast to his midnight black hair and cloak. He takes a step towards me. I back away into a hard stone surface. I look behind me to discover it is the fountain. I look into the water, and I suddenly see myself asleep in my home with the dream book.
It's only a dream! I tell myself.
I attempt to open my eyes, but they feel as though they are glued shut! I look back at my pursuer, who is closing in faster than humanly possible. Was he not just ten feet away? He is right in front of me! I will not run. That will only entice the hunter in him. Besides, I have nowhere to go. He would catch me before I could take one step. If flight is out of the question, the other option is to confront him.
"Why are you keeping me here?!" I demand.
He smiles, and I can see the hint of a fang glinting in the faint moonlight. His dark eyes heighten with a hint of crimson.
A scream builds in the back of my throat, but I suppress it. He wants me to fear him. I attempt to open my eyes again, but I cannot. No, there’s another way.
He reaches out to touch me. I tumble backwards into the frigid water of the fountain.
I woke up in my chair, with the dream book in my hands. I struggled to catch my breath. My clothes were dry, but I was still shaking from fear and the thought of the chilly water. It was only a dream; just a dream. I went to the bathroom to splash water on my face. As I stood in front of the mirror, drying my face, I discovered two small puncture wounds on my neck!
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Let Me Go
I recently watched this music video for Let Me Go by Avril Lavigne featuring Chad Kroeger. It struck me as it reminded me of my own novel, The Whisperer of Storms. I'm sure it happens to many writers/artists when they find something that reminds them of their own work. First off, it's set in an older mansion, with the hardwood floors and those awesome vintage windows. Not quite dated back to the Regency, but the house has an old-world look to it. I also took note of the antique furniture with the blue couch and cheval mirror as my favorites. Sheet draped furniture is an additional feature that struck a cord of familiarity. My tale also features a pianoforte and the hour glass bears some significance. This story may vary from mine, in addition to another's perspective of the video. I gathered from it that she either died, or she left a long time ago. Some may believe that the older fellow is channeling the younger man. I think he's the same person. The man feels old, but when he looks in the mirror, he's a younger version of himself. Time is his enemy. I've posted the video below if you care to see it. I definitely think it has the look and feel of The Whisperer of Storms. It is my hope the readers will also see the connection.
Ready for Halloween? I have the kids' costumes together. We'll be ready for some Trick-or-Treating on Friday. Have a safe and Happy Halloween!
Veronica
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