Character of the Week

Good Thursday morning, troops!

Today, I want to introduce something new. I want to give you a better, deeper look at the people in my stories. Let's go beyond the stories and what you have read. Let's go really deep and get into their psyches.

To give you a better understanding of my characters, their stories, their lives, and their truths, I am introducing a new series called Character of the Week. Each week, we will explore the mind and soul of a different character. We're going to discover each and every one of them. From Imperfect and Impeccable to the Loving Her series, and everything in between.

So come join me in these weekly examinations and see my characters and stories in a whole new light!

We'll kick off this series next week. I'm not going to tell you who will start this off, but it will be a nice lead-in into the April A to Z Challenge. Stay tuned for more details on both the Character of the Week series and the A to Z Challenge! ;)

Inspiration

Good Thursday morning, world!


A couple of days ago, I was struck with inspiration for a very brief short story. A friend caught me feverishly writing down my thoughts for that piece. He asked if that was how my stories originate. I explained to him that sometimes they do, but not always.

So that got me thinking about how my pieces come to life. There are so many forces that stir inspiration in me. I thought it might be interesting to discuss and explore them (in no particular order).

Personal experience. The piece from the other day came into being from a moment in my own life. Whether it's something I see or hear, something I own, or something that happens to either someone on my life - or even me. It's not to say that my writing is a reenactment of my life. The story came from seeing my own shadow out of the corner of my eye, and my imagination ran wild with it. So even little things like that can suddenly become story worthy.

Pictures/Images. I'm a visual person. Sometimes if I look at a person or place, a story pops into my head. It's amazing how much one person's face can impact and inspire me. From celebrities to everyday folk, watching the sunset to watching kids play in a park, I am able to find inspiration almost everywhere.

Dreams. Dreams didn't start encouraging my work until the last few years. Now, they are a font of inspiration. Various stories and/or characters spring to life in my sleep. This is still a new source of inspiration for me, so sometimes these dreams need to be worked and re-worked. Ultimately, however, a good, solid story can come from even the most bizarre of dreams.

This is a good overview of inspiration. Just like anything in life, this isn't all encompassing. These are just a few sources of creativity for me. There are more - and I'm sure there are more to come, but this is a good start.


I hope you found this to be interesting. More over, I hope you find my stories to be captivating!


Happy Thursday, and happy reading!!!

What's in store for 2015

Yet another Thursday is upon us, fellow bibliophiles!

We've talked a lot about Pianissimo since it's release in October. But what's next? Where do we go from here?

Fear not! More goodness is coming your way! ;)

For 2015, I am working on 3 independent short stories, that will all be published together in a collection. They are all very different stories, but I think they all have really great messages.

In addition, I am starting some brain storming for another full-length novel. The idea for this just struck me the other day, so I am very much in the beginning stages, but I will make sure it's something that you will absolutely love.

So yes, there is life after Pianissimo. As long as I keep breathing, I'm gonna keep writing! I hope that you'll keep reading! ;)

For now, enjoy all that we have thus far, and remember that great things are on their way!

Maria's Page 69 Trial

Hey gang!

Happy Thursday before a 3 day weekend! ;)

As if you needed more reasons to read The Writer, here is Maria's Page 69 Trial.

Enjoy!!!




Marisol’s number came up. Maria reached for the phone and answered.

“Hello sister!” She answered jovially.

“Hola.” Marisol was short and curt.

“What’s wrong?”
“Necesitamos hablar, hermana.”

“Why? What do we need to talk about?”

Marisol sighed heavily into the phone. “Tu novia. And I really wish you would speak in Spanish.”

“Why? What difference does it make? Is it because of her? She lives with me now. She’s just in the other room. And you forget, she speaks Spanish, too. Whether it’s in English or Spanish, she will understand just the same.”

“Fine.” Marisol huffed. “There is a problem with her.”

“There is? What’s the problem?”

“She…” Marisol paused for several moments. “She is not right. She is not good. Even Mama says it.”

“What? Why? What isn’t good? What did Mama say?”

“Look at her. She is how much younger than you? She is digging for gold! She is using you.”

“There is no gold digging here as she makes far more money than I.”

“I don’t like it. I don’t trust her.”

“Why? What is there to not like? Why are you distrustful?”

“Even Mama doesn’t like her.”

Maria stood up and began pacing around the room. “You are not answering my questions. Why don’t you like her? I must admit, it’s especially difficult to accept and believe coming from you. You didn’t like Adelaide. Everyone else liked her. You were the only one in the family that did not come to her funeral. So for you to tell me that Stephania is bad is just…unbelievable. Show me – tell me. Give me a good reason why.”

“Look at her background. Look at her job! Can you really respect anyone that does that for a living? She’s a who…”

“Don’t you dare say that word, Marisol! If you knew anything of her or her work, you would know that’s not true.”

“Look at you defending her and rationalizing. Who are you trying to fool? We don’t believe that and you know that you don’t believe that, either.”

“I believe in what I see and what I know. I have seen every image from every shoot she has ever done. There is nothing to defend because there is nothing offensive there.” Maria stopped, and took in a deep breath. “Now, tell me the truth or hang up. I do not need this in my life.”

“Mama doesn’t like her. She said she is too young. She said that she just didn’t like her here. She said that your precious little trophy girlfriend is not right, and that she does not belong in this family. She thinks you are throwing your life away; wasting it on some stupid girl. You are intelligent, she is not.
“So what if she is making more money than you now? Hers is a career that won’t last forever. She’ll use you to support her and her shopping habits or drinking habits or drug habits or whatever have you!”

“Mama said that?”

“Yes.”

“Our mother said all of that? When she and Stephania joked around like two school girls? When Mama told me she was happy to see me with someone again? When Mama hugged and kissed her and told her she loved her when we left? I find that all very hard to believe.”

Marisol took several deep breaths. “We have wanted to say this to you for a while. Meeting Stephania was the last straw for Mama.” There was a long pause. “Maria, Mamá doesn’t like that you’re gay. She doesn’t approve of you being with other women, especially one that is younger than you. She thinks your life is an abomination, and she fears you going to hell when you die.
“She asked me to do this because she does not have the strength to argue. She cries herself to sleep every night and prays for your salvation every morning.
“This needs to stop. For yourself, for your family, for your mother. Please, Maria. Change your ways. Be the good Catholic Mamá raised you to be.”

Maria looked at the phone and shouted, “I am Catholic!”

“Not as long as you’re living that lifestyle. Please. Mamá said she can’t see you until you leave this sinful life.”

“Do not make me choose between my spouse and my family. I can’t do it.”

“You are making that decision as long as you continue to be that way. Don’t come around until she is gone. Neither of you are wanted here.”

There was a click, and then there was silence. A brutal, awful silence. A silence that slashed Maria’s heart in two. A silence that weighed heavily on her shoulders. A silence that strangled her.

Stephania walked into the room; she stopped when she saw Maria standing motionless. “What’s wrong?”

Maria bit her lip, trying not to cry. “Nothing, mi amor. I just need to be alone for a while.”

“Uhhh…okay. If there’s anything you need, tell me.”

“Thank you,” she hacked out the words.

Stephania slowly backed out of the room and left Maria in that deafening, murderous silence.

And our next contestant is...

Happy Thursday, y'all!





It is with tremendous excitement that I announce the next story in the Loving Her series!



Soon to be available is....








The Shelter Director, Jen's story.


She’s one of those people. Shy, quiet, humble. The kind of person that would give you the shirt off her back and then ask you what else you need. Jen is incredibly generous and compassionate. She may not be a movie star, but she’ll treat you like one. She works diligently to help save cats. She sacrifices her life and stability to accommodate her partner. She gives until it hurts, and her reward is a devastating diagnosis. What will her life become? She is one of the most beautiful souls you’ll ever meet; Jen’s story is the sixth amazing tale in the Loving Her series.


Stay tuned, kids! I'll let you know when you get your hands on this awesome story! ;)

Happy reading!