A to Z II - B is for Bi

Today, we are focusing on the letter b and the story Trajectory. B is for bi.

Though not discussed in the original short story, Joe is bisexual. By working this into a full-length novel, I am able to address his sexuality, his fears; I also address the complexity of his relationship with Claudette, and how that affects his relationship with a man named Michael.

Joe, just like any other person, is very complex. His sexuality is only one facet of his identity, but it's a facet that he focuses on. I don't want to give anything away, but it is a central topic in this new version. I've always known him to be bi, I just haven't addressed it until now. Becoming a full-length novel, I have the opportunity for him to discuss and explore his identity in a way I couldn't previously do.

You know I have to write LGBT fiction. It's what I do. Joe is my first male lead character, and also my first bi lead character. I think it's really important to discuss bisexual topics, and to address concerns that affect the bi community.

This is Joe's coming out moment. Yes, he's bi. Yes, it is central to his story. Yes, I address it as best I can. The new Trajectory will be another work of mine to help support the LGBT community, and to raise awareness for LGBT issues.

A to Z Challenge - B is for Bird

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

It's time for another A to Z Challenge! This year, I want to tell you about a story that is currently a WIP (work in progress). It's the story I'm writing in honor of my baby lovebird, Robert. It's a fantasy story, but it's really a story about emotional healing. So let's examine it by going through the alphabet!

B is for Bird

Robert was a real bird. A baby Lovebird. He was one in an unexpected clutch from our pair. An encounter with a dog left him with some brain damage. He was a bright little guy, just developmentally slower than his siblings. He charmed his way into the hearts of many as I shared endless pictures and videos of him on Facebook.

He hatched in June of 2015, and passed away unexpectedly in September 2015. I still miss him greatly. Which is why I am writing this story. I hope that once it's complete, this book will honor the wonderful little man that was Robert.

Don't forget to come back to see what the letter c will be!

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 2 (B)

 For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

Today is day two, also known as b-day.


The b is for blossoming. When I initially had the idea for this story, I had no idea how much the main character, Corinne, would blossom as much as she did. I didn't plan for her to have some old critics and demons that she would need to overcome...let alone the fact that she did! She amazed even me!

Even though it may not look like a story about a woman who blossoms, it is actually a great story of self-discovery.

Happy reading!


http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

A to Z '14 - Brilliance

For this year's A to Z Challenge, I am honoring my grandfather who passed away on April 3, 2013.


B is for Brilliance.

My grandfather was brilliant. In more ways than one, he was brilliant. He didn't even graduate from high school, and yet what he accomplished in his life time is the stuff that legends are made of. He was humble, though, too.

His brilliance spurred on our own. He always told us that anything was possible as long as we worked hard. He was right. Diligence pays. Brilliance, or talent, is great; diligence only enhances it.

We are all brilliant, each in our own way. You know how we often use brilliance to describe things like diamonds? That's the kind of brilliance I'm talking about here. You are brilliant like a diamond. I have my own brilliance. We ALL have our own forms of brilliance. Trust me, the wisest man in the world taught me that! ;)



B is for brilliance.

B: Books

Books.



Now we're talking my cup of tea.

I love books.



I have many of them. I would like many more.




I get a high by smelling that new book smell in a book store (dear God, is there any scent better than that?! I think not!). I love big books, little books, blank books, coloring books, new books, old books, your books, my books. Call me a bibliophile, but I simply cannot get enough.




In terms of possessions, they say you can't take it with you. Books are different, though. Books give you memories. Books give you knowledge. Books give you wisdom. Books are the one possession you can (and do) take with you.



Books are simply wonderful.


To me, books are an incredible art form for their potential is limitless. A book may contain words, images, both or nothing at all. Books can be found in many languages, or just in one. Books have so much to offer within their pages. To give a person the gift of a book is to literally place the infinite universe in the palm of their hand.




Books are a blessing! ;)