A to Z II - D is for Devotion

We are now on the fourth day of my personal A to Z challenge. Day 4 means the letter D. D stands for devotion.

Devotion takes a few forms in Trajectory.

First off, there is the devotion between Joe and Claudette. Despite the giant impasse of children, the two are incredibly devoted to each other. Claudette continues to take care of Gertrude while Joe is away. Joe's heart is completely devoted to her, even with the introduction of Michael.

There's also Joe's devotion to his work. Joe is a cop, through and through. It's all he knows how to do, how to be, and how to live. His off-time is spent training and shooting, and simply improving himself and his skills as a member of the SWAT team. Joe does nothing half-heartedly, and that very much shows in his devotion to his work.

On the flip side of that is his team's devotion to him. The SWAT team is very close. By nature, they must work as one unit. Communication is imperative, trust is a requirement. They rely on him as much as he relies on them. They are devoted to him, as he is the eyes that keeps them safe. Every member of the SWAT team respects and highly regards him. This is one team that is truly devoted to one another.

You could even say there is some devotion between Michael and Joe. Though their relationship is a most unusual one, they both look out for each other. There is a sense of devotion, albeit a strained one.

So devotion is a strong theme in Trajectory. It takes on many forms, and it very much encompasses the various relationships on Joe's life. D is for devotion.

A to Z Challenge - D is for Different

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!

D is for Different.

The Good Pirate, Robert is different from anything else I have ever written. It's first person, and it's fantasy. It is unlike anything you've ever read from me in the past.

I think that it's good to challenge ourselves artistically. This story has evolved in its uniqueness and differences, and to me, that's even better.

This story truly is different. It's different from my other work, but it's also unlike anything you've ever read before. It's got a wonderful message while keeping you highly entertained.

When The Good Pirate, Robert hits the press, you'll want to grab your copy immediately!

Check back tomorrow. It's the letter e, and you don't want to miss it!

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 4 (D)

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 4, which means the letter of the day is D.

D is for devotion. Devotion is a theme that runs through the entire story, and in a few different ways.

First off there is the devotion between Corinne and Darryl. Through thick and in, tours and stationing, they travel the world together. Even when Darryl is on the other side of the Earth, Corinne patiently and devotedly waits for his return.

Agnes and Margaret are incredibly devoted to each other. Despite social stigmas and bigotry, their love and devotion never waivers.

Then there's Corinne devotion to Agnes, Margaret, and the piano. As Corinne learns the story of her home's past, she becomes deeply connected to Agnes and Margaret. The piano suddenly takes form as a living tribute to them. Even though she has no background or experience in piano refinishing, Corinne takes on the daunting task of revitalizing the piano. It is painful and difficult to say the least, but she remains devoted to the project and sees it all the way through.

Devotion takes on many forms in Pianissimo. Even when things are at their most difficult, if we remain devoted, the outcome is well worth it. Pianissimo reminds us of that.

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 - Devotion

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


D is for Devotion.

My grandfather was the embodiment of devotion. Married to my grandmother for over 70 years when he passed, he was still as madly in love with her as they day he married her.

He was devoted to his work. He started working at fifteen and didn't fully retire until he was about 80. His hard work and perseverance paid off. A self-made man, he worked his way up the corporate ladder from mail room to CEO.

He was devoted to his family. He always made time for us. He played with us, took care of us, supported us, educated us. He gave us everything we needed and then some. He was more than just a provider. He was a devoted family man.



Devotion is of the utmost importance nowadays. In a society where we emphasize looking out for number one, we have forgotten the importance of devotion to others. You cannot have a marriage or partnership without devotion. You cannot have a family without devotion. Without some sort of devotion, all of our relationships would wither and die.

My books are about characters who are devoted to their lovers, friends and families. These characters understand true devotion because I had the best role model to draw from.


D is for devotion.

D: Dance

Some of you may know that I am a former dancer, dance instructor and choreographer.




I love dance. I love every form of dance. I love lines, shapes and movement. Dance is living art. It is a moving sculpture. For years, I expressed myself through dance. If I didn't have the medical conditions I have today, it is very likely that I would still be dancing today.



Dancing is a freedom that goes beyond description. If you want to know how it feels to fly, dance.




I could look at images of dancers endlessly.


Is it any wonder that Liz from Loving Her is one of my favorite characters?



Dance, dance, dance!