Not Accepting the Status Quo

Greetings, dear readers! I apologize for the tremendous gap in between blogs. Some of you may be aware that my life has taken some incredible twists and turns over the past few months. But, I am back on top and ready to conquer the world AGAIN! ;)



One of the things that I have noticed since moving to this rural area is just how much people, at least around here, are willing to just accept things as they are. I don't know if it's because they don't know any better/any other way of living or if they truly are satisfied with how things are.



For example, there are people around here who will travel up to 3 hours just to go to their vet. Seriously? Seriously. These people may not be the majority, however, the majority around here averages anywhere from 20 min to 1 hour. Now, we're not talking 1 hour stuck in rush hour traffic, people. We're talking regular, open road, 55 mph driving. But that's the way it is around here. There is just nothing here. Things are so spread out, you have to travel. And most people around here simply accept that.



Me? Not so much. I'm a city girl. I'm used to vets and Starbucks on every corner! LOL. In all seriousness, though, I still struggle with the sparseness of life around here. I can't and won't settle for life this way simply because I know of a better way to live (city life, or at least suburbia).



That applies to everything in my life. Not one to just accept the fact that NY didn't allow marriage equality, I made sure my voice was heard. Then NY passed the marriage equality bill. Now, I know it wasn't all due to me. That's not my point. My point is, I didn't accept the status quo and I helped to bring about a positive change.





I do the same with my writing. There are too many imperfections in this world. I realize that we will never fully fix them. but I can still mke sure I help to bring about more positive change by not accepting the status quo in my writings.





In Loving Her, there is not one character who doesn't fight to bring about change in her life one way or another. None of those women will settle for the status quo. They are strong and fiesty. They want more. And you know what? They get more, all because they would not accept life just as it is.






In Unbreakable Hostage, Lareina does not accept her life as a captive at all. Had she settled and just accepted things as they were, there would be no story! She refused to settle, and you get a great suspense story as the result!





In Trajectory, Joe does not settle for his job. He realizes that his status quo is something far greater and darker than he can stand. He brings about changing his whole life by not accepting the dark, morbid life he leads.






In Imperfect (and the up-coming sequel, Impeccable), neither Carol nor Alex accept things as they are. If they had, Carol would never own her own company. Alex would never get sober. They never would have been together due to their own issues, as well as the bigotry an inter-racial lesbian couple faces. But they push on. They challenge themselves and the world around them to see more, to do more, to think more. The end result are two beautiful and powerful stories of love, change, devotion, heartbreak, family. There is tremendous change within these stories, but they also bring about tremendous change in the reader as well!



I, personally, simply cannot accept things as they are. I cannot accept prejudice of any kind. I cannot accept intolerance. I cannot accept the fact that people still label other people. So I don't. And I use my writing as a tool - a vessel - to help others see and hear what I see and hear. For them to think. To be challenged. You never know. Wanting more than the status quo could just be the greatest thing since sliced bread! ;)

The Political Importance of Writing

I have been overly vocal this week about marriage equality in the state of New York. I have not hidden who or what I am. I openly tell people about my partner and our little one. I am not ashamed of who I am. I have nothing to hide.

As a writer, I use my craft to make political statements. I want the world to see how bogus ignorance is. I want the world to know that I am against discrimination of any kind. I think my books do just that.

In keeping with the themes from Imperfect of love, acceptance, tolerance, etc. I would like to share some letters I have written to local newspaper editor as well as my regional state senator who is FOR bigotry and prejudice.


To the Editor:



New York is on the brink of history as a new marriage equality bill has been introduced. Gay marriage is been heatedly debated for years. Bills have been passed three times by the house, but denied by the state Senate.

Whatever your take on gay marriage, there is one argument in favor of gay marriage that no one can deny: commerce.

Let’s face it, economic times are tough. People have been losing jobs since 2008. There is work to be had, but in many areas of our region it is sparse. Personally, it took me about a year to find any kind of work when I moved back to the area. Ironically, we are hard-working people. People want jobs and are in dire need of an income. New Yorkers needs commerce: we need our economy to pick up again.

What does this have to do with the bill for marriage equality? Believe it or not, everything.

With our current standing on gay marriage, thousands of New York residents are going elsewhere to get married. When they return, the state acknowledges the marriage. So they have the same rights. What we as a state don’t have, though, is the money. We are allowing New Yorkers to leave the state and spend their money on ceremonies and receptions elsewhere when we need it right here!

Since New York already recognizes gay marriages from other states and even other countries, nothing is changing politically if the bill passes here. Homosexual citizens will have the same rights that they have now. The only difference is that they can have their ceremonies and receptions here in New York. Imagine how much better our economic situation would be if New Yorkers could spend their money in New York!

It is projected that marriage equality would bring the state $184 million within the first three years alone. The longer we allow all New Yorkers the same rights, the more money we as a state will revenue. Imagine too, that as another state that performs same-sex marriages the income our state will revenue from out-of-state couples seeking political asylum. New York businesses are dying for customers and New York workers need an income. How we could be helping ourselves economically by passing this bill is mind-boggling. The potential income and creation of jobs are astronomical. We cannot deny New Yorkers an income!

For people who fear the religious implications, fear not. Religious institutions will continue to have the right to decide who they will and will not marry. Churches, temples, synagogues – every religion can choose which ceremonies they will perform. You or your place of worship will not be forced to perform a ceremony if for whatever reason, you deem it improper.

Marriage equality does not mean that a homosexual will show up on your doorstep & place a gun to your head forcing you to marry them. Quite the contrary. It allows them to have the same rights as everyone. It allows them to have the same protections as any other married couple. It allows businesses across the state to have a larger income. So in reality, gay marriage in New York is a win-win for all New Yorkers.

If you are tired of seeing your profit margins decrease; or if you have had to close your doors completely; if you have been looking for a job but haven’t been successful considering our current economic climate, I urge you to look again at the benefits of marriage equality for the state of New York. Money, income, jobs. Things that all New Yorkers are looking for. Things that all New Yorkers need. Marriage equality won’t hurt the state of New York, it will help it tremendously.

Let your senator know that you want a job. Tell him that your income is important to you. Show him that state-wide commerce that can revenue millions in a short period of time is too vital to disregard. It is time that we, as New Yorkers, picked ourselves up from our hurt economy and began prospering again.

Joe Griffo is our state senator, and right now he does not want to allow commerce to stay in our state. He wants to deny all of us that $184 million. He refuses to allow more jobs to be created and to have our profit margins increase instead of decrease. Is that what you really want? We cannot afford to bleed out money when we have already lost so much. If you want to keep your job or get one; if you want to see your business prosper, you need to let Senator Griffo know. Show him who you are. Tell him your story. Mail him your statements showing the decline in your business. It is time that he sees that he is actually hurting our region. As our senator, he needs to look out for our best interest. I personally don’t think denying us a flourishing economy is in our best interest. If you agree, tell him. Let him know that he needs to bring commerce back to our region and our state. Tell him that as a business person, you want him to vote for marriage equality in New York so that we can all profit. Contact him today; we cannot afford another day without pay.



Senator Joe Griffo

Legislative Office Building

188 State St.

Room 612

Albany, NY 12247



Phone: (315) 793-9072





Thank you.





Sincerely,

Lauren H.

Resident of District 47, concerned and economically affected citizen of New York

________________________________________________________________________________

A letter to Senator Griffo himself:

Senator Griffo:



My name is Lauren. Two years ago, I met the most incredible person. It didn’t take me long to see the uniqueness in this individual. They were strong, funny, intelligent, incredibly caring – a genuine person. A person like this only comes once in a life time, if you’re lucky.

I knew very quickly that I needed to pack up and move from Las Vegas to up-state NY in order to pursue a love and a life that I had only dreamed of.

I did just that, and it was something I will never regret. In fact, I am happy to announce that we became engaged as of December 7, 2010. There’s only one problem: New York will not allow us to get married here.

Your website says that you are “dedicated to fighting for change.” Sir, it is time that New York changes and allows all of its residents to have equal rights. You need to fight for this change. Change for people like my partner and myself. She and I deserve the right to get married in out home state, not to have to flee to another state as political refugees.

If you listen to the arguments against marriage equality, they are not based on the constitution. The opposition bases their campaign on religion and ignorance. We are not asking anyone to change their religious beliefs. Religion absolutely has its place in life – and in society. However, we live in a democracy, not a theocracy. There needs to be separation of church and state.

Marriage equality is constitutional. Bigotry is not. This is not a luxury. This is a right. Our constitutional right. Though I am by no means a political scholar, I do happen to know that this denial of rights is unconstitutional. The declaration of independence clearly states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” That includes people like me – people like us.

I pay my taxes. I vote. I obey the laws of this country. If I am called to Jury Duty, I go. I do all of these things because they are my obligations as a citizen. I understand the role that I must play in this society. However, I am not given the same rights as a heterosexual, even though my duties and obligations are the same as theirs. This makes absolutely no sense. If I am obligated to our government equally, then our government must be obligated to me equally as well.

Finally, there is one political and economic argument in favor of marriage equality that cannot be denied: commerce. Imagine the revenue that would come if all of us here could marry in our home state. We could spend our money to support New York businesses and help New York workers. The state would benefit greatly from marriage equality just from the revenue alone.

Sir, New York has always been a leading state in this country. We set an example for the rest of America. It is time that we show the world that NY is not a home of prejudice and hatred, but rather of acceptance and equality. It is time for a change. It is time for New York to be a truly equal state. It is time for us to all have equal human rights. Marriage equality is important for society on the whole. If we are truly the land of the free, then we must give all citizens equal rights regardless of gender, color, religion or orientation. Thank you for voting in favor of equality.

The Political Importance of Imperfect

Good Monday evening, fellow readers.

You've heard me talk about the importance of Imperfect. Perhaps it didn't quite resonate with you at the time. Considering the current political state, it is more important than ever that we examine Imperfect not just as a work of literary fiction, but as a political commentary.

DADT has finally been repealed, though the military is still working through everything. President Obama has just announced that DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) is no more. The state in which I currently reside is under a giant microscope for potentially being the next state to allow same-sex marriages.

What does all of this have to do with you and Imperfect?

Everything!

I think it is pretty safe to assume that you have all figured out where I stand on such issues. In case you've missed it, I'm pro EQUALITY.

Anyhoo, Imperfect is VERY political. I BLATANTLY discuss sexism, racism, prejudice against LGBT people and prejudice against HIV/AIDS people. In a time where we as a country need to reflect on what we truly stand for, I put it out there for all the world to see in black and white.

It does not matter what side you stand on. Imperfect speaks to both sides. It makes you think. It challenges your thoughts and ideals. It will move you one way or another.

So read it, people! Allow yourself to become uncomfortable! Allow yourself to be challenged! Allow yourself to think and consider all the options and perspectives! I guarantee you, this book will change your life. Guaranteed. That's pretty bold for me to say. But it is true. So buy it, down load it and read it.

And...don't come to any conclusions just yet. Why? Because there's still Impeccable to come. Once you have read these two books together, you will never be the same. These books are meant to move you, to touch you and to cause you to think. Individually, they both do that. In conjunction with each other, it's like nothing else you've ever read before.

Go on...click here

Finding Your Voice

You've seen me mention a few times now, that every writer has their own voice. What exactly does that mean?



We all speak a certain way. We use specific emphases; structure our sentences just so. We may even speak and write with an accent!

Oh don't get offended. I had to teach my father English. Trust me, I KNOW I've got an accent! LOL



So, what is a writer's voice? It is that sentence structure; those emphases. It is the way we think. The way we perceive the story in our mind that we are trying to put into words. THAT is our voice.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am ridiculously animated. I use hand gestures, voices, accents, the whole nine yards. I grew up in the theatre, what do you expect? I speak as if I'm always on stage. LOL. So, that is my voice. My animation, my accents, my facial expressions - they all create my voice. So does my tendency for short sentences. I tend to write staccato, which means short and choppy. Sometimes, that is a GREAT tool to have. Other times, not so much. So I am learning how to lengthen my sentences, but use the staccato when appropriate.



Don't deny it. You're looking at the monitor all confused wondering what your voice is. I don't know, you tell me. What is your sentense structure like? Are your sentences short and choppy like mine, or are they unending? What words do you find yourself using repeatedly? THAT is your voice.

But just as your voices change with age, so do our writing voices. The more you write, the more you challenge yourself to write in different genres, your voice will change. It will grow. It will evolve.

Bear in mind, as you write that these are written words. Unfortunately for us, our readers miss our animation. They may not emphasize the same part of the sentence that we might. Be sure that when you write, not only do you use your voice, you do so with clarity. An easy way to lose your readers is to be vague or even possibly offensive because the reader took something the wrong way. We've all been there! Who hasn't written or read that e-mail that just gets right under our skin only to find out it wasn't meant like that at all?!



Ok, folks. Write, write, write! Use your unique voice. It adds to color of your story. Just remember to use your voice and to be sure that you're using it the right way. :)

Why Do I Write?

I think it is a safe assumption that we have all wondered why certain people choose certain career paths.



So, thus it is not uncommon that I have been asked, "Why do you write?"

Why do I write? Good question!


Well, I write because I just do. Ok, that was a crappy answer. But it is partially true. Just as every person has thing(s) that come naturally to them (and thus they are naturally inclined to do such activities), I'm inclined to write because it's just in my nature.

I also write because expressing myself through words in poetry, creating characters and stories has always been my outlet for self-expression. I can release my anger, let out my tears, scream in total silence and create my ultimate utopia or live in my darkest fears. It helps me to escape. It helps me to move forward when I experience a trauma or heart break. Writing brings me to my zen place.


As I said in yesterday's blog, my characters are all a reflection of me in someway (some in ways I didn't even describe yesterday). So, writing helps me to understand myself. It helps me to grow and improve as a person. It makes me a better me.

I try to write in as many genres/styles/formats as I can. I think it's important to continually push myself, pursue new things and see all the various ways that words can paint a picture. I am by no means a good poet, but I still write poetry. I have NOTHING on Emily Dickinson.
But that doesn't mean I shouldn't write poetry.

I'd love to think of my books as artistic creations that will stand the test of time like the Pyramids, but they're not.

The truth is, my novels are contemporary fiction. They are my creations. Do I view them as art? I view them as self-expression. Self-expression can be just that, or it can in fact be art. I'll let you decide that one. Regardless, my books are my statements to the world whether they are read by one person or a million. They reflect my experiences, my opinions. I highly doubt they'll change the world, but I am still letting my voice be heard in some way.


So, why do I continue to write poetry, novels, short stories, blogs, and more? Because I can. Because I am honored to hold the title of "scribe, story teller, writer."
(That's Thoth, the Ancient Egyptian God of Scribes) ;)