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Sunday Songs and Writing

I am sitting at the Murray Grove Retreat Center in Lanoka Harbor, NJ. For those who have NOOOO idea where that is or what it is CLICK HERE ..but come back. I am listening to the music of  Mthakathi. That is the Zulu name of this New Jersey AWESOME singer/songwriter.

He sings in English and Zulu and his songs are stories.

I associate songs to my life and the life of my characters. It is how I became so connected to the Jersey music scene. Mthakathi's music is rooted in the blues of the South African blues.

What music do you listen to? Are there songs that, as a reader or a writer, are there songs that remind you of your favorite characters?

Review: Fyre Dark Dreams. Book One by Nicolette Godlove

Author Synopsis

The note said: Dreams can bring happiness, but force them into reality and there’ll be Death.

I feel his presence. My senses race. My life has been plagued by strange and unfortunate events. At first I thought it was random, but I’ve discovered it was by wicked design. All this time I’ve masked my intense supernatural abilities, in hopes of leading a normal life. But now I’ve stumbled upon the resting place of a powerful immortal and awakened more than just a slumbering dark prince.

Evil has left the shadows, and pursues my rare power, a power I’m only beginning to understand. I refuse to go down easy. This darkness that hunts me has no idea what I’m capable of, hell, neither do I. But something has woken within me. They want my head. They’re gonna get more than they bargained for.

Kai Fyre has always been a little different. Now a young woman rooming with her friend, Maleek, she is  haunted by dreams of a wicked but seductive man.  When she is drawn to a crypt in the neighborhood cemetery she finds the undead body of the man of her dreams, Darien.

He goes from consuming her blood to sexual attraction in a heartbeat, and yes this vampire has a heartbeat. The story twists a bit and there is some vague threat and reference to Darien’s love from his human life.

I would have liked to see more consistent characters in development and behavior. While Kai is the best realized the rest, including Darien do not grab me. Maleek in particular seems to exhibit varying emotions that seem more based on what is needed in a scene then as part of her underlying personality and history.

There are too many unresolved issues in this story. In a series, certain things related to longer term character or story development should be left partially unresolved. In this novel there is no sense that any key plot points are resolved. It left me without some feeling of satisfaction.

I am a huge supporter of self and small press authors. I am one and an editor as well. The reality is that to be considered half as good as traditionally published authors, we must work twice as hard. The eBook version I read contained formatting issues which only added to the less than smooth flow and development of the novel.

There is a diamond in the rough here and I hope that Ms. Godlove continues to write and develop her craft. The beauty of modern publishing is that novels are never cast in stone and can growth and change with the author.

Storyteller’s Grove give Fyre: Dark Dreams 3-1/2 triskeles

      






FYRE Dark Dreams is the first book of the series, based off of a slew of dreams and nightmares experienced by the author. It is available on Amazon.

 A lover of all things strange, N. M. Godlove plans to expand the genre of this series and create a cross-over into new realms. Follow @FyreBooks  on Twitter www.facebook.com/fyre.book N. M. Godlove lives in NJ with her husband. infant daughter and four-legged child Lily. 

Nicolette Godlove Brings Fyre to the Grove! An Interview

Today we welcome Nicolette Godlove, author of Fyre:Dark Dreams. I first met Nicolette when she was interviewed by Danny Coleman on his radio show Rock on Radio, a distinction I share. I invited her here to chat about her new novel, writing and herself.

Author's Blurb The note said: Dreams can bring happiness, but force them into reality and they’ll be death. All this time I’ve masked my intense supernatural abilities, in hopes of leading a normal life. But now I’ve stumbled upon the resting place of a powerful immortal and awakened more than just a slumbering Dark Prince.

Evil has left the shadows and pursues my rare power. This darkness that hunts me has no idea what I’m capable of, Hell, neither do I. But something has woken within me. They want my head? They’re gonna get more than they bargained for.

  

Storyteller’s Grove: So Nicolette, tell us about yourself and what brought you to writing?

Nicolette Godlove: I’ve always been a storyteller. Since I was very little, I’d entertain my friends with detailed stories or games that I just made up. We’d live different lives and go on crazy adventures in my back yard. Even our Barbie & My Little Pony dolls had intricately woven lives. And when we got bored with that, I’d make up new ones.

.

In High School, I had this intensely vivid dream that seemed to go on forever about these two star-crossed lovers from very different worlds. It was so realistic & emotional, I woke in tears. That week, while sitting in one of my classes listening to the teacher drone on, I decided to write down the dream. This was the beginning of Fyre: Dark Dreams. I even incorporated my paranormal experiences & nightmares into the series. I figure, I have them, why not use them? They’ve made for a very interesting addition.

SG: Share with our readers a little about your book.

NG: Fyre: Dark Dreams is book one of the series and introduces the burdened life of Kai Fyre. She’s born with intense, possibly limitless, supernatural powers that she doesn’t quite know how to use yet. Her family ignores her abilities, acting as if they don’t exist, & she attempts to do the same; to fit in. Unfortunately when you have bright purple eyes; people seem to notice that. On top of it all, Kai’s dreams are riddled by a strange man with sharp fangs & blazing blue eyes that seem to glow even in the light.

In Middle School, Kai discovers the gruesome murder of her best friend, Chloe. When she learns some truth behind the Chloe’s untimely death, Kai briefly loses control of her power, just long enough to do something terrible. She tries to keep everything quiet after that & lays low in High School.

After College graduation, Kai decides to move to a quaint historic little town in Rhode Island called Albyn’s Wallow with her college friend Maleek. She hopes to start a new life here, one where people don’t know of her past. She begins to notice that the folks of the little town seem a bit strange; they look at her like they can see right through her, but why?

One evening, Kai takes a stroll & ends up at the old town cemetery where she stumbles upon an ancient crypt with strange markings etched in, yet the date of death is clawed from recognition. She enters the crypt & ends up waking Darien, a centuries-old vampire prince who’d been attempting to sleep through his own troubled past. The two feel an instant connection.

Suddenly all the wicked creatures of the dark realm are on the hunt for Kai & her rare powers. Unsure of the reason, all she can do is attempt to stay alive. She knows she’s falling deeply for Darien but is cautious of his secretive nature. He’s hiding something big, but what could it be?

Eventually Kai learns that the man she’s giving herself to could very well be the one pulling the strings. It’s kill or be killed in a fight for life & love, but could you harm the very man you’re fighting for?

SG: What made you choose to self-publish your book?

NG: The traditional publishing world is difficult to understand on your own & there are hundreds of thousands of writers attempting to make it in the same genre. It’s a crap-shoot. I just decided that I wanted to try it on my own instead of being lost in a sea of queries, attempting to be read by just one agent.

I plan to continue my attempts at traditional publishing as it is a dream of mine, however self-publishing alone is quite an accomplishment that I hope to be successful with.

SG: Now for the fun part of the interview. I’ve got some unusual questions now.

SG: What’s your sign? How do you think it affects your writing?  

NG: I’m an Aries/Taurus cusp. I think this adds to the heat & emotion of my writing. Aries, being a fire sign, are headstrong, lively, confident & often perceived as fearless. They are leaders & have a strong curiosity for things, which can sometimes get them into trouble. Taurus is known for determination, focus, & persistence. They aren’t easily upset, but look out when they are. They are extremely strong willed & can take on a lot of stress. Some joined traits of my cusp are independence, stubbornness & loyalty; they will stand by you forever if you’ve earned a place in their hearts. Lovers of nature & beauty, they are their best when surrounded by art & sites that have meaning to them. I think all of this can be found within my writing & character traits LOL. If you read the book, you will notice.

SG: What do you love about writing? Hate?

NG: I love writing because it’s all your own. It comes from within & no one can take it from you. The only thing I dislike about it, is that sometimes people can be cynical, so you have to be careful while also not losing your voice.

SG: What do you love to drink?

NG: I enjoy drinking Dragon Oolong tea when I write. It seems to clear my mind & bring forward my thoughts.

SG: Are you more of a hunter or a gather?

NG: This is actually a tough question LOL. I have the heart & will of a hunter, but I don’t want to hurt any animals; I have some sort of crazy respect for the wild. So I guess I’ll have to say gatherer. I’d probably give a deer my last apple instead of killing it for my dinner!

SG:  If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why?

NG: Fruity Pebbles . . . need I say more LOL!!

SG:  Do you believe in Bigfoot?

NG: Absolutely. We can’t be the only crazy creatures in the world, so why not?

SG: If you were 80 years old, what would you tell your children?

NG: Regret nothing. Take chances. Life’s too short to wait. If you want to do something, do it. Don’t wait to see what it could’ve been, make it happen. No matter what the outcome, it will be worth it to say you’ve made the attempt.

Thanks for stopping by...read on to learn more!

 Nicolette is married to the most wonderful man who she started dating at 16 and has been with ever since. We live in good ol’ NJ with our white Cocker Spaniel, Lily, who’s been their first four-legged child for 9 years now. Yes, she’s spoiled LOL. She is currently expecting their first two-legged child in the first week of May.

You can get your copy or follow Nicolette at the following sites:

Website:  http://fyrebooks.com/

Amazon Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Fyre-Dark-Dreams-Volume-1/dp/0615936083/

Video Trailer:  http://youtu.be/G2y3ABVQ4AU

Twitter:  follow @Fyrebooks https://twitter.com/FyreBooks

FaceBook:  like at https://www.facebook.com/fyre.book

Guest Blogger, Danny Coleman Interviews Peter Dabbene, book reviewer, writer and creator of the graphic novel, Ark

This week we welcome again, Danny Coleman as our guest blogger. Last week, Danny took us inside a NaNoWriMo write-in. This week, he shares with us a recent interview with Peter Dabbene, book reviewer, writer and graphic novelist to talk about his graphic novel, Ark.

Take it away, Danny and Peter!

“Most people’s experience with comic books is that it’s meant for kids; kids get older and still like comic books,” says author, graphic novelist and Hamilton resident Peter Dabbene. “The comic book companies realized that it’s still ok to read comics as an adult, so they began publishing graphic novels.”

By definition, a graphic novel is “a novel in the form of comic strips,” and Dabbene, a Staten Island native, recently published his first; a space age suspense thriller entitled “Ark.” 

Set years into the future and based on a premise that there are other planets which are inhabitable in the vast

realm of outer space, “Ark” brings together human and “meta-human” beings aboard a space craft to carry out a long and arduous mission to seek new planets, solar systems and life. Meta-humans are creatures, whom are the result of crossbreeding experiments by world scientists and governments between the human, animal, plant and insect species.

The novel has several plot twists and turns and is rife with foreshadowing, which only serves to heighten the suspense and drama that Dabbene masterfully intertwines within its pages.

Recently I caught up with Peter for an informative Q & A about himself, graphic novels and the comic industry. An extremely pleasant conversationalist, as well as informative and funny, he easily opened up to me and was more than willing to talk about his passion.

Danny Coleman: Have you always been or was there another vocation for you prior to becoming a graphic novelist?

Peter Dabbene: “I am actually a book reviewer. I’ve always liked to write, in the past I’ve written poetry, plays, and short stories; the beauty of it is, there are things that you can do with one but not the others.  Being a reviewer, I get to make money off of something that I like to do; it’s great because I’ve really found some hidden gems in some of my work that I never would’ve known of.”

DC:   How did you gain interest in writing a graphic novel?

PD: “I grew up in Staten Island and moved to Hamilton about fifteen years ago. As a kid I had an interest in and started reading comic books. I was about five when the original “Star Wars” came out, Marvel Comics put out more on that series and I kept reading, then I branched out into Superheroes. As I got older my tastes changed and I advanced to the graphic novel type.” 

DC: Tell us about the concept behind “Ark?”

PD: “I don’t know really. I wanted to do something Science Fiction and this story developed over time; I take a lot of notes. I like tension, drama, people trapped in one place and the interpersonal tensions that develop. “Ark” has a few moments of humor but it’s also a fast paced thriller.”

DC: You mentioned that it developed “over time,” how long did it take from the original concept to completion and what is the average time length that it takes for a project such as this?

PD: “You know, I couldn’t tell you an average time. It took me about a year; well it’s been in the works for about four years, I took my time over the last year working up the script. So yeah, it took about four years once everything was in place.”

DC: You had to choose an illustrator/artist; can you talk about that process?

PD: “I looked for quite a while. I went the standard route, put up ads at comic shows, asked around and the like, I finally found him on line. He actually lives in the UK and his name is Ryan Bayliss. I have yet to meet him face to face but I did hear his voice for the first time when we did a podcast for a Scottish web site. We’ve worked together for a while now and we know each other, trust each other and have built a good relationship; we just let each other go with it creatively.”

DC: What can you tell me about the characters in the novel?

PD: “That’s a good question. The ensemble was created so that you don’t know who the main character is. The main character tends to stay on for the whole story as opposed to secondary ones who get killed off early or fade away. I designed them to keep you more interested in the story, wanted the reader to wonder; I throw in random elements to stamp them as my own, I like readers to be surprised. First I decided to make it the Captain, then I was not sure but I think I settled on Harmony Smith.”

DC: Is there a target audience and a marketing strategy?

PD: “My publisher, Arcana Publishing handles most of the marketing; they’re on the west coast. I’d say our audience is probably older teens but mostly adults. Fans of “Star Trek” or “Babylon 5” are most likely to get into this type of novel but if people like to read and give it a chance; they may like it.”

DC: Will there be a follow up to “Ark?”

PD: “I’m currently working on a different graphic novel using the same artist; it’s called “The Adventures of Spam Fram. It is based on virtual worlds that people use for entertainment like an avatar or Sims. Arcana have contracted me for three total books, so there will be two more in the series. Once I’m done with the new novel I will return to the “Ark” series.”

Arcana Publishing has priced the digital version of Dabbene’s “Ark” at $4.99 and the print edition is available for $19.95. Along with it being available at www.arcana.com and at some comic bookstores; it can also be found at Amazon.com.    

Peter Dabbene’s poetry has been published in many online and print literary journals, and collected in the book Optimism. His stories can be found online at www.defenestrationmag.net,  www.mcsweeneys.net,  www.piginpoke.com, www.wordriot.org, and elsewhere, and his comic book work can be seen in the graphic novel Ark and the magazine Futurequake. He has published two story collections, Prime Movements and Glossolalia, and a novel, Mister Dreyfus' Demons. His latest book is the humor collection Spamming the Spammers (with Dieter P. Bieny). He writes a monthly column for the Hamilton Post(viewable at www.mercerspace.com/blog/pdabbene) and reviews for BlueInk Review and Foreword Reviews His plays have been performed in New Jersey and Philadelphia venues. His website is www.peterdabbene.com

Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program

called “Rock On Radio,” which airs Sunday evenings at 10 p.m. EST, on it he features indie/original bands, solo and unsigned artists and entertainers in a laid-back atmosphere. There are live performances, interviews, phone calls and interactive chat rooms as well. He has been a guest on many radio and television programs. You can find Danny, his radio show and his writings at the links below and his weekly print column can be found in The Trentonian newspaper:

Rock On Radio Facebook Page                                              Concertblogger.com

The Rock Rag                                                                         The Shore Thing

NaNoWriMo: One Man's Perspective with Guest Blogger Danny Coleman

Today we welcome Danny Coleman as our guest blogger. Danny is an accomplished journalist and radio personality. Last month, he was invited to his first NaNoWriMo write-in. As many NaNoWriMo participants review their accomplishments and ponder next steps, we hope this post will re-ignite your passion to edit and publish.

November is National Novel Writers Month, more commonly known as “NaNoWriMo.” When first heard, the anagram possibly sounds like language from a strange planet, or perhaps more like a line spoken by Robin Williams in the old “Mork and Mindy” television series; rest assured it is neither.

According to its own web site, “NaNoWriMo is a fun seat-of-your pants approach to creative writing.” Every year, beginning on November 1 and running thru November 30, people from all walks of life and professions are encouraged to take on the challenge of writing a 50,000 word novel over the course of those thirty days. Skilled, unskilled, amateur or professional writers are all welcome to “hunker down” and push themselves towards the finish line in this truly unique literary experience.

The Central New Jersey “WriMos” are one of five “NaNoWriMo” regions and are led by Bridgewater resident Bill Patterson and Richenda Gould of Plainsboro; two very enthusiastic writers in their own right and known as the Municipal Liaisons. From their vantage point at the Hopewell Branch of the Mercer County Library in Pennington, the duo sits amongst their fellow writers and would be novelists, urging them on through various activities like “write- ins” and “word wars.” “You wouldn’t think it because we’re in a library but this really is like a social event,” said Gould.

On this particular day, there were ten participants, a tad higher than the seven to eight that has so far been the daily average. Patterson, a married father of two boys, was the focus of the day’s event as he was the self-imposed “Monkey in the Box.” Putting in an eight hour shift with one fifteen minute break per hour, Patterson accepted the task of writing 10,000 words during that time frame. “I’m averaging about 1,400 per hour,” he said. “The only difference is that I’m writing and all of my words are being projected on a big screen so that everybody can read them, hence, I am the Monkey in the Box. I am under a microscope; it’s a challenge but fun.” “Yes it’s a true public forum,” chimed in Gould. “His written words projected on the big screen for all the people to see, we hope it’s inspiring.” I was afforded the opportunity to participate in an hourly guessing game; guess the total number of words that Patterson will write during the current hour and get to name a character in one of his novels. I came within a hundred words but was bested by another in attendance.

The clicking sound of furious fingers tapping away on laptops was quietly deafening as each would be author applied generous amounts of pressure to themselves to reach their word goal. Pennington resident Shelley Seymour, a married mother of two daughters, real estate referral agent, blogger and self-published author has written five previous novels and got her start because of “NaNoWriMo.” “I’m from Canada,” said Shelley. “I was educated through the graduate level in English Literature from Ottawa Canada where I took creative writing, this event, “NaNoWriMo” got me into this. I’ve now got my own publishing company and I’ve done it pretty much on my own. I figured a literary agent, even with a good one, major publishing companies only accept one out of every twelve hundred to two thousand books; I’ve published five on my own and I got started at an event like this.”

Sarah Sensenig, 29, a married vocal music teacher and like Seymour, a Pennington resident, has only begun writing in the last three months. Sarah is penning a “Dystopian Sci-Fi Romance” because it’s her favorite genre. “My husband is a music teacher at Pennington School; I graduated from Princeton’s Westminster Choir College and my mom was a writer, she wrote a book when I was in third grade and she used to make me read all the time. I never minded because I love to read, I did then and still do now. I started writing for fun and I got hooked. I’ve attended a writing workshop here at the library and decided to come back for “NaNoWriMo.” This is a great thing, I’m glad that I’m doing it.”

Former journalist and Hopewell Township resident Susan Swords, a married mother of one daughter and currently employed by the State of New Jersey was attending her first “NaNo.” “I’ve been writing creatively for about four or five years now, my first job was that of a newspaper reporter, quite a difference in styles. In my journalism days I had to rely on facts and relaying things accurately; as a novelist I can just let it flow. The difference is that I can embellish my work now, I’m not held to the facts.” Swords is writing a “Sci-Fi novel about a girl’s journey, who during its course, keeps getting randomly transported in time without warning,” a “Kind of scary but good undertaking.” “I wrote 3,500 words today but to look at a blank screen, knowing you have a word quota, can be intimidating. I am enjoying every bit of this; I can get something done that I never thought that I’d be able to do and the program gives you tons of support.”

Librarian Ross Holley, 22, participated in “NaNo” in high school and enjoys seeing the writers come and go. “I’ve been a librarian for the last seven years and I’m currently in Grad School, so my time is limited but if it wasn’t, I’d be right with them. I love seeing it drive extra traffic to the library, love the write-ins; it’s always good to have something going on here.”

According to Patterson, he has big plans for the Central New Jersey Region “WriMos,” “I registered for my first “NaNo” in 2007. During the registration process an entire plot, seemingly all 50,000 words came to me, I thought, I can do this. From there I became more involved and eventually thought, why not? I became the Municipal Liaison for Central Jersey Region and when I teamed up with Shen it just got better. I want to have a “Write All Night” where we get going around 6 p.m. and finish at 6 a.m. I want a large venue where we can have a huge group of writers take part. I want this in addition to the smaller library sessions. That’s my job, I dream big and Shen makes it happen!”

To obtain more information about “NaNoWriMo” or the Central Jersey Region, please go to www.nanowrimo.org or www.facebook.com/cnjwrimos.

Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program called “Rock On Radio,” which airs Sunday evenings at 10 p.m. EST, on it he features indie/original bands, solo and unsigned artists and entertainers in a laid-back atmosphere. There are live performances, interviews, phone calls and interactive chat rooms as well. He has been a guest on many radio and television programs. You can find Danny, his radio show and his writings at the links below and his weekly print column can be found in The Trentonian newspaper:

Rock On Radio Facebook Page                                              Concertblogger.com

The Rock Rag                                                                         The Shore Thing

Life in the New Jersey Mob with some Rock and Roll. A review of The Boss Always Sits in the Back

Move over Tony Soprano and Michael Corleone, the real Boss is in town. No, I don’t mean Bruce Springsteen, either. Last month I had the pleasure of meeting Jon D’Amore at the To Be Continued bookstore in Metuchen, NJ. He was there to do a reading from his novel, The Boss Always Sits in the Back.

Mr. D’Amore’s memoir recounts his early years as the cousin and godson of Gerald “Jerry” D’Amore, underboss to Rocco Casciano, then boss of Lucky Luciano Family. How even as the outside rock and roller in the family, he was drawn into life in the Mafia. A story that spans the decades and crosses the country from the unions and waterfronts of Hudson County, NJ to the glamour and decadence of Las Vegas to Hollywood, where Jon’s uncle was the famed owner of Patsy’s, the hangout of celebrities like Frank Sinatra.  Make no mistake, Mr. D’Amore does not gloss over the downside of the mob and the violent punishment meted out for breaking the rules of la familia. A violence that he was to witness personally.

Okay, disclaimer time: I am a Jersey girl, in fact I grew up in Hudson County where I lived until age 17. I still

reside in New Jersey. While I did not move in Mr. D’Amore’s circles, I have my own family lore about my grandfather and others in the days of Prohibition and Mayor Frank Hague (google him for a lesson in political machines). But it was part of the culture, if you grew up in Jersey City, Bayonne, Union City,Secaucus or the surrounding towns. So for me the personalities, the street savvy, the locales in New Jersey all resonate.

The Boss Always Sits in the Back is a great read. Mr. D’Amore’s style is such that you feel as if you are sitting around the kitchen table drinking homemade wine and listening to his story. It is an easy, intimate voice that makes you feel like an insider.  According to Mr. D’Amore, he had to wait this long until some were dead, incarcerated or had left New Jersey never to return. Even then, he sought permission from those who

mattered to the story. When you read the book, you’ll understand why.
In addition to his life in the Mob, he touches on his career as a successful session musician, which I’m sure would make an interesting book of its own.

This is well-written and edited book with enough sex, violence, family loyalty and humor to go around.  I have not read a mob story since The Godfather and am not a Real Housewives/Mob Wives fan, but I can safely assure fans of all that you will enjoy every page.

I rate The Boss Always Sits in the Back 5 triskeles:

         

Biography

It was the 1960s. The place was Hudson County, New Jersey...a tunnel ride away from midtown Manhattan. Jon was first published at 10. A story he'd written about the Civil War was transformed into a mimeographed book and distributed throughout the county school system. He went on to write for the school newspaper. Also at that time the pre-teenager began studying the guitar, leading him to hone his love and knowledge of music...and the art of composing.
In a logical progression, he graduated school, played in club bands, opened for touring acts and by his mid 20s was traveling cross-country as a session musician.

While touring during the 1970s, Jon was also a feature writer for New Jersey's 3rd largest newspaper, The Herald News, simultaneously allowing him to enjoy the best of his favorite worlds; Playing rock & roll...and writing.

In 1985, Jon found a different side of life. He said, "Goodbye and it's been a slice!" to the music business and got a job in the corporate world.  By 1999, another change was about to take place. For more than two decades Jon knew that within him there was the desire and ability to write...it's just that New Jersey wasn't the place to do it.

So he drove to Los Angeles...and stayed.
He started writing as soon as he arrived...and didn't stop until the manuscript and screenplay for "The Boss Always Sits In The Back" were completed.

Jon's writing has received rousingly enthusiastic industry response, and he is currently waiting for the check that's supposedly in the mail.

Jon continues to reside in California...and writes all the time.

The Boss Always Sits in the Back is available autographed in paperback or hardcover by clicking here. It can also be purchased at To Be Continued Bookstore and Boutique in Metuchen, NJ You can also follow Mr. D’Amore on Facebook or learn more about him on his website.

Vampires and Shapeshifters to Help Kick Cancer Overboard

Self-publishing my first, but not last, novel, Dark Dealings has been a dream come true. It has open the door to so many new experiences and brought some many wonderful new people into my life.  Yesterday was a great day. I did my first radio interview with Krista-Lynn on her blogtalk program. We had a terrific chat and I look forward to doing others in the future.  You can listen to the recorded show here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tickleyoursoultalk/2012/06/27/dlight-nj-w-author-karen-victoria-smith#.T-sZxwyJkXc.facebook   At the end of this show, I made some big announcements that I will share with you today.

One of the things I have looked forward to being able to do was to use my work to support causes near and dear to my heart. Now I can!

Throughout the month of July, 50% of my royalties from Dark Dealings, from any platform (eBook or print) will be donated to:

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Kick Cancer Overboard is a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a very simple mission: To give away FREE cruises, to people whose lives have been affected by cancer. During this annual cruise, their main concern is NOT how to pay for their next medical bill, but whether to play bingo, get a massage or sing karaoke all night long.

Because of the overwhelming support from many local businesses, Kick Cancer Overboard has been able to sponsor 57 people to date, and offer them a well-deserved break on a beautiful cruise ship. You can view their stories at www.kickcanceroverboard.org.

Anybody affected by cancer can submit their request for a free cruise (on the KCO website). A committee will review the entries on a regular basis and choose the most deserving cancer fighters.

The actual second annual cruise was on 5/19/2012 and KCO was able to sponsor 45 people to sail for free, along with 53 that paid their own way, to support this worthy cause (and take advantage of a great vacation at the same time. Next year’s cruise will be on 5/25/2013. “Our goal is simple”, Friedli says, “to fill the ship with cancer fighter and survivors, their friends, family and supporters – and celebrate life! 

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We have all been touched by cancer in one way or another and have seen not just the physical toll it takes of the fighters and their family but the emotional, psychological, and spiritual toll it also takes.  To replenish the spirit help, I believe in the mind-body connection important to winning the battle.

As part of that, I will also be doing my first book signing on July 18^th from 6-9 PM at the Draft House at 100 Brighton Ave, Long Branch NJ. If you are in the area or have friends or family in the area who would like to attend, please contact me at threeworldsproductions@gmail.com for additional details. 

Even if you cannot attend, but have been considering purchasing Dark Dealings, check out the links to the right of this post to read the first three chapters and purchase options for a great read (4.3/5.0 stars) and to help Kick Cancer Overboard. 

Hurricanes and Change

Thursday Thoughts: Hurricanes and Change

If you haven’t realized yet, I am a writer.  For meager evidence, check out the excerpts to your right. During the day I work in the financial industry, a place I have worked for most of my career.  I have also been a teacher and owned a gourmet shop. I am married and have two almost grown children. Most of this while living in New Jersey. Hey watch it, no Jersey jokes.  What does any of this have to do with hurricanes?

Hurricanes are forces of nature and are highly unpredictable.  Here on the East coast of the United States we are watching the progress of Hurricane Irene. This after much of the Northeast felt the effects of the strongest earthquake in 67 years. I know southern California readers, it would be a yawner for you, but what would you do if three feet of snow fell on LA? The path a hurricane takes can mean all the difference between a disaster, a hard rain of a shower. When you are in the path of a hurricane, you need to prepare and be ready to adapt.  Windows need to be boarded up; evacuation may be necessary. If evacuation is advised, go! Not following great advice from experts under any circumstances is an invitation to disaster.

There are lessons to be learned from the forces of nature.  Life is about change, sometimes it is gentle, like a soft spring rain and sometimes it is a hurricane. Either way, it is about preparation and adaptation.

My change is everywhere. If you’ve read my last two posts, my daughter is moving to New York City, a place I lived when I was the same age.  This is gentle change, by and large, as long as we ignore the moments of twenty-something angst.

I work in the banking industry. I won’t say for whom because. while I want blogger followers, I am not the complaint department.  Banking has undergone drastic change in the last few years and continues to change.

I am also a writer. It is no understatement to say that the publishing and bookselling industry is in flux.  Change is happening so fast that it is hard to discern clear trends and directions.  I know that there are many people who are certain of the future and are more than happy to tell you their position ---sometimes endlessly. I am not as certain.  I suspect, and I am ready to admit that I could be wrong, that the final industry model will be a hybrid.  Maybe it is the biology major with a fascination of evolutionary biology and anthropology speaking. Nature abhors vacuums and extremes. 

But what does one do in a period of change and uncertainty---prepare, adapt and persist.  My Irish grandmother always said “You do what you have to do.”  Read, talk to others, share ideas, find a support network (for writers I recommend the folks at #pubwrite on twitter or the PubWrite group page on facebook) but most of all plan a course of action and do not be afraid to alter your course if facts and circumstances change. Do not be caught by surprise whether it is a gentle spring rain or a hurricane. Take charge of change and take charge of your future.

Welcome to Ogham Court: Threads and Theme

                So I was sitting having lunch at the day job, trying to send a message about my current WIP.  The title of the short story that started it was “The Shop on Ogham Court.”  Being from the East coast where we are always in a hurry, I started talking about it in shorthand as just “Ogham Court”.  That triggered a whole word association/stream of consciousness thing.  I thought about Ogham as history, hidden language, cryptic, multiple meanings and foreign.  Court became a string of justice, judging, rules and laws.  Suddenly my WIP began to take on a theme and subtheme.  Parts that I had written took on a new direction.  I think I have found the deeper meaning I need to get the momentum going.

                I had already poked and prodded Nora, the main character, about her past and present circumstances.  She told me a lot about growing up with a moderately successful father and stay-at-home mother.  Living in an affluent town in North Jersey and summering at their beachfront house on Long Beach Island.  She described as moderate, although we would consider it rich.  That’s because her father, she never calls him “Dad” went from moderate success to blockbuster and moved his movie production career and himself to the West Coast and a whole new life.   Mom moved back to the Miami area, where she grew up, and is now a hostess at a South Beach restaurant.

                Nora was “displaced” from her first job out of college and went to help out her elderly Aunt Aine.  Aine owns a little Irish Shop on a fictional street in Tribeca (Ogham Court).  The front of the shop if filled with standard stuff: sweaters, china, crystal and linens.  But as you venture deeper into the store, you find music instruments then ancient statues and the like.  Another part at the rear contains herbs, oils and other medicinals.  All the way in the rear of the shop are rooms, one of which is usually locked.  Aine calls it her tea room.  She goes in there with certain regulars for tea and conversation.

                So Nora has been judged by her employer, she judges her parents.  She has entered Aine’s world  on Ogham Court where the rules and laws are strange and foreign.   It is about to get stranger.

                In the weeks and months to come, I will be sharing some of what develops on Ogham Court and my discoveries about Nora and what the future holds. Perhaps I should pour a cuppa and read her cards?

                Just a side note, Nora, Aine and Devlin (we'll talk about him later) make their first brief appearance in Dark Dealings, my upcoming urban fantasy novel.