Guest Post With Author Marissa Carmel

You plan, God laughs.  This is the story of my life.

 

There are ideals and expectations I assume everyone has; whom you will marry, what your career will be like, where you will raise your kids. And yes, I had all those ideologies in my head, except mine were more like, have a career, don't get married and absolutely no kids.  Boy was I wrong. Today I am married with two kids, and living in a state I only passed through on occasion. And my career? Well let’s just say, I have more than one, and I never saw that coming.  Who needs more than one career? Apparently me. To make a long story short, I started my first career as a logistician, yawn, I won’t bore you with the details. The second career came shortly after.

 

I've always loved to write. Always. My imagination constantly runs away with itself, and I am without doubt following it. My best subject was creative writing. So when I would write, it was primarily for me (or a good grade). As time went on though, I found myself imagining more and more and wanting to create, but my life was so busy, and what would it get me anyway? Until one day my mother- in- law dropped a bomb that would change my life. She was talking to one of my husband’s cousins who was complaining about getting her college degree (she was already married with 4 kids. Yikes. I’d be complaining too.) And my MIL, the wise woman that she is simply said, honey, time is going to go by anyway, so you might as well do it. Well, it felt like the sky fell on me. The advice wasn’t even directed at me, but it resonated. I started writing that night. And never stopped.

 

My husband once asked where my creativity comes from, and in return I asked him if he ever heard voices in his head.  His reply, I needed to see a shrink. I told him a keyboard and a curser is the best therapy. I have always loved the supernatural, thanks in part to my mom; Charmed was one of our favorite shows to watch together and still is.  So when I started writing, it only felt natural that it took on a paranormal feel. But I didn't want to write about vampires or werewolves or really anything that had been done. I'm like that; I always tend to steer towards the opposite of popular and then proceed to make fun of it. So I started researching, and brainstorming, and concocting my mix of love, humor and emotion. Liv was already an entity in my head, festering. I'd often imagine a dark haired girl with amethyst eyes, suffering and alone. When I finally established who she really was, and what kind of supernatural elements she would possess, (an Empath-someone who can feel the emotions of others- with active abilities) I asked myself, what would it be like for someone like that to carry the world's emotions? Torrential I thought. What would it be like for her to fall in love? Even worse than torrential.  The story evolved rather quickly after that, but I didn't rush it.  It took me a little over a year to write, over two years to edit. I learned a lot about my writing style during that time, developed my voice and really tried to give it a life-like feel.

 

So here I am almost four years later, a husband, 2 kids, and a home in what feels like a foreign country; a daytime career and a nighttime career, all jumbling together, fighting for a piece of my time. Go hard or go home, my husband and I always joke, if we have a story, it needs a theme and that is it.  I wouldn't change it though, not for anything. Life is nothing, if not a venture - (I have no idea who said that).

 

Hosting Some Groovy Authors!!!

Over the next couple of weeks I'll be hosting several great up and coming authors. Check them out!! You won't regret it.

A Simple Day

  Today was a good day. I woke up to a hot cup of coffee, a cigarette, and an old episode of Futurama. Yes I know, junk food for the brain, but we all have our guilty pleasures. Anyway, I was able to have some peace for a full half-hour. As I looked around I couldn't help but think to myself how sad I would be once everyone was up and my little corner of utopia was invaded.
  As I've grown older, I have noticed that I yearn for peace and quiet more than I once did. Though I love my family, there are times I wish they would disappear for a week or so. I could turn into Al Bundy. There would be no one to tell me what a bum I was being or to take out the trash, do the dishes, help with homework, or any of the thousand menial tasks most of us perform on a daily basis. Hell, I wouldn't even wreck the house...only the living room, because it's unlikely I'd leave it for more than an occasional bathroom break. Yep....paradise.
  It's funny to think about what a good time was for me when I was in my twenties compared to now. My younger self would be appalled by the sight of my lazy backside sunk deep in my recliner, a beer in one hand, a smoke in the other, and a pizza in my lap. I can only imagine what I would say to me...actually I can't. I probably kick my younger self out of my house for disturbing my "vacation".
  I suppose it all stems from the fact that I lived such a wild life as a young man. I don't need or want it anymore. The simpler things are much more appealing to me now. They require less thought and ambition. Besides my writing, parenting and being an overall good family man is all the excitement I need at this stage of my life. Still, there are times the life of a bum calls my name.

Young Love

  What does a teenager know about love? Isn't it a well known fact that more often than not, they confuse it with lust? Isn't it also true that raging hormones cause them to make unwise decisions and their lack of experience leaves them short sighted? Given these things, clearly they have no real concept of love. Then again...perhaps they have a much clearer concept than the so-called adults.
  Without bitterness and exposure to the trails that come with age, it seems to me that young love is pure. It is untainted by the bile experience brings. And though the lust they feel is frowned upon, we spend the rest of our lives trying to feel that way again, if only for a moment.
  This may seem that I'm advocating the sexual promiscuity of minors. Nothing could be further from the truth. All I'm saying is that perhaps we "adults" should be a bit less arrogant when we judge young love, and be a little more understanding.

Article For Online Magazine

For years fans of the fantasy genre have been primarily male, and for good reason. What woman or young girl would want to read about a weak, weepy, damsel in distress, who is in constant need of rescue from the male hero? It's insulting and frankly, uninteresting. Even the cover art was geared towards men. Half-naked, buxom maidens, clinging desperately to the arm of her sword wielding champion. Though this image may appeal to young boys or forty year old adolescence, it is not exactly the type of material you could imagine a teenage girl rushing to the local bookstore to purchase. Moreover, is it the way they would want to imagine themselves? Needy, dependent and weak? Remember, one reason people read fantasy is to escape their daily lives and immerse themselves in a world of wonder, magic and adventure. You see yourself as the hero or heroine, battling demons or weaving spells, saving the world from evil. With that in mind, why would anyone read a genre that tends to portray their gender in ways that are demeaning and inaccurate? The answer is, they would not, and until recently, in large, they have not.

Fortunately, things have changed. With the popularity of books such as The Hunger Games, Eragon, The Harry Potter Series, The Twilight Series, and many more, fantasy is becoming far more appealing to the avid female reader. Fantasy writers are cluing in to the fact that wimpy women do not equal book sales. And in an industry where there are literally thousands of products to choose from, that's what it really boils down to anyway...sales. Combined with the fact that women tend to be more prolific readers than men, this change in the genre has brought fantasy from basement bookshelves of a handful of fantasy fanatics (mostly men), to the forefront of the literary world.

I first noticed this change while researching my own fan base. Nearly 60% of my followers were female, mostly ranging in age from young teen to early forties. I became curious about this, and began contacting some of them. What I found made an impression on me. The majority said that what they enjoyed most was the relationship between Gewey and Kaylia, two of the main characters. They also mentioned that they very much liked the strength and determination exhibited by Celandine, another primary character. None of them made mention of any of the other male characters. That was when it occurred to me that the reason my work was enjoyed by so many women was due to the way I had portrayed females. Though I had not done this specifically to attract a female audience, the results were undeniable. From there, it wasn't difficult to connect the dots and see the current trends.

As a life long fan of fantasy, I am very happy to see the genre that I love, become accessible to a much broader audience. With stronger, more realistic female characters, the stories have become far more interesting and have gained a depth that has captivated readers, both male and female, that previously had not considered fantasy as a true literary form worth consideration. Moreover, as a fantasy writer, I am thrilled to have become a part of this change. I look forward everyday to expanding and weaving the world that I have come to love so much, filled with characters that are no longer merely lines on a page...they have become like my family; every bit as real as anyone else in my life. Most of all, I look forward to sharing it with a whole new generation of fantasy lover.

 

 

Godling Chronicles Contest!!!

Who is your favorite Godling Chronicles Character? In 500 words or less descibe what it is that you like about him/her and why.
First Prize: A personalized copy the the Godling Chronicles:Book One-The Sword of Truth and a mention in the "special thanks" section of the upcoming Book Two-Of Gods and Elves.
Second Prize: A free kindle copy of The Godling Chronicles:Book One-The Sword of Truth and a mention in the "special thanks" section of the upcoming Book Two-Of Gods and Elves.
Third Prize: A free Kindle Copy of The Godling Chronicles:Book One The Sword of Truth.
Send entries to  Thegodlingchronicles@gmail.com (contest in the subject heading)
GOOD LUCK!!!

The Fall of New York

I've lived in New York for the better part of twelve years. It has become a home for me. I was married here. My son was born here. I wrote my first novel here.  I made wonderful friends and have created lasting memories. These things and more is what causes me sadness when I look at the state of this city today.
It has always be a tough place to get by. New York will truly challenge you. But when I moved here a person could at least make a decent living, manage to attain the essentials, and not end up on government assistance. Today, it is a different city. People who once were able to support their families are finding themselves at the food stamp office, just so they can feed their children.
Government waste, over taxation, skyrocketing cost of living, and massive unemployment, has turned what was once the crown jewel of the United States, into a city of division and poverty. Every problem the city is faced with is met with the same solution...taxes, fines, and fees. I'm sorry, but there is only so much you can squeeze from an already struggling population. The Verrazano Bridge, for example, was $5 when I moved here. It is now $13, and due to go up to $15 soon. A parking ticket was $75 and is now $110. The subway and buses were $1.75, now $2.50 and due to go up again. These may seem like nickle and dime examples, but that's what's happening. We're being nickled and dimed to death.
There is a exodus of the middle class from New York, seeking a better life. At least five people I know have already moved, and three more are planning to do so as well. If the situation here continues, you'll end up with the very rich and the very poor...and that's it. A sad fate for a great city.

Old Fashioned

Today I bought a new microwave oven. A guest broke the old one and I have been without one for the better part of four months. This is not because I couldn't afford to buy another, or that I didn't have the time. I simply didn't want one. Naturally, this upset the rest of the family. They have become accustomed to the quick and easy method of preparing food. As for me, I prefer to cook my lunches and dinners. We have a $2500 stainless steel, commercial stove that any restaurant would be proud to have, right there in our kitchen. Why on Earth would I use anything else? But I was alone in this particular opinion. Still, I managed to hold off for quite some time.
You may wonder where I'm going with this. The answer is nowhere. I guess I just want to vent about the fact that I am still old fashioned. I believe that certain "conveniences" take away from our quality of life. And you know what? I plan to continue to COOK my food. To hell with the microwave and all its damnable supporters...Okay, maybe that's a bit to much, but you get the idea.
Leave a comment about what modern conveniences you would rather do without, or that you think take pleasure out of life.

Avoiding Passing on the Crazy...

  As a father, I often wonder about the influences I have on my child. Am I too harsh? I am overly protective, or not protective enough? Are the lessons I am teaching him the lessons he needs? As he approaches adolescence, these are things I find myself asking with ever increasing frequency. Unfortunately, as with any parent, I won't know the answers to my questions until after the deed is done. But I suppose it's the same with all parents. We try to take the best of ourselves and pass it on, while doing our best to leave out the worst of what we are.
  The fact is, so far, I appears I've done the right things. At least I've not done so terribly wrong as to cause Jonathan to act out, withdraw, or show any other signs of being troubled. I'm not claiming that I deserve the Ward Cleaver Father of the Year Award, but I do my best, And I think it may all boil down to effort anyway. It matters to me how my son perceives the things I tell him. It hurts me when, as a father, I must be harsh, even when I know it's the right thing to do. I take pride in the fact that people tell me how well-behaved and well-mannered he is. But mostly, I am happy that in spite of all my own shortcomings, I have avoided the mistakes I set out to avoid. And though I'm certain I've made others, at least I can say with confidence that my boy isn't as nutty as his father.
 

Poisonage: The Sword of Truth

Poisonage: The Sword of Truth: My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars What an amazing tale! After reading the reviews, I kind of expected this book to be good, but I didn't expect it ...

History..It's important!!!

  Something interesting happened today. I was walking near the Staten Island Ferry, on my way to a lunch appointment, when I was approached by a man with a clipboard. Unfortunately, there was a group of people near the curb so I was unable to avoid him (I try to avoid people with clipboards). He asked me if I would sign a petition that was in favor of relaxing the laws that allow third party candidates to be on the state ballot. Surprised that it pertained to something I actually cared about, I asked him a few questions then signed his petition.
  As it turned out, he was a founder of the Staten Island Libertarian Party. I know you may be thinking, "Aw hell...Brian's about to get all political again." Well you're wrong...however, I will explain, for those of you who do not know, what a libertarian is and what they believe.
  Libertarians are fiscal conservatives, and social liberals. They believe in controlled spending, and the reduction of the welfare state. I know you may be thinking, "You mean they're republicans?" The answer is no. They also believe that the government has no right to interfere with your personal life. This includes issues such as gay marriage and the legalization of marijuana. That should be enough information to give you an idea about them...so back to my point.
  I was excited to speak to someone who seemed to take an interest in government, so I began to spew forth. I had just finished explaining the controversy regarding the Federal Reserve Bank as it relates to income taxes, the 16th Amendment and the Revolutionary War, when I realized I had lost him. He was literally stupefied. At first I thought I was boring him (and perhaps I was), but then, when he finally spoke up and more or less told me he had no idea what I was talking about, something dawned on me. Something my father told me a couple of years back. People are caring less and less about history. And you know what? I think he may be right.
If a political activist, a person who is truly involed, doesn't know things that I learned from just sitting and reading at home, what does that say about the general public? Please people. Make history important to your children. You may find it boring, but it IS important. Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it. An old saying... but old saying are old for a reason.

My Love of Fantasy..and Characters

As a lifelong fan of the fantasy genre, it was important to me while writing The Godling Chronicles-Book One:The Sword of Truth, to stay true to the style. However, I have noticed over the years, that far too many fantasy novels concentrated more on the fantastical aspects, and ignored proper character development. I did not want this to be reflected in my work, and endeavored to write a cast of characters that the reader could relate to, sympathize with, love, hate, but most of all believe. I wanted to create people that behaved and grew as they would in real life. Often this led the story into unexpected and exciting directions, and found that at times, the characters would over shadow the concept...but I didn't mind. It is what I had intended in the first place.

In any genre, when a person with a given personality is in a situation that forces him/her to be in the company of someone with an opposing personality, it can be assumed that there will be a natural conflict. However, as they navigate through trials and tribulations, feelings and personalities change. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not. The reality of relationships should always be a part of an authors thinking when throwing different characters together; and in fantasy, there can be nothing more important than this. It doesn't matter who good the plot is, if the characters cannot drive it forward. Magic and power isn't enough; not if you want to captivate the reader.

Also, I wanted to be certain that the female characters were not your stereotypical damsel's in distress. I have always felt that weak female characters have been largely responsible for driving women away from reading fantasy. And who can blame them? It is uninteresting, unrealistic, and frankly, offensive. Luckily, I am not the only fantasy writer who has clued in to this, and it has caused a massive influx of female fantasy lovers. My own fan base is more than fifty percent female...a fact I would like to attribute to characters such and Kaylia, Celandine, Maybell, and even Salmitaya.

Over the past year inhabitants of The Godling Chronicles have become an vital part of me in ways that I had never anticipated. Each character is like a member of my family, and I love them dearly. It has been a tremendous honor to be able to share them with others, and it is my greatest hope that my work may inspire, in some small way, the same love of the genre that has been a part of my life for so long.

A Bit of Personal Joy...

What do you do when the things you want most start to become real? My first instinct is to be wary. Yet there is a part of me that wants to believe without reservation. To lose myself in the moment would be wonderful. As more and more people are discovering my work and enjoying it, I find myself in that exact situation.
When I began writing The Godling Chronicles, I had fantasies of becoming a world renown author. Soon I realized, however, that this would not likely happen. No matter how good the story is, unless people read it, it just as well not exist. And getting people to read it book was much more difficult than I thought it would be. Then, to make matters worse, I discovered errors within the book itself...and not just one or two. Though the book had been edited, I didn't know enough at the time to send it for further proofing. I'd like to blame my first publisher, but I must face facts...it was MY work and MY responsibility. But despite everything, I made corrections and soldiered on.
Now with the second edition of book one, I have something to be truly proud of. I have learned my lessons. GMTA Publishing has been wonderful and proofed it three more times before release. It's everything I wanted in the first place. The cover is spectacular and every detail has been seen to. Not only that, but they went ahead and sent book two to the editor...I mean wow!!!
If that was not enough to make me happy, the book is selling!!! And I mean really selling. I sold more copies in the first week than I did in the previous three months. And the reviews have been stellar. It's really happening. All the work is paying off. I've had wonderful reviews from critics in the U.S. and abroad, and I must say that I can't wait to see the second book hit the shelves in November.
Maybe I'll allow myself some of that "joy" I hear people speak of.

Anonymous

I had hoped to be able to allow any who cared to comment to leave a post. Sadly, as some have abused this, only registered users will be able to do so from now on. I find it amusing that people will say nasty things when their identity is unknown. I assure you that so long as you take civility into account, your opinions can and will be heard...that is as long as you're willing to say who you are as well. No cowards allowed. My site, my rules.

Two Party System?

  It almost election time. A time in the U.S. when we, as a people, get worked up and excited about the next leader of our nation. For some, President Obama is the clear choice. For others there can be only Romney. And that's the whole of it. One or the other. But why? Why are we relegated to a choice between two men who, in my mind, clearly do not have a clue about what this nation needs?
  On the side of the Democrats, the incumbent, who has done nothing but drive us into ever deepening debt, caused private insurance premiums to skyrocket, weaken our foreign policy positions, and drive a wedge between the financial classes.
  On the side of the Republicans, the challenger, who has it in his mind that he needs only to be a generic candidate, with no defined positions. He hopes that the backlash against President Obama will be strong enough that he can simply coast into office.
  Do we need either of these people? I say no. I say that perhaps we stop listening to "party leaders". I say we decide for ourselves who is, and who is not, presidential. Never forget that we do not have a two party system. We have a multi-party system.
  You would not need to look hard to find men and women who would be a far cry better for America. And guess what? Some have little or no political affiliation. Imagine that. Sadly, we have become so dumbed down and misled, that we think that we only have two choices. We need to wake up and take back our government before it is too late.

Lesson #1

How many times have you heard "I write because I must", or some other equally stupid statement? Do you want to know why writers write? It's no secret. At least it's no secret to them. They write because the can. They have the chops. They have the skills necessary to form their thought into words....that's it and that's all. Granted, it's a talent. But it's not some ethereal, cosmic calling, that too many writers would have you believe it is.
Anyone can write...that's the real secret. It's like lifting weights. Keep doing it and you'll get stronger. If you are a ninety pound weakling, and you work out, you'll get stronger. It's the same with writing. The more you do it, the better you get.
Admittedly, there are true geniuses in the world, but for the most part, there are people that have done it long enough to pretty good at it. Be one of them, and write. Keep writing until you start to build you "muscles"...then write more.
So endeth the lesson.

From the land of Empyrean: Guest Post: Doug Lucas - Why He Writes

From the land of Empyrean: Guest Post: Doug Lucas - Why He Writes: Doug Lucas, author of The Flats Teacher's Test , is my guest today with a post about why he wrote a book that one reviewer called "an  expl...

Immortality...

  As the excitement builds in my life regarding the release of the second printing of The Godling Chronicles, I can't help but think about the reasons I feel a sense of pride. I find that this is not the pride one might expect. Book One had previously been published, and is being re-issued by GMTA Publishing, so it is not that "first novel" pride. This time, being that any and all errors and inconsistencies have been mended, I look at my work and see it as the best it can be. I am proud that one day, once I've shuffled off this mortal coil, someone can pick up my work and see me at my best. They will see a thing I created many years before, and in some small way, I will come back to life.
  This feeling has inspired me to look at other things in my life and consider whether I can take the same pride in them, or whether they will fade away once I'm gone. Can the things I do in my day to day life, live on? I've discovered that the answer is yes.
  The way we treat one another on a personal basis and the integrity we possess has far reaching repercussions. The lives we touch change. What we must decide is if those lives will be better for the experience, or will they be damaged. This is not limited to the raising of our children. The ripples of our actions can spread far and wide. They can be heard in ways that can echo for generations in the lives of people we will never know.
  So take care of your immortality. Though your name can die, your actions will live on. Even if you are not there to see it.

It's Finally Here!!!

The revised second edition of The Godling Chronicles-Book One:The Sword of Truth is finally available for kindle. Prime members can even borrow it for free!!! If you want a paperback copy it will be available in a day or two.
I know that I usually post commentary and don't do much book promotion on this blog, but I'm very excited about this. So, please forgive this self-indulgent post.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Godling-Chronicles-Sword-ebook/dp/B008WA4ZQA/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1344799269&sr=1-2&keywords=the+godling+chronicles

I'd like to welcome Author and Host of The Writers Lounge: Tom Riddell

2012: A Change Of Cosmic Direction- And A Well Needed Enema For All Of Us.

Let's begin. First, take your clothes off. I won't look. Now throw them away. Yes, that's right, you won't need them here. Let me explain. You are about to throw out or expel (That's a better word) everything that you and your feeble worthless mind needed to cling to, to stay alive and informed in this crazy screwed up world. That's right, we're going to let it ALL go; the nakedness will eventually FREE you! *Pause* Well, maybe you should at least wrap that towel around you for the time being. I'm just a wee bit uncomfortable seeing you like that- but I'll get used to it, after awhile.

So why are we doing this little exercise you ask?  Plainly put: Sometimes LIFE needs an enema. Personally, I'm ready for a total cleaning out of the cavities that make up my body and mind and I think you should be ready and willing to go forward with the fecal like extrication too. In fact, I insist upon it. Yes, YOU! I'm talking to YOU! Ram that hose up into yourself, where all of your thoughts, prejudices, religious and political beliefs live, go to the faucet and turn it all the way on, full blast, and let that torrent rush of water clean you out as if Niagara Falls was rushing full gorge through the pathetic inside channels of your body and brain.   Give it about 20 minutes because, honestly- there's a LOT of crap in there- to get out. 

*Watching and listening to the clock tic*

There. Didn't that feel good?  Currently you haven't got one lousy thought inside of your miserable head. Really though, it's the way it should be. You're starting over. Zip! Just like that, you're like a new born baby. Now sit there and be quiet while I talk.

Me, on the other hand- I still have the crap of life inside of me, simmering there like a stinking pile of steaming excrement. But it's a good thing that I do because without all that rancid putrid waste  and the thoughts that go with it, I wouldn't be able to converse with you right now which is needed because you have to learn all over again what life should be about. And the best way I can tell you about what life should be about is to tell you what it shouldn't be about. *PAUSE* Did I lose you? Tap your foot twice if you understand. Good. Thanks. Here's what makes life miserable and why you were subjected to that somewhat unpleasant experience with the hose, unless, a-hum, you're into that kind of thing. Of course... you're not into anything right now...so here's the list:

GREED- an overwhelming desire to have more of something such as money than is actually needed.

DISHONESTY- the use of lies or deceit, or the tendency to be deceitful.

HATRED- a feeling of intense hostility towards somebody or something.

PREJUDICE- a preformed opinion, usually an unfavorable one, based on insufficient knowledge, irrational feelings, or inaccurate stereotypes.

IMPOLITENESS- not showing proper manners or respect.

UNFAITHFULNESS-  untrue to commitments, duties, beliefs, or ideals.

There. That should be a good start for you. There's a lot of emptiness in your brain right now- so make sure you file these things under what not to be. I personally have seen a drastic rise in the above behaviors within this cosmic year of 2012 and frankly it gives me pause to ponder if the Mayans may have been right. Maybe we are due for a vast planetary change at the end of this year.

 One can only hope that we can learn to focus more on the one emotion that I haven't told you about yet.  And that emotion and behavior would be filed under what to be. And really, that's all that's needed. It's the exact opposite of what the above behaviors and emotions flow from.   It's called Love.

Now, please pass the hose....

http://www.tomriddell.com/blog/

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-writers-lounge

Women and Sci-Fi/Fantasy

When I was young, I was enthralled by Tolkien, mystified by Asimov, and captivated by Jordan. But back then, the fan base of that particular genre was male dominated. You could peruse the sci-fi/fantasy section of your local bookstore, and scarcely bump onto a member of the opposite sex; which was too bad really, considering I was at the age when the opposite sex was all I could think about. Today, things are much different.

When I looked at my own fan base recently, I noticed that well over half were female, and many were avid fantasy readers. At first I didn't give it much thought. Then I received a comment regarding the female characters in my book, and I began ponder it a bit more. A young lady who stumbled upon my work online wrote me that she loved how strong the women in my book were, and that it made her want to read more fantasy. As pleased as this made me, it was not something I had done intentionally. Though I have never been a fan of the “damsel in distress”, and have always felt it detracted from an overall storyline, it is not the reason I wrote Kaylia, Dina, Maybell, or even Salmitaya, the way I did. The truth is, weak characters, male or female, are not very interesting to me, and unless needed as part of the story, are not worth writing about. Though The Godling Chronicles is a fantasy series, it is not driven by the fantasy aspect. It is driven by the characters.

Kaylia, an elf, is deadly yet sensitive. Her enigmatic past, and strong convictions have caused her to become an outcast. As her exposure to humans increases, she is forced to re-evaluated everything she once held as true.

Dina, (I can't reveal too much about her. It would ruin the story for you), though not a warrior, is resourceful and courageous. Her dedication and determination makes her a force to be reckoned with.

Maybell, though at first thought to be soft and weak, shows that her heart is true and her wisdom vast. She is capable in ways that makes her an invaluable asset.

Salmitaya...well you're just going to have to find out about her yourself.

That more fantasy writers are cluing in to the fact that weak female characters are neither appealing or interesting, has made fantasy more accessible to women, thereby creating an entirely new generation of fantasy lover. I am happy to have contributed to this, and am thrilled that my work appeals to such a broad audience. I intend to keep working hard to make the series exciting, and I'm looking forward to sharing this world of Gods, humans, elves, and other fantastical creatures, with readers of all ages and genders.

Racial Pride?

  Are you proud to be white...or black, or red, yellow, or brown? If you answered yes, then I have a question for you. How hard did you have to work to accomplish it? Being proud of how you were naturally born, is silly. You had nothing to do with it. It simply happened. It makes absolutely no sense to take "pride" in something you had no hand in. Being unashamed and taking pride is two different things. You should never be ashamed. You can even be happy. But proud?
  On the other hand, taking pride in your accomplishments is reasonable. I am proud of the books I've written. I am proud of the way I'm raising my son. I am proud of the man I have become. But as far as being proud of being born white? Well, unless while I was in the womb, and had to work at it, it seems to me that it is like taking pride in the sunrise or the tides. I had nothing to do with it.
  Never be ashamed of what you are. You are as you are, and that should be good enough for anyone. And, I believe the world would be a much better place if the measure of a person was focused on what they do, not how they were born.

Quality Time

   Spending time with your child is, without a doubt, the most important thing you can do for his/her development. However, many parents suffer from the misconception that in order to do this, they must spend money. Usually, this comes from a sense of guilt. Especially when both parents work and are forced to send their child to daycare or leave them with a sitter. Hey, I get it. I felt that way too.
  Before I made my living as a writer, I was in sales. I worked sixty to eighty hours a week. When I did have time to spend with Jonathan, I would take him to Fun Station, the movies, and the toy store, all on the same day. I ended up spending hundreds of dollars just because I felt guilty for not being around as much as I felt he needed me to be.
  Once I left that profession, and was able to slow things down a bit, I came to a shocking revelation. I had never needed to do any of the extravagant things I thought I needed to do. And as I had more time to spend, I found that I needed less money to spend. My son had never cared about rides, games, and toys. Those are things he enjoys with his friends. He only wanted time with his father.
  Now we go running, watch TV, read books, play chess (yes, he's nine and a hell of a player), talk about ideas for stories, or sometimes just go to the park and hang out. And you know what? We're closer than we ever have been. So remember....your child only wants your time, not your money.

Passing the Parental Buck

Raising a child in today's world....Ever heard that phrase used? It's the biggest cop out, load of garbage I've ever heard uttered from anyone, anywhere, at any time...ever. Mainly because it's usually followed by an elaborate explanation for parental failures and inadequacies, real or perceived, that have nothing to do with actual parenting.
The only thing different about the world today is technology and our own attitudes. Kids are the same as they ever were. Their minds develop in the same way. They react to stimulus the same way. They cry, laugh, and get angry at the same things they always have. So why would we believe things are different? The Internet? Please...There has always been an outlet that could be perverted to have a negative impact on a child. Is it television? Of course not. There has been television, radio, news papers, books, and many other forms of media, for hundreds of generations, that has been accused of the corrupting the minds of youth.
I can say that our attitudes toward child development has changed. Sadly, the terms old fashioned and traditional have become the the objects of ridicule. Even in the face of social and financial decline we are unable to realize that it is not the children that are the problem. It is the people raising them. Laugh all you want at the "old" way of child rearing, it produced generation after generation of well adjusted adults, driven to improve, not only their own prospects, but also prospects of their children.
We need to realize that in order to insure the next generation is capable of producing a viable future for themselves and their progeny, passing the parental buck will only guarantee failure. Children need parents, not friends. They need discipline and structure, not inconsistency. They need love, but the kind of love that prepares them for the future. Not the kind they get from a buddy. And they need adults to see them as they really are. Children. No different than they once were, and needing the same life lessons that were taken for granted at the time, but valued today.

Education

Every parent desires a quality education for their children, but the sad fact is that unless you have the means to send your children to a private school, you become subject to the ineptitude of your local school system. Our children now trail in math and science, behind even some third world countries. How is this possible? How can the educational system of the most powerful nation in the world be so terrible? I'll tell you.
In New York, the government spent millions of dollars for testing, to find out if students were meeting current standards. Even more money on teacher evaluation. So far, the result is that...well...they spent a whole bunch of money, and nothing more. The schools are still in shambles and the dropout rate is still rising. Scores are continuing to go down and students are continuing not to care.
I went to Spanish Fort Elementary, a small town public school in a town with a population of less than two-thousand (in the 70's and 80's. It is considerably higher now.). My school was ranked in the top 1% in the state, and not because we had money...we didn't. In fact, we learned from worn textbooks, and sat at old, beat-up desks. But what made our school exceptional was the fact that most of the parents in town were at every PTA meeting, and cared deeply about their child's education. The level of community involvement was unbelievable...at least by today's standards.
My son goes to a NYC Charter school. Again, the community is highly involved, and guess what? It it ranked as highly as most private schools in the state.
Test all you want. But until you get your community involved, all the money in the world won't help.  An overly beurocratic school sytem, run by a bunch of number crunchers and bean counters is not what we need. But at the same time, we don't need reform or re-invention.  In fact, we don't even need a better school system. We need to get off our lazy butts, and GET INVOLVED!!!

A Special Moment

  When I started this blog, I decided to limit my ramblings to one a day. However, I felt the urge to write about something that happened today.
  Over the past few months, I have become determined to get back in shape, and so far I have done well. I run at least two miles a day, and lift weights for about forty-five minutes, five times a week. And though I don't have the body I did when I was in my twenties, I'm well on my way. Some of my motivation comes from vanity, and some from my desire to be healthy. Either way, I feel and look better than I have in years.
  When I first began my running regiment, I was taken back to the times when I was a child and would run with my father. It was one of the few things we would do together that we both enjoyed and I always looked forward to it. We ran cross-country at least three times a week, and got to the point where we were running more than ten miles at a stretch.
  Recently, I realized that I was excluding my own son from a thing that I remember with such fondness, so I started bringing him along with me. It has taken some time for him to build up enough stamina to keep up, and he still has work to do, but I must say he's doing very well. It won't be long before I have to try to keep up with him.
  Today, about half a mile from the house, Jonathan and I got caught in a terrible rainstorm. In fact it was one of the worst we've had in New York in quite some time. No less than three inches of rain poured down in a matter of a few minutes. We were drenched and too far from anywhere to take immediate shelter. So what did we do? The only thing we could do. We kept going. By the time we rounded our block, only a few hundred yards from the house, we were laughing out loud, having a wonderful time and soaked to the bone. It may sound silly, but it was a moment that I shall smile back on years from now. I hope my boy does, too.

Open Your Eyes!!!

In 1933 Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6102., requiring that all citizens surrender their gold and making the possession of gold exceeding in value of $100 punishable by a fine of $10,000 and/or up to 10 years in prison. The justification for this was that the "hording of gold" exacerbated the financial crisis of the time, ie. The Great Depression. The real result was that it robbed U.S. citizens of what little real wealth they had left. Millions of American's lost their life savings. Those had the means to do so, began to send their gold to overseas banks. For those who could not, all was lost.
In 1971 Nixon issued an order that stated that the dollar could no longer be redeemed for gold at a fixed value, taking us off the gold standard.
Today, our currency is issued by the Federal Reserve Bank. This is a private company (not a federal agency) that charges interest on each dollar circulated. This interest is paid primarily by income taxes. In essence, we work to pay for the money we earn.
Ultimately, if the trend of the past one-hundred years continues, we will be left at the mercy of people who, regardless of political affiliation, do not have your well-being, or the well-being of the nation at heart. Open your eyes and see that today's political stage is there for our entertainment and nothing more.

Equality

  I keep hearing people speak of equality, as if it were a thing that is a possibility. Usually, it is being confused with liberty, which is a something that has been, and can continue to be achieved. Equality, on the other hand, is an fantasy born from the minds of people with Utopian delusions, or those who think that society is the sole reason for the inequities of the human species.
  I know I've already said enough to set a whole bunch of people off, but before that happens, I would ask that you continue to read. Equality is unachievable, because it simply does not exist. Some people are born faster, other more intelligent. Some are born taller, others stronger. This is biology and the nature of mankind. I can no more change how I was born than I can stop the tides. So why would I be angered that there are people in the world that are better, in some ways, than I am? I'm a writer, and I believe a descent one; but I know I'm not, by any stretch of the imagination, the greatest literary mind in the world. There are those better than me. But that's just fine, and brings me to my next point...LIBERTY.
  Liberty insures that we can take the talents we are born with and the skills we acquire through hard work, and use them to their fullest potential. I can become the best writer I can be, without anyone telling me I can't. I have the liberty to do anything I want, and, using my talents, go as far I can without hindrance or persecution.
  If we were all equal, there would be no Einstein, Mozart, Da Vinci, or any of the great minds we have come to honor and respect. There would be no Michael Jordan, Carl Lewis, Michael Phelps, or any of the great athletes that continue to set the bar higher and higher.
  Though there is no true equality, (at least not in the way one might hope for), it seems to me that having liberty is far more important. Never give it away, and never take it for granted.

Competitive Nature

  It seems today that we are attempting to drive the competitive nature out of our children. Games with no score, everyone gets a trophy, and in some public schools, the teacher is not allowed to use a red marker because is damages the students self-esteem. (Believe it or not, the last example is true).
  For those who think this is a good idea, let me explain something to you. The primary job of a parent is preparing their child for the real world. And in case you haven't noticed, the real world is competitive. I'm not saying that a child should be taught a win at all cost philosophy, but part of life involves the will to compete. Take a look in the private schools around the United States, where most of the future leaders of this country attend. They are taught to be competitive!!! They are taught that it takes a winning drive to advance in this society. Before you dismiss this, ask yourself if you would send your child to these schools if you had the opportunity.
  At the end of this past school year, my son came home with an achievement award. He attends a New York Charter School that genereally speaking, holds to the same high standards I want for him. This being said, I was naturally proud, but Jonathan seemed not to care about it. When I asked him why, he told me that everyone in the class had received it, and that it is only special if you are the only one. You see? Even a nine year old boy understands the difference. Granted, I have raised him to strive for excellence, and that although winning isn't everything, trying your best to win is. I have taught him that if you do something, always try your best. If you lose, learn from that loss. If you win, be gracious and kind. It is the same lesson I was taught and it has served me well.
 
 

Young Writers

  Last school year, not long after the first edition of The Godling Chronicles-Book One:The Sword of Truth was released, (my new publisher, GMTA Publishing, is releasing a second edition in a week or so, and will be releasing Book Two in November), I was asked by my son's school to visit the 6th-8th graders, for a short reading and discussion. I was excited by the opportunity, not only for myself, but for my son as well. Though he was only in the third grade, he would be able to accompany me and even field a few questions. The principal informed me that I could talk about any topic I chose, and would allow me to visit Jonathan's third grade class, too. The book was written for young adult and older, and I knew a reading for his class would be impractical, considering the content. But the school was kind enough to let his class asks us questions and take some pictures. In fact, to me, the best part of the day was seeing my son get to be a celebrity among his friends and classmates.
  As the day approached, I began to work out what topic I would lecture on after the reading. Eventually I came to the decision that I would go over character development and dialogue, as this is a stumbling block for many young writers. Then I read an idiotic blog that changed everything....
  A person (who shall remain nameless) stated that young writers should not flood the market with their work, as they are inexperienced and lack the necessary skills. She said the their prose is amateurish and dialogue contrived. Moreover, she said that they lacked the life lessons needed to come up with compelling story lines. I was stunned my the persons arrogance and stupidity, and as a result I changed the topic for my class discussion.
  Before I go on, let me explain to you the writing process. By this I mean the actual writing; not the way an author comes up with his/her ideas and characters. That is highly individualized.
  1. You write your first draft. This draft is, in general, TERRIBLE!!! It is riddled with errors and inconsistencies, which is why we move on to the second step...
  2.- You write a second draft. This cleans up many of the errors and plot holes...but not all of them.
  3.- Draft after draft after draft, until the writer has polished it as much as possible. By now you may think it's ready for print, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Now it's time to move on to the parts that make it a book, because believe me....IT'S STILL NOT!!!
  4.- Now for the first round of proofing. This is when you get as many meticulous readers as you can talk into reading your story, to go over it and check your work for spelling, punctuation and any other mistakes they can find. A good writer will also want the proofer's opinion on the story itself, so that he/she can fix whatever might still be wrong. Think it's ready now? WRONG!!!
  5.- Now it's editing time. This process is by far the worst for a writer. Editing is done in three stages, and depending on the editor, is not always done at once, or by the same person. There is line editing, where the editor fixes any remaining spelling, grammar or punctuation mistakes. Copy editing, where the editor looks for prose errors, such as run on sentences, poorly written paragraphs , etc.. And finally deep editing. Deep editing is what often angers writers the most. The editor pours over the work and essentially becomes a second author, by examining the quality of the story itself. He/she will, more or less, help the writers re-write the story in whatever way required to make it polished and professional. Think were done? NOPE!!!
  6.- More proofing. You now send it back to the proofers to ensure nothing was missed.
  Now that you understand the process you might also understand why this persons disregard and disrespect for young writers angered me. Unless you are the greatest literary mind of a generation, you have a team of professionals behind you, helping you create a product that doesn't sound like a 8th grade essay. If your child has an idea for a story, there is no reason that child can't write it down and end up with a best seller. Will their writing be amateurish and lack professionalism? Probably. But so what? Most writers sound nothing like their finished product when they begin a story. And though your child may need a little more help than a seasoned writer would, there is no reason that their ideas aren't just as good.