A Poem a Day (49): We Live in the Echoes

Hi guys & girls! First of all let me say a big Happy New Year to you! Wishing you joy, health and lots of luck, and may at least one of your dreams come true in 2014! One of my NY Resolutions is to write more entries on this blog... some months I write more than others, but I'll try to write a few times a week and introduce some new things. I'll still be writing poems, which I hope at least one person is reading! Ha ha! Enjoy!

We Live in the Echoes

We step inside mirrors,

Lemon petals pave the way;

I sleep in stages, sleep sublime,

Walking pages never read again

I see the signs yet still forget,

Imagining faces of the past;

A rush of bliss splits the breeze

Where the peacemaker wanders

The crevices of the closed mind;

He offers echoes of your stare

We live in the echoes,

Patterns drawn upon a wall;

Plunging ripples capture all

The raw beauty of the real

Where the fool laughs his last

Is a time we’ll never see

For he plays so beautifully,

Daring to step beyond himself,

Embracing all there is to see

With such wide open arms

Copyright Vickie Johnstone, Jan 2014

A Poem a Day (41): Star Bright

Hi, today's poems were written on Thursday night, at the same time as Poem 40. I was pretty sleepy and I think my mind was already in dreamland or getting there. 
Happy reading & writing to ya! Vickie



Star bright

With stars leaping in the dark
I find the way of magic
Tripping brightly by the moon
Where it yearns and flies

Soaring high into the never sky
We wish upon a starlit verse
Imagining fairies in the fields
Trivial things of innocent days

Perched a-top a red mushroom
Green-clad elves chatter free
Where I wander in this dream
Barefoot beneath a silver birch

Wanna be startin' somethin' - just anything!

Afternoon! This is an article I wrote for The Indie Exchange, which was published on July 27. It's all about procrastination - you know, you wanna do something, but there's a little something niggling at you and stopping you from doing anything!!! A kick up the butt is something I often need! How about you?  

“Dedication is what you need”, sang Roy Castle at the end of The Record Breakers when I was growing up in the 70s, but procrastination seems to be what I got. Not a good gift for anyone. I say this glancing around my room that really needs tidying, papers that need sorting and a letter desiring the post box!). At least I manage to feed my cat on time! But then she does meow to remind me. If only she got me to write too!

Which brings me to: what is inspiration after all? Well, it’s all around us, so they say. Inspiration can be found in everything. I used to think I never finished a book because I wasn’t inspired or I had writer’s block or the glittering Holy Grail of Creativity hadn’t waltzed into my head and said “Boo!” I think it was my own laziness, self-doubt and lack of perseverance that was shooing it away.

Like many people, including you, I guess, I started writing when I was little – stories for my class in junior school. One early memory is of my teacher reading out Mrs Pepperpot. How we loved this book! Mrs Pepperpot had a secret – she sometimes shrank to the size of a... you guessed it... pepperpot, and yet she didn’t take this as a drawback. No way. She got herself out of sticky messes and even gained the ability to talk to animals – yay!  That was the ultimate when I was a kid – talking to animals! Let’s face it, for a while I even thought I could. Anyway, our homework was to write our own version of this story, so I did, starring my classmates. Teacher read it out and my friends liked it. I guess that was the start of something. My little dream of being a writer.

As I grew up, I would write lots of little stories or daydream about them. I was a professional daydreamer. I started writing poems when I hit 16 – they seemed easier. I’d just imagine things and characters, or look at something and write one. They were short, written like fast flashes of inspiration, which is what they were, I guess. Anything longer seemed to evade me, and it went like that all the way through my 20s and into my 30s. Okay, I’d start things, but I never finished them.

Then, at 32, I found myself redundant. I’d written a poem about my cat. It was cute, maybe cheesy. Anyway, the poem turned into an idea, and that idea turned into a story. In about five weeks I’d written a roughly 30k book. How? I think I may have found a magic seed and then it sprouted into a beanstalk... no, it was just the combination of not having a job for a month and suddenly having nothing to do. So I wrote. The little Holy Grail was shining. The hamster wheel was spinning. In a gleeful cloud of inspiration, I sent some chapters off to one publisher. They turned their nose up, I put the book away and my little wheel stopped spinning.

Fast-forward to 2011. I won’t reveal how old I was then cos I still haven’t got over the shock of it myself! I’m just 30, honest! (nose grows). Anyway, I’d still only written that one book. I’d started another, but, hey, you know me by now, it isn’t even half done!

My cat interrupting... and, hey, nothing got done! :)

However, in the words of Magnus Magnusson, and after my boyfriend discovered kindle (reading an article about you can guess which female writer), I thought “I’ve started, so I’ll finish”. I dusted off and typed up this one book I had written, and self-published it. I also went through all the poetry I’d written since I was 16 – and really there’s some drivel in there – and put a collection together.

I can’t describe the high of finally doing this. Even if no one read them, I’d achieved my lifelong ambition of publishing a book – okay, I’d done it myself and it wasn’t in a bookshop, but I’d done it. At last! Better late than never! I remember feeling so happy, like this little hole that was my unfulfilled ambition had now been filled.

But, a funny thing happened... it made me want more! I wanted to write more and more, like The Magic Porridge Pot, which never stopped flowing. I wish! I like my oats. Luckily for me, I discovered some book groups on Facebook, full of like-minded people who wrote, thought, ate and dreamt books. They were all as obsessed and excited about books as me, and they were full of tips, help and inspiration.

By the way, have you discovered NaNoWriMo? Not “Nanny Who?”, but a writing competition where you type or scribble as much as you can for a month. I did it last year and it was a total kick up the proverbial inspiration point. Instead of waiting for the thing they call a muse, you have to write... like right then, even when you don’t feel like it. Staring at a blank screen with no idea of a plot, you just write whatever gibberish comes into your head. And, guess what? It’s kind of freeing! You’re allowed to be freaky, crazy, off-the-wall or whatever. Writing by the seat of your pants is akin to a rollercoaster, except I hate going upside down so having my bum on a seat and my feet on the ground was preferable. And I did write gibberish!

But, back to those book groups... I spoke and listened to authors who wrote about their ideas, their dreams, their strategies for writing, how they carried a notebook around at all times (except in the shower, I guess), how they worried, how they worked, how they loved this writing business. Even though most of them had day jobs, they found time to write – even if it meant in the early hours of the morning when their kids were sleeping – which put me and my feeble excuses and procrastination to shame. I also read many of these authors’ books and they’re very good. Knowing the person who wrote one also gave an extra edge to the reading experience.

This sharing, caring attitude was pure inspiration. Last year I wrote four books. This year I wrote a book of haiku, which was something new for me. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have done any of that without the inspiration I found from the authors and readers in the Facebook book groups. I kind of hope I found my dedication at long last. It’s funny where you find inspiration. It really is all around... for everyone to find.

The Indie Exchange is a really cool website to check out if you are interested in anything to do with books and writing. You can find it here: http://theindieexchange.com/wanna-be-startin-somethin-just-anything/

Stories for children suffering from cancer

Hi, this is a great blog to check out - all for an amazing cause!

Danielle and Matthew Drake's Kourageous Kids Storybooks blog

http://kourageouskids.blogspot.com/

"My wife and I have been writers for years. Recently, we were approached by a friend whose child was undergoing surgery. The idea was to write him stories to read while he recovered. This idea inspired us. We started Kourageous Kids Storybooks. We learn about each child, then write the story they will star in. They ‘defeat’ the ‘evil’ and ‘save the day,’ in a story perfectly tailored to them. Help us give these brave children stories that depict them as the heroes they truly are."

Words with... Ey Wade

Thanks to Ey Wade for this interview

How long have you been writing?

I suppose I can say the usual and say I’ve been writing all of my life, but the process of writing to make a story really started in elementary school. When the teacher would have us write the paper on ‘what we did over the summer’, I had to make up something. With seven kids in the house and a limited income, a good, away-from-home vacation was a fantasy. When I found out my lies were believable, I decided I would be a writer.

Do you have a day job or do you write for a living?

At the moment my job is to find a job. Usually I am a childcare provider. I worked in the profession for over thirty years; own home-based centre until a hurricane destroyed it all. Now I’m fighting the system and stigma of age to find a job. In the meantime, I fill my passion for writing.
 
What do you feel is the ideal recipe for a good novel/story/poem? 

The ideal recipe would include great dialogue, the ability to touch the reader in some way, and the ability to make your product believable.

What/who inspired you to write and still inspires you?

I am inspired to write by my children, always have been. Things I would love them to read, maybe change the world with the influence I can give them. Belief in yourself, inspiration, dedication and commitment are the main ingredients – 50% has to be the belief in yourself, 30% to commitment to stand by your words no matter what others think or say, 5% to inspiration from the world around you, and 15% to sit your butt down and write.

What books have you written? Do you stick to one genre?

I write in several genres. Suspense/thriller, romance, chic lit, non-fiction, picture books. At the moment I have eight books published: The Fishing Trip (suspense); The Perfect Solution (a mixture of suspense/romance); The Women of the Hill (chick lit); Beads on a String – America’s Racially Intertwined Biographical History (non-fiction); and three picture books from a series called In my Sister’s World. All can be found on Amazon.

How long did it take you to write your book/s?

I couldn’t put a definite timeframe on a single book because I usually work on more than one at a time. It’s like having children – I just spread the love and time amongst them. The one clamouring the most gets me first.

How long did it take you to get published? Did you take the traditional route or DIY?

The Perfect Solution was published before, through what I thought was a traditional publishing company. Long story. Short, I now do it myself.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers/those just starting out?

I would tell a writer to write what you believe in, edit, and then choose whichever route appeals to you to get your book published.

Do you have any works in progress?

Lol, several. The Fishing Trip is part of a four-book series from LDA (Life Demands Action). I’m working on The Carjacker now. The Women of the Hill is from another series. Yes, Sam Takes Care of Me – its counterpart is On the Corner of Bluebonnet Lane and Easy Street. I have D.N.A. being scoured by a marvelous Beta reader and soon to be published, and still more WIPs being tweaked.

Which character from your books do you like most/are most like?

In the novel The Perfect Solution, I favour Catrine. I would do anything and everything for the safety of my children. This, if I really think about it, also makes me a heroic villain like Durham from The Fishing Trip.

Where and when do you write – do you have set times during which you write or is it just when the mood takes you?

I write whenever and wherever. I carry a couple of pocket notebooks around and each is separated for three different stories. How does that work, you ask? The top of the book is tan, so one is facing me, then I turn it over (black) and write from the back for another and the third is usually somewhere in the middle, and all are separated with tabs. Not confusing at all. The romance (three stories in one) I’m working on at the moment has its own beautiful, red notebook.

Marketing – the bane of self-publishers – how do you find the experience? Do you have any marketing advice for other writers? Do you use a blog or twitter, etc?

I find marketing to be a hard learning experience. It is a hit and miss process. You never know what will catch a reader’s attention. Just plug away and believe every day is ‘your’ day to get noticed. I use all of the social networks and, since the internet reaches the nether world, how can I lose?

Some of your fave things... Animal? Food? Drink? Film? Colour? Band? Song? Place to chill out?

I love giant hairy dogs, but I have a Terrier. My favourite band is Coldplay and their song Gold in Them Hills keeps me going. I call it my theme song.  I even made a video to it, and my favourite chill-out place is at home in front of the television, flipping the channels.

Which book do you wish you had written?

The one God wrote about my life. There are many things I wish I could change, which He had planned for me. Sometimes, I think He has me mixed up with someone else.

Who is your favourite character from any book and why?

I can’t remember the child’s name, but I love the child from The Giver. He had the guts to see beyond the scenes put before him

Which three authors (living or not) would you like to take to the pub?

1. Dr Seuss, I would really like to know if he were sane. Everyone loved his books, but he drives me crazy.

2. Maya Angelo just because she’s a great writer and she knows Oprah.

3. Barack Obama because we share a birth date. I love the title of his book Audacity of Hope, and I would just love to talk to him face to face.

What would you like to achieve in the next five years?

 I would love to be a known author, mainly for my contribution to the American history book. There is no other like it that I have read. I believe it is the only book to include every race of American in a positive light.

If you won the Lotto, what would you do with all it?

Huge amount? Buy the usual – home, car, pay off debts, bank a lot. Then I would help family, friends, and as many desperate as I can.

Now for the creative bit… please finish this story in 100 words or less… There once was a small gecko called Fred...

There once was a small gecko called Fred. Who wished people didn’t want him dead. If only they knew, the tales he could tell. They’d type them and sell them like hell. 

Finally, what question do you wish I’d asked and, of course, what is the answer?

Do you think you will ever make money from the sales of your books? My answer would be… God, I hope so. People go out and buy my books!

Your book/website/blog/twitter links…

My, I have a .com, I twitter @jumpouttheboat, and several other places. I have several that can be found through here, blogs, and I’m on Facebook.

Words With... Brian Hayden

Thanks to Brian Hayden for this interview

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing for 12 years. I wrote a management book that was published in 1999, and wrote 5 scripts for educational videos.

Do you have a day job or do you write for a living?

I am retired. That is my day job.

What do you feel is the ideal recipe for a good novel/story/poem?

The ideal formula for writing may be different for everyone. For me, the formula is simply to write about things I know and are important to me.

What/who inspired you to write and still inspires you?

My wife Denise inspired me to write and still inspires my writing.

What books have you written? Do you stick to one genre?

The first book I wrote is called 'Using Strategic and Tactical Plans for Veterinary Hospitals'. My new book,'Death:Living To Talk About It', is a memoir of living with heart disease. I share dynamic changes in family and self. The book is full of hope, inspiration and emotion.

How long did it take you to write your book/s?

The first book took me 4 or 5 months. This latest book took about a year.

Do you have any works in progress?

I have three books in the works right now. The first one, a sequel to 'Death: Living To Talk About It', follows my journey towards a heart transplant. Aptly named 'Road To Transplant'. The second book is a redo of the first book. I am adjusting it to accommodate most small businesses. The third will begin after my heart transplant. If I can't get one it will follow me until I die. Doctors don't think I will live more than a year or so without a new heart.

Where and when do you write ­ – do you have set times during which you write or is it just when the mood takes you?

I have an office at home. I write in the mornings. Sometimes the mood will strike at other times and I will sit down and write.

How do you find the marketing experience? Any advice for other writers? Do you use a blog or twitter, etc

Marketing is tough. I blog, get on TV when I can, join groups like Book Junkies, It is hard.

One day you’re walking in the forest and you bump into an alien librarian from Mars. He wants five book recommendations from you…

Five books I really enjoy are: Catcher in the Rye, Of Mice and Men, War and Peace, The Bible, When will Jesus bring the pork chops?

Which book do you wish you had written?

I wish I had written Moby Dick. It is so original, interesting and full of life.

Which three authors (living or not) would you like to take to the pub?

Three authors I admire are Ernest Hemingway, J D Salinger and Herman Melville.

What other hobbies/interests do you have or has writing taken over?

Writing has pretty much taken over, but I enjoy fishing and playing with my grandchildren.

What would you like to achieve in the next five years?

I would like to be alive in five years so that I may experience the following five years.

The creative bit: please complete this story in 100 words or less…

  

There was a young frog called Kipper. He hopped from place to place without regard to where he was going. One day, as he was hopping he noticed a little pond, full of fresh flowers and bushes. For some reason, he had never passed that way before. He thought... the road not taken is the opportunity missed. He hopped to the pond, discovered a beautiful girl frog and they lived happily ever after. So, children, the moral of the story is: once a missed frog is always a missed frog, but a jumping one lasts forever.

Finally, what question do you wish I’d asked and, of course, what is the answer?  

I wish you would have asked what do you want people to take away from your book? There is always hope, despite the odds, never give up. There are no expiration dates tattooed to our asses. If I can live, after all I have been through, all I am going through, maybe you can too. 

Links:

http://www.brianhayden.com  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brian-M-Hayden-Fan-Page/195919590440171

I would like to wish Brian Hayden all the best in his journey towards a heart transplant