The Moral of the Story

I was just wondering. Has anyone ever watched a movie, or read a book and truly taken something away from it? Possibly even a life long lesson? Maybe something scared you so bad you always think about it. Maybe an epic love story inspired you to find your own passion. For me, there are a few such cases. I remember the first time I read J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. It inspired my sense of adventure, and believe it or not, love of dragons. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea made me to this day afraid of what is beneath the waves when I go to the beach. Although Johnny Depp made me want to take my chances:) A Knight in Shinning Armor, by Jude Deveroux made me cry off and on for a week. Interview with a Vampire, made me change my mind on a career in journalism. And Bram Stoker's Dracula taught me what I call "sympathy for the devil."

I love a good story. I love reading or watching a good story almost as much as I enjoy writing one. I still have the books listed above, though I've since given 20,000 Leagues and The Hobbit to my son. He shares my bizarre love of Smaug. LOL I just remembered another, but it's one of my favorites, and one I won't be sharing with my child. It's a romance by Nan Ryan, and I've had it since I was in middle school. It's called Sun God. It's about the story of an indian named Tonatia. (Hope I spelled that right. It's pronounced like it looks.) If you've never read it, and it can still be found, I highly recommend it. You will cry, but you will love it.

So, what's inspired you, or taught you a lesson? I'd love to hear it.

Happily Ever After, or just ... After?

Which do you prefer: A happily ever after ending, or a plot that is resolved, but not necessarily in a happy way?

The Savage Beast

After having had my coffee, and lunch, and calming down significantly from last nights rant, I began to read Hamlet. I was struck in particular by this passage, "I am satisfied in nature." - 5.2.240

Indeed, we choose whether or not we will be satisfied with something. It is either in our nature, or it is not. It is not in my nature to take things I don't have to, or to watch others suffer when I could stop it. It is also not in my nature to withhold my thoughts in one form or another. I think that's why I have such a broad range of interests. It helps me to express myself in someway. I'm the kind of person who needs that expression, whatever it may be. Some days, I do so quietly, others I feel the need to be heard. Some times, I just talk to myself. I consider it all therapy. I also have a warped sense of humor, so please do not take all I say literally. I am bent, but I have not yet broken.

As for my nature, my friend Stacey says I have a hero complex, that I'm always trying to "save" people. Some times I think I just have a jerk complex, but the hero bit is much more flattering.

Vanilla goes with coffee like cigar goes with Clinton

Sorry about the title. LOL But there's nothing quite like a good cup of coffee. Vanilla coffee, to be exact, which is what I am enjoying right now. My favorite so far is Millstone French Vanilla, with vanilla cream.

But, it really goes beyond coffee for me. Vanilla is a scent and flavor I have deliberately chosen to associate with one of the main characters of my series. His name is Marco Barak, and I cannot write about him without smiling. That's right boys and girls, wolfmen taste good if you lick them. You can chat with him if you like. Marco bot is up and running, but I'm still ironing out some kinks. Well, once you read my book, you might like the kinks.:) If you're interested, the link is at the bottom of the page. Now if you'll excuse me, coffee calls.

Bit of an introduction

I'm new to this, so I suppose I should introduce myself. I guess that sounds stupid. I've kept a journal before, but this is my first blog. Actually, I keep a dream journal. Not only do I find dream interpretation fascinating, but it has given me some great story ideas.

I have had several short stories and poems published, but have only recently signed a contract for my first novel. The name of the book is Red. It is the first in my Lilith Mercury: Werewolf Hunter Series, of which I have already completed books two through four. I just finished book four last week.

Although I'm not new to writing, Red was my first experience with novel length fiction. I have been writing stories pretty much since I could write. I have wanted to be a writer since I was six years old. I am truly blessed to be able to do what I love, and there isn't a day goes by that I don't thank God for that. I can't imagine not writing, even if it was just for myself. I love being able to share my thoughts and ideas with new people, and to have the opportunity to touch someone's life in some way. We've all loved, hated, felt pain and passion. So, even if we cannot, or do not have the desire to put these things into words, we can understand when someone else does. This is my goal: To put feelings into words. To express myself in a way that will resonate with others.

I could write all day. I guess I should shut up now. I try to get by here every day, but that doesn't always happen. Thanks for stopping by.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Yes, I know it's a day early, but I won't be on this thing tomorrow. I'll be schnockered! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Test

This is a test, this is only a test. Had this been an actually blog entry, I would have had something more to say.