Learning to Write Short Stories

I hope that you are all ready for a relaxing and loving Holiday Season. I am, for sure, at beautiful Rosemary Beach with my Sweetheart. Part of my relaxation has been to begin learning to write short stories. My faithful blogger pal (BeachBrights) has suggested that we need to explore the social media world with a sample of my writing. I have a new Kindle and my Sweetheart has downloaded a bunch of stories to read, some free and some from prominent authors.

My Sweetheart also suggests that I am a romantic and should try that genre. This comes as a bit of a shock, as I have always written thrillers, though I try to build emotional connection into the stories (among the characters and the reader).

My parents’ wedding anniversary is on Christmas Eve. They are both in another realm, though it would have been their 69th anniversary. I am toying with a story line addressing the meaning of reconciling a mature son’s emotions about a mother who has been gone for almost 40 years.

Its always interesting. Relax and enjoy.

 Warms, Cym

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New York to Dallas by J.D.Robb **Audio Book Review**

New York to Dallas
by J.D. Robb
Brilliance Audio 2011

Imagine that you are a detective in New York City. As a child, you were abused by your father. As an adult, you became a police officer. In your first major case, you apprehended a serial child abuser in the most harrowing circumstances, outwitting the long-term pedophile, who was sent away for at least life. Like you, the pedophile was abused by his mother, whom he killed at age 19 as he would later kill mother substitutes who facilitated his rampage. In due course, you marry a wealthy spouse who supports your detective work in a manner not available to ordinary officers.

The incarcerated pedophile escapes a maximum security prison and launches a new campaign of terror through twin victims from his earlier time. His object is you, who interrupted his initial work.

Our heroine is Eve Dallas, married to an engaging Irishman, O’Rourke. They come to Atlanta where the pedophile is at work. The detective does her work, with the help of O’Rourke and his on-line wizardry. The sleuthing process is addressed in detail, though a few of the steps require a bit of faith in the integrity of the story teller to accept the leap. Like all good mysteries, the denouement is exciting.

I enjoyed listening to New York to Dallas. This medium has become a favorite means of passing time as we drive between Dallas as Rosemary Beach. The storyline is an interesting paradigm for thought. As I find with most clever stories, a variety of thoughts emerged as the story unfolded. I was curious to see how Eve would reconcile her own childhood abuse with that visited upon the children she was determined to protect. How will the reliving of her own experience impact her psyche? Her marriage? Her willingness to bear or adopt children, perhaps abused orphans? Will the childhood abuse of the pedophile result in an exploration of the psychology of abuser and abused?

These threads of emotional interest were not explored in the story itself. While I understand that the genre does not delve into the emotions and psyche of the protagonists, it would have been satisfying to have heard Eve and O’Rourke share with us their own emotions, which, of course, who have to be addressed in real life.

A fine listen!

Warms, Cym

Additional Resources:
AMAZON
Barnes & Noble
J.D.Robb

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Researching Legends of Aboriginal Peoples in Australia *2 Book Reviews*

Aboriginal Stories of Australia
by A.W. Reed (Reed Books 1980)

Aboriginal Legends – Animal Tales
by A.W. Reed (Reed Books 1978)

I have been researching legends of Aboriginal peoples in Australia. A character in my current manuscript, entitled The String, is a half-breed Aborigine, who was taken at birth from his native mother to avoid further infection of the white race (the father was an immigrant German sheep farmer). In the course of my research, I came across these two books by A. W. Reed.

The legend, stories, and beliefs that are traced in these wonderful tales are fascinating. It is impossible to tell, at least to me, how the dates of the stories, handed down by oral tradition, compare to the time lines of the stories in the Old and New Testament, also handed down through the generations by oral tradition.

I was fascinated with my reading. Each story seems to build on its predecessor. My favorite was “The Blue Fish and the Moon.” It is a story of two men, one was miserable and saw the dark side of everything in life. The other, Nullandi, saw the light in life and was happy. When the miserable man died, he became a blue fish living for a time at the bottom of the sea until he was eaten by a bigger fish and his bones were scattered on the sea bed. Nullandi, on the other hand, went into the sky to live with the Great Spirit, who turned him into a round and shining moon. Nullandi illuminated the darkness of night with silvery light.
Each of our religions embrace the essence of this story, replacing the operative words with Heaven and Hell, redemption and eternal punishment.

I found the concepts to be easily grasped from a human emotion standpoint. For example, it is easier for me to get my hands around the consequences of someone who communicates misery vs. happiness, than it is to do so with concepts of original and continuous sin.
In any event, I found these short books to be fascinating to compare Aboriginal beliefs to the religious teachings that we are each accustomed to. The tales are easy to read and cry out for discussion and understanding. Like a touching sermon, I found myself thinking about each tale and relating to my own life and perceptions.

Isn’t this the point of a meaningful sermon? If you enjoy thinking about such things, step out of the box and read these tales.

Warms, Cym

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*Book Review* 007 Carte Blanche by Jeffery Deaver

007 Carte Blanche
by Jeffrey Deaver
Simon & SchusterBantam 2011

Like many of you, I grew up reading Ian Fleming’s wonderful James Bond books. As I think about it, the image of 007 has been an interesting element of my thinking about writing and trying to find my own path as a thriller writer. What is your image of James Bond? Sean Connery in Goldfinger, which was such a stunning evolution in movies? To me, it was rather like the first Star Wars, something new and different. And intriguing. The 007 movie franchise has been a huge success, probably vacillating a bit depending on the actors playing the hero. Sean Connery was one image, some of the others have been way different and far less interesting (at least to this male).

Ian Fleming died long ago. Now, along comes Jeffrey Deaver, an appropriately famous thriller writer. When I picked up this new James Bond adventure, I had mixed emotions. In other contexts, when I have read sequels written by successors to authors I enjoyed, or when such authors changed direction in their writing, I have been sorely disappointed. So, I began reading with a jaundiced mind, trying to recall some 30-35 years ago reading the Bond books as a young man. I felt myself being critical. “This is not like before.”

Thankfully, Deaver has done an excellent job. This new James Bond, adjusted for the interesting issue of time span in a clever way, comes alive beautifully. Carte Blanche has the elements that we associate with Bond – crisis in the world that seems insoluble, lovemaking with a beautiful woman who turns out to have other roles in the story as well, fast cars, exciting locales, M, Moneypenny, and new potential loves in London (cleverly named Maidenstone – think about that one; she will doubtlessly return in the future) and South Africa, where the story is largely set. There is an impossible-to-discern plot afoot to wreak havoc in the world to suit the interests of an interesting assortment of rogues. Bond has an idea, which is backed by his superior against the views of the rest of the intelligence world. Can Bond get out of this mess?

The story is set in today’s world with a background of current issues, including environmental problems that the world faces.

The joy of James Bond is that he is a creature of the imagination, both his suave good looks, lifestyle, easy bedding of beautiful women, intriguing criminal plots, page turning excitement as the third leg of the story opens in full glory (I believe there are four stages to these books, like an exciting basketball game), and a triumphal denouement against impossible odds. As Bond sails of into the sunset, we wonder what his next scores and adventures will hold for us.

Professor Deaver – you have done a wonderful job of recreating this fascinating franchise. I am hooked once again. Perhaps in a future Bond escapade he can take up another current theme – economic terrorism practiced by state agencies, perhaps by an ally of the U.K. What will proper England let him do – right or stand down for political correctness?

Warms, Cym

Jeffery Deaver
Amazon

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The Best Holiday Gifts for Readers and Writers *Guest Post*

Do you have a special reader or writer on your holiday list this year and you’re at a loss for ideas for the perfect present? Well, if you don’t want to give them the default gift of a book and face the chance for an awkward moment when they open it and tell you it’s one they’ve already read 100 times, be sure to check out the following suggestions that are sure to dub you the best gift giver since jolly old St. Nick himself:

#1: Give a book weight: If your book lover can’t even eat a meal without reading, this little stocking stuffer will be perfect for freeing up their hands so that they can multitask when they just can’t seem to put down that novel. For writers, book weights are great for holding your books/notes/other materials open for reference while they are typing up an award-winning piece.

#2: Give a journal. Typically, most writers in today’s modern world prefer to compose their work on a computer; however writers are always coming up with ideas and inspiration on the go…so when creativity strikes, and a laptop is nowhere to be found, a journal or notebook to jot down their thoughts would make a great holiday gift. Any writer would be happy to receive a legendary Moleskin journal. And if you want to make it extra-personal, you can even have the recipient’s initials put on the front.

#3: Give beverages. Just because you plan on buying a gift for an avid reader doesn’t mean that you have to buy them something to actually read. Think outside the box and get them something to enjoy while they read. For many, kicking back with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine is the ultimate way to unwind. Consider gifting your reader with their favorite blend or a gift card to Starbucks. If your reader happens to be a connoisseur of wine, consider giving them a bottle or a pair of wine glasses.

#4: Give music. When in the writing or reading zone, a lot of people like to enjoy their hobby with some good back ground music. If you know their taste in music or their favorite artist, an album purchased on iTunes or an iTunes gift card has the makings for a great holiday present.

#5: Give a class. For writers, there is no end for improvement—they are continuously honing their craft and learning ways to become a better writer. So give them this gift that keeps on giving! Search the web to find available writing courses nearby, online or even pick up a book on the subject. This will be an untraditional gift that can really help a writer brush up on details like grammar, punctuation, composition and descriptive writing skills.

#6: Give a Snuggie. And no, not even as a gag gift. As hilarious as these robe/blanket contraptions may look, they are actually quite practical! What better during the cold winter months than to curl up by the fire with a cup of cocoa and a best-seller…and your Snuggie? With this gift, your reader will be able to keep warm as they escape into relaxation on a brisk night in with a good book.

#7: Give an e-reader. Any reading or writing enthusiast is sure to have this gem of a gift on their wish list for Santa this year. With e-readers like the Kindle, you can give the recipient the gift of a massive book selection (over 800,000 titles from which to choose for $10 or less), advanced technology featuring E Ink display that reads just like paper, built-in Wi-Fi allowing you to access books in 60 seconds, as well as the ability to borrow Kindle books from your public library. And all for the low price of $79, your reader/writer will thank you—and so will your wallet!

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Erica St. Claire is a guest post author who shares with us this post on the best gifts for readers and writers this holiday season. In addition, Erica also works for Catholic Dating Sites where she focuses on educating readers about safe online dating.

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Sunrise For Aspiring Writers

Good day, friends. I know that many of you are hopeful, aspiring writers. There is a fascinating story in Friday's Wall Street Journal about the new world of self and online publishing. Read and enjoy, then please share how you could purdue your own dream, I will too.


Warms, CYM

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This Week's Bookish Round-Up

1. A Book Editor Speaks: The Challenge of the First Chapters by David Carr. When a writer asks for help with a completed manuscript, I ask to look at the first chapter and one other—preferably one they feel needs the most work. The first chapter should orient me to the content, so that when I look at the later chapter, I have some idea of the context and information I need for understanding it.

2. The New York Times: Selling Books by Their Gilded Covers by Julie Bosman. Even as more readers switch to the convenience of e-books, publishers are giving old-fashioned print books a makeover. Many new releases have design elements usually reserved for special occasions — deckle edges, colored endpapers, high-quality paper and exquisite jackets that push the creative boundaries of bookmaking. If e-books are about ease and expedience, the publishers reason, then print books need to be about physical beauty and the pleasures of owning, not just reading.

3. This Mama Makes Stuff: Making Stuff: Patchwork Bookmarks by This is Carrie. Paired with a gift card to the local bookstore, these patchwork bookmarks will make a great gift for my kid’s teachers.

4. TheLightFantastic: BOGO SALE I Love Books, Vol. 2 11x14 Fine Art Print--Vintage Book Scrabble Tile Geek Photography

XOXO

Beachbrights

(guest blogger)

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The Trill of Victory *Audio Book Review* by Sandra Brown

The Thrill of Victory
by Sandra Brown
Sandra Brown 1989 Brilliance Audio 2011

I have recently discovered the joys of audio disks, which we enjoy driving back and forth from Dallas and Rosemary Beach in the Panhandle of Florida. These disks, containing excellent stories, pass the time like magic. An additional benefit I have discovered is that sometimes the stories were actually written long ago by authors who have become famous.

Such is the case with this adult romance story, written by the now famous Sandra Brown in 1989 and, apparently, self-published at the time. The Thrill of Victory is the story of a world class tennis player, Stevie Corbett, who has devoted her life to being a Grand Slam. Her nemesis has been a local Dallas sports writer, Judd Mackie. She is at the top of her game and he at the bottom of his.

Stevie collapses on the court. Judd is delinquent in getting the story of what is behind the collapse. Drugs, alcohol, failed love affairs, or what could so undermine the globally famous star on her way to the Grand Slam. The unlikely pair each find magic in the other as they descend into rural East Texas to the farm of his grandparents, where they can be alone and address the real story.

This is a sweet story, a nice change of pace from the intensity of many of the books that I read. One element typically absent from the thrillers that I review is poignant love and emotion, which I believe leaves such stories devoid of critical elements of walking around humanity. In any event, this story is not a thriller, is full of erotic activity, and Ms. Brown spares no detail in the story-telling.

We enjoyed this interlude from the seriousness of thriller and the range of other books that we typically read, enjoy, and review.

Try this one as an audio book, about 5 hours in length.

Warms, Cym

AMAZON
Sandra Brown

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Beloved Marleigh

This morning at 9:10, Seth and I handed our beloved Marleigh over to the One who created her. We said our final good-byes to her and her to us, and released her into the hands of pure Love. We had 12 of the most amazing, fun-filled, joyful years with her. Marleigh, though just a canine companion to anyone that didn't know her well, was one of the most trustworthy, faithful, forgiving, intelligent, protective best friends anyone could ever hope or pray for. Her unconditional love and understanding never ceased, even until the very end. She gave us everything she had and we tried to give everything back to her, though I believe she was the more giving one and we got the better end of the bargain.

She never asked for anything more than to let her be who God created her to be:
- Like all pets, she only wanted to be loved and cared for and on the occasional times when we let her water bowl run dry, she always forgave us instantly.

- She only asked to have her own place in our family and was happy to be a part of our "pack" and do whatever we were doing - she just wanted to be where we were.

- Unlike most kids, Marleigh loved putting her toys away and into her toy box at night. If she thought I'd fall for it, I'm sure she would've taken them out several times a day just to put them back again (I'm sure the treats helped with this one).

- To help me out with my exercise program, she readily volunteered to take me on walks every day and even helped me cross the street by taking her leash in her mouth and walking me across, then she'd drop it the moment we were on the other side. I loved the look on drivers' faces as they watched this.

- She was a beloved big sister to Abby, though it didn't start out that way. When we adopted Abby, Marleigh thought we were crazy and had somehow betrayed her. To show her great disapproval, she would retreat to the garage, but I'd go get her and make her spend "quality" time with all of us. Oh, she couldn't stand that new "small, brown thing with tall, skinny legs and a head too big for her body" that we'd brought home. If she could speak human she would've said "Take it back, we don't need it! Take it back!" But, after a few weeks Marleigh and Abby became close friends and sisters, and we enjoyed seeing them tumble and wrestle together 2-3 times a day. It got to the point that wherever Marleigh went, Abby went. Marleigh taught Abby almost everything she knew - how to get out the dog doors, how to retrieve a ball, and eventually Abby even got what "patch" meant, though it took all three of us to teach her. She even kept Abby in check on walks by letting us leash them together. Abby will also miss her very much.

- Marleigh longed to have as many jobs as we could think of for her. One of her favorite jobs was fetching the paper for us every morning. Rain, snow or shine, she trotted to the end of the drive-way, picked up the paper and placed it on the coffee table or ottoman (whichever we told her) - and for the small price of a treat, she would've been happy to get every neighbors paper for them, but somehow they didn't appreciate her slobber like we did. Every Halloween Marleigh helped answer the door and neighbors would recognize her (not us) and say "Oh, that's the dog that gets the paper for you every morning...where do I get one like that?" You don't, she was one-of-a-kind.

- She was patiently persistent. When she wanted to play and I was busy at my computer, she'd bring one toy and try to get me to play. I'd tell her "later Marleigh", but she'd just go get another toy thinking the first one must not have been good enough or the right one. Before I knew it I had every toy from the toy box at my feet. I could hear her thinking "surely one of these is the right one." Of course I'd cave and we'd go play ball for awhile - often at her favorite park - oh, how she loved the park. She was so focused on the ball and retrieving it for me - her job - that there could be 50 dogs in the park and she wouldn't even say "hi" to them. "Later, I'll talk to you later. I'm working now and I want to get it right." Her focus remained on me (or, frankly, whoever would throw the ball) and her job - fetching and retrieving the ball.

- The one thing we were never able to do for her was play ball enough. We always got tired first. One of her favorite moments in life was when mom and dad would come to visit. When Marleigh saw dad it was all over. The excitement was overwhelming and as far as Marleigh was concerned, the rest of the family became chopped liver - I think dad was just fresh meat. Dad wasn't tired of this ball game yet like we were and he was fresh meat. She loved it when he'd play ball and she egged him on the entire time he was at our house. Her unrelenting persistence usually paid off for her. Thank you dad for those special moments and memories.

- Marleigh never forgot anyone. Even in her last days, if I mentioned Cassie, Barney, Bridget, Paddy or Maggie, her ears perked up. While she was healthy, if I mentioned the "Denver group" at all, she'd rush to the front door and sit and wait for them to come. I learned quickly that I couldn't say these names unless Cassie was going to arrive in the next few minutes. Marleigh would sit for hours waiting to see them appear. I'd have to take her on a walk, play ball or something to get her mind off it. She didn't do it as much with the names of "mom" or "dad" because Seth and I were "mom" and "dad" to her. But, if Seth accidentally said "Mickey" or "Charlie," that was different, there she'd go to sit at the front door - the welcoming committee. She even got used to Grace's name and every time we talked about Grace (which is often), her ears perked up, her tail would wag and she'd go to the front door waiting to see if her play mate was coming over. When Grace or Cassie would come for an overnight visit, when they left, Marleigh and Abby would always go to the guest room for several mornings afterwards to see where they were. Even after Cassie's last visit, as hard as it was to walk, Marleigh would go into that room and look for her.

Finally, I cannot forget Marleigh's smile. She's the only dog I've ever had that smiled. She'd smile at anyone who approached her...she was convinced they were there just to see her. In her last days, she was unable to smile, but I could see a slight smile in her eyes - she was happy to see us when we walked in the door. I'll always miss her smile.

Although our hearts are broken at the loss of our beloved girl, the joy she gave us over the years far outweighs the pain we feel now. I wanted to write this mostly to help heal my heart and to get those wonderful memories of her written down. These memories are only a few. More will come over the next days and weeks and I'll write them to myself and my Jesus whom I love more than life itself. I don't know what I'd do without Jesus in my life - especially during times of sorrow. I'm so thankful that He knows the grief of losing a beloved pet, because He knows and shares in all of our joys and sorrows. Thank You, God, for the gift you gave us with Marleigh...she is and will always be greatly loved and missed.

I'm one of those crazy people that thinks because of Who God is and because of His great love and mercy, we'll get to see our beloved pets again one day. I imagine Marleigh romping and playing with Cooper, Barney and Bridget. She's out of pain and discomfort, in her right mind and a happy girl. I love you and miss you my dear, sweet Marleigh-girl.

From Seth and I, thank you for all your prayers, support and love during this time. To mom and dad, and Cym and Dale: Thank you again for your enduring patience with us over Thanksgiving...that was Marleigh's most difficult day. We know each of you can understand the sadness we are experiencing right now, but the Lord reminded me of this verse this morning "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning". Ps. 30:5. I'm looking forward to the morning...

We love you all so very much.
Robin Lowell (Cym's Sister-in-Law)

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Show vs Tell

My editor advises that I struggle with wanting to tell my story
rather than showing it.

So, I could say that "the Rosemary Beach sunset at our walkover."
That would be telling you what I see.

But I should say something like: "I was anxious about the dinner party, so I strolled down the boardwalk to see the sunset. The glorious colors calmed my spirit."

Is that showing you what I saw?

Warms-CYM

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