My Soapbox Moment -- Think Before You Tweet!

So perhaps you have heard the recent news story were a certain professional athlete spontaneously Tweeted his thoughts about another professional athlete not once but twice, and then deleted said Tweets and re-Tweeted a different edited comment to correct what he meant to say.  My thoughts on this?  Well, I don’t want to discuss on the actual content of this Tweet specifically, because the actual comment is not my point, but what I have is a more general observation . . . .  People, think before you Tweet!  Some thoughts should be kept to yourself.  Words are powerful and can hurt.  We now live in a society that uses social media as a voice.  The problem with this huge voice that we have all been given is that instead of a comment that you casually say to a friend or group of friends, you are now commenting to an entire world of listeners (same goes here for posting photos).  With this privilege comes responsibility.  (And yes, I do believe it is a privilege.  Take a hard look at how some other countries live and then tell me that it is not.)  You have certainly heard the saying “Think before you act”, well I implore you to please think before you act, Tweet, Facebook, Blog, email, Pin, or whatever other public avenue you use to get your point across.  You might just say something you really didn't mean to.  Who here hasn't said something they instantly regretted because it did not come out right and represent what they really meant to say? 

To quote the immortal Poo Bear, “Think, Think, Think!”

"Constellations" Went Live

Here it is!  "Constellations" went live on The Story Shack this morning.

"Constellations" Goes Live Today!

Friends,

My next story, "Constellations" goes live today on The Story Shack.  As soon as it appears, I will put a direct link on my blog so that everyone may access it.

Thanks for reading!

Christina

Book Review Time - "Light on Snow" by Anita Shreve

Anita's writing is simple and easy to read.  Yet when these simple, clear sentences are woven together, you are presented with surprisingly poetic paragraphs and a story that grabs you and pulls you into its web.  

With this book, Anita Shreve presents you with a interesting moral dilemma resulting from a shocking discovery.  She allows you to taste and savor the story's events and subsequent emotions while never letting your attention go.  The story takes place over a time span of only a couple days and because of this, I won't reveal to you what the story is about.  What I will say is that I have read three Anita Shreve books now (Body Surfing, Testimony and Light on Snow), and I think this one was perhaps my favorite.  

Well done.  I give this one a thumbs up.   

Illustration Completed for "Constellations"

I am happy to report that the illustrator, Sue Pownall, has completed her drawing for my next piece, "Constellations".  This story will go live on The Story Shack on April 26th.  I hope you tune in to see the completed project!

Quote of the Day

“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” 

― John Lennon

Book Review Time - "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

So, I'm having trouble trying to put into words my feelings about this book.  Therefore, here is a rambling of my thoughts.

Yes, it was good.  However, I have a "but" lingering in the background and I'm not sure why.  Here's what I can tell you.  The jacket comments are accurate, such as, "Powerful", "Unforgettable", "Haunting", "Moving".  It is by no means a light read, and as one critic said, it is a story that stays with you.  Then I read a full pendulum of reviews from readers both hailing it as the best book ever written and others not liking it at all.  While the majority opinion falls on the positive side, I am somewhere closer to the middle.

So what is it about?  Well, I personally can't describe this as a feelgood story, although redemption does come toward the very end.  It is a story about two boys who grew up in Afghanistan and follows the life of one boy in particular through his immigration to the United States.  It describes the difficulty, hardships and challenges in their lives from the 1970's to post-9/11, and there are many sad occurrences throughout this story that may leave you with a heavy heart.  I did greatly appreciate the insight into Afghan life, and found it is a good reminder to everyone that you cannot define the people of a country solely upon the acts of their leader(s).  However I did find this book a bit depressing and don't think that it would be for everyone.

Therefore, to sum it up I'll say this:  Yes, it was good.  Yes, I'm glad that I read it.  And yes, I'm ready to move on to something else now.  Oh, and no, I won't forget it.

Publishing Date for "Constellations" - April 26th

A publishing date of April 26th has been set for my next piece, "Constellations".  On this collaboration I have been paired with a very talented illustrator originally from the UK, but currently based in Oman, Sue Pownall.  Check out her site to see examples of her beautiful work, and stay tuned to see the results of our pairing.

New Story Went Live - "Meandering in Silence"

The new story is out!  A huge thank you to Grace Gao for the beautiful illustration.  Check out The Story Shack to read "Meandering in Silence".

Update on Current Projects

Good Morning!

I'm happy to report that the narration for "Under" has been completed and has been forwarded to the sound designer.  It is scheduled to be released in early June.  I am excited to see/hear the outcome.

Meanwhile, "Meandering in Silence" is still on target to be published in a few days (April 3rd).  I look forward to your thoughts and comments.

And, on another note, a new story, "Constellations" has just been accepted.  I will update this blog with that publishing date once I have it.

As always, I welcome any comments you may have, and remember, I now have quick links to all of my stories on the top right corner of this blog.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Book Review Time - "Salem Falls"

Ah, another successful attention grabber from Jodi Picoult.   The recipe for this page turner is as follows:

In a large witches' cauldron combine:

One teenage girl with a preacher father;
One attractive likable teacher and soccer coach;
A decades old diner;
Four teenage girls practicing Wicca;
One woman who talks to her deceased child; and
A clan of well-meaning but judgmental townsfolk;.

Now heat and stir and sprinkle in a good helping of twists and turns.

When ready, serve with a side nightlight, because as with all Jodi Picoult books, you'll be reading far into the night.

Result:  Thumbs up.

New Direct Links to My Stories

Hi Everyone,

I've now made it easier to locate my stories.  I have put direct links on the upper right hand corner of my blog, so all you have to do now is point and click!

Have a great weekend.

New Story to be Published: "Meandering in Silence"

I'm happy to report that another story has been slated for publishing on The Story Shack.  On my new piece, "Meandering in Silence", I have been paired with the very talented, Xiaonan "Grace" Gao, who has had several pieces showcased on The Story Shack.  The publishing date for this story will be April 3rd.

The Scoop on The New Project!

Okay, so here's the scoop on my "Something's Brewing" post from last week.  The Story Shack is involved in a new monthly podcast project called Shackcast which will feature a previously published story narrated by the American actor, Jeff Mash, who recently appeared in Oscar-nominated "Zero Dark 30".  His narrative will be accompanied by soundscapes from talented musician, Yero Pharah.  These podcasts will also be appearing on Youtube.  I have been asked if I would like to have my story "Under" featured as the second Shackcast, and of course I said . . . ."Yes!".  So, I'm excited to tell you that Jeff and Yero will be working on making my story come to life over the next couple of months and it will be featured as the second Shackcast in May or June.  Needless to say I am thrilled and honored to be a part of this exciting new project.  The Story Shack has been doing some wonderful things bringing the artistic community together in exciting ways, and I do hope you will check this out when it has been completed.

I will update my blog when the project has been completed and a firm date has been set.

Have a good week everyone!

Quote of the Day

“If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” 

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Book Review Time - "The Search" by Nora Roberts

So this is my first Nora Roberts read.  Yes, yes I know, everyone's read Nora.  Well, better late than never I say.  Anyway, a friend loaned this book to me, and I'm glad she did.  

First off, if you like dogs, you'll enjoy this one.  There's plenty of fur flying in between these pages.  The setting is a remote island off of the State of Washington, and the story involves a dog training protagonist who escaped a serial killer years previous.  But recently, the killings have resumed.  How can this be?  He's in jail.  Is it a copycat?  Well, you'll just have to read to find out.

The characters are likable and in true Nora Roberts style, a little romance blossoms from an unlikely cast.  But that makes it all the more palatable as you find yourself routing for these two opposites to connect.

My rating . . . . thumbs up!

Something's Brewing . . .

Last night I received word about an exciting new project that will launch later this spring/summer.  If all goes well, it just might involve one of my stories.  That's all I'll say about it for now until things are ironed out, but new information will be posted when everything falls into place.

Cheers!

"Saving Sylvia" Going Live Today!

Hi Folks,

My new story, "Saving Sylvia", is going live today on The Story Shack.  If you have a few moments, I do hope that you check it out.  As always, feel free to comment.

Thanks to reading!

Illustration for "Saving Sylvia"

Well, the illustrator had a snowy day today and finished the piece already.  He did a really nice job of capturing the key elements to my story.  I can't wait for you all to see it.   See, snowy days are really a great opportunity.  Carpe Diem!

Publishing Date for "Saving Sylvia"

Good Morning!  A schedule date has been set for my newest piece, "Saving Sylvia".  It will be published by The Story Shack on Friday, February 8th.  On this collaboration I have been paired with the very talented James Brown out of the U.K., and I'm excited to see his illustration and the final result of our pairing.  

Stay tuned!

New Story to be Published "Saving Sylvia"

Hi everyone.  I just received word this morning that another story of mine, "Saving Sylvia", will be published in the upcoming months by The Story Shack.  I'm excited to see this one published and will inform you of the date when I receive same.  I have to say that I think The Story Shack has been doing such a wonderful job of linking up writers and illustrators from all over the globe.  Martin, the editor, has been so great to work with, and I am proud to be a participant in their new format.  Anyway, do look for updates in the future.

Have a great weekend!
Chris

Join Me February 1 on National Wear Red Day!

Friends,

As many of you know, I wholeheartedly support The American Heart Association's National Wear Red Day.  This year the 10th annual National Wear Red Day takes place on Friday, February 1st.  Won't you please join me that day in helping to bring awareness to this silent and deadly killer?  Heart disease does not discriminate as it effects women and men of all ages.  This is a fact that was once again drilled home for my husband and I when we lost a  friend to heart disease just weeks ago.  Some may not realize this, but heart disease is the number one killer of women over all other cancers and diseases, more than even breast cancer.

For more information, please go to:  www.heart.org, where you can find out the silent warning signs of heart disease, get great heart healthy recipes, and much more.  You may save a life.  It could even be your own.

Thank you.

Quote of the Day

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will then know peace."

-- Jimi Hendrix

Quote of the Day

"Follow an old path and you find the expected.  Blaze a new trail and you have an adventure."

-- Evelyn Loeb

"The Early Bird" Just Went Live

Hey Everyone,

"The Early Bird" just went live on The Story Shack (www.thestoryshack.com).  I welcome you to check it out when you have a couple of minutes.  Also, The Story Shack previously published my stories "Under" (may not be appropriate for children) and "A Homecoming Revelation".  If you haven't read these yet, feel free to do so.  All of my stories on The Story Shack are searchable in the upper right corner of their site.

Thanks for reading!

Today's Mindless Trivia: Three Dog Night?

So as the nighttime temperatures dipped down into the teens the other evening we had what some would refer to as a Three Dog Night.  Of course in our case this winds up being a Two Dog One Cat Night, but who's counting?  Anyway, getting the general gist of what it means to have a Three Dog Night, I pondered its origin.  Of course its not from the '70s American rock band who's hits included "Mama Told Me Not to Come" and popularized "An Old Fashioned Love Song" by Paul Williams.  And obviously the phase meant that it was so cold outside that you needed to share your bed with three large furry dogs, but as to who came up with the phase?  Well, some say it was the cowboys and some say it was the Eskimos or those living in Siberia who used their husky dogs to keep warm, and others yet claim it was from the aboriginal Australians in the bush.  But no matter who is right they all agree on one thing:  It's a temperature scale.  One dog means it's cold, two dogs colder, and three dogs, well brrrr the heck with the blankets, pile them on!

Update - Story Going Live TOMORROW - The Early Bird

Hey everyone,

Apparently there was a little mix-up and my story "The Early Bird" will be published tomorrow instead of today.  So be sure to check out The Story Shack at www.thestoryshack.com tomorrow.  

Thanks!

Story Going Live - "The Early Bird"

Hi Everyone.  Today my flash fiction piece entitled "The Early Bird" is going live on The Story Shack.  Be sure to check it out.  Comments are always welcomed.

Also, just a reminder that you can do a search for all of my stories on The Story Shack by entering my name in the search box in the upper right corner of their website.

Thanks for reading!

Happy New Year's Eve!

Ah, yes another year has passed.  It all goes by so quickly doesn't it?  What will 2013 bring for us?  What resolutions will we make?  And which ones will we actually keep?  Will you be ringing in the New Year on the town with your party hat on, or toasting the new day from the comfort of your living room sofa?  Will you be preparing for a New Year's Day feast with dishes said to promote luck (black-eyed peas), or nursing a wicked hangover?

Well, regardless of your party plans and resolutions, as we welcome in the New Year this evening, please be safe.  Many local cab companies offer free rides tonight.  If you don't have a designated driver, please take advantage of these generous offerings from our local cab companies and get a ride.  We want to see everyone to have a fun and memorable New Year while remaining safe.

Best wishes to all for and healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

Artwork for Story "The Early Bird"

I have received a copy of the artwork for my next story, "The Early Bird" scheduled to be published by The Story Shack on January 3rd.  This illustration is by the talented Mike S. Young, a California native and regular contributor to the publication.  A really like Mike's visual spin on my story and think you will as well.  Look for it soon after the Holidays.