Sunday, February 4, 2018

Goodbye, Dear Father, Dear Stranger . . .


My father died on Friday, and I lamented his loss with questions of why. On Saturday, I moved in a haze of numbness seeking distraction from reality. On Sunday the tears seem never-ending because there are so many unanswered questions.

My father was an enigma. In anger, he sought vengeance, valued beauty and wealth, and yet seldom recognized it. He threw away those most needful of him and therefore denied himself a blessed life.

We were estranged for many years, but age and ill health erased many of the reasons, and I am thankful for the reconciliation, but now he’s gone, and I can only pray. . .

***

O Lord! In this Most Great Dispensation Thou dost accept the intercession of children in behalf of their parents.  This is one of the special infinite bestowals of this Dispensation.  Therefore, O Thou kind Lord, accept the request of this Thy servant at the threshold of Thy singleness and submerge his father in the ocean of Thy grace, because this daughter hath arisen to render Thee service and is exerting effort at all times in the pathway of Thy love.  Verily, Thou art the Giver, the Forgiver and the Kind!

‘Abdu’l-Bahá



    
O my God! O Thou forgiver of sins! Bestower of gifts! Dispeller of afflictions!
Verily, I beseech Thee to forgive the sins of such as have abandoned the physical garment and have ascended to the spiritual world.
     O my Lord! Purify them from trespasses, dispel their sorrows, and change their darkness into light. Cause them to enter the garden of happiness, cleanse them with the most pure water, and grant them to behold Thy splendours on the loftiest mount.


‘Abdu’l-Bahá


THE  LOVE OF GOD
Bahá'í prayer booklet is published by the
Bahá'í Publishing Trust

27 Rutland Gate,
London SW7 1PD


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Monday, January 29, 2018

NOT WRITING, BUT




Hey everyone, I thought I’d post a personal blog today. All about me and what I’ve been doing. Not writing, heaven forbid, writing – what is that? I know, excuses, excuses. Here's what I've been doing instead?





Preparing the data on income and expenses for tax purposes. Always a fun adventure. NOT! But a necessary evil. The good news, 2017 ended up being a positive year for sales – no red ink.





Also, I’ve been working with the authors of Tick Tock: A Stitch In Crime on a marketing plan for the May 1st release. But you can Pre-order NOW!


We've got a Facebook Page: Tick Tock Mystery

And we have a Blog!



Check them out, please.






The WEP also starts the year this February, and it’s not all about Valentines and love. This prompt is called IN TOO DEEP!

How cool is that – does it pique your writing senses? I hope so. Sign-up on Thursday, February 1st and post the week of February 18th.

But we've also got a new guest post by the winner of the last challenge Adura Ojo - She wrote an amazing poem called The End is the Beginning: Why Cinderella Needs a new Song  

Please read her words on how a single story creates stereotypes...




And then I’ve been trying to get the Detective Quaid Series set up with the Kindle eBook feature – X-Ray.

What is X-Ray?

X-Ray automatically creates a list of characters and terms in your book, for which you can provide descriptions and expanded information. Readers can view your content while reading your Kindle eBook.
How do I add to my book?


1.      Review an item and add a description.
2.     Click the "Item reviewed" switch to add the character or term to the list of items to be published.
3.     Repeat steps 1 and 2 for as many items as you want. You do not need to add all characters and terms at once.
4.    When you are ready to make your content visible to readers, click the "Review and publish X-Ray" button. You will receive an email when your content is available to readers.






Have you added X-Ray to your books? It’s a job and a half, but I think it can add a lot to the reader's experience. What do you think?

What have you been up to? Writing, I hope!









Monday, January 15, 2018

TICK TOCK COVER REVEAL


The clock is ticking...



Can a dead child’s cross-stitch pendant find a missing nun? Is revenge possible in just 48 minutes? Can a killer be stopped before the rescuers are engulfed by a city ablaze? Who killed what the tide brought in? Can a soliloquizing gumshoe stay out of jail?



Exploring the facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring the talents of Gwen Gardner, Rebecca M. Douglass, Tara Tyler, S. R. Betler, C.D. Gallant-King, Jemi Fraser, J. R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Clemetson, and Mary Aalgaard.



Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these eleven tales will take you on a thrilling ride into jeopardy and secrecy. Trail along, find the clues, and stay out of danger. Time is wasting...

Release date - May 1, 2018



A Stitch in Crime – Gwen Gardner

Until Release  - Jemi Fraser

The Tide Waits – Rebecca M. Douglass

Center Lane - Christine Clemetson

One More Minute – Mary Aalgaard

Reset – Tara Tyler

Three O’Clock Execution - S.R. Betler

The Little Girl in the Bayou - J.R. Ferguson

Cypress, Like the Tree - Yolanda Renée

Gussy Saint and the Case of the Missing Coed - C.D. Gallant-King

Heartless – C. Lee McKenzie




Mystery & Detective/Crime/Thrillers

Print ISBN 9781939844545 eBook ISBN 9781939844552


Monday, January 8, 2018

A Musical Influence


Does music influence your writing. 

Is it the music, the words, or the atmosphere it creates?



Josh Groban's album.


was the influence for the
love story in my first novel

MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE.


Two songs:

My Confession

&

When You Say You Love Me

The two songs that influenced my writing of the first book in the Detective Quaid Series.

There were other songs, and they're all mentioned in the novel, but these were the two that were specific to Steven Quaid and Sarah Davis.


Another song that follows the characters through all the novels is




It's a song that Sarah sings when she's troubled, and in future novels, it's a song that foreshadows bad news when ever it's mentioned in the novel.

So do you have a favorite singer, or song that helped make your novel come together?





Wednesday, January 3, 2018

ISWG - 2018 & Goals







This month’s Question is - What steps have you taken or plan to take to put a schedule in place for your writing and publishing?

My answer: I’m always working on a plan. Setting goals are and always has been an essential part of my life. The first thing I did this New Year’s Day was to write out a definite set of goals and a plan to achieve them.

Now it’s time to get to work!



&

Now that the news has been shared
I can shout it to the world!
My story
Cypress, Like the Tree
Placed in the IWSG Anthology!

I am THRILLED!
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WRITERS WHO PLACED!

Such an exciting way to start the New Year!



Don’t forget the awesome co-hosts Tyrean Martinson, Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor, Megan Morgan, Jennifer Lane, and Rachna Chhabria! Be sure to visit and comment.



This year was a wild one, but in the end, several goals were achieved. A book was published, and we are now living on the coast with a lovely view of the ocean. A dream come true. The journey here was a bit crazy, but not all paths run straight. Still, we are blessed!

          While I was absent most of the time from blogging and social media, I did manage a few posts, and I did my best to keep up with friends. I know I’ve missed some critical changes in many lives, but I hope to catch up and will try my best to be more active this year.

          I feel that it’s important to acknowledge several of the folks that never lost faith in me this last year. Most significant is Denise Covey, my partner in crime at the WEP. I may be speaking out of turn, but the relationship that we’ve developed over the years proved invaluable this year with all the emergencies, travel plans & moves, and all the chaos that filled 2017.

          Thank you, my friend! I love you dearly!

And I value the creativity and artistic input of Nilanjana Bose and Olga Godim. We are now an unbeatable team! Thank you, Denise, Nila, and Olga! I am so proud to be part of such a unique writing team!

To that end, I’m happy to announce that the


 The End is the Beginning were announced today!

Please stop by and congratulate the winners!

***

          I also need to thank Susan Swiderski, Michael Di Gesu, Chrys Fey. Without them, The Snowman would not have been released in 2017. But more important than just support for the writing these amazing individuals were there when the personal got to be too much! Thank you!

          Thank you all for always being there when I needed input, editing, and hand holding!

           A special Thank You for all those who've read and commented on my blog posts. Your support has inspired my faith and keeps me striving for the possible!
May the New Year help you reach the goals you've set!

***

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

&

HAPPY READING & WRITING


IN


2018


Monday, December 18, 2017

WEP - THE END IS THE BEGINNING OR IS THE BEGINNING THE END?


Dawn inserted the last invitation into the envelope and sighed. “Just weeks away, can you believe it? Charles will have a full month of leave before his next deployment. Our wedding and honeymoon will be heavenly.”

            “I’m sure it will be dear. You’ve been very patient, both of you. Your father, and I are very proud of you.”

            “It’s been difficult, but we’ve both wanted to fulfill our obligations. Working at the Pentagon has been a great honor, and Charles has spent three years in Afghanistan. Now he’ll join me in Washington, and we’ll complete our military careers together.”

            “I’m amazed that you’ve both stuck to your goals so stringently, but it’s why we’re so proud of you.”

            Thanks, Mom. This wedding proves that.”

            “Your dad thought it was the least we could do. You’ll need your money to furnish that new house.”

            “Has Charles told you where you’ll be going on your honeymoon?”

            “No, he’s got it all arranged though. Charles said I won’t know until we land. A private jet and all first class. The one thing I’m sure of is that I’ll need a bikini.”

~~**~~**~~

The minister started the ceremony with Isaiah 32:

“Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a covert from the tempest, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land. Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness, and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. Please be seated.”

“The bride and groom have written their own vows. Dawn, please share with us your words for Charles.”

Nervously Dawn cleared her throat, smiled at Charles, and their eyes locked. “Charles, you are my life, my love, my hero. I promise to cherish, honor and always be ready for a new adventure.  I pledge to hold your hand through life, to never interrupt your football games, and to always seek your guidance for the important decisions. I am blessed with your love, your friendship, and vow my devotion, forever and always.”

She smiled through her tears when she saw his eyes fill with moisture and delicately wiped the escaping drops as they rolled down his cheek.

“Now it’s your turn, Charles,” The minister said.

“You are the most blessed thing that has ever happened to me. I cherish you, your honesty, your strength and especially your smile. I promise that laughter will always outweigh the tears. I vow a shared future, of fulfilled dreams, diminishing obstacles, and a balanced life of love, family, and personal satisfaction. You are my hero, and I will love you until the end of time.”

They exchanged rings, and the priest pronounced them husband and wife. At the reception, their first dance as man and wife held so much meaning as it was their first real moment together since his arrival was last minute and just hours before the start of the wedding. Dawn finally relaxed in his arms, and they clung together in silence. Swaying to the music, appreciating each other, and looking forward to their future together.

~~**~~**~~

Spending Christmas and their honeymoon on the beach in Hawaii was everything Dawn had ever dreamed of, and as they soaked up the sun, she noticed their glasses were empty. Rock, Paper, Scissors decided who would refresh their drinks. Charles won again, but after declaring himself the winner, he kissed his wife and told her. “Relax, Mrs. Collins. It will always be my pleasure to serve you.”

Charles had only been gone minutes when the air raid sirens went off. Thinking it was just another drill Dawn remained in her seat but searched the sky. Hearing shouts of "it's not a drill! I can see it. Look!" She jumped to her feet and sprinted toward the bar and her husband. 
During those same moments, Charles dropped the drinks he'd just purchased. He witnessed the missile hurtling toward them and raced back to Dawn. They met in an embrace just seconds before their world ended.

~~**~~**~~

*****

750 words
Yolanda Renée © 2017

*****
My apologies to those looking for a happy ending, I honestly meant for my story to be light and uplifting when I first started. I began writing it while at the dealership waiting for the oil change on my car. The television station on in the waiting room was set to CNN, and a story about Hawaii reinstating regular Nuclear Attack Warning Siren tests caught my eye and sadly changed my story.