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"Luminous Wind"
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Saturday, February 26, 2011

RollingMuseInTheRoses Blog. She needs some input...

Hop, or in her case, wheel on over to RollingMuseInTheRoses: blog.  She has posted a section of her current story and is looking for a sounding board with some input for her.  She wants to know if she should head in the paranormal direction with her story or keep things normal.  It's between vampire and wolf-shifter.  I've given her my opinion already.  While I am passionate about the paranormal genre and this surely has potential for it, I also know there is not enough quality disabled romance/erotica out there to begin with (especially respectful ones with a strong heroine). I felt so strongly about writing ~Enlightened By Darkness~, a vampire romance (and my first journey into that subject) for her.  But, if anyone is going to get at heart of the matter and show the struggles and triumphs of an every day life living with the adversity of relying on a wheelchair, she would be the one to do it. It might be nice to see a normal story that other disabled/wheelchair users can identify with.  But, I told her she's the writer. She needs to follow her muses and go with what feels right. 

Anyone read her story section and have an opinion for her? Go on over and join and share! :)

Thanks!

~Luna

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Cardinals and Healing and Paths

Category: Otherwordly Offerings and Paranormal Presences:

Every time I see a Cardinal: I think about my grandmother.

Cardinal/Redbird's Wisdom Includes:
  • Courtship
  • Fatherhood
  • Understanding the power of the wind
  • Finding your soul song 
    Animal Spirits (Wonderful resource on animal spirit wisdom, totems, and shamanism in general.)

Today marks 1 year since my grandmother left this earth plane.  She was 92 years old and had her wits to the end.

She was a self-taught watercolor artist. She used to say "Just call me, Grandma Moses." she didn't take up painting until her later years.  The most magical part about her art? She did it all with good 'ole Crayola Watercolors. Yes, that little mustard yellow tray we all remember from childhood.  Her passion was flowers. But, she made me a cat one year for my birthday. She wasn't too happy with the way it turned out. But I love "Charlie" and his inquisitive little stare.

I have a painting of a white birch tree hanging in my room, with a little cottage nestled away in the distance, and sprawling daisies nodding their cheery heads in the gentle breeze. I need a new mat so that I can hang her second tree drawing. I believe this one was to be oak.  It is sitting beside a wooden fence, the path inviting one to wander and get lost awhile.  The flowers along the edge, welcoming. She knew I loved trees. I wish she had had the chance to paint more.  Her paintings were sold in quaint little seaside galleries and she even won a few awards with them.

She loved birds. I know I get my love for birds from her.  Her favorite were cardinals and blue jays.  Every time I see a cardinal at my feeders, I know Gram is saying Hi to me.

It's like when my grandfather (her husband) died.  He had a penchant for sneaking sweets. The sweet tooth runs in the family.  After his death, my grandmother would find crumpled up Hershey kisses wrappers scattered throughout the house, that had no business being there.  She swore it was the squirrels. *chuckles* I tried to tell her it was Grandpa leaving little love messages for her.  She didn't buy it in the beginning. But, I think she came around to the idea.  A couple of weeks ago, I found a crumpled up candy wrapper sitting on my desk at various points during the day.  There was no candy of that kind in the house at the time.  I smiled and thanked him.

Be open to the little signs, the little messages, they are all around us. If you open your eyes, your heart, and your ears to receiving and believing.

~~~~~~

I have been sending a great deal of distance healing out lately.  I can't stand anyone being in pain or anguish. I've been sending massive doses of distance Reiki healing out, even to animals. People with health problems, people grieving, people in pain, people in need, people hurting, people raging, people in desperation, people dying. It helps them to be calm, to focus, to feel connected, to sleep, to dream, to remember, to let go. But, I just don't know what more I can do.


The past few nights have been rough. The energy has been intense, pain and anguish palpable, and at times overwhelming. Quite a crowd of confused spirits gathered. Often times after a tragic event, it takes a few days for them to process and to start seeking answers and help.  But, this happened the very night of the earthquake. I start crying from the ripple of emotions, take a couple refreshing breaths and forge forward. Sometimes an explanation is all a lost one needs. Sometimes a validation.  If they are new to the experience, they need guidance and gentle coaxing.  I try to provide that. I hope I helped. I hope some of those lost in confusion gained some clarity and were able to accept and find peace.  Sudden destruction and loss of life, especially during natural disasters is devastating.  I can't imagine what that is like and yet I feel it. 

(( I was going to post about one particular encounter with a gentleman who made his presence very strongly known. But, I think I will wait awhile. I did want to start a Blog specifically for my spiritual experiences, but do not have time for it. I hope people do not take offense to me putting it on here, for now.  If you would like to know more, please ask me. ))

~~~~


Sometimes - I wish I could turn it off, feeling too much.  Sometimes - it would be nice to be completely alone with my thoughts. But, that is not to be. This is my path. Sometimes - it would be nice to be understood. My experiences can be hard for a lot of people to grasp. In this area it is hard to find others of like-mind/like-spirit: unlike where I used to live.

This is me. This is my life. I have accepted and embraced my nature, my path.  It can be a lonely one. If someone wants to be in my life they need to understand...this is me. I hide nothing. I make no apologies for what I am.  I never asked for it. Never sought it.  And yet, here it is. This isn't a passing phase or interest.  This is my soul's calling.



I wish only to bring comfort, understanding, healing. This is my path as a Lightworker. This is my soul song.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Romance/Romantica/Erotica Short Story Submission Calls

I'm a short fiction writer.  Until the right story comes along just begging me to turn it epic and novel-length...(or forces me to finish it) I'm content with that. I'm proud to be a shortie Story-Teller! :)  I LOVE anthologies and short story collections. My bookshelves are brimming with them.  The biggest collections that I own by far are the "Year's Best Fantasy and Horror" anthologies, Charles de Lint "Newford" collections, romance novel collections, and also the Mammouth Book Of --.  Let's not forget my collection of fairy tales (adult) and mythology.  What better way to get to know a longer fiction author's work than to taste a morsel of their fare?  Or to find a new talented short story author to add to the collection?

I've submitted works before - long ago. I even have an ebook published out there somewhere in the cosmos (contract has been up for a few years). I was a kid back then. I didn't know what I was doing. But I was excited to see my story in e-format and CD. Hah! Shows how long ago that was, huh? Let's just say e-publishing and e-books were an alien word and world at the time. There were no marketing strategies within the publishing companies. Sure, you could make a webpage, but there was no such beast as Social networking or Blogging.  Unless I wanted to go out and promote myself at: schools, libraries, book stores: I was on my own and out of luck.  I was still in school and did not have the luxury of time to do that. 

The people in my life have urged me to submit and try to publish. They've urged me for years.  I've always had some excuse: time, money, life, not enough works under my belt, who would read my stuff, blah-blah-blah. Things we probably all have thought about at one point or another, to talk ourselves out of it.  

I'm a stay-at-home Momma raising my child alone. I'm in school furthering my education and my career prospects. Apparently in the state I now reside in, my Literature and Education degrees are nearly useless (what with the economy and all).  At least with my new focus, my editing and grammar skills will be put to use.  Although, I have to admit this verbatim stuff is really starting to screw with my editing skills.  It might not be what I've dreamed of since I was a little girl, but huge and oft-times scary life changes have forced me to re-evaluate. I'm all about going with the flow. I feel this the time. I know this is the time.  The end of my marriage marked the return of my muse. How sweet Liberation is!

As many of you know; the market (this particular one) out there isn't so open and accepting of short fiction as it is of novels and novellas. Most publishers who do accept short stories for collections and anthologies only accept previously published authors or by invite only.  That makes it challenging for those of us who write works under 50,000 words. Even harder for those who write under 30,000 words. Most of my works are 5K-20K.


I've been perusing the internet, connecting with other unpublished and published authors and have been asking them to please guide me in the right direction. Here is what I've found so far through the help of (Lucy V Morgan) and (Teresa D'amario) and on my own.

Freya's Bower: An Erotica and Romance Publisher


Tease Publishing: Quality Women's Fiction


Ellora's Cave: Romantica Publishing


Samhain Publishing


Harlequin Romance: Entertain, Enrich, Inspire


Loose ID: not currently looking for short fiction :(


Then the Blogs which Post, Feature, and Review the publishers:


Erotica Readers


and


Erotic Romance Publishers


Please, anyone jump in with your thoughts, feelings, experiences, and suggestions!

Friday, February 18, 2011

What Have You Done - Angels - Frozen - Stand My Ground: WT

WARNING: The following music videos contain SENSITIVE Content concerning domestic violence and abuse.  Watch with caution. I do NOT condone any of these acts.  It shows the perspectives of the victims.
I thought this song/video appropriate after the last several posts.  Intense video. But the key thing is - she gets away from him and becomes free and safe. I think a lot of people (especially women), sadly can relate!

("What Have You Done Now? (feat. Keith Caputo) By: Within Temptation)


The deceiver, the stalker, the vampire, the trickster. Karma, baby!


("Angels" By: Within Temptation)


SUPER SENSITIVE: Sexual Abuse/Domestic Violence/Revenge

("Frozen" By: Within Temptation)


STAND YOUR GROUND. Don't let yourself fall victim. Stay strong. Love yourself enough to say NO!

 ("Stand My Ground" By: Within Temptation)
 
Yes, I'm on a Within Temptation, Rampage.  Makes you wonder if Sharon den Adel (lead singer) is writing/singing from experience. Doesn't it? Her lyrics show such a heart-wrenching grasp on the reality of some people's lives.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Literary Friction: Character Study: Writing the Alpha Male for Modern...

Literary Friction: Character Study: Writing the Alpha Male for Modern...: "Like a lot of teenage girls, I devoured romance novels. I graduated to other types of genre fiction and erotic fiction not long after (as we..."
______

This post by LV is a brilliant, witty, informative article about Alpha males in literature, particularly romance and erotica. She hits on so many fine points. The quotes that she includes from literary resources make me all giddy inside.

Go on READ it. You know you want to. I'm telling you that you want to. I'm demanding that you read it. *soft, sweet smiles* I promise you will like it.

Rising Star: Blog Spotlight: Erotic Romance

Rising Star: Blog Spotlight: Erotic Romance: "Want to know what's happening in the erotica publishing world? Drop by Erotic Romance (eroticromancepublishers.com) for the latest updates o..."

Thanks Carolyn Star for the heads-up on this great resource for all things erotic publishing!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

LITerotica, Unfinished Business, Reaching Out

Long, exhausting night/day. But as I lay here in bed, I am feeling inspired.  I'm working on my Earth Day entry for the Literotica 'Earth Day Contest'.  It promises to be earthy, organic, and orgasmic: For the love of trees (a favorite subject of mine)! *coy smile*


So far, my romantica and erotica has only been published on LIT. I'm working on changing that. I continually find myself amazed and delighted to have found such connections on an adult site.  Although I have been on the site for years, I had not introduced myself to the community until this past summer. In the past; I simply posted stories. Since that time, I have gained a professional editor, made writerly connections, and have become friends with people. I have been writing there since '03, but hadn't posted anything new since '05. 


I realized why that was.  I realized that while I was married, my ex-husband's negativity and chaos sucked the creativity right out of me. My muses went into hiding or on vacation and they didn't even invite me! Have any of you had that happen before? A certain person in your life had a negative or dampening effect on your writing?


I saw the 'Summer Lovin' Contest' on Literotica and thought back on my summer memories of growing up on the shore.  I thought about reconnections.  I thought about what-if's. I wrote ~Summer Spirit~. I submitted it and then held my breath and waited. I was one vote shy of qualifying for the contest. The system in place to keep votes fair, "Sweeps", swept me last minute and I lost that one deciding vote. But, I've gained helpful feedback, readers, and friends along the way! I have now entered 4 contests. Each contest finds me with more votes, higher ratings, more comments, and more readers and fans. I always respond to comments and e-mails. I think it's important for writers to form a connection with their fans. People appreciate it and feel a part of the process. Blogging certainly gives us the opportunity to reach out to them and give back. Don't you agree?


I'm a big culprit of unfinished business when it comes to my writing. Do any of you have this problem too? I'm not sure if I lose interest in my characters, lose steam, or find another story itching to break free. I follow where the muses lead me. I chase after plot bunnies, entice them with chocolate dipped carrots, lure them into my arms with whispered promises, caress their silky soft fur and ask them to behave. Is it wrong to always follow my muses? It might be. Many writers have told me that experience will eventually teach me to realize that I need to have a plan in place and muses be damned - for as we know - they can be such fickle creatures. I know this. Inspiration can be fleeting, elusive, ephemeral. But, isn't the evanescence of inspiration part of the beauty of it? The unexpected serendipity? When it comes time to plan, put the plan in action, and abide by it. I'll be ready.  For now, experience is teaching me to follow my muses, open my heart chakra and listen to the whispers within my soul.

Do you, dear Bloggers and Blogophiles plan your stories, from start to finish? Do you ever start in the middle and spread yourself outwards? Or start from the end and work your way back to the beginning? I did that very thing with my 'Halloween Contest' Entry ~Pumpkin Pie Passion~. I started the story and then I wrote the ending. I went back and filled in all the creamy, dreamy, pumpkin filling...last.


The contests have forced me to finish what I've started. Sure, I have six writing projects going at one time, most of the time. But, my contest entries I am proud to say do see an ending! I love challenges and contests. It's not about the ratings so much, nor the prize. It's about the comments, the feedback I receive, the support, my growth as a writer, and my burgeoning readership base.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on these topics, your experiences, ventings, gripes, musings, sage advice. Don't be shy. *gentle, welcoming smile*


PS: How's the formatting? Do I need to make my Blog kinder on the eyes? I think I need to widen this text table. I haven't blogged in ages, and even longer since I have coded. *laughs* I feel like a newbie again. I'm a quick-study though. ;)

How do I change the width of this post text block?

Enjoy! Sweet and Steamy dreaming!


~Luna

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Stimulate and Inspire

Words stimulate me beyond compare. I am sure that has something to do with the human mind/brain being one of the most sensitive of the erogenous zones (particularly in the case of women).

If you leave my stories feeling inspired and/or saying: "Yum" "Nummy" "Wow" "Oh Yeah" "Holycrow" "Mmmm" any other expressions; blushing, thirsty for more, hungering for the elusive; wet, hard, hot-bothered-in-a-'lustful-frenzy'; having to readjust your clothes, or readjust yourself *wink wink*; and most importantly dreaming of LOVE...I've done my job!