SUPERNATURAL

Two brothers follow their father's footsteps as "hunters" fighting evil supernatural beings of many kinds including monsters, demons, and gods that roam the earth.

Obviously, I’m a little bit behind on my entertainment. SUPERNATURAL aired in 2005. I began watching the first season late last year.

Netflix is wonderful. I’m discovering all the good shows I missed. I don’t watch much television, but on most days, I usually absorb about an hour. For now, that hour is spent enjoying the adventures of Sam and Dean as they destroy evil.

Evil comes in many forms. SUPERNATURAL does a nice job of addressing each paranormal situation. From Bloody Mary to a Killer Clown, you’re never quite sure what the boys are going up against in each episode.

But, it’s not all about hunting. The characters’ backstory is intriguing and aspects of their lives continue to unravel. I just finished up Season Two. I look forward to seeing where the hunters go within their own lives and what evil they stand up against throughout the show.

I’m especially impressed by the scare factor, the moment when you jump just a little because you weren’t expecting what happens next. You never see it coming. It takes a lot for a show to make me jump in surprise, but SUPERNATURAL manages to do it over and over again.

I recommend this television show to anyone who enjoys stories of the supernatural. You’ll be hooked from the beginning, and entertained with each new ride.

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and is ready for a brand New Year. It’s going to be a blast!

New Years in Village by Jon Sullivan

Most people start each New Year with Resolutions. Most of those people abandon their plan halfway through January. Some jot down goals for the New Year, and when they fall behind, they discard it all. Since this happens year after year, I wonder why those same people continue the process.

I’m sure there are many who stick to their guns and continue forward accomplishing great things. Congratulations and keep doing what you do.

For those who continue with failed attempts, why not try something new this year?

Take it step by step, month by month, a day at a time. Make your steps small and achievable. I’m not saying don’t reach for the stars, I’m saying be realistic. Don’t set goals so high, they are unachievable and set you up to fail.

Set something small for January, and when you achieve it, celebrate. For February, you can up the stakes a little, but not too much. It’s better to set your goals low and go above and beyond, rather than not reaching them at all.

I wish you all the best in the coming year. Let’s get ready for that first step toward our goals.

A Blog Hop and Giveaway

A few weeks ago, Clara Bowman-Jahn tagged me in The Children’s Author/Illustrator Blog Hop.

To be honest, my slow response has been because of the fact that I don’t run in the Children Book Scene. Although, I know I should in order to promote my one and only picture book. But truth be told, I don’t have much time to re-network for this one book. Trust me, Angelina, my main character, is upset about the lack of attention.

So, in order to give my darling Angelina a few more readers, part of the Blog Hop includes a GIVEAWAY, two e-book copies of The Sacrifice are available for my wonderful followers and readers. (Middle Grade - Young Adult, Fantasy) The Sacrifice is also available for purchase at eTreasures Publishing.

In order to qualify all you need to do is contact me and you’ll be in the drawing. You can do this in one of two ways: comment below or contact me through my webpage. Mention you’d like to be in the drawing and there you go, you are in the hat for one of the two copies. Deadline for Entry: December 20th

Now for the Blog Hop and how it works. Each blogger has four questions to answer and three tags to pass on to other authors/illustrators.

As I said above, I don’t run with the Children Writer Crowd, but I do know one author through the Voices of Fiction series. And then, I surfed around and found two more victims.

So, who are they?

Bobbi Carducci, author of ‘Storee Wryter Gets a Dog.’ BLOG LINK

Sam Zuppardi, author of ‘The Nowhere Box.’ BLOG LINK

Will Terry, illustrator and instructor. BLOG LINK

Lady and Gentlemen, you have been tagged. If you’d like to continue the hop, answer the following four questions on your own blog and tag three Children’s Authors/Illustrators.

What are you working on right now?

I am currently working on what I had hoped to be my first full-length novel, but running around 40k, it looks like it will be a novella.

Broken Memory, a paranormal suspense, is the story of a woman who must face her past in order to have a future.

Here’s the working one-liner - When a woman’s past crashes into her present reality, she must face spirits, a demon, love, and find a way to survive them all.

I am eager to get this story to my critique partners, but time has been sparse this year, so the going has been slow. It will definitely be sent out in seek of publication early next year.

How does it differ from other works in the genre?

My other two paranormal novellas were both very short, more like long short stories. Broken Memory is the real deal, the writing is better, and the story is more fleshed out. So far, I’m very pleased with where it is going. OH and no vampires or witches.

As I edited this for the final posting, I realized I responded incorrectly to this question. On second look, I believe the question refers to other writers' work in the genre. I've never been very good at comparing my work to others, so I'm going to stick to my original answer.

Why do you write what you do?

When I began writing, I intended to write horror. But my stories seem to be a little gentler than what I see hitting the horror shelves these days. I do believe eventually a thriller will come out of me. I just haven’t found the right story yet. So, I write what comes and right now it’s paranormal with a touch of romance.

What is the hardest part about writing?

At the moment, motivation and time would be at the top of the list. It’s difficult to get to my writing while working a full time job, but I make it to the seat. Then, I have to work past the thoughts of how little is accomplished in such short sessions. Motivation wavers when your mind screams at you that you’re not getting anywhere fast. You can only calmly reply, “No, but I will get there.”

Don’t forget your entry for a copy of The Sacrifice. And, take a moment to stop by my victims’ blogs to see what they are up to.

Struggles and Gratitude

The Tug of War - JM Staniforth

Over the last few weeks, I’ve struggled to keep moving forward in all of my ventures. A few good days followed by a bad day and then back up again I go. Sometimes, I think I’m on a yo-yo ride.

I do realize my problems are much smaller than others. In fact, they’re no more than a mere sneeze in the big scheme of things. But, sigh, they are my issues, and they need to be worked through.

It will all work out, day by day, one positive thought leading to the next one.

Caution: No one worry, these are only motivational issues and such, nothing life threatening or anything.

~~~~~

The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth" (1914) By Jennie A. Brownscombe

Moving on to, what’s that? Thanksgiving Day! It’s right around the corner.

I hope everyone is preparing for a wonderful meal and lots of family sharing.

In celebration, I thought it would be a good time to share my gratitude list (in no particular order), all those things I’m thankful for and which keep me moving through my days, one after another.

I am thankful for:

• My creativity 
• My precious kitties – Tike and Prissy 
• My critique partners 
• My craving of searching for more: spirituality, personal growth, learning new things, taking risks 
• My day job, which keeps me warm and feed
• My home, which gives me shelter
• My man, who on occasion understands me
• Everyone I've encountered on my journey in both writing and tarot 
• Readers of my work, both short stories and novellas 
• Every breath I take, every lesson learned and every mountain in which I’ve climbed or will climb 
• My Soul, and the chance to experience life 

Tike (left), Prissy (right)

Keep writing, reading and have gratitude!