Hustling while you wait

'Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.' Words of wisdom from Thomas Edison himself and to writers I believe this statement hold sincere truth. I have seen several people, once they were published, lose all of their work ethic and forget that getting published is only a small part of the whole journey. Next comes marketing and a slew of other activities that can be less than desirable at times. It's almost the same as when you see someone who has graduated from a very prestigious university. They feel that the worst is over and now opportunities will be coming to them effortlessly. Little do they know that graduation is merely the beginning and now they have to compete with other fellow graduates as well as people who have more experience than they do. For writers, I believe that you always have to stay motivated no matter your current situation. Even if you are well established, if you decide to rest on your laurels there is a great chance that you might miss several chances to promote yourself even further. And anyone who is anyone realizes that success, although rewarding and wonderful, is definitely not permanent.

The inevitable

The inevitable has once again happened. Today I turned 33. To tell you the truth, I really don't like birthdays. All it does is signify that age is having it's horrible way with you. Sooner than you know it, all of your youth is lost and then you join the countless ranks of the 'old'. No matter what anyone says, I'm sure it is an extremely unpleasant journey. The older you get, you realize there is merit in the statement 'It's better to burn out than to fade away'.I guess all one can really do is stay young at heart, because the rest of you sure isn't going to!

Back to Scotland

I had to change my plans for Halloween this year. Originally I was supposed to go to New Orleans to view the grave of Marie Laveau, the voodoo priestess. That plan unfortunately become sidetracked. So, instead of procrastinating and wasting valuable time I have decided to once again get out my passport and visit Edinburgh Scotland. This time things should be significantly different. The last time I went to Scotland, I wasn't a twice published author (I actually looked up several sources while I was there to see if they were interested). Of course I am going to see a lot of the sights I saw while I was there last time. Especially the haunted graveyard, Greyfriars Kirkyard. There is a history to it that is quite interesting. It is supposedly Haunted by a specter known as the Mackenzie poltergeist, the restless and evil spirit of 'Bloody' George Mackenzie. This entity is supposed to be able to touch the living. The last time I went there no such event happened, but a woman did pass out possibly out of fear (all the ghost tours are done precisely at midnight). Hopefully this time things will be different. I also plan to see more of the Highlands as well and anything else that I missed the last time.

A valid question

I have had a pretty productive week, as far as writing is concerned. My new story 'One Night in Csejthe' is coming along rather nicely. I also keep running into circumstances that constantly remind myself that I'm definitely different than other people. You know, things that keep reminding me I'm a freak. Not that it's a bad thing. I love it especially when certain people act like they are superior to me in some fashion. I have learned to laugh such instances off. But, they do well to let me know just who I am! There truly is no escaping it. I don't know if I can honestly say I'm used to it because the truth is that you never really get used to it. But, then I ask myself a question I have asked millions of times. "Would you rather be normal?" And that question holds significant validity for me. I believe there is a reason for everything. I feel that 'normal' people, for the most part, live their life void of passion and purpose. They all seem happy enough to be a part of the masses. To be nothing special in the grand scheme of things. When one considers that, one must understand that it's a reality that must be avoided at all costs. Yes, I may be physically hideous. Yes, I may be eccentric to a fault. Yes, I may even be considered 'Evil'. But, there's only one of me! Who else can actually say that?

Ms.Anthropy

In the brink of everyone's career choices, there is always one person who stands out as very helpful or influential. For me, that person was Ms.Anthropy. Without her help I really don't think I would have accomplished half of the things that I have. She helped me at a time when I was truly considering giving writing up. I was working at a mental hospital when I met her (she worked there aside from being a publisher). By chance I told her of my problems regarding my would-be publisher (The fraud I have described on several occasions). Hearing my temporary woes, she carried me to a new direction. It was her idea that I take matters to a attorney and retrieve my book rights back from the fraud. And then, with her help and blessing, I started the process all over again except this time I actually got the results that I wanted. Of course I remain pretty far from being totally satisfied with my literary journey, but, at least with her help, there is such a journey taking place. We all have had help at one point in our lives, and I believe we owe everything to those select few who have helped us. Because the truth is, such people are indeed a rarity!

Favorite seasons

Believe it or not, I'm really not a spring or summer person. My favorite seasons are autumn and winter. I like what they tend to symbolize. A lot of the stories I create take place in either one or the other. Not to mention that my favorite holiday, Halloween, takes place around the same time as well. I think the world is most beautiful around this time. The dying, fading colors. The cold and chilling weather. The somber mood and atmosphere. I truly enjoy myself around this time. I like the historical significance that comes with both seasons. How the ancient people would sacrifice to their gods and pray for a good harvest. Some ancient societies even had gods that represented these seasons. There is absolutely nothing like walking through a graveyard during autumn or, especially, winter. The feel is pure pleasure. At least it is for me!

Opening the RIGHT doors

I have heard several people say that in order for an author to get well known to the public that they have to go on radio and television programs, give seminars, attend events, and so on. I don't know if it always rings true for everyone. You know the saying, there are many different roads that take you to the same place. Call me old fashioned, but I believe that if you can get the right people to read your work, and if by chance they like it, then you can open several doors for yourself without having to partake of so many endeavors. The question is 'How do you get the RIGHT people to show any interest in reading it?' That usually proves troublesome. But, I don't think it's necessarily impossible. I'm pretty sure that there are several people out there with numerous connections that love a good horror read. And with that in mind, I've always got my eyes open!

A reason to live

Usually with a story, I have to inch my way to progress. It happens every time I put a pen to paper. I marvel at writers who can just breeze their way through their work without having to deal with writers block and so forth. But chances are these very same writers are probably not as meticulous as myself when it comes to my work. Being a perfectionist, as a writer, is second nature. Every word must be perfect. No exceptions. Such a demand from myself requires a lot of painstaking effort, but I feel it is worth it. The feeling you have when complete a story that you are proud of is the best euphoria a person can have, In my honest opinion. I don't simply want someone to read my work, I want them to FEEL it in their every being! I want to shock them. I want to alter their perception on reality as a whole and have them question their very life and purpose. And I never want them to experience a healthy night of sleep again! It is that necessity to move people with my wicked words that I still continue to write. It is my salvation. My reason to carry on with life!