Happy Halloween

Halloween has been and always will be my favorite holiday. I absolutely adore the history of it and the wicked mood that brings is simply to die for! But, when the holiday comes around each year I just cant help but notice the amount of commercialism that is apparent. I mean people actually think it is just about getting into some asinine costume and asking neighbors for candy. Most of them probably don't understand that it is a pagan celebration and many believe it is the one night of the year that spirits of the dead actually walk the Earth among us. I guess I have a unconventional attitude towards Halloween. I like to enjoy myself usually in a cemetery and in the night time I will get out my organ and play haunting tunes. And the truth is, it is the one holiday of the year where I can truly be myself.

Creating a demand

I know by experience that there are many writers out there that think they are going to be an over night success. It is these same writers who believe that their work should only sell for nothing less than a fortune. I'm pretty sure that with time most of them have to learn the hard way that without a demand for their work, it won't sell at all. That leaves them with only two available options. Either to #1: just quit writing altogether (you'd be surprised at how many of them do that) or #2: Create a demand. Creating a demand can be challenging. I, myself am still in the process of doing it. But, I don't believe anything is truly impossible. I think being flexible in where your work is being shown has a lot to do with it. For example, I like to approach book stores (usually little holes in the walls) and offer complimentary copies of my books to see how the public responds to it. Plus it's a great way to get the owners of such stores to read your work as well. I know a lot of people would have a great deal of trouble in giving away their work for free, but if you truly want to be noticed and appreciated, sometimes it's a must. Remember, the more people read your work the more they know about you. And the more they know about you, the more of your work they want to see.

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!