Category Archives: Reading

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Creativity: Pursuing Your Passions

Blogging, Cooking, Creativity, Czech Republic, New opportunities, Reading, Recipes, Refresh and reset, Writing, Writing Craft, , , , ,

Sometimes I wonder where my creativity is hiding. Particularly with regard to my writing. I haven’t been putting much pen to paper lately (as you may’ve noticed). Or fingers to keyboard, since I use both methods depending on where I am. And these thoughts kept returning to me recently. I decided a new post was in order. One that focuses on where we pursue our creative passions.

Partly, I’ve missed making words work and play together. Partly—oddly perhaps—I’ve missed actual typing. Isn’t that a hoot? I still remember my high school typing class, using a good ol’ IBM Selectric, and thinking, “What the heck is this good for?” That class is one of the few in which the skills I learned I constantly use and appreciate to this day. Plus, I love the little clackity-tap sounds of my keyboard! Yes, I’m that weirdo. 😛

Many of you know how strongly I believe in the creative aspects of what we do on any given day. Creativity and imagination figure firmly into living a full, happy, and engaged life. One where you decipher the answers to your problems, create new things from next to nothing, and share the experiences with others.

The coolest thing is creativity lurks around every corner. All you have to do sometimes is turn that corner.

I caught up with an old college friend a couple of weeks ago. So. Much. Fun. Scotty has always been a vocal supporter of my books (thank you, my friend!). So naturally, conversation soon swung around to the state of my current, albatross-like manuscript, still lovingly referred to as Book 3. I’d mentioned to him how I feared the end currently planned wasn’t good enough, as I’d intended for Book 3 to be the conclusion of this series.

And he asked me a question that stopped me: “What if that isn’t the end?”

With those few words, he shifted my view just a bit sideways. Thank goodness! Sometimes the thing you need to turn your brain on its head comes at you in an unexpected way. The reminder to look at things from a different, new perspective can be just what we need to step outside of our current situation. And to step into something that speaks clearly to us. My book writing’s been on the slow side, though things are percolating at last. In the meantime, I decided to look around to see where my creative energy has been going. I’m happy to say, it’s flowing full-force in many other aspects of my life. (I wonder if you’d find the same thing in yours, on examination.)

Today, I’d like to share how I’ve been creating in other ways, which I find pretty cool. 😛

On the food front, I’m still going strong with my Sourdough Bread making. I’ve had a lot of fun with a couple of experiments, and I’ve grown very comfortable over the past year with making and baking the basic loaf we eat weekly. In fact, I’ll make another tonight, since we’re done with my latest Rye Everything Bagel Garlic Powder Onion Powder loaf. Big-time yums!

Since I love a challenge, I’ve also tried my hand at baking a few Czech specialties for my hub and friends. These latest include the wacky-wonderful pastry, Vetrnik (OMG, YUM!) and a Prague Kolache. Part of my creative instincts are put to use trying to decipher Czech recipes translated into English, and how to figure out what American counterparts are similar enough to mimic them, to fill in the questionable spots. Man, it’s been interesting/entertaining/delicious! I’m still tweaking my Rohliky recipe, but my latest turned out pretty well…

Czech Vetrnik
Czech Prague Kolache
Czech Rohliky

And while food is fabulous 😊, you guys also know by now how much I love designing and reselling fixer houses with my dearest hub, Lou. With that in mind, and with a lifelong love of space planning and design, I’ve completed a one-year diploma course in Interior Design. It was pretty fab! I learned a great deal, including architecture and design history and new design software, and I’ve been studying and creating floorplans for projects Lou and I are planning. Way cool. Check out these roughs:

As I’ve been on a design kick lately, I’ve been creating graphics for my hub’s logo and designing marketing materials for his construction company, like t-shirts, hats, and business cards. Those are still a WIP, but he’s grooving on the results, so I’m happy and will continue to finesse them as needed.

The other illustration project I’m finishing up is for myself and my readers! That’s you, dear friends. 😉 I’m finalizing a free short story to share with my readers to say thank you for sticking with me on my writing journey. In addition to writing the piece, I’ve designed the cover art for it, which was another first for me, and one I really enjoyed. I may have to stick my finger in that pot again soon.

For me, a creative life isn’t about always writing or blogging. It’s about how you pursue your creative passions.

Novel writing definitely requires a particular focus, and sometimes, the time constraints and challenges of my other commitments keep me from maintaining that focus. But since I love to experiment with learning new things and pushing my creative boundaries, I’ve tried to be more flexible and forgive myself when writing doesn’t top my list.

When I look over the different experiences and activities I’ve tackled, I’m pleased to see the creative thread that weaves through them all and brings me joy. How about you? What creative pursuits light your fire? In what other unique ways do you give life to your creative side?  Do you struggle with being creative and finding inspiration? What do you do to plow through? I’d love to hear how you channel your creative brain and get through your slumps in writing and in life. Please comment below or email me at: carolyn@carolyngreeley.com.

One other thing that helps me sometimes, is my photography. Sometimes a simple photo, like a simple question, can shift my perspective and reset my thinking. Please don’t forget to follow me on Instagram at @carolyngreeley. I find it much easier to post my photography there, so I’d love for you to join me as I search out and post images that inspire and delight me. I really hope you find something moving and enjoyable there as well.

Thank you, dear friends and readers, for walking with me down this creative and wild lane. Happy Reading and Writing to you!

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Love in a Time of Corona

Blogging, Current Events, Reading, Refresh and reset, Stress Management, Writing, Writing and Emotions, , , , , , , ,

Well. Today’s reality in no way, shape, or form is anything like what I could’ve imagined one year ago.

Last May (May the 4th Be With You, to be exact for my Star Wars fans), my husband and I finally celebrated our wedding by renewing our vows in front of our family and friends. We had such an incredible time, sharing the experience with loved ones from far and near who couldn’t be with us the first time around.

Things are so different this May. We’ve now been living with the specter of the coronavirus (COVID-19) for many months, and life is so bizarre. I haven’t blogged in eons. Partly, because doing so feels more than a little out-of-whack with all that’s been going on—all the devastating loss, all the confusion, all the misinformation that surrounds us.

I’ve had to curtail my time spent online and on social media. Reading incessantly about the deaths and the lack of answers took an emotional and mental toll on me. It’s too easy to become overwhelmed. And I haven’t wanted to add to the bullshit by becoming part of the noise.

I’ve also continued to work at my other job, considered an essential business. Increased hours there have wiped me out, but also, the presence of so many customers—people who should’ve stayed home but couldn’t take the cabin fever and so they ventured out—has added to my stress level.

That said, though, I still feel the tug of the blank page. I long to tell my stories and, hopefully, to bring a few moments of enjoyment or happiness or escape to my readers.

So I decided to write this blog post. And while I’m brainstorming subplots before beginning Book 3, I’ve written a short story I plan to publish soon, a creepy little affair with a fun twist. I really love writing in a different genre while getting my head together to work on a novel. I have to say, writing definitely helps sort me out and feel human again. 😉

And so it goes.

As for me, I’ll do my best to keep posting periodically. To check in and hopefully offer a mini diversion from reality.

To you, my friends and readers, I wish you all safety, peace, health, comfort, kindness, and patience. We have a long road to travel—and everyone’s path will be different—but we have made it this far. We can make it the rest of the way.

Sending six-feet-distant virtual hugs to you and yours. #grateful #keepwriting #keepreading #staysafe #community

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Counting

Blogging, Gratitude, Reading, Refresh and reset, Thanksgiving, Writing, , , , , , , , , , ,

Blessings

When the holidays roll around each year, I try to pause for a few minutes and recall the events of the past months. To contemplate the good and the bad, the twists and the turns, and to revel in making it through another three sixty-five.

This year is no different. Though perhaps I’m starting a little earlier, trying a little harder to be mindful of what’s happened, how precious life is, how important it remains—every day—to be grateful for all the positive people and things in my life.

As continues to be the case year after year, 2019 presented more than its share of challenges. Even so, I’d rather focus on the good and carry the positives with me into next year and the one after.

To that end, I decided to keep this post short and share a few of the simple things I’m ridiculously grateful for:

  • sweet, gorgeous, and goofy smiles from my husband, and the mornings he makes me coffee while putting away the dishes
  • Cuzzie’s warm-fuzzy socks
  • watching seagulls fly over Route 1, far from the beach
  • the scent of woodsmoke from our neighbors’ chimneys and fire pits mingling with the apple-crisp fall air
  • random texts and goofy friends
  • family surprises, pitch-ins, celebrations, and remembrances
  • so many wonderful books
  • making guláš from scratch that tastes almost as good as my mother-in-law’s—according to the hub!!
  • writer friends laughing and supporting as much as critiquing and helping make my work better
  • Harry Honda starting right up on a cold morning after I’d left the overhead light burning the night before (even though I’d reminded myself to turn it off)
  • racing down a dark street on a friend’s speedy electric scooter, trying not to wobble or fall off while the gang cheered me on
  • living in a town with its own fort!
  • random customers dealing with issues who still strive to be polite while working to resolve the problems
  • the openness of the sky, where so much is visible: sunlight, clouds, rainstorms, birds
  • dear family and friends, old and new, near and far, who add so much love, laughter, and chaos—I mean excitement 🙂 —to our lives

And you know I’d be remiss if I didn’t add something book-wise. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to write and publish the stories I love with the support of family and friends and readers. Sharing my stories is a dream come true. And I so appreciate having readers who enjoy them and ask for more.

Treasure Bound
Treasure Bound, Book 2 of The Treasure Quest Series

I hope this post gave you a chance to think about your own year gone by. And perhaps you’ll take a moment now to share a warm thought or kind word or smile with someone just because. Thanks for reading…always. #grateful 🙂

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Creepy Scary Stories

Halloween, Reading, Scary movies, Scary stories, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing and Emotions, Writing Craft, , , , , , , ,

Happy October, dear friends and readers! I’m so excited for this month, because I love Hallowe’en and spooky things. If you don’t believe me, zip over to my About page and check out the lead photo. See what I mean? Haha. Love it!

And since this is the month of creepy good things, I decided to share some of my favorite scary stories, both written and on film. Time for a little levity in my blog, right?

Hanging Skulls

While writing this post, I stopped for a moment to try to figure out why my Hallowe’en fascination has persisted over the years. I always loved dressing up and spooking for candy as a kid, and I still love the holiday today. And you know what? I didn’t come up with a good answer. Regardless, I love Hallowe’en and scary stories very much.

The one thought I had, though, was this: I’m no psychologist, but I gather there’s something to be said for enjoying a good scare while knowing you’re safe and that what you read or watched was fiction. Unless, of course, you’re into non-fiction!!! BOO!

And thinking about it, not everybody enjoys a good scare the way others do. My hub included; he does not like scary movies. And while I sure do enjoy many, I fully admit there are certain tales I don’t like and won’t read or watch. For example, I don’t watch torture movies (I’ve seen a couple, and not cool IMHO). I’m also not a fan of sad-scaries. And, ghoulish movies and stories that could possibly happen do sort of freak me out. 😉

But that said, there are scores of other well-crafted spooky stories I enjoy. Most of them of the suspenseful-thriller-moody-tension variety.

Mysterious Fog

And so, I look forward to October every year, and this time’s no different. And just to set the tone, as I write, the sky has darkened to soot, flashes of lightning streak beyond the towering pines, thunder rolls almost as loudly as the drowning rain. I have the big house to myself. The doors are locked. So … here we go. In no particular order, here are some of my favorite scary stories! Happy Creeps!

Books:

  1. Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier
  2. The Tell-Tale Heart, Edgar Allan Poe
  3. The Turn of the Screw, Henry James
  4. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson
  5. The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde
  6. Ghost Story, Peter Straub* caveat, currently reading
  7. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving
  8. Heart-Shaped Box, Joe Hill
  9. The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer: My Life at Rose Red, Joyce Reardon
  10. Dracula, Bram Stoker

To read: The Haunting of Hill House, Shirley Jackson

Movies:

  1. The Uninvited, 1944
  2. Psycho, 1960
  3. Scream, 1996
  4. Halloween, 1978
  5. Poltergeist, 1982
  6. Invasion of the Body Snatchers, 1956
  7. The Shining, 1980
  8. Silence of the Lambs, 1991
  9. Nightmare on Elm Street, 1984
  10. The Thing from Another World, 1951
  11. Jaws, 1975
  12. Rosemary’s Baby, 1968
  13. Alien, 1979
  14. The Birds, 1963
  15. Ghost Story, 1981 *quite different than the book
  16. The Changeling, 1980
  17. The Fog, 1980
  18. Them, 1954
  19. Carrie, 1976
  20. The Blob, 1958
  21. The Amityville Horror, 1979

To see: Get Out; A Quiet Place

So, reader friends, what do you think? Which is your favorite scary story, and did it make my list? Which ones are you going to read or watch next? Mwuaaah-ah-ah-ahhhh! Hahaha. Let me know in the comments section. And try not to be too scared! BOO!!

PS–If any of you want to hear something truly scary, yesterday at one of the local stores, I walked past a humongous display of Christmas trees!!! True horror!!

PPS–Also, looking over the lists, you might notice I tend toward older stories. Reading-wise, I typically stick to the mystery genre in which I write, and movie-wise, I guess I just don’t get out that much. 😉 At least, not with the hub for a scary movie! Haha. Happy Hallowe’en!

I’m here
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Travel Through My Lens

Czech Republic, Reading, Travel writing, Writing, Writing Craft, Writing locations, Writing the senses, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Many authors get a charge out of doing the research that goes hand-in-hand with writing. I know I do. Except, perhaps, when the research takes me too long away from fingers-to-the-keyboard. That happens sometimes. 😉

But, research for story ideas and accuracy is often really fun, especially when the fact-finding involves travel. One of my favorite things about writing is using first-hand travel experiences and details to create an as-true-as-possible sense of being somewhere with me. I want my readers to feel present in my stories.

I’m also a HUGE fan of photography, particularly nature, landscape, and architecture. When you check out my Instagram images, you’ll see scads of things that catch my eye and inspire me and my stories. Funny, as much as I love words, I’m such a visual person. And, I hope readers see my stories the way I do … or, perhaps better yet, the way they want to, but through my lens, if that makes any sense. 🙂

Anyhoo, as I was saying…. I love photography, and since I take zillions of photos—predominantly with my cell, as it’s so portable and the camera’s resolution is so good—I have fabulous images to choose from when I need either ideas or a reference to clarify my description of a setting. BTW, I’m sure you realize that sometimes the images come first, sometimes the ideas do. Both work.

For this month’s post, I’m sharing images from my summer trip to the Czech Republic with my husband. I had a fabulous time visiting family and, among other excursions, exploring the Punkva Caves and the Macocha Abyss of the Moravian Karst. They were simply extraordinary to see. I’ve never before experienced such a unique semi-subterranean environment.

Two high points: the boat ride through the cavern, and the insane view of the abyss from the bottom of the gorge. Imagine you creep through cool, dank darkness, hearing ethereal music swell around you as you walk, and then you emerge from the winding depths of a cavern into sunlight that glows the treetops lime-green against a cobalt sky over 450 feet above your head. Stunning.

One reason I was excited to visit the caves is that part of my second novel, Treasure Bound, is set in a cave. I’m not sure how or when I began to like those underground spaces, but for most of my life, I’ve loved reading and learning about them, and exploring them when the opportunity arose. Now I’m having fun writing about caves, too. Cycle complete, maybe? 🙂

Ha—segue! I just remembered a science project I’d done in grammar-school on cavern formations. I devised a trick for remembering the difference between how stalactites and stalagmites are formed. The word “stalactite” has a “c,” just like the word ceiling, so I learned that stalactites are the formations that grow downward from the “c”eiling of a cave. Conversely, stalagmites are built up from the floor.

Uh-oh, I let my geeky cave secret out of the bag! Hee hee hee.

Needless to say, I’ve enjoyed the fun factor of caves for a looong time. And having the chance to explore some in another country totally blew me away.

I can’t pretend I’m any sort of expert on the caves we saw in CZ, so I’m including a link here to one website that has some cool information, if you’re interested.

What I will do, though, is share my favorite cave and abyss photos. Then, whenever the hell I publish TB, you’ll read for yourselves how I used this insider info to make my cave scenes more authentic (I hope), since I haven’t yet visited the actual caves I wrote about in the story. I don’t want to spill too many beans about TB, but yes, there are caves in the Caribbean!!!

For now, though, I’ll let the pictures tell the story.

Thanks for chilling with me. I hope you get a kick out of the photos. Let me know in the comment section which are your faves. Looking forward to hearing from you! I <3 my readers. Sharing = caringFacebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail

Book Club Brilliance

Book Clubs, Gratitude, Indie Publishing, Reading, Speaking engagements, St. Augustine, Writing, Writing Business, Writing Craft, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Every year, February’s brevity catches up with me, no matter how many times I remind myself it’s a short month. In my effort to keep on schedule, I’m squeaking in my second February blog with a few hours to spare. Whee! I’m lucky, though, because I have a fun topic for this post: book clubs. More specifically, my first invitation to attend a book club and to join the discussion as the author of the group’s chosen monthly read! What a freaking treat for me. : )

Through the most excellent graces of my friend Monika—she talked me up to her friend Melissa who’s part of this club—I was introduced to a wonderful group of authentic, candid readers who are in love with books.

As much as I appreciate book clubs, I haven’t participated in one before, even as a reader. And it hadn’t occurred to me to offer to speak to or participate in a book club discussion as a writer. Those of you who’ve followed my blog from the onset know I feel challenged by marketing and putting myself out there as an author.

And I’ll share this: discussing books and telling stories to friends is one thing, but stepping into the spotlight of this group felt so intimidating. It’s an entirely different experience to sit before a group of intelligent, time-pressed individuals who purchased your book on someone’s recommendation and then be held accountable for your words, creativity and entertainment value. I mean, what if these people hated my book? Or found inconsistencies? Or thought it too simplistic? I’ll say again, a tad bit intimidating.

That was, until I met this group of lovely people. Well-read, well-traveled, outspoken and outgoing, these women welcomed me and treated me like a friend while being honored I, “a local author,” joined their discussion.

And let me tell you, these guys do Book Club right: their once-a-month evening meeting begins with catch-up chats over a welcoming glass of vino and simple starters, is followed by a delicious, no-fuss meal (we enjoyed chicken chili, salad and fresh fruit; I’m hoping Natalie will hook me up with that recipe!), and culminates in the discussion of that month’s selected title. Their discussion format is straightforward and begins with the host opening with a book-related question or discussion topic to get the ball rolling. The conversation is free-form, with members commenting and asking additional questions until by consensus the evening ends. Simple, fun, effective, entertaining.

Vino

Cheese Platter

 

 

 

 

 

Every writer I know struggles with the desire to share stories but not to feel rejected by those who dislike, don’t understand or fear them. And we struggle with how to tell those stories the best we possibly can. The club’s questions were engaging and thought-provoking and even gave me ideas for a couple points I plan to work into the sequel I’m writing now, TB. Though a bit unnerving in the anticipation, in all ways, this experience was fantastic: the welcome, the interest, the engagement, the thoughtful and valuable questions and comments.

Bunch of Books

Though the group said they felt honored by my presence, I have to say I’m the one who was pleased and humbled by their invitation. They welcomed me and my story, Emerald Obsession, into their lives for a time; they allowed themselves to be carried away by my characters’ antics and transported to unfamiliar locales where they feasted on exotic fare. How fortunate am I?

Special thanks to: Melissa, Natalie, Leslie, Carolyn, Sarah, Kathy, Eleanor, Maggie, the fab ladies of (mostly) Davis Shores for their warmth, interest and welcome. Also, for your encouraging response to the vignette I read from Treasure Bound, my work-in-progress sequel.

You guys rock. Read on, ladies!

So, readers, do you belong to a book club? How does yours work? As I mentioned, I haven’t been in one before, but this experience really made me want to start. How about you? Let me know below or by email (carolyn@carolyngreeley.com). Thanks!Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail

An Editing Trick for World Read Aloud Day

Editing, Reading, Time Management, Writing, Writing Craft, Writing time, Writing tips, , , , , ,

I’m still writing the first draft of TB, Emerald Obsession’s sequel, which is great and frustrating at the same time. I’d hoped to be finished with this first run-through by now, but no dice. When I set writing goals, I like to think they’re realistic, but somehow I can’t always make them happen on schedule. That said, when I look back to where the time has been spent otherwise (whole-house reno!!), I’m not too disappointed that this first round is taking longer than I’d hoped.

But as I near the writing end, I’m beginning to think about the edits I know I’ll need to incorporate in order to improve the flow and arc of the story. That’s kind of cool for me. Editing is a challenge that requires different creativity, different vision and different skills. I edit my manuscripts at least four or five times, looking for specific elements on each revision. For example, here’s a sheet of proofreader symbols. One of my review rounds focuses entirely on this level of editing:

Proofreading marks

Today is World Read Aloud Day, so I wanted to share my take on how this helps during early-stage editing. You may already know it’s smart to read your work out loud. Reading, either to yourself in an empty room or to some sort of audience (cat, hub, writing buddy, etc.), allows you to focus on how the language sounds, whether you’ve chosen the best words, whether the story flow is natural and realistic. And a biggie: whether the tone and voice are consistent.

Reciting your story is a crucial part of editing and one I enjoy. I admit I read out loud frequently, sometimes unconsciously, which makes my hub laugh (I suspect this’ll happen a lot more now that we’ve moved into to our renovated office, yay!). I just tell him geniuses often talk to themselves, so he’s lucky he married up. ; ) ; ) Hahaha. Yeah, he laughs at me for that. And if you don’t want to go the “genius route,” you could read to your neighbor cats; here’s a photo of mine who randomly travel through our yard:

Neighbor cats sneaking in for a listen

So, while reading your own material is a great idea, how about next time you try this trick with your critique group or a writing partner: swap stories and read each other’s piece out loud. Not only will you focus and hear the words differently, you’ll hear how someone else interprets your words. Did the story flow naturally? Did the reader stumble over words or ideas? Did the plot progress realistically and believably? Hearing your words in someone else’s voice will give you a whole other level of insight about how readers might experience your story.

And you know me, I hope my stories sell, but first and foremost, I really want to tell my stories in a good, logical, fun, exciting way. This you-read-me, me-read-you technique can help build a great story. It’s super helpful to receive feedback from other readers, too, but I digress. Finding beta readers can be a topic for another blog. : )

As much as I love a good writing tip, I’m sure you guys know reading aloud has more benefits than simply helping you edit. I’m no expert, but do a search online and you’ll uncover many more pluses to reading for an audience, especially to kids. Think of the impact on imagination and vocabulary! Love that. <3

Tell me, readers, writers and friends, do you read your work aloud when you edit? Or just for fun? ; ) What other benefits do you find to reading out loud? Do you read to yourself or to others, like your critique group or writing partners? Me? Definitely a combo of both. Boy, my hub’s gonna get an earful!

I’d love to hear your answers. Let me know in the comments section below or by email at carolyn@carolyngreeley.com. Thanks for hanging out.Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail