Thursday, January 31, 2013

Pure Notes

I've been inspired lately by my Muse to write a few pieces of flash fiction ...and this is one of the results.  I highly encourage everyone to dabble a little in all forms of writing, regardless of your preferred genre, style, etc.  

I believe that if you only surround yourself with like people, like surroundings, or like influences ...you will lose your individuality and become like ...  



Pure Notes


The winding path beneath my feet is not made of yellow brick or paved asphalt, but earthen clay covered in autumn leaves.  Tumultuous shadows loom behind me, and bare limbs reach out to grab me; to entangle, to ensnare. Chilled winds of uncertainty nip at me, making me shiver.

Bits of sunshine cut through the thick canopy above me, dotting the road, baptizing me in its glory and praise, but its warmth is fleeting. One step away ...once again in shadow, two ...more sun, three ...more shadow, but never sustaining, never sure.

Whispers echo through the pines, those evergreens, always in season, always the same in a forest of changing colors and varying scents. "Come, come," they call, offering a home among the woodland, the accepted majority, kings and queens of their kind. The path is narrow; the limbs push and pull, defining familiar trails.

Into the foggy haze before me, a part of the road lay hidden in the unknown, cloaked in obscurity, and masked with uncertainty, I hear a soft melody. Its rich tone entices me, pulls me, and seduces me with each pure note. My Piper sings to me, "Come, come!"  I long to obey, to fall under his spell.

The Pines, the Piper. A raging storm ensues. The Pines, the Piper. Calling, drawing, making me dizzy, and twisting me in knots. "Come, come," they implore. Spinning me round and around, entangling bits of my hair, ripping parts of clothes, slicing into my skin, till I'm nothing but a ragdoll.

I fall.  "Come, come," I whisper through swollen, cracked lips. "You've taken all I have sans my heart."  Hot tears shimmer down my cheeks. "Come, come, if you dare. Who will save me?"

The Pines remain quiet, stiff in their pride, but in the distant a single, pure note weaves through the forest. My Piper comes. He appears out of the fog, followed by a gay crew of revelers. He stands before me, holds out his hand, a smile tugging on the edge of his lips, and says, "Come, come, my Lady, let's dance."

Monday, January 21, 2013

Beyond Borders




Learning the complexities of writing is a never-ending process.  For those who think they’ve obtained knowledge of all they need to know about their craft …think again. 

While I’ve learned a lot about the technical aspects of writing, became educated and experienced on the marketing of a published novel, and have a good grip on the whole process from concept to implementation, I’m learning there’s still a lot more wisdom to acquire.  Well, I actually already knew that lesson, but this new phase I’m entering has me learning to step outside my comfort zone. 

I hope I can explain this in simple turns.  I don’t mean being able to move forward and succeed when I find myself outside said comfort zone.  But, to make the choice to actually step into the unknown with a hunger to learn more, experience more, and fill my repertoire of knowledge with new, strange and complex knowledge, thereby expanding wisdom.  Have I lost you, yet?

In stepping into the unfamiliar, I’m learning a lot more about myself as a writer and as a woman.  I like what I’m discovering.  Perhaps not everyone will like the new, emerging me, so it’s a good thing I live, write and love FOR me, not anyone else.  I’m falling madly in love with the woman I’m discovering, and am enjoying new skills, new talents and a new style of writing. 

If I could part any kind of wisdom today, it would be to keep your mind wide open and never stop learning. 

Till next time,
~T.L. Gray

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Triumph Over Tragedy: Anthology Release

Okay, it is finally released! Triumph Over Tragedy: Anthology

Please, please buy this book and help support Hurricane Sandy victims in the process. Spread the word and tell everybody you know to do the same. 
 

Book Description

January 7, 2013
In the days immediately following Hurricane Sandy, I found myself both awed and saddened by the devastation I saw on the news. In the past, I’ve donated money for various relief efforts, but the gesture always felt somewhat hollow to me. Disasters have ripped apart people’s lives and homes, and here I am, sitting on my couch in my nice, warm living room, donating a measly fifty bucks.

I wanted to do more, to give more, but my familial obligations precluded me from physically going to help while economic constraints prevented me from giving more.

That’s when inspiration struck.

I’m an indie author (at the moment) and have enjoyed some relative success. In recent years, I’ve attended a few conventions as an author and made some wonderful professional connections. I reached out to a number of authors I knew, inquiring if they would like to donate a short story to an anthology, the proceeds of which would all go to Sandy relief.

A bunch said yes, emailed their contacts, and…well, things sort of took off after that. Turns out, people like helping people.

This anthology is our collective way of helping. We hope you enjoy.

Authors included: Elizabeth Bear, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Mark Lawrence, Robert Silverberg, Michael Stackpole, Timothy Zahn, Philip Athans , Tobias S. Buckell, Bradley P. Beaulieu, Adrian Tchaikovsky, Michael J. Sullivan, R.T. Kaelin, Maxwell Alexander Drake, Tim Marquitz, Alex Bledsoe, Erik Scott de Bie, Ari Marmell, Jean Rabe, Rick Novy, Bryan Young, Gregory Wilson, Elisabeth Waters, Donald J. Bingle, C.S. Marks, SM Blooding, Jaym Gates, Stephen D. Sullivan, T.L. Gray, Marian Allen, Sarah Hans, Bryan Thomas Schmidt, C.J. Henderson, Steven Saus, Addie King, Doris Stever, Matt Bone, Rob Rogers, Janine Spendlove, Tracy Chowdhury, Vicki Johnson-Steger, and Alex Shvartsman
 

Thursday, January 03, 2013

2013 - Proclamation

Happy New Year! 

What's going to happen in 2013?  I don't know the details, but I do know whatever is in store will be AMAZING! 

I may not be a long- lost civilization or a modern-day prophet, but I do know 2013 is a blank page I intend to fill with wonderful stories, new friendships, and perhaps a few reconciliations.  I will NOT look behind, only forward. 

You're more than welcome to come with me, or stay where you are, but I won't stop. 

Till next time,
~T.L. Gray