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."

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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

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. 

 

Triumph Over Tragedy

Book Description

Publication Date: 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

 

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

Online Critique Groups

 Are they beneficial and helpful, or stressful and frustrating?  Both! 

Several years ago, when the idea of writing my first novel was conceived into my soul, I joined an online writing group called CritiqueCircle.com.  I was excited to be in a group of like-minded individuals, where most understood me.  Having no other writers in my family, most not even casual readers, I felt odd, alone and most often without a voice.  Explaining something creative in a room full of pragmatists is frustrating and fruitless; beautiful words bouncing off empty walls. 

Watching how the critique process flowed, I began to offer my own opinions, suggestions and edits to those bravely submitted story chapters.  It didn’t take long, before I gained the courage to submit a sample of my own work – offering it like a sacrificial lamb to be slaughtered, mutilated, dissected, inspected, judged and criticized.  That takes a lot of courage, because submitted work is part of the author’s imagination; part of their soul; their interpretation of life around them, displayed in artistic form with black-lettered font.  It was brutal.  It was bloody.  It hurt. 

If you want to see an example of courage, faith and determination, visit an online critique group.  Because it’s filled with people who set themselves up to get knocked down as a form of training, and choose to get back up, shake the dust off, make adjustments, and then offer themselves up once again.  The weak will cave to the pressure.  The stubborn will break or leave.  The determined will persevere.  The arrogant will be humbled.  The student will become the teacher. 

The best thing that ever happened to my writing ability, was subjecting it to criticism.  I learned from my mistakes, edits, suggestions, and critiques. I also learned to trust my instincts and hold to my convictions.  I trained my critical mind to work in conjunction with my creative mind.  Mostly, I learned that trial and error is the best training tool.

It’s been years since I’ve been fully involved in an online critique group, because since publication, I’ve focused on marketing; building my writing career and moving it forward.  However, this past week I delved once again in an online group called Scribophile, and discovered critical creative muscles were a little out of shape.  It didn’t take me but a few days to get back into the swing of things.  I can’t express how fulfilling  it felt. It not only offered me an opportunity to sow some of what I’ve learned over the past few years into budding writers, but allowed me to feel the excitement of learning.  Being around a bunch of excited new writers, filled with hope, dreams and expectation, is exhilarating.  Much better than being in a room full of literary elites who forgot writing started as a dream. 

For published alumni who wish to sharpen their skills, or dreamers who want to develop them, visit an online critique group. 

Till next time,

~T.L. Gray

Celebrate the Little Things

A writer’s life isn’t centered on one big moment, but a collection of little moments, a series of small accomplishments, and a lifetime of gathering tiny achievements.  Sometimes in our quest to reach greatness, we squander the moment to enjoy those minor accomplishments.

Most often we are known by a particular accomplishment, be it our best-selling book, a certain interview, or a reference by a famous celebrity or celebrated peer.  Sometimes we even receive recognition through awards, nominations or branded with a title of achievement.  However, those are rare, if even incidental, occasions.  If truth be known, we often miss the moments of our greatest achievements being too focused on the next goal.

With the end of 2012 around the corner, I decided to write up a new resume in an effort to be prepared should new opportunities present themselves in the New Year.  After I added the last line, the latest achievement, my recent nomination for a GAYA (Georgia Author of the Year Award), I sat back in my office chair flabbergasted, awed and a bit over-whelmed at all I had accomplished this year.  It didn’t ‘feel’ like a great year, but it was my most productive. 

I’ve chased my dreams, first for my college education, then for my family, then for my business career, and now for my writing.  I’ve put myself through school, worked my way up the corporate ladder, raised a family, started my own company from the ground, and now I’m chasing my passion, my dream, and fulfilling what I believe I was created and called to do.  I’ve accomplished much, and I’m only just beginning.  

However, those previous accomplishments were more recognizable, and measurable, usually by a big bonus, a certificate of achievement, a milestone such as a graduation, a wedding or a funeral.  With my writing career, the achievements aren’t as noticeable.  The moments are subtle and come in tiny morsels.  Often times I’m so busy working on the next project, I miss the celebration of the achievement of the previous one, because that achievement isn’t instant, but something that grows as time passes, and are combined with other achievements – like a snowball. 

2012 has been a GREAT year for me as an author.  I can’t even imagine what’s in store for me for 2013, because my imagination is bigger than me and my snowball of success is only bound to get bigger.  While I don’t care for accolades, pats on the back, or have a desire to be recognized and remembered, I have no false humility when it comes to bragging about my hard-earned achievements.  I worked hard for each and every one of them, and plan to work even harder for the ones yet to come.  I desire the same for each and every one of you chasing your own dreams.

Till next time,

~T.L. Gray

My 2012 Writing Achievements:

·         Published Milledgeville Misfit in January with Vabella Publishing

·         Re-Released The Blood of Cain as 2^nd Edition in May with Vabella Publishing

·         Published The Arcainians in September with Vabella Publishing

·         Wrote the rough draft for Survival – Book #1 – Second Chance Series

·         Won NaNoWriMo 2012 – write 50,000+ novel in less than 30-days

·         Scheduled and attended over (30) thirty author events, book-signings, festivals & libraries

·         Had (5) five newspaper and/or magazine articles featuring me or my books (Times-Georgian, Southern Spice, Union Recorder, Douglas County Sentinel, Ghost Voices Magazine and West Georgia Living Magazine)

·         Became a Contributing Writer/Book Reviewer for West Georgia Living Magazine (already had (3) three reviews published)

·         Have had over 12,000 hits/readers of The Whimsical World of T.L. Gray since January, +100 followers, etc.

·         Hosted (3) three Goodreads.com give-a-ways, and connected with many of my favorite authors (Michael J. Sullivan, R.T. Kaelin, Mark Lawrence, Anthony Ryan, E.L. James, Julie Kagawa, Patrick Rothfuss, Frank Allan Rogers, etc)

·         Maintained (5) five blogs, (3) three websites (vabella.com, tlgray.net, thebloodofcain.com), and countless social media venues

·         Edited (6) six novels (three mine), created (2) two book trailers, created (3) three book covers and Tutored (2) two up & coming authors at T.L. Gray, LLC

·         Active member of the CCWC (Carrollton Creative Writer’s Club), facilitating, attending and participating in many of the club events, including MeccaFest ‘12

·         Written more than (50) fifty blog posts/reviews (like this one) on my various blogs, featured in (3) three blog interviews/give-a-way by bloggers, and reviewed by many more

·         Invited to be a contributing author for the Triumph Over Tragedy anthology with over 30 (many award-winning & some my favorite) authors

·         Nominated for GAYA (Georgia Author of the Year Awards) for Milledgeville Misfit and The Arcainians for 2013

·         Invited as an honored guest and panelist for the 2013 Georgia Literary Festival