What does true love feel like, fire or home?

I truly have no excuse as to why I haven't blogged for so long other than to say that life has been flaring up. The proverbial "Murphy's Law" and then some.

Nevertheless, due to the content of this post, I felt the need to share it with you all. So, first apologizing for not being around more frequently, and second ... please enjoy.

The other day, after having had a profound conversation with my best friend about love gained and love lost a question occurred to me;

“What does true love feel like, fire or home?”

At that time, she gave me a quick summary of her thoughts on the matter, which then coaxed me to want to put the question out in the ether.

Enter, Facebook.

I created a poll. I even went as far as to add come gifs just to catch the interest of the multiple Facebookers I commune with. It took me a tad bit of work to figure out how that worked so I was a tiny bit upset that people didn’t take the time to even look at the poll.

  Well … what can you do?

At any rate, the question pestered me like a thorn in my side as I really wanted to know what others thought. Mostly, because my opinions might’ve been a bit askew or bias. Being the person that I am—open to other people’s points of view—it would have been great to hear some of them. But, as you have it, only 3 people bothered to take the mini, 2 question poll; a family member, a friend and myself. How pathetic is that?

That incident, of course, led to this blog post. So, hailing my handful of faithful friends, I invited them to give their feedback on said subject.

In come Adonis Mann, Synful Desire, C. Desert Rose and Da’Kharta Rising. However, before they jump in with their thoughts, here are mine ...

Y. Correa:

“I’ve been burned by the fire,” is the term that my mind keeps whispering, culminating in, “And, it hurt.”

The scientist in me claims that love is nothing more than raging hormones—rampant, delirious and delusional—destined to be satiated by the first fool you harness a keen eye for. The proverbial, “I fancy him/her” with the next step being a huge leap off of the closet bridge.

Pain, followed by tears, followed by wallowing in self-pity and concluding in the temporary dormancy of said hormones until such time as the next fool comes around. And then you do it all over again.

Fire.

A fire that burns so deeply, one questions one’s ability to have functioned prior to the existence of one’s flame.

Red, like blood; the blood that runs through their veins which gives you life.

Orange, like the sun, whose warmth keeps you tranquil and happy.

Yellow, like a canary. One who makes you feel as though you too can fly freely through the vastness of the world and never be alone again.

If true love is like fire, it can give life but also exterminate life.

There is no wonder why Hell is described as a pit of unending fire, for it is a place where empty souls go to live all eternity in torment and solitude.

And this makes me think …

If true love is like fire, it can make the cup that is your heart overflow with felicity. But should it ever end, it can also incinerate your pneuma to the point of oblivion.

I have felt that fire before. At the time, I surmised that it was true love. Now, I realize fire is both the beginning and end—the inauguration and corruption of our hearts. Therefore, I surmise that love should be home. Fire is here today and gone tomorrow. Home is constant.

By deduction, if love in the form of fire is wavering, then love in the form of home is forever, hence it is true.

Adonis Mann:

If I have learned anything at all, ‘tis that love is indubitably fire. Of this, I can assure you as I have experienced the warmth and sting of it.

Much like fire, love rises with a spark—a barely noticeable glint. A minute volley of atoms bouncing off one another until, boom, the flame is lit. Once lit, nothing but water or the flame itself can stop it. However, who in their right mind would want to extinguish something so precious, so incomparable, so new, so powerful. No one, to be sure.

We, the lovers, stand in both awe and stupefaction wondering how something so wonderful happened to us.

There is an inexplicable warmth that coats the soul with belonging and plenitude. Due to this, the lover is lost in the whimsical flickering of coral. ‘Tis a dance that hypnotizes the lover in such a way that all he or she can feel is its calefaction and naught a person can tear him or her away from it. The only person who can snuff out the flame is the flame itself. A perplexing conundrum, for how can fire put itself out.

In my experience, easily. When the flame is done … when it no longer wants to offer its heat … by its own volition, it tempers and ends. The sorrowful part, are the embers left smoking inside the heart and mind of the other party.

However, if the flame opts to continue to burn, nothing and no one will ever douse it.

Shamefully and sadly, I’ve had to endure the chill of a dead heat. Nevertheless, love burns like fire, for good or for bad.

Synful Desire:

I am not a person who believes in settling, especially in the arena of love. Love should be as vital as breathing with the amounts and the intensity. It has to be worth living for, fighting for, and dying for. It is not a muted instrument but a symphony which stretches the test of time. Any intangible must possess fire. The person I am with must be one who makes me warm from the inside out where and when ever I see him. If he does not, then it is easy for my interest to wane. If my mate is unwilling to do what it takes to keep my fire burning, then it is up to my heart’s authenticity and salvation to go elsewhere.

C. Desert Rose:

I suppose I will approach this question with another question;

Have I ever felt the fire of love?

Of course I have.

Here is another question;

Did I enjoy it?

For a time, yes. I did.

Last question;

Did it last?

No, it did not.

Therefore, life has taught me that the answer to the proposed question is that love should feel like home. No, as a matter of fact, it MUST be home.

“Why do you say that?” you may be asking.

The answer is simple, really.

I say it because fire is an element—1 of 4, to be exact. Fire, Air, Water and Earth. While they are perpetual in existence, they act like the waves of an ocean. Unstable and unpredictable. Here today, gone tomorrow.

Like the well known old idiom, “Home is where the heart is.” Allow me to explain.

Have you ever went away from home? On a trip, perhaps? To college, maybe, or overseas? I dunno … you pick. At any rate, have you ever left the sole place you call home and upon your voyage discover that you miss home profoundly?

Homesickness, is what it is called.

You find yourself envisioning home. You can practically feel the ambiance, smell the scent of the food cooking, hear the noises you’ve become accustomed to, and suddenly you feel incomplete. Empty. Like something very important is missing. Immediately, sadness consumes you.

THAT, is what love ought to be. EXACTLY THAT.

Love should feel like home. A place like no other. The one place where you can be yourself without apologies, without presumptions, without judgements and without explanations.

The bosom of your spouse/boy or girlfriend, should feel like you’ve belonged there all along. The smell of him/her should fill you with glee. The touch of them should calm your weary soul. The sound of them should appease any angst. It is with them that you should feel like 100% yourself. And, it is in them that you should long to be.

True love is home. It is the dwelling of the heart, the habitat of the soul, the refuge of the spirit.

Why? Because, “Home is where the heart is.”

Da’Kharta Rising:

I don’t think I’m the right person to ask this question to because I am not a believer in the fairy tale, Harlequin type bullshit interpretation of love. In my opinion, too many people speak it and have no concept of what it is about or how to properly use it. The act of love itself is a promise you make: whether said to a family member, a friend, or a loved one. Promises are set up to be impossible and therefore, easy to break. How else can you explain the number of marriages which end up in divorce? What else factors into betrayals that create family and friend sagas that rival reality TV shows for attention? There’s nothing “home like” about love. It’s dangerous, just like fire. It’s erratic, especially when you encounter someone which has you throw all reason to the ground just so you can soar for a few years, months, weeks, days, hours, seconds? I don’t know if it is “true”. All I know is the aftermath: how investing love in the wrong person can alter the way another person conducts business, not just in relationships but in her day to day. It’s a gamble where you don’t want to crap out. Love is all out fire. Enough said.

With so many thoughts on what love feels like, it makes me wonder which is more accurate? Furthermore, it makes me ponder on, “Can they simultaneously exist? Can love be both fire and home?” Perhaps, for some it is. For others, maybe not.

Please, don't hesitate to give me your thoughts. I would love to see what you have to say.

Until Next Time, y'all!

Q & A With Y. Correa

So, again I was asked something that I feel obliged to answer. However, today I'll try to take it a step further and give myself the small challenge of trying to execute what the question asks.

I was asked:

Out of all of my works which work would be the hardest to summarize in less than 100 words?

I would have to say that perhaps "MarcoAntonio & Amaryllis" is among the hardest to sum up in less than 100 words because it's a story full of layers and depth of character. But, I could be wrong and perhaps it is easily summarized in less that 100 words. Who knows?

If I were to give a full synopsis of the story it would be about 300-500 words at the least. However, in the effort to see if I can sum it up in less than 100 words, I will just have to try.

I suppose, the best method of going about this would be to provide the most pertinent highlights of the story as opposed to the entire synopsis.

So ... here we go.

During the year 1585 in the midst of the Anglo-Spanish War, England invaded Spain for crops, land and supplies. A war had started. Land against land and people against people. Hatred and intolerance were a way of life. 

MarcoAntonio is a Spanish gentleman—a knight. Amaryllis, an English lady. Prohibited from being together. A taboo romance a star-crossed love affair. Interracial love affair in the Middle Ages? Yes. That was exactly it. Though, their love was not allowed, they loved each other regardless.

In the midst of troubles the likes of which have no compare MarcoAntonio and Amaryllis find themselves having to fight the most unexpected of adversaries ... Mother Haydie.

Mother Haydie is an ancient deity, a goddess set on reincarnation and ultimate power. She will stop at nothing to fulfill her prophecy. With her sisterhood of dedicated followers, how can the world possibly stand a chance?

MarcoAntonio finds himself having to team up with his brother, Damian and a young Gypsy man named Rye.

Whilst Amaryllis is fighting for her body, MarcoAntonio is fighting for her soul. Their need for each other conquers even the worst of adversities—the combination for a great and powerful love story!

Love is indeed, the result of all things conquered.

Well, the above synopsis is 208 words. So, as I suspected, it cannot be summed up in less that 100 words. LOL. :P :D

Two Questions ...

Question Number 1:

Do you think that any of your sci-fi mashups stir up controversy? If so, which ones and in what way?

Question Number 2:

As one who was brought up in the church but no longer practices its teachings, what would you say to others who believe your style of writing and topics is blasphemous?

Quick Answers:

Yes, and chill the heck out!

Of course, I'll elaborate a little. LOL. :D :P

I am currently working on a story that will break the barriers of many different genres. A story so complicated that at times I wonder if I'll even be able to execute it properly.

Imagine this:

Time Travel (Chrononaut Science) mixed with Quantum Physics, mixed with Biblical History and Religious Mythology, mixed with Romance and Adventure, oh and a side of Chick-Lit just to keep things interesting.

WHAT A COCKTAIL!

As a matter of fact, today I was wondering this ...

However, before I stray too far away from the questions, let me do a "U-ie" and actually answer them. LOL

I am not completely certain if my current works stir up controversy, but I am 100% positive that "Genesis Ellipse ..." will.

I am entirely sure that people will feel some sort of way about it; be that good or bad. And you know what? I'm absolutely fine with that.

You see "Genesis Ellipse ..." plays with the concept of the one thing that humanity reveres the most: religion. The thing is that it not only fools around with Judeo-Christian belief, but Buddhist, Islamic and Muslim ideas as well.

Of course, I did not choose to do this to offend anyone, but rather to showcase the thread that ties each religion—God.

What "Genesis Ellipse ..." does is tinker with the idea of religion and science meeting hand and hand, and not in the way that most perceive it today, but in a way that indicates that all religions are tied together, and all of them stem from a single source. Moreover, it uses Science Fact and Science Fiction to prove that point.

I honestly believe that the story transcends the concept of story telling and dabbles with the perceptions of faith, love and the human condition.

There have been instances in which people have asked me about the title. They can't quite understand why there is an ellipses after the word Ellipse.

The Answer?

The title has a profound meaning.

Here they are per the Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online & Google.

Genesis: the origin or coming into being of something.

Ellipse: a circle. A Circle: The circle means universal, sacred and divine. It represents the infinite nature of the universe. Basically, the Ellipse represents a never ending cycle.

(Ellipsis) "...": an unfinished thought of sentence. An incomplete thought, left open to interpretation.

It means this:

The beginning of an innumerable, infinite cycle of occurrence that is unfinished.

Yet ... there is more.

The Genesis part of the title refers to the two main characters: Adam & Eve.

The Ellipse refers to Basic Quantum Mechanics Theory.

Quantum mechanics is the science of the very small: the body of scientific principles that explains the behaviour of matter and its interactions with energy on the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. This ties into the Chrononaut aspect of the story.

Finally the "... (ellipsis)"

This is indicative of the omission of information. Perhaps, we weren't being told the entire story, perhaps, someone just filled in the balnks and got it wrong.

Meaning that we don't know what the true story is, or where it's headed.

The entire concept of the story is bound to make some heads turn and some people frown. Especially those in the church—any church! Even more so, the one I grew up in.

I grew up in a church that EVERYTHING was sin and blasphemy. From a female shaving her legs to a man wearing short pants.

However, I am not concerned about the possible backlash of angry fanatics. I'm not worried about my story creating controversy, because that was something I knew was going to happen from the beginning.

What I would say to those whom want to create an uproar about a story that they cannot understand, is "Relax, it's JUST a story! I never said that I actually believe it."

I can honestly say that I have a feeling, deep down inside that "Genesis Ellipse ..."—should I execute it properly—will be my masterpiece. I'd be surprised if I ever write anything better.

My Steampunk Experience

Who Remembers the 2002 movie adaptation of H. G. Wells' story "The Time Machine"?

This quickly became one of my favorite time travel movies. My two top favorites are the "Back to the Future" trilogy, followed by "The Time Traveler's Wife", which was also based on a book. What did I love so much about "The Time Machine" (the movie)? It was the underlined suggestion of Steampunk.

Well, the 2002 blockbuster movie was loosely based on H.G. Wells' 1895 novel by the same name. Which in that day was a contemporary Science Fiction novel.

Amazing how things change.

However today, it's considered a classic science fiction novel. It has a Victorian Era feel, which is why I correlate it with Steampunk since Steampunk, as a whole, is somewhat based on an alternate earth where the Victorian Era never came to an end, and all things were still powered by steam rather than advanced technology. There is also the assumption that life would differ drastically from what we know and love today. Fashion would be different, and society would be dissimilar to what it is today.

The H.G. Wells novel has been reinvented throughout the years just adapt it to modern society.

Here are some of the newer covers, of the same story.

PS: Yes, I have read the novel as well, in case you are wondering. LOL :D

Why do I bring all of this up? Because this was my very first experience in anything that could be considered Steampunk.

Perhaps it's my love for sci-fi, science and history that attract me to Steampunk. Possibly it's because in essence Steampunk is a combination of all of those elements. But, funny enough I'd never written a story about it. I suppose that has something to do with me thinking that I couldn't do the genre justice.

Recently, that changed.

So, the Vice President of All Authors Publishing House came up with the idea of an Anthology that would feature our published authors. The aim of this anthology was to answer one simple question:

Would/could the handsome man ever fall for the ordinary/awkward woman?

Well, I thought, isn't that a great question?

And what should cross my mind? Yup, you got it ...

You know what I've never written? A Steampunk? Hmm, I wonder if I can pull it off? Can I answer the question AND turn it into a Steampunk story? Hell yeah, I can! I'm the epitome of multi-genre. Why couldn't I mix Steampunk with Romance and Futuristic Science Fiction? If H.G. Wells did it, why can't I? Pfff! Piece of cake!

Ooooor, not so much!

Turns out, it was one of the hardest things I'd ever done. Ironically enough, as much as I love the genre, I found it incredibly hard to produce a story.

You know what? Thank heavens for people that believe in you!

When I'd gotten to the end of my ropes and was just about ready to toss the story out the window, my bestie stepped in and said "Let me take a look at that." What I love the most about my bestie is that she gives it to me straight all the time, just like she knows I'd do for her.

She said, "Jazz, I see what you're going for. I like the idea ... but this isn't your best work. You can do better. Just put a little 'Jazz' in it." Basically, she told me I was trying too hard to make it fit into some Steampunk mold and that I wasn't letting the story flow like I normally would. It was those words that changed it all.

"You know what bestie, you're right. I just have to be me and the story will come together." :D

I am happy to announce that from that conversation "The Steam of Opposites" was born. My short story contribution to "Crackles of the Heart: Divergent Ink Book One", coming soon.

Here is the Mini-Blurb:

Steampunk Earth, set in the distant future. When an ambitious city guy meets a carefree country lady, what starts out as a getaway to finish an important project turns into a interesting journey. Steam intersects and hearts collide in “The Steam of Opposites”.

And, just to entice your imagination, here is a small excerpt.

Excerpt of "The Steam of Opposites"

from

"Crackles of the Heart: Divergent Ink Book One"

© 2015 All Authors Publishing House

Steampunk Earth 2075

The first thing Ryu heard were the spindles and gears of his clock-like mechanism as it crashed against the pavement.
“Damn it!” he exclaimed. The redundancy of the inescapable was starting to get to him. He had to get it right. It was imperative that this device work properly, after all, the Mayor was waiting on it. Finally exhausted with the attempt of perpetuating an experiment that simply would not work, he got to his feet, stomped across the room, grabbed his cane, hat and jacket then marched out. A quick walk around town would certainly help his exasperated mind.

A man like Ryu was hard to come across in these times. He was not only handsome, but also an entrepreneur, gentleman and inventor. The crème de la crème, as far as bachelors were concerned. Tall, dark and handsome. Intelligence was just a plus.

Ryu’s current assignment was an Analogue Data Processing Mainframe—a computer, as it was called in some places—for the Mayor, who needed it for whatever reason. Ryu did not know, and frankly did not care, so long as his payment was assured. However, with the Mayor as his client, imbursement was a given. The dilemma was the actualization of the project.
Opening the door and stepping outside, Ryu took a moment to look around. Everyday seemed to be exactly the same as the last. Hover cogwagons which drifted on sprockets and were powered by steam zoomed past—dark gray smoke spitting out of their exhaust pipes. Buildings so tall that the human eye could scarcely see the tops, emitted murky fumes from somewhere above, far past ocular perception. This caused the blue sky to tinge with gray hazy waves.

Like a dirty ocean, Ryu considered.

Women and men strutted past the busy streets, some hand in hand, wearing their best apparel; Victorian yet modern. It was an amazing mixture of past and present. The dark tones of their lavishly embellished garments were combined with the smooth texture of modern day latex. A formula created to cool down the body during the heat and warm it during the cold, yet keep society conservative and properly covered.
Ryu considered taking in a huge breath of fresh air, then realized that there was no such thing and opted against it. Looking from left to right, he slowly proceeded down the stairs to the sidewalk which was covered in muck. Ryu shook his head in disappointment. Not only did he have to live with the pestilence in the stratosphere, but he also had to walk in it.

Ridiculous, he thought.

The city life had become something of an inconvenience. He longed for the peaceful ambiance of the country. Momentarily Ryu considered phoning his Aunt Trudy and alerting her of his arrival, then remember her pesky cats—all fifteen of them—and decided that it might not be such a good idea.
Maybe a Bed and Breakfast, he thought. “Yes, indeed. That sounds like a marvelous idea.” he said to himself, then looked around to see if anyone heard him.
It was at that moment when Ryu knew if he took a hiatus to the country there would be a high probability that he would finish his undertaking. The tranquility was certain to ease his rankled state of mind. “Yes, yes, I think I shall.”
As he strolled through the bustling thoroughfare, he mentally planned his impending trip … itinerary and what have you.

This story and many other great ones will be included in "Crackles of the Heart: Divergent Ink Book One", so keep an eye out for it! It's gonna be grand. We're going to have contributions from:

Queen of Spades

Synful Desire

C. Desert Rose

Adonis Mann

Last and certainly not least, Da'Kharta Rising

While my story may not be the likes of H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" I'm certainly proud of the final outcome.

Until next time!

Y :D

"Delectable Things: Special Edition" by Synful Desire Cover Reveal

Not many literary morsels can compare to the tasty treat that is "Delectable Things: Special Edition" by Synful Desire. Today we are pleased to host this cover reveal on her behalf.

Let's talk about the scrumptious delicacy that is "Delectable Things: Special Edition"  and why you should give it a bite:

You get THREE—that's right, THREE—entire stories for the price of ONE.

"Delectable Things: Special Edition" is a compilation of 2 Novelettes and 1 Short Story.

Disclaimer: This book is for ADULT audiences only.

Delectable Things

Simmer Sweet

Handy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Zag2Fzly0g

Blurb:

Satisfy your appetite for spicy sensuality and provocative plots with these dishes of erotica.

Main Course: Delectable Things

Sabrina can't believe her ears. The man she's been fawning over for far too long now has completely turned on her, leaving her with nothing. Sabrina decides it's time to get up and get away.

Taking a long over due trip far away from her bane, things steam up really quickly and Sabrina discovers all of the Delectable Things that life has to offer.

Dessert #1: Simmer Sweet

It is said that confession is good for the soul. Does it still ring true when circumstances are complicated? Kesha has finally come clean. She has let Teresa know about her feelings. The only drawback is Teresa's engagement to Chris. Teresa is forced to make a choice between Chris and Kesha. The fallout will be nothing less than a fire of simmer sweet.

Dessert #2: Handy

Darbi has had her share of bad luck. She is unexpectedly in job purgatory and has no chance of ever getting a promotion. Her online dating profile sat months without any responses. Why should she continue?

As she signed on to delete everything entirely, three responses catch her eye. All are different but each has something about them which makes Darbi want to meet all three. Ade appears to be the guy next door. Boyde looks like a supermodel. Choise looks like the rugged type.

When all is not what it seems, Darbi has concluded that her love life is mating with her job status in purgatory. Will anything come in handy to turn her luck around?

Without further fuss, we would like to present you with the Cover of "Delectable Things: Special Edition" by Synful Desire.

Now Available for Pre-Order at Amazon.com!

Excerpt:

“Girl, I can’t believe he did that shit!”
Sabrina was now on the phone with her friend, Rachel. This day was one of the worst days of her life. She couldn’t believe she had gotten fired and the behavior of Mr. Torrance. He was using his personal feelings to try and justify this decision. The thing that pissed her off the most was that Veronica had set out to ruin her.
“Yeah, I can’t believe it either. Especially Veronica. The bitch had me on tape! I couldn’t say shit to defend myself!”
“So Sabrina, what are you gonna do?”
“Find another job; what else?”
“I mean, do you have enough in your savings to cover the rent? I know the place you are in now is hella expensive.”
“I got enough back in my savings for another four months or so, but after that, I’m going to have to find a new place to live.”
“Well love, you can always move here.”
She and Rachel had talked about this before. Sabrina knew that Rachel had feelings that went beyond friendship. As much as she loved Rachel as a friend, she didn’t have feelings for Rachel that extended past that point. This was why she would usually reject Rachel’s offers for help.
However, her back was up against the wall.
She knew it wouldn’t take long before word got back to her father, if it hadn’t already. Her father would not be pleased, since he pulled some major strings for her to work at Joynt Enterprises. It would hurt her greatly if her father’s business got negatively impacted due to her fallout with Mr. Torrance. She didn’t know if she’d be able to face him or if she could live with her father, given the circumstances.

 

Author Blindness ... Lets talk about it.

Lets talk about it.

Maybe it's just me. But it seems like today's writing society is suffering from a severe case of Author Blindness.

What is "Author Blindness" you ask?

Well ... let's do the math.

Blindness, definition:

Adjective: blinder, blindest.
Unable to see; lacking the sense of sight; sightless: "a blind man."

Author, definition:

Noun.
A person who writes a novel, poem, essay, etc.; the composer of a literary work, as distinguished from a compiler, translator, editor, or copyist.

So, Author Blindness is:

The inability for an Author to see mistakes within his/her own works.



Let's look at it this way ...

Authors of a work can sometimes suffer from a certain type of delusion when it comes to their writing. Not the "You need to be locked up and given some meds." type of delusion, but the authors' eyes playing tricks on them.

You see, when you've written a work, your mind is seeing what you WANT & THINK is written, but your eyes are not catching any mistakes simply because you're being blinded by what your mind is telling you is there—the narrative as per your desire.

Author Blindness inhibits the ability to catch any mistakes.

"So, what's the point?" you ask?

Today, The Review Board featured a piece that I wrote called "The Truth in Reviews". In that post, I talk about what it takes to make your work better. I also make mention of the following:

"In order to produce a good book you MUST take these steps:

1. Write it


2. Read it


3. Edit it


4. Read it


5. Correct it


6. Read it


7. Edit it some more


8. Read it again


9. Have someone else read it


10. Read it AGAIN!

You see, the more you read your work, the more you’ll realize that there could be potential problems with the book. There are so many things that you can discover when you read and re-read your book. Obvious things like typos/grammatical errors, and not so obvious things like plot holes and incoherence."

Some might think me cuckoo crazy for saying what I said above, but as always, there is a method to my madness. The things I say, I say for a reason.

I've been there! I've suffered the searing sting of the venom known as Author Blindness. In my very first publication I did not have the support/help I needed to edit it. Nor did I have the money to pay a professional to do so. So, I had to do it myself. In so doing, I had to suffer the ramifications of Author Blindness. There were SO MANY things that I missed, or simply didn't see. Then when it was read by an outside audience, many of them pointed out my mishaps.

Now, I'm sure you're probably wondering why I am bringing all of this up. I can promise you that there is a reason.

As a reviewer, time and time again, I have to deal with people that get mad that I've given their book a low score, or have made mention of the book's shortcomings.

Had I gotten mad at the people that told me my book was a mess, I would've never been able to learn. In listening and accepting what they said, not only did I perfect my craft, but I discovered what Author Blindness is and more importantly how to fix it.

Using the tools I provided above, plus implementing this little jewel that I'm about to share with you, you will have a great change at combating and winning the war against Author Blindness.

Here is the key ...

Put the WIP away for 3 - 4 weeks—don't look at it—then when you pull it back out, print it out (don't read it on the computer) and read it that way. I promise you that you're going to notice things that you hadn't noticed before.

Make sure to have a red pen and highlighter available. These will be your tools to mark up the document.

THE POINT IS ...

DON'T BE A VICTIM TO AUTHOR BLINDNESS!