Happy Fourth of July

Posted on July 4, 2015 by Chronicles of a Blogaholic

“Liberty, taking the word in its concrete sense,
consists in the ability to choose.”
Simone Weil

Fourth of July fireworks over Redondo Beach Pier

Shine On

Meeting of Minds

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Chronicles of a Blogaholic

“Only great minds can afford a simple style.”
Stendhal

Meeting of the Minds

All of us enjoy communicating with one another, or blogging would not exist along with all other forms of communication.

What exactly does it take for clear communication? To me it’s the process through which the mental state of one individual affects the mental state of another. When two individuals find themselves in compatible states of mind and no further processing is required.

Communication can be achieved verbally and nonverbally. For example, bargainers shake hands after reaching agreement on the terms of a contract. Speakers reach a point at which both believe they have understood what they are talking about. Art such as paintings, antique vases and sculptures all can communicate a story. All of these verbal and nonverbal ways of communicating can be interpreted differently.

If communication is done well there is no discrepancy in the meaning one is communicating. The relation between the mind, the words and the world, become one. It’s a great feeling when you have that clear connection. A pure ‘meeting of minds’.

Shine On

Jack of Spades

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Chronicles of a Blogaholic

“I was brought up to be sympathetic toward others.”
Joyce Carol Oates

Jack of Spades

I just finished reading another Joyce Carol Oates novel. I discovered Joyce Carol Oates after watching her interviewed on Well Read. I can’t believe I had never read one of her books prior to this interview.

Her writing is exciting and quickly draws you in by her lively characters. All of her plots are fresh and the characters are so real you think these people truly exist.

Jack of Spades is suspenseful and keeps you guessing from beginning to end. I read this book in a half a day because I just couldn’t put it down.

If you’re looking for a great read and a real page turner, pick up a copy of Jack of Spades

Shine On

Contrition – A Novel

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Chronicles of a Blogaholic

“The entire story of my debut novel, Contrition,
came to me fully formed in ten minutes.
I didn’t conceive it so much as hear it
playing in my head, as if it were being
dictated and all I had to do was
commit the major plot points to paper.”
Maura Weiler

I follow the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer (RMFW) blog. Two weeks ago a guest writer, Maura Weiler posted an article, Your Non-Agent Might Know Best. Or Does She? If you commented on the article, you were eligible for a signed copy of Weiler’s debut novel, Contrition. Well guess who won? Yep, me.

Contrition tells the story of twin sisters separated at birth who reconnect through art, faith, and a father who touched the world through his paintings.

I received my signed copy of Contrition last Friday and because I couldn’t put the book down, I finished reading the book in just two days.

I enjoyed Weiler’s writing style along with the storyline. Her descriptions of the paintings in the novel inspire me to visit local museums and art galleries.

I’m sure Contrition will be a big success for Maura Weiler.

Shine On