Releasing to Karma
Light a white candle and say:
Allow this candle to be the light
which guides my soul through this dark night.
Releasing the need to do harm
I give them into Justices' arms.
Let not my anger and hatred block their way
and hold them from justice one more day.
In peace, love and harmony I allow myself to move on
into the bright future beyond.
I forgive them and me
in complete humility.
Allow my grace to begin
so I can heal from within.
On bended knee and open heart
I ask for the rage to depart.
Grant me the strength and wisdom to move on
so others shall not be put upon.
Goddesses and Gods of Justice I ask you to arbitrate
in this place and in the now to put an end to the hate.
Let your wisdom be the guide
to reveal where truth does hide.
Let it be reveal in such a means
that it can not be again made unseen.
Let it be written across the sky
in letters to be seen by every eye.
May each and every one who was drawn in
find their karma is ready to begin.
With open heart and lesson learn
all my doors and windows are ready to receive blessings I have earned.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Magical Fantasy Novel: Strong Female Characters in the Style of McCaffrey and Bradley
Magical Fantasy Novel: Strong Female Characters in the Style of McCaffrey and Bradley
By
Theresa Chaze
Where Anne McCaffrey and Marion Zimmer Bradley left off, Theresa Chaze's Dragon Clan series picks up. Strong female characters are led on adventures within and without as they are forced to face others' bigotries and their own inner doubts. Filled with actual Wiccan rituals and spells, the Dragon Clan Trilogy not only tempts the reader to turn just one more page, but also gives a glimpse into the Earth based religions. Far from perfect, the characters must decide just how much faith they have in the powers of justice or if they want to risk karmic reprisals by putting their magical fingers on the scales.
Filled with magic, suspense and karmic justice the Dragon Clan Trilogy begins with Awakening the Dragon (978-0-9798406-0-9) with Rachael moves to Coyote Springs to find a safe home and fulfill her dream of opening an occult bookstore. The location for her store has been found. Only she has yet to find a home for herself and her three furkids. A reluctant real estate agent shows her a cottage in the woods that is perfect. It calls to Rachael and opens its doors to her. To her it feels like home. But it is more than a cottage, it is a spiritual nexus where three lay lines intersect; it is a natural energy vortex. It is also the scene of a brutal murder and the focal point to local cult's hatred. Making the cottage her home, Rachael finds herself becoming the catalyst to exposing the murderer, which brings her in the crosshairs of the cult’s violent hatred not only to protect their secret but because the she is another witch. To save herself and all she loves, she is forced to awaken her dragon spirit prematurely and unite it to the energy vortex. She knows what must be done. What she doesn't know if she can control the flames from within enough to save her from the flames without. (Currently available)
Dragon Domain (978-0-9798406-1-6) picks up the story several months and several miles down the road. Cheyenne and Celeste came to Coyote Springs to use their psychic gifts to find a missing child. They find the girl and made a new friend, Jane. Tired of rootless life, Cheyenne prays for a safe, stable home. With Jane's help, she find abandoned farm and decides to stay. Reluctantly, Celeste also remains. The threesome create a spiritual retreat that grows out of their shared wisdom, respect and sense of family. Cheyenne is happy for the first time since she awoke broken and bloody beneath the blinding desert son. Celeste had saved her then, but soon after Dominic appears on their doorstep, Celeste once again turns to the dark arts. Instead of a savior, she becomes vicious enemy with knowledge of all her strengths and weaknesses. With the dragons' aid, she was barely able to ward off their initial attack. But with each dark soul Celeste and Dominic bind to them, their malevolence grows until they will not settle for less that destroying Cheyenne and all she loves. How do you protect yourself from someone knows exactly how to steal your soul? (Available November 30, 2007)
In Return of the Dragon Clan, the women from the Dur'ga valley reunite to heal each others' old wound and to finally receive justice for the great harm done to them eons ago. Betrayed by one of their own, they were butchered and enslaved. One by one, they are lead to Coyote Springs as their souls cry out for justice. In Coyote Springs, they once again meet the sister who betrayed them and her lover, who sought to steal their land. However, justice will only be served if the elemental dragons can survive the unification into a Spiritual Quad. Coming together on the spiritual plane, they are forced to face their old fears and wounds or find themselves burning from within as they loose control karmic flames of they have unleashed. (Available spring 2008)
Buy this book! I found myself smiling when I finished the last page of Awakening The Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (formally Dragon's New Home), by Theresa Chaze. I've read a pretty good number of books in my life, but none have given me quite the mix of emotions that this books has.
Joe Murphy, The Dragon Page http://www.dragonpage.com/
Magic, Mystery, and Murder. The three M's! Ms. Chaze shows colorful, visual language that will even keep the romance novel buff obsessed in finishing this novel in one read! The pacing is excellent the main character strong and likeable, and the hint of romance to come in the final installments of the trilogy. I must say I'm already addicted to Ms. Chaze's writing style! A guaranteed page turner! Bring on the rest of the trilogy!
Catherine J. St. Amour, author
Therese Chaze draws her readers in from the first page and refuses to release them until the last word of this fantastic tale of witches, magic, love and betrayal. Set in the village of Coyote Springs, Dragon Domain is a book of lessons; lessons on love, forgiveness, and above all truth to oneself. In the grand traditions of Anne McCaffrey and Marion Zimmer Bradley, Therese Chaze captures the imagination as well as the heart of her readers. Dragon Domain is an open door to a world of wonder, and from the first page to the last, you will be hard pressed to put it down.
Linda Rucker, author
Friday, November 09, 2007
Book of Shadows: The Truth Behind Prosperity Magic
The Truth Behind Prosperity Magic
By
Theresa Chaze
Prosperity is more than the sum total of what is in you bank account; who you are and what you have accomplished is far more important that what you own. In the end, the only things you take with you are your honor, the love you shared and the wisdom you have learned. That doesn't mean you can set aside the mundane needs of life and go meditate on a hill--even then you have to eat. What it does mean that you need to take responsibility for your decisions and your life. Casting spells and doing rituals can help, but I have yet to meet a rich witch. The best way to insure a successful, prosperous life is to remain in school and get a good education. In doing so, you'll find a source of satisfaction as well as being able to live comfortably.
If you want a new job, do the ritual, but also check the want ads, fill out applications and all the things you would normally need to do on a mundane level to get a job. You can ask for the winning lottery numbers, but don't start spending the money until the check is not only in your hand but has cleared in the bank.
As with all magic, what you send out is what you will receive back. If you help others, you will receive aid when you need it. Whatever aspect of your life that you feed energy to will be the strongest. If you feed the fear of loss and the poverty mind set that is what the universe will expand; however, if you keep your focus on your blessings, being able to share them and be confident you will always be provide for, the universe will increase that energy as well. Being able to release the society taught belief of limited resources is the biggest challenge all of us have to face. From every corner, the message is that there is not enough for all--not enough food, energy, money or resources for everyone to have an equal share. The messages is that you have to fight for what you want, disregarding the needs and rights of others for they are the enemy competing for the scarce blessings. If you feel this way, the whole universe will not be enough to fill you or make you feel safe. However, by releasing the fear and being open to the miracles of the universe, you will find that miracles happen everyday and that there is indeed enough for all to live well and be safe.
After all the rituals have been done and the candles have been burned out, the most effective prosperity spells are the ones that come under the heading "Random Acts of Kindness". The simple things we do for one another, without expecting anything return, are the most powerful magic. True charity is anonymous; it expects nothing in return. It is giving change at the check out when the person in front of you is a little short. It is taking meals or offering rides to someone in need. It is taking the time to smile at someone simply because you care that they have a little joy in their lives. Praying for peace is great, but taking the time to clean up a roadside is prosperity in action; not only do you get some fresh air and sunshine, but also you make the world a little better just by cleaning up the trash. By giving of ourselves freely and openly, we create a prosperity magnet around us that is more powerful than any ritual.
Out of the Shadows and Into the Light will not only teach you more about prosperity rituals, but those for love, protection and healing. This ebook give rituals to heal your heart and make you dreams to come true. Both old and new magic is combined in this colorful book that seeks only to inform and protect. If you seek wisdom, love or justice this ebook of shadows can help you find what you need. It is only found at www.theresachaze.com.
By
Theresa Chaze
Prosperity is more than the sum total of what is in you bank account; who you are and what you have accomplished is far more important that what you own. In the end, the only things you take with you are your honor, the love you shared and the wisdom you have learned. That doesn't mean you can set aside the mundane needs of life and go meditate on a hill--even then you have to eat. What it does mean that you need to take responsibility for your decisions and your life. Casting spells and doing rituals can help, but I have yet to meet a rich witch. The best way to insure a successful, prosperous life is to remain in school and get a good education. In doing so, you'll find a source of satisfaction as well as being able to live comfortably.
If you want a new job, do the ritual, but also check the want ads, fill out applications and all the things you would normally need to do on a mundane level to get a job. You can ask for the winning lottery numbers, but don't start spending the money until the check is not only in your hand but has cleared in the bank.
As with all magic, what you send out is what you will receive back. If you help others, you will receive aid when you need it. Whatever aspect of your life that you feed energy to will be the strongest. If you feed the fear of loss and the poverty mind set that is what the universe will expand; however, if you keep your focus on your blessings, being able to share them and be confident you will always be provide for, the universe will increase that energy as well. Being able to release the society taught belief of limited resources is the biggest challenge all of us have to face. From every corner, the message is that there is not enough for all--not enough food, energy, money or resources for everyone to have an equal share. The messages is that you have to fight for what you want, disregarding the needs and rights of others for they are the enemy competing for the scarce blessings. If you feel this way, the whole universe will not be enough to fill you or make you feel safe. However, by releasing the fear and being open to the miracles of the universe, you will find that miracles happen everyday and that there is indeed enough for all to live well and be safe.
After all the rituals have been done and the candles have been burned out, the most effective prosperity spells are the ones that come under the heading "Random Acts of Kindness". The simple things we do for one another, without expecting anything return, are the most powerful magic. True charity is anonymous; it expects nothing in return. It is giving change at the check out when the person in front of you is a little short. It is taking meals or offering rides to someone in need. It is taking the time to smile at someone simply because you care that they have a little joy in their lives. Praying for peace is great, but taking the time to clean up a roadside is prosperity in action; not only do you get some fresh air and sunshine, but also you make the world a little better just by cleaning up the trash. By giving of ourselves freely and openly, we create a prosperity magnet around us that is more powerful than any ritual.
Out of the Shadows and Into the Light will not only teach you more about prosperity rituals, but those for love, protection and healing. This ebook give rituals to heal your heart and make you dreams to come true. Both old and new magic is combined in this colorful book that seeks only to inform and protect. If you seek wisdom, love or justice this ebook of shadows can help you find what you need. It is only found at www.theresachaze.com.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Chapman's Bigotry Extends to Native Americans
Chapman’s Bigotry Extends to Native Americans
Duane "Dog" Chapman’s current racial slurs and bigotries are only one of his flagrant bigotries. Although he lays claims a Native American heritage, both his and his son's behavior at the Honolulu Oct Pow Wow reveals he has little understanding of the Native America culture or spirituality.
The San Diego drum, Red Warrior was singing to honor the Code Talker as well as all the Native America veterans. The youngest Chapman offspring interrupted the ceremony by banging on a nearby unattended drum. He disrespected the drummers, the ceremony and the veterans who were being honored. When the song was finished, the son was confronted. Dog intervened, becoming abusive and threatening to not only the elder but the other drummers. However, the drummers refused to become enmeshed in Chapman’s tirade. No matter what names Chapman called them, they refused to be baited into a brawl.
The Pow Wow is derived from the Narragansett word powwaw, meaning "spiritual leader". Generally, they are gatherings where Native Americans came together dance, sing, socialize, and honor their culture. Although for decades, Pow Wows were kept within the Native American community, in recent years they have become more open to the public. The colloquialism “Pow Wow” has come to refer the meetings between powerful individuals or forces.
Drums are considered to carry the heartbeat of the tribe. By disrespecting the drum, the son showed total contempt for the tribe, the elders and the Native American culture. When Chapman swore at the elder and attempted to start a physical fight, he supported the bad behavior and further disrespected the Native American culture. It seems Chapman only has respect for white Christians. Everyone else seems to be fair game for his contempt and targets for his bigotry.
Duane "Dog" Chapman’s current racial slurs and bigotries are only one of his flagrant bigotries. Although he lays claims a Native American heritage, both his and his son's behavior at the Honolulu Oct Pow Wow reveals he has little understanding of the Native America culture or spirituality.
The San Diego drum, Red Warrior was singing to honor the Code Talker as well as all the Native America veterans. The youngest Chapman offspring interrupted the ceremony by banging on a nearby unattended drum. He disrespected the drummers, the ceremony and the veterans who were being honored. When the song was finished, the son was confronted. Dog intervened, becoming abusive and threatening to not only the elder but the other drummers. However, the drummers refused to become enmeshed in Chapman’s tirade. No matter what names Chapman called them, they refused to be baited into a brawl.
The Pow Wow is derived from the Narragansett word powwaw, meaning "spiritual leader". Generally, they are gatherings where Native Americans came together dance, sing, socialize, and honor their culture. Although for decades, Pow Wows were kept within the Native American community, in recent years they have become more open to the public. The colloquialism “Pow Wow” has come to refer the meetings between powerful individuals or forces.
Drums are considered to carry the heartbeat of the tribe. By disrespecting the drum, the son showed total contempt for the tribe, the elders and the Native American culture. When Chapman swore at the elder and attempted to start a physical fight, he supported the bad behavior and further disrespected the Native American culture. It seems Chapman only has respect for white Christians. Everyone else seems to be fair game for his contempt and targets for his bigotry.
The Writers's Strike Best Think For Days Of Our Lives
The Writer’s Strike Best Thing For Days Of Our Lives
The writers strike could be the best thing that happened to the daytime serial, Days of Our Lives. Their hack writers have taken an award winning show from first place to nearly dead last. Their story ideas are worn out, they are degrading to women and they lack the suspense and freshness that the soap was based on for decades.
Anybody remember Another World. When the network was trying to cancel it, they had the writers kill off Carl and dreadful stories with characters going against their history and the morals. Any of this sounding familiar? From Sami "loving her rapist" to the murder of John, the writers have been chipping away at the foundation of the show so the network can substitute a cheaper talk show. I've been watching since Doug and Julie were the super couple. Back when Alice Horton broke Roman out of jail, the storylines enhanced the characters, now the writers are breaking down decades of traditions. If they had any creativity at all, they could have easily found a storyline for John and Marlena other than them necking in public. They keep focusing on the younger characters, ignoring the fact that most younger people follow the parents' soap viewing traditions. The more you ignore the characters we grew up with, the more annoyed the fans will be come and the faster the ratings will drop.
Drake Hogestyn as John has been a favorite character from the beginning. He was always a knight in shining armor and a true hero. Deidre Hall as Marlena Evans has been his equal. Together they have shared love and faced the devil. In life and death, they have been an exciting and romantic couple. Killing the character off was just simply stupid and has left a void in the show. Just like the killing of Carl in Another World, the lost of the character has left a void in the show that will not easily be filled. But there is a way to fix it. The last few weeks could have simply been one of Celeste's visions. The vision ends and Celeste arrives in time to save John. It is not as bad as the way Dallas brought Bobby back, but it would work within the show.
I love Allison is a fabulous actress; she does marvelous work making Sami grow and develop. But the whole idea of Sami marrying her rapist is a sexist, male driven view of the world. When women are raped, they don't fall in love with the men who have violated them. Some claim that it wasn't rape. Let see, she could either sleep with EJ or let Lucas die? She didn't have a choice. By definition, rape is a being forced to have sex. He didn't use a weapon, but he still raped her all the same. The whole storyline is absurd. It is a throw back to stupid romance novels where the woman is forcibly carried off and held hostage only to fall in love with the capture. Women are not prizes or possessions. There is nothing romantic about being raped. Sami doesn't forgive easily--true. EJ raped her. Shot John. Blackmailed her. The list goes on. The fact that she didn't drop the match and finish it all only shows how she has grown as a character. If she went back to being the old Sami, she would seek to revenge on the person who caused her pain, which would be EJ. She would make his life a living hell. If the writers actually knew any history of the show, there is a big old lie that would break Sami and Lucus up if it came out. If EJ used it, he would actually have a chance. But then again the writer would actually have to do...research and work
It is the whole cast that make the show work. Killing John was simply stupid. Not using Marlena is even worse. Patch and Kayla, Bo and Hope, the list under valued talent goes on. There is so many more interesting story ideas available--if they had writers who had even one creative bone in their collective body, the show would be first. They have the creative talent, they have the history, they have the best tech people--and the absolute worse writers. Rumor has it that they have enough scripts until February. It the producers had any brains or the will to keep the show on the air, they would seek alternative writers who had the creativity to undue the damage that has already been done.
The writers strike could be the best thing that happened to the daytime serial, Days of Our Lives. Their hack writers have taken an award winning show from first place to nearly dead last. Their story ideas are worn out, they are degrading to women and they lack the suspense and freshness that the soap was based on for decades.
Anybody remember Another World. When the network was trying to cancel it, they had the writers kill off Carl and dreadful stories with characters going against their history and the morals. Any of this sounding familiar? From Sami "loving her rapist" to the murder of John, the writers have been chipping away at the foundation of the show so the network can substitute a cheaper talk show. I've been watching since Doug and Julie were the super couple. Back when Alice Horton broke Roman out of jail, the storylines enhanced the characters, now the writers are breaking down decades of traditions. If they had any creativity at all, they could have easily found a storyline for John and Marlena other than them necking in public. They keep focusing on the younger characters, ignoring the fact that most younger people follow the parents' soap viewing traditions. The more you ignore the characters we grew up with, the more annoyed the fans will be come and the faster the ratings will drop.
Drake Hogestyn as John has been a favorite character from the beginning. He was always a knight in shining armor and a true hero. Deidre Hall as Marlena Evans has been his equal. Together they have shared love and faced the devil. In life and death, they have been an exciting and romantic couple. Killing the character off was just simply stupid and has left a void in the show. Just like the killing of Carl in Another World, the lost of the character has left a void in the show that will not easily be filled. But there is a way to fix it. The last few weeks could have simply been one of Celeste's visions. The vision ends and Celeste arrives in time to save John. It is not as bad as the way Dallas brought Bobby back, but it would work within the show.
I love Allison is a fabulous actress; she does marvelous work making Sami grow and develop. But the whole idea of Sami marrying her rapist is a sexist, male driven view of the world. When women are raped, they don't fall in love with the men who have violated them. Some claim that it wasn't rape. Let see, she could either sleep with EJ or let Lucas die? She didn't have a choice. By definition, rape is a being forced to have sex. He didn't use a weapon, but he still raped her all the same. The whole storyline is absurd. It is a throw back to stupid romance novels where the woman is forcibly carried off and held hostage only to fall in love with the capture. Women are not prizes or possessions. There is nothing romantic about being raped. Sami doesn't forgive easily--true. EJ raped her. Shot John. Blackmailed her. The list goes on. The fact that she didn't drop the match and finish it all only shows how she has grown as a character. If she went back to being the old Sami, she would seek to revenge on the person who caused her pain, which would be EJ. She would make his life a living hell. If the writers actually knew any history of the show, there is a big old lie that would break Sami and Lucus up if it came out. If EJ used it, he would actually have a chance. But then again the writer would actually have to do...research and work
It is the whole cast that make the show work. Killing John was simply stupid. Not using Marlena is even worse. Patch and Kayla, Bo and Hope, the list under valued talent goes on. There is so many more interesting story ideas available--if they had writers who had even one creative bone in their collective body, the show would be first. They have the creative talent, they have the history, they have the best tech people--and the absolute worse writers. Rumor has it that they have enough scripts until February. It the producers had any brains or the will to keep the show on the air, they would seek alternative writers who had the creativity to undue the damage that has already been done.
Monday, November 05, 2007
The Longer I Live With Lupus--The Less I Understand It
The Longer I Live With Lupus--
The Less I Understand It.
Marilyn Celeste Morris
Lupus is a debilitating and life-threatening disease that causes the immune system to go awry and attack the body's own cells and organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain. Its heath consequences can include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, organ failure, disability, and premature death. Approximately 1.5 million Americans, and at least five million people around the world, have a form of lupus.
Now, you would think after having been diagnosed with SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) since 1988 and dealing with it on a daily basis, I would be accustomed to its quirks.
That would be the way of most chronic diseases, you know. Most diseases have a predictable course, and meds are pretty standard, and the person knows pretty much what to expect.
Not so with lupus. Each person is affected differently. I know one woman who absolutely denies that she has lupus, even though she takes anti-seizure medications, because she doesn’t want to lose her job. She attended lupus support group meetings only briefly several years ago and has since lapsed into her “lurk” mode. I know of another person whose first and only symptom was that her kidneys quit functioning. No early warning signs, no great fatigue, joint aches, etc. – just sudden kidney failure. She took another approach from the friend with seizures: she learned to make her own bread without salt, everything she brought into her house was salt free, and she followed her doctor’s instructions to the letter. She’s better, now.
However, I can’t say for certain that either of those women will remain symptom – free. Or where the disease will strike next. Because it will. Definitely, it will strike again. My own lupus is snoozing, right this minute, but it may wake grumpy and hell-bent on rampaging through my body seeking a new, untested area. Or it may return to its old familiar haunts, that of my joints and lungs.
I was reminded once again of its quirks at a lupus symposium held last week at the University of Texas, Dallas campus. Of about one hundred persons there, I can safely say, none of us had exactly the same experiences at the same time. Several were newly diagnosed, bewildered by the suddenness of their illness, and the shock of knowing there is no cure and treatment varies in each individual.
Most of us, however, rely on the tried-and-true use of steroids (to reduce the swelling of joints) and Plaquenil, an anti-malerial that was discovered quite by accident to have a remitting effect on lupus activity. However, the use of steroids causes extreme weight gain with a “moon-face” effect, thus causing yet another crushing blow to the patient, and taking Plaquenil requires a yearly visit to the ophthalmologist to ensure vision is retained. As I succinctly summed it up after my initial diagnosis and given a prescription for Plaquenil with the caution that I might lose my eyesight: “Oh, I get it. I can either hurt or go blind?”
There are days I still feel that way – conflicted and afflicted. Conflicted about the treatment for lupus, and afflicted by its limitations on me for that day. And yet, I have learned to rely on those last two words as gospel truth: “That day.” It won’t last forever. Whatever is going on inside my body will not last forever. It will either get better, get worse, go away for a while, or I can learn to live with it, one day at a time.
At this point I must relate the experience I perceived of one person in the audience of lupus patients. Although she had been diagnosed at 11 years of age, and she is now in her mid-twenties, she is still seeking answers. How long will this last? Will I keep getting sick with the same symptoms? How can I file for disability when they tell me I’m not sick enough?
We on the panel and in the audience attempted to answer her questions, but it soon began to dawn on me that she wasn’t willing to listen to our answers.
She wanted attention. For her own particular set of symptoms, for that day. And we were not set up tot deal with one individual’s case history at the expense of others. I began to realize that since the age of 11, she had been playing “Victim.” And she had no idea she was doing that. Yet in her baby-sized voice, and her singsong questions, she was reverting to childhood. Soon some of us “old timers” began exchanging knowing looks, and the moderator began somewhat unsuccessfully to cut off her incessant questions. Yet how could we squelch someone’s quest for answers? After all, isn’t that what we were there for?
Yes and no. Yes, we could provide her with the information that we are all affected differently at different times. And no, we couldn’t recommend any one treatment that she hasn’t already had and she needed to ask her own doctors. In an age where we can pull up an answer to almost any question in the universe by using a Google search, medicine cannot give certain answers to an uncertain disease. And that’s a shame.
I know now what I should have told her. (Don’t you just love it when you leave an argument or a situation where you think, “I should have said…..?) I was told early on by a very frustrated doctor who told me I “might” have lupus. “You will find that lupus is a do-it-yourself- disease. You will have to become your own best physician.”
Our fifteen minute office visit is over. Pay on the way out, please.
The Lupus Foundation of America is the nation's leading nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to lupus. The LFA has a dual mission: to provide support and services to all people affected by lupus, and to fund research to find the causes of and cure for lupus. The LFA has a nationwide network of nearly 300 chapters, branches and support groups. Visit www.lupus.org or call toll-free 1-888-38-LUPUS (1-888-385-8787) for more information.
Marilyn Celeste Morris, Author
Sabbath's Room: http://www/SabbathsRoom.blogspot.com/
Once a Brat: http://www.onceabratbookblog.blogspot.com/;
Diagnosis: Lupus: The Intimate Journal of a Lupus Patient http://www.TheLadyWithLupus.blogspot.com/
Coming Soon: A New Novel: The Women of Camp Sobingo - http://www.thewomenofcampsobingo.blogspot.com/
The Less I Understand It.
Marilyn Celeste Morris
Lupus is a debilitating and life-threatening disease that causes the immune system to go awry and attack the body's own cells and organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain. Its heath consequences can include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, organ failure, disability, and premature death. Approximately 1.5 million Americans, and at least five million people around the world, have a form of lupus.
Now, you would think after having been diagnosed with SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) since 1988 and dealing with it on a daily basis, I would be accustomed to its quirks.
That would be the way of most chronic diseases, you know. Most diseases have a predictable course, and meds are pretty standard, and the person knows pretty much what to expect.
Not so with lupus. Each person is affected differently. I know one woman who absolutely denies that she has lupus, even though she takes anti-seizure medications, because she doesn’t want to lose her job. She attended lupus support group meetings only briefly several years ago and has since lapsed into her “lurk” mode. I know of another person whose first and only symptom was that her kidneys quit functioning. No early warning signs, no great fatigue, joint aches, etc. – just sudden kidney failure. She took another approach from the friend with seizures: she learned to make her own bread without salt, everything she brought into her house was salt free, and she followed her doctor’s instructions to the letter. She’s better, now.
However, I can’t say for certain that either of those women will remain symptom – free. Or where the disease will strike next. Because it will. Definitely, it will strike again. My own lupus is snoozing, right this minute, but it may wake grumpy and hell-bent on rampaging through my body seeking a new, untested area. Or it may return to its old familiar haunts, that of my joints and lungs.
I was reminded once again of its quirks at a lupus symposium held last week at the University of Texas, Dallas campus. Of about one hundred persons there, I can safely say, none of us had exactly the same experiences at the same time. Several were newly diagnosed, bewildered by the suddenness of their illness, and the shock of knowing there is no cure and treatment varies in each individual.
Most of us, however, rely on the tried-and-true use of steroids (to reduce the swelling of joints) and Plaquenil, an anti-malerial that was discovered quite by accident to have a remitting effect on lupus activity. However, the use of steroids causes extreme weight gain with a “moon-face” effect, thus causing yet another crushing blow to the patient, and taking Plaquenil requires a yearly visit to the ophthalmologist to ensure vision is retained. As I succinctly summed it up after my initial diagnosis and given a prescription for Plaquenil with the caution that I might lose my eyesight: “Oh, I get it. I can either hurt or go blind?”
There are days I still feel that way – conflicted and afflicted. Conflicted about the treatment for lupus, and afflicted by its limitations on me for that day. And yet, I have learned to rely on those last two words as gospel truth: “That day.” It won’t last forever. Whatever is going on inside my body will not last forever. It will either get better, get worse, go away for a while, or I can learn to live with it, one day at a time.
At this point I must relate the experience I perceived of one person in the audience of lupus patients. Although she had been diagnosed at 11 years of age, and she is now in her mid-twenties, she is still seeking answers. How long will this last? Will I keep getting sick with the same symptoms? How can I file for disability when they tell me I’m not sick enough?
We on the panel and in the audience attempted to answer her questions, but it soon began to dawn on me that she wasn’t willing to listen to our answers.
She wanted attention. For her own particular set of symptoms, for that day. And we were not set up tot deal with one individual’s case history at the expense of others. I began to realize that since the age of 11, she had been playing “Victim.” And she had no idea she was doing that. Yet in her baby-sized voice, and her singsong questions, she was reverting to childhood. Soon some of us “old timers” began exchanging knowing looks, and the moderator began somewhat unsuccessfully to cut off her incessant questions. Yet how could we squelch someone’s quest for answers? After all, isn’t that what we were there for?
Yes and no. Yes, we could provide her with the information that we are all affected differently at different times. And no, we couldn’t recommend any one treatment that she hasn’t already had and she needed to ask her own doctors. In an age where we can pull up an answer to almost any question in the universe by using a Google search, medicine cannot give certain answers to an uncertain disease. And that’s a shame.
I know now what I should have told her. (Don’t you just love it when you leave an argument or a situation where you think, “I should have said…..?) I was told early on by a very frustrated doctor who told me I “might” have lupus. “You will find that lupus is a do-it-yourself- disease. You will have to become your own best physician.”
Our fifteen minute office visit is over. Pay on the way out, please.
The Lupus Foundation of America is the nation's leading nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to lupus. The LFA has a dual mission: to provide support and services to all people affected by lupus, and to fund research to find the causes of and cure for lupus. The LFA has a nationwide network of nearly 300 chapters, branches and support groups. Visit www.lupus.org or call toll-free 1-888-38-LUPUS (1-888-385-8787) for more information.
Marilyn Celeste Morris, Author
Sabbath's Room: http://www/SabbathsRoom.blogspot.com/
Once a Brat: http://www.onceabratbookblog.blogspot.com/;
Diagnosis: Lupus: The Intimate Journal of a Lupus Patient http://www.TheLadyWithLupus.blogspot.com/
Coming Soon: A New Novel: The Women of Camp Sobingo - http://www.thewomenofcampsobingo.blogspot.com/
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Scholarships for Pagan Students
From Patti Wigington,
Your Guide to Paganism / Wiccan.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
There are literally thousands of sources of funding available out there for college students, from grants to loans to scholarships. For many people, a scholarship is the way to go, because (a) it can make a huge difference in the cost of your education and (b) you don't have to repay it later on, like a student loan.
Many private groups make scholarships available. The following is a list of scholarships which may be awarded to Wiccan or Pagan students. If you know of a group or individual who has a scholarship plan available to Wiccans and Pagans, please email me with information so I can add it to the list.
Free Spririt's College Scholarship Program: One or two $500 awards given to students in an undergraduate or graduate program of higher learning.
Sponsored Links
College Scholarship
Tons Of Scholarships No One Is Applying For. Browse Today!
Collegescholarshipsandgrants.com
Find Free Scholarships
Register to Search $7 Billion in College Scholarships and Grants
www.FindTuition.com/Scholarships
Win A $10,000 Scholarship
Take 30 Seconds And Register To Win A $10,000 College Scholarship.
www.Immediate-Scholarships.com
The student does not have to be pursuing a traditional program of study at a traditional college. Enrollment in a therapeutic massage program, holistic healing program or other non-traditional program qualifies.
Pagan Alliance of Nurses (PAN) Scholarship: Awarded in the amount of $200 to assist nursing students, nurses, and other health care providers in financing their education. Recipients must be members of PAN or, alternatively, be the significant other or family member of a PAN member and currently enrolled in a nursing program. Applicants are asked to submit an original essay on a topic chosen by PAN in order to be considered for funding. For more info, check PAN's website.
Fly By Night Scholarships: This magical resource center offers two scholarships -- one in the amount of $500 for students attending the Ohio State University, and one for $250 for students attending any other college. A GPA of 2.75 is required, as well as the applicant's being able to show their commitment to the Pagan community.
Carolina Spirit Quest Scholarship: Offers a $500.00 scholarship for a rising high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate. All applicants must live in NC, SC, VA or the District of Columbia. Applicants must be 17 years of age or older, have a current GPA of 2.8 or higher, be Pagan, and currently accepted in a full time course of study in any accredited four-year college or university. Application includes an essay about what being a Pagan means to you.
Coven of the Sacred Waters: Offers two scholarships to Pagan and Wiccan students, in the amounts of $500 and $400. The web page is a bit out of date, but you can contact them via email to get this year's application information.
Suggested Reading
Related Articles
Education - Financial Aid and Scholarships for Deaf and...
From Patti Wigington,
Your Guide to Paganism / Wiccan.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
There are literally thousands of sources of funding available out there for college students, from grants to loans to scholarships. For many people, a scholarship is the way to go, because (a) it can make a huge difference in the cost of your education and (b) you don't have to repay it later on, like a student loan.
Many private groups make scholarships available. The following is a list of scholarships which may be awarded to Wiccan or Pagan students. If you know of a group or individual who has a scholarship plan available to Wiccans and Pagans, please email me with information so I can add it to the list.
Free Spririt's College Scholarship Program: One or two $500 awards given to students in an undergraduate or graduate program of higher learning.
Sponsored Links
College Scholarship
Tons Of Scholarships No One Is Applying For. Browse Today!
Collegescholarshipsandgrants.com
Find Free Scholarships
Register to Search $7 Billion in College Scholarships and Grants
www.FindTuition.com/Scholarships
Win A $10,000 Scholarship
Take 30 Seconds And Register To Win A $10,000 College Scholarship.
www.Immediate-Scholarships.com
The student does not have to be pursuing a traditional program of study at a traditional college. Enrollment in a therapeutic massage program, holistic healing program or other non-traditional program qualifies.
Pagan Alliance of Nurses (PAN) Scholarship: Awarded in the amount of $200 to assist nursing students, nurses, and other health care providers in financing their education. Recipients must be members of PAN or, alternatively, be the significant other or family member of a PAN member and currently enrolled in a nursing program. Applicants are asked to submit an original essay on a topic chosen by PAN in order to be considered for funding. For more info, check PAN's website.
Fly By Night Scholarships: This magical resource center offers two scholarships -- one in the amount of $500 for students attending the Ohio State University, and one for $250 for students attending any other college. A GPA of 2.75 is required, as well as the applicant's being able to show their commitment to the Pagan community.
Carolina Spirit Quest Scholarship: Offers a $500.00 scholarship for a rising high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate. All applicants must live in NC, SC, VA or the District of Columbia. Applicants must be 17 years of age or older, have a current GPA of 2.8 or higher, be Pagan, and currently accepted in a full time course of study in any accredited four-year college or university. Application includes an essay about what being a Pagan means to you.
Coven of the Sacred Waters: Offers two scholarships to Pagan and Wiccan students, in the amounts of $500 and $400. The web page is a bit out of date, but you can contact them via email to get this year's application information.
Suggested Reading
Related Articles
Education - Financial Aid and Scholarships for Deaf and...
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Free Spiritually Incorrect Ezine--Messages From The Universe November Issue
Greetings,
Here is the November issue of Messages From the Universe. As always it has the Tarot Energy reading for the month along with articles by Rev. Marci Drewy, Bruce Seah, Moriah Marston and many others. Although you are welcome to share the ezine as a whole, the individual articles remain the property of the authors.
The address is below. You may have to cut and paste it into your browser.
http://us.share.geocities.com/tirgana/MessagesNov2007.pdf
If you would like to insure you receive Messages From the Universe every month, please join the free Yahoo group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MessagesFromtheUniverse/
Here is the November issue of Messages From the Universe. As always it has the Tarot Energy reading for the month along with articles by Rev. Marci Drewy, Bruce Seah, Moriah Marston and many others. Although you are welcome to share the ezine as a whole, the individual articles remain the property of the authors.
The address is below. You may have to cut and paste it into your browser.
http://us.share.geocities.com/tirgana/MessagesNov2007.pdf
If you would like to insure you receive Messages From the Universe every month, please join the free Yahoo group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MessagesFromtheUniverse/
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Six Simple Steps For Successfull Publishing
Doing a simple search on the net for predators and editors, it is easy to discover how many individuals and companies are waiting to take advantage of writers. Making grandiose promises of making their book a best seller, they con unsuspecting writers out of the money, talent and royalties. Even those writers who do the research can find that they have been taken advantage, However, with the new technological advances in computers and in printing, writers no long have to depend on others to make their publishing dream come true. Print on demand opens the door for authors to not only maintain creative control, but also retain all of the profits from their work. There are six simple steps to getting your book successfully published and distributed.
1. Write your book, making sure that it is properly edited.
Not only does you book have to be creative and interesting, but it has to be readable. Meaning that you need to do more than run it through the spell checker. Punctuation, spelling, and grammar errors will detract from the content and discredit the author. Although mistakes can even be found best selling books, they are rare and quickly fixed in the next edition. First time authors especially need to make sure the work reaches the highest standard possible.
2. Format you book so that it is easy to read and looks professional with an eye catching cover and enticing back cover blurb.
Formatting your book not only is resizing it to fit the appropriate book size, but it is also making sure the typesetting gives the pages a professional appearance. Margins need to be justified to give the pages a clean look. In most cases, book covers should be kept simple and uncomplicated; the graphics need to lure the reader to pick it up. The back cover blurb needs to tempt the reader into reading a few pages. The pages within should persuade the reader the book is worth the money.
3. Find a printer who can produce quality books at a cost effective price.
The list of POD printers is rapidly growing. By Googling the “print on demand printers”, the writer can find an impressive of list that varies not only in price but also in services. Some POD printers provide printing services without set up fees; however, they have limited distribution, which will also reduce the number brick and mortar stores who will be willing to carry the books. However, if an author only needs a few copies or intends to sell solely online, theses services are inexpensive ways to get a book in print. Most POD printers charge set up fees, but they also provide other printing options for book size, colors, and binding.
4. Make you book financially attractive to bookstores.
New authors have be realistic about their profit margins. In order for bookstores to be interested, the books have to be reasonably priced with at least a 50% discount off the cover price. However, the current standard discount is 55% off. In addition, making the books returnable is a must. Very few bookstores will risk their money and shelf space on a book by an unknown author if it isn’t returnable. When setting the cover price all three factors must be considered in along with a royalty fee. Never forget to pay yourself for your work, but don’t forget that the higher the cost of the book, the few copies that will be sold.
5. List your book with a distributor who is widely used.
Ingram is one of the widest know distributors in the country. However, they will not work with publishing houses that have less than ten titles in print. For a new publishing house, this can be a temporary obstacle. They do however have a list of associated distributors who will represent books from smaller publishers. The site address for the list is http://www.ingrambook.com/new/distributors.asp. Each of these distributors has their own standards and genres that they represent. Some of which require an exclusive contract for each book.
6. Promoted and market you book 24/7
Whether traditional or POD, a beginning author does nearly all of the marketing and promotions. In order to be effective, the author has to not only find a niche market, but has to create brand name for her or himself. The niche market is the target market that you are seeking according to genre, age, gender and readership. Creating a brand name is process where an author creates a strong connection with the target audience. In the past, traditional publishers placed ads and arranged for reviews. These are both still important venues; however, the internet has opened up many different options. Blogs, vblogs, and homepages are only three opportunities to attract readers, which cost little or no money. Online groups, chat rooms, and message boards are not only places to promote your work, but it is a great way to make connections with like minds.
No longer costing thousands of dollars to get their books in print, more authors are starting their own publishing houses and going out on their own. By doing it themselves, an author can published and distributed to the public for less than three hundred dollars.
Valkyrie Publishing is a consulting service, which helps authors create their dream without risking their royalties or answering to another. It is their job to make the publishing experience as simple and inexpensive as possible. For authors who are not technologically savvy or would just like help with the process, they are an excellent resource and beneficial asset.
1. Write your book, making sure that it is properly edited.
Not only does you book have to be creative and interesting, but it has to be readable. Meaning that you need to do more than run it through the spell checker. Punctuation, spelling, and grammar errors will detract from the content and discredit the author. Although mistakes can even be found best selling books, they are rare and quickly fixed in the next edition. First time authors especially need to make sure the work reaches the highest standard possible.
2. Format you book so that it is easy to read and looks professional with an eye catching cover and enticing back cover blurb.
Formatting your book not only is resizing it to fit the appropriate book size, but it is also making sure the typesetting gives the pages a professional appearance. Margins need to be justified to give the pages a clean look. In most cases, book covers should be kept simple and uncomplicated; the graphics need to lure the reader to pick it up. The back cover blurb needs to tempt the reader into reading a few pages. The pages within should persuade the reader the book is worth the money.
3. Find a printer who can produce quality books at a cost effective price.
The list of POD printers is rapidly growing. By Googling the “print on demand printers”, the writer can find an impressive of list that varies not only in price but also in services. Some POD printers provide printing services without set up fees; however, they have limited distribution, which will also reduce the number brick and mortar stores who will be willing to carry the books. However, if an author only needs a few copies or intends to sell solely online, theses services are inexpensive ways to get a book in print. Most POD printers charge set up fees, but they also provide other printing options for book size, colors, and binding.
4. Make you book financially attractive to bookstores.
New authors have be realistic about their profit margins. In order for bookstores to be interested, the books have to be reasonably priced with at least a 50% discount off the cover price. However, the current standard discount is 55% off. In addition, making the books returnable is a must. Very few bookstores will risk their money and shelf space on a book by an unknown author if it isn’t returnable. When setting the cover price all three factors must be considered in along with a royalty fee. Never forget to pay yourself for your work, but don’t forget that the higher the cost of the book, the few copies that will be sold.
5. List your book with a distributor who is widely used.
Ingram is one of the widest know distributors in the country. However, they will not work with publishing houses that have less than ten titles in print. For a new publishing house, this can be a temporary obstacle. They do however have a list of associated distributors who will represent books from smaller publishers. The site address for the list is http://www.ingrambook.com/new/distributors.asp. Each of these distributors has their own standards and genres that they represent. Some of which require an exclusive contract for each book.
6. Promoted and market you book 24/7
Whether traditional or POD, a beginning author does nearly all of the marketing and promotions. In order to be effective, the author has to not only find a niche market, but has to create brand name for her or himself. The niche market is the target market that you are seeking according to genre, age, gender and readership. Creating a brand name is process where an author creates a strong connection with the target audience. In the past, traditional publishers placed ads and arranged for reviews. These are both still important venues; however, the internet has opened up many different options. Blogs, vblogs, and homepages are only three opportunities to attract readers, which cost little or no money. Online groups, chat rooms, and message boards are not only places to promote your work, but it is a great way to make connections with like minds.
No longer costing thousands of dollars to get their books in print, more authors are starting their own publishing houses and going out on their own. By doing it themselves, an author can published and distributed to the public for less than three hundred dollars.
Valkyrie Publishing is a consulting service, which helps authors create their dream without risking their royalties or answering to another. It is their job to make the publishing experience as simple and inexpensive as possible. For authors who are not technologically savvy or would just like help with the process, they are an excellent resource and beneficial asset.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Make Your Publishing Dream A Reality: paperback and ebooks
Publish You Own Book. Tired of doing all the work and receiving little or no profits. POD makes self-publishing cheaper and give authors more access to distributors. Traditional publishers throw good books into slush piles. Many POD publishers take your money, keep most of the profits, and give you minimal royalties. Beginning authors do all the writing, promotion and marketing, yet receive very little of the profits. It costs very little to get your book into print and accepted by distributors. Valkyrie Publishing helps you publish your own work and keep all the profits. For more information go to http://www.geocitie s.com/tirgana/Valkyrieserves.pdf or www.theresachaze.com
Monday, October 22, 2007
Awakening the Halloween Magic with suspense and Horror
Awakening the Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy(9780979840609) is a story of magic, suspense and karmic justice combine in a tale of horror. Rachael moves to Coyote Springs to find a home and open her bookstore. Instead, she becomes the catalyst in exposing a murder and the target of a violent cult. She is forced to awaken her dragon spirit prematurely to save herself and all she loves. Will she be able to control the power of the dragon as it rises giving her the power to save all she loves or will the flames from within destroy her?
An excerpt:
But first she needed to insure the safety of her children and herself. She closed the door. Walking to the Eastern corner of the room, she raised her hands. "This room represents the entire house, the entire property. The powers of the East-beings of light, air, rain, thunder, lightening, wind. I ask you to attend to witness and protect my circle." Her hands came together in front of her forehead. She lowered them to her heart level. Moving to the Southern corner, she again lifted her arms. "The powers of the South-beings of fire, heat, the sun, the heavens above which shelters and protect us, keeping us warm and growing our food. I ask you to attend to witness and protect my circle." Her hands came together and she lowered them to her heart. She moved to the Western corner and raised her hands. "Powers of the West-thou who provides our water, our fish, the cleansing element of our bodies and our souls, you satisfy our thirst and calm our souls. I ask you to attend my circle to witness and protect." Her skin began to tingle with the energy she brought into the room.
The temperature dropped, them warmed as the electrical and gravitational levels fluctuated. Rachael walked to the Northern corner and raised her arms. "The beings of the North, I ask you to attend to witness and protect my circle. Like the Earth Mother be the grounding force that provides protection and comfort. You who gives us our homes, our food, and the love we all need to survive." Bringing her hands down, she turned and walked to the center of the room. "I have asked you here to witness my new home. I call it mine for me and my children-Tara, Merlin, and Ralph. We alone are residents here. All others are visitors. To be protected, yet we alone call this place home. From above and below and from all four directions, I encircle this house-my home, my yard, my car, myself and my children in the silver and golden healing lights so that we may be safe, secure and know we are well loved. I authorize whatever force necessary to protect the residents of this home, starting at first with minimal to deadly if necessary. I ask all deities present to insure the safety of me and mine."
The air charged. Heat radiated off the walls, like the hot waves off black top. The energy circulated from within and around her expanding to fill the room. She continued without knowing why. "I combine my energy and tradition with all those of light who have gone before. May we be joined, making each stronger exponentially. Where there was one, may there be two. Where there is two may there be the power and wisdom of four. Where there be four, may the power of sixteen do what must be done. And so it goes until all the beings of light work together as the whole." Through her mind's eye, she saw the energy in the room expand, filling the room, spilling out to fill the house and yard to the borders of the property. A column of light shot both upward, as a beacon, and downward, connecting them to the source. "Thank you for your blessings."
Up from the ground, another energy surged. For a moment, Rachael was frightened. It withdrew, returning more softly. It filled her heart with love. She saw an older woman. She was from the dream. Smiling, she walked to Rachael and placed a ring of iridescent flowers around her neck. She spread her arms wide. Bubbles of the same shiny energy floated down from the heavens, filling the house and the yard, building a solid fence around the property.
Rachael knew the bubbles pile high and energized the ground beneath them. She breathed it in and it filled her being with love and strength. The woman stepped away, fading into the energy around them. She opened her eyes. Knowing she had been blessed by the Earth Mother, herself; she bowed her head in gratitude. "Thank you, Mother."
You're welcome, daughter, whispered the wind. Call you new protectors. Spirits of the centuries of times long past, yet still now live on, I call you to be special protectors of this guardian and those she loves. Eyes that see all of the night I charge your claws and fangs to defend with all that is necessary to keep evil at bay.
Rachael heard them before her she saw them in her mind’s eye. Large and aware, she could see them manifest in the trees, shrubs and shadows around the cottage. Multi-shades of gold and green, their luminescent eyes rivaling the sunlight.
A single tiger leaped and landed before the woman. She reached out and stroked its head. He purred. Pointing to Rachael, she continued. “She is the guardian of this holy place.” She pointed at the suddenly quiet carrier. “These are her children. Let no harm come to them. Both day and night watch and defend. As it was before, you and the others have free reign. Do not wait for her to call. As you sense so shall you react.”
The golden eyes fixated on Rachael, sending shivers through her. Sensed his powerful spirit gently embracing her, getting to know her. He turned his head toward the carrier for a moment; then he vanished.
“As you are the guardian of this place, so they are to you. No harm shall come to you. Whether here or out in the world, one will always be close. Take care how you direct them.” As in the field, she reached out and cupped Rachael’s chin in her palm. “You have the strength, wisdom, and the honor for the tasks at hand. Do not doubt yourself.” Smiling, she tweaked the end of Rachael’s nose. “Now call the Mother Dragon. So we can continue.”
Rachael took a deep breath and tried to remember the correct wording.
“Speak from you heart and she will hear.”
“Mother of all the clans. The source of all our wisdom and strength I ask you to come to this my new home and bless it with your protection. It has been a source of love and wisdom, but now it is under attack by ignorance and bigotry. I ask you to bless it in such away that all the clans watch over and protect us. Let this beautiful place of light and love shine as a beacon for those who need comfort.”
Suddenly the room glowed with incandescent silver light that came from everywhere, yet nowhere. It filled the room. Again, Rachael knew it went far beyond to radiate though the cottage and out into the yard. The hair on her arms stood on end as the room charged with the energy of the Mother Dragon. Only once before did she feel as close to the Mother Dragon--when she dedicated herself to the dragon clan. Only this time it was stronger, deeper reaching. She felt it lift her spirit above the cottage until she could see and feel it all. Carmen was not far down the road and should arrive in minutes. Norman and Meredith argued about the living arrangements in the kitchen. The children watched from the living room. Lisa looked up at her and smiled. Beside her and all around, she felt the infinite love of the Mother.
Child, your awakening is at hand. The Mother‘s whispered to her. Soon you will know what it truly meant to walk the path of the dragon.
Rachael smiled within herself, knowing without consciously knowing what the statement meant. It was the unconditional love she responded to as if she was a young child being given the courage to start something new.
“As our energies intertwine so we meet together in the spirit of the new guardian. We become part of her as she becomes one with us.” The woman unfurled her arms shoulder high; her palms facing outward. “Let the ripples of our actions let it be known, the new guardian has been chosen.” Slowly she lowered her arms. “Be blessed Child of Light. Welcome home.” Suddenly she vanished.
Buy this book! I found myself smiling when I finished the last page of Awakening The Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (formally Dragon's New Home), by Theresa Chaze. I've read a pretty good number of books in my life, but none have given me quite the mix of emotions that this books has.
Joe Murphy, The Dragon Page http://www.dragonpage.com/
“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Words the members of the House of Christ live by, and killed by.
Rachel Franklin knew from the first moment she laid eyes on it that the cottage was hers. She felt its pull, could sense the magic within its walls. She was home.
However, the members of the House of Christ church had different ideas. The cottage was evil, the home of a witch, and all good Christians know that witches are evil beings, consorts of the Devil; their houses are evil and should be destroyed.
But, the cottage’s owner, Kevin Mitchellson would not allow that. He forbids any member of the church to set foot on the property left to him by his grandmother, Sarah, and the conflict rages, as Wicca and Christians team up, prepared to do battle with the bigotry and ignorance of the House of Christ fanatics.
Therese Chaze draws her readers in from the first page and refuses to release them until the last word of this fantastic tale of witches, magic, love and betrayal.
Set in the village of Coyote Springs, Dragon Domain is a book of lessons; lessons on love, forgiveness, and above all truth to oneself.
In the grand traditions of Anne McCaffrey and Marion Zimmer Bradley, Therese Chaze captures the imagination as well as the heart of her readers.
Dragon Domain is an open door to a world of wonder, and from the first page to the last, you will be hard pressed to put it down.
Linda Rucker
An excerpt:
But first she needed to insure the safety of her children and herself. She closed the door. Walking to the Eastern corner of the room, she raised her hands. "This room represents the entire house, the entire property. The powers of the East-beings of light, air, rain, thunder, lightening, wind. I ask you to attend to witness and protect my circle." Her hands came together in front of her forehead. She lowered them to her heart level. Moving to the Southern corner, she again lifted her arms. "The powers of the South-beings of fire, heat, the sun, the heavens above which shelters and protect us, keeping us warm and growing our food. I ask you to attend to witness and protect my circle." Her hands came together and she lowered them to her heart. She moved to the Western corner and raised her hands. "Powers of the West-thou who provides our water, our fish, the cleansing element of our bodies and our souls, you satisfy our thirst and calm our souls. I ask you to attend my circle to witness and protect." Her skin began to tingle with the energy she brought into the room.
The temperature dropped, them warmed as the electrical and gravitational levels fluctuated. Rachael walked to the Northern corner and raised her arms. "The beings of the North, I ask you to attend to witness and protect my circle. Like the Earth Mother be the grounding force that provides protection and comfort. You who gives us our homes, our food, and the love we all need to survive." Bringing her hands down, she turned and walked to the center of the room. "I have asked you here to witness my new home. I call it mine for me and my children-Tara, Merlin, and Ralph. We alone are residents here. All others are visitors. To be protected, yet we alone call this place home. From above and below and from all four directions, I encircle this house-my home, my yard, my car, myself and my children in the silver and golden healing lights so that we may be safe, secure and know we are well loved. I authorize whatever force necessary to protect the residents of this home, starting at first with minimal to deadly if necessary. I ask all deities present to insure the safety of me and mine."
The air charged. Heat radiated off the walls, like the hot waves off black top. The energy circulated from within and around her expanding to fill the room. She continued without knowing why. "I combine my energy and tradition with all those of light who have gone before. May we be joined, making each stronger exponentially. Where there was one, may there be two. Where there is two may there be the power and wisdom of four. Where there be four, may the power of sixteen do what must be done. And so it goes until all the beings of light work together as the whole." Through her mind's eye, she saw the energy in the room expand, filling the room, spilling out to fill the house and yard to the borders of the property. A column of light shot both upward, as a beacon, and downward, connecting them to the source. "Thank you for your blessings."
Up from the ground, another energy surged. For a moment, Rachael was frightened. It withdrew, returning more softly. It filled her heart with love. She saw an older woman. She was from the dream. Smiling, she walked to Rachael and placed a ring of iridescent flowers around her neck. She spread her arms wide. Bubbles of the same shiny energy floated down from the heavens, filling the house and the yard, building a solid fence around the property.
Rachael knew the bubbles pile high and energized the ground beneath them. She breathed it in and it filled her being with love and strength. The woman stepped away, fading into the energy around them. She opened her eyes. Knowing she had been blessed by the Earth Mother, herself; she bowed her head in gratitude. "Thank you, Mother."
You're welcome, daughter, whispered the wind. Call you new protectors. Spirits of the centuries of times long past, yet still now live on, I call you to be special protectors of this guardian and those she loves. Eyes that see all of the night I charge your claws and fangs to defend with all that is necessary to keep evil at bay.
Rachael heard them before her she saw them in her mind’s eye. Large and aware, she could see them manifest in the trees, shrubs and shadows around the cottage. Multi-shades of gold and green, their luminescent eyes rivaling the sunlight.
A single tiger leaped and landed before the woman. She reached out and stroked its head. He purred. Pointing to Rachael, she continued. “She is the guardian of this holy place.” She pointed at the suddenly quiet carrier. “These are her children. Let no harm come to them. Both day and night watch and defend. As it was before, you and the others have free reign. Do not wait for her to call. As you sense so shall you react.”
The golden eyes fixated on Rachael, sending shivers through her. Sensed his powerful spirit gently embracing her, getting to know her. He turned his head toward the carrier for a moment; then he vanished.
“As you are the guardian of this place, so they are to you. No harm shall come to you. Whether here or out in the world, one will always be close. Take care how you direct them.” As in the field, she reached out and cupped Rachael’s chin in her palm. “You have the strength, wisdom, and the honor for the tasks at hand. Do not doubt yourself.” Smiling, she tweaked the end of Rachael’s nose. “Now call the Mother Dragon. So we can continue.”
Rachael took a deep breath and tried to remember the correct wording.
“Speak from you heart and she will hear.”
“Mother of all the clans. The source of all our wisdom and strength I ask you to come to this my new home and bless it with your protection. It has been a source of love and wisdom, but now it is under attack by ignorance and bigotry. I ask you to bless it in such away that all the clans watch over and protect us. Let this beautiful place of light and love shine as a beacon for those who need comfort.”
Suddenly the room glowed with incandescent silver light that came from everywhere, yet nowhere. It filled the room. Again, Rachael knew it went far beyond to radiate though the cottage and out into the yard. The hair on her arms stood on end as the room charged with the energy of the Mother Dragon. Only once before did she feel as close to the Mother Dragon--when she dedicated herself to the dragon clan. Only this time it was stronger, deeper reaching. She felt it lift her spirit above the cottage until she could see and feel it all. Carmen was not far down the road and should arrive in minutes. Norman and Meredith argued about the living arrangements in the kitchen. The children watched from the living room. Lisa looked up at her and smiled. Beside her and all around, she felt the infinite love of the Mother.
Child, your awakening is at hand. The Mother‘s whispered to her. Soon you will know what it truly meant to walk the path of the dragon.
Rachael smiled within herself, knowing without consciously knowing what the statement meant. It was the unconditional love she responded to as if she was a young child being given the courage to start something new.
“As our energies intertwine so we meet together in the spirit of the new guardian. We become part of her as she becomes one with us.” The woman unfurled her arms shoulder high; her palms facing outward. “Let the ripples of our actions let it be known, the new guardian has been chosen.” Slowly she lowered her arms. “Be blessed Child of Light. Welcome home.” Suddenly she vanished.
Buy this book! I found myself smiling when I finished the last page of Awakening The Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (formally Dragon's New Home), by Theresa Chaze. I've read a pretty good number of books in my life, but none have given me quite the mix of emotions that this books has.
Joe Murphy, The Dragon Page http://www.dragonpage.com/
“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Words the members of the House of Christ live by, and killed by.
Rachel Franklin knew from the first moment she laid eyes on it that the cottage was hers. She felt its pull, could sense the magic within its walls. She was home.
However, the members of the House of Christ church had different ideas. The cottage was evil, the home of a witch, and all good Christians know that witches are evil beings, consorts of the Devil; their houses are evil and should be destroyed.
But, the cottage’s owner, Kevin Mitchellson would not allow that. He forbids any member of the church to set foot on the property left to him by his grandmother, Sarah, and the conflict rages, as Wicca and Christians team up, prepared to do battle with the bigotry and ignorance of the House of Christ fanatics.
Therese Chaze draws her readers in from the first page and refuses to release them until the last word of this fantastic tale of witches, magic, love and betrayal.
Set in the village of Coyote Springs, Dragon Domain is a book of lessons; lessons on love, forgiveness, and above all truth to oneself.
In the grand traditions of Anne McCaffrey and Marion Zimmer Bradley, Therese Chaze captures the imagination as well as the heart of her readers.
Dragon Domain is an open door to a world of wonder, and from the first page to the last, you will be hard pressed to put it down.
Linda Rucker
Sunday, October 21, 2007
The Truth About Wicca And Paganism
The Truth About Wicca and Paganism.
Although the term Wicca is a relatively recent term, the religious practices along with Paganism have been around long before Jesus walked on the face of the earth. It is a religion and a way of living that is based on the life cycles of the planet as a way of protecting and providing for the family. The holidays focus on the growing seasons and on the phases of the moon. Their rituals use the natural energy of the earth in all its forms to heal, feed and cloth.
Whether a person identifies themselves as Wiccan, Witch or Pagan, their religion is based on traditions that reach back to a time when humans toiled the soil and hunted for food. Their survival depended on the kindness of the elements, the fertility of the soil, and the luck of the hunt. Through family traditions and experimentation, they learned how to use natural means to provide for and to protect the family. Most people today, do not grow their own food or hunt in the forest, instead they work jobs and forage in supermarkets. This doesn’t change the essential nature of their goals, which is to live well and in balance with nature. By working in harmony with the natural energy, which surrounds them, they can bring balance, peace and prosperity into their lives.
Through experimentation, they have learned how to heal with plants, healing touches and with other resources the planet provides. Through trial and error, they learned which plants heal and which ones do harm. This knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation, each one adding a little more to the total information base. They also have discovered that some gemstones have influence the over all physical and emotional health. By placing them in specific combinations on different parts of the body, they can strengthen the immune system and help release emotional or physical traumas. These healing methods help the person direct the universal energy to not only cleanse but also restore balance on the physical and spiritual levels. In addition, by taping into the planetary electrical system, which is typically called ley lines, they are able to increase their access to higher energy levels and older wisdom.
It was this knowledge that made them targets of people who feared their “power”. Generally, they are a positive, loving force in the universe, who only wish to live in peace and leave the earth a little better place. However, there remains the misconception of who or what they worship. Devils or Satan are a not part of their religion, nor are they an anti-force to other religions. Yet they remain targets for violence and discrimination. Whether it be a hanged witch Chicopee, Mass being called a Halloween decoration or the Veteran’s Administration having to be sued to honor a legally recognized religious symbol, Wiccans and Pagans still have to fight for their civil liberties. Whereas as an empty hanging noose caused national outcry and outrage, the representation of a witch being hanged has received only mockery and snide remarks. Although Wicca is a legally recognized religion, the VA had to be forced to approve the pentacle even they had approved over 30 symbols, including many Christian sects, Tenrikyo Church, United Moravian Church and Sikhs. The atheists even have their own approved symbol.
The simple facts are that even with more legitimate information being available in books, movies and on TV, negative propaganda continues to spread lies, fanaticism, and religious intolerance. Without knowing who or what Wiccans and Pagans truly believe and do, religious fanatics label them as evil and do deliberate harm by trying to take away their children, homes and jobs. However, like every religion there are good and bad members. The key is to get accurate information before attaching labels and making judgments.
Out of the Shadows And Into the Light is an ebook of shadows with accurate information about the belief systems and rituals for the modern day life. Not only does it give details about holidays, but how to set up an altar and make holy water. The rituals that are included are not only the traditional ones for prosperity, protection and love, but also ones for healing and justice. This Wiccan book of wisdom can only be bought at the authors website at www.theresachaze.com.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Hypocritical Christians Hijack Halloween to Make it Less Wiccan and Pagan
Hypocritical Christians Hijack Halloween to Make it Less Wiccan and Pagan
Originally called Samhain, Christians usurped the holiday, replacing it with All Saints Day. Pope Boniface IV was attempting to attract and covert Pagans. Over the decades, the celebrations became more child oriented than spiritual. Halloween became a time to dress up, trick or treat and party. A day of pretending, fantasy and community, Halloween allowed both children and adults an excuse to step out of their mundane lives and simply play. Halloween parties at school, at home or in the community are fun ways for neighbors to get to know each other a little better. Whether cowboy, astronaut, or a scary creature of the night, the costume choice is a safe, healthy venue to have an alter ego for a day.
Traditionally, Samhain is the ending of the Pagan and Wiccan year. The final harvests have been brought in and the finally preparations for winter have been made. Animals are slaughtered and their meat preserved. The death of a few insures life for others through the coming winter months. It is the day when the veils between the realms are the thinnest. The dead and earth spirits are able to walk freely among the living. Whether dead loved ones or earth spirits, this time of year communication with them is the easiest. It is the time for honoring your ancestors and making amends with those who have crossed over. Spiritually, what we have sent out comes back for good or ill. Just as the harvest has been collected, so does the karmic debt come due. The thinning curtain only makes the Deities of Justice more active and powerful. Whether it is said as "What goes around, comes around" or "So share ye sow, so shall ye reap", what we have created shall manifest as a blessing or a challenge.
A few years ago, fundamental Christians once again started attacking Halloween. Calling it Satanic, they attempted to block it from public schools and interfered with trick or treating. Last year, this sweet little girl came up to my door, but instead of seeking candy, she handed out Christian tracts, telling me how evil I am for not being Christian and for celebrating a Pagan holiday. The girl was only about six or seven; it was very cowardly for her parents to use her to do her dirty work. I calmly asked her where her parents were. She took me to her mother. I wasn’t nice so to the mother. In no uncertain terms, I called her a bigot and told her to mind her own business. If she didn’t want to participate that was fine, but she needed stop trying to ruin it for others. She then proceeded to try to covert me. She didn’t get far. I’m Wiccan and proud. She went away in a huff. To bad, so sad. But she has no right to force her believes on others.
Which brings me to my rant. I was talking to some of the neighborhood girls. I asked them how they were going to dress as for Halloween. One told me that she was going to dress as a belly dancer and was go to a Hallelujah Party. I bite my tongue and smiled. I just find it amazing how hypocritical the parents are. They change the name and think it will suddenly stop making it Pagan. A duck is a duck whether or not you call it a swan. October 31 is the Pagan holiday Samhain, not matter what you call it.
Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is an ebook of shadows that gives accurate information about the Wiccan and Pagan religions. Containing rituals and definitions of the their religious practice, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light gives information that will benefit both the beginner and the experienced magical worker, while giving accurate information to counteract the misconceptions. Out of the Shadows and Into the Light can only be bought at www.theresachaze.com
Originally called Samhain, Christians usurped the holiday, replacing it with All Saints Day. Pope Boniface IV was attempting to attract and covert Pagans. Over the decades, the celebrations became more child oriented than spiritual. Halloween became a time to dress up, trick or treat and party. A day of pretending, fantasy and community, Halloween allowed both children and adults an excuse to step out of their mundane lives and simply play. Halloween parties at school, at home or in the community are fun ways for neighbors to get to know each other a little better. Whether cowboy, astronaut, or a scary creature of the night, the costume choice is a safe, healthy venue to have an alter ego for a day.
Traditionally, Samhain is the ending of the Pagan and Wiccan year. The final harvests have been brought in and the finally preparations for winter have been made. Animals are slaughtered and their meat preserved. The death of a few insures life for others through the coming winter months. It is the day when the veils between the realms are the thinnest. The dead and earth spirits are able to walk freely among the living. Whether dead loved ones or earth spirits, this time of year communication with them is the easiest. It is the time for honoring your ancestors and making amends with those who have crossed over. Spiritually, what we have sent out comes back for good or ill. Just as the harvest has been collected, so does the karmic debt come due. The thinning curtain only makes the Deities of Justice more active and powerful. Whether it is said as "What goes around, comes around" or "So share ye sow, so shall ye reap", what we have created shall manifest as a blessing or a challenge.
A few years ago, fundamental Christians once again started attacking Halloween. Calling it Satanic, they attempted to block it from public schools and interfered with trick or treating. Last year, this sweet little girl came up to my door, but instead of seeking candy, she handed out Christian tracts, telling me how evil I am for not being Christian and for celebrating a Pagan holiday. The girl was only about six or seven; it was very cowardly for her parents to use her to do her dirty work. I calmly asked her where her parents were. She took me to her mother. I wasn’t nice so to the mother. In no uncertain terms, I called her a bigot and told her to mind her own business. If she didn’t want to participate that was fine, but she needed stop trying to ruin it for others. She then proceeded to try to covert me. She didn’t get far. I’m Wiccan and proud. She went away in a huff. To bad, so sad. But she has no right to force her believes on others.
Which brings me to my rant. I was talking to some of the neighborhood girls. I asked them how they were going to dress as for Halloween. One told me that she was going to dress as a belly dancer and was go to a Hallelujah Party. I bite my tongue and smiled. I just find it amazing how hypocritical the parents are. They change the name and think it will suddenly stop making it Pagan. A duck is a duck whether or not you call it a swan. October 31 is the Pagan holiday Samhain, not matter what you call it.
Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is an ebook of shadows that gives accurate information about the Wiccan and Pagan religions. Containing rituals and definitions of the their religious practice, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light gives information that will benefit both the beginner and the experienced magical worker, while giving accurate information to counteract the misconceptions. Out of the Shadows and Into the Light can only be bought at www.theresachaze.com
Friday, October 12, 2007
Virtual Book Tour: Nadia Ailan Brings Erotic Passion to Modern Romance
Nadia Aidan Brings Erotic Passion to Modern Romance
Romance novels are not innocent stories our mothers and grandmothers remember so fondly. Instead, they are passionate tales of strong women who face life squarely and passionately. No longer do they run from love but fully embrace it on all levels. The passions motivate them to succeed Where porn remains character and plot free, erotic romances burst through stereotypes to create multi-dimensional characters that ignite your passion and excite your imagination.
In an interview, Nadia Aidan talked about her writing and what motivates her to create her worlds, her characters, and their adventures. “I write erotic romance and within that genre my themes fall under multicultural/interracial, contemporary, fantasy, sci-fi and historical. Now I got into this genre because I wanted to see more interracial and multicultural erotic romance novels so I figured if that is what I wanted then I needed to write them myself!” Although she still blushes when her work is compared to Danielle Steel and wishes she could wrote like her, she knows that her voice is still uniquely her own. “I have always been told that my voice in my writing is very vivid and emotional. I love details and so I try to describe things using every sense. People seem to respond to this and many of the compliments that I receive on my writing(especially in the earlier stages of writing when I didn't have the mechanics as tight as I needed to have them) have always been that I have a strong and unique voice that is very distinct in each of my novels. In all seriousness, whoever anyone wants to compare me to, good or bad, is fine. I personally don't compare myself to any other writer because I view writing as an art and like any art, the style is as unique and varied as the individual who created it.”
Her newest novel, Enthralled (ISBN: 0-595-46267-7) was released September 2007 through IUniverse. It is available both in paperback and as an ebook. Strong willed and beautiful, Candace, Queen of the Amazonian planet Kush is used to fighting battles, giving orders and subservient men. From birth, she is taught the art of war and that men are the enemy. What she hates more than a man is a domineering man! With a body as powerful as a god's, the heir to the Akkadian throne is far from subservient. A man of honor, Ares is all masculine dominance! When war tears their planets apart, the two are faced with entering into a marriage contract in order to save their kingdoms and their people. Forced into a marriage neither wants, at every turn the two warriors clash as they battle for dominance.
But what begins as a marriage of convenience quickly turns into something more as they fight their growing passion and hunger for each other. The ultimate challenge comes when they are forced to forsake their old beliefs for a chance at a future together. Can two fighting spirits learn the ultimate lesson of surrendering to their hearts?
Of all her characters, Candace is her favorite. Aidan describes her as, “She is strong and courageous, yet at the same time there is a vulnerability about her. Mainly she is motivated by a desire to be a good ruler. To do what is right. Many people say that as a writer you should stay away from developing characters that are loosely based upon your own personality, which I will say in this case I did! However, I would like to think that a few of my own personality traits ended up in Candace, which of course endears her to me. When you read Enthralled, I think you will find that you can't help but cheer for Candace. She has so much to deal with and yet she remains poised through everything. She compromises but not at the expense of who she is. I love that about her and I hope the readers do too! “Aidan has created her match in Aries. A passionate character that would make the legendary God proud, Aries represents the best qualities of strong men. “The two dominant leaders clash a lot which makes their relationship difficult at times, but what endears you to Ares is that he genuinely cares for Candace and you can tell that he wants to make her happy. He is passionate about her and his love for her. You want to see him win Candace's heart because he is a good man who, like everyone, makes mistakes but he admits them. How can you NOT love a man willing to admit when he is wrong?”
Although some criticize the genre a for being to explicit, Aidan’s work is based that passion is a natural part of a healthy life. She does more than create cheap sexual thrills. Her novels are character and plot driven; the passion between the characters gives them added dimension and furthers the plot line. There is nothing gratuitous about the sexuality.
Aidan said of her critics, “To be honest, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I say that is fine. Most criticize erotic romance because they consider the erotic side of it to be too dirty or vulgar. My take on it is that that is their opinion. However, at the same time every woman is different. I personally don't like reading inspirational or Christian romance because there is no sex and I feel that sex is an integral part of a romance. But then again that is my opinion. Erotic romance is a relatively new genre within romance and it arose because obviously more women wanted more vivid and graphic depictions of sex. Again, every woman is different and there should be something for everyone out there and I think that is wonderful.”
Nadia Aidan lives, works and writes on the East Coast in the United States. Under her real name, Nadia holds a PhD in Political Science and Public Policy and by day she works as an Assistant Professor. In addition to writing erotic romances Nadia enjoys reading other authors, playing flag football, studying muay thai, working out, listening to music, scuba diving, and target shooting. Her other interests include collecting Top Cow comics, especially Witchblade and Tomb Raider. She loves professional football and soccer. Her favorite teams are the Washington Redskins and Manchester United, respectively. Nadia loves watching, reading about, and writing about strong, assertive heroines, which is why she is an enduring fan of Fight Girls, Xena, Buffy, and La Femme Nikita! Nadia also loves interacting with people so feel free to email her! Her site address is: www.nadiaaidan.com. Currently she has doing a virtual book tour with Pump up your Book Promotion; the site address is http://virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/2007/09/enthralled-virtual-book-tour-07.html
An excerpt of ENTHRALLED:
At last inside their private chambers, Ares released her. He’d barely closed the door before she spun on him, whipping her open palm across his right cheek.
“How dare you!” she fumed as she shot him a look of fury.
Ares wasn’t angry before but he was getting there. She wasn’t some weak little female. His face tingled from the force of her strike. Rubbing his cheek he edged into her personal space, letting his full size overwhelm her, as he knew it would. Unconsciously she stumbled back, before his free hand shot out to grasp her arm, steadying her.
His eyes narrowed in anger. “I thought I was doing us both a favor. You have been there all day and you would have been there all night! You are tired and apparently a little frustrated if my cheek is any evidence,” he bit out angrily.
“Seeing that we are newly joined, I was hoping to spend some time with you, but maybe that is too much to ask!” He had not meant to raise his voice, but he concluded that all of the troubles of the day must have finally caught up with him.
“You cannot do that ever again! You cannot just usurp my power in front of my people.”
“Our people—”
Her eyes narrowed. “You risk much with your high handed ways, Ares. You must understand that the women of Kush do not take well to male authority—”
“I’ve noticed,” Ares snorted.
Shooting him a chilly glare, Candace continued. “If you over rule my power in front of my women, they will not follow me. They will see me as weak and question the extent of your influence over me. If for one moment they think that you are controlling me they will rebel and everything that we have worked so hard for will be for naught.”
Ares knew she spoke the truth which is why he brought his temper back under control to reason with her.
“I understand that Candace, but I am a king used to giving orders and having them followed. I am also a man who believes in protecting his wife, his woman. I will not, I cannot rule along side you as some consort. I must be respected as your equal or else my people will question my ability to lead as well.”
Sighing, Candace pushed her thick hair behind her shoulder, her eyes defeated. “Why didn’t we think of this before?”
Ares wanted to say because they were too busy trying to get each others clothes off, but he wisely remained silent on that point.
“How could we not see what it would mean to try to bring two rulers together? How are we going to make this work?” Candace frowned.
Ares reached out to stroke her cheek, his eyes gentle, “It will be hard I'm sure, but I know we can work through this."
Pausing for a moment, his eyes turned serious, "I was wrong today. I should have spoken to you in private. That will not happen again. In the future, we cannot challenge the other’s authority in public. Before others we must be seen as a single entity.”
Smiling, Candace met his blue gaze. So you admit you were wrong?”
Was she teasing him? When he saw the little glint of mischief in her eyes he knew she was. Smiling back he muttered, “Yes, my queen I was wrong.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you.” Her eyes twinkled with laughter.
Grabbing her by the waist, Ares pulled Candace into his arms so that she was pressed against his body. Nuzzling his lips against her neck he whispered into her ear. “Can you hear me now? I was wrong.”
Laughing, Candace snaked her arms behind his neck.
“Thank you for that,” she said before adding, “I am sorry for hitting you as well. I was wrong too. It will not happen again,” she frowned as she looked towards the floor.
Lifting her chin with his finger he held her gaze. “Apology accepted,” he said gently, his eyes filled with understanding. He paused for several moments as if considering his next words. “You are right. We both have to get used to sharing power, but if we agree to keep our arguments private and support each other in public, well that is a start.”
Candace smiled at his words before adding. “Thank you for dragging me away. I truly was exhausted.” She then glanced up at him, “And I missed you,” she whispered softly.
Leaning back slightly, Ares gazed into her eyes. “Hmmm. You did? How much?”
She grinned then. Molding her body to his, she could feel Ares’ erection growing harder as the seconds ticked by.
“Let me show you,” she whispered.
His breath lodged in his chest as Candace slid down the length of his body, before dropping to her knees before him.......
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Magical Suspense Fantasy With Working Wiccan Rituals
Magic and Suspense combine in a
tale of horror as as Rachael
prematurely awakens her dragon
spirit to protect herself, those
she loves, and to expose
a murderer.
Awakening the Dragon--
Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy
Theresa Chaze
Published by Valkyrie Publishing
978-0-9798406-0-9
tale of horror as as Rachael
prematurely awakens her dragon
spirit to protect herself, those
she loves, and to expose
a murderer.
Awakening the Dragon--
Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy
Theresa Chaze
Published by Valkyrie Publishing
978-0-9798406-0-9
Messages From the Universe October 2007-A Free Ezine
Here is the October issue of Messages From the Universe. Sorry it was late. As always you are welcome to share the ezine as a whole, but the articles remain the property of the authors.
In this Issue, we have articles by:
Cate Cavanagh
Roberta Shaler
Phoenix Roseflame
Laurie Cabot
Reverend Marci Drewry
as well as many others.
The link is below. You may have to cut and paste it into your browser.
http://us.share.geocities.com/tirgana/messageOct2007.pdf
In this Issue, we have articles by:
Cate Cavanagh
Roberta Shaler
Phoenix Roseflame
Laurie Cabot
Reverend Marci Drewry
as well as many others.
The link is below. You may have to cut and paste it into your browser.
http://us.share.geocities.com/tirgana/messageOct2007.pdf
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Magical Fantasy Novel: An Adult Version Of Harry Potter
Magic, suspense and Karmic Justice combine in a tale of horror in Awakening the Dragon as Rachael awakens her dragon spirit prematurely to protect herself and all she loves from a cult intent on killing the new witch. To read an excerpt go to:
http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/excerptatdebook.pdf
Valkyrie Publishing presents Awakening the Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy. ISBN-978-9798406-0-9. The ebook available at www.theresachaze.com
http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/excerptatdebook.pdf
Valkyrie Publishing presents Awakening the Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy. ISBN-978-9798406-0-9. The ebook available at www.theresachaze.com
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Monday, October 01, 2007
Print on Demand Opens Options for Writers
Print on Demand Opens Options for Writers
By
Theresa Chaze
The Print on Demand technology has given writers the freedom to take total control of their work. No long bound to publishers’ demands and limited expectations, writers can affordably publish their own work, circumventing both traditional and POD publishers all together. With the willingness of distributors to widen their standards, smaller publishers now have access to brick and mortar stores as well as the online shops. The internet not only makes marketing and promotion accessible and affordable, but it gives authors and readers greater access to each other.
Print on Demand or POD is the printing process that is capable of producing one book at a time for a relatively reasonable price. The printing process opens alternative options for authors to not only get their work into print, but to control the business end. By becoming their own publisher, the writer is able to manage the pricing and discounts of their work as well as maintain creative discretion. No longer do the private tastes of an editor stand between the author and the reading public.
Ingram is one of the widest know distributors in the country. However, they will not work with a publishing house that has less than ten titles in print. For a new publishing house, this can be a temporary obstacle. They do however have a list of associated distributors who will represent books from smaller publishers. The site address for the list is:
http://www.ingrambook.com/new/distributors.asp. Each of these distributors have their own standards and genres that they represent. Some of which require an exclusive contract for each book. For a fee, these distributors also provide a wide range of services from editing, promotions and marketing advisors.
Whereas there are limited amounts of distributors, the list of POD printers is rapidly growing. By Googling the “print on demand printers”, the writer can find an impress of list that varies not only in price but also in services. Lulu Publishing (www.Lulu.com) provides printing services without set up fees; however, their distribution is does not have the availability of Ingram, so it is more difficult to get into brick and mortar stores. Cafepress (www.cafepress.com) provides a similar service with equal distribution issues. However, if an author only needs a few copies or intends to sell solely online, both of theses services are inexpensive ways to get a book in print. Other POD printers are also available. The difference is that they not only charge set up fees, but they also provide other printing options. Lightning Press (www.lightning-press.com) is only one such printer who will provide professional printing services for reasonable prices.
No matter which printer is chosen, the author will have to provide all their materials print ready. The cover needs to be at least 300 DPI and be formatted correctly to include the full cover including the spine. The text will have to be typeset for the for the appropriate size and margin settings. In addition, the author will have to provide his or her own ISBN number. The ISBN is the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally, however the standard has been update to a 13-digit number. No matter what some publishing house advertise, ISBN numbers cannot be legally transferred or sold to individuals. The number is permanently connected to the publishing house. However, there is an option to buy individual numbers. For those authors who are planning to publish multiple books the cheapest option is to buy a block. Ranging from 10 to 10,000, the cost per number radically drops as the quantity increases. When a writer provides the ISBN number, it remains consistent no matter which printer or distributor works with the book. R. R. Bowker (www.isbn.org) is the exclusive US source of publisher prefixes and accompanying ranges of ISBN numbers for eligible publishers. They will also create barcodes for a fee. There are also barcode generator programs available; in addition, by doing a search on the net, the writer can find sites that will create the barcode for free.
Bookstores and chains are looking for quality books that are reasonably priced, with a good discount, and are returnable. These four qualities make it easier for a new author to find shelve space, which increases the probability for sales. Although online sales are increasing, the majority of book sales are still made in brick and mortar stores. Making the book returnable will not guarantee placement, but it will increase the number of stores who will be take a risk on a new author.
Whether traditional or POD, a beginning author does nearly all of the marketing and promotions. In order to be effective, the author has to not only find a niche market, but has to create brand name for her or himself. The niche market is the target market that you are seeking according to genre, age, gender and interest of the readership. Creating a brand name is creating a strong connection between the author and the target audience. In the past, traditional publishers placed ads and arranged for reviews. These are both still important venues; however, the internet has opened up many different options. Blogs, vblogs, and homepages are only three opportunities to attract readers. Online groups, chat rooms, and message boards are not only places to promote your work, but it is a great way to make connections with like minds. To just jump in to just do an ad, will annoy people. However, if you participate in the conversations, you will not only meet interesting people but allow them to see the author behind the words thereby creating an interest in you work. By creating cooperatives, such as blog rolls, you help other writers while increasing you readership. Dorothy Thompson of Pump Up Your Book Promotions (http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com/) is a full service online book promotion agency who can show you how to sell books without leaving the comfort of your home. They specialize in virtual book tours and video book trailers.
Valkyrie Publishing provides the technical support for authors who decide they want to publish their own work. Their services include typesetting and the creation of custom book covers. The author maintains all right and profits from the work. Valkyrie Publishing only provides the technical service to make the work printer ready. For more information, email Valkyrie@theresachaze.com.
By
Theresa Chaze
The Print on Demand technology has given writers the freedom to take total control of their work. No long bound to publishers’ demands and limited expectations, writers can affordably publish their own work, circumventing both traditional and POD publishers all together. With the willingness of distributors to widen their standards, smaller publishers now have access to brick and mortar stores as well as the online shops. The internet not only makes marketing and promotion accessible and affordable, but it gives authors and readers greater access to each other.
Print on Demand or POD is the printing process that is capable of producing one book at a time for a relatively reasonable price. The printing process opens alternative options for authors to not only get their work into print, but to control the business end. By becoming their own publisher, the writer is able to manage the pricing and discounts of their work as well as maintain creative discretion. No longer do the private tastes of an editor stand between the author and the reading public.
Ingram is one of the widest know distributors in the country. However, they will not work with a publishing house that has less than ten titles in print. For a new publishing house, this can be a temporary obstacle. They do however have a list of associated distributors who will represent books from smaller publishers. The site address for the list is:
http://www.ingrambook.com/new/distributors.asp. Each of these distributors have their own standards and genres that they represent. Some of which require an exclusive contract for each book. For a fee, these distributors also provide a wide range of services from editing, promotions and marketing advisors.
Whereas there are limited amounts of distributors, the list of POD printers is rapidly growing. By Googling the “print on demand printers”, the writer can find an impress of list that varies not only in price but also in services. Lulu Publishing (www.Lulu.com) provides printing services without set up fees; however, their distribution is does not have the availability of Ingram, so it is more difficult to get into brick and mortar stores. Cafepress (www.cafepress.com) provides a similar service with equal distribution issues. However, if an author only needs a few copies or intends to sell solely online, both of theses services are inexpensive ways to get a book in print. Other POD printers are also available. The difference is that they not only charge set up fees, but they also provide other printing options. Lightning Press (www.lightning-press.com) is only one such printer who will provide professional printing services for reasonable prices.
No matter which printer is chosen, the author will have to provide all their materials print ready. The cover needs to be at least 300 DPI and be formatted correctly to include the full cover including the spine. The text will have to be typeset for the for the appropriate size and margin settings. In addition, the author will have to provide his or her own ISBN number. The ISBN is the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally, however the standard has been update to a 13-digit number. No matter what some publishing house advertise, ISBN numbers cannot be legally transferred or sold to individuals. The number is permanently connected to the publishing house. However, there is an option to buy individual numbers. For those authors who are planning to publish multiple books the cheapest option is to buy a block. Ranging from 10 to 10,000, the cost per number radically drops as the quantity increases. When a writer provides the ISBN number, it remains consistent no matter which printer or distributor works with the book. R. R. Bowker (www.isbn.org) is the exclusive US source of publisher prefixes and accompanying ranges of ISBN numbers for eligible publishers. They will also create barcodes for a fee. There are also barcode generator programs available; in addition, by doing a search on the net, the writer can find sites that will create the barcode for free.
Bookstores and chains are looking for quality books that are reasonably priced, with a good discount, and are returnable. These four qualities make it easier for a new author to find shelve space, which increases the probability for sales. Although online sales are increasing, the majority of book sales are still made in brick and mortar stores. Making the book returnable will not guarantee placement, but it will increase the number of stores who will be take a risk on a new author.
Whether traditional or POD, a beginning author does nearly all of the marketing and promotions. In order to be effective, the author has to not only find a niche market, but has to create brand name for her or himself. The niche market is the target market that you are seeking according to genre, age, gender and interest of the readership. Creating a brand name is creating a strong connection between the author and the target audience. In the past, traditional publishers placed ads and arranged for reviews. These are both still important venues; however, the internet has opened up many different options. Blogs, vblogs, and homepages are only three opportunities to attract readers. Online groups, chat rooms, and message boards are not only places to promote your work, but it is a great way to make connections with like minds. To just jump in to just do an ad, will annoy people. However, if you participate in the conversations, you will not only meet interesting people but allow them to see the author behind the words thereby creating an interest in you work. By creating cooperatives, such as blog rolls, you help other writers while increasing you readership. Dorothy Thompson of Pump Up Your Book Promotions (http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com/) is a full service online book promotion agency who can show you how to sell books without leaving the comfort of your home. They specialize in virtual book tours and video book trailers.
Valkyrie Publishing provides the technical support for authors who decide they want to publish their own work. Their services include typesetting and the creation of custom book covers. The author maintains all right and profits from the work. Valkyrie Publishing only provides the technical service to make the work printer ready. For more information, email Valkyrie@theresachaze.com.
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