Category: My Work

Writing Is Magic

~ aurorajeanalexander ~ 8 Comments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I was looking for inspirational quotes for writers,  I did not start searching for ‘Stephen King’ quotes in the first place. Of course, he is an amazing writer. I love some of his books. Later on in my life, I quit reading horror books. I loved each book of him that I read. But I admit, looking for a calm, inspirational ‘soft’ quote, and finding one that is almost ‘romantic’ from Stephen King, made me realize I ‘horribly’ underestimated him, pun intended.

And here it was, ‘speaking’ to me! You can, You should, and if You’re brave enough to start, You will. Writing is Magic.

I know I’m a wimp, but these three words almost made me cry. Yes, writing is magic! Or at least it is for me! I’m not necessarily talking about the fact that I write fantasy. I’m talking about the process of writing. When I take my pen and set it on the paper to watch the words flowing out of it, watch the ink forming the words that become a story, then I feel like I’m in a magical land, where I can hide. And yes, there is a lot to hide from. The current times, the situation, certain problems… whatever is happening… when I write, it is forgotten, for a certain time. When I write, I drink the water of life, as King describes it… and I’m happy.

Writing is art, writing is creative, writing is a place I can go where the magic happens. And the result is characters, places, stories, and books. That’s the place I want to be.

Thank you, Stephen King, for this wonderful emotional inspiration!

 

I don’t think Stephen King needs much of an introduction on a writer’s blog. He is, who he is, an inspiration to many of us! I, therefore, just picked a short description of who he is. Please click the ‘source’ link below if you would like to read more about him.

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Stephen Edwin King (born September 21, 1947) is an American author of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science-fiction, and fantasy novels. His books have sold more than 350 million copies,[2] and many have been adapted into films, television series, miniseries, and comic books. King has published 61 novels, including seven under the pen name Richard Bachman, and five non-fiction books.[3] He has also written approximately 200 short stories, most of which have been published in book collections.[4][5]

King has received Bram Stoker Awards, World Fantasy Awards, and British Fantasy Society Awards. In 2003, the National Book Foundation awarded him the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.[6] He has also received awards for his contribution to literature for his entire bibliography, such as the 2004 World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement and the 2007 Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America.[7] In 2015, he was awarded with a National Medal of Arts from the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts for his contributions to literature.[8] He has been described as the “King of Horror”, a play on his surname and a reference to his high standing in pop culture.[9]

(Source: Stephen King – Wikipedia)

Not Allowed To Love

~ aurorajeanalexander ~ 13 Comments

Sometimes life has things for us in hiding

surprises we are not allowed to see

and all of a sudden, the veil is lifted

and our surprise is here for us, and free.

**

Have you ever met another person

someone you talk and know, here I am home?

The better you know, the more you talk

the further your thoughts and hopes will roam.

**

You know that feeling, it is mutual

you know the other feels the same

and still, maybe the times has not been right yet

and not too long, you only memorize the name.

**

But then, all of a sudden, unexpected

the person walks right back into your life.

Energetic, strong, and here’s that connection

that threatens to become rife.

**

You talk for hours, holding on and knowing

the other person walks into your heart.

The conversations become more personal

careful still but playing an important part.

**

It stays like this, you wait for more,

progress is made, the sun starts to shine

A step forward, smiles, jokes, and laughter

and you know, your emotions are  to align

**

Then, unexpected, without a warning,

The common bond, it breaks apart

confused you try to understand it

but then, the other simply breaks your heart.

**

And here, once more, you’re sitting lonely

and asking yourself what joke was I the victim of?

How can this happen, I’m not delusional

But maybe I’m just not allowed to love…

*****

(Copyright, Aurora Jean Alexander, January 2021)

Picture Courtesy of: https://torontosun.com/

If I Had A Birthday Wish

~ aurorajeanalexander ~ 15 Comments

It’s an extraordinary day for me today. I’m facing the fact that I just got one year older. This means my anniversary to turn 29 recurs; I forgot the number of times this year.

Well, I figure, age is just a number and considering my age and everything I went through, I’m blessed I’m still as functional as I am now. I’m not going to complain today… after all, it’s my birthday, and I don’t want to come online whining like a baby.

Don’t get me wrong, my Birthday will be the most wonderful day of the year. Due to the pandemic, the lockdown, and social distancing, I’m going to spend it all by myself, locked into my apartment, just with the cats. And knowing my luck, as usual, people are going to forget about it – and even if not, I’m getting short messages, texts, messenger-‘HBD’s and the one or other voice message… but nowadays nobody seems to have time to talk anymore – on the phone and sacrifice a few minutes to make things personal and show the other one that a few minutes isn’t too much to ask.

However, I have thought about what I would wish for if I had a few free wishes (Like twenty or so – on a list), But then I decided to do it differently.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And what do I pray for at this time?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, if you know me, you’re well aware that the last point on that list was written with a smirk and a wink…

Yes, I do wish all that… but then, after all, it’s MY birthday – MY special day, where I’m going out and will buy a piece of cake, just for me… and then return to my writing…

What do I wish for myself? I mean, besides a few things that I don’t want to spread out here… that are deep in my heart… I won’t tell you.

I wish more people would watch the wonderful book trailers for ‘The Council Of Twelve’ series and take the time to read the books. Many say they’re wonderful, and I’d love to hear more people diving into the series. Then, don’t forget: This isn’t a trilogy – it’s a series. Book 4 is getting ready…

 

Soul Taker Book 1

 

_______________________________________________

Sundance Book 2

 

_______________________________________________

Demon Tracker Book 3

That’s one of my wishes… to bring my books to the reader’s heart.

I would love to hear from you how you like the stories around ‘The Council Of Twelve.’

Thank you for making this day special for me.

 

.’

Merry Christmas – 2020

~ aurorajeanalexander ~ 11 Comments

2020 was an eventful and extremely challenging year for me. However, I decided to use December, the last month of the year, to calm my soul, concentrate on what’s important, on what’s in my heart, and on one emotion in particular:

Picture courtesy of https://www.smallbizdaily.com/

Writer’s Treasure Chest grew again and I have to thank you all, my Followers, Friends, and Readers!

Thank you so much for making my writing adventure a pleasant one!

Picture courtesy of Amazon.com

I wish you and your loved ones

Writers And Painters Are Not That Different

~ aurorajeanalexander ~ 12 Comments

When I read this quote, I felt a little sting inside of me. So far, writing, to me, was something I love doing, but still, it is hard work. Therefore, I considered myself a ‘hard worker’, with some natural creativity, and, hopefully, some God-given talent.

I did not, whatsoever, combine my writing and the world ‘artist’ in the same sentence. And to me, a painter is clearly defined as an artist.

The moment I read that, I tried to find out who said it, and when I read ‘Voltaire’, I was surprised, and a tiny bit proud, too.

Voltaire is considered one of the best writers ever, busy as a bee, and in many ways controversial for the past times. His entire thinking was far ahead of his time. The fact that it was Voltaire, telling me that what I do is ‘painting’, just with words, instead of brushes, made me, for the first time, feel like being an artist.

Yes, I write, yes, I paint, I just paint with words… I paint wonderful pictures for the ones who take the time to stand still and ‘look’ at these pictures; take them in, enjoy them… read them, and imagine them… take my tools and use them to show your own picture in your head, in your dreams, in your imagination.

At this moment I consider this a wonderful Christmas present.

Thank you, Voltaire.

Voltaire Biography

Historian (1694–1778)
Author of the satirical novella ‘Candide,’ Voltaire is widely considered one of France’s greatest Enlightenment writers.
Who Was Voltaire?

Voltaire established himself as one of the leading writers of the Enlightenment. His famed works include the tragic play Zaïre, the historical study The Age of Louis XIV, and the satirical novella Candide. Often at odds with French authorities over his politically and religiously charged works, he was twice imprisoned and spent many years in exile. He died shortly after returning to Paris in 1778.

Early Life

Voltaire was born François-Marie Arouet to a prosperous family on November 21, 1694, in Paris, France. He was the youngest of five children born to François Arouet and Marie Marguerite d’Aumart. When Voltaire was just seven years old, his mother passed away. Following her death, he grew closer to his free-thinking godfather.

In 1704, Voltaire was enrolled at the Collége Louis-le-Grand, a Jesuit secondary school in Paris, where he received a classical education and began showing promise as a writer.

Beliefs and Philosophy

Embracing Enlightenment philosophers such as Isaac Newton, John Locke and Francis Bacon, Voltaire found inspiration in their ideals of a free and liberal society, along with freedom of religion and free commerce.

As a vegetarian and an advocate of animal rights, however, Voltaire praised Hinduism, stating Hindus were “[a] peaceful and innocent people, equally incapable of hurting others or of defending themselves.”

Major Works

Voltaire wrote poetry and plays, as well as historical and philosophical works. His most well-known poetry includes The Henriade (1723) and The Maid of Orleans, which he started writing in 1730 but never fully completed.

Among the earliest of Voltaire’s best-known plays is his adaptation of Sophocles’ tragedy Oedipus, which was first performed in 1718. Voltaire followed with a string of dramatic tragedies, including Mariamne (1724). His Zaïre (1732), written in verse, was something of a departure from previous works: Until that point, Voltaire’s tragedies had centered on a fatal flaw in the protagonist’s character; however, the tragedy in Zaïre was the result of circumstance. Following Zaïre, Voltaire continued to write tragic plays, including Mahomet (1736) and Nanine (1749).

Writers – Feed Your Brain

~ aurorajeanalexander ~ 15 Comments

Lately, while reading, I noticed my thoughts often wandered away, even though the story is thrilling and I love the characters. I considered myself a bit tired and prepared a ‘brain-boost’ in form of a cup of coffee.

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Then I started thinking: I think I read somewhere, that the impact of caffeine on our organism is more illusional than physical. Finally, I started to do some research. After all, we writers are mostly working with our brains! And I consider that our ‘most important’ tool for our work – besides the fingers, computers, pen and paper, and a few other things, of course.

I’m not someone who likes to feed myself lab-produced over-the-counter vitamins and supplements. I try to eat balanced and healthy. But I tried to find out, what other nutrients my brain needs to keep focused. That’s what I found:

  1. Coffee

Coffee indeed has a positive impact on our brain. Caffeine and antioxidants help our brain in several ways:

Caffeine blocks adenosine, a chemical messenger that makes us sleepy and improves our mood. Also, it boosts our concentration, whether drank in the morning or several cups during the day.

I read about a suspicion that drinking coffee over the long term could reduce the risk of neurological diseases, for example, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

 

2.  Blueberries

It seems science has proven blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and can reduce the effects of age-related conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Also, the study showed that a diet rich in blueberries significantly improved learning capacity and motor skills. Blueberries should be eaten daily.

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3. Broccoli

Broccoli contains strong plant compounds, including antioxidants, and is also high in vitamin K. That vitamin is essential for forming sphingolipids, which can be found in our brain cells.
It was proven that an extra vitamin K intake leads to better memory.

4. Wild salmon.

It seems deep-water fish, such as salmon, are rich in Omega3 essential fatty acids, which are essential for brain function. Other Omega3 rich fish are sardines and herring. It is recommended to include fish in your diet two to three times a week.

5. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are great vitamin E sources. It’s recommended to eat them daily, at least an ounce of a mix of walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews peanuts, sunflower, and sesame seeds. If you’re on a sodium-restricted diet, buy them unsalted. – Also very helpful are pumpkin seeds who contain a high value of Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, and Iron.

 

6. Avodados

Apparently, avocados are almost as good as blueberries when it comes to improving the health of our brains. Of course, avocado is a fatty fruit, but it contains a particular fat that helps to improve a healthy blood flow. A healthy blood flow means, a healthy brain, and it can contribute to lower blood pressure.

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7. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate has strong antioxidant properties and contains several natural stimulants, including caffeine, which improves focus and concentration. Also, chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins, which helps to lift our mood. Still, as good as it sounds, this one has to be enjoyed in moderation. Less is more when it comes to dark chocolate. It does come with a few side effects.

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Christmas Present – Books – The Council Of Twelve Series – By A. J. Alexander

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It’s Christmas Time!

Books make the best presents!

A. J. Alexander’s Books

SOUL TAKER

After long years in the line of duty as a ‘Soul Taker’, Kate is worn out.

When she gets a new job offer from the ‘Powers Above’, she accepts her new job as a Guardian gratefully without knowing that her teacher is one of the most powerful beings in existence, the Archangel Raphael.

Along with Raphael, she takes on her new task and the connection between them grows.

Raphael helps, protects and supports Kate, but suddenly, she becomes a target for the Demons of Hell.

Raphael realizes that Kate means more to him than he expected, which causes him to fight furiously against danger. If he fails, Kate’s future will contain eternal darkness, evil, and torture.

SUNDANCE

Sundance is a promising young Warrior Angel, the first in centuries to join the Divine Army. With the help of one of the most powerful Archangels, her skill and talent develop, allowing her to master some of the most difficult tasks that face her kind.

Sundance, under the supervision of the ‘Council of Twelve’ seeks to prove that she deserves her unusual gifts in the eternal fight between good and evil. Follow her adventures as she discovers love, fights the good fight, and finds herself in the heat of battle trying to keep her wings from being singed.

DEMON TRACKER

Zepheira is the best Demon Tracker working for the Good side. With her unusual looks, her phenomenal sense of smell, and her bravery, she quickly draws ‘The Big 7’s attention to her talent. They hire her to find one of them. Leaving her familiar surroundings and regular work environment unsettles Zepheira at first. But the challenge to prove herself and to increase the reputation of her infallibility tempts her.She is convinced she will be a great asset to ‘The Big 7’. Little does she know she will be a much greater asset in Heaven’s fight against Evil. Zepheira suddenly becomes more than a hired tracker. She finds herself an important pawn in the game of love, heat, and fire. Will her courage and sacrifice be sufficient to dance with the flames?

A Winter Tale

~ aurorajeanalexander ~ 9 Comments

December time is winter time, we’re waiting for the show

that white flakes offer when they softly glide down to build snow.

In certain parts on this globe, snow is never seen

For the past two Decembers now, that’s exactly where I’ve been.

**

White Christmas, as described in this one song

is not common in Southern California all along.

I still put up my Christmas tree and will enjoy the time

will live the present, forget the past and listen to the chime.

**

There are moments I admit, I miss the sparkling cold

the flakes, the ice flowers, and that in the sunshine it looks like gold.

I miss the snow angels, the snowball battles and all the fun

snow walks that are romantic, along the lake in the winter sun.

**

But to enjoy the romance back in my life and the love that makes it start

that one man should understand he’s missed and he is in my heart.

Winter time and Christmas time, we’re busier than ever, as it seems

but also, it’s a reflective time, with lots of room for hope and dreams.

**

Enjoy December, that month, the last in the old year

Prepare for new things, for a new start that is quite near.

Open your heart and welcome the good that’s sent from above

be it hope, be it smiles, be it luck or even love.

*****

(Copyright Aurora Jean Alexander, December 2020)

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A Christmas Present For A Writer

~ aurorajeanalexander ~ 6 Comments

Christmas presents are not easy to pick. But it might be even more difficult for a writer. (Unless you’re together with one, have one in your family or as a friend, then it’s not.)

In my experience, many writers like the following items more than anything:

  • pens
  • desk organizers
  • paper notebooks
  • planners
  • more pens
  • coffee & mugs
  • briefcases & bags to transport their books & accessories

Pens

Let’s start with one of the main and most important tools of a writer. Without pens, we’d be lost. I found out, that even though we all have modern computers, many writers still prefer simple pens and paper for personal notes, agendas, calendar entries, and more. A handful of pens to secure a writer’s work is, therefore, always a welcome present.

Now, don’t make a bad mistake here: even though many of us, steal P.R. pens whenever we have the chance to and carry them around with us (I belong to those writers too!), …

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

… if we get those ‘cheaper by the dozen’ pens as a Christmas present, you could say, we could be a little ‘miffed’.

We love beautiful pens! We enjoy how they feel and we celebrate the time we use them! We just don’t carry them around with us permanently because some of us are a bit absentminded and we tend to forget our pens somewhere, misplace or lose them. Our ‘good pens’ are at home with us! A nice ‘Parker’ or ‘Waterman’ pen as a present, is just the right thing.

 

 

 

 

Desk Organizers

Of course, there are clearly outlined modern designed desk-organizers around that you can buy at every ‘Office Depot’ or ‘Staples’… and you won’t do us, writers, a favor. We prefer the extraordinary. Something that not everyone has, something unique, that makes us feel special.

So this isn’t recommendable:

Try to find something that we don’t see every day. Something personalized, maybe?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paper Notebooks

You can kick us, but as soon as we see paper notebooks, we forget everything around us and focus on that inner voice that tells us: ‘Want – want – want!”

Of course, we’re not talking about a regular scholar 5-subject ring book you can buy at every supermarket. We are talking about extraordinary, leather-bound notebooks! Antique looking ones that we plan to write on with that one special pen we got from you last birthday. And make no mistake: You buy antique, you’ll get rid of it – because we don’t give a hoot does it look antique or is it really old! We will use it!

 

 

 

 

 

Planners

Now, with the planners, I’m a bit insecure. At this place, I can only talk for myself and many other female writers. We need to plan our publishing, our marketing, how many words we write a day, a week, a month, any upcoming events, and many more things. But we’re not at the office, we’re not at our job, we want to work our writing with lots of fun and some unconventional tools. We like planners, of course! But please, don’t pick the ‘business planner’. We’re not at work – we do what we love! Pick the fun one!

(And if there are any male writers who would prefer the fun ones too, please let us know in the comments! We love to be educated!)

More Pens

Of course, if a simple Parker or Waterman pen isn’t enough, just for our Birthday or Christmas that will do, but for Anniversaries, Valentines Day, or Wedding (In case our favorite car model has sold out), we would NEVER say no to a pen that’s worth a bit more than the Staples pen we use to write down the shopping list.

Meisterstueck Geometry Solitaire Champagne Gold Midsize Ball Point Pen

Montblanc

MASTER BALLPOINT PEN

SANTOS DE CARTIER ROLLERBALL PEN

Cartier

Caran d’Ache 1010 Diamonds Limited Edition

Coffee & Mugs

Many writers love drinking coffee before writing, during writing and after writing too. (Mine often gets cold, but who cares…) I love to drink it in a special writer’s mug. (When I moved I couldn’t take mine, so I’m open for new ones. LOL)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, a coffee mug and coffee for a writer is a a ‘side-present’, considering it’s a necessity. But I particularly enjoy the brands here below. (They can be bought at World Market)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Briefcases & Bags

Depending on the writer’s age, we have to admit that carrying a bag, over the shoulder or anywhere else, ain’t as easy anymore as it once was. With a heavy heart, we decided on a rolling office bag to transport our valuables. (which normally means our current, the newest, the latest, and a couple other books, the Work in progress, pens, paper, extra paper and pens, electronics, Kleenex, cables, chargers, hand cream, and tweezers, because you never know…)

In clear words: we take half of our office, if not 2/3, and expect our bags are holding it.

Good Luck!

Desert Cart Organizer – Everything Mary

Husky Water Resistant Rolling Tote

 

Levenger Deluxe Portable Office Ensemble

 

Mobile Solution Upright Wheel Carry-All from Samsonite