Philosophy in writing

I often put my personal philosophy in the words I write. Here is how I open the first chapter of Birth of Legends. Do you agree with this?

Chapter One

Awakenings

“Friendship can change the world.” The Chronicler addressed the congregants and distinguished visitors to the Zion Traveler Church of Greater Onger. He so enjoyed constructing a familial feeling in order to redirect it in order to prove a greater point.

“Look around at your friends here. Try to envision your life without their influence.” He allowed a hush to fall. He continued, dropping his volume. “Now think of it after your lifelong friend is gone.” He had perfected quiet projection; everyone in the vast auditorium heard his request. “I can see those with deep friendships not really wanting to think about such, but settle your mind on what it took of yourself for you to be that friend. You had to give first. You had to give often. You had to compromise first. Wealth, power, even land cannot be taken with you. What can you take? Memories,” the Chronicler said.

All the members of the Zion Traveler Church of Greater Onger took the same week off of work every summer to hold special meetings and services. The Chronicler would attend every year he could. During the day, the church parishioners would scatter across the city in small groups, fixing and cleaning homes of the elderly. They gave food to the needy, they visited to the lonely,they ministered to those in jail, and they tended the sick. During the evening, they invited everyone to a time of singing and teaching. This night, the Chronicler had the privilege of being the keynote speaker. He spoke on what he knew best, true friendship.

“No one enough emotional reservoir to be a true friend to each person you meet. You can be friendly. However, you must choose which relationship you are going to pour your heart and soul into.” He stopped, tears welling up in his eyes.

He gained his composure and continued. “This comes at a devastating price. The loss of a true friend will leave a hole in your soul that will not be filled. The rest of your life will have moments consumed with what you could have done or said. Other times, you will want to share the big events and accomplishments, yet those ears and hearts will not be there to rejoice with you. Sometimes, in the quite calm of solitude, you will hear their laughter. Your heart will break.” He swallowed the huge lump in his throat. His voice uncharacteristically broke. “But this should never keep you from extending your love, respect, and inner self with your true friends. It only makes the relationship stronger. It makes you stronger. It makes you whole. The only thing that will never pass away into dust is the relationship of a true friend. Thus your world will be changed.” The Chronicler sat down on the podium, tears streaming, to the quiet of people reaching out to one another. He missed his friends.

Chapter Eleven Highlighted

After a long hiatus, here is the highlighted chapter 11 map. Follow Nigel and his crew as they try to escape the Valley of the Kings.

#fantasy #steampunk #indieauthors

10 Things I learned at Space City

Over my history of standing in front of people and teaching, I made it a point to share my personal reflections as I traveled through life and the places I go. I hope and pray that some or all of these are inspirational to you and may bring a smile to you.

Here they are, the 10 Things I Learned at Space City Comicon.

1. Whatever your plans, you can never rely on the weather.  I take for granted the pleasant weather. Checking weather is so far down the list of what I do every day. It's not that I am aloof, I just am prepared for whatever. I am not afraid of getting wet. 'A brave man, enjoys the feel of nature on his face, but a wise man knows when to get out of the rain.' When I left for Houston, it was shiny sun everywhere. Buck helped wrap the chair because there was a 60% chance of rain in that Texas town. By 6 p.m. when we arrived, the chance was 100%.

2. Smiles and pleasant small talk ease official micro-meetings. Convention officials have a difficult job. They have to make sure all the vendors are happy as well as the fans, and they are under a time crunch. Be nice to them.

3. Everyone is important. I make it a point to stop and talk to the security people and the sanitation workers. I chat with the ladies at the food cash registers. Take a few moments to bring a smile.

4. Boldness favors the ready. The torrential rains kept most people away Friday night. This allowed some of the 'Stars' to walk around in relative privacy to see the convention. As "Data" walked by I called out 'Brent!' He stopped and came over to chat. By the way, he doesn't like to shake hands.

5. Just the presence of a friend makes a huge difference. With Buck sitting quietly behind me, helped me so much that weekend. Even for me, I cannot quantify or put into words the feelings having my friend there with me. So, make it a point this week to go do something with a friend.

6. Be Bold and Say important words. As we left Saturday evening, Colin Baker was shuttled to the back door. I made it a point to thank him for coming and express my fanhood. He told me that I was very kind. He was not having a good day. Texas heat does that to the British. He had no problem shaking my hand.

7. Prepunctual helps you get great parking spots. Being prepunctual, (my new word) is the act of getting to any event early, really early. Each day, we have great parking spots close to the rear entrance.

8. Where did vendors learn to ignore potential customers? As I stretched my legs from time to time, I walked the floor to meet the other authors, and see what was on display. Most of those on the other side of the table, just ignored me as I passed. I do not understand that marketing tactic. I spoke to everyone who passed whether they acknowledged me or not. My voice gave out, but I still made the effort. Sometimes it paid off with a book sale, sometimes it just generated interest.

9. Some of the best places to eat are unremarkable on the outside. By far the best experience for Buck and me was place close to home, The Catahoula's Cafe in Jonesville. It is part of a gas station at the traffic light. I had passed by so many times, but Buck and I were hungry. We tried it. What a wonderful experience! It was a great way to begin our experience.

10. I am so humbled by the effort of my family and friends. My son-in-law, Hudson Smith stood all day statuing to generate interest in my booth. He had many photo's taken of him holding my huge sign made by Becky and Andy Tripp. My s-daughter, Leah Smith, made wonderful food for us and helped sell at the booth. Becky's sister, Amy also gave her time to help sell. Becky and Andy met friends who actually showed up in costume and helped generate traffic. And of course, I cannot express what a difference Buck made on the trip. Thank you all.