Monday, December 16, 2013

Never Give Up, Never Surrender


Never Give Up, Never Surrender
 

This has been a hard year for many of us but I want to end the year on a lighter note and talk about a brighter future on the horizon…and I'd like to use the movie Galaxy Quest to illustrate my point.

Now, if you haven't seen this movie, I suggest you rectify that immediately. It's a brilliant satire, poking fun at Star Trek. Beyond that, though, is a touching story about what it means to be an ordinary hero.

Like the crew of the Galaxy Quest, we can feel beaten down. Has-beens. Yesterday's news. Nothing to distinguish us from anybody else. Struggling to rise to the top and be noticed.

Are you depressed yet? Don't be. Remember the motto. Never give up. Never surrender.

At any time we could be called upon to be a hero – a hero in someone else's life or even a hero in our own – something a good friend recently reminded me to be. And like the Galaxy Quest crew, we shouldn't be afraid to accept help from others to accomplish our goals.

Remember that the people around us are willing to help. All we need to do is ask. It's the sharing which makes us strong as a people. We don't have to hide in the darkness or struggle alone.

Three things Galaxy Quest taught me:

1.      No matter how tough your circumstance, you will always meet somebody with bigger problems than you.

2.      Friends can pull you out of the worst of situations.

3.      True friendship is the most valuable thing you can possess.

During the hustle and bustle of this holiday season I hope you find your inner strength and reach out to someone who needs a hero in their life. You can make a difference.

Oh, and just to be safe, don't wear a red shirt when you go outside…
 
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And while you're here, please take a moment to check out the brand-new tab above which says: Composers for Relief. Thank you and blessings to all.

Monday, December 9, 2013

It's Launch Day!

It's Launch Day!

Diamonds and Dust

by River Fairchild
 
Book 1 of the Jewels of Chandra series
 
 

Magic is real. So is betrayal.

Two heirs. A Kingdom of dust on a troubled world. One might resurrect it. One might destroy it all.

Archaeologist David Alexander investigates the cave where his father disappeared and hurtles into another world, one filled with magic and bizarre creatures. The mad ravings in his father's journals of icemen and dragons may not be fantasies after all.

Convinced his father may still be alive, David begins a treacherous journey to find him and discover a way home. Along the way, he encounters a few unlikely friends. A Dreean warrior, a beautiful thief and a satyr join him as he searches.

David's arrival into this new world sets off an explosive chain reaction of events. Faced with powerful adversaries and few clues, he may not get the chance to rescue his father before disaster strikes, condemning both of them to death. Or worse.

Buy it here:

 
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About the author:

River Fairchild is somewhat odd, brandishes a dry sense of humor, owned by several cats. Lives in a fantasy world. A fabricator of magic. Makes stuff up and spins tales about it. Believes in Faerie crossings and never staying in one place for very long. Speculative Fiction wordsmith. The secret to her stories? Spread lies, blend in truths, add a pinch of snark and a dash of tears. Escape into her world. She left the porch light on so you can find your way down the rabbit hole.


Wednesday, December 4, 2013

IWSG

Buck Up And Quit Your Whining



Today is the Insecure Writers Support Group, founded by our favorite ninja, Alex “no hyperlink needed” Cavanaugh. The success of this group is due to the overwhelming support of so many great people – all of you who work tirelessly to help others and give encouragement or a helping hand.

I've been dragging my feet lately, watching my puny efforts at time-management get sucked into the abyss. I think it's typical for this time of year for many of us. We are pressed for time because of the holidays, family obligations, and so on. I've been morose because my writing isn't going as swiftly as I'd like.

Then I read a post on FaceBook about Michael's sister and her patchy hair because of chemo treatments. I might add here that Michael is providing moral support and driving her to and from the doctor, staying with her during treatments, etc. He'd posted, saying he had trimmed her hair to even it out.

Reading things like that spins my perspective and tilts it on its head...or my head. I'm feeling a bit tilted now.

Anyway, I allow myself to get bogged down in trivial details, forgetting that each day is a wonderful gift in itself, one to be embraced and lived to the fullest.

With that in mind, I'd like to point you toward some others who deserve a hug or three. Please visit the following people and say hi. They've been through some trying times lately. The best way to forget about your own insecurities is to provide a welcoming smile for someone in need. I'll apologize in advance if I've forgotten to put someone on this list. It's off the top of my head and with my last brain cell dangling.