First, thanks to Shinytenderly for an editing correction, and also to Mike of Ink Stains & Daydreams, and a special welcome to yourmindwithin, and elkehoweler. I’m grateful for readers like you! The question I’m wrestling with today is “How can something that arrives so fast, affect so much?” A man named Mike was driving late…
Author: oceanym
Juneteenth Book Release
I love anthologies because I can read a story, put the book down to go swim in the sea, and then come back and read another story while I dry in the sun. Each tale is a world all unto itself. If you have a jam-packed summer ahead, it’s a great book to add to…
In Their Honor
My first experience with a fallen hero was in third grade when Stephen, my pen pal serving in the Vietnam Conflict, stopped writing back. My years in Jacksonville, Florida were among some of my fondest memories, largely because of the military friends I made there. They taught me a lot about loyalty and comradery. Since…
How Did It Start For You?
An author in my writer’s circle posed a deep-dive question: Why Do You Write? This question has been asked of me before, though not often. This time, I realized that my answer didn’t really tell the whole story. My father was in publishing and an amazing story teller. Years before I discovered Mark Twain and…
Shedding What You Don’t Need
When I inherited a friend’s huge library, I had to make some hard decisions about what to keep. In the limited space I currently occupy, my rule is if something comes in something goes out. Which meant I couldn’t keep all the currently owned books if I kept all the inherited ones. What I could…
Where You From?
I love a good challenge. A fellow author and friend posted a thought-provoking poem some years back. Her powerful words took my mind places. I found myself nodding, resonating and in awe. Later I learned the poem was a directed template, but the kind of template that accommodates clever turns of phrase, and vivid imagery….
Red Sea Road to Sinai Book Review
In her newest release Red Sea Road to Sinai; Overcoming Abuse and Trauma with God’s Word, Cate Jones, RN had it all. She grew up in an idyllic New Zealand town, beautiful, healthy, and strong in the care of loving parents. As a young adult she had a promising new career in the Salvation Army…
You Make Me Happy
In a few days, you will have survived another winter! Congratulations! How are you starting your days lately? I ask because I’m aware that winter mornings are very tough for some people, and I’m curious. Does spring influence how your day starts? Some people I talked to start with their thinking. What is the last…
Words Matter Week March 2-8
Hello there! I’m glad you’re reading this right now. First a quick shout out to some of my more active readers: Thanks to Mike, Kris, Jeremy, Brenda, Michael, and Stuart. Please leave your links in the comments so others can visit your sites and enjoy your great writing. If you’re a writer, you may already…
PERCEPTION
One of my memories of Peggy is a slightly chubby high school girl with shiny, long red hair. When called upon in class, she answered questions with wide eyes and a quiet, faltering voice. Though incredibly smart, she seemed unsure of her place in the world. She wore sweaters over her clothes to hide the…
Rescue Vs Resilience
I knew a man who of a man who struggled most of his life with addiction, broken relationships, chronic car trouble, debt, and health issues. He and his wife worked very hard to make ends meet. Nothing came easily to them. Because there were no rich relatives, no financial windfalls they scratched out life as…
Bonus: Cover Vote
Hey there! I’m very fortunate to be working with Dave Vasudevan in creating my upcoming book, Q-Thartik. The title is a word combo of Questions and Cathartic. He’s provided three gorgeous covers. I wanted to get your opinion first before I post this anywhere else. Have a favorite? I’d love to hear your thoughts on…
Juli Ocean 