Creative Writing

Sun no More

Ronovan Poetry , , , , , ,
Amnesia Man
Through the Eyes of a Lost Mind

Waiting in a fall

Against the ever deep of pain

The sun dims in sight

Hanging out.

Ronovan Photography , , , , , ,

Orangutan In Hammock

Hanging Out

by: Ronovan

Some may ask

How I do to chill out

Well here’s a picture

Of me hanging out

 

 

Enjoy!

Picture and words by RonovanWrites.

© Copyright-All rights reserved-RonovanWrites.wordpress.com-May29, 2014.

 

 

 

 

 

What’s a Taboo to do? Do you click ‘like’ on Taboo articles?

Ronovan Blogging , , , , , , ,

Speak no See no Hear no Evil Stuffed Monkeys

What’s a Taboo to do? Do you click ‘like’ on Taboo articles?

 by: Ronovan

Wow, that was so amazing but I don’t want people to know I read that. Admit it, that’s come to your mind before. You may have quickly overcome it but it’s been there. I read a very short piece that was sexual I nature but there was no sex. It was hilarious and a part of it was so surprising and different that I was impressed. But if I clicked ‘like’ then people would know I read it AND liked it.

 

What’s a poor introverted gentleman to do?

 

To some of you it’s a no-brainer. “Just click like, you wimp,” you are saying. “You hypocrite, if you like it then like it.” True, very true, every word of it. I usually do end up with the click. But I put a lot of thought into it. One thing it normally comes down to is;

 

Why did the person write the piece?

 

I am not into people who write to capitalize on something, or write to simply draw hits. If then I think the piece was written for that reason then I don’t tend to ‘like’ it. Traffic on one’s site is the important factor for most, although the ‘likes’ are the encouraging nudges.

 

But back to the point, should we be embarrassed? I am of the mind that writing is an art form. If someone brushes letters onto their page and creates a tasteful picture on their page then ‘like’ it. As an artist, and as an author who creates imagery with your words you are an artist, you cannot be embarrassed by things.

 

I am not saying to out and ‘like’ everything that comes along just because you find it amusing. Like it because it brought something to you, be it thought, humor, that ah ha moment, inspiration, whatever it is.

 

And one last thing; in poetry you may be misinterpreting the meaning of the words in the first place. I have poems that have received a few likes. I know the meanings, no they are not weird twisted meanings, but the words could be seen to have different meanings when I looked back at them. It wasn’t intentional, but just happened.

 

Are you embarrassed? If so what types of things embarrass you or what do you do when faced with that moment of “This is incredible!”?

 

© Copyright-All rights reserved-RonovanWrites.wordpress.com-May29, 2014.

Random Acts of Rhymeness of a Lost Mind.

Ronovan Poetry , , , , ,

Lost Man in Chair

Social Media Random Acts of Rhymeness

My brain fails to stop me sometimes. Here are the ‘poems’ I came up with and tweeted last night.

 

#1

Peter O’Toole

Never played a Fool

Unless he wore a crown.

 

#2

There are things we must know

When we know nothing at all

Stand up straight shoulders back

And shut our mouths above all

 

#3

Why do you quibble

When the meaning is so far

Buried within us

 

 

 

 

The Reason Agents and Editors love Email

Ronovan Humor , , , , ,

The reason Literary Agents and Editors love email submissions.

Image
gettyimages ©
By D. Beleiu

Hunger No More! Author Amira Makansi-The Seeds Trilogy-A New Kind of Hero

Ronovan Author Interviews , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mira Makansi Author

Katniss Who? That’s what every new somewhat dystopian YA book with a heroine likes to say, “We’re going to make you forget Katniss.” The main character of Remy Alexander in The Sowing is not your typical stereotype. She is much different, and that’s only part of what is intriguing about the story. There are other concepts you can read on The Professional Project Site. They do a better job of explaining it than I could. I write about writing. You know, those who can do, those who can’t teach or write about it. Well I’m a former teacher who writes about writing.

A blurb? Comparing Hunger Games and The Seeds Trilogy is like comparing a Jackson Pollock painting and a Van Gogh. Both are visually appealing and entertaining but one gives you something not quite as real as the other.

 

The Who: Amira Makansi

The Personal Blog: The Z-Axis

The Professional Project Site: The Seeds Trilogy with the publication of the first book The Sowing: The Resistance Has Begun.

 

I recently spoke with Amira Makanski, the middle 1/3 of the Mother and Daughters creative team behind The Sowing: The Resistance Has Begun, Book One of the The Seeds Trilogy, and was much impressed with her passion for what she does and her being real. I could tell right away that her book is as half as full of spirit as she is then it will become a standard of measurement. She’s a very open and engaging person and the experience was entertaining, a pleasure and informative. I learned about her book The Sowing available to purchase in print and e-book.

 

Her story has personal characteristics and concerns that a true writer cannot but help but put into their creation. This isn’t just a fantasy for her, it is a heart felt, and well thought out world she has created. And she didn’t do it alone. Her co-authors and creators are:

 

Elena Makansi at her personal blog Citizen Fiddlehead

 

Kristina Makansi of Blank Slate Press and Tree House Author Services

 

I won’t go into details about the book, I leave that to you to visit their the official site which does a great job of explaining the YA and NA mix of adventure/science fiction/romance and overall inner/outer life struggles/turmoil of its main characters. The site gives a great overview of the story, the background, and even has character profiles and discussions about the world’s technology and shows some of the artwork with the characters.

I will say the world in some ways is almost a possibility which makes it even more of a must read.

There are twists on characters that will appeal to you, I even identify heavily with one of them. No character is one dimensional it seems. In a way it keeps you wondering what the person might do next in a given situation.

 

The heroine is not the typical cookie cutter versions of recent years and after reading the biographies of the authors you will understand why.

 

The only thing I would change about this project would be to have my name on it instead of theirs.

 

This was not an interview or review but simply someone impressed by a creator and creation and wishing to share it with other creators and potential readers. It’s out right now and the sequel is out this fall. Read it now so you aren’t behind.

Visit the site. You’ll enjoy the tour and enjoy the author bios.

We are the Editors of our Lives.

Ronovan Life , , , , , , , ,
Editing Lives
gettyimages ©
Original Photo by Daniel Grill

I normally only write about my faith on Sundays, because, well . . . it’s just not an area of writing I work on. I’m into the Bible and all of that but I don’t like to get preachy about things. You may see some influences here and there in my writings but overall I stay pretty clear of ‘in your face’ things. My faith is my faith. Your faith is your faith, even if that means having faith in no faith. Hmm, wow that makes the head hurt. But I wanted to share a strange thought that came to mind today.

Some time back I read two articles, back to back and somehow they twisted an idea in my mind. One person I follow was talking about needing a writing mentor and editor while another was talking about God not answering prayer about something. Those two things led me to the idea of our being the Editors of life and God the frustrated creator of a world and the characters in it, loving them all only to see SOME foolish Editors destroy everything and change the world He came up with.

Editors are meant to help the creator, the writer, but if you run into a bad one, then by the end you won’t even recognize your work at all. Unfortunately not all Editors can be great ones. And don’t get me wrong, I think God’s original plan was perfect and He didn’t need any help, just go with me here.

Some people like to say that we turn out the way God wanted us to, but I really don’t think so. I doubt He really wanted anyone to end up blind or deaf or diseased or harmed in any other way. But due to our Editing of the world, things have happened that end up influencing our genetic make up to bring us to where we are.

If anyone has seen my picture you know I have fair skin. God didn’t want us to get sunburned or he would have put us on earth with long sleeves and pants instead of being nude. Boy did we mess up on that Editing. I’m really going to have to talk to Adam about that one someday.

Each choice we make is an Edit to the plan, either we Edit to the good or to the bad. Meanwhile other people are Editing the same story at the same time and messing up what your Edits would end up doing. There are even Edits that happen before we are born that change our story line.

I’ve learned over the years not to worry about the things not directly within my control. I try not to get upset about them. Yes, for a red haired man that’s a bit difficult. I can be as fiery as you imagine, but I am usually laid back and calm. But laid back and calm are learned things.

I know the bad things are other peoples bad Editing, and sometimes mine. I’ve also learned, through God’s writing and creation, that you don’t Edit other peoples’ lives. Let them do their own Editing and maybe they will see the great story God wrote for them in the first place.

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© Copyright-All rights reserved-RonovanWrites.wordpress.com-2014.

 

Flash Fiction: A Writer’s Friend

Ronovan Writing , , , , , ,

If you’ve never written Flash Fiction then you are missing a great opportunity to learn what Literary Agents and Editors are looking for, ‘Show Don’t Tell’.

As writers we make a major mistake when we first begin writing, we look at word count and page numbers. I advise you to either turn off the word count on your program, or put something over it so you can’t see it. Also don’t format for page numbers to show. Just write.

Let the story tell the story. Your first draft is just that, a first draft, a blueprint to build upon.

Sure, the industry looks at word count often but it’s the story that sells. Writing Flash Fiction does something great for your skills. Write a scene as you normally would, then strip it down to under 600 words or 300 words. If you can do this and still convey everything the reader needs to know and feel, then you have accomplished your mission and saved your Agent/Editor and yourself a lot of work later on.

We think more is better but in reality, it’s what you say and not how much you say that matters. Choose your words wisely. Close your eyes and just begin to type what you see of the scene and then come back and work it.

Bus Stop Stories: Society Killin’ Villain (A Poem And Commentary)

Ronovan Flash Fiction , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bus Stop

You think you know it

What is this neighborhood

But the truth is for real

A truth you’ve never understood

 

There isn’t any violence

We got no old age attacks

Young men wear jeans

And old ones Armani slacks

 

You keep just keep on talking

About crime you don’t know

Bring all your cameras in here

Faking like a reality show

 

You’re not from here

Don’t talk like you know me

Your style is so weak

You have to steal creativity

 

Take no offense

At what I’m deliverin’

Cause you’re just the most recent

Of society killin’ villain

 

You come in here

Trying to make us look bad

When all you ever do

Is play up to some cheap trending fad

 

Who’s the real big man

When it comes to society

The man who spreads lies

Or the one with integrity

 

We may not all have

All the things that you’ve got

But where I’m from

We choose what we’ve not

 

See those two oldies

Those walking over there

When I was born

They gave my mom a high chair

 

That man over there

He just lost his wife

But you know what

We keep helping him with life

 

This is our home

Not some TV stereotypes

It takes all kinds

Even some like you lowlifes

 

So take your cameras

And your promises

Then move your behinds

Off our premises

 

The film crew didn’t really know what to do at that point as Rod finished. The crowd that had gathered was cheering and that seemed to give the crew a clue. They and their slum dressed star slipped away as the bus started to slow down. Rod was a hero. A hero in our small block of the town.

Click ‘Like’ or Click View? What do you do?

Ronovan Blogging , , , , , , , ,

Do you just click like or do you follow through to view?

 

“Do you love me, do you wanna be my friend?
And if you do
Well then don’t be afraid to take me by the hand
If you want to
I think this is how love goes, check yes or no”

 

Those are the words of a popular country song by the King of Country and Western music in the United States, George

Dog with a big blue bone.
You like me, you really like me!

Strait. What does that have to do with blogging? At least you asked.

 

If you are like me you ‘Follow’ a lot of blogs. Some of you get emails as updates and some sign up for accounts and have what are called ‘Readers’ that show when a new article comes out by who we ‘Follow’.

 

You can click and go to the site and read it, or sometimes you can view the entire offering in the ‘Reader’ or email. See any problems yet? I didn’t think so.

 

Well to turn the song around a bit:

 

Do you view me, or do you wanna be my fan?

And if you do

Well then don’t be afraid to follow to the site

If you want to

I think this is how views know, click view or no

 

I follow all the way to the site, even if I can see all of the offering of the author on my reader. Why? Because it gives the author an idea of how many actual views are occurring.

 

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love the ‘likes’. But I also really want to KNOW viewers are viewing what I’ve created. If you’re not a person who has a blog you may not realize we can see how many views or maybe hits our site has each day. Some people thrive on increasing their views and that is understandable because we all want our material to be seen. Some see the views as support of their efforts.

 

I know sometimes a few lines fits on the reader page or you see a blurb and you just know you will like it or even you have a favorite blog site that never fails you, but what do you want personally? Do you want people to read what you put out there or just click like and ignore it?

 

Gummy bear and kids.
I support you, I really do!

Are you a fan or a supporter? Do you like everything your blogger puts out or do you go and check it out and really look at it?

 

The problem here is time. The blogging community tries to be supportive but also must work on content. If all it does was read all the blogs, then there would rarely be any new content put out. In a way I understand the ‘like’ clicking method. You know you will like it, it’s just you don’t have the time.

 

This in a way goes along with another article I recently viewed that prompted me to actually finish this one. It’s called ‘The ‘Like’ Button: Enabler of the inactive participant or Advocate of the introverted blogger?’ by Neha at Forgotten Meadows. I encourage you to read it.

 

Do you just click like as a fan or do you follow through as a view?

 

 

© Copyright-All rights reserved-RonovanWrites.wordpress.com-May29, 2014

Religion and Sex: What is an Author to do?

Ronovan Writing , , , , , , , , , , ,
Romantic Silhouette
gettyimages © Original Photo by Tizard images

Sex and the Religious; what an odd assortment of words we have there. Those of the devout guild find they are walking a tightrope when it comes to what they will and will not allow themselves to write about. I tend to have a different view of it myself I suppose, but still I’m hesitant.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t plan to write gratuitous orgiastic scenes of origami like contortions. But I think this is one area that authors who are also The Religious are very uncomfortable with for fear of being a bad example to others or feel like they will be promoting something that is wrong according to their morals. Or perhaps they are really just afraid their friends will find out what goes on inside their imaginations. I’m being honest here.

I believe writing should be honest. If a scene in a romance or adventure, or true life story is leading toward intimacy then taking a sharp turn away without any previous reason for said turn would, to me, be dishonest to the reader, the character, and the story.

If the characters are people who are fighting against these urges because of some moral feeling then I understand, but if during the entire run up to this scene there has never been any wavering of any sort then I find it difficult to change my course of writing. And if there is that sudden swerve then there needs to be some show of an aftermath struggle with at least one character.

I know I know it could be that the situation is unique to the characters mind and morals when other things are okay to them to do, but sexuality is something that exists, and even the devoutly Religious fall into it at times. My struggle has been with wanting to show the readers that those professing Religious leanings are normal people sharing normal feelings and falling into situations just like anyone else. It’s sometimes how they deal with the aftermath that may be different or even the same.

There is a romance I’ve written that has scenes where one of the characters is experience these feelings, very intense feelings, and part of the story line is letting those feelings into the mind and having to deal with them. The body reacts and says one thing while the mind says another. You see what the body feels at times. Needless to say, if you know me, there are no words said or used that would be inappropriate but the actions are obvious and telling.

I guess I am in that area of to push through with sharing my visions or whitewashing over them, which I think weakens the entire story.

Sex sells but that’s not what the story is about or for. Sex is just a part of the bigger picture. Sex is real. Sex is not a lie. Denial of it is. So what does one do, be true to the story, or lie and paint an unrealistic character? Do you think the devoutly Religious should leave the topic alone or try to present it as a fact of life that we all face, but some maybe struggle with it in different ways?

3 Things Every Writer or Blogger Should Consider

Ronovan Blogging , , , , , ,

3 Things Every Writer or Blogger Should Consider

by: Ronovan

 

Blogging isn’t easy. Some make it look that way, and I thoroughly despise them for it. Actually those of whom I speak know who they are and know I love them and just jealous…maybe.

 

I first showed up in this blogger world to share my creations, my stories. Then I discovered I had more to share than that. And I learned that the blogging world was a community and there was support among that community you couldn’t find anywhere else.

 

But I know from the title of this article you’re wondering about actual blogging itself. I’ll share three things today:

 

Cluttered Desk
gettyimages © Original Photo by dumayne

COMMITMENT

“What? Of course I have a commitment to my blog,” you are saying. That’s not where I am really going with this.

 

Problem:

Blogging becomes addictive. You want to put out great content because you want more followers and views on your site. Those numbers are worse than the word count feature on a word document for a writer. You have a commitment to the rest of your life to consider as well.

 

Solution:

Schedule time for your blog work, and time for your author work. Then let it go. Live life or you burn out. How can you be creative if your mind is jelly instead of a big blob of electronic pasta?

 

 

COURTESY

Be polite to those you Follow and those who Follow you.

Problem:

Words carry an incredible amount of weight in social media settings. We can’t put voice

Lit Thanks Heart
gettyimages © Original Photo by Steve Smith

inflection in there so we have to be careful. We also might end up with a lot of people commenting on articles and some may expect some type of a reply or think you are rude for not doing so. Being considered rude for some of us is a big problem.

 

Solution:

Always use positive words, never negative ones. And at least click like on a comment someone says on your article. That may sound like a lot but if Followers are important to you then do it. I do it because I appreciate the fact that someone reads my offerings and then takes the time to comment. To me that is a huge compliment.

 

When you are reading another person’s blog, don’t comment unless it’s encouraging or they are asking for some type of comment. Also don’t assume when others don’t comment on your offerings that they don’t like them. Some people just don’t comment. It’s a time thing for one. We like to read, enjoy, and move on.

 

Don’t let courtesy rule your life though. I have a bad habit of feeling as though I have to read everything anyone I follow posts, here and on Twitter. That’s a lot of reading and very little time for other things, including my own writing.

 

CONTENT

Make your content what you like first and foremost, but don’t be surprised if what you like changes over time.

 

Chalkboard and Lady
gettyimages © Original Photo by Justin Lewis

Problem:

At the same time you need to remember you are putting stuff out there for others to enjoy otherwise you would just keep it on your computer for yourself. But then you also may end up falling into the trap of writing things just to get visitors, views, and follows.

 

Solution:

This is a truth here so keep reading after what I say next. You write a book and you want to share the chapters, right?

  • Break the chapters up into parts. I’ve found that people mostly want quick reads of usually under 600 words or so. Why is word count opposite on a blog article than what we think of for a book? Blogs are quick reads. Using me as an example, I want something I know I can get through quickly or I know my mind will drift. Not because of the content, but because of the length. This isn’t a book in front of me that I know how many chapters I have. This immediate gratification. Some will see word count on their readers in the blogger communities and just skip over those over a certain length unless they know the writer very well.
  • You can have longer word counts if the topic calls for it, but make sure you are being to the point. Readers can tell filler from foundation.
  • Add visual content. It adds a bit to whatever you put out and makes you feel like you have put out more than just a few paragraphs. I’ve found that since I’ve shortened some of my work and had fun with photos, that not only do more people ‘like’ them but I enjoy putting the work out there as well.

Those are just three things to look at for now.

 

Next time around I’ll share three things that make coming up with Blogging content a little easier. But until then, peace out and blog out.

 

Remember, I’m just a comment away. Talk to me here or on Twitter.

 

 

 

© Copyright-All rights reserved-RonovanWrites.wordpress.com-May27, 2014.

My Go To Quiet Getaway.

Ronovan Writing , , , , ,
Cat Therapist
My Cat Therapist

How do you keep going? Up all night, up all day, when do you just relax? I get those questions a lot. Bloggers aren’t the lazy people I think a lot of people imagine them to be. “Oh, you write something and just put it on a site and walk away. Must be nice.”

As if. There is a lot behind the scenes of blogging. You have to come up with the ideas, research them, write them, then work on getting them seen. And how much pay? Personally I don’t get paid anything. I do this for the satisfaction of knowing people see my work. Yeah. Well, that is it really.

But sometimes you just need a break. The picture above is my break. That’s Kitty. I know, not original, but she was a stray a few months ago and it was either Kitty or Food that she answered to so I went with Kitty.

Kitty has done a lot for me. Whenever I need a break, I go outside, sit down, and within a few minutes Kitty shows up and wants to be petted and talked to. Yes, I call her like she’s a pretty girl. I know the picture is not great, but it was a cheap camera and a quick opportunity.

You can see her green eyes in this picture fairly well when you click on the picture. But how Kitty has really helped me is that she’s someone to talk to and take care of. You see I had an in home accident several months ago and am limited in a lot of things I can do. Then Kitty showed up.

I know it sounds a bit odd to be writing an article about a cat, but you have to understand, she loves without having to and even ignores food to come to me and give attention. She knows my voice and I’m the only one she does things for. Animals and small children trust me, this big macho scary guy, but that makes me happy.

I know my macho image is ruined now, but don’t laugh or I’ll send Kitty after you.

Everyone needs some quiet time to getaway from that requires no thought. For me it’s Kitty and a good petting. What is your go to getaway for peace?

 

Remember, I’m just a comment away. Talk to me here or on Twitter.

 

 

 

© Copyright-All rights reserved-RonovanWrites.wordpress.com-May27, 2014.

 

Hating on You. Is that a good thing or bad? A phrase and its meaning.

Ronovan Writing , , , , , ,
Jealous red head.
Free Google Image

Hating on You. Is that a good thing or bad? A phrase and its meaning.

I don’t hate anyone. No, really, I don’t. I may hate what someone does but the way I believe I understand that other things are out there that lead us in certain directions. Now that that serious moment is over.

I am so hating on some of you people. Yes, I said it. I’m hating on you.

“But Ronovan, you said you don’t hate people.”

I had to bring this phrase to everyone’s attention because in the USA there are two things this can mean.

One is someone is very jealous of you and just cannot stand you.

Or as I used it, it’s a compliment meaning I am an envious admirer of your talent.

You have to know the person to know the meaning. And to be honest, no person is going to come up to you and say they are ‘hating on you’ if they are really hating you or jealous of you.

As a writer it’s nice to know certain expressions from various places.

What phrases do you have that people might not understand and would help a writer be better prepared when writing a scene?

Until next time, peace out and blog out.

What do you do for a Writing Break? Me…Kittens! Kitty’s Kits.

Ronovan Writing , , , , , , ,
Kittens Before the Attack
copyright is Ronovan’s
Kittens Before The Attack

When I need a writing break…kittens. They are more entertaining than TV and right outside my window.

What do you do for a writing break when you just need to let your mind relax?

Hand Sanitizer in Church with Tim Hawkins or How to Laugh With God.

Ronovan Humor , , , , , , , , ,

Having worked in a church over the years in a very deep way, I like to sit back and see a reality check on how the church needs a sense of humor. God said we should be joyful. I believe laughter is one of God’s greatest gifts. It makes you forget about your ills and pains and sorrows. Smiles and laughs get me through the day. Just think about that feeling you get after a good laugh or a long bout of smiling. Then think about sadness and frowning. See the difference? And after thinking about that sadness, watch this video again and think of your own religious dwelling and laugh again to get back to happy.

And this situation just shows you how certain situations are just universal. No matter where you are you know you get this and can laugh…I hope. (I would write giggle here but I’m too macho.)

When Dreams Prevail

Ronovan Poetry , , , , , , , , ,
Sunset Pear Harbor
gettyimages © Original Photo by Kathy Collins

When people fail us

The sun then slips into rest

To let dreams prevail

Liebster Award

Ronovan Awards , , , ,

Image

For some unknown and humbling reason Maria at http://maria9saif.wordpress.com, a wonderful site by a wonderful lady showing her many talents has nominated me for a Liebster Award. Visit her and Follow her everywhere as I do. I would like to thank her sincerely because of what this award is given for. So, Maria, Thank You Sincerely.

 

Now I am to provide 11 random facts about myself, my apologies in advance:

1)      I was born to fruit pickers in the orange groves of Florida

2)      I hiccup whenever I cough

3)      I learned how to stop my bike when I was little by running into trees

4)      I’m allergic to the sun (see the irony of number 1)

5)      I love the beach (see the irony of the above and number)

6)      I love old movies, but can no longer watch them due to an injury

7)      I used to sing lead in a praise band for the youth group at my church while I was their Youth Director

8)      I can’t sing

9)      I believe tortillas are the universal edible plate

10)    I write poetry but don’t know how to

11)    I am an introverted and very but love encouraging and complimenting people who deserve it

 

Now for the questions I must answer from Maria:

1-      When did you start blogging?

I believe by looking at my first post it was April 17 of this year.

2-      Why are you blogging?

Blogging is a therapy for me in many ways as well as a way to share my thoughts and creations. I also enjoy meeting people from around the world and discovering how more alike than different we are.

3-      What was your favorite subject in school?

History thus becoming a History teacher.

4-      Do you think cloning is ethical?

Cloning a sheep is one thing but if attempting to clone a human it is entirely different.

5-      Do you trust your government?

To a certain extent but as with any government there are secrets that we are not aware of and in that I tend not to trust, especially in this current time.

6-      If you could travel in only one continent, which would you choose?

This is a difficult one for a History person to answer. I think I would pick Asia. It is so diverse, ancient, and has great people.

7-      Do you judge people by what they wear?

No. I don’t judge them by what they don’t wear.

8-What is the one thing you want to change about yourself?

To remember.

9-What is your favorite dessert?

My grandmother makes a pineapple coconut cake that I love. Tastes great and it’s made by her.

10- If you could have one super power what would you want it to be?

The power to change hearts from darkness to light.

11- Who is your favorite writer?

This is unfair! It all depends on the genre, but if I were to truly be honest…I would say God.

 

Determining who to nominate is difficult. There have been so many nice people in the community that have encouraged me. I wish I could nominate them all. I should keep a list of gratitude.

But the following are the ones I have chosen this time. Each has been supportive in some way, if not in actual personal words then in their posts and kindnesses through them. Also there is inspiration and learning found from each one.

 

http://akritimattu.wordpress.com/

 

http://longandluxe.com/

 

http://jenspenden.wordpress.com/

 

http://forgottenmeadows.wordpress.com/

 

http://maraeastern.com/

 

http://activearmywife.wordpress.com/

 

http://naomiboshari.wordpress.com/

 

http://lifeassirli.wordpress.com/

 

http://puritywaves.wordpress.com/

http://undergroundenergy.wordpress.com/

 

 

 

 

If you would like to know more about the Liebster Award please visit the URL below

http://wordingwell.com/the-liebster-award-the-official-rules-my-first-blog-award-and-a-few-personal-secrets-revealed/

 

The 11 questions for my nominations are as follows:

1-What has surprised you the most about blogging?

 

2-What inspires you to create each day?

 

3-If you were writing or imagining the ideal man what qualities would he have?

 

4-If you were writing or imaging the ideal woman what qualities would she have?

 

5-What movie brings your imagination to life?

 

6-What food or dish would you like to try?

 

7-What is your most embarrassing talent?

 

8-What is your favorite word?

 

9-What is love?

 

10-What is freedom?

 

11-What city on another continent would you like to visit?

 

 

Bus Stop Stories: Crumpled Fedora

Ronovan Flash Fiction , , , , , , , ,

Rod and Emerile were laughing. Rod nodded, I returned with a weak smile. He picked it up quickly.

The figure next to me held the brim of a fedora slowly twisting it out of shape. Rod elbowed Emerile. Both went silent staring up the street as if looking for the bus.

Fingers squeezed into fists around the felt. They trembled as they settled upon his knees.

An occasional sigh was cut off by choking sounds. He placed the fedora snuggly over his knee and gently took his left hand in his right. His thumb barely touched the ring on his finger as if afraid it would break.

People became silent as they walked up. The hiss of airbrakes signaled the arrival of the bus. The man stood up and put on the crumpled brimmed fedora.

Rod and Emerile stood to one side and others did the same. The man nodded. The dark black suit climbed into the bus revealing a glimpse of navy blue socks.

© 2014-2020 Ronovan Hester Copyright reserved. The author asserts his moral and legal rights over this work.

Bus Stop Stories: Margaret and Martin, Lessons Learned.

Ronovan Flash Fiction , , , ,

Never drive in a big city. You’ll miss too many lessons learned.

Several cultures intersect at the bus stop outside my apartment building, making for interesting observations. Margaret and Martin are a perfect example. 50 years of marriage. There’s great wisdom in those years.

“Martin, I think we should get one.”

“Eh… I don’t think so.”

“But we need one.”

“No, no, we’re fine.”

“How can you say that?”

“Haven’t needed one so far.”

“So you say.” Margaret crossed her arms around her purse and stared at the cracked pavement in front of her. Martin sitting next to her stared into the distance, his lips mouthing words. “Three, two, one…”

“But dear, just think how much better off we would be. All the other girls are getting them. Why, even Phil is getting Florence one.” Margaret thought mentioning one of his buddies might help convince him.

“Phil’s an idiot.”

“Now is that any way to talk? Seriously, he is one of your best friends.”

“Every group needs an idiot in the bunch.”

“Hmph.”

Martin continued to stare straight ahead. He’d won the battle. A few months ago he’d told me that over the 50 plus years they’d been together he’d learned two secrets to a successful marriage. Know when to be quiet. And never smile when you argue with your spouse, and definitely not when you win.

Their bus arrived, they stood as the door stopped in front of them, Martin holding Margaret’s arm as she stepped onto the bus, and him following behind with their fare. I didn’t know what Margaret thought they needed, but I knew if it had been something special or needed Martin would have caved. Martin chose his battles. Lesson learned at the bus stop.

© 2014-2020 Ronovan Hester Copyright reserved. The author asserts his moral and legal rights over this work.