Fiction

Are You Half Empty Or Half Full?

Ronovan Life, Odds and Ends , , , , , , , , ,

Are You Half Empty Or Half Full?

by: Ronovan

You have heard the old question “Is the glass half empty or half full”. The idea is if you say half empty, you are a pessimist and if half full, an optimist. I like to reply with this, “What’s your goal, to empty the glass or fill it?”

gettyimages © Original Photo by Brooke Pennington
gettyimages © Original Photo by Brooke Pennington

The point is philosophy and other thought studies like to box one in by decisions they’ve already made about the answers you haven’t come up with yet. It’s the same for people taking a look at you and making a judgement for the first time.

They don’t know how your mind works, what your morals are, or what your life has made of you. All they see is the answers they’ve already come up with before even asking the questions.

What’s the moral to this little rambling? If there is one it might be to always ask honestly, answer honestly, and listen honestly. Honestly, it is the best policy.

 

© Copyright-All rights reserved-RonovanWrites.wordpress.com-May 12, 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

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.

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?

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.

 

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.)

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.

Write Honestly or Write Popularly? The question every writer must face.

Ronovan Writing , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Writing, at its best, is a lonely life. Organizations for writers palliate the writer’s loneliness but I doubt if they improve his writing. He grows in public stature as he sheds his loneliness and often his work deteriorates. For he does his work alone and if he is a good enough writer he must face eternity, or the lack of it, each day.-Ernest Hemingway accepting the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1954 (You may listen to the actual speech here. It is only just over two minutes long.)

Does sharing your imagination frighten or worry you at times? Don’t laugh, you extroverted, uninhibited, creationistic, followers of your characters’ whims. There are those who think of who will be reading their work as in their friends and relatives, or even worse their religious leaders. Then all will know the strange goings on of their minds. Or even the naughty things they think of and dared shared. Those who do not venture into writing do not understand how the author can separate one world from the other.

Some will just laugh at the thought of being worried about what other people think, but for many it is a real fear. I believe this may be one think that keeps several very talented writers from ever becoming published or realizing their true potential. And the worst part is, they don’t even realize it.

Here is an example that might hit home for some. You have a situation where as you are writing one of the characters somehow turns out to be gay. I say somehow as in that it wasn’t a plan but as the story went along there was just something there that seemed to lead your writing in that direction. This character is a main character and a favorite. So far so good, right?

Now you have the issue that the author is fundamentally religious or whose friends are primarily against the gay life style. I use ‘religious’ because some religions share the same thoughts on certain issues. The writer personally doesn’t have an issue with it, but the friends would be shocked. So what does the writer do? Probably bails on the idea and just diverts from the issue.

But now we enter another one of those areas where the writer must decide between the truth of reality and the character or caving to peer pressure and believing it really doesn’t make a difference in the big picture. Where does the compromising end?

If anyone has read my We are the Editors of our Lives article you know that I believe God had a story written for us and then we end up editing it along the way. And I believe everyone may edit as they please without interference from anyone else, unless you plan to edit your life so that you intend to off me somehow. I might complain then.

I mention the article because my take on things is contrary to many that are of the same guild as I am in religion. I would write the character as the character would be written and move along. Would my views cost me some acquaintances? Yes, and it already has. But I believe that art should imitate life. Put what you believe into what you create.

I put the Hemingway quote at the beginning for a reason. Writing honestly will cost you some friends, perhaps many. Your life may end up a lonely one because you cannot make everyone happy. If you are making everyone happy then you are perhaps not being completely honest with yourself or your writing.

Readers want honesty. They are drawn to it. They revile the obvious snubs and cowardice of an author who runs from an issue. Some readers will never admit to reading the book, but they will read it. And…they will learn from it. That’s what we do, we allow them to escape into a place they want to be but cannot seem to get to. Be it a space adventure, a romance, a magical ride through another land, or yes, even admitting that there are real lives in the world that are not like our own but still exist and the world keeps turning as it always has anyway.

Now here comes the question all writers must face. Do you want to be true to yourself and your art and possibly end up lonely but free or be popular and unsatisfied with what should have been? And is perhaps honestly actually the popular in truth after all?

Bus Stop Stories: Two Girls and a Lesson in Shame.

Ronovan Fiction , , , , , ,

He half dragged himself across the street, shoulders sagging under the long coat. Two girls moved several steps away.

We exchanged nods and closed-mouthed smiles as he glanced my way. The bench shook slightly as he let himself drop. “It’s been a long day.” His voice sounded like it. “But we made it through.”

I nodded in agreement.

He saw the girls, phones out. One had a finger poised on her phone screen, the other talking to someone. They both kept glancing our way. He ran a hand over his head of short, tight curls. Nails perfectly trimmed, the skin smooth, smoother than mine even.

“You know what I need?”

I looked at him.

“I need me a woman. A young one.”

I could see the muscles around his mouth twitching. Looking forward, I could see the two girls out of the corner of my eye huddled together. I nodded my head in reply.

“Nothing like finding a young one. Sweeping them away. Training them up the way you want them.” He stared at the street.

The girls moved away. “Dr. Farra!” We both looked at the woman in floral printed scrubs racing across the street.

“Nancy?”

“Jerry is getting a taxi now. Get to the hospital. An elderly lady fell and hit her head and they called for you.”

Dr. Farra was no longer tired as he ran across the street.

The girls glanced at me and I smiled back. They turned away, ashamed at their thoughts. Shame can be a great lesson.

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