Thank you #mydreams #sharingthoughts #alwaysbelieve

As we end this year I would like to say thank you to all those who have given my dreams an opportunity to blossom. Financially my venture in writing has me in the red. It started out that I was breaking even with my first book, Isle of the Faeries. Book two, Mystic North, hasn't proven to be lucrative but I felt the desire to continue the story. As I began to write the third book thoughts came that this was surely a waste of my time.

Several negative thoughts occur when venturing into writing, this is not uncommon. It can cause self-doubt in one's creativity and cause writer's block. Negative thoughts barge us from all sides, family, friends, publishers. Whether intentional or not it takes a toll on the introvert, the creative mind.

Today I reminisced about the measure of success and what it truly means. An epiphany occurred, I did succeed no matter how great or small. I published not just one but two books. No matter how great or small, or if my books were your cup of tea or not, I did it! My books are not without errors and by no means are they on the best sellers list. I had an idea and it became a reality. Many thanks to all those who have shown support to my endeavors. Always believe!!     

New addition #magicmystic #previewofwhatstocome #unwantedguest

I have added something to my story the third and final volume of the origin of the faeries series. I have wanted to bring to life a mystical creature other than the faeries. I was not sure which direction I should go on this. I was reluctant to bring in a goblin or something along those lines. I needed something more fierce to engage in battle with Aodhan and the faeries. The battle will take place early on in the book.
I am still in the process of writing this final tale. I found this picture which has inspired me to go back into the story and tweak up the description with a bit more magic!

     

Time flies #novemberalready #holidayseasonbegins # whyiprocrastinate

Time sure flies! I had promised myself that I was going to dedicate myself to this page more often. It's been a fail in epic proportions. Why do I procrastinate when things aren't easily flowing? Why do I get so entangled in situations that I cannot rise above it all?
We all have excuses in life, those horrible interruptions, which tear us away from what we really seek to accomplish. The cruelty of life sometimes mocks my efforts. It's such a thin line us humans walk.

During these difficult times, I would normally escape into the world of fantasy. I take up residence in a castle surrounded by nature. My little home in the woods isn't a castle by no means but nature which surrounds me is my healing place. I think I'm dreading pressures associated with the upcoming holiday season. Going to have to use the "force" to associate and enjoy the season.
I've recently found a new pic which has inspired me to add a new character to book 3 in my origin of the faerie series. The post can be found on my facebook page, JoAnn E Henderson, Author. Be sure you add the comma (,) Author to accurately get to the page. While you're there give my page a "like" and may the force be with you!
    

Power of Light #faerielight #lightgiver #lightwithinus

Power of Light~
Many references were given in both the Isle of Faeries and the Mystic North about a magical power of light. I have tried to establish within the fantasy books a connection to my personal religious beliefs.
I have often thought what would it be like to witness the birth of creation. I combined religious beliefs with a magical twist as Aodhan stirs up a hearth fire of an ancient race of beings. Enlightenment comes forth from the hearth but in actuality, the buds of enlightenment begin within Aodhan.
As a bearer of light and the power within it, Aodhan struggles to control his new found wisdom. Physically it takes its toll as the power of light continues to grow within him.
Genesis 1:3 "And God said let there be light: and there was light."

 

Rocks #loveofrocks #magicstones #faerierocks

There is no doubt about it I have a fascination and love of rocks. I am not really sure exactly where this derives but I have always been drawn to them. I collect them, I paint them, I line my flower garden with them, I make them into crafts and give them as gifts. I try to understand man's deep connection to the rocks of the earth.
In the Bible, there are many references to rocks. Moses struck the rock with his rod and water came forth. Sacrifices of animals were made upon the rock. Samuel, after a victory, placed a stone between the two cities. He named it Ebenezer as a reminder to the Israelites of God's faithfulness. Upon the rock, Christ encharged his disciple Peter, to spread the gospel and build his church.
In my books, Isle of the Faeries and Mystic North, I share my love of rocks into the stories as places of power as well as places of pain and suffering. Part of my obsession, maybe, but part of something innately deeper within the core of mankind.

 

Somedays #creativevoid #faeriespiritshelpme #changesinstoryline

Somedays~
There are some days when things just seem to flow. The creative juices emit from me so quickly I can't seem to get them out quick enough. I write the ideas down and then go back over them making correction after correction. Something which is happening with my third book in my series. 
Other days there is a huge blank void. I have searched for other writers opinions and many seem to have this problem. There is tons of advice out there as to how to get back into it. So much so as I read them I only hear blah, blah, blah. I've found music to be a great distraction to free up my thoughts. 
Out of my worst circumstances, I seem to be the most creative. Is it the reaching up and out which does it? Or simply a coping mechanism I have developed to keep sane. I try not to put too much thought into that because I know I would create another issue to overcome. I accept that it's part of me, an essential part of myself, which not many understand.
Recently a name came to me which I absolutely love, Raven. The name actually belongs to a family member. I am unsure yet how I will bring her to fruition, but that's half the fun. Many of my characters I have included in the storylines are actually family members either by name or attributes. 

  

Book Signing #backhometogoodrich #joiningotherauthors #faerieliterature #booksigningevent

Book Signing Event 
I will be attending a book signing with several other local authors at an event as to some would say "my hometown." I, in fact, did graduate from Goodrich High School back in the day, but I wasn't born there. Many of the people which I met in the community were very accepting of their newcomer. I must say that many of the people from my graduating class are still my friends today.
I actually was born in a different city, Pontiac, Mi. I lived in Pontiac until the age of 9. In several houses, but mostly with my Grandparents. My parents were divorced and when my mother remarried we moved to a farm on the outskirts of Rochester, MI now known as Oakland Township. Due to unfortunate circumstances, I moved to Florida to live with my father during the beginning of my high school years. We then moved back to Michigan for my final year of high school. 
When people say or talk about their hometown my usual reply is which one? I was thinking about this the other day when I overheard someone talking about family reunions. My mother's family was very tightly knit. When we were young we did everything together. When one family went to church, we all did. When one family went to the beach, we all did. When we had reunions we all came. The bonds we shared as cousins remain the same no matter the time or distance between us. We stuck together because we were all we had. In actuality, my hometown was wherever my cousins were, my support system.