BOTTLED...
A term one doesn't hear very often, but an emotion we often experience. IT can come in various forms. Through day jobs, through family, and especially in our craft. It's a feeling that can suffocate you. Cripple you. Yet, we must persevere.
Often the malaise is temporary. But how does one free oneself when it isn't?
WRITE....
The answer is so obvious. Releasing these pinned up emotions onto the keyboard is LIBERATING. It truly is the best therapy. It's amazing how writing about anything will clear your stress.
Back in 2009 when the real estate market crashed and I had lost three lucrative design contracts, I was frantic. All of a sudden I had all this time on my hands and no money coming in. I didn't know where to turn, so I began my first novel. It opened up a whole new world to me. Four months after I had finished my first draft, I entered the blogging world. The rest is history.
Writers and creative people are fortunate in this respect. WE have our creativity to escape to and free ourselves from stress and anxiety.
But I know you are asking, what if you are BLOCKED? BOTTLED is now taking another form...
We have all had bouts of writer's block. I myself haven't written anything substantial in a few years, but that is okay. Many of us have other avenues to filter that BOTTLED feeling. Art, baking, cooking, designing, music (As Alex well knows), can be amazing outlets.
So whenever you are BOTTLED, remember to filter those emotions creatively...
Kinetic disturbances filter through my being. I twist the sparkling emerald ring on my finger, focusing on the infiltration rather than who is before me.
A convoy of men loom closer. Their determination in finding me reeks through the air like a noxious gas, mingling with the heady spices which already permeate the room. It is rather unpleasant and I wrinkle my nose.
The smacking of lips draws my attention to my new master. Yet another nondescript human. He is the youngest so far. Not more than a decade older than I look. BOTTLED at the age of seventeen centuries ago, bound in servitude for an eternity.
My ears prick as the newcomers are only steps away...If it were only my beloved, Karim, to save me from this damnation. His dark silken hair, his passionate gaze, and the long curve of that serpentine scar on his forearm...
A dark force, a human evil, I have not felt in centuries cleaves through the air, severing my thoughts of Karim. The shock sears me to the core. It can't be he... It just can't be, Faruq..
Not after all these years. He's found me at last...
I was delighted to create one of my intros for this INTRIGUING story for Carol Riggs' newest novel
After reading a few pages, I am certainly HOOKED! CONGRATS CAROL! Now all of YOU can read it, too!
BOTTLED releases tomorrow, but you can get it today on AMAZON... here are the links.
AMAZON: Link (Available today)
B&N: Link (Pre Order until July 7)
Here is more information about Carol and her other books...
There is one that meant a great deal to me. The comment came from an older woman who was an abused child. She said that I had handled this horrific subject with great feeling and honesty after she had read an excerpt from my blog. She had requested to read the whole manuscript and once finished had contacted me, saying it had helped her through her own painful situation growing up.
I was deeply honored and humbled. Can a writer ask for anything better than that? I doubt it.
A term one doesn't hear very often, but an emotion we often experience. IT can come in various forms. Through day jobs, through family, and especially in our craft. It's a feeling that can suffocate you. Cripple you. Yet, we must persevere.
Often the malaise is temporary. But how does one free oneself when it isn't?
WRITE....
The answer is so obvious. Releasing these pinned up emotions onto the keyboard is LIBERATING. It truly is the best therapy. It's amazing how writing about anything will clear your stress.
Writers and creative people are fortunate in this respect. WE have our creativity to escape to and free ourselves from stress and anxiety.
But I know you are asking, what if you are BLOCKED? BOTTLED is now taking another form...
We have all had bouts of writer's block. I myself haven't written anything substantial in a few years, but that is okay. Many of us have other avenues to filter that BOTTLED feeling. Art, baking, cooking, designing, music (As Alex well knows), can be amazing outlets.
So whenever you are BOTTLED, remember to filter those emotions creatively...
Kinetic disturbances filter through my being. I twist the sparkling emerald ring on my finger, focusing on the infiltration rather than who is before me.
A convoy of men loom closer. Their determination in finding me reeks through the air like a noxious gas, mingling with the heady spices which already permeate the room. It is rather unpleasant and I wrinkle my nose.
The smacking of lips draws my attention to my new master. Yet another nondescript human. He is the youngest so far. Not more than a decade older than I look. BOTTLED at the age of seventeen centuries ago, bound in servitude for an eternity.
My ears prick as the newcomers are only steps away...If it were only my beloved, Karim, to save me from this damnation. His dark silken hair, his passionate gaze, and the long curve of that serpentine scar on his forearm...
A dark force, a human evil, I have not felt in centuries cleaves through the air, severing my thoughts of Karim. The shock sears me to the core. It can't be he... It just can't be, Faruq..
Not after all these years. He's found me at last...
WILL SHE ESCAPE HER PAST?
OR
BE
FOREVER BOTTLED?
I was delighted to create one of my intros for this INTRIGUING story for Carol Riggs' newest novel
BOTTLED...
After reading a few pages, I am certainly HOOKED! CONGRATS CAROL! Now all of YOU can read it, too!
BOTTLED releases tomorrow, but you can get it today on AMAZON... here are the links.
AMAZON: Link (Available today)
B&N: Link (Pre Order until July 7)
Here is more information about Carol and her other books...
BIO:
Carol Riggs is an author of YA fiction who lives in the beautiful green state of Oregon, USA. Her debut novel, The Body Institute, released Sept 2015 from Entangled Teen, exploring body image and identity. Her fantasy YA, Bottled, will release from Clean Reads on July 7, 2016, and her sci-fi YA, Safe Zone, will release from Entangled Teen in October 2016. She enjoys reading, drawing and painting, writing conferences, walking with her husband, and enjoying music and dance of all kinds. You will usually find her in her writing cave, surrounded by her dragon collection and the characters in her head.
Connect with Carol:
Add this book to your Goodreads reading list: BOTTLED
Congrats again, Carol! Wishing you all the best!
And friends, don't forget to visit the other posts at the ISWG... They will make you feel so much better and they will INSPIRE YOU!
The IWSG is now featuring a question with its posts...
What's the best thing someone has said about your writing?
The IWSG is now featuring a question with its posts...
What's the best thing someone has said about your writing?
I was deeply honored and humbled. Can a writer ask for anything better than that? I doubt it.
It feels so good to be back in the blogosphere. I'll be visiting you all as soon as I can!
67 comments:
Wow, now that is an honor. Blessing for you both that she read your blog post.
Yes, music is a great way to release those bottled up thoughts and emotions.
And good to hear from you, Michael! You've been missed.
Lovely, so very lovely the way you married the two, but that's all you, Michael, the master of the introduction!
Congratulations! To you and Carol!
Bottled sounds very intriguing!
That is an awesome compliment! And no, as writers we can't ask for more!
Thank you!
And yes, you've been missed, welcome back!
There are so many things out there that can hamper our creativity, but, like you said, sometimes we just have to try a different outlet to get things going again.
Congrats to Carol. I sounds like an awesome read.
Carol's book sounds awesome.
Mr. Blurb King strikes again! Your intro is amazing!
What lovely words...you're so right... what more can you ask for...?
Happy IWSG Day!
Writer In Transit
Neat cover.
Sometimes it's bottled because we aren't giving it time to come forth.
How Awesome!!!!
Welcome back, Michael. Your writing always amazes me.
Carol's book sounds wonderful, love the cover!!
Yay for Carol - the book sounds awesome!!!
So true about bottling things up. All those creative outlets are vital - I use more than one myself! :)
Good to see you back :)
I am SO stoked for Carol.
I love that you're good with the changes that have come. It's easy to get discouraged by major shifts in life, but creativity always finds a new outlet, as long as we don't squash it, eh?
Congratulations to Carol! And an amazing introduction as usual, Michael.
I was just thinking of you earlier this week and wondering how you were doing. It's great to see you back in blog land!
Congratulations on touching that lady so deeply. Such an honor!
Thanks Alex! I missed all of you, too.
Awe, thanks, Renee!
Hi, Holly,
It is! Carol's story is quite engaging...
Thanks Michelle!
It always helps to have an amazing story to introduce!
Isn't it?! I really love the cover.
What a nice compliment! Thank you, Cathrina. Congrats again on your awards... So amazing to have TWO!
Yes, the cover is really cool!
Thanks Jemi.... nice to be back. Carol's book is awesome. You'll enjoy it! I just started reading it and can't wait to get back to it...
So true... I've always like diversity, especially in the arts. This way it is always FRESH. When I get back to writing, it will be with a vengeance. LOL
Thanks, Julie. I loved writing it. Carol's writing is a great inspiration.
Very creative, Michael.
Hey, Michael, thanks so much for the great intro, and how awesomely the title tied in to being "bottled" creatively. I loved your story about the lady who read your novel, too. May all our stories touch people in some way! Thanks again for featuring BOTTLED and inspiring others. :)
IT was totally my pleasure, Carol! All the best with your release tomorrow!
Thanks, Shelly.
Super introduction to Carol's book! Having worked with abused and neglected children (did it for 23 years) I can tell you first hand, you're helping her is a tremendous gift and a most beautiful compliment. Breathe it in. You've made the world better by one person and that's not small thing. The ripples you made with her continue one through her.
Excellent introduction to Carol's book and congrats to Carol!
This year, I'm not exactly bottled at writing, but I'm slower. I seem to feel most comfortable with short stories, poetry, and short articles these days - and with photography. My novel writing is at tortoise pace. However, I'm going to keep creating because it is definitely a life-giving action.
You are the master of the introduction, Michael. Best of sales to Carol!
I didn't know Carol was releasing this book. I need to get out more. Best wishes to her and Bottled!
Hi Michael, Carol's book is intriguing and your introduction is awesome. It left me like all your introductions usually do, absolutely speechless.
Please write your picture book fast before your puppy grows up. I am eagerly waiting to read and offer my feedback on it. Hugs.
Rachna Chhabria
Co-host IWSG
Rachna's Scriptorium
Nice intro, Michael. And congratulations to Carol! Bottled sounds terrific.
I believe true creativity will always find a way out. It has to, or we explode.
VR Barkowski
Your answer to today's question is the most heartwarming I've read today. I would hold that one close forever.
Thank you, Susan. I do.
So True, VI...
Thank you so much, Racha. I really appreciate your confidence in me...
Thank you, Bish. I appreciate your comment so much.
That's the way to keep a clear head, Tyrean... Keep creating!
Thanks, Roland!
I know what you mean. I have been gone for a long while and missed out to many things, too.
That was indeed a precious jewel that came your way when the woman read your book on abuse and then wrote back to tell you the effect it had on her. Beautiful.
I also like the way you word played with the word Bottled. And you're right all of us feel bottled at times, and we must learn to deal with it.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
You could say, and not be wrong, that I found this young and its been my therapy ever since. :-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
I am rarely bottled or blocked, but I am often lazy and distracted. When I do write though it can indeed be very liberating.
I wish I could find a bottled genie who would grant some wishes and that might free me up in a lot of ways.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Grats, Carol!
And that is really great how people were helped and moved by your writing, Michael. <3 Keep touching hearts!
Carol's new book sounds awesome. And your intro is so enticing. How can I resist? I can't. Heading to Amazon now.
Thanks Carol~ I am sure Carol will be thrilled that you are purchasing today!
I have my hot copy and have already started reading it and I LOVE it!
Thank you, Loni... I appreciate your comment.
Me, too, Lee... I can use a bit of magic right now...
It is great therapy for sure, Anna....
Thank you, Pat!
Hi Michael! Glad to see you back! I'm excited for Carol and Bottled! It will be a wonderful read, I'm sure. Your intro was intriguing, as always. Have a wonderful month! :-)
Hi!! Nice job working the book title into your IWSG post.
I remember when you first told me about that comment from the woman with the history of abuse. And you're right - I can't imagine a better compliment to a writer.
Now that you're a Chicago boy again, I must get working on a date to head into that fabulous city...
There are so many awesome comments here! Thanks, everyone for your congrats and encouraging remarks on BOTTLED. It's so fun to have a writing "tribe" where we can share our successes (and failures) with. :)
Wonderful post about being "Bottled". That's what I do too - I channel my negative feelings into stories.
And how rewarding to receive such a feedback from one of your readers.
We've all heard the saying "That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger." It also gives us a lot more life experience we can bring to our writing. I could never have written what I do now, 20 yrs ago. I just didn't know enough about life. I'm sure when your experiences have percolated a bit more, you'll be back to writing and making it beautiful & emotional.
Congrats to Carol Riggs on her new release!
Ha, nice tie in to Carol's awesome book.
And if I don't express myself creatively then I go a little insane and gnarly.
So happy for Carol and wow, that was an awesome thing that lady said :)
Alex is right, you have been missed Michael. If I wrote a book I would want you to write an intro, I always love the way you write. Abused children, horrid thing to go through I hope recovery is complete.
It's so hard to break out when you've been bottled, but it's worth fighting for.
Congrats on the book Carol! It sounds interesting.
Very clever how you tied the concept of being bottled creatively with introducing the release of a new book called "Bottled." (You do man!)
Few writers every earn enough money in royalties to amount to minimum wages, considering the amount of time and effort that goes into creating a good book. BUT... successfully touching another person's heart with your book... THAT is true success. Congratulations!
Michael!!!! You're back!!! :D
I love the way you tied your IWSG topic into this book's promo!!!! What a beautiful cover! And it sounds really really intriguing!!!
That bottled up feeling, though? It's just too real. And you're right, using it to release on paper (or screen) as therapy is just the best answer. Great post!
~~~
S.K. Anthony: The Decline in Ebooks — It’s Not What You Think
I like how you turned a negative (losing your design jobs) to a positive by writing. It's not often we can see how to boost ourselves up. Best wishes, Michael.
You've had a long battle, Michael, but you've done so much since that harsh set back. And not because you sat and sulked, but because you did something to get back up. Kudos.
Well hello, long long soul living all "bottled" up at Disney World, lol.
It is good we have this creativity to loose our pent up energies and thoughts upon. You have so many many things you are good at. Glad you had a moment to join us (both then, and now) and I hope you feel the bit of downturn was worth all the new social connections.
Loved your encouraging reader comment. That was awesome. Nice to know your works have helped another person deal with their circumstances.
And that was a beautiful write up for Carol's latest book. Way cool.
Happy writing Michael :)
Welcome back to the blogsphere. I love that comment you received. When our writing touches someone, how can we expect to receive anything better?
Also, I like your thoughts about how we can escape our feelings by writing about them. It's so true, writing can be therapeutic.
Michael, what a powerful promotion for this new book! You are indeed a PR personality. I hope you are promoting yourself as such!
well you sure did connect well the title of the book and the theme of the post :)
Hope you're sunbathing your gorgeous self somewhere at the beach, Mikey, I'm working all summer long as it is always the case with us poor translators....
Hi human, Michael,
I've no doubt you've been eagerly waiting for a comment from me, yes me, shy and humble Penny!
What pawesome stuff! Such an intro to that author.
What a glowing endorsement in regards to your writing on such a delicate subject that has had a devastating impact on many a life. I should know for my human's ex-wife has never recovered from the torment of her childhood abuse. So much so, that the abuse of her childhood eventually destroyed the bonds of marriage.
Thank you, my kind human friend, Michael.
Pawsitive wishes,
Penny...
Awesome. And I will be watching for that day with a cheese platter for you. ;)
Bottled has a beautiful cover. I love the colors and your introduction was awesome. :)
Such wise words about writing relieving stress. I am glad it was an outlet you found when you needed it most. :)
~Jess
The cover and introduction are beautiful! Congratulations! Writing is therapy for me, for sure. And reading, too. I've been out of blogging myself so long now that I didn't even know you'd taken a break. Beautiful post, Michael, and you're always so wonderful with helping out others. <3 Christy
Post a Comment