Month: October 2024

Brushstrokes of Betrayal

This week’s #reedsy contest features a prompt that intrigued me.

Center your story on a character filled with love and fear in equal measure.

Check out my latest story.
In the hushed corridors of a historic museum, Peter Thomas, an aspiring artist moonlighting as a security guard, becomes inexplicably drawn to a haunting portrait of a woman named Georgiana. The painting said to imprison the soul of a king’s daughter punished for love, ensnares Peter with its eerie allure. As Halloween approaches, under the glow of a blood moon, he discovers the painting’s sinister secret. Lured into a deadly game of deception orchestrated by the enigmatic curator, Roger, Peter unwittingly becomes part of a centuries-old curse. With the stroke of midnight, the boundary between art and reality blurs, revealing a world where the living and the painted are intertwined. In a twist of fate, Peter’s fascination turns into betrayal, leaving him trapped within the canvas while Georgiana—now free—steps into the modern world. “Brushstrokes of Betrayal” weaves a gothic tale of enchantment, sacrifice, and the timeless seduction of art, where the ultimate role one plays may not have a curtain call.

https://blog.reedsy.com/short-story/4zw843/

After you read the story (for free) take a moment and leave me a comment. Those are helpful. Thanks!

Nudist Haven

Dear Readers,

Are you ready to embark on a journey filled with nostalgia, nature, and hidden secrets? Dive into “Nudist’s Haven,” where the past and present collide in a rustic cabin surrounded by enchanting woods and mysterious footprints.

Join Sarah as she revisits her grandmother’s secluded sanctuary, only to discover that solitude might not be as lonely as it seems. Between the whispers of the lake and the secrets of the forest, there’s a tale waiting to unfold—a tale of unexpected friendships, daring encounters, and the simple yet profound beauty of life stripped to its essence.

Will Sarah find the courage to face the shadows of the past and embrace the unexpected twists of her present? Who is the enigmatic Nathan, and what role does he play in this wilderness narrative?✨ We invite you to explore this captivating story and share your thoughts!✨Your comments and insights are the heartbeat of our storytelling community. We can’t wait to hear your reactions and discuss the surprising turns and heartfelt moments that make “Nudist’s Haven” an unforgettable read.

Click here to read this for free!

Happy Reading and Warm Regards,

Author Scott📖💬

Thanks for the hug!

Why are hugs important?

Hugs are part of a more complex subject, “Love Language.”

Recognizing and understanding love languages can significantly improve relationships. It helps partners communicate their needs more effectively and fosters a deeper emotional connection. When both partners understand each other’s love languages, they can express love in ways that resonate most with one another, leading to greater satisfaction and harmony in the relationship.

Love language doesn’t stop in your home. In our increasingly social world, we tell people we barely know happy birthday. How does social media affect the fabric of the human condition?

I want to discuss five different aspects of the love language. I want to focus on the fifth one specifically.

Words of Affirmation: This language involves expressing love through verbal compliments, encouragement, and affirming words. People who resonate with this love language feel valued when they hear kind words.
Acts of Service: For some, actions speak louder than words. This love language emphasizes doing things for your partner, such as helping with chores or running errands, to show care and support.
Receiving Gifts: This language is about giving thoughtful gifts that show you are thinking of someone. It’s not about the monetary value but the sentiment behind the gift that matters.
Quality Time: This love language focuses on giving your partner undivided attention. Spending meaningful time together without distractions is crucial for those who value this form of love.

I want to expand on this form of expressing love. Without going into a lengthy explanation, let’s talk about what it means to be “without distractions.” Kindly disable the phone and store away any other electronic devices. When I say quality time, I truly mean it. You are important to me, and I truly want to hear about what’s happening in your life. How many times have you interrupted or been interrupted by something on some electronic leash? Have you done it to people? Are you guilty of putting them in some lower class of person by elevating a Facebook post or reel? It’s important to put them first, period.

Physical Touch: For many, physical affection such as hugs, kisses, and holding hands is essential. This love language emphasizes the importance of physical closeness in expressing love.

The first four are self-explanatory, and we can accomplish many of them through social media. We can also do the opposite through an unkind word. I have told many people never to drink and drive and never to drink and get on social media. While you might not kill someone on social media, your words can cut like knives (yeah, I know it was in a song), and the damage your thoughtlessness can do is far-reaching.

What about physical touch?”

Not that many years ago, I topped a hill at freeway speeds to meet head-on with a drunk guy in a Cadillac that his wife had just bought him because he promised to stop drinking after he drove his truck into a tree. True story…you can read about it here…

Beeping monitors, wires, and tubes mixed with needles, and the sterile odor of a hospital is only part of the process. The thought of never being held or holding someone again sets the stage for an emotional roller coaster.

To live through an experience like that makes one appreciate life and its simple pleasures.

Why physical touch, why hugs?

The truth is you have no idea what someone else is going through. People don’t fake depression, they fake happiness. When you ask someone how they are doing and they say “fine,” do you buy it? We are all going through stuff. We also know that when someone asks us how we are doing they rarely want to know the truth.

“Fine great. Did you see the Cowboys?”

“What if we asked, “No, really…how are you doing, and then listened?”

A simple hug can do that. I care about you and I don’t know what you are going through but this hug is my way of showing…not telling you…that I care about you. If you need an ear or a shoulder, I am here.” Would the world be so much better if we showed more people that we care about them?

Are we that kind of friend? So, why hug?

Hugs play a significant role in our emotional and physical well-being. Here are some key reasons why hugs are important:

1. Emotional Connection

Hugging fosters a sense of connection and belonging. It communicates feelings of safety, love, and support, which can be especially comforting during difficult times. This emotional bond is crucial for mental health, as it helps reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

2. Physical Health Benefits

Research indicates that hugging can have tangible health benefits. For instance, it promotes the production of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which acts as a stress buffer and can enhance overall well-being. Additionally, frequent hugging has been linked to reduced severity of infections, highlighting its role in bolstering the immune system.

3. Stress Reduction

Hugs can significantly lower stress levels. The act of hugging can help ease feelings of anxiety and depression by boosting the release of feel-good hormones, which can improve mood and emotional resilience.

4. Pain Relief

Interestingly, hugging may also help reduce physical pain. Touch, including hugging, is a powerful form of communication that can convey comfort and support, potentially leading to a decrease in pain perception. Were you aware that your state of mind has an effect on your general health?

True story time:

We had a blood drive at work. One of my employees got a call from them telling her to check with her doctor, something wasn’t right with her blood. This girl had never missed work and was always up. She was delightful in every way. Two weeks after she got the news that she had cancer, she died. Her brain shut her down.

What if she had positive support from just a few hugs? There are cancer centers that focus on treating the whole body, not just the disease. I believe in something I call PMA or a positive mental attitude. There is scientific evidence that your mind is powerful. How could we develop more PMA in people we know? It’s like the butterfly effect, ripples in a pond. The media for whatever reason wants us at each other throats, scared of everything. Would hugs be the middle finger to the talking heads stoking fear and hatred? I think it would be worth a try. Whatever happened to Flower Power?

Did you know there are different types of hugs?

Hugs come in various forms, each conveying different emotions and meanings. Here are some common types of hugs and what they typically signify:

Bear Hug A bear hug is a strong, enveloping embrace that conveys warmth and affection. It often signifies a deep emotional connection and is typically shared between close friends or loved ones.
Side Hug In a side hug, two people stand next to each other and wrap one arm around the other. This type of hug is often seen as more casual and can indicate friendship or comfort without being overly intimate.
Romantic Hug This hug is characterized by a close embrace, often with bodies pressed together. It signifies romantic feelings and intimacy, typically shared between partners.
Back Hug A back hug occurs when one person hugs another from behind. This type of hug can express protection, affection, and surprise, often making the person being hugged feel cherished and secure.
Polite Hug A polite hug is usually brief and may occur in social situations where a more formal greeting is appropriate. It often lacks the emotional depth of other hugs and is more about social etiquette.
Comforting Hug This hug is given to provide support and reassurance during tough times. It is often longer and more enveloping, conveying empathy and understanding.
Group Hug A group hug involves multiple people coming together for a collective embrace. It signifies unity, friendship, and shared joy, often seen in celebrations or moments of camaraderie.
Lift Hug In a lift hug, one person lifts the other off the ground while hugging. This playful gesture often signifies excitement and joy, commonly seen in romantic relationships or among close friends.

I am all for meaningful hugs. The gift of a hug, a genuine hug, is worth more than just about anything you can think of. When we draw our last breath, everything that we own stays behind—all the money, cars, collections, clothes, friends, all of it.

What do you take with you?

I pray we take the memories of the kindnesses we were shown.

The Mormons believe they group around their family members. That is one reason they are so adept at genealogy. I guess they want to know who is waiting for them.

The love language of kindness, touch, empathy, and caring for another person is a selfless act and a treasure that one takes with them, I hope.

Always resolve conflicts before going to sleep and make a point to express appreciation to your loved ones. Nothing compares to the impact of a warm embrace over verbal communication.

What if we incorporate the phrase in our daily walk, “I may not agree with you, but I love you anyway?”

Words to think about.

-Best

Show Don’t Tell

‘Show don’t tell’ is one of the foundational principles of writing, emphasizing the importance of vividly illustrating instead of simply stating.

The principle of “show, don’t tell” is a fundamental technique in writing that enhances storytelling by allowing readers to experience emotions and events more vividly. Here are several reasons this approach is effective:
Engages the Reader’s Imagination
When writers show rather than tell, they invite readers to interpret the emotions and actions of characters through descriptive language and sensory details. This engagement encourages readers to visualize scenes and feel emotions alongside the characters, creating a more immersive experience.
Creates Emotional Depth
Showing emotions through actions, dialogue, and body language adds layers to character development. For instance, instead of stating that a character is angry, a writer might describe clenched fists, a flushed face, and a sharp tone of voice. This method allows readers to understand the character’s emotional state more deeply and personally.
Enhances Character Development
Characters become more relatable and realistic when their emotions are demonstrated through their behavior. Readers can infer motivations and personality traits based on how characters react to situations, making them feel more authentic and complex.
Builds Tension and Conflict
By showing rather than telling, writers can create suspense and tension in a narrative. For example, a character’s internal struggle can be illustrated through their actions and decisions, allowing readers to sense the stakes without explicitly stating them. This technique keeps readers engaged and invested in the outcome.
Encourages Reader Interpretation
When writers show emotions and events, they allow readers to draw their own conclusions and interpretations. This active participation can lead to a more rewarding reading experience, as readers connect with the story on a personal level and reflect on its themes and messages.

Here are some basic emotions

Joy – A feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
Trust – A positive emotion characterized by reliance on someone or something.
Fear – An emotional response to perceived threats or danger.
Surprise – A reaction to unexpected events.
Sadness – A feeling of sorrow or unhappiness.
Disgust – A strong feeling of aversion or repulsion.
Anger – A strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
Anticipation – A feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen.

Detailed or nuanced emotions.

Affection
Amusement
Anxiety
Apathy
Compassion
Confusion
Contentment
Curiosity
Despair
Disappointment
Empathy
Envy
Excitement
Fearfulness
Frustration
Guilt
Hope
Horror
Hostility
Interest
Jealousy
Loneliness
Nostalgia
Pride
Relief
Remorse
Satisfaction
Shame
Surprise
Tenderness
Worry

Examples:
Opening his birthday present, Tim was joyful when he saw the latest video game.

Opening his birthday present, Tim’s face lit up with joy as he saw the latest video game. He eagerly imagined the hours of fun ahead.

Tim was disappointed to learn he would have to wait to play the game until the weekend, as tomorrow was a school day.

The following example may be a bit excessive, but it effectively conveys his disappointment.

As Tim’s face fell, a deep furrow etched itself across his brow. His eyes, which had sparkled with anticipation just moments before, now held a hint of sadness. The corners of his mouth, which had been curved up in a hopeful grin, now turned downward, reflecting the weight of his disappointment. He sighed, a long, slow exhalation that seemed to carry the burden of his unmet expectations.
He stared at the game console, its vibrant colors and intricate graphics now a stark reminder of the fun he would have to postpone. His fingers, which had been itching to wrap around the controller, now drummed a slow, disheartened rhythm against the table.
The room, once filled with the excited chatter of friends eagerly discussing strategies and predicting outcomes, now fell silent, save for the soft ticking of the clock on the wall. The hands moved inexorably forward, marking the passage of time that Tim could not reclaim.
As the reality of his situation sunk in, Tim’s shoulders slumped, and his body language indicated his despondency. He glanced at his friends, their faces a mirror of his own emotions, and then back at the game console. The screen, with its glowing promise of adventure and excitement, now seemed cold and distant, a cruel reminder of the joy that was now out of reach.
With a final, resigned sigh, Tim turned away from the game, his eyes downcast, his heart heavy with disappointment. He knew he would have to wait until the weekend to play, but for now, he could only endure the long, slow hours until then.

Try your hand at it. Pick a couple of the basic emotions, tell the story, and then show the story.

If you want more of these types of interactions, share your thoughts or stories in the comments.

-Best

Unlock Your Writing Potential: Start Your Book Today

When people discover I am an author, they often confess they have always wanted to write a book.

Why haven’t you?

“Well, where do you start?”

Writing a book is a significant undertaking that can be daunting and rewarding.
My personal account likely resembles numerous others. Much like countless individuals who are inclined towards a sedentary lifestyle, I eagerly anticipated and fervently watched a television show that revolved around a subject matter that held deep personal meaning for me. It was a clear case of escapism, and I readily acknowledge and confess to it.
Ever since the disappointing ending of that show, I have abstained from watching television entirely, a habit that has persisted for years.

The cartoon Futurama comes to mind, where a character called Hypnotoad appears on the screen with pulsating eyes. Whether you know the subject, the salient point remains that television has consumed a significant portion of my time. Besides taking up my time, I had to endure an excessive amount of mind-numbing drug advertisements. Ladies and gentlemen, it quickly became evident who controls the media through the advertising dollars urging you to consult your doctor regarding mortality: Big Pharma.
Often, writing a book requires sacrifices.

It requires time alone, not in a dark, dank dungeon but if that inspires the story, I suggest you go with it.
Seriously it is my belief that screen time along with the TV takes more of our time than we would ever care to admit. If you want to create a masterpiece, what are you willing to trade for that creation?
For me, TV was the obvious choice. We are told to write to a seventh-grade education. Do you think in your heart that the TV even makes it a fifth-grade education?
YouTube and TikTok are just as bad. While you can find a diverse number of opinions on streaming services, few, very few, will enlighten you. They engineer emotional triggers for most of them. “You don’t need that. Truly, you don’t.”

If you want your heartstrings tugged on, write about some character doing it.
Read, yes, read the good, the bad, and the horrible so you can tell the difference.
While I could pontificate about big pharma and how they make money treating and not curing you, that is outside the scope of this blog post.

The remarkable thing is that I revised the ending of that show and, as a result, uncovered my writing potential. I not only possessed the ability to write, but I derived glee from it as I maintained control over the narrative, the journey, the characters, and, above all, the result.
Upon discovering that I am an author, individuals often admit to their desire to write a book but express uncertainty regarding the initial steps.

Now that you know a little about me and my philosophy, let’s start with the basics.

We should start by understanding the Writing Process
The process of writing a book is often perceived as a daunting task, especially for novice authors. However, breaking it down into smaller, more manageable sections can make the process more approachable. By conceptualizing your book as an assemblage of concise articles or scenes, you can dedicate your attention to creating a small segment each day, which can later be restructured into a cohesive entity. This approach can help maintain motivation and make the task less overwhelming.
Before starting a book, it’s crucial to understand your motivation and purpose. The reason behind writing your book serves as the cornerstone of your project. Establishing a distinct objective can effectively steer the writing procedure and maintain concentration, whether it is for personal development, introspection, or the dissemination of a narrative.

Writing a book can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. It allows you to explore your thoughts and experiences in a structured way, helping to clarify your thinking and examine your values and beliefs. This process can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and your motivations, making writing a transformative experience.

On this topic, I want to pontificate just a little more. Years ago, I was in a head-on collision with an inebriated son of a bitch. He was old, a known alcoholic and his wife enabled him.
We were at highway speeds, and the story was breathtaking. I wrote that story in Carrollton League of Writers’ first Anthology, The Roads We Take. It is in the very last part of the book. I wanted to title it Oh shit Bang, and the leader of the group didn’t like that language in the book. So, if you get the book and read the story, the title is The Devil’s Rabbit Trail.

Why tell you that?

Since I still suffer from PTSD and pain from that horrible day, this was therapy for me, and I was hoping people who might drink and drive might see it and decide not to mess up someone else’s life, much less their own.
If you want to read more about it, there is a free version on the Reedsy site under my stories. Look for the story called “Why I Write.” I tell you this because it might also resonate with you.
Writing a book requires discipline and commitment. Starting and finishing are both critical steps in the writing process. It’s essential to be disciplined, protect your writing time, and not give up, even when faced with challenges. Embracing the process, including the creation of a ‘bad’ first draft, is essential to produce a polished manuscript, eventually.

Writing fiction can also be a therapeutic tool, allowing you to process emotions and experiences. Writing is a skill that improves with practice, and engaging in regular writing can lead to personal growth and enhanced critical thinking skills.

In future blogs, we will dive into publishing.

I use Reedsy for their contest, which is not so much to win but for $5 to enter a story as a ‘chance’ of winning. I get feedback from others who are serious about writing. I get nothing out of advertising for them. My goal is to help you if you are interested in writing.
My stories on this site are many, and you can read them for free. If you do, please spend a moment commenting. Feedback is why I do this.
Please inform me of your preferences, dislikes, and any additional inquiries that we can address as we proceed.

-Best