Poem: You Keep...

Hello Everyone,
Some dark places need our attention in order to grasp the light.
Will you follow?

Dark room by saoshi on deviantART

You keep my lips sealed
Two birds trapped in agony
Their wings broken
They cannot fly

You keep my eyes shut
Two sunrises burst to life
Only to be taken back

I won't cry
I won't cry

You keep my love at bay
You check, you pat
then you go away

So awful, yet I sway

You keep me prisoner
In a small room
Alone in the dark
You seem to appreciate
My silent prayers

You keep me chained
Yet, I found the key
To be free
When you will be back
The epic battle
will define
Who will be lost
Who will be alive

The Indie Corner: Interview with Georgina Guthrie & E-Book Contest!

Hey Everyone,

It has been a while since I have updated this column. A very talented lady is going to be the very first guest of 2014. Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present you Georgina Guthrie the author of  the Words trilogy!

The Weight of Words is her first book and it is currently out! 
I do hope you will enjoy this interview as much as I did! 

Hey Georgina, welcome to my blog. Can you please tell us a few things about yourself?

First of all, I’m grateful for the opportunity to chat about my books and writing. Thanks for inviting me!

As for me…well, I’m a wife and a mother and somehow amid all the writing I manage to hold down a full-time job. I have a terrible sweet tooth. Chocolate and wine gums are my go-to snacks. I also have a weakness for pasta—I could eat it every day—which poses problems because as I get older, I see, to be becoming quite sensitive to gluten. *sad face*

Tell us a few things about your trilogy.

It’s romantic, but also sexy. I enjoy building sexual tension between characters. While there are a few dramatic moments, the books are also witty. The characters are clever, so their banter is fun to write. I subscribe to Shakespeare’s philosophy that comic relief is a good thing.

How did you feel when you got your hands on your first book?

I had a few tears. I was out for brunch with some girlfriends, and one of them had bought The Weight of Words and wanted me to sign it. That was my first time seeing it up close. I don’t think what I wrote in her book was terribly brilliant. I was so overwhelmed by seeing the paperback for the first time.

Can you share a favorite quote from “The Weight of Words?”

An easy one is:  “The wheel may be turning, but the hamster is dead.” That’s such a great way to sum up the dead air between a certain character’s ears.

Also, I pretty much adore all of the sexual innuendos and banter between Aubrey and Daniel.

Do you have a favorite character? If you can decide, tell us why.

Penny has always been a favourite. She just says whatever comes into her head and it’s usually ridiculous, inappropriate or self-deprecating. Also, as a Brit myself, I enjoy having the opportunity to purge my inner voice through her. 

In the second and third books of the series, Patty wins, hands down. She’s Daniel’s grandmother, and she embraces the tenet that with age comes the right to say and do whatever the hell she likes. She’s wise and irreverent in equal measure and doesn’t miss a beat. 

Are you in the process for a new story or is it too soon yet?

I’m always writing. I’ve written a YA novel which I’d like to publish, but I do have a few other “grown up” stories simmering. There just aren’t enough hours in the day. *sigh*

What are you enjoying the most when you are writing?

I enjoy the way that writing teaches me about myself. I often don’t know how I truly feel about something until I start exploring the concept in my writing.

1    Tell us a nicest that happened with one of your readers.

Readers have done some incredible things over the years, from creating mixed media paintings, to making me jewelry based on my books. Someone even wrote a song inspired by one of the characters’ actions. I’m always amazed by people’s creativity and their willingness to share their art with me.

2       What book did you read this past month?

I finally finished Allegiant I had to keep putting it down because I knew what was coming. 
I’m currently reading Purple Hibiscus, but it’s slow going as I’m editing my face off. LOL.

3   If you were to write a story that required a journey, what country would you like to visit?

      There are a few countries in Europe that I’d love to visit and ultimately write about.  Italy, Spain, Greece…

I’d also love to visit Cyprus. That’s where my parents met. I hope I’ll make it there one day. I’m sure there’s a story or two I could cook up. J

Thanks for your time! :)

Thank you for having me!

Useful Links
Georgina Guthrie's Website
Georgina on Twitter 
Georgina on Goodreads

The Weight Of Words Synopsis

Aubrey Price is in the final months of her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto. Bright, witty, and fiercely independent, Aubrey works part-time for the college dean and has her sights set on graduating with distinction. When she meets Dean Grant's son, Daniel, the TA in her senior Shakespearean studies course, a shared love of the Bard's works and an instant mutual attraction draw Aubrey and Daniel together. 

Unfortunately, a strict anti-fraternizing policy--made more perilous by a black mark on Daniel's record--keeps them apart. Against this academic backdrop, Aubrey and Daniel navigate their way through a steamy courtship, their forbidden romance aided, abetted, and sometimes thwarted by a colorful cast of friends, family, and classmates.

Now, CONTEST Time...

Georgina is really kind and one lucky person from Greece or Cyprus will win a "Weight Of Words" Ebook! Are you excited? I am... Just leave a comment with your email or twitter account in the comment section below!

The contest will be on until Wednesday 29/01/2014  23:59 Greece Time! Good Luck!

I am thinking...

Happy New Year! Kinda late I know but, I haven't planned this entry. Still, here it is. Some intangible ideas or maybe not. As some say, there are days and days...

DB18.com | Sad | Forward this Picture

There are days that I am thinking that I am quiet and maybe, just maybe some feel that I have gone far away. 

There are days that I am thinking that I have to do so many things, and although I am doing them. I am leaving a part, someone behind. It is not easy to stay focused.

I used to be more extrovert, but now I am more focused and introvert. I communicate yes, but I do talk only when I have something to say.

So many people express their opinions, the noise is so much sometimes. 

Sometimes, we don't even realize that we produce noise and not sound. 

If you had quality time for yourself what would you do? Do you have any idea how hard is to lock everything outside and just be yourself? 

If you had a chance to change anything. What that would it be?

I am thinking that there are times that Life is happening when we are too focused somewhere else. 

I am thinking that Change is inevitable and we don't realize it until it is too late.

I am thinking many things at the moment and my consciousness is flooded by sounds, images and words.

Too many words. 

I am thinking. Do you?

Poem: That's Not The Point..

Kalimera,
It's been a while. Too many words are dancing in front of me. I have to write them down...

Photo Credit

That's Not The Point

Leaves are falling, feeling blue.
I look at the sky, I see nothing but you.

You said you will come and find me
That's not the point
You said when you see me you always smile
That's not the point

I know when your eyes are lying
I can see brown snowflakes dance
I know when your smile is genuine
I can read you like an open book

Leaves are falling, feeling blue
I look at the sky, all I can see is you.

You said come with me
We will be good together
You said let me take you far away
Trouble makes your eyes gray

Leaves are falling, feeling blue.
You are not here, yet I am with you.

The air is talking, we just move.
We walk away, yet here we stay.
That's not the point.
That's not the point.

My friend Kristina Foulias is singing this amazing song...

Book Review: Odin's Murder by Angel Lawson & Kira A Gold

Book:  Odin's Murder

Authors: Angel Dawson & Kira A Gold

Ebook: 275 pages

“Hard time prepared me for many things, but playing research assistant to a flock of nerds wasn’t one of them.”

Ethan Tyrell is out of his element at the College Scholastic Honors Program for exceptional students. But at least he’s out of prison. Keeping his temper and his hands to himself isn’t so easy when an irritating professor demands full participation with a mismatched study group, where he clashes with his roommate’s sister, Memory.

Memory Erikssen is not the kind of girl a boy can forget; she makes sure of that. Quick with both a charcoal pencil and a lipstick, she won’t draw the same line or walk the same path twice, and antagonizing Ethan is a break from the usual academic doldrums.

Ethan and Memory find themselves tangled together by more than their special abilities–and mutual irritation–as members of their team go missing, and they unravel a dangerous mystery that spans centuries of local and distant legends.

There are times that you are just interested in a book before it gets published. The title dragged me in almost from the very beginning. During the summer, I have read American Gods by Neil Gaiman and I enjoyed immensely the worldwide Gods mythology .   

So, the days were passing by and I got more and more excited. Then it was in my hands. I started reading it yesterday and I finished it in one sitting. I can say that I am impressed for several reasons. 

First of all, it is a story written by two authors. It is not as easy as it sounds, but certainly it can help an author having fun while experimenting with their voice. People have a unique voice. Authors have a voice too. That unique writing that leaves marks behind. It takes time to find your voice but when you do, it is so dinstictive that others notice too. In Odin's Murder we get to see two different Point Of Views. Two well written POVs. 

Second, the main characters are interesting and captivating in their own way. Memory, her twin Julian, Faye and Ethan. They are introduced to us little by little, revealing only what is necessary. We get to know them, to like them and sympathize with them. 

Third, the vocabulary. You can tell a story anytime. You can tell a story anytime, but if it is so poorly written then you close the book pissed. You can tell a story and the language flows so naturally that you think you are dancing a waltz. English is not my mother language, but I am reading literature in English for several reasons. When a book is well written you cannot leave it from your hands. You keep reading no matter how late is in the night. 

Fourth, the story itself. The storyline is unique and enthralling. It is hard to find material that is not lacking, or giving too much away, or making me tired while reading it. 

So, you have it. If you are into Runes, Vikings mythology, this book is for you. If you want to learn new things you didn't know, this book is for you too. You will laugh, get pissed and maybe be sad, but satisfied, when the final chapter comes. 

#TwitterFiction: Request for an ending...

Kalispera Everyone,
As it seems, I have a request. My friend Yorgos asked for a dirty kinky happy ending...
I am thinking to write the ending. But I will let my heroes to write it themselves...One Piece at a time...!

So, here are the tweets ( 1 , 2, 3 ) I posted in the morning...

So what do you think? Should I write another verse?

I was trying to find my way out. The glass of wine felt so cold in my hands. "Are you shivering?"  Someone whispered behind me. 

The voice was unusually mesmerizing. I closed my eyes and nodded. He finally found me. That thought echoed in my head . 

Glass shuddered and liquid spread. I moved towards the door, but he grabbed me first. "Going somewhere?" I thought he said.

I was ready for the worst. My heart was beating fast. I was not afraid, mostly anxious to learn what will happen next.

His touch was light like a feather. He knew. I shivered on the possibilities. "Why did you come now?" I was ready to...and he knew it.

The answer to my question, was a ghost kiss. The silver blade was a reminder of a bad dream. I knew it well, but so did he.

I had to get away. The adrenaline was intoxicating me. I wanted this feeling. I was seeking it out these past months. Getting away. Getting it done.

I had to leave from his presence. I had to. Or else. He knew. I didn't want anyone to know my weaknesses. I moved forward. I moved even when I felt the pinch on my arm.

The mark was not that deep, but blood started to run down my arm. I had to go away from him. He came for me and I wasn't ready. I was not ready. What have I done?

His laugh startled me. "I was looking for you, for a long long time, my dear." He said, with a voice that I haven't heard before.

"You thought that you could evade me forever?" He chuckled. "You asked for a favour and now it is time for you to pay. And I collect all my debts..."

I took a deep breath and I stopped fighting him off. Not that he minded. He liked to be violent when he was not obeyed. So did I, or so I thought at a time.

"Our deal is off." I told him. "You didn't do what you promised me." His hold became milder. "You knew, and still you lied to me."

I was waiting for his reaction. Here I was being brave in the arms of the man who could end me. My life was nothing for him. I was nothing for him.

Time passed by and he did nothing. I tried not to show my surprise. One move and he might... I had closed my eyes and when I opened them, I was alone. He was gone.

>>There are some stories that have no endings. This one was just a scene. Maybe I will write the whole story another time. Just say it. So simple.

Poem: You lost me

Hey Everyone,
As it seems my Muse is here to stay. I am grateful for her arrival so here is one of my new accomplishments.
Enjoy!

~CC

You Lost Me by ~mrstonystark on deviantART

You lost me

You lost me one fine morning
while we were in bed
I realized that you didn't love me
from all the those little things you didn't share

I was devastated at first,
I have to admit
Then, this feeling of limitless freedom
took me by the hand

You lost me one fine morning
When I was telling you my day
When you didn't do anything
While I was whispering my fears
You just blinked and changed the tv channel.

I was devastated at first,
but then I realized that
we were two strangers that were dancing a lazy tango.
No passion at all, just the slight idea we had the moves

You lost me one fine morning
Your lips didn't touch mine
You were cold and bitter
and pieces of white glass were on my face
making me cry

I was devastated at first,
but soon I realized that in life
You have to move on
Find love again
In someone else's eyes.

Poem: Keeping My Sanity...

Kalimera,

I know that for quite a while I was writing in Greek, so this one is for my International friends.

As it seems I open the Memory Vault and I found one poem I wrote back in January 2010.

Enjoy...

~CC

Photo Credit : "moon and half dome", Ansel Adams, 28-12-1960

Keeping My Sanity...

Being alone in the dark

Its part of what I am...Of what I am

Sitting In this empty room that reminds me of you

Like an echo taunting me

Like a dream that ended bad, I woke up... I woke up

Keeping my Sanity is hard..

I want you back...I want you back..

Facing a reality that breaks my heart...Breaks my heart...

©2010-2012 All rights reserved worldwide.

When someone takes your future away, can you take it back?

Kalimera,
Some thoughts on what is going on in the country the past days. Things that needed to be addressed. Can you refuse that need? I couldn't.

~CC

Photo Credit AP

Lazy bad Greeks.

This is how we are called these days from the foreign media. We are spoiled-rotten children, who don't listen to our "strict" teachers. They want to save us and we don't want to be saved! Who are these Greeks anyway? They don't work hard, and they hold a glass of frape while they are fooling around...

I can write more. The question is do I feel like one? I don't think so.

For the past eleven years of my adult life I was working. Hard. I even worked when I was studying. Again Hard. 

I won't deny that we have corruption nor that our politicians built their own system in order to get votes. 

But some people didn't participate in that system nor they lived based on that notion. 

You cannot condemn a whole nation just because the majority or the minority (according who you ask) was living in luxury or with loans. 

There are also those Greeks that they didn't take any loans at all, and believe me if they wanted they could. Those Greek haven't spoken. They continued to work and paid their taxes. They continue to create and live their lives, but not for long.

Do you have any idea what kind of Law was passed through our Parliament this past Sunday?

If you learned that tomorrow your wage was cut with 22%. If you learned that you cannot buy milk, bread and food because the VAT is in 23%. If you learned that you have to pay a debt you didn't know anything about. If you learned that young people as their first salary will get 400€ and they have to live and prosper (?) in a country where the prices are in London high, then you should realize that my generation and the next are doomed. 

They took our future away.

Can we take it back?

I don't know. Maybe, if we immigrate in another country. 

As for the Greeks that will remain behind, if they don't commit suicide and / or die from starvation, cold or diseases they will be modern slaves. If that word frightens you, then say you didn't see it at all. 

Just remember, next time a "threat" will arise and it is outside your door, Leonidas nor his 300 Spartans will be there to save you. 

In the meantime, Greeks will be long dead, and so will be democracy.

Just say Kalimera! - Μια καλημέρα είναι αυτή...

Καλημέρα καλημέρα...

Ελπίζω να είστε όλοι καλά...Τελευταία μέρα του Νοεμβρίου, υπέροχη μέρα έξω παρόλο το κρύο και το σημερινό θέμα μας είναι η Καλημέρα. Ναι καλά διαβάσατε η καλημέρα.

Έχουμε ανάγκη να ακούμε αυτή την λέξη πρωί πρωί συνοδευόμενη από ένα χαμόγελο. Θυμηθείτε πόσες φορές την έχετε πει σε άγνωστο κόσμο τα πρωινά και πόση ικανοποίηση μπορεί να σας χάρισε, αλλά και να χαρίσατε. Την επόμενη φορά μην ξεχάσετε να πείτε καλημέρα σε έναν άγνωστο. Μπορεί να σας αλλάξει την ζωή...

Μέχρι αύριο...Καλή συνέχεια!

~Κλεοπάτρα

Kalimera, or goodmorning or Buon giorno.

I do hope you are all okay. This is the last day of November, the day is lovely. A bit cold that is true. Today I am going to write about how important is to start your day by saying a simple word. Kalimera.
                                                                                 

I really thing that we need to hear this little word along with a smile. Just remember how happy with yourselves you felt, if you said it to a stranger and they smiled back. We need to have memories to cherish, even simple ones. So, next time you are out, you should say Kalimera to a stranger. It might change your life...

Until Tomorrow, have a nice day ahead...

~CC

P.S. This greek song expresses exactly what I told you about saying Good Morning to someone. 

Messing...with the Voices!

Hello Everyone,

Kalimera from Athens. I do hope you are all okay. After ten days of uncertainty, yesterday we found out that we have a Prime Minister! I don't know what this man will do, but at least we have one now. I have stopped, again, watching the news. I need to detox and that is exactly what I am doing. 

Last night, I was writing an exercise for my seminar. Basically I was re-writing a scene from my story but from another Point of View. My story is written from my lead heroine's pov. I prefered to write a part of this chapter from my lead hero's pov. And the outcome is surprising. I really love his voice, it gives us a lot of perspective, his and how he perceives the whole incident.

Photo Credit

Also I do hope the Artist is this one

Some of you will say, ahem we don't know what is your story about. You are right. I cannot say much until I have the first draft in my hands. Then I will give you more info about it. And maybe just maybe I will post this outtake when the story will get published. (Yes, I am an optimistic and I have a goal.)

My fellow-writers will know how lovely is to mess with your characters and their voices. It reveals a lot more about your character, their thoughts, insights and their reactions. The more you write a story, the more you want your characters to open up with you. I think I am in a good place with them. These days I really enjoy the antics of another male character. He is too talented and he knows it, but I have to give him justice he is not a snob. I think of him as a charming and funny young man. -Yeah, yeah I am messing with you too...I cannot say I am sorry!  I do hope I made you curious enough to want to read this story.

Have a nice day ahead and a lovely weekend. Enjoy your time with your loved ones!

Until Tomorrow,

~CC

P.S. I have to thank Killian McRae for giving me the idea for this title. :)

Keeping your sanity...

Photo Credit

Hey Everyone,
Kalimera from Athens. I do hope you are all okay. I know that the past posts were mostly in Greek but that was an internal need. Those short stories wanted to be told in my mother tongue. I cannot promise it for now, but if I find time I will try to translate them also in English.

It is really hard for us to keep our sanity. Several things are happening spontaneously in our everyday life that challenge our notions about life, our health (mental or not) and finally our strength. Two days ago, we all froze from what our Prime Minister did. Most of the people are shocked and angry with him because what he did shows a lot about how little he respects the citizens of his country. If he wanted to ask our opinion,  the referendum should have happened before the IMF and not now, after all those bail outs, cuts and deals.

I am trying to write, but it is not easy. Inspiration cannot come when you cannot focus. The only thing I can say is that this endless adventure starts to unite us. Those things that once were lost might be found again. If this continues then there is Hope. Hope for everything our generation is fighting for. We cannot kill our darlings. We cannot kill our dreams and hopes, because if we do, then the future will be miserable.

I am grateful for all those who are in my life, my family and friends. There are times that we need to smile and remember that we have to live our Life too. I am also extremely sorry that I cannot be online much, I don't do it on purpose, but it is needed for my shake.

So that is our truth. The one you don't see in the news. The one numbers cannot describe. We are trying to keep our sanity and this is not easy at all.

Have a nice day ahead.

Until Tomorrow,

~CC

Summer Vacations...Stop!

Καλημέρα,

Ναι έλειπα...Δεν ήμουν τριγύρω αλλά έπρεπε και εγώ να "φορτίσω" τις μπαταρίες μου. Μας περιμένει δύσκολος χειμώνας γεμάτος με ανατροπές και ίσως ξεβολέματα. Ίσως; Ίσως...

Ελπίζω να είστε καλά και να χαμογελάτε. Η ζωή χρειάζεται από όλα. Και όσοι θέλετε να μάθετε για το βιβλίο μου μια χαρά πάει. Όταν είμαι έτοιμη τότε θα πω περισσότερα για αυτό. 

Να προσέχετε τον εαυτό σας και τους δικούς σας ανθρώπους. Που και που κοιτάχτε τους στα μάτια και πείτε τι νιώθετε. Ότι και αν είναι αυτό. 

Μέχρι την επόμενη φορά...Καλή συνέχεια

Υ.Γ. Απολαύστε ένα ηλιοβασίλεμα στις Κυκλάδες. Δεν είναι υπέροχα τα χρώματα;

Kalimera,
Yes I was away. I think that I had to re-charge my "batteries." This Winter most likely will be tough and we need to be ready. We shall see.

I do hope you are all okay and you are smiling. Life needs a lot of things. Those who are interested for my book everything is going as I would like to. No worries I will talk more about it when I am ready.

Be safe. Cherish your loved ones. Once in a while it would be amazing to look them in the eyes and tell them how you feel.

Until Next Time, Have a nice day ahead.

P.S. Enjoy this amazing sunset in Cyclades. Beautiful colours, don't you agree?

Always...Remember

Hey Everyone,
Last night I attended Bon Jovi Live in Athens concert. It was their first time to Greece and literally a lot of people were waiting for this gig. We have booked our tickets pretty early and after all those months we were finally there. I have to say that there are not enough words to describe, how beautiful you feel when you are in a stadium full with 80.000 people, while Bon Jovi were performing.

I believe that many of you, who are reading this, have felt something similar. Of course, this might have happened with another artist but I want you to focus to your feelings. I was listening to their set list and I did a step back in time, when I was listening to them as a teen.

Some of their songs have coloured my school days and teen life in general. So, I have to reveal that last night those memories came up to the surface. I was surprised at first but I smiled. Who hasn't cried with their "Bed of Roses" or "Always",? Who hasn't shouted to an ex "You give love a bad name". Who hasn't danced or yelled with their friends "Have a nice day" or "It's my life" and so many more?

It is so beautiful to remember that era. Being young and careless. Try to recall how you perceived life even with your innocence. The first time you fall in love or someone broke your heart. But above all, the most important thing is that for once more, you have access to your inner child. The one we all have hidden when responsibilities take over.

While I was doing the seminar, our teacher pinpointed to us, the importance to remember that inner child. What were your fears, thoughts, ideas at that time. If you ask me, if this is really important, the answer is yes.

Writers must be open to all the memories, good and bad in order to be able to express themselves without silencing anything. If you cannot be truthful with yourself, how you can do so with a character? How can you touch other people's lives while they are reading your book?

I am always writing with music. For me it is like oxygen. I cannot think myself without music or even in cases that there is silence without rhythm. Everything is interwined, emotions, music, words. So, last night gave another light to my teacher's advice and I will try to follow this advice as much as I can.

Until Tomorrow,

Have a nice day!

Cleopatra

P.S. This Romeo is bleeding....Enjoy Always