CAN I QUOTE YOU ON THAT?

"If you hear a voice within you say, 'you cannot paint'  then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced"  ---Vincent Van Gogh

"Painting is just another way of keeping a diary".  ---Pablo Picasso

"I have an idea that the only thing which makes it possible to regard this world we live in without disgust, is the beauty which now and then men create out of the chaos.  The pictures they paint, the music they compose, the books they write, and the lives they lead.  Of all these the richest in beauty is the beautiful life.  That is the perfect work of art".
---W Somerset Maugham

"Painting is the silence of thought and the music of sight".  ---Orhan Pamuk

"If you could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint".  ---Edward Hopper

"Without atmosphere a painting is nothing".  ---Rembrandt Van Rijn

"All real works of art look as though they were done in joy".  ---Robert Henri

"All you need to paint is a few tools, a little instruction, and a vision in your mind".
---Bob Ross

"Like the sundial, my paint box counts no hours but the sunny ones".  ---Arthur Rackham

"I say that good painters imitated nature, but the bad ones vomited it". 
---Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

"Painting reflects.  It kills you in a colorful shower of emptiness.  Flatness.  Roundness.  And  beauty.  Yes, it is the most pure beauty I have ever felt in my life".  ---Nigel Tomm

"Your mind is a canvas, your experiences are the paint colors and your actions are the brushes that show the art in you".  ---Louise Philippe Dulay

"Painting is so poetic, while sculpture is more logical and scientific and makes you worry about gravity".  ---Paul Auster

"A painting requires a little mystery, some vagueness, and some fantasy.  When you always make your meaning perfectly plain you end up boring people".  ---Edgar Degas

"I wish to paint in such a manner as if I were photographing dreams". 
---Zdzislaw Beksinski

Photo above "Bus Stop Squirrel"  by Parker Kaufman.

Another excerpt from THE BASLICATO

The Maxwell jet was fueled and ready for take-off.  Thad and Jason were loading the luggage when a police cruiser driven by Police Chief Whitecliff pulled up near Dr. Wilson.  He got out and stomped up to her. 

“Brook, what in the hell are you doing?”

“I’m going to Italy, Tommy.”

“No.  That’s a very bad idea,” he said firmly.

“No.  It’s a very good idea,” she answered calmly.

“No.  I can’t watch out for you if you’re a million miles away from me.”

“Italy is a lot closer than you think, Tommy.  I think it’s only about six thousand miles from here to Tursi, Italy, not a million.  I’ll be fine.  Don’t worry about me.  I’m not going alone.  I’m with Thad and Jason Maxwell.”

“Oh, and THAT makes me feel so much better!”

“Tommy, just relax.  Jason is my patient.”

“I don’t like this one bit.”

“I know you don’t, honey.  Calm down.  I’ll be home soon.  I’ll call you.  I’ll buy you a really nice Italian silk tie while I’m there.”

“And where in the hell am I going to wear a really nice Italian silk tie?  I don’t want a really nice Italian silk tie!  I want you not to go.  Don’t go!”

“Bye, Tommy.  Kiss the kids and tell them I love them.  Go home, Big Guy.”  She walked away from him.

“Love you.”
“I know.  Too!” she called back.

Roy, the pilot, had filed the appropriate flight plan and the three passengers boarded.  The passengers sat quietly.  Chief Whitecliff waved them off.

“I am pleasantly surprised to see that local law enforcement is here for Jason’s protection.  That’s terrific.  Garrett’s doing, I presume.  He is so thorough!”

“No.  That’s Police Chief Thomas Whitecliff, my ex-husband.  He was here seeing me off.  And not too happy about me flying off to Italy with the Maxwell boys.” 

“You are one interesting woman, Dr. Brook Nicole Wilson.”  Thad laughed.

“Because my ex-husband is a six foot four inch Navajo who just happens to be the Chief of Police in Vistaverde, Utah, and is still very protective of his ex-wife?”

“That, among other things,” he smiled again.

Author Interview with Historian C.J. Adrien

 

C.J. Adrien

Bend, OR

Okay, C.J., what have you written?

"The Line of His People", a historical fiction novel set in Viking Age France.

What is your favorite genre to write?

Historical Fiction.  I am a historian by trade, and teach history at the secondary level.

Favorite food.

White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Cookies.  According to my mother, my first word was "cookie".

Okay, I like you already.  Where would you like to visit?

I have actually been everywhere I have ever wanted to travel.  I was fortunate while growing up to have parents who thought that it was essential for me to see the world outside of our small village in France, and our summer house in Oregon.  I would, however, enjoy a second trip to Ireland.  It is a beautiful country with extremely kind people, and they have a rich history to explore.

Favorite musical artist.

Scooter, a German techno band.  They're well known in Europe, and they're definitely not for everyone.  If you mean classical music, then Verdi.  In fact, I enjoy putting on Verdi's Requiem while I write.

What makes you laugh?

Absurdity.  So I laugh quite a bit, this world is full of absurdities.

How old were you when you started writing?

I began attempting to write short stories in grade school, none of which I believe were preserved.  My sister and I created a short graphic novel about the Super Mario Bros. in sixth grade.  I continued to do some creative writting in high school, then college, but never followed through with any larger projects due to the workload of other writting that needed to be done throughout college. 

Where do you get your inspiration?

My passion is history, and when I delve into history, I need nothing other than the excitement of discovery to keep me enthused.  When it comes to writting, I draw on my passion for history and the rich stories it provides.

What do you do when you get a writer's block?

I bury whatever I'm working on, try to forget about it, and then return to it one or two weeks later with a fresh set of eyes.  This technique has yet to fail me.

Who is your favorite author?

Herman Melville.  His writing is beyond complements.  I aspire to some day be able to write with such elegance, creativity, and mastery as he.  If I may, I would like to share with you a quote of his, from his novel "Moby Dick", which I find to be particularly demonstrative of Melville's genius: "And he piled upon the whale's white hump the sum of all the rage and hate felt by his entire race.  If his chest had been a cannon he would have shot his heart upon it."  Beautiful.

Best book you ever read.

Neil Degrasse Tyson's "Death by Black Hole".  I couldn't put it down.  It's not fiction, it's science, and the manner in which Mr. Tyson presents the science, and argues in favor of science is simply captivating.  And, he covers a great deal of history in his essays, which I of course appreciate.

I loved that one, too.  I find astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium Neil Degrasse Tyson fascinating.  Who is the one person who has influence your personal life the most and why?

My mother.  She taught me how to write in English (she is an English teacher), how to enjoy reading and learning, and she allowed me to explore my curiosities and inquiries freely.  She encouraged me to excell in my field of choice with unwavering support. 

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?

Hypatia of Alexandria would be my choice.  She was the first female scholar of her time (and the last), and was the first to accurately calculate the eliptical orbit of the earth around the sun.  She was also the one who organised enough people to rescue some of the scrolls in the library of Alexadria before it was burned down by the Christians for having "blasphemous artifacts".  I would want to speak with her about the world she lived in, the things they knew before they were destroyed, and what she might have predicted for the future of humanity based upon her experiences.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?

Don't listen to the nay-sayers.  If you tell someone that you are writting a book and they laugh, ignore them.  If you have a book in you, it will happen.  And it will be you who is laughing when the project is finished.

Do you have a cover you'd like to share with us?

 You'll have to wait until August 1st for that.  But I have some maps you may find interesting.

How about a link where can find out more about you?

My novel, "The Line of His People" will be available August 1rst, 2013 on Amazon kindle, and on paperback on amazon.com after that (date tba).  You may link my website and blog: cjadrien.com where there is an excerpt of the novel, and where all the links to purchase the books will be available. 

Thank you, C.J. for your time.  You are delightful.

   

Author Interview with Neil Orr

E. Neil Orr

Goodyear, Arizona

Okay, now I'm curious, does the E stand for Elvis? And what part of the country do you now reside? 

No.  Only those close to me know what the E stands for.  I use my middle name for everything.  And I currently reside in Goodyear, Arizona.  That is subject to change in the future.  It's just too damn hot here.

What have you written?

 I've written several short stories and some poetry.  I won the October 2001 Editor's Choice Award for a poem that was published by the International Library of Poetry in a book called Taking Flight (page 90).

What is your favorite genre to write?

 I love writing Fantasy.  Along the lines of Shannara, The Wheel of Time and Lord of the Rings.  However, I have one WIP that is Science Fiction and another that is Paranormal Science Fiction.

Favorite food. 

 I'm a Meat and Potatoes kind of guy.

Where would you like to visit?

 I would love to visit the UK.  I have friends there that I'd like to meet in person. 

Favorite musical artist.

 There are so many great artists out there.  Ozzy is one that comes to mind.  There's this new kid, he's already a hit in Australia, that is really good.  His name is Frank Dixon.  Search for him on YouTube, you'll like what you hear.

How old were you when you started writing?

 The first story I ever wrote was in fourth grade, so I guess I was nine.

Where do you get your inspiration? 

Everywhere!  There is so much out there that can inspire us.  If you look around you, right now, you could pick anything up and get inspiration.  For instance, my coffee cup inspires a scene where two women are sitting at a coffee shop arguing about which is better, a latte or a cappuccino.

What do you do when you get a writer's block?

I go back and read the story I'm writing.  I edit it, I fluff it up if needed.  I'll do this one section at a time, then go back to where I'm stuck.  If I'm still stuck, I'll rinse and repeat until the block is gone.  It has never failed me . . . so far, anyway.

Who is your favorite author?

 That's a tough one.  I would have to say Dean Koontz.  It was Phantoms that got me hooked on reading.  However, Terry Brooks is right up there with him.

What the best book you ever read? 

The best stand-alone I've ever read is Phantoms.  The best series is a toss-up between Landover, by Terry Brooks, and The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan.

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why? 

My mother, Rustye, is my greatest influence.  She raised me to be honest, caring, and respectful.  She taught me to follow my dreams and to never give up hope.  Even though she's passed on, I still endeavor to make her proud.  Yes, I'm a Momma's Boy and I miss her, dearly.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why? 

I would love to sit down with Terry Brooks.  If I could get him to do a review of my debut novel, Shad'rah (coming soon), it would mean the world to me.  If his review consisted of constructive criticism, I would take it to heart and learn from it.  If his review turned out to be praise of my work, it would be icing on the cake.  I've always dreamed of being a writer.  Included in that dream is being validated by Terry Brooks.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?

Never give up on your dreams.  Do not worry about what others may think.  Write to please yourself, not the readers.  I say that because if you're not happy with what you've written, you can't expect the readers to like it.  Above all else, do NOT let a negative review slow you down.  Not everyone is going to like your work. 


Do you have any links you'd like to share with us?

Neil Orr's Author Page

Shad'rah - Chapter 1 preview

NEW WORK BY PARKER KAUFMAN

In the vein of other works that I've done with dogs, I was inspired by a friend's cat that hs markings like a tuxedo, to create "TUXEDO CAT", an 8 x 10 cardstock composition and computer designs.  This is a one-of-a-kind custom piece which will not be featured on my website.

THE FLOWERS OF PELADEAU

As promised, I've brought more of Francois Peladeau's stunning photography to Vision & Verse.  These incredibly detailed floral photos were taken in Vancouver,BC, Canada, in Emery Barnes Prak.

Please check out more of Peladeau's work at www.flickr.com/photos/blazinred   You will see a side of the world that lays hidden from the naked eye, but is captured by his lens.

All photos used in this post are with the permission of and are the sole property of Francois Peladeau.

Author Interview with Susan Ziggy

Susan Ziggy

Susan, is that your real name?

No.  Susan Ziggy is my pen name.

It's very catchy.  And where does Susan Ziggy call home?

I am from Hamburg, NY (a suburb outside of Buffalo, where it rarely snows and is hot in the summer, just had to clear that up :) )

What have you written?

I am the author of "What To Do Before You Say I Do" for my two adult children on the verge of getting married. I ended up getting it published so I could share my life and education with everyone who wants to know what to expect from marriage or, how to refresh the one you have.

Sounds wonderful  We all need help in that area.  What is your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre is Self-help (I love to learn being an ex teacher) and Humor. When they are combined it's a real winner for me!

Favorite food.

My favorite food is chocolate. I live on it and it has been scientifically proven that women need it to produce serotonin in their brains.......so I eat it all day and am very happy and thin.

Favorite musical artist.

My favorite music artist ranges from Country to Evanescence and everything in between. Right now I love the group, "FUN".

Where would you like to visit? 

The world would be a good start, then move out to the moon and beyond. I have been all over Europe when I was younger and loved the history that the U.S. is sorely lacking. I loved skiing out west. I am no longer able to travel due to an injury that left me unable to walk without pain.  I do enjoy the Discovery channel so I can pretend to travel all over the world.

What makes me laugh? 

I can find humor in almost anything. I create my own humor in order to make unhappy people happy. My publicist put it the best way, "When God gave me a lemon, I built an orchard and shared my lemons with everyone." 

When did you start writing?

 I first started writing I was in first grade. My teacher said it was mandatory. There is that humor. I was a special Education teacher and thought that's what I would do until I retired. When I got hurt and had a lot of free time, I thought about my children who are getting married and how I could help them learn from my mistakes and what I learned in my life. I started writing, learned I had something to share that was helpful while funny. I ended up getting it published. Now I am writing a comical story, then another book on children.  I have gotten out of control with my writing and I can't stop typing. If only they had a book about that!

Where do you get your inspiration?

I draw my inspiration from people I know and have met in passing. Everyone has a story, you just have to open to listening. I have a large Irish family and a psychologist for a father. We are a crazy, fun family so there was a lot of inspiration drawn from them. We are all in the field of helping people so that part is instilled in my genetics. My humor comes from situations I faced that I turned around using humor. Now that too is ingrained in my personality.

How d you deal with writer's block?

When I get writer's block? Does that really happen? If I get writers block I walk away for a while. I will talk to people, especially strangers in store lines, and my humor comes pouring out of me again. I will also garden to slow my brain down from overthinking stories.  If it is something I have to research, like my current book, I get stories from people who are affiliated with my current topic, albeit a job, college, married people...etc

Who is your favorite author?

My favorite author, I thinking trick question!  I am my favorite author :)  I love that my book helps people without preaching and it has funny stories in it that everyone can relate to and laugh about. I do like Rick Castle too, does he count?!

Yes, and I hear Carol Ann Kauffman can weave a good story, too!

What's the best book you ever read?

The best book I ever read is another tough one. I remember my first book, Flowers in the Attic and the sequel. I read that when I was young and enjoyed it. It made me want to read more. Then college came along and I enjoyed reading all my college books. I love to read about history too. It all fascinates me. Again, I just love to learn and laugh.

Who is the one person who has had the most influence in your personal life and why?

My mother and father were a large influence on my childhood. Ellen DeGeneres and my sisters were and still are a huge influence on my adult life. I love Ellen for her humor, kindness and her super generosity in helping others.

What one person, living or dead, real or fictitious, would you like to sit down and have a conversation with, and why? 

If I could sit and talk to someone it would be Ellen. We share similar history and have the same personality.

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

My advice to aspiring writers is:  Have an original idea worth writing about. Please know your grammatical rules, tenses and spelling. Don't assume because you work from home the job doesn't require just 40 hours. It's a lot of work that can be frustrating, exciting, frustrating (oh, I mentioned that one!) and be prepared to work very hard to write it over and over until you can almost memorize what you wrote. There is a great deal of editing!  Make sure you know how to promote your book with marketing if you self-publish. If you get a publisher who promotes for you, it will cost you.  Make sure you also believe in what you are doing. You will have days where you can't stop writing and other days where you can't think anymore!

Do you have a book cover to share with us?

Any links to share with us?

Here are a list of sites I can be found on:

 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-to-do-before-you-say-i-do-susan-ziggy/1114171945?ean=9781481707138

http://www.susanziggy.com/  website and blog

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Ziegelhofer/215345305274338

http://www.amazon.com/What-Do-Before-You-Say/dp/1481707140

http://books.google.com/books/about/What_to_Do_Before_You_Say_I_Do.html?id=hoDaiVkofUsC

http://www.ahbrowne.com/2013/05/book-review-what-to-do-before-you-say-i.html

or just google susan ziggy on google (not ask) and I am everywhere

Thank you, Susan, this has been fun.  Good luck to you.

Schedule of Upcoming Author interests

Dear Happy Readers,

     We have a fantastic week planned for you here at Vision and Verse.  We have not one, but three terrific authors for you to get to know this week.
     On Tuesday, we have Susan Ziggy, the sweet and slightly zany self-help author who shares her life advice with us on how to improve our relationships.
     On Wednesday, poet and fantasy writer Neil Orr shares with us a little down to earth writing advice and tells us a little about himself. 
     On Thursday, historian C.J. Adrien shares with us some insights into his interesting work, his upcoming new book, and his personal inspirations.
     And on Friday I will be sharing an excerpt from LORD OF BLAKELEY, my latest installment in the Time After Time series, and the first one to be graced with a cover created by the talented Mr. Parker Kauffman.
     And don't forget, THE BASLICATO, my third novel, is being offered as a free download on amazon.com Monday, July 22,  and Tuesday, July 23.
     Here's to a great week!
     Hugs,
     Carol 

Free Book Promotion THE BASLICATO

Dear Happy Readers,
     I am pleased to announce that I am doing a free book promotion  at amazon. com.  My third novel, THE BASLICATO, is being offered free from midnight Monday, July 22 to 11:59, a minute before midnight on July 23, 2013.  This is an ebook download in kindle format.
     Remember my novels don't need to be read in order.  You just need to know that this particular pair of reincarnated lovers, Richard and Nicole, seem to find each other in different places, at different times, at different stages of their lives, and in some novels, on a planet that is not Earth.
     THE BASLICATO takes place in Utah and Ohio, and in the beautiful southern Italian province of Basilicata.  It is the story of a famous race car driver who sustains injuries, and of the doctor who treats him.  Fast cars, hot guys, beautiful scenery, crazy exes.  This novel has it all.  It has been called a favorite by many who have read the first four.
     Hugs,
     Carol