Week of August 19 through August 24, 2013

Mon.,   Aug. 19   Excerpt from LORD OF BLAKELEY

Tues.,  Aug.  20   Interview with Author N. J. Cole

Wed.,   Aug. 21   Excerpt from BLUE LAKE 

Thurs., Aug. 22   Excerpt from Waiting for Richard

Fri.,      Aug. 23   Excerpt from CHARMING DECEPTION

Sat.,     Aug. 24   Interview with Author Sandra Shrewsbury 

THE VORTICISM MOVEMENT

VORTICISM was a short-lived modernist art movement originating in London in the early 20th century.  Appearing in1914 and partly influenced by Cubism, the movement favored a geometric style, leaning towards the abstract, and rejecting landscape and nude form.

Wyndham Lewis was the key figure establishing the Vorticist group at the Rebel Art Center.  Lewis saw the movement as an independent alternative to Cubism, Futurism, and Expressionism.  Vorticism embraces dynamism, the machine age, and all things modern.  Paintings in this style depict modern life in an array of bold lines and harsh colors which draw the viewer into the center of the work.

Before the Vorticist group, the Rebel Art Center exhibited experimental painting and sculpture by Lewis, Edward Wadsworth, and others that used angular abstraction.  It was contemporary and often compared to the works of European artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Frantiset Kupka.  Only one Vorticist exhibition was ever held.  In 1915, works by Lewis, William Roberts, Helen Saunders, and Edward Wadsworth, were displayed at the Dore Gallery in London.

The onset of WWI and public apathy largely lead to the break up of the movement.  Wyndham Lewis briefly tried to revive the movement around 1920, using the name Group X, but was unsuccessful.  Although Lewis is seen as the main character of the movement, it has been debated that this may have been due to his many contacts and self-promotion, rather than the quality of his work.

An exhibition called Wyndham Lewis and Vorticism  at the Tate Gallery in 1956, highlighted his place in the movement.  Other exhibits since then include, The Vorticists; Rebel Artists in London and New York, 1914-1918, in 2010 and 2011 at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, and The Vorticists; Manifesto For a Modern World in 2011 at the Tate Britain.

Image above, "The Crowd" by Wyndham Lewis.

C R W NEVINSON

,

CHRISTOPHER RICHARD WYNE NEVINSON (1889-1946)  known also by C R W Nevinson and Richard Nevinson, was one of the most notable British artists in the era of WWI.  The son of a war correspondent and journalist father and writer mother, Nevinson was schooled in the early years at Uppingham School and later studied at St John's Wood School of Art.  The work of Augustus John inspired him to go on to attend the Slade School of Art in London.

After departing Slade, Nevinson became friends with Marinetti, radical writer and leader of the Italian Futurists and with Rebel Art Center founder, Wyndham Lewis.  As WWI broke out, Nevinson joined the Friends Ambulance Unit where he worked caring for wounded soldiers and serving as an ambulance driver.  Poor health forced him to return to Britain.  His war time experience became the subject matter of some extremely powerful paintings, of which artist Walter Sickert wrote; "will probably  remain the most authoritative and concentrated utterance on the war in the history of painting".

Nevinson went on to volunteer for service in the Royal Army Medical Corp and was soon appointed as an official war artist, making him one of the most famous young English artists of the time..  By 1917, Nevinson's paintings completely lacked any of the effects of the Futurist or Vorticist movements.  At the end of the war he made his way to America and painted several powerful images of New York City.  His exaggerated claims of his war experiences, along with his temperamental  personality did little to endear him to the public and made him numerous enemies in the States.

In 1920, critic Lewis Hind wrote of Nevinson, "it is something at the age of 31, to be among the most discussed, most successful, most promising, most admired, and most hated British artists:".

There is an extensive collection of Nevinson's work at the Imperial War Museum of London.

Image above, "La Mitrailleuse" by C R W Nevinson, 1915.

Interview with Author Sonia Ray

Sonia Lea Ray

Benton, MO

Welcome to Vision and Verse, Sonia.  What have you written?
Hi Carol! Thanks so much for the interview.  My first work to be published is Sweet Tea.  It is a Paranormal Romance and the first book in a seven-volume series called The Three Crowns (T3C).  Sweet Tea will be coming out October 15, 2013.  Here is the blurb:

Elizabeth Lancaster’s life appears normal.  In Lizzie’s world of horses, friends, boundaries, and sweet tea, there is no room for paranormal beliefs, though secrets loom around her in the shadows nonetheless.  But before Lizzie can begin to understand the power of these secrets, or the plan fate has in store for her, Lizzie must try and discover what lies within the mysteries of her own heart.

When a mysterious stranger comes to Fox Meadows, fate steps out of the shadows.  Unexplainable events begin to occur in Lizzie’s life, as well as in her dreams, creating fear, yet eliciting in her a strange notion of wonder at the possibilities.  But Lizzie’s eyes are unable to believe what she sees.  Her lack of experience with affairs of the heart cause her to mistrust her emotions.  She convinces herself that there is an explanation, and these bizarre, and even frightening occurrences must somehow be tied to her unexpected crush on her best friend Rob Jacobs, and her intense draw to the intoxicating stranger, Cain Atchley.

Lizzie’s path to self-discovery becomes twisted, dark, and at times, wicked.  Caught between the passions of two men, Lizzie must follow the path laid before her, and wake the mysteries sleeping in her soul.  Her journey begins with the story of The Three Crowns. 

Sounds interesting!  We'll certainly check it out.  What is your favorite genre to write?
I love writing Paranormal Romance, but I don’t want to put myself in a box when it comes to my imagination and stories that flood my mind.  I have other books that are waiting patiently for me to complete in the genres of Chic-Lit and Fantasy.  I would love to venture out and write a good mystery and it is a goal of mine to write a spine tingling horror story.  As I mentioned before, Sweet Tea is a seven-novel series in which I wrote in 2010.  Behind Sweet Tea is another four-novel series which is YA/Paranormal.  I have a Chic-Lit that was very fun to write (and sexy), behind that, I ventured back into the paranormal world with Fae.  A lot of work out there - it just needs the attention of my Editor.

Favorite food:
I can always eat pizza! A spinach salad with roasted shrimp and vinaigrette dressing is always a delight. As for desserts - anything chocolate will do, but I favor cheesecake. Oh, and of course, my favorite drink would be sweet tea.

Where would you like to visit?
I live in Missouri and have not done much travelling so I would like to visit every state.  We live in a beautiful country with each state holding its own significant beauty.  I want to also travel outside of the states.  In Sweet Tea I mention Australia, Ireland and the Bahamas--there is a big world out there.  I want to see it and experience it!

If you can, go to Venice.  It is wonderful.  Who is your favorite musical artist?
This is a difficult one for me.  I love all kinds of music and have favorites for different reasons. You have to feel music just like you have to feel the words to a good book. It would be impossible for me to pick a favorite musical artist. 

How old were you when you started writing?
I have always written in one form or another, and I did it because I enjoyed writing.  But Sweet Tea is the first work that I have considered publishing.


Where do you get your inspiration?
Life and a BIG imagination!


What do you do when you get a writer's block?
I step away from the computer, pull out some old CDs and belt out some old favorites.  I love to sing - especially with my brother, but unfortunately life is busy and we are unable to get together very often. Yeah, for me, music and writing goes hand-in-hand.  

Who is your favorite author?
Just like music, I have favorite Authors for different reasons.  It would be impossible to name just one.


Best book you ever read.
Sweet Tea :) I love reading anything paranormal and have many favorites in that genre, but I like to read all kinds of books.  I would have to say my favorite story of all time is Pride and Prejudice.  

Name the one person who has influence your personal life the most and why?
Well, I actually have two.  That would be my kids.  It becomes a different world when you have two little beings looking at you.  Although mine are not little any more, they are still my kids and I love them very much.


If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?
Hmmm.  That is a good question.  My mind first traveled to dead people and there are several that I think it would be interesting to talk to.  But I would want to talk to someone that I know who would inspire and be encouraging; especially with my aspirations on being a writer. I think I would have to go with someone living today.  Someone that I probably will never meet, but he has had a huge influence on my writing and my work becoming published.  I would like to sit down and chat with my Editor, John Cameron McClain, just to give him a sincere ‘thanks’ and buy him a Stout.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
YOU MUST HAVE A GREAT EDITOR! Having a professional Editor is a MUST in writing a good book.  Choose one that you connect with and one you feel comfortable in expressing yourself (but for clarity, your Editor is ALWAYS right ;) The journey of being an Author is not for the faint at heart.  You have to have thick skin and believe in yourself and in your work.  And on those days when the block hits, your Editor sends back a manuscript that is solid red, and you just wonder what the hell you are doing; this is when you dig your feet in a little bit deeper and carry on.  Don’t ever, ever give up!

A special thank you to Carol Kauffman for the interview and a spot on Vision and Verse - greatly appreciated!

You are very welcome, Sonia.  It has been our pleasure.  And when the cover of Sweet Tea comes out, send it over and we'll post it.
I will.
Sonya Ray
Author of The Three Crowns series

https://www.facebook.com/SonyaRayAuthorPage
https://twitter.com/RaySonya
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7171272.Sonya_Ray
https://plus.google.com/u/0/108420638510205607486/posts
http://pinterest.com/sonyalearay/sweet-tea/
www.sonyaray.com

Excerpt from THE BASLICATO

   Richard woke up tied to a table in an all white room with bright overhead fluorescent lights.  He was wearing only his underpants.  He was cold.  The door was large with no window.  His head hurt.  He was sick to his stomach.  He had no idea how long he’d been tied up here.
   “Help!  Help!” he called.  He called for quite a long time, until his throat hurt.  No one came.  He fell asleep.
   Some time later, the door opened and Garrett and two very big, burly men entered the room.  Garrett untied him.  Richard sat up and rubbed his aching wrists and ankles to get some circulation in them.
   “Garrett, did you come to release me?”
   “No”
   “Then, are you the one responsible for me being here?”
   “Yes”
   “Garrett!  Why?”
   “Guess!  Here’s some prepackaged food, water, enough for three days. These pills are multiple vitamins.  Take one a day.  There’s a bucket in the corner to relieve yourself.  Someone will be back four days from now.”
   The two big assistants lifted Richard off the table and removed the table from the room.
   “If you behave yourself, I won’t sedate you.  If you don’t behave, then I’ll be forced to drug you up, heavily.  The room is soundproof and you are in a very isolated place.  So shout and yell, carry on all you want, it won’t help.  No one will hear you.”
   “It’s freezing in here.  Can I at least have my shoes and socks?  Please, Garrett.  My feet are freezing!”
   “No”
   “Why?”

   “Because I want you to be uncomfortable.  Cold.  Lonely.  And miserable.”

   “You’ll never get away with this, you know.  You can’t just leave me in here!”
   “Yes, I can.” 
   “And just how long do you plan to keep me here?”
   “Until she forgets you.”

   Garrett and his two accomplices left the room.  Richard heard the locks lock, one dead bolt, one key turning, and the spinning of a combination lock.  Richard looked around.  There was no way out of here.  He banged on the door.  He pounded.  Nothing.  He didn’t eat.  He didn’t drink.  And he sure the hell wasn’t going to take any of Garrett’s so-called vitamin pills.  He thought and thought, how do I get out of here?  Until she forgets me?  My Nicole will never forget me.  Never.  She loves me.  He huddled in a corner.  He nodded off.  He awoke, finding himself sprawled on the floor.  Freezing cold.  Hungry.  Bad headache.  Was it morning?  Or was it the same day?  How do you tell time locked in a room with no windows and the overhead lights stay on all the time. He decided he needed to stay strong.  He ate, he drank, he even took a vitamin pill.  He curled up in the corner and tried to stay warm.  He closed his eyes.

Nicole, find me.  Nicole, find me.  Nicole, find me.  Nicole, find me. Nicole, find me.  Nicole, find me.  Nicole, find me.  Nicole, find me. 

   The phone rang about nine o’clock.

   “Brook, his car was found in the airport parking lot.  No Richard, no baggage.  He wasn’t listed as a passenger on any major airline flight out.  However, four private planes departed between five o’clock and eight o’clock.  Flight plans show one going to San Francisco, one to Cleveland, one to Chicago, and one to Atlanta.”

   “No.  He didn’t leave me.  No.  I know it.  He’s still here.  He’s hurting.  He’s in danger.  I feel it.  I feel him panicking.  He’s cold.  He’s worried.  He’s upset.  Do you honestly believe he left me?”
   “No.  But I think somebody sure wants it to look like he’s left you.”
   “Who?  Sebastian Sharpe?  Why?”
   “I don’t know.  But I don’t think you should be alone tonight.  Have Johnny take you to my house.  My kids will keep you occupied.  My wife will make sure you eat.”
   “That’s very sweet of you and your wife and your kids, Tommy, but I’m staying here.”
   “Okay, okay.   Then Johnny will stay with you overnight.  I’ll call you in the morning.”

   “Okay.  Good night, Tommy.”
   “Tommy says you can go home now, Johnny.  He’ll stop by after work.  Thank you, Johnny.”  She lied. She was glad he wasn’t Tommy.  Johnny wasn’t nearly as good at recognizing a lie as his older brother was.
   “Are you sure?  You’re not still scared?  I think you’re still scared.”
   “Nope.  Not scared.  All better.  Really.  Tommy will be here soon.” She smiled.
   “Okay.  Call me if you need me.”  He gave her a hug and left.  She waited until his car was out of sight.  Then she got into her car and drove to the motel where Richard had been staying.  She parked in front of his room.  She closed her eyes.  She breathed in, out, in, out.  She was trying to pick up… something, a trail, a scent, an image.  Nothing.  She drove.  Come on, Richard John MacKenzie, send me a hint, send me a sign, send me a vibe, she said to herself.  Send me something, Sweetheart!  Nothing.  She drove.  
   The next thing she knew she was in the hospital parking lot.
   “Damn it!  This car automatically comes straight to this hospital!  I have no life.  Hospital.  Hospital.  Hospital.  I’m sorry, My Darling Richard, I really thought I could find you.  I was sure our connection was strong enough to pull me straight to you.  Instead I ended up HERE at this damn hospital!  I’m sorry.”
    She went back home.  She curled up in the bed and cried.  It was ten thirty.  No Richard. Somehow, she fell asleep.  Somehow, morning came.  Somehow, life went on.  Richard was missing.  Their plans were dashed.  She was sick to her stomach.  But, somehow, it was time to get up and get ready to go to work… at the hospital.

Author Interview with Susan Tarr

Susan Tarr

Tauranga, New Zealand

Hello, Susan.  Welcome to Vision and Verse.  We are glad to have you with us.  What have you written?

MIRANDA BAY and SEACLIFF are both published. Another title is due for release 2014.

What is your favorite genre to write?

Romantic comedy/humour and historical fiction

Favorite food.

Chocolate and cheese. Fondu and kiwifruit.

Where would you like to visit?

Greece. To where The Lotus Eaters was filmed. Been a longing for 30 years. I have traveled most of the globe but planned Greece for a later trip, which never eventuated. Originally I sailed to Kenya by 28ft yacht from New Zealand. Then I settled in Kenya for 10 years and had my darling girls. Back then every place was attainable.

Favorite musical artist.

Currently NZ's own Stan Walker, Pink and Adele 

What makes you laugh?

My daughter. She's often one of the characters I write about. Love her to bits with all her made-up words.

How old were you when you started writing?

Seriously writing? I was 30 years old. Living in Kenya. Writing long letters home to Mum. Reassuring her my kiddies were not growing up wild, were wearing real clothes and were speaking real English among other languages.

Very interesting.  Where do you get your inspiration?

From people. Real people make real characters and those characters sparkle and engage from page one.

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

I generally have 3 books on the go at the same time. When I am stuck in one, I switch to another. Even if it's only editing my work. I keep current with my characters and settings so spend time updating cellphones and fashions.

Who is your favorite author?

Another tricky one. Paulo Coelho, Joseph Heller, Louis de Bernieres

Best book you ever read.

I would love to be cheeky enough to answer SEACLIFF but I have read many great books and would find it difficult to settle on one title. So how about two for starters? 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' & 'God Knows'.

SEACLIFF is on my To Read List.  Who is the one person who has influence your personal life the most and why?

My mum, of course. She grew me and groomed me towards my being the woman I am today. When Mum died my daughter took over. She's more blunt.

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

My Mum and Dad. It's only as I get older and less selfish that I realise all the things I would have loved to have asked them about. We miss those opportunities only once they have gone.

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

Just start writing. I often come up with a really good title. I often come up with a really good ending. It doesn't matter where you start. Just start. The 'book' will soon follow.

Covers?

Thank you, Susan, you are delightful.  Good luck to you.  Come back and talk to us again when your new book comes out next year.
Okay, I will.

Do you any links for us?

Susan Tarr http://www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Tarr-Author/536135933104449?ref=hl Susan Tarr - Author

For ebook readers, go here to order:http://www.oceanbooks.co.nz/novels/seacliff-a-regular-boy-within-1.html

GoodReads:http://www.goodreads.com/SusanTarr 

Wheelers //www.google.co.nz/#bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&fp=b7323987f64c7aa7&q=wheelers+books+new+zealand+miranda+bay+susan+tarr

Wheelers//www.google.co.nz/#bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&fp=b7323987f64c7aa7&q=wheelers+books+new+zealand+seacliff+susan+tarr

Email: susan.m.tarr@gmail.com

(2010) TARR, S. Miranda Bay. (Auckland, Mackay Books)

RRP $29.95. ISBN 978-0-9582914-3-9 

(2013) TARR, S. Seacliff: a Regular Boy Within. (Tauranga, Oceanbooks.)

RRP $29.95. ISBN 978-1-927215-31-9

ePub ISBN 978-1-927215-32-6

Mobi ISBN 978-1-927215-33-3

QUOTE ME ON THIS

"It has been said that art is a tryst, for in the joy of it maker and beholder meet."   --Kojuro Tomita

"Art is the desire of a man to express himself, to record the reactions of his personality to the world he lives in." 
--Amy Lowell

"Art is....a question mark  in the minds of those who want to know what's happening."  --Aaron Howard

"The world today doesn't make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do."   --Pablo Picasso

"Art is indeed not the bread but the wine of life." 
--Jean Paul Richter

"Colors are the deeds and sufferings of light."
--Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"Art doesn't have to matter to a lot of people to matter a lot."
--Jeb Dickerson

"What garlic is to salad, insanity is to art."  --Augustus St Gaudens

"Art is spirituality in drag."   --Jennifer Yane

"An artists career always begins tomorrow."  --James Whistler

"Art, like morality, consists in drawing the line somewhere."
--G K  Chesterton

"A great artist is always before his time or behind it."
--George Moore

"While I recognize the necessity for a basis of observed reality, true art lies in a reality that is felt."
--Odilon Redon

"Art is when you hear a knocking from your soul -- and you answer."  --Terri Guellimets

"Fine art is that in which the hand, the head, and the heart of man go together."  --John Ruskin


Image above, "WINTER" by Parker Kaufman, 6 x 9 cardstock composition.

Author Interview with Daryl Devore

Daryl Devore 

The Early Years

Ontario, Canada

So, you're a little camera shy, hmm, Daryl?

Yes

Cute picture, though.  Okay.  So what have you written?

I have four published novels and one work in progress.  A Kept Woman, Sexy Red Hood, Black Dorn and Capri's Fate.

What is your favorite genre to write? 

Erotic romance – although at the moment it's not my favourite as I am stuck in my latest book. Erotic romance is not porn. It is romance with detail. It's not publicly for everyone, but with the advent of ereaders you would be amazed at who is reading it.

Yes, I've noticed that.  No one knows what's on your kindle. And it's very unusual to have a shy erotica writer.  What is your favorite food? 

Chocolate. You can ask anyone who even sort-of knows me. CHOCOLATE!

Where would you like to visit? 

Space.

Favorite musical artist.  And do you listen to music when you write?  What?

Tchaikovsky or Beethoven. No, I don't listen to music when I write. My head would go off on other adventures.

What makes you laugh? 

British comedy. Mr. Bean. Top Gear.

How old were you when you started writing? 

Whatever age someone taught me how to put the words in my head on paper.

Where do you get your inspiration? 

Anything and everywhere triggers an idea which blossoms into a book. I once figured out a book based on a line I thought of while sitting in a hot tub.

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

Whine. Moan. Complain. Bang my head on my laptop. Eat chocolate.

Who is your favorite author? 

Agatha Christie.

Best book you ever read. 

Don't know that I have a "best book". I have favourites that I'll read over and over again. I have one that is a coffee table book of palaces and castles. I can really lose myself in those photos.

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

My daughter. My world had such a paradigm shift when she was born and even today – she's 26 – she challenges my views of the world and makes me look at things differently.

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

Queen Elizabeth II. If it was possible to get her to kick off her shoes, take off her crown, put her feet up and just talk – think of the incredible stories she could tell. The people she has met – world and religious leaders. The moments in history she's lived through.

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

Get a critique group. A real one – not family and friends. I belong to one and although several of us have become friends, we can still point out errors and plot line problems. The perspective of a different set of eyes looking at your work and seeing things from a different angle is so helpful. As writers, we get very attached to our work. Almost obsessively. Each word is crucial to the whole story. A cp (critique partner) has the distance to suggest what works and what doesn't, the old adage is true – can't see the forest for the trees.

Great advice!  Great interview, Daryl.  Thanks for coming.

Where can we find you? 

Blog - http://myeroticnotions.blogspot.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/daryl.devore

Facebook Author Page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Daryl-Devore/280168402052520

Twitter - http://twitter.com/daryldevore

Google+ - Daryl Devore

Wattpad - http://www.wattpad.com/user/DarylDevore

GoodReads Author Page - http://www.goodreads.com/DarylDevore

Amazon Author Page - http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004TJ1354

Plus – Triberr, LinkedIn, SocialOmph etc.

Cover:

AND THE WINNER IS...

Good morning readers.  We are pleased to announce the winner of our latest give-a-way is POPPY.  So Poppy if you'll email your contact information to us at  artstory2013@att.net, we'll get "Tuxedo Cat" shipped off to you.

Thank you to everyone reading and posting comments.  Your support is greatly appreciated.

Photo "Vancouver Sunset" courtesy of Francois Peladeau.

This Week on Vision and Verse

Week of August 19 through August 24, 2013

Mon.,   Aug. 19   Excerpt from LORD OF BLAKELEY

Tues.,  Aug.  20   Interview with Author N. J. Cole

Wed.,   Aug. 21   Excerpt from BLUE LAKE 

Thurs., Aug. 22   Excerpt from Waiting for Richard

Fri.,      Aug. 23   Excerpt from CHARMING DECEPTION

Sat.,     Aug. 24   Interview with Author Sandra Shrewsbury