Creative Spotlight
When Words Sing: A Review of ECHO by Pam Muñoz Ryan
by Lisa A Kramer
I close the book with tears in my eyes. Tears of joy and hope, because of a story that comes full circle. Tears of sadness and fear, because the words of historical fiction too closely reflect similar word being spouted as political rhetoric today. Aching tears because of the beauty of words blended together in a song of perfection--the type I yearn to be able to write myself, but fear I never will. Tears of disappointment because it is over.
There are only two things that frustrate me about this book. One, is that I want to hear the music playing . . . I am tempted to get an audio version for just that reason. At the same time, I...
There are only two things that frustrate me about this book. One, is that I want to hear the music playing . . . I am tempted to get an audio version for just that reason. At the same time, I...
Sharing the Honor: A Review of Stella Rose
by Lisa A Kramer
I work in a competitive field--or actually, many competitive fields (theatre, writing, academia). Yet, I've never been good at the competition thing. I believe in giving helping hands to people, and encouraging them to achieve their dreams.
In particular, I believe that women need to help women. In a world which is still ruled by patriarchy--it makes sense that we help each other, support each other, respect each other. Sadly, that doesn't happen often. I've run into many women who push other women down when they feel threatened. I've been hurt by several of them, and I never understood why. I just want to do good work. I'm not out to steal anyone's glory.
I don't want to be one of those...
In particular, I believe that women need to help women. In a world which is still ruled by patriarchy--it makes sense that we help each other, support each other, respect each other. Sadly, that doesn't happen often. I've run into many women who push other women down when they feel threatened. I've been hurt by several of them, and I never understood why. I just want to do good work. I'm not out to steal anyone's glory.
I don't want to be one of those...
An Open Letter to Elizabeth Gilbert
by Lisa A Kramer
Dear Elizabeth,
I hope you don't mind me calling you by your first name. It seems too formal to call you Ms. Gilbert, when I'm writing a letter explaining why you and I should be friends.
No, don't worry . . . this isn't a stalkery kind of letter. I picture our friendship as the kind where we meet once in a blue moon at a cozy coffee shop somewhere, or perhaps (if we are feeling a little adventurous) at a small lunch restaurant serving exotic and flavorful foods. We will each order something different and a little bit decadent, then compare and contrast our selections. Maybe we will share, but I'm telling you now that if it is melt-in-your-mouth delicious I...
I hope you don't mind me calling you by your first name. It seems too formal to call you Ms. Gilbert, when I'm writing a letter explaining why you and I should be friends.
No, don't worry . . . this isn't a stalkery kind of letter. I picture our friendship as the kind where we meet once in a blue moon at a cozy coffee shop somewhere, or perhaps (if we are feeling a little adventurous) at a small lunch restaurant serving exotic and flavorful foods. We will each order something different and a little bit decadent, then compare and contrast our selections. Maybe we will share, but I'm telling you now that if it is melt-in-your-mouth delicious I...
Singularity Cover Reveal: The Power of Community, Support, and Social Media
by Lisa A Kramer
While the act of writing might be a solitary one, in the modern world of books the reality is that in order to succeed even the most talented author needs help. Sure, those with more traditional contracts have teams of support (if they are lucky) from editing to publicity , but there is no guarantee. When published through smaller, independent publishing houses (like Word Hermit Press) or self-publishing, it becomes even more important to develop a team of supporters to help spread the word and make sure your work is the best possible product. You need reliable beta-readers, fantastic editors, and a supportive network that believes in your work and wants to see it succeed. This can be a challenge for...
Creative Spotlight: Lemonade and Holy Stuff
by Lisa A Kramer
I have a love-hate relationship with the concept of self-publishing. I know it can be done well, and in the back of my mind I am still flirting with the possibility for my own work. There are ample examples of self-published author's who are extremely talented writers but who chose or were forced into the less traditional path for any number of reasons:
They can't get a foot in the tiny crack of an open door to a traditional publishing house
They write in a genre or a mix of genres that are difficult to categorize
They haven't found the "agent in the haystack" that loves their work--a search which is akin to internet dating without the ability to even ask a single...
Creative Spotlight: Paintings by Pak
by Lisa A Kramer
It struck me very recently how many amazingly talented people I've "met" since I started blogging, or throughout my life. I'm not just talking about writer's, but artists of all types. The one thing that many of these people have in common is that they are trying to get their work out in a flawed system--a system of gatekeepers which only values certain genres, types of art, or names of artists. This is frustrating for a person like myself who believes that the arts should be part of everyone's lives, and that talent is not defined only by expertise.
"Cultural democracy implies placing importance on amateurs and on creating conditions which will allow people to choose to be active participants rather than...
