I Can Forgive, It's the Forgetting that's getting me...

The strangest week this has been. Health wise--not the best. I've been exhausted, lack of energy and generally feeling like crap. Add to that, I'm not sleeping. Seriously, I haven't slept in almost four days with cat naps and period of dozing each night. All together I think I've slept 4 hours accumulative.

But it's not been all bad. I hit the Best Sellers list on Amazon with Love's Bitter Harvest hitting #13 in drama fiction. That was amazing and I cried happy, ugly tears more than once as it climbed the charts. 

I put out a novella in my Shadow-Keepers series about the main Boss/God - BOUNCE. I love the big guy and I really enjoyed revealing just a small sampling of the secrets that will be unwoven throughout the series. 

Of a more personal and dear to me- Well, you have to know my family to understand this, but maybe you  have something to relate to in your own.

My dad is a huge reader. He loves spy novels, political and legal thrillers, WWII and most of all, westerns. Needless to say, I write none of those. I brought them a signed copy of Love's Bitter Harvest in hopes my step-mother of course could enjoy it. I was there recently and found my dad was doing the ultimate Ward Ritual with something worth reading. 

He was reading it while in the john. That's right, my dad was reading MY book while in the bathroom. Now, before you laugh too hard, you have to understand. When I was growing up there were always magazines and books in the bathroom. Don't know if it's a southern thing or not, but it was always the norm. As my father's health declined that practice stopped and it saddened me in a way. The only time my dad read now was standing at the kitchen counter as he took another breathing treatment (he has to do about a half-dozen a day) to distract from the reality of how bad his health had become. But it had been years since reading material was in the bathroom. 

But to know my dad, was reading MY book in a place that once meant a get-away from all that was outside in the room (the only private place in a busy home) to escape once again, in a place I just always thought was normal, brought tears to my eyes. My dad and I  haven't always gotten along and we haven't always been close. But to know he's gotten into my romance and was actually taking it with him where ever he went to read to actually read, just...it's hard to explain what it means to me.

Feel free to laugh now. 

The next thing that hit me is I was discussing the book with my stepmother and she asked why I didn't write my story. Just from the small bit I have actually talked about and she knew, she thought everyone needs to read it and see that life isn't always easy, but so worth the battle. I had to think about it. 

See, I  had a bad childhood and there's secrets that I don't think anyone needs to know. I survived a domestic violent marriage and still carry the shame that I didn't leave the first time that fist hit me or when that boot kicked me or my head hit a wall. You can't explain to anyone that hasn't been in that situation why you didn't just go. I ask myself that all the time. "Why didn't I just go?" 

But when you're a victim of abuse, your mind is just as beaten up as the rest of you is. Your heart too. It's battered and confused, sore and just wanting to curl up until the pain goes away. You want to wait until you heal...wait until your stronger...then you make that choice. Unfortunately, that healing never comes when you get beaten again before it has a chance. It changes your mind and you just get to the point that this is as good as it gets. That you deserve this. That this is all you are worth. It's so hard to explain to others who just will never get it. 

And I sure don't want my family--the few member of it I actually give a damn about how they feel about me--to see the humility of what I was then.

Then you have the suicide...that could have been so much worse in the fact that I could have been killed too? Yeah, that's not something you want to dive back into. That day lives enough over and over in my nightmares and even when I'm awake with my PTSD. I sometimes think that if I write it out, it will stop. But that means opening up all that pain and horror, loss I still in a twisted way, feel. Not to mention, battling thoughts of suicide myself is still an ongoing war. And something I still haven't been strong enough to talk to Rob's family about. And until I do that? I can't possibly write it all. Soul Bound is as close as I have been able to get in even touching that pain and tragedy. 

My stepmother said put it as a work of fiction--people need to read it. People need to know how strong you are. That made me cry too. 

See, I haven't gotten past the shame, the fear and the grief I guess. I can't say I won't someday, but that someday isn't here.  I am getting better and I'll hold on to that and I'll continue to do so.

But to just have my parents support, even when I don't seem to feel like I'm worth it, is so amazing. They are truly a love story. Even when my dad is being mean as heck to her and she's being mean to him right back, for over 40 years, its weathered it all. Does love even happen like that anymore? I have my very real doubts.

So, my novel is proudly now thought of as a Bathroom Read and my story is one that they feel I need to share....it's enough for me. Someday, maybe, the story that keeps me up some nights, haunts my sleep and has warped my days will be told.

But that day isn't here yet. 

Someday....

But just saying SOMEDAY to that. Is SOMETHING. 

I can be proud of that.

Take care.

Oh, the Places I Go!: Going Places with Jas T. Ward!!!

Oh, the Places I Go!: Going Places with Jas T. Ward!!!: Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing Jas T. Ward author of The Shadow-Keepers Series and romance novel - Love's Bitter Harvest. ...

I WANT TO LIVE ON MARS...No Seriously...it's true.

I admit I rarely look at social media such as Facebook, Twitter’s news feed and or updates. It just takes up far too much of my time and to consider it a “news” source, is completely unrealistic—I end up spending more time plugging the “facts” that some people post into Snopes to find out if they’re even true. Nine out of ten times, nope, hoax.

So I turn to CNN for my news. You know—a news venue with sources, and reports and handy-dandy stuff like that. I check it on my TV when I wake up, before I go to bed and sometimes a few times during the day. Just to be aware.

Have you checked it out today? I mean, pull yourself away from Facebook or Instagram or whatever life and time devouring electronic folly you’re divested in and check it. 

Our world is a _____ mess. I’m serious. We have the horrible unrest in Ferguson. The public beheading of a journalist by ISIS (and learning that DOZENS of journalist have gone missing for YEARS….YEARS), a Texas governor treating an indictment like a press event, Ebola being found in our country and Jewish people being treated horribly here over things that happen far, far away in Israel. As I scroll through the headlines, I am DESPERATE to find something positive and uplifting and I clicked on the Mars Rover (Curiosity—cute name) pictures, surely there, would some calming perspective, some salvation for mindless mental wandering. I found myself noting how nice the weather looks there. 

 

The landscapes on Mars are like our deserts here, sure, but look at that nice day! And no trash, or abandoned buildings, no riots or police in gear to prevent it. It has no Gaza strip or cures for diseases that are suddenly found when American’s are at risk (yeah, that bothers me too). The sky is clear and the sand looks kinda comfy. Oh sure, I was raised like many of you to think that Mars was full of storms and acid and we would die within seconds, but Curiosity sure makes it look like a nice getaway.  

This had me wondering—how bad is our world becoming when I sit and dream of going to Mars. The one considered the most hostile planet in our universe? In the 50's, 60’s and 70’s the films, comic and books were filled with Martians attacking Earth to destroy mankind and take away our good life. We became fans of movies like Independence Day in the 90’s showing how mankind can conquer bigger, stronger and more intelligent armies from Mars. Heck, we can even give a great Presidential speech about it to rally the troop. Even in the past few years, we had movies about aliens attacking and us winning (loved Battle for Los Angeles). We simply always rely on aliens from far away being the bad guys.

Now, the invasion, the battles, the fights and, sad to say, the bad guys are ourselves. And even our own government would somehow fight over who would give the rally speech, back and forth until no speech ever happened because they couldn’t agree. Which even if they did agree, some protesters would find a way to find fault, or analyze or make some mean-spirited meme to destroy any good intention of said speech and those who did find something enriching in it would be beaten with tea cups. It’s ridiculous and so discouraging. 

So, as I look at how nice and peaceful Mars is, jealous of the rover for such an escape, I have to ask myself if aliens from anywhere in the universe would want to come to earth. I know I sure wouldn’t.  They most likely, as I do, tune into CNN with some really good alien HD and go, oh no, no way are we going there. Look at that! They fight among themselves. They take each others heads. They riot and scream at injustice while some are looting and taking advantage. And the very armies they use to protect, they attack.  Sure, they’re distracted so they’d be an easy take down, but look at the planet itself? 

They can’t even protect what’s protecting them.

So the aliens move on for more viable resources and take-overs. After all...Earth looks like a very hostile planet.

Why destroy us when we’re already doing such a good job ourselves? 

Yep, Mars is looking pretty good right now

Readers Just Aren't Ready.....Hmmm

I have been a reader far longer than I have been a writer. Books of all kinds have been my salvation, my haven and my escape. I read everything as I can—fiction, non-fiction, romance, sci-fi, paranormal, drama and historical (too many to mention really).  Each book gives something I might need at the time. Laughter, some sizzle, some insight into the inner workings of a character that can’t possibly exist except in fantasy and sometimes just a good “ole” fashioned good ride. 

As a published author and prior to that ghost-writer, I have dove into almost every genre pool there is out there to swim in. Some of it was duty and other works were a delight. There is truly a reader for every form of novel out there.  I’ve done short stories, poetry, advertising and news copy, right down to greeting cards and blurbs for products. You name it, I’ve probably done it or came so close that we waved and said hello.

Where am I going with all this? Right, get to the point Ward and stop yammering. 

I recently published my latest title- “Love’s Bitter Harvest” and I will admit I am very proud of the book.  It’s in the contemporary romance genre, but nothing about LBH is conventional. The male is every bit as handsome, strong, passionate, and strong-willed and a down right stubborn ass as any romance out there.  He loves and hates just as equally due to his own misguided beliefs in what life is supposed to owe and what love is all about.  He can cause a woman to swoon with a smile, heat with a glance and isn’t afraid to claim what he feels he had a right to—the woman he loves.  With growls, brutal kisses and a strong heart that will not let go of what it knows he needs.  Even if he denies it and everything else. 

Sounds typical right? 

Except for one thing—Matt has a tragedy and finds himself a paraplegic. 
Oh, that’s a bit different, you say. 

Of course it is. It’s what I strive for (romance- the Ward way).

So, I wrote a strong, powerful, sexually tension filled love story about two very realistic characters. There’s no heaving breasts, chiseled never wearing a shirt main female and male. Just two very complicated people trying to get past the pain of their history together and either move on or take a chance. It has grief, loss, tragedy and all the things that, oh yeah, real life has in it. There’s no arch villain, no life-saving need and no evil plot to conquer the world. There’s also tons of laughter, sweet kisses, memories of innocence and believe it or not…a happy ending. Perhaps not the perfect ending where the hero walks into the sunset with a beautiful perfect woman in his arms, their hair billowing out behind them, her swooning against his perfect chest…but it’s the perfect ending to Matt and Katy’s story as I feel they wholeheartedly deserved. 

I know the trends in the literary world right now; I am a partner in a publishing house after-all.  That erotica, romances and paranormal are flying onto e-readers and into readers TBR’s faster than anyone could have ever imagined. That same genre has been wonderful to me as Madness continues to get sales more than 8 months since it was published, as well as reviews. For that I am grateful.  I too enjoy the sometimes sinful and wicked pleasure of a good sensual read with beings that can’t possibly show up and make me melt in my own bed. Because they don’t exist, I admit, but are fun to imagine. 

With Love’s Bitter Harvest, I wanted to write a book that would not be an escape as much as an uplifting of the human spirit with people and issues we can all identify because we have “been there, done that” or know of someone that has.  A book that changes your view and perhaps makes you think about how one simple action, a single event, can change any of us, at any time. And what would we do. 

A novel. A thought provoking, tear jerking, laughter and joy filled…novel.  You know, one of those things. 
So, as with many of us, the pimping after its release began.  

I love bloggers and other social media groups that are there for us authors. They have been so instrumental in getting the word out about my books in the past. The fans as well, which I couldn’t think of writing a single word without, helped blast the news of LBH. 

But weeks went by, and most of the blogs which have been so helpful and wonderful in the past, simply weren’t responding.  I inquired and inquired again.  Nothing.  I scrambled to see is some negative vine had woven its way into my creative literary garden and found nothing. (I did have a hate fest from some going for about a week related to Madness, but their threats were apparently just that—threats).  So I was boggled as to why I wasn’t getting the assistance I had gotten in the past. 

Finally, an honest and sincere blog (one of the biggest) sent me an email back. They had good intentions and they did not say it in any harsh way; only in the spirit of letting me know they weren’t sure they could or would promo and review LBH. Or if any blogger would take it on. 

Very simply put, it was this:

They didn’t think romance readers or any reader was ready for a character or a love story about someone in a wheelchair.  That almost all their reviewers and readers were into erotica, romance and paranormal. 
Basically, LBH wasn’t what was popular right now. Or what was accepted nor expected. 

Read that again. 

What??

I was so proud, and still am of this book. I love Matt and Katy.  Sure, they aren’t heroes and they have flaws and difficulties. And we aren’t talking about bad-ass angst against the world with a woman who has to imagine what he might be like with clothes ON. In a world of social media, reality TV (which is scripted and not any reality I am a part of) and fantasy avenues, shouldn’t we try to give a chance to a focus on real stories? Stories that are believable and real, with characters that we can see something of ourselves in? One that leaves us crying with joy, laughing at the scenes we can so see ourselves in or cheering when love conquers true and honest obstacles? 

You know…life.

Now for those who haven’t read LBH, let me make this clear. It’s not all tragedy and tears. It’s full of humor, love, sweetness and yes, sizzling sexual tension. All that have read it say they don’t even remember that Matt is disabled. The wheelchair is no more than a prop as with any novel. His disability NOT what makes the character. They love the overpowering “love conquers all” theme to the story—even when we fight against the victory with all that we are.  The romance is not the purpose of the book and nor should it be. It’s a side-bar to two people’s story that needed to be told and shared with us to maybe go away feeling enriched, happy and know it could be as real as we are.  And just like we should all strive to be—inspiring despite all the odds life throws at us. 

It would be different if reviewers and others gave this book a chance and THEN decided what readers aren't ready for. If they at least gave it more of a look than seeing what it’s about and judging it. If they weren't indeed romance reviewers who ingest dozens of the genre sometimes daily and decide to or not to spotlight it. They are reviewers—judging is what they do. 

I have always stood by the notion that no one should judge what a reader wants to read. Or chooses not to. I may not understand it (50 Shades of Grey success just confuses me) but I think it is every readers right to purchase, read and review whatever they wish. 

On that same stance, I give readers credit. I have stated this in interviews, blog posts, etc and feel that readers are deeper, smarter and more insightful than many publishers give them credit for. Or, in this case, some bloggers. 

I have never written for the masses nor have I written something just to get sales or attention.  I write as the creative drive demands and hope someone will read it. I believe when a writer begins worrying about sales, award and spotlight they will no longer be true to their creative muse.  And that muse hangs their head in shame for the beauty that once was. 

To write, to write. TADA!

Not to say I wouldn't LOVE to have a best-seller and write night and day rather than have a 9-to whenever I’m done job and other obligations.  But that should be the REWARD not the purpose for doing what we do. 

LBH was inspired by real paraplegic couples I had worked with in the past. It’s also inspired by that little white-haired man that visits his wife in the nursing home even though she doesn't know who he is. It’s inspired by that young couple who have a tragedy and can’t seem to stop holding each other’s hand, even when events are tearing them apart. LBH is about hardship and pain, love and passion and all the things that can test marriages, families and friendships. 

LBH is about finding strength. In seeing that love isn't as perfect as a romance. But still as wonderful as it can be. 

Back on point—

LBH may not ever reach the levels of promo and sales of my other titles. And at first, I admit, I was pissed (not at the blog—they were very kind in being honest) that the book wasn't even given a chance. That while it might be a beautiful, touching and heartwarming story—it’s just not what readers want and wouldn't get even a look. 

I get it. I really do. But to me, that’s like telling a child “Now Bobby, you know you can’t dance” before the music even starts or little Bobby takes one step up on the stage. See, I've been Bobby.  I've been the one who let my stubbornness and pride stop me from loving. I've been the one looked at and judged not what people wanted. I've been told to conform and give the people what they want (Soul Bound….) and refused. 

So, I’ll just have to be happy that those who have read Love’s Bitter Harvest loved it. That while it may not be the same as all the other popular books out there, it’s a book I stand by and am proud of. That even if it doesn't get sales, highlights and spotlights, it still did it’s purpose.

To tell the story of Matt and Katy. To use them as an example of how so many couples face hardships and disabilities and find love on the other side of the darkness that tears apart some, and strengthens others.  That if it gets in the hands of ONE person who reads it and goes out and does something good for either themselves or someone in need through charity, good deeds are just a smile—I’m okay with that. 
Because just like the book says—Sometimes the harshest ground, the most bitter fruit….was worth the harvest and what we made of it. 

P.S. – Oh, and those of you that may be wondering….I’m writing another romance. Guess what it’s about? Heh, mental illness and love.  

Oh and if you want to prove this little running dude wrong? Heh...here's the links to buy the book. Don't worry, I think you're more than ready. ;)

http://www.amazon.com/Loves-Bitter-Harvest-Romance-Ward-ebook/dp/B00LE525RQ

Til' The Last Page Book Blog: BOOK SPOTLIGHT~ LOVE`S BITTER HARVEST by Jas T. Wa...

Til' The Last Page Book Blog: BOOK SPOTLIGHT~ LOVE`S BITTER HARVEST by Jas T. Wa...:       BLURB   Romance- The Ward Way Matt and Katherine McCall were high-school sweethearts and in love from first kiss. But tim...

The Hostile Publishing War, Cats and Cookies

 

So, I’ve written this blog post most likely two-dozen times in the last month or so and each time I find myself lamenting over whether it’s too harsh or the total opposite—too nice.  So I have decided to just post it in its latest revision and if it hurts feelings or pisses people off, so be it. All of you should know me well enough by now to know I don’t pull punches but always do try to throw them with some level of respect and honor. But they are punches nonetheless.

 

The past few months we have been in some sort of weird war in the literary world. A once (in my mind anyway) giving, caring and supportive indie world has become just the opposite. I have sat by and watched in dismay and disgust as more and more talented authors, no matter the level or reputation, rip each other apart. Who is one author over another to put down, malign or judge another author? It’s sickening to see some do negative, harmful and shattering reviews in order to taint the readership of another author. Are we, as a community, honestly fighting over a $.99 - $9.99 sale? Are we really scared that a reader may buy this book over that book because we, under a guise of reader or a profile created just to harm, posted negativity about a work or an author?

Hate to tell you this kiddies, but readers are starting to put little to no value in reviews. And that is truly the sad part in all this. The ones who are the true victims in this “hostile” environment are the readers.  And even more disheartening?

Our books.

ASSHOLE DISCLAIMER HERE: I don’t care if you write a novella, a short, an erotica or a heartfelt tell-all. I could give one breath of air if you wrote smut, or humor, paranormal or sci-fi. The only thing I have EVER stated (and I dare anyone to present evidence to the contrary) is that WHATEVER it is—make sure it’s well-written (edited and done the best it can be). Don’t toss anything out there that isn’t worthy of a reader to buy or spend the time reading. Be it for free or a million dollars. The READERS and our BOOKS deserve the best we have to offer. There—let’s stop with the mentality of I am against indies. I’m not. Never have been.

I’m just against someone not doing their best. AND NO ONE can judge someone’s best effort other than the person who has attempted it or a reader (guess what? I’m a reader too—SURPRISE!!).  I personally foresee in the very near future Amazon and Goodreads as well as other review text-field retailers changing their system to a STAR system only—Amazon is already heading that way with removing gift-card exchange reviews and non-verified purchase reviews being discussed.  As for those who wish to use the venue in a mean, spiteful manner until it all changes….

Shut up. Seriously. Talking trash makes you the same (sorry, my southern came out—tucks it away).

I am SO tired of seeing good people reduce themselves to being venomous and low. I am also sick of getting told about Authors who scream for attention by saying they were threatened, by crying wolf of viciousness and sobbing when someone was mean to them. Trust me, there’s enough meanness in life without creating it for attention. I am also just as weary of those that pimp out their books so desperately as if they are begging.  

Don’t beg. Boast. Crow. Sing and cheer about your book. But fellow authors—do so in a proud way. I know it’s called pimping—but even hookers have pride on which corner they stand. I admire them for that (they will CUT YOU J). But just like we become jaded to those we see on the street where we don’t even see them, readers become jaded to your pimping when it become spam.

And gratitude and thanks to all the good, honorable and gracious authors out there. You can stop reading here, but hey, why not read all the way?…Totally up to you. Just keep doing what you’re doing. I got your  back. See you at the cookies (Trust me, their coming).

But back to the current state of affairs (what can I say—I tripped over a soap box on the way back to the topic. Those pesky things are sneaky)-

I really wish the mission of the indie world would go back to being a helpful, encouraging, pure one.  I do my best to be respectful and honorable. I purposely, albeit with remorse, avoid my newsfeed. Which means I also miss the good news—new book releases, a new contract, someone getting a fabulous review. It’s a shame, but I see more negative than good and my personal world is just hard enough to deal with in reality than to allow all that negativity in.

I have SO much respect for the authors out there. The ones that are brave enough to present the reading world with something they have created. If you have never published a book or story—indie or traditional—it is the HARDEST thing for a creative person to do. It involves fear, excitement, stress and jubilation. Even if just one person read your work—it’s validation that someone read…

YOUR WORDS. YOUR WORLD. YOUR CHARACTERS. YOUR INNER VOICES.  YOU DID IT!

And that? Is so worth it. It really is. And if more than one read it? And liked it? 100x fold in joy. It’s a endorphin, adrenalin fueled thrill like none other.

SIMPLE FACT: A reader is a reader. Say it with me people-

A READER IS A READER

And with that being the basic fact of it, there is more than enough room for them to read all of our works. They may only put it in the ever growing TBR pile (thanks e-readers for making that the norm….insert some sideways sarcasm here) but regardless—something about your book intrigued them. The blurb, the cover, the character. SOMETHING…

So since readers are just that…readers, don’t we all think it’s time to STOP trying to make them read one title over someone else’s through malicious ways?  To put a halt in trying to harm another author via social media and reviews so we can somehow restore some pride and respect in the indie world? So that readers can get some much deserved relief from the petty war that has blown out of proportion by bitterness, jealously and greed? Trust me—they are just as tired, if not more, than we are. They just want to read. Let them decide what. It’s up to us to just offer for them to choose. Simple…

If you are REALLY that desperate to prevent another author from making their sale, no matter what YOU might think of the work, we’ll just start a “Desperate I’ve Lost My Self-Respect Author” fund and dish out some money so that everyone reaps the reward. The sale is made and you have an extra $.99 in your “learn to be nice to others” fund. We’ll use Google forms for sign ups (I just love those things...don’t you?).

SOME WISDOM: Look—I’ve been in the writing world for YEARS…longer than some of you have been alive (shut up, I am not that old) and I can tell you it has always been a tough world. One full of negative reviews.

 Some people just don’t drink THAT cup of tea AT ALL and others just can’t be made happy. It’s why some have cats. Cat’s don’t care, dogs do (Dog person myself…shrugs). Little to no sales beyond grandmom and family as well as just not understanding why your book is not on the very top of the New York Times or USA Today or the Wall Street Journal best sellers list (I’m sorry,  but I find that last one rather amusing…). All of those things are just the nature of the business.

But once again—back to the topic at hand.

Social media has given so many weapons to those who never went through safety with sharp, pointy things class or even watched a cheesy video on how not to do harm. It’s dissipated moral and ethic filters that once used to be hard-wired into our social consciousness. Funny how it took social media to destroy that.  And quite tragic.

I have been most fortunate thus far. I have the greatest fan-base, the most supportive family and friends as well as support at DBP and its contractors that I’ve never been a focus of these attacks (now, now, that IS NOT an invite…read back up if you thought it was. There might be a pop-quiz later).

But in all honesty? I’ve tried my best to be helpful to all. Every day I get a dozen inboxes or more from fellow writers, students and other asking for advice. Do I know why? Not a single damn clue. Have I ignored a single one of them? Nope.  

Maybe it’s because they see I try and don’t rant, vent or spew. I don’t try to get pity nor do I try to beg for someone to please read my book. (It’s like the best ever!! I promise….pppfpppt) Or maybe it’s because I try to give them whatever advice I can. None of it is life-changing, but every bit of it is sincere and honest.  I also usually don’t review. Very rarely do I (face it; I write big, meaty books… I just don’t have the time) but if I do get asked to do a review or get sent a sneak, I am honest with what they took the time out to send me. If it’s bad? I’m honest—but do I toss it out there to try to harm that writer? No. I do so privately and even offer advice. And always, always, always—respect.

THE POINT:  Perhaps that is what’s missing. Too many have forgotten what respect is. It is not gained in the sales you have. It’s not merited in the way you walk the walk or talk the talk. It’s not measured in how important you or even others think you are.

It’s in how you TREAT others. It’s earned by making a positive and productive example for others to see.  It’s how when you go to bed at night or in the early glimmers of dawn after writing or (that evil word) editing—you lay your head down and know you did something good and right today. You made it through a whole day without ripping into someone—whether you thought they deserved it or not. That you made a positive difference in those last span of hours of life you were blessed to have—to yourself or to someone else.

When you think about it? Respect is the key to pretty much any social issue—if bullies respected more they would bully less. If haters respected love—they would hate less. If authors respected other authors—

This blog post wouldn’t even be needed.

Just more cats and tea. And cookies. We could all share them because we can all be friends. I like chocolate-chip myself.  

Take care of yourself and others.

-J

Floating

There is an escape in sleep.
When the mind, the sound and hustle just whispers and is gone.
When the pain releases its hold, pulls free its claws.
And you can just fall and float away.

The day pulses by and work pushes as pressure crushes.
But then the night falls, whether light or dark.
And every one of us looks forward to sleeps hark
To fall and float away.

We close our eyes behind lids and lashes.
We lets ourselves drown in quiet and dark splashes.
Dreams or nightmares both end and came to take us away.
To fall...

And float...

Away.