BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 8 May 2018 – SPECIAL EDITION – BLOGIVERSARY and COVER REVEAL DAY THREE

BLOGWORDS  – SPECIAL EDITION – BLOGIVERSARY and COVER REVEAL DAY THREE

“I’ve been thrown in the deep end.  Of a deep ocean.  In a tidal wave.  And all I want to do is write my stories.”

https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/

 

“the battle for identity… one story at a time”  Stories by Design

Website: two years— http://www.robinemason.com

Blog: five years— http://www.robinsnest212.wordpress.com

and kitties: six years! — meow.kittylove.meow

 

And I missed ‘em all! Leastways, I missed making mention of them, let alone celebrating them.

Then again, I’ve been, well, “thrown in the ocean, in the deep end, in a tidal wave…” Of writing. And I’m happy to say, the series is DONE! Finis. Complete! And ready to format and upload to CreateSpace!

Both the blog and the website have gotten some much needed attention—facelift, and a few tweaks here and there.

And both the blog and the website are a place for friends to gather, to get acquainted. A place to kick back and have a cuppa—and a cookie! All are welcome (unless you’re spam! LOL), the more the merrier—because virtual coffee and cookies never run out, right!

I’ve made countless author friends, and met so many in person. I’m honored and humbled to be in the company of other such gifted and prolific authors. I’ve found my niche and my calling, and I work to produce the best I can, both on the blog and in my stories; I strive for excellence not perfection. And I can’t imagine doing anything else anymore.

 

So Happy Blogiversary to Robin’s Nest and Stories by Design!

And to Juniper, Penelope, Jake, and Jasper!

* Shadow decided two years ago she’d rather live outdoors (and besides, I don’t know exactly when she was born—but I do know she’s seven.)

And a million thanks to all my followers and anyone who has ever read a post or commented! You’re the reason I’m here! And for those who didn’t know, I’ve started a readers group on Facebook—Robin’s Readers Flock—and I’d love to have you join us!

 

“I’ve always had voices—er, stories in my head. I once said I should write them all down so someone could write them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!”

 

 

And today’s cover tease:

C’est moi!

 

I write stories of identity conflict. My characters encounter situations that force the question, “Who am I, really?” For all who have ever wondered who you are or why you’re here, my stories will touch you in a very real—maybe too real—and a very deep way. I know, I write from experience.

 

I am all about family, and my website is designed like a home. In fact, the drawings are my design for my dream home. I love family gatherings, the bigger and louder and zanier the better. My house is designed for company and for fun. I love windows and window seats. I love the outdoors so there’s a sun porch or Florida room. I love to cook and the kitchen is spacious, and I love to entertain. There’s even a movie room in the basement for movie night.

 

Come on in, take off your shoes, and let’s have a nice hot cuppa. Come sit by the fireplace or on the back deck, and let’s visit a while.

 

 

because The Whispering Winds of Spring releases this month, I give you…

Amidst the clamor of confusion, can she hear the whisper of her memories?

 

The southern town of Saisons lies at the crossroads between North and South, progressive and genteel antebellum life. Between East and West, between history and heritage, and new frontiers. Downton Abbey meets Gone With the Wind.

 

It’s 1912, in a world where slavery is dying and women’s rights are rising, and four young women who once shared a bond—and experienced a tragedy—question their own truths.

 

Simone Dubois’ life was unraveling. All she had known and held dear was gone from her. At ten, all she wanted was to escape beneath the black waters of the Edisto River. She couldn’t know her whole life would be stolen from her.

 

When she returns to Saisons sixteen years later, she has no memory of ever having been there. Not even that it was her birthplace. Enlisting the help of her childhood friend, Mercedes—whose name stayed with her, if in shadowy dreams only—Simone encounters misty memories, and stirs up more mystery than she started with.

 

rem:   Hullo Robin, welcome to… your party!  If you could live anywhere in any time period, where would you go?

ROBIN:   I’ll stay here and now to live—but I’d visit any number of ages in history in a heartbeat. I’m enamored of the Medieval Era, and my current series is set in the Edwardian Era, so those would be my first stops.

rem:   Oh, yes, the Medieval Era! So Celtic-ish… Where did you find this story idea?

ROBIN:   Like all the rest of ‘em, it came to me. I think I had the girls’ names first, then each of the titles. As a pantser, the story unfolds as I write it and I discover more and more detail along the way. And this series!! Let me just say, I was stunned—and heartbroken—more than once!

rem:   Stories on the breeze… Who was the easiest character to write and why? The most difficult?

ROBIN:   Truly, because I write in first person and am “in” the head of my characters –slash- meet them like I meet anyone in person, each one is relatively easy—and difficult—to write. I’ve identified with each of my main characters on some way, which goes a long way to writing. Clara Bess, though, gave me a bit of trouble early in her story—she wasn’t talking to anyone and it seemed she thought that included me!

rem:   I’ve been there for that. You nearly hyperventilated writing a scene once, didn’t you?

ROBIN: [nods] Yup. And utterly bawled at… well, no spoilers.

rem:  What do you munch on while you’re writing / researching / editing?

ROBIN:   I graze more than have a single preferred munchable. Therefore I have a supply of snackies available. It varies depending on what I’m craving…cookies, cashews, I try to be good and eat fruit… And my blood sugar is dictating more what / when / how I eat than ever before… OY

rem:   mmmmm, CHOCOLATE…. What do you do to recover once you’ve typed “THE END?”

ROBIN:   So far I’ve jumped right into the next story… Yes, again!

rem:   Yeah, well, that’s not exactly what I meant by celebration… 😉

 

 

What’s your favourite part or feature of my blog or the website?

 

 

#Blogwords, Special Edition, Blogiversary, unsavory heritage series, Tessa, Clara Bess, Cissy, Seasons Series, The Long Shadows of Summer, The Tilting Leaves of Autumn, The Silent Song of Winter, The Whispering Winds of Spring, #IlovewhatImdoing, #amwriting

 

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BLOGWORDS – Friday 14 April 2017 – SPECIAL EDITION – THIRD BLOGIVERSARY

BLOGWORDS  – SPECIAL EDITION – THIRD BLOGIVERSARY

“I’ve been thrown in the deep end.  Of a deep ocean.  In a tidal wave.  And all I want to do is write my stories.”

 

“because the battle within is the greatest battle of all”  Stories by Design

 

“I’ve been thrown in the deep end.  Of a deep ocean.  In a tidal wave.  And all I want to do is write my stories.  (Well, and get people to read ‘em… )  Write a bio, they say.  What do you want to know?  I write, that’s what I do.  (Well, ok, there’s more too, I’ll get to that later.)

 

And yet, here I am, blogging.  Yippee.  It’s not that I don’t enjoy it, ‘cause I do.  I know at first I wasn’t sure what to say, but that’s not true.  I’m a writer, there’s never nothing to say.  Ever.  EVER.

So, now you know.  I’m learning to swim.  And I think my feet are touching some sand in the murky waters, and I’m starting to wade through this media panoply.  Can’t make promises, not yet, gotta get the rhythm of it yet, but my goal is to post a new blog at least once a week, to introduce myself. That and write my stories.”

 

That was the beginning of my first blog post. Sheesh, I’ve come a long way bay-bee!

 

Such a primitive post, unpretty, pre-banners, no trimmings or trappings—and *horrors* no hashtags!. Just words and pics—and *gasp* unaware of Pixabay for images. (I know better now and am OCD about citing my source!)

I’ve come from grasping at straws for topics, to a feature for every day of the week. Mostly I rambled through those first posts, those blogging baby steps, in a get-to-know-me sorta motif.

My first focused post, a review, was on 20 April of 2014. A mere 208 words, no date even in the header! In my spreading-my-writerly-wings, I was reading more and broader, and was happy to have Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta as my first-ever review.

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/2014/04/20/born-of-persuasion-by-jessica-dotta-book-review/

https://www.amazon.com/Born-Persuasion-Price-Privilege-Book-ebook/dp/B00CH7INR6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492032075&sr=8-1&keywords=born+of+persuasion

 

By September, I was adding hashtags and my links, and dedicated the entire month of October (a last minute inspiration) to the launch of the print version of my debut novel, Tessa. I added character interviews and special interest topics, but no guest posts yet.

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/2014/10/31/welcome-to-my-party-release-day-and-my-100th-post/

https://www.amazon.com/Tessa-Unsavory-Heritage-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00IPZ5JEE/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

 

My first real-person (not that an author’s characters aren’t real, they are… ) interview was with one of my (still favorite) authors, Tessa Afshar, 5 February 2015. Still no header and no banner.

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/2015/02/05/author-interview-tessa-afshar/

https://www.amazon.com/Tessa-Afshar/e/B003JS0HLW/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1492032214&sr=8-2-ent

 

I seem to get hit with brainstorm ideas when I’m busiest—my Muse (Holy Spirit) nudged me to add guest posts just weeks before my surgery last year—and within days, I had my calendar booked for nearly the whole year!

My good friend, Amy Brock McNew, was my first guest post.

 

… and I’m heartbroken but the link to her post has vanished… Amy, you’ll always be my first face on New Week New Face.

https://www.amazon.com/Amy-Brock-McNew/e/B01ETQMC4W/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

 

I’ve learned so much in three years, both in my writing—much from reading and lots from, well, writing—and toward blogging. I’ve finessed the blog, and fine-tuned my writing. I’ve a feature for each day of the week with a banner to go with it, and I’ve discovered that I like writing in first person—and apparently that’s “my voice.”

 

Robin’s Nest is a place for friends to gather, to get acquainted. A place to kick back and have a cuppa—and a cookie! All are welcome (unless you’re spam! LOL), the more the merrier—because virtual coffee and cookies never run out, right!

 

I’ve made countless author friends, and met so many in person. I’m honored and humbled to be in the company of other such gifted and prolific authors. I’ve found my niche and my calling, and I work to produce the best I can, both on the blog and in my stories; I strive for excellence not perfection. And I can’t imagine doing anything else anymore.

 

So Happy Blogiversary to Robin’s Nest, three years and counting.

 

You’re all invited to my Blogiversary Birthday Celebration over on Facebook from 5:00 – 6:00 EST.

https://www.facebook.com/events/195097507661105/

 

 

 

And a million thanks to all my followers and anyone who has ever read a post or commented! You’re the reason I’m here!

 

“I’ve always had voices—er, stories in my head. I once said I should write them all down so someone could write them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!”

 

SPECIAL FEATURES

 

that’s moi!

I write stories of identity conflict. My characters encounter situations that force the question, “Who am I, really?” For all who have ever wondered who you are or why you’re here, my stories will touch you in a very real—maybe too real—and a very deep way. I know, I write from experience.

I have three novels published, the unsavory heritage series. Tessa, Clara Bess and Cissy are available on Amazon, both for Kindle and in print. I also have several poems included in an anthology, Where Dreams and Visions Live (Anthologies of the Heart Book 1) by Mary Blowers as well as a short story, Sarafina’s Light, also in an anthology, Blood Moon, compiled by Mary Blowers. I have begun a new series, Seasons, four stories that will release back to back. The first one, The Long Shadows of Summer, will be available in July.

I am all about family, and my website is designed like a home. In fact, the drawings are my design for my dream home. I love family gatherings, the bigger and louder and zanier the better. My house is designed for company and for fun. I love windows and window seats. I love the outdoors so there’s a sun porch or Florida room. I love to cook and the kitchen is spacious, and I love to entertain. There’s even a movie room in the basement for movie night.

Come on in, take off your shoes, and let’s have a nice hot cuppa. Come sit by the fireplace or on the back deck, and let’s visit a while.

 

1. Perhaps the number one blooper is giving more than one character (other than father and son situation) the same name. Minor characters are all the more confusing because we don’t get to know them as well, and I’ve caught myself doing this more than once over the course of four books!
2. I use “master” docs, or templates, and have on occasion, forgotten to change some element to current information relating to what or whom I’m posting about or for.
3. Most recently, I posted a review on Amazon—only ‘cept what I posted was the blurb and not my review. If I had slowed down I might have seen the “EDIT” option. Instead I deleted and tried to post the review (vs the blurb) but it never showed up. le sigh…
4. Kind of along the lines of master docs, I also copy the formatting for each new chapter, and change the chapter number. Not sure how I did it, but there are two chapters in Cissy that begin the same. (the whole chapter is not duplicated, just the beginning) BOONUS: I failed to correct this before I ran my freebie this week!
5. Also in Cissy and perhaps the coup de grace of bloopers, was when I had the wrong character smoking a pipe. I don’t know how many eyes read past that, including mine, before someone caught it and pointed it out to me. And yes, that one is corrected in the final.

 

and no, Pepper, I did not make memes…

 

“So many secrets that had been hidden for so long, and now they all seemed to be unraveling. And for whatever reason, they seemed to land at my feet.”

“I was being too soft with him. Gentle nudging would never crash through the cell of guilt he had built.”

“Sit down.” I took her hands in mine. “We’ll have some tea.” It occurred to me, we always had tea—cold in summer, hot in winter—when we had a crisis. Sherry if it was an extreme crisis.”

“Now, my adult mind was not at all enjoying the confusion of clues at all. My adult mind—quite pragmatic, as Simone had charged—wanted the riddle solved, the puzzle pieces found and placed together.

I dreaded what that picture might look like.”

“I struggled to my feet and crossed to her, placed my hands on her knees. She rested her hands on mine, and we stood there, two dear friends, speaking without a word.”

 

miscellaneous factoids

 

1. I am ambidextrous. Right hand dominant because along with hundreds of other kindergarteners, I learned to write right-handed. I do a lot left-handed, though, including chopping vegetables and eating. And I can write left-handed but it’s rather higgledy because I never practice. ‘course my right-handed penmanship is, shall we say, its own font.
2. Not a secret but I drink cinnamon hazelnut (Dunkin Donuts) coffee and I drink it black.
3. I am enamored of all things Irish. Also, I am part Irish.
4. Speaking of Irish, I am an actress and Irish is my second strongest accent. Any takers on my first? (also not a secret)
5. I am the oldest of three siblings and obviously the coolest! wink wink
6. I have three amazing adult children and two beautiful granddaughters. They are my heart. ❤ Our family has been hijacked by some pretty heavy issues, but as my eldest once said (written inside the most beautiful Mother’s Day card) “… a lot of struggle… has forged a spectacular family that I am proud & thrilled to be a part of.” (2011)
7. I believe that the passions and desires in our hearts are put there by the Master Creator, and when we “delight ourselves in Him” He is then pleased to “give us the desire of our heart.” Psalm 37:4
8. I may or may not be a tad OCD. This may or may not be a good thing…
9. I am not a morning person. Let me repeat that, I am NOT a morning person. To that end, I start my day with coffee and quiet time. When I log on in the mornings I troll through my messages and emails and get those out of the way—mindless tasks. I then get blog posts and other miscellaneous tasks done, and spend my evenings making the words. Did I mention I am not a morning person???
10. I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for several years, diagnosed in 2010. I shared in a rather lengthy post in June of 2014

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/silent/

I also mention my knees, and since that time have had total knee replacement. I posted on that last year

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/2016/02/12/on-knee-surgery-and-being-in-hospital-on-my-birthday/

 

because The Long Shadows of Summer releases in July, I give you…

The southern town of Saisons lies at the crossroads between North and South, progressive and genteel antebellum life. Between East and West, between history and heritage, and new frontiers. Downton Abbey meets Gone With the Wind.

It’s 1912, in a world where slavery is dying and women’s rights are rising, and four young girls share a bond—and experience a tragedy.

Mercedes has always been an avid reader and devours each new Sherlock Holmes mystery as soon as she gets her hands on them. When one of her friends comes to her, Mercedes vows to keep Simone’s secrets and uncover the truth.

But Mercedes uncovers more questions than she does answers as she digs among the clues, among them one that unravels her own world and challenges who she really is.

 

rem:   Hullo Robin, welcome to… your party!  If you could live anywhere in any time period, where would you go?

ROBIN:   I’ll stay here and now to live—but I’d visit any number of ages in history in a heartbeat. I’m enamored of the Medieval Era, and my current series is set in the Edwardian Era, so those would be my first stops.

rem:   Oh, yes, the Medieval Era! So Celtic-ish… Where did you find this story idea?

ROBIN:   Like all the rest of ‘em, it came to me. I think I had the girls’ names first, then each of the titles. As a pantser, the story unfolds as I write it and I discover more and more detail along the way.

rem:   Stories on the breeze… Who was the easiest character to write and why? The most difficult?

ROBIN:   Tessa was pretty easy, I was in her head more than the others in that series. So far in Seasons, Mercedes has been easy for the same reason. She didn’t believe she could be anything more than what she had always been.

Hardest to write…  they’re all “fun” to write, exploring different personalities to mine—as an actress I can get into character (acting or writing) and that goes a long way to expressing them on paper (or on screen)

rem:   I’ve been there for that. You nearly hyperventilated writing a scene once, didn’t you?

ROBIN: [nods] Yup.

rem:  What do you munch on while you’re writing / researching / editing?

ROBIN:   Yes. I graze therefore I have a supply of snackies available. It varies depending on what I’m craving… M&M’s, almonds (not together) I try to be good and eat fruit…

rem:   mmmmm, CHOCOLATE…. What do you do to recover once you’ve typed “THE END?”

ROBIN:   So far I’ve jumped right into the next story…

rem:   Yeah, well, that’s not exactly what I meant by celebration… 😉

 

“You know you can’t keep a secret from me.” Pearl held the china teacup ever so daintily. She was right.

“What secret?” I clattered my own teacup into its saucer, spilling my tea.

“Oh, Mercedes.” She was as calm and collected as a bouquet of fresh daisies. “Of course you have a secret. I can see it all over you.”

“I’m sure I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.” The calmer she remained, the more flustered I became. And I knew I was giving myself away. But I was at a loss to do anything about it. “Pearl…”

“See there. I knew it.” As smug as it sounded, coming from Pearl it was not. “Do tell me Mercedes.”

“Oh Pearl, if only I could.” Had I just confessed that I was, in fact, keeping something from my friend?

“Of course you can, Mercedes, dearest.” Pearl would not let it rest until she knew.

“But I’ve given my word.” I closed my eyes, chastising myself. I had revealed too much with those five words.

Pearl remained silent. Which was worse than if she had relentlessly hounded and wheedled at me.

 

 

Clara Bess in book 2 of unsavory heritage, is a pastry chef, and her specialty is macarons (not to be confused with macaroons.) Here is a tutorial I shared at her launch event.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ636Y8N6E8&feature=share

 

Besides the Kindle freebies this week (today’s the last day) I’ll have some fun prizes. Prized didn’t happen, my apologies. BUT the Grand Prize is still on the table. Everyone who comments on the blog today or the Facebook party (starts at 5:00 EST) will be entered.

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/195097507661105/

 

The Grand Prize will be an autographed copy of The Long Shadows of Summer when it releases in July.

 

 

What’s your favourite part or feature of my blog?

 

#Blogwords, Special Edition, Third Blogiversary, unsavory heritage series, Tessa, Clara Bess, Cissy, The Long Shadows of Summer, Seasons Series, All the Blog Features, All the Feature Banners, #IlovewhatImdoing, #amwriting, #amblogging

 

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BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 15 February 2017 – WREADING WEDNESDAY – CISSY by ROBIN E. MASON

WREADING WEDNESDAY – CISSY by ROBIN E. MASON

 

 

Evil words. Words that should never have been spoken. Words that she should not have heard.

But she did. And she believed them.

Everything changed when Cissy heard those words that day. She was five.

 

What torment is wrought when wicked words are spoken? Can Cissy’s ravaged life be redeemed? Or will she wreak havoc on all who love her?

 

Can the lie be undone? Is there a word powerful enough to break the curse and undo the unsavory heritage?

 

 

 

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Cissy is not easy reading. She faces evil and succumbs to it. She is seduced at a young age, and learns to wield her body to manipulate and wound those most dear to her. There are no graphic scenes, but neither do my scenes merely allude to what is happening.

Cissy is the dark and gritty, high-tension climax to the unsavory heritage series.

 

 

I’ve always had stories in my head. I once said I should write them all down so someone could write them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!

 

I have been writing since 1995, and began working in earnest on my debut novel, CISSY in 2013.  Meanwhile, I cranked out a few dozen poems, made countless notes for story ideas, and earned my BFA in Interior Design.  I lived with depression for many years, and the inherent feelings of worthlessness and invisibility; I didn’t want to be who I was and struggled with my own identity for many years.  My characters face many of these same demons.

 

I write stories of identity conflict. My characters encounter situations that force the question, “Who am I, really?” For all who have ever wondered who you are or why you’re here, my stories will touch you in a very real—maybe too real—and a very deep way. I know, I write from experience.

 

 

http://robinemason.com

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robin-E-Mason-Author-Artist/224223274404877
http://www.amazon.com/Robin-E.-Mason/e/B00MR5IQ9S
https://twitter.com/amythyst212
http://www.pinterest.com/amythyst212/

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108929134414473292325

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7808042.Robin_E_Mason

 

 

#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday, Featured Book, Cissy, Robin E. Mason, unsavory heritage series, Tessa, Clara Bess

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BLOGWORDS – Saturday 11 February 2017 – CHAT THURSDAY – AUTHOR INTERVIEW – ROBIN E. MASON – TRIPLE POST!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KNEWBIE KNEE

Knee replacement was one year ago today and I couldn’t be happier.

BLOGWORDS – Thursday Saturday 11 February 2017 – CHAT THURSDAY – AUTHOR INTERVIEW – ROBIN E. MASON

CHAT THURSDAY – AUTHOR INTERVIEW – ROBIN E. MASON

 

“I’ve always had stories in my head. And . I once said I should write them all down so someone could write them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!”

“I lived with depression for many years, and the inherent feelings of worthlessness and invisibility; I didn’t want to be who I was and struggled with my own identity for many years.  My characters face many of these same demons.”

 

rem:  Hullo Robin, and welcome to, uh, my blog… Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?

ROBIN:  If you call me normal I’m offended.  😉  I was born in Mississippi but we moved a lot as I was growing up. I went coast to coast and back again—in utero! I now live in the upstate of South Carolina with my four feline fur babies. (Mama is now an outdoor cat, her choice.)

rem:  Tell us three things about yourself.

ROBIN:  I have three knucklehead – I mean wonderful grown children, and two beautiful grandgirls whom I love most dearly. My blood type is A-T+ (A-tea-positive). I am a pluviophile (lover of rain) and an ailurophile (lover of cats).

rem:  Coffee or tea? Sweet or un? Flavored or not?

ROBIN:  Yes. Un. Coffee to start the day, cinnamon hazelnut. And tea, iced and not sweet the rest of the day. (thus A-T+)

rem:  What is your favourite quotation and why?

ROBIN:  There are so many that I identify with but this one speaks to me deeply: “What if I fail? Oh, but my darling what if you fly?” attributed to Erin Hanson

rem:  What do you do as a hobby?

ROBIN:  Yes. I paint and draw, but I also sing, act, and play the piano—and will have a piano in my possession again soon! I also enjoy cooking, and not sure is this counts as a hobby but go for walks as often and as far as I can.

rem:  What’s the most random thing in your bag or on your desk?

ROBIN:  Ha! My “desk” is more like a nest—the area immediately around me. The most random thing probably is a broken paint brush that I use to dust my keyboard.

rem:  What’s your all-time favorite movie? Favorite TV show?

ROBIN:  Movie, The Sound of Music. TV show… hmmm… Friends comes readily to mind. Gilmore Girls, Castle… guess that’s “a” favorite though

rem:  Your movie snack of choice?

ROBIN:  I’mma go with the classic popcorn but I don’t do the packs, I buy the old fashioned kernels; I do pop it in the microwave though.

rem:  What’s your favorite recent discovery?

ROBIN:  GoFundMe. I’d heard of it, but a friend suggested I start a campaign (for a car.) Slow going (so far) but it’s going. The link if you’d like to check it out is

https://www.gofundme.com/robin-needs-a-car

 

rem:  If you could go back in time, what era would you choose and why?

ROBIN:  Yes. (I use that snarky answer a lot, don’t I?) It would have to be a tour of different eras. I love history and would love to visit a bunch of different times. There’s something “romantic” about Medieval Ireland, but if I had to choose one time it would be when Christ was with us in the flesh.

rem:  Are you named after someone?

ROBIN:  Yes and no. My middle name, Elizabeth, was my mother’s name. But Robin came from a dream she had before I was born.

rem:  Do you use sarcasm?

ROBIN:  Who me? Never.

rem:  Would you bungee ?

ROBIN:  Absolutely!

rem:  What is the first thing you notice about people?

ROBIN:  Their smile or countenance.

rem:  Favorite season? Why?

ROBIN:  Spring. It’s a, er, robin thing.  😉

rem:  Hugs or kisses?

ROBIN:  Yes. (please)

rem:  Rolling stones or Beatles?

ROBIN:  Beatles à Paul McCartney

rem:  Do you have a favorite Bible verse? And why is it a favorite?

ROBIN:  Can’t choose a favorite, but Romans 12:2 has been my signature Scripture for years. Seems the whole of the Bible is about knowing Father God and becoming like Him.

rem:  If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

ROBIN:  This question always stumps me but in light of current events, I would love to spend an evening with our new President. I’m fascinated by the press (both sides) and intrigued by his charisma—and impressed with his action. And did I mention, no more PC talk!  #MAGA

rem:  What is your favorite bird and why?

ROBIN:  Really? You need to ask this?

rem:  Do you like to fly? What’s the furthest you’ve ever flown?

ROBIN:  LOVE to fly! I’ve been to Trinidad three times on mission trips, roughly 3000 miles.

rem:  When is your birthday?

ROBIN:  tomorrow

rem:  What is your favourite birthday memory? All-time favorite birthday gift?

ROBIN:  Eight years ago, my 50^th. My kids love to rag me about how old I am, so I donned my best actress-granny persona and an extreme old lady costume. My oldest at the time was manager of a restaurant where we gathered for birthday dinner. He held the door for the dottering old woman—didn’t even realize it was me! Best gift—my new knee, one year today.

rem:  What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?  How has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ?

ROBIN:  I think Christian fiction is comparable to Biblical parables. I don’t market at CF but I am a Christian who writes fiction. It’s such a God thing, as I began to “dabble” in this passion that has always been in me, I began to see who I am, and the more I saw who I am, the clearer I can see who Father is; and the more I can see who He is, the better I can know who I am.

rem:  When reading, what makes or breaks a story for you? Your fiction pet peeve?

ROBIN:  Unrealistic dialogue.

rem:  Which is more important: plot or characters?

ROBIN:  I quote DiAnn Mills again, “They are inseparable.” (from my interview with her on 28 January 2016) The way I see it, one feeds the other.

rem:  What would you do if you weren’t writing?

ROBIN:  Bang my head against a wall, striving to be something I’m not—oh, wait, I did that for years. I do have my degree in Interior Design, and I do love designing. It’s something I can do when opportunity comes along. But writing is my love and my passion.

rem:  What are you reading right now?

ROBIN:  The Scarlet Coat by Angela K. Couch, [another] new favorite author

rem:  What do you munch on while you write?

ROBIN:  Chocolate is an easy go-to, but I love cashews and I try to eat fresh fruit when I can. Or cookies. (now I want cookies…)

rem:  Tell us a little about your writing journey.

ROBIN:  Actually I stumbled into my writing. I’ve always had stories in my head but didn’t know I was the writer until 1995. Fast forward to 2008 and I was out for a walk when my mind conjured up the beginning of Tessa. I went home and started writing. I also went back to school a few months later. After graduation and the big design career didn’t happen, I turned to writing. I haven’t stopped and I haven’t looked back.

rem:  What is your Writing Routine? Where do you write: In a cave, a coffeehouse, or a cozy nook?

ROBIN:  In my “nest.” I am sitting on the couch, all my writing accoutrements within easy reach. I can even reach the printer if I stretch. I have to get through my emails and messages before I can focus on writing. If miscellaneous things are dangling in my mind, I get distracted until they’re quelled.

rem:  What makes you struggle as an author? How do you handle it?

ROBIN:  Discipline / time management. I have my necessary docs open to serve as a constant “look at me” reminder. Once I get into my story, whatever point I’m at, the story takes over and I get my work done.

I take that back, my greatest struggle is the fatigue and weakness I experience with RA. I have the dubious luxury of staying home all day (disability) but I’m tired almost all the time. And that takes a great toll on writing.

rem:  Do you prefer the creating or editing aspect of writing? Why?

ROBIN:  I know I’m breaking a cardinal rule but I edit as I go. I love both aspects of writing, the creative part is the music on the page, and the editing is the fine tuning—and relentless practicing to make it the best it can be.

rem:  What do you enjoy most about being a writer?

ROBIN:  The stories, the people—both fictional and real. The network of friends. I’m a total Pantzer and I love seeing a story come together.

rem:  What are your top 3 recommendations for a new writer? What 3 things would recommend not doing?

ROBIN:  DO: 1. Just do it. And keep doing it. 2. Network, get to know other authors. Build your writing community. 3. Know what works for you (trial and error) There is no “one size fits all” formula. BONUS: 4. Read. And read some more.

DON’T: 1. Don’t skimp on professional services: editing, cover design, headshot. No one can do it all. 2. Don’t compare yourself to other writers. Just don’t. 3. Don’t be afraid to share your work with others—and don’t eschew critiques from other writers.

rem:  Where do you get your greatest ideas for writing?

ROBIN:  All.over. Seriously, random thoughts, phrases, quotes—anything can turn into a new story.

rem:  How do you choose your characters’ names?

ROBIN:  The major characters introduce themselves to me. Supporting characters (I don’t like to say minor characters, I don’t want to hurt their feelings… ) I sometimes look for the right name—era, nationality, family names, etc, and on occasion I have posted on FB asking for suggestions.

rem:  Do you think of the entire story before you start writing?

ROBIN:  Nope. I jump in and know basically where it needs to end up. Other than that, I really don’t know.

rem:  Tell us a little about your latest book? What is your current project?

ROBIN:  The Long Shadows of Summer is the first of four in my new series, Seasons. Set in 1912, it’s a cross between Upstairs Downstairs and Gone With the Wind. It’s one story arc told from the perspective of four different characters, all friends, and each with their own twist.

rem:  What is YOUR favorite part about the book or why do you love this book? Why should we read it?

ROBIN:  [so far] I wrote my first good kissy scene. Haven’t attempted that before. Read it because it’s a story of discovery, of learning her (Mercedes) true identity, which is parallel to learning who we are in Christ.

rem:  Tell us about why you wrote this book.

ROBIN:  Um, ‘cause they (the characters) started talking to me. And they were louder and more insistent than other characters waiting their turn.

rem:  Please give us the first page of the book.

ROBIN:

The Long Shadows of Summer – Mercedes Renaldi – July 1912

 

She looked so familiar to me, but I couldn’t place her. Sitting on the bench like she was outside Hooper’s Market. Her hat was at a rakish angle, her cocoa colored hair perfectly coiffed. Seemed there were tears in her green eyes. I was certain I had never seen her before. But she reminded me of someone…

It couldn’t be her, though. She was dead, we all watched her die. Floating away like that in the swamp. Her lavender dress billowed up like a balloon, her dark hair fanning out on the black water. We had made a pact, Pearl and Scarlett and me, never to tell anyone what happened.

>>> <<<

            I was the oldest of the bunch of us and we did everything together. As much as our elders would allow. My mother worked for Simone’s grandmother, Madame Antoinette Dubois. I helped Mamá most times, but sometimes I was allowed to play with Simone and her friend Pearl.

It happened in 1897, the summer I was eleven. Mamá didn’t make me help her as much in the summers and I was allowed to go outdoors with Simone and Pearl.  Scarlett’s Mamá, though, made her help with dusting the upstairs rooms, but she was permitted to come outdoors after luncheon was served.

Simone always was most daring, walking atop fences and climbing trees and such. That summer, though, it seemed she didn’t have a care. She wasn’t just daring, she was indifferent. She climbed higher than we had ever seen her climb. She would swing from the branches, like the monkeys we read about in our lessons, and then drop to the ground. She jumped right in the black water of the Santee River that day.

And floated away, pale as death.

 

rem:  What is one take-away from your book(s) that you hope readers identify with?

ROBIN:  That we are all royalty in God’s eyes. These stories make the analogy (like a parable), all four girls (I say girls, they are young woman, in their twenties) learn something of who they really are.

rem:  Anything you’d like to add?

ROBIN:  I love what I do!

rem:  Thank you so much for chatting with us on my blog today!

ROBIN:  Any time.  Hee hee

 

rem:  Where can we find you online?

ROBIN:

 

http://robinemason.com

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robin-E-Mason-Author-Artist/224223274404877
http://www.amazon.com/Robin-E.-Mason/e/B00MR5IQ9S
https://twitter.com/amythyst212
http://www.pinterest.com/amythyst212/

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108929134414473292325

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7808042.Robin_E_Mason

 

“I write stories of identity conflict. My characters encounter situations that force the question, “Who am I, really?” For all who have ever wondered who you are or why you’re here, my stories will touch you in a very real—maybe too real—and a very deep way. I know, I write from experience.”

 

 

#Blogwords, Chat Thursday, Author Interview, Robin E. Mason, unsavory heritage series, Tessa, Clara Bess, Cissy, Seasons Series, The Long Shadows of Summer

 

BLOGWORDS – Saturday 11 February 2017 – WHAT’S COOKIN’ IN YOUR KITCHEN – RANDOM RECIPES – ROBIN’S CINNAMON SWIRL CHEESECAKE

WHAT’S COOKIN’ IN YOUR KITCHEN – RANDOM RECIPES – ROBIN’S CINNAMON SWIRL CHEESECAKE

 

I like to cook. And I like to invent my own recipes. And I like to try other people’s recipes. And now, I’m going to share them with you.

note: not the work of my hands—my oven is out!

 

ROBIN’S CINNAMON SWIRL CHEESECAKE

Preheat oven to 325°

 

INGREDIENTS

Crust

1 ½      cups     graham cracker crumbs

¼         cup      brown sugar

½         teas      cinnamon

1          stick     butter, melted

Filling

4          pkg      PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened (8 oz each)

¾         cup      granulated sugar

1          teas      vanilla

4                      eggs

 

Swirl Filling

½         cup      brown sugar

1          tbsp     ground cinnamon

 

Topping

½         cup      flour

½         cup      brown sugar

1          tbsp     cinnamon

¼         cup      butter, softened

 

 

DIRECTIONS

Combine ingredients for crust till mixture loosely crumbles.

Press into 9” spring form pan.

In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese till creamy.

Add granulated and vanilla, and mix till well blended.

Add eggs, one at a time, and mix on low speed. *Do not over beat.

Pour mixture over crust.

 

Combine swirl ingredients and sprinkle evenly over cream cheese filling.

With toothpick or table knife, swirl through the batter till desired pattern is achieved.

 

Combine topping ingredients to form a soft crumbled mixture.

Sprinkle topping over the top.

 

Bake for 55 minutes, or until center is set.

Run knife or small spatula along rim of pan to loosen.

Allow to cool before removing rim.

Refrigerate for 4 – 6  hours.

 

Serve with cinnamon hazelnut coffee. Delicious.

If you’ve a recipe you’d like to share leave a comment below or email me at robinemason212@gmail.com

 

NOTE: All recipes must be used with permission.

 

#Blogwords, What’s Cookin’ in Your Kitchen, #RandomRecipes, #AuthorsEat #AuthorsCook, Robin’s Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Cinnamon, Hazelnut

 

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BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 8 February 2017 – WREADING WEDNESDAY – CLARA BESS by ROBIN E. MASON

WREADING WEDNESDAY – CLARA BESS by ROBIN E. MASON

 

 

Clara Bess wasn’t at all prepared for what she unearthed at the bottom of her mother’s keepsake box.  Not in with legal papers, not in her own baby book, not in the safe even.

 

On the day of her 50^th birthday, Clara Bess Caldwell was not with her family basking in the joy of a blissful Christmas Day winding down.  She was not enjoying eggnog or coffee by a fireplace, nor was she checking a goose roasting in the oven. Clara Bess was at her mother’s house, going through her personal effects, something she had put off for several weeks.

 

Clara Bess read, with shock and no small degree of confusion, the line on her birth certificate where her mother’s name should be.  It did not read Lily Isabella Sawyer.

 

She was adopted?

 

Where, then, were the adoption papers?

 

 

I’ve always had stories in my head. I once said I should write them all down so someone could write them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!

 

I have been writing since 1995, and began working in earnest on my debut novel, CLARA BESS in 2013.  Meanwhile, I cranked out a few dozen poems, made countless notes for story ideas, and earned my BFA in Interior Design.  I lived with depression for many years, and the inherent feelings of worthlessness and invisibility; I didn’t want to be who I was and struggled with my own identity for many years.  My characters face many of these same demons.

 

I write stories of identity conflict. My characters encounter situations that force the question, “Who am I, really?” For all who have ever wondered who you are or why you’re here, my stories will touch you in a very real—maybe too real—and a very deep way. I know, I write from experience.

 

 

http://robinemason.com

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robin-E-Mason-Author-Artist/224223274404877
http://www.amazon.com/Robin-E.-Mason/e/B00MR5IQ9S
https://twitter.com/amythyst212
http://www.pinterest.com/amythyst212/

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108929134414473292325

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7808042.Robin_E_Mason

 

 

#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday, Featured Book, Clara Bess, Robin E. Mason, unsavory heritage series, Tessa, Cissy

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BLOGWORDS – Friday 3 February 2017 – FIRST LINE FRIDAY – TESSA by ROBIN E. MASON

FIRST LINE FRIDAY – TESSA by ROBIN E. MASON

note: I share my books this months because it’s my birthday month!

 

 Reading is My SuperPower

Bookworm Mama

Singing Librarian

Faithfully Bookish

Radiant Light

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

All the Book Blog Names Are Taken

Fiction Aficionado

Bibliophile Reviews

 

 

 

 

 If you’d like to join us on your blog for First Line Fridays, shoot Carrie @ Reading is My Superpower an email and let her know!

 

 

THE BLURB:    

One mother.  Two daughters.  One favorite.  One not.

 

When Cassie Barclay is presented with an opportunity – or is it a curse – she jumps at the chance.  She takes on a new life, her sister’s life, and although at first, it holds appeal and promise, she soon realizes sometimes the fairy tale is tainted.

 

Assuming the name of Tessa, Cassie moves into the life that was her sister’s, and faces first one realization then another, one disappointment after another. Stepping into Connie’s life does not automatically grant her all that Connie had or was. But it does deny all that she had and was as Cassie. As herself.

 

THE FIRST LINE:   

Tessa flopped onto the divan, more worn and weary in her thirty-seven years than the faded and threadbare divan in its 137 years. What will I tell the others, she moaned to herself, too weary even to weep at the events of the past thirteen days.

 

MY THOUGHTS:    

Hmmm, not sure how to quantify my thoughts – reaction to my book. The more of it I wrote, the more vested I became in the story. I know I’m the author but I loved this story. She’s my first book baby and that alone took me to a whole new level of understanding and reading [my] characters.

 

 

GENRE:

Women’s Fiction

 

STARS:

I can’t rate it – I wrote it! But if I did, I’d give her five stars!  😉

 

#Blogwords, First Line Friday, #FLF, Tessa, Robin E. Mason, unsavory heritage series

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BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 1 February 2017 – WREADING WEDNESDAY – TESSA by ROBIN E. MASON

WREADING WEDNESDAY – TESSA by ROBIN E. MASON

 

 

One mother.  Two daughters.  One favorite.  One not.

 

When Cassie Barclay is presented with an opportunity – or is it a curse – she jumps at the chance.  She takes on a new life, her sister’s life, and although at first, it holds appeal and promise, she soon realizes sometimes the fairy tale is tainted.

 

Assuming the name of Tessa, Cassie moves into the life that was her sister’s, and faces first one realization then another, one disappointment after another. Stepping into Connie’s life does not automatically grant her all that Connie had or was. But it does deny all that she had and was as Cassie. As herself.

 

 

I’ve always had stories in my head. I once said I should write them all down so someone could write them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!

 

I have been writing since 1995, and began working in earnest on my debut novel, Tessa in 2013.  Meanwhile, I cranked out a few dozen poems, made countless notes for story ideas, and earned my BFA in Interior Design.  I lived with depression for many years, and the inherent feelings of worthlessness and invisibility; I didn’t want to be who I was and struggled with my own identity for many years.  My characters face many of these same demons.

 

I write stories of identity conflict. My characters encounter situations that force the question, “Who am I, really?” For all who have ever wondered who you are or why you’re here, my stories will touch you in a very real—maybe too real—and a very deep way. I know, I write from experience.

 

 

http://robinemason.com

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robin-E-Mason-Author-Artist/224223274404877
http://www.amazon.com/Robin-E.-Mason/e/B00MR5IQ9S
https://twitter.com/amythyst212
http://www.pinterest.com/amythyst212/

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108929134414473292325

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7808042.Robin_E_Mason

 

 

#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday, Featured Book, Tessa, Robin E. Mason, unsavory heritage series, Clara Bess, Cissy

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BLOG BLITZ – Friday 30 September 2016 – CHARACTER INTERVIEW – CISSY

The month of September is a special time for me:

my THIRD novel and sequel to

the final in the unsavory heritage series,

will be available 30 on September Amazon

WHEEEEE!!!!!

 

 

CHARACTER INTERVIEW – CISSY

 

rem: Good afternoon, Cissy. Welcome.

Cissy: Good afternoon, Robin. I’m so delighted to be here. [hugs me]

rem:  You’re wearing the same dress Clara wore yesterday. Did you plan that?

 

 

Cissy: No, but we do think alike. [winks] It is my favorite, you know.

rem:  Yes, I remember that. Cissy, you are one of the most gifted people I know.

Cissy: Thank you. [smiles]

rem:  And you’re talented in so many things. What’s your favorite?

Cissy: Oh dear! Robin, I could no more choose a favorite thing to do than, as you say, choose a favorite of your children.

rem: [laughs] I get that.

Cissy:  It depends on my mood, really. Some days, I pick up my pen and write poems, some days, I draw or paint—

rem:  Do you feel a different mood for drawing versus painting?

Cissy:  That goes more to what I’m painting or drawing, or the mood I’m trying to capture. But  yes,  I reckon it has a good deal to do with my mood, as well.

rem: What about your music?

Cissy:  There’s not a day I don’t enjoy playing the piano.

 

 

rem: What’s your favorite thing to play?

Cissy: Sonatinas.  Muzio Clementi composed sonata and sonatinas—he was the “Father of the Piano,” you know?

rem: I did not. Clementi is a favorite of mine as well.

Cissy: You play?

rem: I have. Not in many years, though. Cissy, besides your remarkable abilities, you were quite intuitive. Beyond your years.

Cissy: I just understand things without anyone explaining them, I always did. It’s hard to explain—for instance, I knew that Clara wasn’t like that. It was puzzling to me sometimes, when we were still small.

rem: Can you give us an example?

Cissy: When Mama and Papa would speak of Scriptures. Of an evening, after Clara and I were abed. I didn’t fall to sleep right away—in fact, most nights I didn’t sleep until after Mama and Papa were abed. I would creep down the stairs—I wasn’t spying mind you—and I’d sit and listen to them, to the rhythm of God’s Word.  I could have answered—I knew the answers to their questions.

rem: Tell us about the day your Uncle Clem came home. You had never met him before that day, had you?

Cissy: No ma’am, I surely hadn’t. I knew who he was, though.  Not just on account of him being in uniform. Any old soldier could have come by our house. I heard folk at church talking about how soldiers would come to their door, begging for bread—or ale.

rem: But you invited Clem in and made him coffee.

Cissy: He hadn’t had real coffee in so long. And I wanted to talk with him.

rem: You sure surprised him.

Cissy: [shrugs] I remember how awful he smelled. I was never so glad as when Aunt Abby helped him with a bath. [laughs]

rem: Cissy, things changed for you when you were still so young.

Cissy: Mrs. Whalin. Although it really wasn’t her fault. She didn’t know any better. She just said what she believed.

 

 

rem: She was a very sad woman.

Cissy:  You’re right, Robin, she was.

rem: But her words that day—

Cissy: —I didn’t stop to think about it. In my heart I knew better.

rem: You fought against it.

Cissy: Much later, yes, I did. But it was too late…

rem:  It’s never too late, Cissy.

Cissy: [stares] Dulci—I mean, Dorothea told me that.

rem: There was so much to your story, more than the book could begin to encompass. What was the hardest thing for you?

Cissy:  Being apart from Clara. I felt I was split in two, and a part of me hated her. I couldn’t bear that, so I stayed away.

 

 

rem: You left your paintings and poems as a message, correct?

Cissy: That’s right.

rem: Were they for Clara?

Cissy: I hoped she would find them, yes, and understand. But I didn’t really believe she ever would. Although, she surprised me when she came to me that day.

rem:   It gave us all such hope for you.

Cissy: Me too, Robin. Me too.

rem: Cissy, I think we should end here before we give too much of your story away.

Cissy: [laughs] I imagine you’re right. It’s been a pleasure talking with you today, Robin. Thank you for inviting me.

rem: Cissy, it’s always a pleasure to chat with you. You’ll always be in my heart—and my head.

Cissy: Thank you for telling my story. You did a mighty fine job. [hugs me again]

 

 

If you haven’t already, be sure to stop by and like my Facebook page, my author page on Amazon, follow me on Twitter, on my blog!  Please leave me a comment, let me know you’re here!

 

 

“I once said I should write down all the story ideas in my head so someone could write them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!

 

I have been writing since 1995, and began working in earnest on my debut novel, Tessa in 2013.  Meanwhile, I cranked out a few dozen poems, made countless notes for story ideas, and earned my BFA in Interior Design.  I lived with depression for many years, and the inherent feelings of worthlessness and invisibility; I didn’t want to be who I was and struggled with my own identity for many years.  My characters face many of these same demons.

 

I write stories of identity conflict. My characters encounter situations that force the question, “Who am I, really?” For all who have ever wondered who you are or why you’re here, my stories will touch you in a very real—maybe too real—and a very deep way. I know, I write from experience.

 

The unsavory heritage series. Tessa, Clara Bess and Cissy, is available on Amazon, both for Kindle and in print. I also have several poems included in an anthology, Where Dreams and Visions Live (Anthologies of the Heart Book 1) by Mary Blowersas well as a short story, Sarafina’s Light, also in an anthology, Blood Moon, compiled by Mary Blowers. I will also be working on a personal compilation of poetry to be released in 2017.

 

 

http://www.robinemason.com

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robin-E-Mason-Author-Artist/224223274404877

http://www.amazon.com/Robin-E.-Mason/e/B00MR5IQ9S

https://twitter.com/amythyst212

http://www.pinterest.com/amythyst212/

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108929134414473292325

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7808042.Robin_E_Mason

robinemason212@gmail.com.

https://writingpromptsthoughtsideas.wordpress.com/

 

 

CISSY LAUNCH PARTY, unsavory heritage series, Tessa, Cissy Bess, Cissy, Cissy Character Interview, One Mother, Two Daughters One Favorite One Not, Where Were the Adoption Papers, Can the Lie be Undone, #newbooklaunch, Prodigy, Precocious, Twin Sisters, Yellow Linen Dress, Intuitive, Sonatinas, Muzio Clementi, Be Thou My Vision

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BLOG BLITZ – Thursday 29 September 2016 – CHARACTER INTERVIEW – CLARA

The month of September is a special time for me:

my THIRD novel and sequel to

the final in the unsavory heritage series,

will be available 30 on September Amazon

WHEEEEE!!!!!

 

 

CHARACTER INTERVIEW – CLARA

 

 

rem: Good afternoon, Clara. Thank you for visiting today.

Clara: Good afternoon, Ms. Mason.  Thank you for inviting me.

rem:  Please, call me Robin.

Clara:  Thank you… Robin. It’s lovely to be here.

rem:  You look lovely today, Clara. That’s your favorite dress isn’t it?

Clara: [blushes] My yellow linen. It is yes, thank you. I love it so because it was the one Ciss…  Cissy loved it, too.

rem:  I know you miss her.

Clara:  I truly do, most deeply, Ms… Robin. I truly do. Terribly. Not a day goes by I don’t think of her.

rem: She had such a tragic life.

Clara: It was such a waste. Those horrible words—and that horrid woman.

rem: You knew what happened?

Clara: Mama told me. Much later of course, when Bess was grown.

rem:  You know she struggled, fought against it?

Clara:  Yes. I know she did. She fought valiantly.

rem:  What was it like for you? When you were little?

Clara: [smiles] When we were little we  …  It was as if we were one person. We understood one another, spoke a secret sort of language.  I remember… even as a baby, we could “talk.”  Mama would come in after our nap—well, after my nap. Cissy never did sleep as much as I. We would be chattering away in our room, and Mama would coo and giggle at us. But we weren’t just making noise. I don’t know how I know that, but I surely do.

rem: I’ve heard that about twins.  There’s a bond, a connection.

Clara:  It never did go away. Even when she… even when she became so…

rem: It’s okay, Clara. I know this isn’t easy.

Clara:  Oh, Robin, Cissy was such a lovely girl, sweet and tender, thoughtful of others. And so smart. Why, I never could keep pace with her in our studies, not even after she… changed.

rem:  She was a true prodigy.

Clara: Indeed she was.

rem:  I understand you blamed yourself for what happened.

Clara: Later, yes, when I was older. I struggled with so many emotions. I was hurt and confused. When it first happened—we were so little still, not yet five—I was mad. She wouldn’t speak to me anymore, she wouldn’t play our favorite duets or read with me. She hid away and stayed there for days.

rem: That had  to hurt.

Clara: Deeply.   It broke my heart. I didn’t understand what was happening any more than she did. I thought she was just being mean.

rem: But Cissy never was mean before, was she.

Clara: Wel… no. She never was mean before that.

rem:  How did you accept it? How Cissy had changed.

Clara: I never did truly accept it. I tried to ignore it—I’m sure that hurt her deeply. I think she knew early on that I would always be by her side, but when we were eight or ten, I was so confused. I didn’t know what to do or how to act—so I didn’t. I acted like there was nothing wrong, like it was the way it always had been. Like it was how it was supposed to be. I fear I wounded her further…

[pause]

rem: What of Virgil?

Clara:  I wonder sometimes if not for Virgil, if Ciss and I would have ever made peace. If she might have come back to us…

rem: But she did come back, after your afternoon together. When you sought her out, remember? It wasn’t Virgil that drove her away—

Clara:  —it was that awful Rupert! OH! If ever I was going to hate a man it would be him.

rem: He died soon after, didn’t he?

Clara: He did and I must confess I did not grieve his death. Truly I felt he deserved it.

rem: It was a pretty gruesome death, too, wasn’t it?

Clara:  Very much so. I don’t reckon anyone really knew what happened. [pause] But I do.

rem: Did Cissy tell you?

Clara: She didn’t have to. When I heard what happened, I… knew.  She didn’t do it—well, he was mauled by wolves and wildcats.

rem: Some say it was a bear.

Clara: [shakes head] No. It was wolves and wildcats. I don’t know how I know that.

rem: What a horrible way to die.

Clara:  I’m sure it was. But I can’t say I’m sorry. Lord forgive me, but he deserved it.

rem: I’m so sorry, Clara. Honestly, I feel the same way. And Cissy was more tormented after that…

Clara: [weeping]

rem: Clara, I’m sorry. Tell me about Bess.

Clara: [sniffles] She was such a delightful little girl—so much like Cissy was when she was little.  It was almost as if I had Cissy back.

rem:  That had to be a mixed blessing.

Clara: I reckon it was, bittersweet. I only wish Cissy could have watched her grow up. I wondered if it might have brought her back to us again…

rem:  Possibly. I never thought about that.

Clara: I was honored to be her mother in Cissy’s stead. I loved being a mother, and later a granny. Bessie sure did make us proud. And then she became famous, making her wonderful lovely quilts like she did.

rem: You had some at the house, didn’t you?

Clara: I kept her early ones, yes. And she made new ones just for me, or Sylvia over the years. My favorite one, though, was the pink rosebuds she made for Mama. She hated pink as much as Cissy ever did but she made this one ‘specially for her Granmama’s birthday.

rem: What a treasure.

Clara: I cherished it always.

rem: Clara, it’s been a pleasure having you visit the blog today.

Clara: It was an honor to be here today, Robin.

rem: You’ll both always be in my heart—and my head.

 

 

If you haven’t already, be sure to stop by and like my Facebook page, my author page on Amazon, follow me on Twitter, on my blog!  Please leave me a comment, let me know you’re here!

 

 

 

“I once said I should write down all the story ideas in my head so someone could write them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!

 

I have been writing since 1995, and began working in earnest on my debut novel, Tessa in 2013.  Meanwhile, I cranked out a few dozen poems, made countless notes for story ideas, and earned my BFA in Interior Design.  I lived with depression for many years, and the inherent feelings of worthlessness and invisibility; I didn’t want to be who I was and struggled with my own identity for many years.  My characters face many of these same demons.

 

I write stories of identity conflict. My characters encounter situations that force the question, “Who am I, really?” For all who have ever wondered who you are or why you’re here, my stories will touch you in a very real—maybe too real—and a very deep way. I know, I write from experience.

 

The unsavory heritage series. Tessa, Clara Bess and Cissy, is available on Amazon, both for Kindle and in print. I also have several poems included in an anthology, Where Dreams and Visions Live (Anthologies of the Heart Book 1) by Mary Blowersas well as a short story, Sarafina’s Light, also in an anthology, Blood Moon, compiled by Mary Blowers. I will also be working on a personal compilation of poetry to be released in 2017.

 

http://www.robinemason.com

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robin-E-Mason-Author-Artist/224223274404877

http://www.amazon.com/Robin-E.-Mason/e/B00MR5IQ9S

https://twitter.com/amythyst212

http://www.pinterest.com/amythyst212/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7808042.Robin_E_Mason

robinemason212@gmail.com.

https://writingpromptsthoughtsideas.wordpress.com/

 

 

CISSY LAUNCH PARTY, unsavory heritage series, Tessa, Clara Bess, Cissy, Clara Character Interview, One Mother, Two Daughters One Favorite One Not, Where Were the Adoption Papers, #newbooklaunch, Twin Connection, Prodigy, Yellow Linen, Pink Rosebuds

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BLOGWORDS SPECIAL EDITION – Wednesday 28 September 2016 – CISSY’S POEMS

The month of September is a special time for me:

my THIRD novel and sequel to

the final in the unsavory heritage series,

will be available 30 on September Amazon

WHEEEEE!!!!!

 

SPECIAL EDITION

CISSY’S POEMS

 

 

Cissy was a prodigy.  She had a high IQ and a photographic memory. Cissy was precocious, and learned easily and readily, and she learned at an early age. She was reading at the age of three, and reciting Scripture and poetry—from memory—and writing her own verses.

 

 

Ephesians 6:12 King James Version (KJV)

¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 

i am but darkness

from without

and from within

the shadows black

they swallow me

my soul is darker still

shadows deep

from which i seek

the grip upon my soul

they follow me

the eyes they see

in darkness drink my fill

ccc 1881

 

it crouches in the dark

it waits for me

it consumes me

it watches me

red eyes

sees me

red eyes

cuts me

red eyes

burns me

it wants me

i cain’t escape

ccc 1881

 

it watches me

it wants me

it waits for me

it hunts me

there is no escape

i am evil

there is not escape

the flame the flame

it taunts me

it torments me

its tongue

licks my hand

the red eyes

laugh at me

i am evil

there is no escape

ccc 1881

 

 

nothing but dark

do i see

nothing but dar

inside of me

they are the Light

clara is the Light

the Light burns me

i  am dark

nothing but dark

in me

ccc 1881

 

 

Say Not the Struggle Nought Availeth ¹

by Arthur Hugh Clough (1819 – 1861)

 

Say not, the struggle nought availeth,
The labour and the wounds are vain,
The enemy faints not, nor faileth,
And as things have been, things remain;

If hopes were dupes, fears may be liars;
It may be, in yon smoke concealed,
Your comrades chase e’en now the fliers,
And, but for you, possess the field.

For while the tired waves vainly breaking
Seem here no painful inch to gain,
Far back, through creeks and inlets making,
Comes silent, flooding in, the main.

And not by eastern windows only,
When daylight comes, comes in the light,
In front the sun climbs slow, how slowly,
But westward, look, the land is bright.

 

Romans 12:21 King James Version (KJV)

²¹ Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Ecclesiastes 3 King James Version (KJV)

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

¹¹ He hath made everything beautiful in his time.

 

1 John 4:4 King James Version (KJV)

⁴ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

FOOTNOTES:

Poem found in

¹   A Treasury of Christian Poetry, compiled by Mary Batchelor, published by Gramercy Books, New York, 2004.

** The quoted poems was found online on a public domain site.

 

 

CISSY LAUNCH PARTY, unsavory heritage series, Tessa, Clara Bess, Cissy, Blogwords, Special Edition, Cissy’s Poems, Poetry, One Mother, Two Daughters One Favorite One Not, Where Were the Adoption Papers, #NewBookLaunch,  Good versus Evil, Romans 12:21, Ecclesiastes 3:11, I John 4:4

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