The power of words . . .

Have you ever thought about the power of words? Obviously, life would be very different without words. I know my life would be very sad if I did not have the pleasure of reading and writing. As far as life in general, can you imagine going back to drawing on the cave walls?

The mere fact that we have the gift of words is powerful, of course. If you don't think so, ask a stroke victim or someone who has a brain injury and cannot speak or even write the words that the loved ones long to hear. I also think of several families in my area who have recently lost sons and daughters in both tragic accidents and senseless violence. I am sure those parents would love to hear the words "Mom" and "Dad" one more time.

What words we use, and how we use them can also be powerful. This was brought to mind recently on my birthday. I was talking to someone about attitudes toward age, which reminded me of a newspaper column that I had written when I turned 30- at the time, a very traumatic birthday for me. In the column, I explored the difference between getting old and older. See the difference in those words- old and older? We all get older- that begins the very second a child is born. But, we each have a choice in getting old. What a difference in those words- and state of mind. My words seemed to strike a cord with many people, if the comments I received were any indication.

Another "aha moment" came courtesy of my great niece. I had commented to her about some words of wisdom she had shared, and part of her reply was, "Love you". Oh my goodness, you would not believe the smile those two little words put on my face- and even now as I write about it.

How we use words in our lives can make a world of difference to others. Are our words uplifting or hurtful? For me personally, I have decided to make a conscious effort to try to stay positive in thoughts and words, and to tell people that I care about them.

As a writer, my use of words is very important in conveying an idea or storyline. It was a challenge I willingly enjoyed as a journalist, and continue to treasure as an author of fiction. With my use of words, I can lead readers to a new experience- open a door to escape everyday thoughts or worries, even for a short a time.

So enjoy your words, and use them wisely. And remember to say, "I love you," often.

Secrets One - The Series

Loving the art . . .

As I sit here watching the Tony awards, the broad scope of writing is again brought home to me. It happens when I watch the Tonys, the Oscars, the Emmys...It is that feeling of awe that comes over me, realizing the true scope of writing a novel or radio script/screenplay.

As many of you know, my background is in journalism. Writing for newspapers for many years, I know what it feels like to have my work in print and read by many. I have delivered important news and announcements; I have been honored to write feature stories about people, places or events, and to know that those stories have made a difference. In other words, being known as a writer is nothing new.

Of course, now being a published author of Secrets One - The Series is extremely exciting! Holding a hard cover book that I had a part in writing is truly a privilege and a dream come true. The excitement continues as my co-author and I write the radio script for Bloodline Confidential – Part One. The thought of someone taking the words we write to interpret and speak them to a much broader audience just blows me away!!! To hear the words spoken by talented voice actors- and the story come to life- is incredible!

Whether I am writing the news of the day, an opinion piece, a feature story about an interesting person, or a fictional novel, the art of writing is both a joyful satisfaction and a serious undertaking. I sometimes joke about being borderline obsessive-compulsive with my writing. Well- it might be more fact than joking, and maybe more than borderline! Laughs! I love the art, and I want anything I produce to be as perfect as possible, to be true to the art one might say. As a spiritual person, I also strive to do all things as unto the Lord.

With all this considered, it is especially important to me to produce the best work possible for those performers to speak and act. And I know that I am so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to work in an art that I absolutely love.

Do I believe that one day my co-author and I will be mentioned at one of those award shows? Absolutely! Hope you are watching!

Secrets One - The Series

Comparing the views . . .

Part of the joy of reading for pleasure- for me- is imagining the various characters and everything about them and their storylines. I am talking about each and every detail about the characters- how they look, how they wear their hair, how they talk, their surroundings and even their vehicles. I have a complete movie of sorts running in my mind as I read. This is also true as I write.

My son is more of a music lover than a reader. In fact, he has written more than 100 songs. When he is not writing music he is listening to it. We were discussing music videos the other day- after watching a couple that only could be called bizarre! There are other music videos that are good overall, but depict a different meaning- or visual- of the song than one may visualize or imagine listening to it. We agreed that sometimes it is just better to listen to the music, letting ones imagination provide the visual! Unless, of course, it is Elvis in any of the videos from the '68 Comeback Special! Laughs!

There are also some avid readers who are reluctant to see a movie based on a well-read and well-loved novel. There are always some changes made when it goes from print to film. And, chances are the actors look or sound nothing like those in the mind's view of a reader. Of course, the reverse does occur- the movie versions lead readers to awesome books.

Working on the Secrets project has been interesting in this respect. Living with the characters for so long- in my mind, anyway- they have a certain look, personality, and even sound. My co-author and I have come up with a fantasy cast over time, but even at that I still have my own version tucked away in my mind.

This was really made evident to me as the audition team recently selected voice actors for the radio drama, Bloodline Confidential – Part One. How does one select the voice actors? For me, it was matter of trying to match the voices in my head for the specific characters! Laughs! Sometimes my choices matched the others on the audition team, and sometimes not. (As a side note, I might add that there were some awesome auditions!) In the end, we have an awesome cast of voice actors!

So, what do you think? Do you have the visions and voices in your mind as you read, or write? Do you prefer your music as you imagine it? Or do you enjoy another's interpretation of the art, be it writing or music?

Secrets One - The Series